Buffalo, NY September 18 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Buffalo this morning from Denver, Colorado. His Holiness the Dalai Lama was welcomed at the Airport by President of the University John B Simpson, Vice Provost Steven Dunnette and Steven Shaw from the International Education office at UB.
His Holiness later in the day took part in an interfaith service organized by the University. Leaders of different religions took part in the interfaith service. Addressing a gathering of about 2000 people the Tibetan leader said that religious traditions have a very important role to play in today’s world. He said that religion at times have become cause of conflicts. He said that everyone must practice his or her own religion sincerely and seriously if he or she believes in one. On the other hand, he said, a person who may not subscribe to any religious belief can be warm hearted which is the essence of all religions. So in effect, the warm – hearted atheist is essentially practicing all religions of the world.
His Holiness also met separately with the Tibetan students from UB and Rochester Institute of Technology. Citing his experience in Mongolia during his recent trip there the Tibetan leader said that he had told the people of Mongolia that they must have the determination and willpower of Genghis Khan but that the cavalry should be replaced by modern education.
He said that the Tibetan students must put their best in their studies. Comparing the situation of the Tibetan students with Thoepaga (Milarepa) who the Tibetans believe to have attained enlightenment in one life, His Holiness said that the Tibetan students are not entitled to the luxury of students of other countries. His Holiness also advised the Tibetan students to serve the exile community after their studies. “You should serve the exile Tibetan community for some years after finishing your studies. And then if you feel like coming back you may do so, that is an individual freedom. Wherever you go you must have the Tibetanness in you and serve the Tibetan community you are living in.
You must be a good model for the future students who will come to study.”
His Holiness will deliver a lecture on “Peace Across Borders through Education”. The University has declared September 19 as a learning day and cancelled all classes so that as many students as possible can hear the 1989 nobel peace laureate. The Chinese Student’s Association officially has not launched any protests. However, a group of Chinese students is said to be planning a protest outside the venue of His Holiness’ lecture tomorrow. The University police was quoted by a campus journal as saying that small protests may happen but they will not be allowed to disrupt the events.
