May 6, 2007 6:56 pm US/Central
Dalai Lama Wraps Up U.S. Visit
Talks To Thousands In Chicago About Buddhism
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
People of all faiths gathered in Chicago to hear the Dalai Lama talk in Chicago on Sunday. The Nobel Peace Prize winner also talked to WBBM-TV's Joanie Lum about what people can do to achieve peace and happiness.
"In thinking the main thing is a calm mind," the Dalai Lama said. "I think more warm heartedness and look at your enemy as part of society, your own family."
The Dalai Lama greeted an audience of 11,000 at Millennium Park. The space was filled with a diverse audience -- some waited for four hours to get through security into the Pritzker Pavillion.
The Dalai Lama opened by saying he is no miracle healer, merely a man.
"My talk is not that serious, just a talk as if I'm talking to one -- my close friend," said the Dalai Lama.
Earlier Sunday, the political and spiritual leader of Tibet conducted his first Buddhist teaching, his fourth visit to Chicago since 1993. He spoke of one of his greatest concerns, a world of turmoil. While seated on a traditional teacher's throne, surrounded by religious symbolism, his holiness described the essence of Buddhism to audience members who were Buddhist practitioners, Tibetan refugees that have re-settled in Chicago and some who were just curious.
"So happy. It's like a dream. I'm Tibet right now, like that," said Tsering P. Lama, a Tibetan American.
"It was enlightening, he was funny, warm, personable," said Mary Lutz, a person in attendance.
"I don't think we need to make him into a rock star; I don't think he wants that -- though there is that tendency," said attendee Jane Griffin.
Event producer Harold Ramis has been a supporter for years.
"The Dalai Lama has a presence that transcends everything on the planet, " said producer/director Ramis. "He's the world's only hope."
The Dalai Lama says everyone can work for peace.
"I think there's a certain sort of value which we learn from our mother, that's affection, that's what I feel is the most important element to keep our mind more calm," said the Dalai Lama. "All carry the message of love, compassion, spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation."
During earlier visits across the country, the Nobel Peace Prize winner said Tibetans would live in harmony with the Chinese if the ruling Communist Party would allow them to govern themselves.
About 300 Tibetans live in Chicago, according to the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago, which is hosting the Dalai Lama's visit.
The Dalai Lama, whose worldly name is Tenzin Gyatso, fled Tibet in 1959 after the Chinese quelled a popular uprising. He is still widely revered in Tibet, though he is now based in Dharmsala, India, where he heads a government in exile.
He was proclaimed the 14th Dalai Lama at age 5 and became Tibet's leader at 15.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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