10,000 People Gather to Hear His Holiness Speak in Atlanta

By Vanshika Tripathi / October 15, 2013;

Photo: www.emorywheel.com

His Holiness the Dalai Lama graced Atlanta, Georgia with his presence during a three day trip from October 8 – 10. He gave a discourse on the topic Pillars of Responsible Citizenship in the 21st Century Global Village and spoke about the tragic wars and bloodshed of the 20^th century. He further spoke about how the world must learn from its mistakes and not allow the same calamities to happen in the 21^st century.

“Historians say 200 million people died violently during the twentieth century”, said His Holiness. “Despite many wonderful developments, it was a period of bloodshed and violence. I believe that if we think of others as our human brothers and sisters there will be no room to cheat, deceive and fight them”. He said that the solution to the world’s countless problems rests in the power of dialogue.

“Society will not be changed by UN intervention or by rulings from Capitol Hill. Society is made up of individuals, so change must start with individuals. Change will come not from giving or spending money, but from changing our minds,” His Holiness said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking on the Pillars of Responsible Citizenship in the 21st Century Global Village at the Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Photo: dalailama.com

His Holiness later participated in a panel discussion focussing on the topic Secular Ethics and Education. During this discussion, he stated that the cause of the countless problems people face lies in the fact that they create many of the problems themselves.

“Destructive emotions like anger and fear destroy our peace of mind and when our peace of mind is gone, our physical well-being is gone too. Through education and awareness we can learn to reduce our negative emotions.”

After the teachings, His Holiness met members of Tibetan Medicinal Research and the Emory-Tibet Medical Science Initiative and was made aware of the development of recent studies into Tibetan medicine.

The Dalai Lama’s visit to Atlanta was associated with Emory University, where he has received the title of Presidential Distinguished Professor. Around ten thousand people attended His Holiness’s discourse.