'Unbiased compassion'

After being presented with an honorary State University of New York doctorate in humane letters prior to his speech Tuesday, the 14th Dalai Lama had one "little suggestion" for UB President John B. Simpson and all educators - try to incorporate warm-heartedness into education.

His Holiness' dissertation before a crowd of 30,000 people in the UB Stadium was a historically prestigious event, striking a chord with many from Western New York and beyond.

The Dalai Lama explained that those who came to see him out of curiosity, or to see "what is Dalai Lama going to say?" had a better mindset than those expecting something miraculous or holy.

"The worst thing is to come with blind faith (for) energy or healing powers. That's nonsense," he said during his speech.

His Holiness also discussed the idea that because humans have such strong sensorial experiences, memory and imagination over other forms of life, it causes the negativity we encounter.

"Because of memory, because of visions, we have much more complicated hopes and doubts and fears," he said. "That really creates lots of anxiety, stress, fear, depression and in the worst case, suicide."

He also addressed the issue of the widening gap between the rich and the poor, the idea that although many people in the United States and the world over have great material success, there are many who are deprived of basic necessities. According to the Dalai Lama, this is a major problem that should be addressed by all.

In fact, His Holiness said that material goods that affect physical comfort are "extremely important," but are far from being what's most important. To promote true happiness, people should live life with "unbiased compassion."

"Physical comfort cannot subdue our mental unhappiness," he said. "A contented mind can even endure physical discomfort such as pain."

When a question submitted by a UB student asked the Dalai Lama how well he thought the United States brought about peace throughout the world, a long pause followed what was "a difficult question."

"I think it's not good to make a generalization," he said.

According to the Dalai Lama, the actions of the U.S. are generally helping to create a better world, but such difficult issues should be taken on a case-by-case basis.

He "admired the U.S." as a "champion of democracy, freedom (and) liberty, but was wary of America siding towards aggression because of political reasons or ignorance, in the particular case of the civil war in Pakistan.

"Some mistakes here and there - carefully study these things," he said. "Just a small suggestion. May be wrong."

The word most commonly used by His Holiness was "warm-heartedness," which he believes has an important role in all human and world affairs, as it creates inner strength and, in turn, political will.

"This century should be a century of dialogue, not of violence."

Gabriel Miller, a junior business major, enjoyed the message of the lecture.

"I found it very enlightening. He's got a lot of wise things to say, and he's funny," he said.

Many UB students, as well as non-students in attendance, agreed that the strong winds and large stadium made it somewhat difficult to hear, but disagreed on how it affected their experience.

Senior history major Brad Namaste felt that there should have been additional speakers placed in the stadium stands for the event.

"I was upset. I sat near the top and didn't hear anything. I got nothing out of it," he said.

However, junior biomedical sciences major Andrea Sturniolo felt that because she had to listen more carefully, it "kind of made you concentrate more."

"It was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He was very relatable," she said.

Michael Witter, a resident of Oakfield, N.Y., hopes to read the lecture to get another chance to absorb the Dalai Lama's message.

"The audio wasn't that good, I'm hoping that they make a transcription of everything and make that available," he said. "But there's a certain presence that he emanates, all it takes is to see him smile.

According to President John B. Simpson, a major factor in the Dalai Lama's decision to come to UB was the school's large international student population and its relationship with universities worldwide.

The Dalai Lama, according to Stephen Dunnett, professor and vice provost for international education, very much enjoyed his visit to UB.

"He told me, 'I've been to hundreds and hundreds of universities and I've never been to one as organized as yours.'" Dunnett said. "He also said he'd never been to an interfaith service as moving. I could've died happy right there."

Tuesday started off with a discussion between the Dalai Lama and about 175 Chinese UB students, whom the Dalai Lama assured he was not anti-Chinese, Dunnett said.

Despite the meeting, several dozen protestors lined up outside the south entrance to the stadium, carrying signs that advocated Chinese unity.

Xiabo Luo, a senior civil engineering major, was one such protestor.

"We're here to let people know what the Dalai Lama said is wrong," he said. "Tibet was always a part of China. He is a liar."

Witter said that he is not a Buddhist, and he enjoyed the Dalai Lama's message.

"I think it's absolutely wonderful that the university spent so much time, money, effort... to bring all these wonderful folks together," Witter said. "I hope it has a lasting effect on the university and everyone here today."

His Holiness called his honorary degree terrific.

"I've been to many universities, (and received degrees) without a single day of study of modern education. So that is something interesting," he said.

Amanda Sebring, junior legal studies major, said that she "liked the modesty" that pervaded the Dalai Lama's address, and modesty is just how he ended.

"If you thought what I said was meaningless and nonsense," said the Dalai Lama at the close of his speech, "then forget it. No problem."