Tickets Available for June 16 Dalai Lama Public Address

His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. But to the world he is a renowned peace advocate, a beacon of hope for humanity, sharing inspirational messages with international audiences that range from young students to government leaders.

The University of California San Diego will be hosting His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama at a public event June 16 where he will speak about “Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World” to an estimated 25,000 attendees. A limited number of tickets will be available to faculty, staff and students, at no charge, beginning April 26.

“We are indeed fortunate to host His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama, a world-renowned spiritual leader and Nobel Prize winner, at UC San Diego on June 16 for a public address,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “Hearing His Holiness’ message of compassion and inclusion will be an experience that will last a lifetime.” Khosla noted that the Dalai Lama will also address UC San Diego graduates and their families at a June 17 invitation-only All Campus Commencement.

UC San Diego is the first stop on the Dalai Lama’s 2017 U.S. tour. The events are presented in partnership with The Friends of the Dalai Lama Foundation, which was founded by Ven. Lama Tenzin Dhonden, the Personal Emissary for Peace to His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama.

After the Dalai Lama first visited San Diego in 2012 to speak at events organized by UC San Diego, San Diego State University and the University of San Diego, there has been high interest in bringing him back to our campus. Last October, Chancellor Khosla and Lama Tenzin traveled to India to meet His Holiness and extend an invitation—and he accepted.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been invited to speak at most major universities in the U.S. because his global message of universal responsibility, kindness and compassion is loved and appreciated by people all over the world, and applicable to every field of study,” said Lama Tenzin.

In 1989, His Holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He also became the first Nobel laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems. His Holiness has travelled to more than 62 countries spanning six continents, receiving over 84 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes and other recognition of his message of peace, nonviolence, interreligious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He has also authored more than 80 books.

Faculty, staff and students can access a limited number of free tickets for the June 16 public address at RIMAC Field on a first come, first served basis beginning at 10 a.m. April 26. Only those with a Single Sign-On account will be able to access the ticket site. A maximum of four tickets per campus community member will be allowed. Please visit compassion2017.ucsd.edu for the ticket site and details. In recognition of this special event, Chancellor Khosla is approving two hours of administrative leave with pay so that employees may attend, with permission from their supervisors.

On May 1, the remaining tickets will be sold to the general public.

For graduating students and faculty attending the invitation-only UC San Diego All Campus Commencement on June 17, please visit commencement.ucsd.edu for more information.