“Newark is the perfect place for the event because of its challenging history with violence,” said Drew A. Katz, an advertising executive who is one of the chief sponsors.

Mr. Katz said that two years ago he met Robert A. F. Thurman, a professor of Indo-Tibetan studies at Columbia University and a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Professor Thurman, who is close to the Dalai Lama, wanted to organize a peace conference in New York City. Mr. Katz said he suggested going to Newark, where expenses were lower, he knew other philanthropists and the mayor, Cory A. Booker, was a friend of his.

Mr. Booker, who delivered the welcoming address, later said, “Peace will not descend on the city and state, and our problems disappear” because of the conference. But he said he hoped it would inspire people. Several speakers offered their messages with generous doses of liberal politics and Eastern philosophy, for an audience that could afford tickets that started at more than $100, but also included local activists and students, who were admitted at no cost.

For most of those listening, the main draw was obvious.

“I like all the speakers and the workshops, but the opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama was the big thing for me,” said Dana Longstreet, 52, who is working on a master’s degree in social work at Rutgers University.