Dalai Lama’s U.S. Visits Bring ‘Renaissance’

| March 22, 2010

DALAI LAMA’S U.S. VISITS BRING ‘RENAISSANCE’

Those planning the Tibetan spiritual leader’s visits in Florida, California and Iowa also screen the documentary ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ (narrated by Harrison Ford – www.DalaiLamaFilm.com) to lay the spiritual groundwork for audiences’ transformation.

March 22, 2010

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – Over the last six months, three U.S. visits by Tenzin Gyatso, the spiritual leader and 14th Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism, all have something in common: Their organizers have chosen to screen the award-winning documentary Dalai Lama Renaissance (narrated by Harrison Ford) prior to his arrival.

Before coming to California and Florida earlier this year, organizers of the Dalai Lama’s visits researched films about the spiritual leader. They did so to find a means of telling their communities who the Dalai Lama is and why his message is relevant to their world.

They discovered ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance,’ a documentary film that won 12 international awards and that screened in hundreds of cinemas in the United States and around the world. When ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ screened in cinemas in Taiwan in 2009, the Chinese government took notice and aim at the film in its People’s Daily newspaper. In an attempt to help prison inmates resolve inner and outer conflicts through dialog and compassion, the film’s director, Khashyar Darvich, also screened and toured with the film in prisons.

“What we found was a film that was captivating,” said Maria Santamarina, Diversity Officer at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Ratón. “It gave us a personal glimpse of the Dalai Lama and his perspective on the transformation needed in the world right now.” The film screened Feb. 17 and 23, 2010, in anticipation of the Feb. 24 visit by the Dalai Lama.

Santamarina said a colleague referred her to the film, which she found online at DalaiLamaFilm.com. On the other hand, Pema Choden, president of the Tibetan Association of Southern California, first became familiar with Dalai Lama Renaissance when she met the film’s producer/director Khashyar Darvich at a celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 74th birthday.

“I saw the film shortly after meeting Khashyar,” said Choden, “and I felt that it was appropriate to screen during His Holiness’ teachings in Long Beach last September. The film captured the Dalai Lama’s ability to humble people in such a way that no matter who they are, their egos fly out the window.”

Erin Wheat, Program Coordinator for Campus Activities at the University of Northern Iowa, discovered the film online while doing research. She found it in time to plan a screening prior to the Dalai Lama’s May 18, 2010, visit to Cedar Falls.

“We chose to screen Dalai Lama Renaissance because of its content related to His Holiness’ visit in May,” Wheat said. “With so many concerns that people have in our country and in the world – the economy, wars, natural disasters – we felt that his message of peace would set the right tone for his visit,” she said. “We also felt it would be great to have a question and answer session with the producer/director Khashyar Darvich to expand on that message and to share details of how the film was made.”

Santamarina said the Florida screening featured a Q & A with Darvich, who related not only his experiences of shooting the film in remote Dharmsala, India, and editing more than 140 hours of footage, but also told about his personal transformation that took place in the process. She said Darvich spoke of how he meditated and prayed for guidance in editing the film.

“The audience was obviously moved and soulful,” Santamarina said. “There was active participation by the audience members who were extremely engaged, curious and responsive.” Pema Choden had a similar experience with the California screening.

“The response from the audience was extremely gracious,” she said. “Many who attended were so inspired by the film that they wanted to take home a copy on DVD to see it again or to share with loved ones.”

Erin Wheat said she believes that screening Dalai Lama Renaissance and engaging the community in a discussion about the film through a Q & A with Darvich will provide a needed transition for the community toward assurance that spiritual answers and self-reflection can solve many problems.

“This transition will set the stage for the Dalai Lama to present his message of peace and offer his wisdom based on more than 60 years of spiritual leadership,” she said.

Choden added that the film captures the Dalai Lama’s ability to inspire people to be the best human beings that they can be.

“The theme of the film and the teachings of the Dalai Lama are extremely relevant today because both focus on the essence of compassion and altruism,” she said. Maria Santamarina agrees.

“Screening Dalai Lama Renaissance for our community provided a beautiful segue to the Dalai Lama’s visit because the film deals with the transformation of 40 intellectuals who visit with him to discuss changes that need to be made in our world,” she said.  “Nothing else could be more relevant and transforming today.”

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Dalai Lama Renaissance, narrated by Harrison Ford, was produced by Khashyar Darvich and Wakan Films. To view trailers, schedule a screening or to purchase the film on DVD, visit www.DalaiLamaFilm.com.

