The Dalai Lama stopped into the Wisconsin state Assembly chambers Tuesday as part of his Change Your Mind Change The World tour to deliver an approximately 20-minute speech peppered with jokes and his distinctive chuckles, which hit on the need for unity and compassion among state legislators.
He is speaking in Madison, along with other leaders in neuroscience, environmental policy, economics and health care, as a part of the Change Your Mind Change The World conference, which is designed to facilitate discussions that would help to “make the world a better place.”
The Dalai Lama, a prominent figure in Tibetan Buddhism, recounted his experiences as an exiled leader in India, where he fled after the Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1950. He served as Tibet’s political leader until 1959 and used his observations gathered during that time to offer advice to the legislators.
His speech’s central theme of equality and compassion drew from what he said is his belief that everyone is the same no matter what position they hold in society. He said politicians are not much different than himself or the citizens they represent, specifically saying a homeless man is not much different than the state assembly speaker.
"They were born, they die, same. No differences," the Dalai Lama said.
Additionally, the Dalai Lama emphasized the need to recognize self-worth and develop trust among legislators and their colleagues because “trust brings friendship,” and he said people should be judged on their inner value, not how much money or power they have.
He emphasized the importance of “inner value” by pointing at his heart.
In the spirit of his address, during which the Dalai Lama commented on his low opinion of formality in politics, he concluded his remarks with little flair, simply saying, “So that is my report. Thank you.”
The Dalai Lama is also scheduled to speak Wednesday at two panel discussions at the Overture Center, 201 State St., at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
