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Dalai Lama's keynote keeps audience chuckling

By Emily Christensen and Mary Stegmeir | WCF Courier

University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen, left, and Gloria Gibson, center, present the Dalai Lama, right, an honorary diploma before the keynote speech by the Dalai Lama to students, faculty, and guests at the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus on 18 May 2010, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Dalai Lama is on campus to discus education issues with the community.WCF Courier/Rick Tibbott/US

The Dalai Lama has called on University of Northern Iowa educators to do more research and work developing secular curriculum that would teach students moral ethics and “warm-heartedness.”

“There has been a lot of discussion about how to introduce in modern education systems education of the heart,” the Dalai Lama told the sold-out crowd of about 5,400. Visitors travelled from across Iowa and the world to hear His Holiness speak about “The Power of Education.”

The speech wrapped up a day of events centering on the leader-in-exile’s visit to the Cedar Valley. UNI President Benjamin Allen also presented the Dalai Lama with an honorary degree. Jonathan Schwabe, a professor in the UNI School of Music, gave the Dalai Lama a copy of “Joy,” an original composition that student musicians performed for the guest speaker.

“I hope the meaning mentioned in this verse should be part of our daily life so we can be better, more sensible human beings,” the Dalai Lama said as a thank-you.

Just like the morning session, the Dalai Lama’s jokes had viewers in the audience — and even online — chuckling.

Though his speech focused on the importance of education the Dalai Lama admitted that for the first 14 years of his life he was a “lazy” student.

“Up to 13, 14 my study was carried out of fear, because you know I am quite a lazy student,” he said. “My older brother and myself studied together. My tutor kept two whips. The yellow whip supposed to be holy whip for holy student, the Dalai Lama. But at that young age I know that if that holy whip used, don’t think any different of holy pain. Therefore out of fear I carried out these studies.”

Despite his sense of humour about his studies in the early years the Dalai Lama delivered a serious message about the importance of education in today’s society.

“Education for human beings is very important,” the Dalai Lama said. “Knowledge nobody can steal. Knowledge never changes when your fortune goes down.”

Darius Robinson, who just received his master’s degree in history from UNI, said the monk’s talk surpassed his expectations.

“It was phenomenal,” Robinson said. “His message is so universal across cultures, religions, nationalities. It has an appeal to everyone who hears it.”

The speech also illustrated the need for a change in the world’s current conflict resolution tactics.

“He talked about the fact that we all need to open up a little bit and soften our positions,” Robinson said. “That way we can find solutions.”

The Dalai Lama was presented with an honorary degree and an original music composition when he took the stage at the University of Northern Iowa’s McLeod Center this afternoon.

But it is his planned keynote address, focusing on “The Power of Education” that drew more than 5,400 people to Cedar Falls. The Dalai Lama is expected to discuss the importance of education in an increasingly global society, the role of education in developing socially responsible citizens and the impact an individual can have on the world.

The Dalai Lama was joined on stage by four other expert panelists to talk about education in a non-violent world. His Holiness, wearing his traditional red robe, sat barefoot and cross-legged on a white leather couch throughout the discussion. In the afternoon the Dalai Lama is expected to deliver his keynote seated at the center of the stage.

In the morning ceremony, the Dalai Lama shared one of his faith’s most basic tenets, and Zuiko Redding, a Buddhist nun from the Zen, or Japanese, tradition.

“He tells us that no one wants suffering, everyone wants to happiness,” said the Cedar Rapids woman. “It’s practical advice, and it speaks to all people.”

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Published in Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier