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His Holiness says respect different cultures and religious faiths
Saturday, 19 April 2008, 12:18 p.m.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks to a full house at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor. "It is important to keep one's own tradition," His Holiness told the crowd
SUSAN TUSA/DFP |
Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama called for the respect of different cultures and interfaith understanding during a two lectures in Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on 19 April, which drew more than 10,000 listeners.
"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," His Holiness said, urging the crowd to practice the religion they were raised in and not convert, because all traditions, His Holiness said, have something to offer, online portal freep.com reported.
The lectures series in Crisler Arena was on the works of the ancient Indian Buddhist master Nagarjuna, who promoted Buddhism about 2,000 years ago.
The lectures were primarily about Buddhism, but His Holiness touched upon a range of faiths, including Greek Orthodox Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam.
Actor Richard Gere was conspicuous by his presence in the front row in the audience.
On 20 April, His Holiness spoke on how each human being could contribute to preserving the Earth's environment, during the annual Peter M Wege Lecture on Sustainability, sponsored by the University of Michigan.
His Holiness and Mary Sue Coleman, University of Michigan president, share a laugh after His Holiness placed a khatak, a silk ceremonial scarf given as an offering, after his talk on sustainability for the Peter M. Wege Lecture Sunday
LEISA THOMPSON | THE ANN ARBOR NEWS |
"We have a responsibility to take care of the environment," His Holiness said. "It is our only home."
His Holiness said our survival hinges on personal compassion, which creates inner peace and lessens fear.
Many of our problems are self-created, yet we are a heavily interdependent world, nation-to-nation and continent-to-continent. "Therefore, the concept of war is outdated," His Holiness said.
Later, in response to a question on whether sustainability differed for rich and poor countries, His Holiness said gap between rich and poor can lead to frustration, anger and violence. "Both sides have a responsibility to reduce this gap," His Holiness said.
Outside the arena, there were some protests staged by Chinese despite His Holinesss's open declaration that he is not seeking Tibet's separation and has supported China hosting this year's Olympics.
Earlier on 18 April, addressing reporters, His Holiness said he felt sorry for the recent protests disrupting the torch relays in London and Paris, but he defended the demonstrators' desire to express their feelings about China's poor human rights record.
His Holiness also said that he, from the beginning, has been steadfast in his backing of China hosting the Olympics.
Crisler Arena was filled to capactiy for the eighth annual Peter M. Wege Lecture, presented by the Dalai Lama on sustainability Sunday
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In an exclusive meeting with some Chinese youths in Rochester, Minnesota, His Holiness told them that he is not seeking Tibet's separation and has supported the Olympics in China.
His Holiness said: "The youths (Chinese) being filled with emotions only understood that he did not seek independence and did not oppose the Olympics," adding, "Other than that they do not understand the background."
His Holiness has made it clear that his current to the United States is apolitical and would focus on his commitments - the promotion of human values and religious harmony.
His Holiness is scheduled to attend conferences at the Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, on 22 April.
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