Richard Gere, Pulitzer Winner A Walker Join His Holiness at Emory University[Wednesday, 20 October 2010, 11:19 a.m.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama smiles during a conversation with Richard Gere and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker at Emory University on 19 October 2010

Atlanta:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama participated in “The Creative Journey:
Artists in Conversation with the Dalai Lama on Spirituality and
Creativity” with Richard Gere and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice
Walker on Tuesday. They started with the question whether the
arts have any special responsibility to promote compassion.  They also
discussed what the artist and the spiritual master have to teach each
other from their respective disciplines.His Holiness and the
panelists agreed that the arts had much role in promoting compassion.
He urged the people in general to use their creativity to uphold
democracy, liberty and individual freedom.  Regarding the role of the
United States in promoting a better world, His Holiness said that since
his childhood he had an admiration for the United States as the
champion of democracy, liberty and freedom.  Since the United States is
the leading nation, His Holiness said no matter what happens the
American people should not let down their spirits. He added that if the
Americans become demoralised it would have negative impact throughout
the world.Both Richard Gere and Alice Walker referred to His
Holiness as a role model and a source of inspiration.  They also talked
about the message of despair and redemption conveyed by the story of
the Tibetan saint Milarepa.  Alice Walker said that the trials and
tribulation of Milarepa echoed the experience of her community adding
that she would be very happy for the story to be known to Americans in
the south of the country.  This session was co-presented by Emory’s
Creativity: Arts and Innovation initiative.At the conclusion,
Dr Rosemary Magee, Emory Vice President and Secretary, thanked His
Holiness the Dalai Lama calling him “Our Professor” and everyone
involved with the programmes saying it has been an extraordinary
spiritual, academic and scientific journey.His Holiness departs from Atlanta to Cincinnati, OH, for the next leg of his visit to the United States.[Report filed by Bhuchung K Tsering]