His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet spoke at a sold out audience today at the Huntsman Center on the campus of the University of Utah. He urged listeners to practice compassion and take action to curb violence.
The 80-year-old spiritual leader charmed the audience when he snatched a University of Utah visor from President David Pershing and wore it for the duration of the discussion. He also wore a Presidential medal around his neck he received from Pershing, who moderated the event.
“Firstly, I want to ask you, this medal, and this hat, quite smart or strange?” the Dalai Lama joked.
His Holiness took audience questions before and after his lecture on compassion and universal responsibility.
A University of Utah doctoral student asked what role he believes scientific education plays in universal responsibility. His Holiness said true scientists have a mental attitude which lends itself to compassion and progress.
“In order to carry investigation, your mind must be open and also is necessary [sic] skepticism,” said His Holiness. “That brings questions. Questions bring effort to find answer.”
His Holiness reflected on ongoing violence, saying he’s skeptical the world will find peace through prayer.
“Who creates violence? Who destroys peace? Not god,” His Holiness said.” But you. So you have the responsibility to solve this problem.”
Ticket sales for the event exceeded $300,000. The Dalai Lama will donate the money to Primary Children’s Hospital, local homeless services and to the preservation of Tibetan culture in Utah.
