2:00 pm— Reverend Scotty McLennan, Dean for Religious Life at Stanford, told the audience that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the third Rathbun Visiting Fellow, following Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (2008) and Secretary of State George Schultz (2009). His Holiness has spoken at Memorial Church twice in the last 15 years, and we're grateful for having him here again. The Harry & Emilia Rathbun endowment helps Stanford students engage in self-reflection and moral inquiry, and exploration of life's purpose, especially for the common good. Richard Rathbun (Stanford 1966), CEO, Foundation for Global Community, then introduced The Dala Lama— "It is a rare opportunity we have gathered today in this awesome place. It is more than symbolic that this base occupies the very center of the Univeristy. Our speaker this afternoon hardly needs any introduction. His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama has travelled to more than 62 countries, spanning six continents. He has met countless political, religious, scientific, and world leaders. In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, he has received numerous awards, honorable doctorates and prizes in recognition of his message of peace, nonviolence, interreligious understanding, universal responsibility, and compassion. He has authored more than 72 books. Those are among his worldly accomplishments. But, it is his inner journey that distinguishes him from all others. There is probably no one in today's world more able to speak about the meaning and purpose of life than His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama. His life represents an extraordinary personal journey of rigorous exploration coupled with a highly disciplined expression of the fundamental principles that can lead to pain and suffering or on the other hand to meaning and happiness. His Holiness takes his rightful place in an extended lineage that is perhaps as old as our species, a lineage engaged in he search of answers to the most profound questions we can ask of both ourselves and the society which we belong. So I encourage us all to listen carefully. The message we are about hear today may contain some of the most important information we will ever hear. Please join me in giving a warm Stanford welcome to a man who describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk, His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama.

