Tibetan Lama gives lecture on 'Engaging Wisdom and Compassion'

June 23, 2008 —

The balcony of the Rhea Miller Recital Hall was opened to make room for the capacity crowd in attendance of Lama Gelek Rimpoche's June 13 presentation, "Wisdom and Compassion."

Lama Rimpoche is the founder of the Jewel Heart Organization and acts as spiritual advisor to the Garrison institute. He came to SVSU as part of an ongoing speaking tour in the midwest.

The Lama's lecture series is taking place in order to continue the positive impact of the Dali Lama's visit to Ann Arbor earlier this year. Lama Rimpoche also hopes his message will uplift the people of Michigan who are going through tough economic times. The Lama added that he came to SVSU because it is "very beautiful here and centrally located."

Lama Rimpoche spoke at length on the subject of compassion a person has for others. He then expanded on that definition of compassion.

"Compassion must also be looking inwards," Rimpoche said. He also said this is because no one can know what torment and suffering an individual endures except for that person.

On the subject, he said, "self responsibility is self compassion," then added that the manner we help ourselves is the same as that we use to help others.

Lama Rimpoche concluded his talk to the audience by discussing the practice of nonviolence and suggesting this mantra.

"I will be good, kind, compassionate, particularly today," Rimpoche said.

When asked by a member of the audience how to reckon self defense with the practice of nonviolent principles, Lama Rimpoche said that nonviolence is the best self defense, then recalled the memory of struggles faced by Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luthor King Jr., and the Dali Lama.

Rimpoche, who fled his home in Tibet at the age of 20, recalled his journey over the Himalaya mountain range to seek asylum in India at an age similar to that of most college students. He remembered that it was the kindness and compassion of others that did the most to ease the trip.

Lama Rimpoche also said he is very impressed by the American academic system and left SVSU with something he wants them to remember.

"College is so important because it allows people to make and learn from their mistakes." He then stressed that "students here not only have the opportunity to study but they also have the chance to act."