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Dalai Lama Visit – Cedar Falls, Iowa – Schedule, Tickets, Public Talk & Lecture – University of Northern Iowa (UNI) – McLeod Center

| November 14, 2009

Date of Visit: May 18, 2010

Location: McLeod Center, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa (2501 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls, IA)

Topic: importance of education in an increasingly global society

Ticket Information: available in January

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Dalai Lama to make historic visit to UNI in May 2010

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Dalai Lama to make historic visit to UNI in May 2010

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet will visit the University of Northern Iowa Tuesday, May 18, to share his views on the importance of education in an increasingly global society.

“UNI is honored to host the Dalai Lama, who has received awards from around the world that recognize his messages of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, and universal responsibility and compassion,” said UNI President Benjamin Allen. “At UNI, we take great pride in providing quality education and preparing future educators. The Dalai Lama imparts a message to the world that stresses the importance of learning, and the role education plays in developing socially responsible citizens. This is a great opportunity to provide inspiration and cultivate new thoughts and ideas at UNI.”

The day of his visit will be an opportunity to celebrate education and discuss its importance while encouraging the exchange of ideas and views. A committee has been established to coordinate academic initiatives, campus and community programs, and K-12 activities to take place during the fall and spring semesters leading up to the Dalai Lama’s visit.

More information about the day of the Dalai Lama’s visit and associated events will follow in the fall.

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Message from President Ben Allen

I am pleased to announce that the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet has accepted our invitation to visit campus and share his views on education and the pursuit of knowledge. At this time we are working with the Dalai Lama’s North American Representative to secure a date. We are aware of the Dalai Lama’s health concerns and that he has temporarily suspended his travel commitments. Our future actions will depend on his health and decisions from his office. We are hopeful that the visit will occur during the academic year of 2009-10 or in fall 2010.

Looking ahead, this is an opportunity for the entire campus, community and state to come together and celebrate our commitment to all aspects of education and reflect on the everlasting impression we can leave on each person we encounter — both in and out of the classroom.

I look forward to working with the whole campus community to create a truly special series of events culminating in an important and powerful day at UNI with the Dalai Lama. A steering committee will be appointed, and I encourage the entire campus to begin considering how best to make the visit a learning opportunity for all.

We will provide you with updates as information becomes available.

Benjamin Allen
President
University of Northern Iowa

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Affiliated Events

A Continuing & Distance Education course

The Dalai Lama: A Sacred Tradition and a Political Institution

University of Northern Iowa Continuing & Distance Education is accepting enrollments for the upcoming two-credit-hour course, The Dalai Lama: A Sacred Tradition and a Political Institution. This spring 2010 interdisciplinary course is open to members of the community with an interest in the Dalai Lama. Students in the course will get a look into the life and ideas of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – Nobel peace prize-winner and wise, gentle teacher.

Coursework, materials and discussions will focus on: (1) Who is the Dalai Lama?; (2) Why is he important to the Tibetan people?; and (3) What does he stand for, and how has he parlayed his unique significance to the Tibetan people into a more universal appeal that has given him immediate access to practically every country in the world?

All UNI students who complete the course will receive a ticket to the Dalai Lama keynote event on May 18.

January 21 – April 17, 2010
Various Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings
Schindler Education Center

To enroll
  • UNI students: enroll for course number 010:159, section 1T through MyUNIverse
  • Community members: $530 tuition and fees for 2 hours undergraduate credit (or audit). Enroll for course number 010:159 through Continuing & Distance Education.
  • Teachers: $500 tuition for 2 hours graduate credit (reflects special workshop rate for teachers). Enroll for course number 210:133g through Continuing & Distance Education.

Tuition rates, fees and course schedule are subject to change.

Instructors
  • Jeannie Steele, professor, Curriculum & Instruction, University of Northern Iowa
  • Visiting scholar The Venerable Geshe Thupten Dorjee, instructor, University of Arkansas, and Tibetan Cultural Institute of Arkansas co-founder
  • Visiting scholar Sidney Burris, professor of English, Fulbright College Honors and Religious Studies Programs, University of Arkansas, and Tibetan Cultural Institute of Arkansas co-founder
Questions?

Phone: 800-648-3864 or 319-273-2121

E-mail: ContinuingEd@uni.edu

Various events will be scheduled around the visit of the Dalai Lama to UNI, including presentations, displays, etc. Events will be added to the Web site as they are finalized.

A Lifelong University course

The Buddhism of the Dalai Lama

Tibetan Buddhism is often considered strange and obscure but the best-known figure of this religion, the Dalai Lama, explains that it is a religion of compassion and peace, and committing oneself to the happiness of others. This course explores the basic teachings of Buddhism and looks particularly at its Tibetan form.

Nov. 3, 10, 17

1:30 – 3 p.m.
Alumni Suite, McLeod Center
Tuition: $30
Instructor: James Robinson, associate professor, world religions
University of Northern Iowa

Registration

Call 319-273-6899 for availability.

