Dalai Lama to visit CSULB
By Katrina Guevara, Daily 49er, April 20, 2011
San Francisco, CA (USA) -- The Dalai Lama will tour college campuses during the month of May. The Dalai Lama will visit Cal State Long Beach next month to receive an award for global human rights at the Amnesty International 50th anniversary celebration.
The celebration will take place on May 4 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International USA, will present the award to the spiritual leader.
Buddhists know the Dalai Lama, the 14th leader, as the reincarnation of his Buddhist leader predecessors. They believe he was reborn to enlighten others under the Bodhisattva of Compassion manifestation.
To many, the Dalai Lama is known for his spiritual teachings and for spreading awareness about the lack of human rights in Tibet and China throughout his 60-year rule.
He has received accolades in the past, including the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize and the 2007 Congressional Gold Medal, the highest United States government civilian honor.
"His Holiness is a beacon of hope and peace for not just the Tibetan people, but for all people fighting for human rights and dignity worldwide," Amnesty International USA regional director Rini Chakraborty said.
In addition, the Tibetan Buddhist leader Tenzin Gyatso will receive an inaugural "Shine a Light" award for his lifetime service in promoting equality and nonviolence for all people. He will deliver a keynote address on human rights.
Five Amnesty International activists will also have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama's visit is part of his Los Angeles tour in May. He will also speak at the University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles and University of California, Irvine.
Tickets are $45, and are now available through CarpenterArts.org or by calling 562-985-7000.
