Dalai Lama ends three days in Louisville with 2400 students

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- 2400 local students received a lesson in compassion on Tuesday. It was a chance for students to come face to face with the Dalai Lama.

Ten students from the area had questions selected to ask the Dalai Lama on stage at the Kentucky Center. Frances Maguire, a 7th grade student from St. Martha, asked, "Looking back at yourself when you were 13, what advice would you give yourself?"

The Buddhist Spiritual Leader responded saying at the age of 13 or 14 years old, it's best to study. He says he wanted to play more, but later realized the importance of studying.

The program is called Youth Engaging Compassion, with a goal of igniting compassion in the hearts of kids, and is aimed at preventing and easing suffering of people.

Siera Hanks, an Atherton High School student said, "This is my challenge to you my friends, don't be ashamed of being compassionate, strive to help others reach their full potential on your path to realizing your own." Hanks then asked the Dalai Lama for a hug and they hugged on stage.

There were several moments of laughter at the talk, as the Dalai Lama continued to adjust microphones for the kids. Some microphones were too high.

The 77-year-old has a unique outlook on the world that he's sharing with others -- and says it starts with the simple act of kindness. He says people must be mindful and understanding of others' beliefs: "A person who practices compassion, forgiveness is actually much more inner strength. People who act aggressively....anger is a sign of weakness."

He suggested that moral teachings, based on respect for all religions, could help reduce youth violence. The Dalai Lama also says there should be less emphasis on money and material goods.

Maya Huber, a 12-year-old Collegiate School student said, "I think everyone who came here respects him. So, I am hoping that they'll take away what he told us because he's been through it."

Those on stage banded together wearing and waving the white scarves at the end of the Dalai Lama's talk.

Daniel Varghese, a 17-year-old who just graduated from St. Xavier School says, "His calmness and his cool headedness towards everything was something that I kind of expected. I didn't expect him to be as funny as he was."

The Muhammad Ali Center has also formed a new program called "Youth Ambassadors for Compassion." It's open to high school students.