His Holiness concludes visit with message of peace

File photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama concluded his US visit on Tuesday with a message of peace at the Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.

Some 5,000 people, consisting of students, faculty and community members, as well as visitors from neighboring and distant communities, listened to His Holiness on the art of happiness and finding inner peace. His Holiness told them how to develop compassion, open-mindedness, contentment, affection, respect, honesty and hope.

His Holiness underlined the need to keep optimism no matter how difficult the circumstances might become. "We have the ability to walk against the difficulties because they are essentially man-made," His Holiness added.

His Holiness spoke on the importance of handling problems such as fear, which leads to more negative feelings and emotions, such as anger and hatred. A positive approach to look from different angles is very important, His Holiness added.

A section of the capacity crowd of 4,900 attendees of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit wait for His Holiness' presentation titled, "The Art of Happiness," to begin at the Sanford Field House at Colgate University in Hamilton, Tuesday, 22 April 2008. (HEATHER AINSWORTH / Observer-Dispatch)

"The positive emotions are the source of our inner strength," His Holiness said. "We don't want suffering, we do not want pain. Since we want happiness, we should help others, serve others."

His Holiness said the younger generation was the hope for the future and called on them to take responsibility to make this century a century of kindness.

After being asked how His Holiness feels about his homeland, His Holiness said Tibetans are not asking for freedom from China, but for autonomy within the country.

His Holiness said that it is in interest of the Tibetan people to remain in China.