A day for peace
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor and JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama receives an honorary doctorate degree in humane letters Tuesday during his three-day visit to the Amherst Campus of the State University of New York. Making the presentation was UB President John B. Simpson, left.

Clouds surrounded the area, but there were blue skies and the sun shone over the University at Buffalo stadium.

Threats of rainy weather didn't deter some 30,000 people from gathering for the rare experience in Amherst on Tuesday. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, addressed the issue of "Promoting Peace Across the Borders through Education."

Some came for curiosity, others because the opportunity presented itself and many in search of enlightenment.

To hear his teachings is considered a once in a lifetime opportunity by many, and as the stadium filled, its seats were occupied by people taking part in something they may not have thought they would ever witness.

His entrance into the stadium was greeted by standing, applauding attendees, and with gratitude and respect the Dalai Lama addressed the crowd and other distinguished guests on the stage.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama was presented with an honorary degree in humane letters from the university, which acknowledged his accomplishments as a spiritual and political leader whose message reaches around the world.

UB President John B. Simpson said he was honored to host his Holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the most important figures of the time.

"Very few individuals have a voice whose message resonates across (all) borders," adding that the Dalai Lama is among a very small group whose message of peace relates to all people in the world today.

While UB continues to serve the global community, Simpson said the honorable guest has much to teach the university in that regard.

Seated, with a visor to protect his eyes from the sun, the Dalai Lama spoke to the crowd, as nothing more than a simple human being, the same as all those in attendance, he said.

"I would like to make it clear, basically we are the same human being, although I come from (a different) area, and was trained different spiritually, we are basically the same human being ... emotionally, mentally and physically," the Dalai Lama said.

As human beings, everyone has the desire and the same right to have a successful, happy life, he said. Every human should try their best to achieve that today, in the 21st century.

"So I think the very purpose of our life, I believe, (is finding) happiness," he said. "Once someone, who really lost hope, with that attitude shortens their life. Therefore survival of our life is based on hope."

He compared human beings to animals, noting that animals do not show affection, and the difference is humans show love and compassion to each other.

With strong reaction from the crowd, the Dalai Lama spoke on his quest for peace around the world, saying the only alternative to counter violence is with peace.

He said the past century, centered on violence, was the most important in human history. Because of those mistakes, life today is still facing negatives and continuing issues from violence.

"Because of our past experience we should make every effort, on every level, to make this a century of dialogue, not of violence," he said.

Another major issue is educating today's youth, and his belief is that students, from kindergarten through college, need to be taught techniques to find happiness and compassion. The Dalai Lama noted that more warm heartedness means more inner strength.

He spoke of attitudes and finding happiness, explaining that small children, not caring or knowing about their friends' religious beliefs or if they are rich or poor, find a way to get along, but adults take many of those factors into consideration. "With compassion, there is no room to exploit, tell lies or bully each other, and we clear social ills," he said.

Simply, life is finding mental happiness and not relying on material goods for happiness, said the Dalai Lama, adding that he has met many rich people who are unhappy. He spoke about mental stress and allowing bad feelings to affect health and overall attitude.

Simpson said having the Dalai Lama visit the campus is a historic occasion that will serve as a landmark event for UB and Western New York.

"The Holiness the Dalai Lama's primary purpose is educating through 'Promoting Peace Across Borders through Education,'" Simpson said, adding that being located on an international border makes UB the perfect forum for discussions of peace.

SUNY Chancellor John R. Ryan said the Dalai Lama had the choice out of hundreds of universities, and he chose UB. Through a special meeting with Asian students, the Dalai Lama continued his teachings and also heard the concerns and viewpoints of the students.

As the visit nears its end, UB Professor Stephen C. Dunnett, vice provost for international education, said the Dalai Lama told him his visit to UB has been one of the most organized.

The Dalai Lama's visit to UB is one of only two he is making this year to U.S. campuses. The university began planning the event about five years ago.