Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 17 June 2011 (By
Tsering Kyinzom Dhongdue) - Whether it's a discussion with scientists on
the science of mind or an address at a business luncheon or a public
talk, His Holiness shares the same core message of love and compassion.
This, he does, by tapping into our inherent positive qualities and
intelligence. He says, "We are all human beings. Each one of us has the
same desire and the same right to be happy. Today's new reality is that
we are all deeply interdependent, therefore it is our responsibility to
care for each other."
|
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and
fellow participants greet the audience before the Science and Mind Forum
in Brisbane, Australia, on 17 june 2011. Photo/Rusty Stewart/DLIAL
|
This morning, His Holiness participated at Science
of the Mind Forum as part of the Happiness & Its Causes conference.
Now in its sixth year, the conference brings leading scientists and
thinkers in spirituality, science and the arts from all over the world
on a common platform. His Holiness has been part of the conference on a
few previous occasions. Today, he spoke on transforming our minds to
achieve a happy life. He was joined by Dr Paul Ekman, a pioneering
emotions researcher from the US, Prof Marco Iacoboni from University of
California and Prof Pat McGorry, an advocate for mental health and last
year's Australian of the Year. The three presented their latest work
with His Holiness - Dr Ekman argued on the emotional nature of
compassion, Prof Iacoboni talked about how mirror neurons function and
Prof McGorry discussed the need for moral leadership in dealing with
mental health.
His Holiness then addressed a business luncheon and
shared his thoughts on values in leadership, environmental thinking and
the action required.
|
His Holiness the Dalai Lama meets
with residents of areas affected by flooding earlier this year in
Queensland before his talk in Brisbane, Australia, on 17 June 2011.
Photo/Rusty Stewart/DLIAL
|
He then headed off to give his public talk to
the largest audience on his current tour to Australia. 0ver 8,000 people
flocked to the Riverstage at Brisbane's Botanic Gardens to hear him
speak on "Finding Happiness on Life's Journey and Overcoming Loss". The
talk was of great value to a community devastated by massive floods
earlier this year. Just before the talk, His Holiness met with a group
of people from the Lockyer Valley, one of the worst-hit towns. The mayor
of Ipswich, another badly-affected town, joined him on stage.
His Holiness' insights on love, compassion and
grief were a source of great comfort and inspiration to the crowd, who
have gathered on a sunny afternoon. He fielded questions from a number
of people, some of whom face great emotional challenges in their lives.
|
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers
comfort to an audience member during his public talk in Brisbane,
Australia, on 17 June 2011. Photo/Rusty Stewart/DLIAL
|
A woman who has undergone nine brain surgeries
asked in tears how she can deal with her sense of isolation. His
Holiness offered her to come on stage, gave her a warm hug and reminded
that she is not alone. He said, "We human beings have the capacity to
share other's sufferings. You are one of the six billion human beings."
He then asked her to take his address and contact him to share her
problems with him in future.
On the subject of grieving, His Holiness said we
can transform this feeling into a renewed energy and commit ourselves
towards creating a meaningful life.
His Holiness leaves for Perth tomorrow morning before returning to India on 20th June.
