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Utahns listen to teachings from the Dalai Lama

Posted at 7:48 PM, Jun 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-22 09:42:38-04

SALT LAKE CITY -- Many messages from one of the most well-known world leaders: The 14th Dalai Lama.

His Holiness spoke at the University of Utah's Huntsman Center on Tuesday.

Traditional Tibetan dancing and music, flags and banners were there to welcome one of the greatest men, and also the most humble to Salt Lake City.

“I am 81 year old person but I always consider I’m a student,” said the Dalai Lama.

He looked like a University of Utah student after President David Pershing gave him an honorary medal from the university and a white hat with the U’s logo on it.

Tenzin Lhadon was waiting outside a few hours before the teaching began along with her Tibetan friends.

“I'm really happy to meet him today; just scared and nervous and emotional,” Lhadon said.

Emotional she said because she along with thousands of others are eager to hear His answers to their questions.

Jexy Nguyen has been studying Buddhism for the last five years. She said it has brought her clarity and focus in a time where she was hurting.

“If I could ask him something I would want to know how to become more secure in my soul and be happy,” Nguyen said.

His Holiness talked about happiness and peace and who is responsible to create those dreams.

“Peace come only through action not through prayer, not through blessing,” said the 14th Dalai Lama to his nearly 10,000 viewing audience.

He said prayer is not enough.

“I'm quite skeptical. Peace through prayer. I think thousand years pray, pray, pray, but not positive result,” the Dalai Lama said.

He said there is too much violence in the 21st Century and believes since people created that violence it’s people who can stop it.

He also believes America is the world's leading nation. And if we take steps to find peace, other nations will follow.

His Holiness answered some questions from the audience, via the Internet. When he answered the first question, he included the meaning of life.

The answer to the age-old question: What is the meaning of life?

“Those people who lead meaningful life meaningful means, how hospitable they are. Serving others. Helping others,” the Dalai Lama said.

Ticket sales reached $300,000. Some of the money will be donated by His Holiness' choice, to Primary Children's Hospital and to local homelessness services.