Dalai Lama: Usually I prefer to speak from there (pointing to the podium). But today, a little tired, so I want to seek your permission to speak from here. OK. From here no difficulty to see your face. Indeed I'm very happy and a great honor to speak and share some of my experiences with you. Basically we are the same. Although I come from Tibet, in the past, outside world consider mysterious land. Tibet is land of snow and bit isolated. Tibetans also prefer to remain isolated. I think that's foolish. Anyway I come that land. You are this very modernized nation. But on a human level, we're the same. I often feel modernity means mainly external structures, buildings, more missions, more cars. But we here the users of these modern things are the same. However our emotions are the same. Our intellect, the seed of intelligence is the same. The size of our brain remain the same. Therefore my experience maybe help to you, something from older people to younger people sometimes may be useful. Now on a meaningful life.
    Actually explanation of meaningful life may be different due to different philosophical thinking. For example, according to theistic faith may have some different explanation. Non-theistic faith also may have some different explanation. But I always talk on level of human being. There is little religious faith. So meaningful life on that level in the sense of meaningful life. Firstly, you yourself achieve happy days and nights, weeks, months, and years. Secondly, we are social animals. An individual's happy life, much depend on rest of community, because we are one of them. If we reallt remain isolated like when I was young I saw some (darzhen ?), someone in a remote area, occasionally shouting, only think of oneself, not concerned for others, because your survival depend only on some wild fruits. But we're not that way. Our very existence, our food, our shelter, our clothes, all come from other's effort. One important element for happy life is a good friend to share your difficulties and joyfulness. Friendship based on genuine affection. Genuine friend does not depend on money or power. Those friends showing you some smile and nice words, but such friend are friends of money and power, not friend of being or person. Genuine friendship comes from the heart, from trust, mutual respect. Genuine trust and respect come if you treat them honestly, truthfully, sincerely, and with that, no hypocrisy, no telling lies, and transparent. These are the basis and foundation of trust.
    So this much have to do with your sense of concern for other's well being. That automatically brings respect and trust. On the other hand, extreme self-centered attitude often brings suspicion, distrust, hypocrisy. Therefore one's own happy life you need self confidence. Compassion brings self confidence. More self confidence, more inner strength, less fear, then your mind will be more calm. Immense benefit to body health and physical health. Scientists say healthy mind, healthy body. A healthy body without healthy mind is difficult. So must pay equal attention to a healthy mind. So for individual's happiness and successful life, healthy mind, healthy body important. On second level, as social animal, we have to create compassionate society and compassionate family. Then we give our honesty, whether you're believer or non-believer, so long we are human beings, so long as we are part of humanity. These are the fundamental values that I believe. So in order to carry a meaningful life, money, power are secondary, better facilities, these are important but not ultimate factor. Ultimate source is within overself, more compassionate mind. That's the secular approach to increase these inner values for sacred ethics. Four or five thousand years, faith eventually developed on this planet. All these different faiths have essential teaching is the same— love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, and self-discipline. And the practice of contentment. Too much greed brings more restlessness. Now today, have ecological problems, global economical crisis. Extreme greed makes certain contribution to these crisis. Practice of contentment is very good. Many of those religious followers, like Christians in monasteries, monks and nun's lives are very simple. They emphasize simplicity. That is practice of contentment. Practice of patience and tolerance immense help based on practice of love and compassion.
    Then I want to share with you the meaning of discipline. Discipline in some cases imposed by authority is different matter. In religious field, discipline mainly means self-discipline that comes voluntarily, comes from awareness. If I do this, harmful, so I will not do it because of negative consequences to myself. Out of awareness of consequences, restrain from wrongdoing, then I have discipline. If doctor says you need more exercise or restrain from eating something, then we voluntarily do it. So we restrain, that's self-disciplie for self-protection. In religious sense, genuine meaning of discipline is like that. So all religions have the same message, same practice. Now in philosophical field, big differences. Some say there's God, some say no God. Some say rebirth, some say no rebirth, just one life. So big differences. But doesn't matter. If you ask what's the purpose of these different philosophies, same purpose— to strengthen practices of love, compassion and forgiveness. Theistic religion there is God. When you totally submit to God, that reduces self-centered ego. Very Good. Then description about God is Infinite Love, that gives us inspiration to us to love. Wonderful! Non-theistic religion like Buddhism and Jainism emphasize Law of causality or Karma (means action)— if you do good things to others you get benefit. If you do bad things to others, you get suffering. That's the Law of Karma. If you practice compassion and serve others and not harm others you get benefit. Too much greed, you get trouble. From viewpoint of law of causality, these practices come.
    Within Buddhist tradition, there are different philosophies. These teachings come from Buddha himself, not because of his own confusion. One day he tells this to one audience, one day he tells that. These contradictions come not out of alcohol or confusion. Certainly not. Nor he deliberately create more confusion among his followers. One day he says this, one day he says that. Then the answer is because among his disciples, there are different mental dispositions. Therefore certain philosohical viewpoint is more suitable and effective. Out of Buddha's compassion, out of his sense of concern, he taught differently accordingly. So from this we learn different traditions— some say God, some say Creator, Absolute, Buddhists say no Absolute. Doesn't matter, same purpose. Sometimes in order to create closer relation just talk similar things, those who put differences behind is wrong method. When I participate in faith discussions, I make clear these differences. In spite these differences, the essential practice is the same. All these different philosophical viewpoints have the same purpose. Through that way, you can develop genuine respect for other traditions.
    So now today, among different religions, spiritual pluralism is coming. For 3000 years in India, they have different home-grown religions— Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, other imported Zoroastrianism from ancient Iran, Christianity, Islam, Judaism. All major world religions exist in India. Why not tolerate all religions on this planet? Immigrants come to America from all over the world to create multicultural society. We should take India's example. So things are improving. But we need more constant effort to bring closer relation and understanding among different religious traditions. I always try to bring closer understanding. Then what else? I think my talk finished. Actually I have two commitments— to promote human values, that I've touched. And second commitment, to promote religious harmony, that I've touch. So now complete. Thank you very much.

Q & A Session

Scotty McLennan: We'll start from question online: To what extent should we act for others at the expense of our own personal happiness? Where do our responsibility to others end and where do our responsibility to ourselves begin? (Audience Applause)

Dalai Lama: I think generally, more service to others. Show affection, respect, nothing to lose from your side. Of course when some hungry person comes to you to share half of your sandwich. You give him half, then you lose something (chuckles). But that's a small matter. But when you sacrifice your own life to benefit others. Then that's more serious. Then you have to think— If I sacrifice my own life, how much benefit? If I preserve my life, how much benefit. You have to weigh your choice. If 80-90% sure that you sacrifice your life have immense benefit to another, then it's worthwhile. If you give your eye, kidney, or organ to benefit another, that's worthwhile. If the recipient is a cheating bully, then it may not benefit to sacrifice yourself. Depends on circumstances, on case to case, longer term benefit, and shorter term loss. Also consider benefit to others and degree of cost inflicted on yourself. There's a Tibetan ethical Buddhist saying "For the purpose of a small goal, don't sacrifice something that is larger."