Sand mandala constructed at UNI

The University of Northern Iowa hosted four visitors from the Tibetan Cultural Institute and the University of Arkansas in April, 2009 who constructed a sand mandala. Mandalas are geometric patterns laid out with compasses and chalk lines and then filled in, grain by grain, with sand ground from white marble and colored. The sand is applied with small tubes, funnels and scrapers until the pattern is achieved. They’re believed to hold magical power and said to prolong life and protect against evil.

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Dalai Lama – Auckland, New Zealand – Schedule, Tickets, Public Talk, Teaching – Vector Arena

| September 11, 2009

Public Talk in Auckland, New Zealand on December 5: His Holiness will give a public talk on A Peaceful Mind organized by the Dalai Lama Visit Trust New Zealand.

Teaching in Auckland, New Zealand on December 6:His Holiness will give teachings on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta (jangchup semdrel) Zealand.

Contact Website: www.dalailamavisit.org.nz

Summary:

In December 2009 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet will visit New Zealand to give a Public Talk and Buddhist Teaching at the invitation of the Tibetan Buddhist community of New Zealand.

Loved and respected worldwide as a man of peace, a scholar and spokesman for better understanding among people and religions, His Holiness will visit Auckland on December 5th and 6th to give a Public Talk and Buddhist Teaching imparting the message of love, compassion, kindness and universal responsibility.

This visit is a wonderful opportunity for all New Zealanders to again see and hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama in person.

A Peaceful Mind
Saturday December 5th 2009, 2.00pm

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a Public Talk on A Peaceful Mind at the Vector Arena in Auckland on Saturday December 5th 2009. This public talk is suitable for a general audience and all are welcome.
Tickets will be $20.00 per seat

Everybody wants a happy, successful life. Of course, external conditions are important, but I think that for a happy life, a happy family, and a happy community, much depends on our mental attitude. The key factor, I feel, is human compassion, a sense of caring for one another.

Sometimes, when we talk about the value of compassion and forgiveness and love, people get the impression these are religious matters. What I believe, according to my own experience, is that a calm, peaceful mind is a very important element for sustaining the body in a balanced way. When you lose your temper, immediately you feel uncomfortable. Eventually, you lose your digestion and sleep. So, whether you are a believer or a non-believer, the peaceful mind in daily life is very, very important.

According to different religious traditions, there are different methods. For example, a Christian practitioner may meditate on God’s grace, God’s infinite love. This is a very powerful concept in order to achieve peace of mind. A Buddhist practitioner may be thinking about relative nature and also Buddha-nature. This is also very useful. I’m a Buddhist monk, so I’m practicing according to this teaching.

I believe each human being has the potential to change, to transform one’s own attitude, no matter how difficult the situation. We are human beings, and we have this marvelous brain and marvelous heart, so there is potential to develop a proper mental attitude, through which we can have a happy, more peaceful life. I think the remarkable thing we’re observing now among those who have some experience with Buddhist teaching and practice is that when these people are passing through a traumatic period, the standard of mental peace always remains.

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Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta

Sunday December 6th 2009, 10am -12 Noon, 1.30pm -3.30pm.
Developing a kind heart and awakening the mind is not just a sentimental or religious goal.


His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a Buddhist Teaching on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta at the Vector Arena in Auckland on Sunday December 6th 2009. This public talk is suitable for a general audience and all are welcome. Tickets will be $60.00 per seat

Nagarjuna’s text is a commentary on a verse from the root tantra of Guhyasamaja.

In introducing Nagarjuna’s text, His Holiness discusses the etymology of Bodhicitta, noting that the Bodhisattva path relies on the analytical power of intelligence to transform the mind through purification of afflictions and obscurations and attainment of realizations of ultimate reality.

It is for everyone, irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation. It is for anybody who considers themselves a member of the human family.

Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta touches on the two aspects of the awakening mind, the twin qualities of wisdom and compassion, which are necessary for anyone who aspires to be a better person and implement change in their lives. The instructions for cultivating them within each of us are explained in this Teaching, so that we too may follow in the footsteps of the Buddha.

Recognised as one of the most accomplished Buddhist Masters, His Holiness will deliver these teachings based on his own profound and authentic experience of compassion, loving kindness and inner peace. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently has stated, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not simply a holy man. He is recognized throughout the world as one of our few true moral authorities. He is a teacher who has shown us all how to live our lives with compassion, non violence and love.”

Buddhists and non Buddhists alike, come away profoundly moved and motivated to take responsibility and create positive changes in their lives.

Contact Website: www.dalailamavisit.org.nz

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