Thousands of listeners rose, cheered and clapped wildly as the Dalai Lama not only called for peace, but declared war obsolete.
“My interests in the future, my economic prosperity, depend very much on others, including my enemy — and theirs depends on me,” the revered head of Tibetan Buddhism told nearly 13,000 listeners Sunday in Sunrise.
“In ancient times, nations would only think ‘my interests,’ then destroy the enemy and enrich themselves,” he continued. “Today, with modern economy and ecology, everything is interdependent. Our interests are the same as others’.
“So I think the concept of war is out of date.”
It was a message the listeners at the Office Depot Center clearly hungered to hear.
“It was inspirational, to see that someone is really for peace, instead of war or greed,” said art dealer Lisa Wolsky, who had driven from Tavernier in the Keys to hear the Tibetan leader. “Everything he said was so basic, fundamental.”
The address, “World Peace Through Inner Peace,” was his second during a five-day stay in South Florida.
“The 20th century was a century of violence and bloodshed, and violence failed to solve problems,” said the Dalai Lama, who lost hundreds of thousands of his countrymen to Chinese invaders. “It only created suffering. The 21st century should be a century of dialogue.
“Even your enemy is worthy of respect. Despite disagreements, you live together on the planet.”
The Office Depot Center crowd was slightly older and more diverse than Saturday listeners at his Nova Southeastern University talk. It also attracted broad regional interest, with people coming from Jacksonville, Tampa, Naples, Clearwater and West Palm Beach. Others came from New York, California, even several dozen from Aruba.
Reporters from Chinese, Vietnamese and Buddhist publications covered the event, as did Voice of America and Radio Marti. Robert Thurman, president of Tibet House and chairman of religious studies at Columbia University, dropped down for the day from New York.
“He doesn’t have a huge organization with a party line, so he can be a normal person and speak his mind,” Thurman said in explaining the Dalai Lama’s appeal. “And he doesn’t impose himself as an authority over other authorities.”
The Office Depot Center was turned into a quasi-spiritual sanctuary for His Holiness’ appearance. Looming over the arena stage was a photographic poster of his face. On the right was a photo of the Potala Palace, where he lived until he fled Chinese forces in 1959. On the left were banners of Tibet’s flag and Osel Dorje Nyingpo, the Buddhist group sponsoring his South Florida visit.
Introducing the Dalai Lama was the group’s founder, Khempo Yurmed Tinly Rinpoche. “The 21st century is a special time, when religions, races and cultures are working together,” he said. “We need His Holiness’ instruction for this great day.”
As at the Nova appearance on Sunday, the crowd applauded at the mere sight of the stooped, red-and-saffron robed figure. Lightly clasping his hands in prayerful respect, the Dalai Lama smiled and bowed slightly in several directions. Then he settled into a yellow easy chair, tucking his feet under him, chuckling at the barrage of camera flashes.
Thirty children dressed in various national costumes walked in procession to the Dalai Lama, laying flowers on the stage. (He later jokingly asked who would take care of the flowers.)
“I am afraid because many of you are here with expectations, but I have nothing to offer,” the Dalai Lama began, in trademark self-deprecation. “Just a face and teeth.”
The audience laughed, then listened for an hour and a half as he spoke and answered questions.
He recommended dialogue as a way of reducing all kinds of conflicts — between nations, in societies, even inside families. “It is hypocritical if you tell others to do these things, but in your own home there is fighting.”
He spoke more on war and peace than at the Saturday talk, alluding to the Palestinian intifada and the war in Iraq. “All human beings are the same — old, young, children, female — and they are dying. We see it on TV, without feeling. This is bad.”
He applauded peace movements, such as those in Australia and the United States. He also praised nuclear reduction initiatives and efforts to ban the sale of weapons to oppressive nations.
He called for talks with China not only on cultural autonomy, but on protection of Tibet’s ecosystem, which affects India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other nations.
“We oppose their wrong behavior, but respect the Chinese people,” he said. “Buddhism came to China before Tibet. I call my Chinese brothers my elders.” He smiled and added: “But in this case, I think younger is better.”
James D. Davis can be reached at or 954-356-4730.
DALAI LAMA APPEARANCES
The remaining public events the Dalai Lama plans for South Florida.
Today and Tuesday
Ancient traditional teachings, “Instructions on The Garland of Views,” 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of Miami Convocation Center, 1245 Walsh Ave. (1245 Dauer Drive), Coral Gables.
Tickets are $15 to $95 via Ticketmaster, 954-523-3309 in Broward, 561-966-3309 in Palm Beach County.
Also available for the UM appearances are two-day passes for $30 to $190.
Ticket proceeds will benefit charities of the Dalai Lama’s choosing.
Because of security concerns, no large bags, cameras, cell phones or video or audio recorders will be allowed.
For information, call Osel Dorje Nyingpo, 305-460-3363.