Audience Q: Do you feel that the quality of unconditional love that is something known at birth by a mother is something that can be cultivated in the religious life and in the life of our inclusion of all beings so that we have some sort of parameter for bringing about a kind of peace and allowing for what we might say is the stronger sex that right now doesn't appear to be in our violent world?

DL: In religious matter of course I cannot say definitely for different traditions. Generally for today's world, education is highly advanced. We're facing a lot of man-made problems, not because of lack of education, but lack of vision. Sometimes lack of vision. We're lacking the real sense of responsibility. Regarding compassion, biologically female more sensitive to other's pain. Scientists showed that response of female much stronger than male. I have one story. One time night flight from Japan to America. In the airplane, one quite young couple with two babies, one 5-6 year old child and one 1-year old. Daytime, older child ran up and down the aisle of plane. Quite amusing. I offered him a sweet. Then at night, the elder one slept nicely, the smaller baby cried. At beginning both parents took care of the baby. At midnight, father slept. Mother still taking care of baby and didn't sleep. I noticed the mother's eyes were red. Mother took care more than father. Also mother dog took care of pup when father dog ran away. Birds are also like that. That's biological factore. We need more effort for human compassion and female take more active role.

Audience Q: When we make a decision, we sometimes regret our decision in life. What should be proper way of making decisions, what should be our rule of thumb in making the right decision?

DL: You need a kind of clairvoyance (laughter). But that is also difficult (laughter). Small decision doesn't matter. But more serious matter, think which direction come, you have no time to escape. Usually, decision should not be made hurriedly. Think again and again. Ask some of your trusted friends. Think carefully after different suggestions then finally decide. Then later you'll have no regret. My own experience go like that, when I was 60 years old, now I'm now over 75. Major decision, I always myself think and think. Then I ask for different opinions, from concerned people, my friends, even sweeper. As Buddhist practioner, I even use divination (mysterious procedure). Use human intelligence for discussion and consultation one decision is better. If still some dilemma, then use mysterious way of investigation [divination]. Then decide and have no regret. Even if something goes wrong, no regret. Decision maker has to be himself or herself.

SM: Online question. Doesn't discovering the way to lead a meaningful life demand experiential learning. And to what extent is that knowledge communicable by a teacher like yourself?

DL: I think mainly information. From kindergarten to university level, give us information so we use our intellect effectively. When we study, superficial knowledge and books are not sufficient. These knowledge from others and books, then analyze yourself, experiment, then develop fuller knowledge about the subject. Some cases certain subject such as practice of compassion. Time factor is important then familiarize yourself with these things, then eventually it becomes part of your life. Knowledge that way is real teacher. Then you need no external teacher. One story, a 10th-11th century master was passing away. His disciples asked what to do. He said "Texts should be your teacher. Should not rely on person." That's the way to acquire more information. Nowadays, newspapers and media information are immensely helpful. Buddha's statement is quite useful "You are your own master." You have to take care of youself. Use human intelligence and human experiences. Maximum way like that.

Audience Q: I'm wondering what is your favorite time of the day is?

DL: Sleep! (Laughter & applause). Of course I have a long day. My daily life starts at 3:30 am. Then some analytical meditation, think, think, think. Occasionally single-pointed meditation for four-five hours, then some meetings. Now get older. In late evening I feel tired. So sleep is very important. Then more serious, like this meeting. Meeting brothers and sisters who have the same potential. Some kind of problems always there. Then how to tackle this problem. Share each other your experiences. Your life will benefit others. That's the real meaning of life.

Audience Q: First of all, very nice color coordination of hat and robe. Question about meditation. Meditation encourages you to detach yourself from worldly objects or things in your life. But at the same time, it also enable you to gain oneself with and interrelatedness with everything. Could you explain two opposing views. How can a feeling of detachment from everything lead to sense of oneness with your environment.

DL: No contradiction. What kind of meditation? (Questioner: Zen meditation). Compassion or closeness of feelings with others. There are two different kind or levels. Biological factor to your own family members. Parents, brothers and sisters. That closeness animals also have. There's attachment. in that level. Second level or higher level is to overcome suffering. One's self feel care of self also want other's happiness. Each one has desire to overcome suffering for oneself as well as others. Previous one oriented to other's attitude. Second one not oriented to others. Attachment becomes hidrance. All equal. My enemy also have right to overcome suffering. Then there's real compassion. Limited compassion has attachment. Thank you about your commen on the color of my hat.

