ALBANY — Those who fill their lives with compassion will be happier in the long run and have fewer problems, according to one of the world’s most revered spiritual leaders.
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, visited the Palace Theater Wednesday to discuss the need for people to focus more on their inner values, rather than money, power, or material possessions, in order to reduce the number of difficulties in their lives.
About 2,600 individuals lined downtown streets and filled the nearly-sold out theater to experience the Dalai Lama’s first visit to the Capital District. There was earlier confusion after his holiness canceled his originally scheduled appearance at the Times Union Center.
He spoke softly as he addressed the crowded venue, stressing that people need to let go of any anger and hatred that they may have built up inside of them.
“We can create something more, something like one family, and I think you can bring that only through compassion and attitude,” said Gyatso. “I think sometimes we can learn more things from animals than human beings — they don’t care about (who is) this color or that color, but they care very much about a person’s attitude and their affection.”
While the 73-year-old exiled spiritual leader of Tibet is a Buddhist, he noted that he supported people of all religions, which, according to him, carry the same general message, despite their differences.
“In a true sense we are all brothers and sisters,” said Gyatso, who noted that the idea of God encompasses infinite compassion and infinite love.
In a news conference prior to his public appearance, the Dalai Lama stressed the importance of non-violent resolutions of problems, how war and nuclear weapons have never solved anything, and how, despite his position, he was just another man.
“I consider myself just a human being, one of six billion human beings,” said Gyatso.
He also later showed the crowd that he had a sense of humor.
“Some people consider the Dalai Lama to have some sort of healing power — that’s nonsense,” said Gyatso, who noted that if he had such power, he would not have needed surgery to remove his gall bladder.
While people of all ages and beliefs attended the event to witness the Dalai Lama and sample his wisdom, many people who either lived in China or had family there would not reveal their names to members of the media, noting that they would have to deal with reactions from the Chinese government if their name was associated with the exiled leader.
Gyatso assumed leadership of his people in the early 1950s at the age of 15 and fled the country after the People’s Republic of China took communist control of the nation.
“The Chinese government, for their own interest and own image, must let more people come to Tibet and let them see the reality,” said Gyatso. “If our information is wrong, we must apologize to the Chinese, but if our information is correct, they should apologize.”
The Dalai Lama was invited to the city by the World Ethical Foundations Consortium, which was co-founded by Sara and Clare Bronfman, heiresses to the Seagram’s liquor fortune, and based on the beliefs of Keith Raniere. Raniere is the founder of NXIVM, a Colonie-based organization which offers “programs that provide the philosophical and practical foundation necessary to acquire and build the skills for success,” according to the company’s Web site.
However, NXIVM’s operation has been criticized for years and has been labeled as a cult-like organization in several media reports, including in-depth features that have appeared in Metroland.
The Dalai Lama addressed this issue briefly by answering one of the questions submitted to him regarding the initial cancellation and rescheduling of his appearance. Gyatso said that the cancellation had come after his staff learned of certain allegations surrounding the organization which invited him to the area.
Upon further investigation, he and his staff determined there was no problem and decided to accept the invitation.
“Media people should have long noses — as long as an elephant nose,” said Gyatso, who noted that a newspaper report may have been biased in the matter. “It’s very important to make clear to the public what is wrong — they must be very honest, unbiased, and objective. If you come face to face to talk, and do more investigation, the truth will become more clear.”
When asked whether the controversy and allegations had tarnished the event, Sara Bronfman said that it only made her dig deeper to find inner strength.
“I know what I am doing is good and the truth will come out in the end,” said Bronfman. “I believe that is His Holiness' message as well.”
Despite any issues with how he got here, people were just happy to be able to see him in person.
Vickin Schacter, of Guilderland, once worked with the Dalai Lama as a volunteer nurse in India 50 years ago and greeted him with a hug as he entered the Crowne Plaza hotel.
“I believe he might have remembered me,” said Schacter, who gave the spiritual leader a copy of her book, “Lessons from My Father and the Dalai Lama.”
“I thought it was amazing. I’ve read some of his work and he’s just totally inspirational,” said Laurel Colasurdo, of Troy. “I think with what’s happening right now in our economy it’s just a wonderful kind of healing.”
Charles Harageones and Lisa Doss, also of Troy, said that they came down to see what the event was like but had no idea of the $55-$85 ticket price. However, in the true spirit of the Dalai Lama himself, a kind stranger gave them two tickets free of charge.
“He was more laid back and relaxed than I thought he would be,” said Harageones.
“He set a tone of respect that most people wouldn’t generally hear,” said Doss, who was thrilled that they had been able to see the speech.
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