‘All religions carry same messages of positive human values’[Tuesday, 18 May 2010, 9:15 a.m.]
Cedar Falls, Iowa:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Madison, WI, on Monday morning for
Cedar Falls in Iowa for his next leg of the visit of the United States.
On his arrival at the airport, His Holiness was received by
officials of the University of Northern Iowa, which is hosting his
visit here. Seven Tibetan students of the University were at the hotel
to welcome His Holiness.In the afternoon, His Holiness first
met a group of Chinese during which they exchanged views on
Tibetan-Chinese relationship. His Holiness shared with them his
commitment for a solution for Tibet within the framework of the
People’s Republic of China. His Holiness said sincerity was essential
for the Tibetan issue to be resolved. He clarified some of the
perceptions regarding the past as well as the future status of Tibet.Thereafter,
His Holiness went to meet the University President Dr. Benjamin Allen
and together they proceeded to the reception for guests of the
University at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center lobby.
President Allen in his introductory remark said that he was deeply
honoured to welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet to the
University. In his brief address, His Holiness said he was
very happy to be at Cedar Falls, Iowa, saying this was his first visit
to the region. He said since 1979 he had been travelling regularly to
the United States, but missed coming to this city. “So your invitation
gives me opportunity to get a taste of this beautiful state,” His
Holiness said turning to President Allen.He said wherever he
went he emphasised the sameness of all human beings. He said everyone
desired happiness and people pursued different avenues to achieve it,
some choosing religion and others choosing some other avenue. In terms
of religion, His Holiness said all religions carried the same messages,
the messages of love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance. He said
different philosophy is simply a different way of approach. He said we
should have faith in one’s own tradition but respect all religious
traditions.The ultimate sources of happy life are not external
factors, he said. His Holiness thus talked about the importance of
warm heartedness, generous feeling and human affection.His
Holiness then consecrated a sand Mandala of Yamantaka constructed by
three Tibetan monks, Ven. Gedun Kalsang and Ven.Jampa Thuten, both of
Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery, Minneapolis, and Ven. Thupten Dorjee,
asst. professor, University of Arkansas, who is a visiting professor at
University of Northern Iowa this spring. This Mandala is part of the
spiritual experience of Tibet programme by the University in
conjunction with the visit of His Holiness.His Holiness
explained the significance of the Mandala to the gathering by saying
that the tradition of using coloured sand was from South India and that
the Mandala itself was for visualisation. He explained the concept of
Emptiness according to Buddhism. The Mandala’s dismantling ceremony is
being held on 19 May. His Holiness concluded by thanking all the
supporters of the University.His Holiness then returned to the hotel.On
18 May 2010, His Holiness is participating in the following two events
at the University of Northern Iowa, both of which will be web cast live
on http://live.uni.edu/.The first is “A Conversation with His
Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet: Educating for a Non-violent
World,” from 9:30am to 11:00am. The second is from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
during which he will give the keynote address for the 2009 Joy Cole
Corning Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series on “The Power of
Education.”The University of Northern Iowa has created a logo
comprising of the design of an unending knot, which part of the eight
auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhist culture, superimposed by the
words, Learning, Understanding and Wisdom.–Report filed by Bhuchung K Tsering of ICT
