This begins my live comments on the Dalai Lama convocation from my
iPhone.
2:00 – we just got seated after going through an extremely long line.
Line moved fast as it seemed as if sercuity was more concerned with
speed rather than safety.
3:05 – let's get this show on the road, with the arrival of the UW mace.
312- there must have been a 4 minute standing ovation when he arrived.
320- chair of UW called the Dalai Lama the captian of the spaceship
called earth. Then began reading the honorary degree citation. The
degree is then presented, doctor of humane letters.
325- the newest husky is introduced to the crowd.
He is speaking, at least initially, in his native tounge, and is using
a translator.
He begins by thanking everyone and speaks humbly, and jokes that he is
glad to have a doctorate degree without doing any studying
330- now begins speaking without a translator, uses English. Jokes
that he is bright, like the students, while pointing at his bald spot.
He says that young people are the basis of our hope.
Says during war, there is no value to the preciousness of life. And
that last century was one of war and violence. Our generation, of the
21st century is the hope for a century of peace and tranquility. No
more bloodshed.
Peace doesnt come from the sky, war and violence is our creation.
Peace must come from us.
In order to carry out peace, we need willpower to resist violence, and
use dialouge. Dialouge is the only way to resolve conflict.
Solving global warming, less resources, more population, requires
dialouge, not more violence. This takes determinearion based on
compassion.
Instinctively refrain from haring others.
We need wisdom. Everything is interdependant. No nation or group of
people should be an enemy, but rather a part of yourself. Your future
depends on the future of your enemy. Violence on our neighbor is
meaningless today, hurts both parties. Concept of war is outdated.
Real world peace is possible, if we believe in interdependancy and a
personal mindset of tranquility.
345- continues speaking:
Through one persons individual peace, we can have a peaceful family.
Then a peaceful community. Then it can spread to a peaceful world.
He feels shy to speak in front of big scholars, but feels encouraged
because modern education focuses on external dvelopment, but he and
the church focuses on internal and family development.
Therefore, educational institutions should not only develop the brain,
but also moral and ethics, no longer just the churches job.
He calls professors to also train moral values, not just knowldge.
Jokes that he doesnt know what else to say.
Destruction of negative emotions are impossible, but inner reduction
can help and be possible.
Anger prepares your body for violence, which is already wrong. It is
important for survival and is thus evolutionally hardwired, but we
should limit it to defense.
Intelligence must help us grow compassion, not disposal of hatred.
Anger and hatred is supposed to harm others, but you only hurt yurself
by losing sleep and concentration, helping your enemy. But by
remaining calm, even if its unfair, analyzing the situation, you can
make effective judgements.
Hatered is of no use. Infinite compassion can keep peace of mind.
Countires with no armies have the best lifestyle, because their
resources are uses better. We need a demaririalized world. Won't
happen overnight, but fall of Berlin wall is the beginning of a
dematiliaryized world. NATO headquarters should shift to Ruasia, to
remove fear and doubt.
Eventually, north America will be united. Gradually.
Asks students to be more peaceful, and create the ripple effect of
peace.
400- done, greeted with long standing ovation.
Dialouge between students and Dalai Lama begins:
Says the simplest act of compassion is … He doesnt know. Funny guy.
Says we should pay attention to inner world and emotions. Says to get
information, and personally experiment.
Says his ultimate vision for the world in the near future is to make a
greater effort through education to create peace. Wants to close the
gap between rich and poor, as it is widening. Its morally wrong and is
a source of our problems. Through education, training, and self
confidence, all races can be equal. Everyone is the same at birth, and
with same opportunity, everyone can achive the same, regardless of race.
How to show compassion to someone who has been harming other people…
2 types: bias and unbias compassion. Bias compassion can extend toward
your enemy. Negative consequences will happen to those whom harm
others, through karma or god. Secular laws have secular consequnces,
so we feel compassionate toward them.
420- On global climate change:
Its a new subject to him, as Tibet has a nice environent, so they are
oblivious to the change. But recently realizes the danger. Says moon
doesnt count, as it is hopeless and unliveable. Earth is our only
home. By the time we realize the true effects of global warming, it
will be too late. Concern for the environent should be a part of our
daily lives. He jokes, he only showers once a day, to she water;
doesnt shower twice like others do as a luxury. Initiative must come
from individual, then it may multiply.
HIV in Africa:
Medicine should bring relief, then educate people in these areas.
Increase "rubber" or condom use, big laughs. Communities must not look
down on those with HIV.
Society must accept released prisinors, in order to give them hope and
belonging.
How to cultivate compassion into each other:
Thinks hard… Everyone is the same at birth, but environental growth
determines creates differences. Mothers should then spend more time
with child.
He doesnt know how to smack compassion into someoe without one.
But always exercise paitence. Good to bad, easy. Bad to good, hard,
takes more effort, takes more paitence.
Long term solution to teach compassion is through education. That's
the only way. Cannot be brought about by bullying and orders.
Short term is to … He doesnt know. Some people hold in their anger,
others dont, those who dont tend to live happier.
Strong definition of compassion: civic responsibilities. Compassion is
the sense of concern at anothers suffereing.
450- discussion is over.
Seeds of compassion choir begins performing.
505- Dalai Lama has left the stage and the building.
That's the log. I'll probably be making a wrap up post or article in
the near future.
I'm on my way back to Pullman in a bit, shoots!
