The Guardian
An event for young people will be hosted by comedian Russell Brand – an unusual double act
When the Dalai Lama addresses young people in Manchester this weekend during a special event, he will be assisted by an unusual master of ceremonies.
Russell Brand contacted the Office of Tibet in London asking to be involved in the event at the MEN arena on Saturday. The Dalai Lama will be preaching the Buddhist message of compassion at a series of talks over three days.
But Saturday afternoon’s session is specifically aimed at young people. Those who are 25 and under can watch and listen for free.
The Dalai Lama will give an address and this will be followed by a question and answer session. The afternoon will also include video messages on non-violence from other Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.
During the landmark event, it will “affirm the Dalai Lama’s message that, in order to build a peaceful world, there is an urgent need to foster a culture of non-violence and dialogue.”
The Dalai Lama is aware of who Russell Brand is because of his public struggles with addictions, and also that he has drawn on eastern teaching and meditation to help him. Brand – who used to be addicted to heroin and is a recovering alcoholic – has been sober for a decade.
The spiritual leader decided to accept Brand’s offer of help during his first mission to Britain since stepping down from his role as political leader of the Tibetan people in 2011. He is seeking to attempt to bring the Buddhist message of “non-violence, dialogue and compassion” to young people.
Anyone who is 25 and under will be admitted free. The tour has been inspired by last summer’s riots.
The Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, will present youth compassion awards to a young person aged between 10 – 24 in Manchester, then at London and Edinburgh during his tour of the UK.
It is the first time he has visited Manchester since July 1996 when he addressed thousands in a final public event at the Free Trade Hall.
His spokesperson said he wants to call on the UK’s youth to help bring about a new century of dialogue and peace. The cost of the event is £25 for everyone who is 26 and above.