SM: Online question: Most religions advocate elimination of desires. Distinguish one desire from another.

DL: Buddhist texts say desire causes suffering. Without desire, movement no longer there. Wishing happy life for all human beings, peaceful world is desire. Action comes from desires. Effect comes from action. Action comes from motivation. Motivation comes from desire. Desire mixed with attachment is wrong. Have positive constructive desire, destructive desire, neutral desire. My scratching is neutral desire. Neither ethical or non-ethical in one's desire. Sense of strong self. Also two kinds, positive and negative. Egotistical desire harm others cheat or bully others is negative. On the other hand, want to serve others, need to have strong sense of self. Without that you cannot develop self confidence. Even anger has two sides. Out of concern of other's well-being. A child running up and down. You don't want the child to fall, so you scream for him to stop. We can't say desire is wrong or anger is wrong. That wrathful attitude is motivated by compassion. We cannot say desire wrong, egotistical attitude wrong. Need to analyze each category. We need to study more of our inner world. In geography, we measure how many kilometers from one city to another. Even more important, within the skull, need to study even more. Buddhism, three parts— Buddhist science from text, Buddhist philosophy from thoughts, then Buddhist religion. Science from Buddhist literature is universal. Collect ancient text and compare with modern science. Then Buddhist information can enrich our knowledge about inner science.

Audience Q: You envision that one day that the world will be unified. How can Buddhist compassion accomplish the goal of a peaceful world?

SM: I always believe different religious traditions are helpful to variety of people. One religion cannot satisfy all people. Subject of compassion is the same in all religions. One time in Argentina, in a meeting of scientists and religious leaders, one Chilean physicists (teacher of Verella) told in our gathering that if he develops attachment to his field is wrong. I learned from him. I'm a Buddhist, so if I'm too attached to Buddhism, then I can't see value of other traditions with an open mind. Lack of knowledge of other's values. Not Buddhists alone have the only message. All religions have the same message. One time in Germany, casual talk with a minister and I asked if there's secular ethics without religion. He said no. He said "Moral ethics must be based on religious faith." One time my spiritual friend the late Pope John Paul II and talked. One day I had courage to ask him "If moral ethics depend on religious faith or not." He didn't answer me. But his lieutenant, one Cardinal said "Yes. Must be based on religous faith." That is a problem. There are millions of non-believers that want to have a happy life. Someone think that compassion is sign of weakness. That's totally wrong. It order to reach these non-believers, we need to develop third approach. Secularism disrepect for religion is totally wrong. Mahatma Gandhi in his daily prayers. He was very religious minded. The first President Raga Prasad and lawyer also respected all religions. In India secularism also respect all religions and non-believers. I try to make clear that basic moral ethics we developed from birth has nothing to do with religion. These ethics and secular values we really need and have no dependence on religions. No contradiction with religious traditions. They all teach love and compassion. Teaching of religions is problematic in public schools. Education of secular ethics. In order to make a happy world, need not to be Buddhist. Unrealistic and unnecessary.

Audience Q: You've stated opposition to death penalty. What's your argument to end practice of death penalty.

DL: Those people who want death penalty as deterrance. But that has failed. In China, have maximum death sentence, but corruption increasing. Another argument is revenge. Retribution for person who did unjust deed, so he or she must pay. Both reasons look unsatisfactory. If we analyze those countries without death penalty, they don't have more crime. And vice versa. Those who are in life prison, we shouldn't reject them from society, but give them opportunity. They still belong to society. We need to give them some spiritual information and meditation. Visit prisoners and give them love and kindness to change the person. Through training of prisoner's mind, they can become a useful person. That is more effective way of deterrance. In India, still has death sentence. As far as potential of crime is concerned, we all have anger, hatred, ignorance, including myself. Everybody is a candidate for death sentence. Even criminal people can change. In human society, justice is important. In war, big murderer is a hero, and we praise him. A poor person takes another's life. This small murderer put in prison for life. That's unfair. All these people from childhood are the same human being. Several years ago, Amnesty International started some movement abolishing death sentence. I'm one of the signators.

