Dalai Lama Tells Crowd to Keep Their Traditions
Published: Sunday, 20 April, 2008
Ann Arbor, MI, USA,
20 April 2008 (By Niraj
Warikoo, Detroit Free Press) – The Dalai Lama called for the respect of
different cultures and interfaith understanding Saturday, saying that the
future of the world depends on mutual acceptance.
"I always believe since all different traditions have some potential to bring inner peace, inner value ... it is important to keep one's own tradition," he said, urging the crowd to practice the religion they were raised in and not convert, because all traditions, he said, have something to offer.
The Tibetan leader's two lectures in Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor drew more than 10,000 people from across the nation. He will speak again today.
Outside the arena, peaceful protests and personal disagreements reflected the divide: One faction rallied in support of China's government, while others argued for Tibetan freedom.
But inside the arena, the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, kept the focus on faith, not politics. The basis of his lectures was the works of the ancient Indian thinker Nagarjuna, who promoted Buddhism about 2,000 years ago.
The Dalai Lama is considered today's foremost promoter of Nagarjuna's philosophies. A glossy book handed out to attendees Saturday featured the works of Nagarjuna.
The lectures were primarily about Buddhism, but the Dalai Lama touched upon a range of faiths, including Greek Orthodox Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam.
Sitting cross-legged on a stage draped in red cloths and decorated with Buddhist art, the Dalai Lama talked about how globalization has made the world smaller and increased the potential for conflict as people come into contact with different traditions.
Belinda Chaffins of Dayton, Ohio, was among those from the Midwest who traveled to hear him speak.
"We're just interested in learning more about his teachings," she said. "This is a very critical time going on now in Tibet and China. ... He's an incredible person."
Hearing him speak "is a chance of a lifetime," said her husband, Ed Chaffins.
The Dalai Lama appeared in his traditional saffron and crimson robes, his palms placed together in a respectful greeting. As he spoke, he sometimes chuckled and motioned with his right hand to make points.
He sat on a raised seat, surrounded by about 30 Buddhist monks. At one point, actor Richard Gere sat in the front row in the audience.
The Dalai Lama opened his lecture speaking in English about the importance of respecting diverse cultures. He noted that even within Buddhism, there are different viewpoints and much debate.
Later he spoke in Tibetan, using a translator to convey his thoughts about suffering and how to relieve it.
One solution to suffering is to adjust views of external things, he said.
"We can switch ... attitudes," he said.
He also said the mind can be luminous like clear light but often becomes contaminated with impurities.
"The pollutants are removable," he said.
