Posted on 04/13/2008 5:02:15 PM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Dalai Lama draws 50,000 to Seattle stadium
By Laura Myers
Sat Apr 12, 7:27 PM ET
Tens of thousands of people packed a Seattle sports stadium on Saturday to hear the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, call for nonviolence and to make the 21st century a "century of dialogue."
Drums played, American Indian chiefs wearing feathered head-dresses danced and organizers said about 51,000 people -- many of them families -- listened under sunny skies to the Dalai Lama speak about compassion.
Sitting in a red chair under a canopied stage on the stadium field, the robed leader made no reference to recent turmoil in Tibet nor to suggestions that world leaders should boycott the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The Dalai Lama said on Friday he did not support a boycott of the Beijing Olympics. He has rejected Chinese claims that he orchestrated deadly rioting across Tibet last month over a campaign for independence.
On Saturday, the official Xinhua Chinese news agency reported the arrests of nine Buddhist monks suspected of bombing a government building in Tibet.
Saturday's mass gathering in Seattle was the largest of a five-day community event to promote compassion in every day life organized by the group Seeds of Compassion.
"I don't expect to hear any political message. I am not viewing this as a religious event, but it seems like a unique opportunity," said small business owner Patrick Burningham, 42, who was in the crowd.
A 1,000-person cultural procession of people wearing Chinese, Japanese, African-American, Native American and other national dress kicked off the festivities to an accompaniment of more than 100 drummers.
In his wide-ranging, 45-minute address, the Dalai Lama called for the elimination of nuclear weapons and spoke of the role of women in nurturing compassion. He also discussed the need for nonviolence and said the 21st century should be a "century of dialogue."
Student Derek Albietz, 21, said he had always been interested in the Dalai Lama's views.
"It is my first opportunity to see him in person. I want to hear his thoughts on compassion and science and how to help the world," Albietz said.
Ping!
It was unbelievable, how all of Seattle was a-twitter over that world-class hypocrite.
I guess I’ve never seen the hype behind the guy. The fact that liberals seem to like him makes me suspect...
“He has rejected Chinese claims that he orchestrated deadly rioting across Tibet last month...”
Well hello dalai, you riot instigator.
***It was unbelievable, how all of Seattle was a-twitter over that world-class hypocrite.***
NO, it’s not unbelievable, it’s Seattle.
Other than the fact that he is a symbol of a group deserving sympathy, I don’t see where he brings much useful to the table.
He is a nobody, saying nothing. But at least he doesn't spew anti-Jew venom like Jimmah Carter or Desmond Tutu.
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Always good to hear him on compassion.
the Dalai Lama is the Asian Al Gore.
So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.
Care to explain your comment?
Ah, the poor DL was kidnapped as an infant, spirited off to be sequestered and reared by a bunch of old monks, then when he was scarcely more than a babe, he was kicked out of the mountain range which was the only home he had ever known. And yet, though but a lad, and a stranger in a strange land, he got his lines straight and has been in vaudeville for better than fifty years now, and still wows the crowds in the larger towns and smaller cities. And nobody know his real name is Isidore.
I have trouble with people indulging in all-expense-paid jet-sets around the world...tooling up to 5 Star hotels in limos...suckering people into hero worship with cheap regurgitations of the Dhammapada and - ultimately - claiming to be a Buddhist.
The Dali Lama is stuck with his lot in life. As long as China continues to oppress Tibet, he’s making money and the day they stop he’s out of cash.
Luckily for him, they never will stop.
Why is it the ones that like to run their mouths about the Dali Llama and how much of a huckster he is, know the least about him and Buddhism in general?? I am getting married to a full Tibetan and believe me, I am plugged into all things Tibetan. Suffice to say the people spewing foolishness on this thread only betray their stunning ignorance of a man who has devoted his life to compassion and understanding.
Idiots, all of them
he is a pathetic no=one...he is the spiritual “leader” of a handful of mountain people in Tibet....he gathered a croud of 50’00 or so.....the Cubs do that on a medium day...and they are at least entertaining!!!
I sympathize with you....the Tibetans may be great people, and they probably are, but your immortal soul shouldn’t depend on a religion that really doesn’t have a diety...Christ is your only way to salvation....you may love your husband dearly....but he is leading you astray.....I’ve never hated anyone enough to do that to them....Pathetic
You’re an idiot. ; )
I know what you mean. Don’t sweat it too much. For starters you are blessed with not having to live with a tiny cranium. Others are not so fortunate and life seems to press in on them from all directions. lol
The same source which claims Tibetan monks plot bombings also sent agents provacateur into Tiananmen Square June 4, 1989 along with tracked vehicles and hordes of drugged PLA troops from remote regions firing wildly on full auto.
The same source justifies its beatings of Falun Gong women, its jailing of Christians, its execution of labor leaders.
No one who opposes China's Communist expansion can be other than raving, debauched psychopaths.
While China and its allies are founts of wisdom, virtue and peace.
their stunning ignorance of a man who has devoted his life to compassion and understanding.
Mired in illusion, they know no other reality.
Meditate on compassion and be at peace.
t.
Good points. Anyone who believes in or supports the Hu Jintao ChiCom clique is not very informed at all. They are also a far larger threat to us than the muzzies could ever hope to be. In fact a lot of the Islamo-fascists are receiving support and encouragement from the ChiComs making them simply proxy attackers.
Was he wearing a white turban or a blue turban?
First off, it is my wife to be. Secondly, she has never tried to push anything on me. She even is planning on a Catholic wedding with me. What do you say now? Pathetic indeed.
He is the head of state if you will for millions of Tibetans. Also, China wants him dead. How do you expect him to get around, and where do you expect him to stay? A cab and a flipping Ho Jos? WOuld you ask the same of George Bush? Of course you wouldn’t.
Deeds, not words: Mother Teresa, he isn't.
No, I wouldn't. President Bush doesn't claim to be a Buddhist.
He is this era’s Ghandi. Popular, somewhat likeable, non-threatening, but philosophically vaccuous.
Why? Because I hold people who expect my money, support and admiration, to the standards they set for themselves?
He just needs an aluminum pole, the airing of grievances and feats of strength.
I feel sorry for your ignorance. Fortunately your opinion means less than nothing.
Hey - Nepal is right next door to Tibet! And can you guess who’s a missionary to Nepal?
It’s all kind of cloudy....
It was a biblical prophecy reference.
The latter's strategy can be reviewed at:
I like that graphic Phil.
First of all it’s more than obvious that you have no idea what standards Tibetan Buddhists set for themselves. Secondly they/we don’t expect your money, support or admiration. But as a FReeper I expect to be called on my BS when I, rarely, spew it. So should you.
It would take a lot of coats of that whitewash to cover your true colors.
Deeds, not words: Mother Teresa, he isn't.
Who put him out there as Mother Teresa? Something you pulled out of your arse. But what could we expect from a horse's arse except road apples?
He claims to be a Christian. See how knuckleheaded your statement is?
It is very much their MO, no doubt about it.
LOL! You have no idea..
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