Personal Peace Emissary to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
From the age of eight, The Venerable Lama Tenzin Dhonden was trained in monastic traditions of Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, where he completed extensive studies on Buddhist philosophy and Tantric practice. In addition to over thirty years of monastic training, Lama Tenzin is a master of the art of Tibetan sand mandalas and butter sculpture, as well as Buddhist ritual dance.
Lama Tenzin has been living in the United States for over 20 years, sharing his teachings with groups and giving talks at American and international universities. In 2005, Lama Tenzin was honored to be appointed Personal Emissary of Peace for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As such, he has arranged interviews for His Holiness with CNN, ABC, NBC, and Fox, among other media outlets. Lama Tenzin has also planned and coordinated numerous programs for His Holiness in the United States and abroad.
Compassion Without Borders, San Diego, April 2012
Three major universities in San Diego, UC San Diego, University of San Diego and San Diego State University, will host His Holiness for a symposium on science, peace and ethics. At UC San Diego, a panel of scientists will discuss “The Global Impact of Climate Change: Balance through Universal Responsibility, Compassion and Human Consciousness” with His Holiness. At the University of San Diego, His Holiness will speak on “Cultivating Peace and Justice,” and at San Diego State University, His Holiness will address “Upholding Universal Ethics and Compassion in Challenging Times.” A closing panel will bring together science, peace and ethics in a discussion of “Neuroscience and the Emerging Mind: A Conversation on Human Consciousness and Compassion.”
Interview at the NBC Studios, New York, May 2010
The Dalai Lama was interviewed by Ann Curry about why he believes the 21st century will be much happier than the violent 20th century.
Significance of World Religion, Temple Emanu-El & The Quest for Happiness in Challenging Times, University of Miami, Florida, October, 2010
Sharing the stage with representatives of Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Islamic, Hindu, Jain and Tao faiths, His Holiness discussed the importance of deep faith and tolerance for other religions in addressing the challenges in today’s society. Then, before a student audience at the University of Miami, he talked about going beyond an academic education to an understanding of oneself that brings happiness.
Compassion as a Pillar of World Peace, Florida Atlantic University, February, 2010
Speaking during FAU’s Peace Week, His Holiness discussed different levels of compassion and the impact that an unbiased and objective type of compassion that acknowledges our common humanity can have on peace and non-violence.
The Responsibility of Higher Education in Today’s Global Society, Broward College, Florida, February 2010
A unique panel discussion with His Holiness and presidents and administrators from universities and colleges all over Florida discussed that in addition to addition to developing intellectual capacity, education must instill moral ethics and compassion for the betterment of global society.
The Effect of Compassion on the Global Community, Southeastern University, Florida, February 2010
His Holiness spoke to university students and to the general public about his “message to America” stating that, ultimately, the source of joyfulness lies within each individual.
Introduction of His Holiness to Twitter, Los Angeles, February 2010
Lama Tenzin Dhonden and Jerry Murdock introduced His Holiness to Twitter and the global reach that this technology offers for his messages of compassion and peace, leading to an official Dalai Lama Twitter account.
Interview on Larry King Live, Los Angeles, February 2010
Larry King spoke with His Holiness about “The Middle Path”, the Dalai Lama’s approach to relations between Tibet and China, where Tibet would enjoy religious freedom and protection of Tibetan cultural heritage without independence from China.
Whole Child International, Los Angeles, February 2010
The Dalai Lama came to Los Angeles to highlight the importance of meeting the emotional needs of vulnerable children in a multi-event visit that brought together policymakers, academics, philanthropists and the general public, and included an exclusive live interview with Larry King for CNN.
Seeds of Compassion, Washington University, Seattle, April 2008
The multi-day event, attended by over 65 thousand people, included conferences on “The Scientific Basis for Compassion: What We Know Now and What We Can all Do” and “From Knowledge to Compassionate Action.” His Holiness was joined by leaders in the area of compassion and empathy for a wide-ranging discussion on how parenting and education can bring compassion into the lives of children and families. Included was also a “Concert for Compassion” with Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, who brought attention to the importance of nurturing kindness in the world, starting with children and all those who touch their lives.
The Women’s Conference, Hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles, September 2006
The Dalai spoke to over fifteen thousand women, offering his vision on how to build a better world in which women become leaders and schools teach compassion. The program delivered lessons on the importance of women, motherhood, inner peace and harmony.
Gathering of Hearts and Illuminating Compassion, San Francisco, April 2006
His Holiness attended this historic event embracing his Muslim brothers and sisters to foster mutual understanding between them and other world faiths and to celebrate common humanity. This event was attended by headers and scholars from around the world and covered by over 300 media organizations. The purpose of the Summit was to dispel the perception that certain religious groups are inherently intolerant. The goal – a world without violence, respectful of diversity.
Message of Compassion, Sun Valley, Idaho, September 2005
The Dalai Lama commemorated the fourth anniversary of 9/11, addressing business and religious leaders, politicians and the public, including a special program for children, in a nationally televised address on compassion and healing the wounds of suffering.
Universal Responsibility, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, September 2004
Over 10,000 students and members of the public attended a talk on universal responsibility and the promotion of basic human values, inter-religious harmony and world peace.
