San Diego, CA, USA — “Knowledge of the mind is relevant to all 7 billion human beings alive today because we achieve peace of mind by tackling our destructive emotions on the basis of understanding the whole system of our emotions. This isn’t related to the next life, to heaven or hell, but to this life here and now," said His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the commencement ceremony of University of San Diego.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended the graduation ceremony of University of San Deigo, in California on June 17, where he was received once again by the University's Chancellor Pradeep Khosla. Members of UCSD faculty and leadership were lined up to be introduced to him. Like them, he donned the University gown and cap. There were cheers from the audience as he walked onto the stage. Almost 3000 people were present and cheered when the Chancellor Pradeep Khosla presented His Holiness the UCSD medal, the University's highest award.
His Holiness while addressing the graduates said that they should always find ways to promote peace and harmony and do good with the knowledge they've gained. He added “Meeting with young people like
you I’m aware you are the future of humanity. And here and now at the beginning of the 21st century you have the opportunity and responsibility to create a better world, a happier world—a world without violence or the yawning gap between rich and poor. We older ones may not live to see it, but you will.
“Knowledge of the mind is relevant to all 7 billion human beings alive today because we achieve peace of mind by tackling our destructive emotions on the basis of understanding the whole system of our
emotions. This isn’t related to the next life, to heaven or hell, but to this life here and now. We experience happiness on a sensory level that is relatively short-lived. But lasting happiness is related to our state of mind"
His Holiness said that they should always find ways to promote peace and harmony and do good with the knowledge they've gained. He added “Meeting with young people like you I’m aware you are the future of humanity. And here and now at the beginning of the 21st century you have the opportunity and responsibility to create a better world, a happier world—a world without violence or the yawning gap between rich and poor. We older ones may not live to see it, but you will."
Noting the presence of Indians among the students and teachers, His Holiness recalled that his own training and intellectual development were rooted in ancient Indian knowledge—the Nalanda tradition. He remarked that he has lately realized the importance of trying to revive this ancient knowledge. He also observed that among the students are Chinese—historically followers of the Buddha. He reported
that a Chinese university recently estimated that there are more than 300 million Buddhists in China. He recommended they pay more attention to their cultural heritage. His Holiness’s words were received with warm applause.
He was followed by a graduating student, Ricky Flahive who shared his experience of wonder at reaching this graduation.
His Holiness later had lunch with the Leadership of the University of California San Diego. Before retiring for the day, His Holiness paid a short visit to the Center for the Future of Surgery where he was shown techniques for training surgeons using the latest equipment and procedures.
