샌디에고 주립대학의 철학과 학생, 클락 용기 로즈 씨가 취재한 4월 19일 달라이 라마 심포지엄의 후기입니다.

 

On Thursday April, 19th, His Holiness the Dalai Lama came to Viejas Arena at San Diego State University to talk about “Compassion Without Borders.” More than 12,000 spectators watched as the Dalai Lama received the key to the city from the Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders. Much of the sold out crowd was composed of students and alumni from San Diego State University. SDSU students were quick to take advantage of tickets sold at student pricing, a humble $10.

Nick Ynami, a SDSU senior said, “It’s a rare occasion to see a world leader, especially a religious one.”

The Dalai Lama has travelled to more than 60 countries, spreading his wisdom after being exiled from China in 1959. However, this visit was his first to San Diego. His trip began on April 18th at UCSD where he spoke about the global impact of climate change. The same day, His Holiness spoke at USD about cultivating peace and justice. Inside Viejas Arena, his final destination, the newly appointed President of SDSU, Elliott Hirshman, presented the Dalai Lama with a SDSU visor which he respectfully wore the entire two-hour presentation.

In an hour long lecture, the spiritual leader of Tibet emphasized the importance of genuine compassion for other individuals. “Compassion, desire, and love,” he says, “come without attachment. They are unbiased.” Although the Dalai Lama has been through exile and has witnessed many evils, he maintains a cheerful disposition.

SDSU freshman Hoang Lam said, “[The Dalai Lama] was very funny and charming… I was surprised to see so many different people in attendance.”

After his lesson “Compassion Without Borders,” the Dalai Lama spent an additional hour answering close to a dozen questions that were submitted to him through San Diego State by students and faculty. The flashes from a myriad of cameras seemed to sparkle around Viejas as the Dalai Lama concluded his portion of the presentation.

Upon the roar of applause that followed, Venerable Lama Tenzin Dhonden, the personal emissary of peace for His Holiness, made his way up to the podium where he expressed his gratitude to the Dalai Lama and San Diego. “It is my hope that San Diego can become America’s finest city of compassion.”

As the Symposium came to a close, the audience was informed that no proceeds would fill the pockets of the University or the Dalai Lama himself, instead they would all be donated to local charities and the Dalai Lama’s foundation.

Sonya Kang, another SDSU student said, “If a single human being could represent peace, I think it would be the Dalai Lama. When you look at him, there aren’t any bad thoughts.”