Seeds of Compassion in Seattle draws more than 144,000 listeners

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, left, sits with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, of South Africa, Tuesday, April 15, 2008 prior to speaking at the University of Washington in Seattle (Associated Press)

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama's five-day lecture series on nurturing compassion and spirituality held in Seattle, has drawn more than 144,000 listeners, a little short of 150,000 as expected by organisers, reported AP.

In Seattle, since 11 April, His Holiness engaged in a series of conferences and delivered lectures on "Seeds of Compassion" - which includes discussions on scientific research into compassion, business philanthropy, interfaith dialogue and nurturing kindness in children.

His Holiness wrapped up the five-day event on Tuesday with a panel discussion on spirituality and compassion with fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.

During the panel on spirituality and youth, moderator Roshi Joan Halifax said the gathering was a reminder of how the world was "imperiled - most notably in Tibet."

University of Washington President Mark Emmert (R) helps His Holiness Dalai Lama (2-R) with an honourary robe on the fourth day of his visit to Seattle, Washington, USA, on 14 April 2008(Photo:EPA/DAN LEVINE)

The panelists also included leaders from the Buddhist, Catholic, and Jewish faiths, among others. His Holiness spoke about responsibility of religions to address global issues, such as the environment.

"My followers should not accept my teachings out of faith, but rather investigate," His Holiness said.

Expressing concerned over the crisis in Tibet, Archbishop Tutu listed lauded His Holiness Dalai Lama for keeping a "joyous" nature after 50 years of exile.

On the same day, His Holiness was conferred with an honorary degree from the University of Washington, recognizing him for his exceptional work around the world.

On Monday morning, His Holiness spoke on importance of nurturing kindness and compassion at a special Children and Youth Day event at Key Arena. More than 16,000 children were bused from their schools to the Seattle Center to participate in the event reported the Olympian.

Native American storyteller Gene Tagaban performs during a special Children and Youth Day event at Key Arena where His Holiness the Dalai Lama talked about the importance of nurturing kindness and compassion(Steven M. Herppich/The Olympian)

During the Seattle visit, His Holiness met with members of the Tibetan, Mongol and Indian community based in US and spoke on the importance of learning modern education, while keeping alive their traditional culture.

His Holiness also addressed a large number of media persons, including Chinese reporters on the current situation in Tibet. His Holiness reiterated his firm commitment to the "Middle-Way" approach in resolving the issue of Tibet.

Recalling history, His Holiness noted that China has experienced various stages of change with different leaders - including a strict adherence to ideology, a shift to pragmatism and earning money, as well as the promotion of a "harmonious society." His Holiness said Chinese Communist Party has the ability to change "according to reality."

On Olympics, His Holiness affirmed his position of supporting China to host the much awaited 2008 games, which will usher positive developments in China and Tibet.

His Holiness answers questions about the current situation in Tibet

His Holiness appealed for immediate release of Tibetan detainees, medical help to those injured, and opening up of Tibet to independent investigation team and media to ascertain the truth.

His Holiness is scheduled to attend conferences at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor on 19 and 20 April, and then at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, on 22 April.

US State Department officials announced Monday that President George W. Bush's special envoy will meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on April 21 to discuss the current issue of Tibet.