THE DALAI LAMA EXPERIENCE
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

- For the past six weeks, The Dalai Lama's visit to the University at Buffalo pretty much consumed my life. I learned about Buddhism, Tibet and The Dalai Lama. I listened intently to speakers and read books and passages on the Internet about these issues. I interviewed students who studied with him and live in the Tibetan culture. Over the past month and a half, I have taken the time to reflect on the teachings I was taught as a child and the new teachings I was learning about - I may have even taken a new outlook on life after this experience. No, I haven't converted to Buddhism, but I have learned that if everyone took a little of the Buddhist teachings of karma and Darma and practice it in their own life, then maybe world peace can be accomplished. My thoughts were reiterated during the Dalai Lama's three-day visit. He spoke of being kind and compassionate to one another, promoting peace across the borders. This entire series was an eye-opener for me. I am grateful I was able to partake in writing about the events and culture.