By Alana Gibbs
Educating young adults about peace and understanding through colleges and universities is a message the Dalai Lama communicated last month at the University at Buffalo.
The Dalai Lama spoke at the Alumni Arena at UB’s North Campus last month. He wanted to spread the idea of understanding and respecting other people’s religions.
“We should respect all types of religion,” the Dalai Lama said.
Having an open-mind toward other faiths is a belief of the Dalai Lama and the Buddhist religion.
“Teaching from different traditions is very, very helpful,” the Dalai Lama said.
The Dalai Lama has visited Christian monasteries and as had Christian leaders visit him in Dharamsala, India. He has lived in India since 1959, after he was forced into exile by the Chinese government. He believes learning from other religions is part of creating peace.
Educating young adults about peace and understanding through colleges and universities is a message the Dalai Lama communicated at UB.
History of the Dalai Lama:
Lhamo Thondup is the birth name of the Dalai Lama, born in 1935 to a farming family in the small village of Takster in northeastern Tibet. He received his title as the 14th Dalai Lama at 5-years-old, after he identified the 13th Dalai Lama’s relics.
The Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader for Tibetan Buddhists as well as Buddhists across the world. People all over the globe practice Buddhist beliefs and values by concentrating on peace and compassion towards others.
Various events took place throughout the Buffalo area before and during his visit. Buffalo Buddhist groups have met in order to organize events prior to the Dalai Lama’s visit.
Ray Ball is a member of the Zen Buddhist Practice Group. He said the group he belongs to has worked with other groups to finalize Buddhist-themed events.
The Zen Buddhist Group, Ball belongs to, is located on Delaware Avenue and Summer Street. He believes the group provides a safe place to practice Buddhism.
“Buddhism is not an easy practice. It goes against prevailing culture. It goes against entertainment,” Ball said.
Ball said the Dalai Lama’s visit brought Buddhist groups in the area closer. He believes if Buffalo’s Buddhist groups work together it will benefit them in the future.
“The event had a unifying effect on the Buddhist groups,” Ball said.
There are Buddhist events in-progress and some have yet to begin. For more information, visit the following websites:
www.sciencebuff.org/tibetcetera.php
www.buffalo.edu/dalai_lama/
Contact Alana Gibbs at: www. gibbaf28@buffalostate.edu
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