Business school students learn about humanity
By Yvette Armendariz
The discussion never truly focused on business. Nor was there any discussion about Tibet’s plight or China’s politics.
But students and other representatives of Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International Management, hung on every word spoken by Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
His lesson Thursday morning focused on individual responsibility in a global world, centered on compassion for others and a spiritual, non-material approach to life.
“There’s a lot of false hope in material things,” he said. “Wealth and power gives a temporary smile.”
Thunderbird officials sought out the Dalai Lama to invoke thought among its students about how business affects humanity.
President Angel Cabrera said he is one of two people who most represents the school’s character. The other is Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, the megacorporation that dabbles in recordings, air travel, retail and a slew of other companies.
Cabrera said they show the two sides of international business.
“One is of entrepreneurship,” he said. “And the other part is the side of understanding the world.”
Listeners questioned the Dalai Lama about what makes him happy, the basics of Buddhism, how to get over making mistakes in life and coping with angry business relationships. The message time and time again: warmheartedness and compassion.
But he did say, “Sometimes a little fight is necessary,” which drew some chuckles from the crowd.
As for his happiness: “Eight to nine hours of sleep helps. The next morning (I’m) very fresh. . . . Also good food.”
The Dalai Lama rises daily at 3:30 a.m., starts with some exercise, a shower and then meditation, his advisers said. He spends most of his days on the road teaching the principles of Buddhism, often referring to himself as just a monk.
On Thursday, listeners didn’t want to focus on China’s politics or the Dalai Lama’s exile from Tibet.
“This school is about understanding,” said Cabrera, whose school also is busy building bridges with Chinese companies to promote its executive education programs.
Cabrera said some questioned the invitation because of the school’s business relationships, but he said speakers are invited to provoke thought, not politics.
Trustee Barbara Barrett, instrumental to bringing the Dalai Lama to the school, said the Dalai Lama is a perfect speaker for Thunderbird because it isn’t just about business principles.
“If ethics belongs at Thunderbird, then certainly the Dalai Lama belongs at Thunderbird,” she said.
Students, some of whom had waited since 5:30 a.m. to get a seat, came seeking spiritual guidance.
“We don’t just study business,” said MBA candidate Paul Loranger, 27, of Pennsylvania. “It’s about developing ourselves as persons, as leaders.”
One of the Dalai Lama’s early messages: “This is a man-made world.” He noted that much emphasis is put on what’s “mine” and “theirs.”
“I see many man-made problems,” he said, as he sat casually on a wooden chair before an audience of about 300 at AT&T Auditorium at Thunderbird. A few hundred others were said to be in overflow rooms to hear the 14th dalai lama.
Adena Tutino, 27, a marketing MBA candidate from Ohio, felt moved by the discussion.
“I look at life completely different,” she said. “He taught me to forgive.”
Longtime television journalist Hugh Downs, invited by trustee Barrett, asked about science and spirituality. The Dalai Lama pointed out that science also is about finding truth. Both are about investigation, one of the mind and one of our world.
Most raved about the visit.
“This guy is a great leader, – his vision, the things he does,” said J. Stephen Rizley, vice president and regional manager for Cox Communications in Arizona, who was one of about 40 people who were able to greet the Dalai Lama at a brief private reception before the presentation. “It’s very comforting to see him.”
Tsewang Namgyal, an investment banker in New York and graduate of Thunderbird, helped Barrett bring in the Dalai Lama.
“We felt it would be a great way to inspire students,” he said.
