The Dalai Lama in San Diego

Tickets to the Dalai Lama’s sole public event Thursday at SDSU is sold out but his talk can be viewed at dalailamasandiego.org/watch_live.php.

Thursday 9:30 a.m.: The Dalai Lama will address “Upholding Universal Ethics and Compassion in Challenging Times” in San Diego State University’s Viejas Arena. The talk also can be seen at sdsu.edu. No general on-campus parking or in surrounding area without a permit. Campus officials advise taking public transit. More information..

The Dalai Lama’s Twitter feed is @DalaiLama and his Facebook page is facebook.com/DalaiLama

One thing you can say about the Dalai Lama, after spending a day scurrying after the Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk:


The man is all over the map.

On Wednesday, the Tibetan Buddhist leader traveled from his downtown hotel to UC San Diego, site of a morning news conference and panel discussion, then on to the University of San Diego for an afternoon speech. On the road, he might have logged 40 miles.

In conversation, though, he roamed across continents and centuries. A few of his topics: climate change, the People’s Republic of China, birth control, monastic debating styles, his temper (no, we are not making this up) and traditional Hawaiian cuisine. (Let’s tackle that last item: he’s no fan. “But I have deep respect, deep respect. It is their food, their culture.”)

Thousands of San Diegans endured long lines, traffic snarls, metal detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs for a rare opportunity to hear one of the world’s most famous figures. If his range was as wide as the sea — and that goes with the job description, as “Dalai” is a Mongolian title meaning “Ocean of Wisdom” — his demeanor seemed as constant as the stars. He was invariably gentle, outgoing, smiling. His remarks were often punctuated with a gleeful “Hee hee hee!”


And while he appeared on both campuses in his trademark maroon and saffron robes, his headgear kept changing. He began in a crimson visor; shifted to a white UCSD version on that campus; and slipped into a blue USD model for that audience.

Some say his message, one of nonviolence and compassion, is simple. But this is not a simple person. Sifting through his comments Wednesday, you saw many sides to the Dalai Lama.

The selfish Dalai Lama: Making the case for compassion, the Dalai Lama noted that when we treat others as equals, we actually do ourselves a favor. Compassionate people experience less stress, enjoy lower blood pressure, he said, and are able to think clearly.

“Distrust, anger, hatred — all these are destroyers of peace of mind.”


The undogmatic Dalai Lama: For his entire life, this 76-year-old has been a faithful Buddhist — but he warned himself against a “narrow-minded” adherence to a single set of beliefs. “Have faith toward one’s own religion, have respect toward all religions.”

Since 1975, he has made pilgrimages to shrines of other faiths. “If followed seriously, sincerely,” he said, “all religions have great potential.”

What about atheists and agnostics? “Those nonbelievers are also our brothers and sisters. We have to respect them.”

The geeking-on-science Dalai Lama: Others may see a conflict between science and religion. Not this monk. When he hears that scientists approach problems with the eyes of skeptics, he applauds.


“Skepticism brings questions. Questions bring research. Research brings analysis. Analysis brings answers.”

On Wednesday, he urged international action to address climate change and overpopulation. “Genuine, nonviolent birth control is needed,” he said.

The impromptu Dalai Lama: At UC San Diego, the Dalai Lama took part in a panel discussion with two climate researchers, V. Ramanathan and Richard Somerville. The scientists opened with brief statements, reading from notes. Their robed partner on stage spoke off-the-cuff.

‘Usually when I give a talk, no notes. No preparation,” he said. “Reason — I’m lazy.”


Hee hee hee.

The raging Dalai Lama: Twice during his talk at USD, the ever-serene Dalai Lama said something truly startling.

“I also, you see, occasionally lose my temper and use harsh words.” “I often lose my temper. My staff members know.”

The staffers on hand just smiled — and said nothing.

The forgiving Dalai Lama: In 2008, when several Tibetan monks set themselves on fire to protest China’s repressive rule of their homeland, the Dalai Lama said he felt anxiety and helplessness. “So I visualized the Chinese leaders, the hard-liners. I took this anger and fear and distrust and gave them my sort of forgiveness and compassion.”


He also remembered his conversation with a friend, a Buddhist monk who had spent 18 years in prison for his beliefs.

“I faced danger in prison,” the man said.

“Danger of life?”

“Danger of losing compassion toward the Chinese.”


The Pollyanna-was-a-pessimist Dalai Lama: At USD, the monk was asked how he can remain optimistic in a world full of war, poverty and misery.

“The simple answer,” he replied, “is it is far better to remain optimistic.”

Optimism, he added, encourages people to work for a better life and a better world.

Yes, he expressed concern about bloodshed in Syria and Afghanistan. But he cited more reasons for hope. He gave a shout-out to Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy activist in Myanmar who this week won permission to travel outside her country: “I really admire that lady,” He praised the innovative spirit of the United States, the religious tolerance of his adopted country, India, and the promise of the 21st century.


“Today, I think humanity is becoming more civilized.”

The standup Dalai Lama: This global icon is renowned for his wisdom. You don’t expect him to sound like a comedian winding up the night’s second set.

“If you find some sense in this, think more,” he said toward the conclusion of his USD talk. “And those people, if you feel there is not much sense — forget it. I’m leaving tomorrow. Not my problem.”

Hee hee hee!


“Your problem.”