SM: We began the week at Stanford with showing of a film Compassion Rising that showed your meeting in 1968 with the Roman Catholic Monk Thomas Merton. That was more than 40 years ago. Now you have been teaching not only within your own tradition but across traditions, and around the world. You have been our great spiritual teacher. We're very grateful for that. And we hope you will continue for decades, and we look forward in seeing you back at Stanford soon (Applause).

3:30 pm— The Dalai Lama's talk was over and the audience stood to a thunderous ovation. The Dalai Lama wrapped a white kerchief around Scotty McLennan's neck and also Richard Rathbun. He then left Memorial Auditorium through the back exit.

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Stanford News Stories on the Dalai Lama:
Recorded webcast of "Harry's Last Lecture on a Meaningful Life"
(Stanford Memorial Church, Thursday, October 14, 2010, 2:00-3:30 pm PDT)
Recorded webcast of "The Centrality of Compassion in Human Life and Society"
(Stanford Maples Pavilion, Thursday, October 14, 2010, 9:30-11:00 am PDT)
Recorded webcast of "Scientific Explorations of Compassion and Altruism" Conference
(Stanford Memorial Auditorium, Friday, October 15, 2010, 9:00 am­4:00 pm PDT)
Dalai Lama talks meditation with Stanford scientists
(By Kamil Dada, Stanford Daily, October 18, 2010)
Dalai Lama spreads compassion, advice on first day of visits
(By Kamil Dada, Stanford Daily, October 15, 2010)
Dalai Lama advocates a secular approach to compassion
(By Cynthia Haven, Stanford Report, October 14, 2010)
Why the Dalai Lama comes to Stanford
(By Cynthia Haven, Stanford Report, October 13, 2010)
Dalai Lama brings message of nonviolence on campus visit
["Money and power will not be a full guarantee of a happy life."]
(By Michael Peña, Stanford Report, Nov. 9, 2005)
No suffering in dialogue between Dalai Lama, neuroscientists
[Dr. William C. Mobley: "Can neuroscience, with its tools and concepts, bring
to Buddhism, with its contemplative practice, something useful and vice-versa?"]
(By Mitzi Baker, Stanford Report, Nov. 9, 2005)
* Streaming Video: Dalai Lama and neuroscientists
build bridge between Buddhism & Western medicine
(Stanford School of Medicine, Morning & Afternoon Session, Nov. 5, 2005)
Slide Show: Dalai Lama at Stanford
(Six Photos from Stanford Report, Nov. 9, 2005, pp. 8-9)
Video: Dalai Lama delivers a message of nonviolence
(Real Player or Windows Media Player, Stanford Report, Nov. 9, 2005)
* Dalai Lama visits Stanford
["Negative emotions are actually one of the greatest obstacles of seeing reality clearly."]
(By Barrett W. Sheridan, Stanford Daily, Nov. 7, 2005)
Students learn meditation
["For Buddhists, it is extremely useful to learn from scientific findings, scientific exploration."]
(By James Hohmann, Stanford Daily, Nov. 7, 2005)
Campus anticipates Dalai Lama
[Students who successfully withstood three-hour lines last spring
for tickets to see the Dalai Lama will finally get their opportunity.]
(By Barrett W. Sheridan, Stanford Daily, Nov. 4, 2005)
Photos: ARC/Tibet Donors' Reception
[The Dalai Lama's visit to Stanford University]
(Photos by Michael Ian, ARC Stanford, Nov. 4, 2005)
Photos: ARC/Tibet Luncheon
[The Dalai Lama's visit to Stanford University]
(Photos by Michael Ian, ARC Stanford, Nov. 4, 2005)

Web Sites on The Dalai Lama:
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
(The Government of Tibet in Exile: Biography, Books, Messages)
Wikipedia: Dalai Lama
(List of Dalai Lamas, History of Tibet, External Links)
Beliefnet.com: Dalai Lama
(In His Own Words, Articles, Books, Featured Links)
CNN: The Dalai Lama: A spiritual leader in exile
(Reports, News on Tibet, Resources, Newsbank, Photo Essays, Photos, Links)
Dalai Lama: Nobel Prize 1989
(Biography, Press Release, Presentation Speech, Nobel Speech, Acceptance Speech, Nobel Synmposia)
His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama visits Harvard
(Sept. 2003: Photo Gallery, Real Video/Quicktime, Transcripts, Gazette stories)