His visit is still almost a year away, but UB is busy getting ready for the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and one of the most respected and recognizable political figures worldwide.
From academics to cultural activities, UB is hoping to live up to the hype surrounding the rare and momentous trip by the Dalai Lama, who will speak at UB in September 2006.
"Given our very large population of international students and Asian-Americans, a large turnout is anticipated," said John Wood, associate provost for International Education. "To meet that demand, we've arranged to have His Holiness give his speech in the UB football stadium instead of the normal venues. I would expect the same number of people as at football games. So, that gives a sense of the kind of turnout we are expecting. The corresponding security presence will likely involve campus police, local police and possibly even state police."
For the next two semesters, UB is also organizing special academic courses to give students the opportunity to learn about the Dalai Lama and his culture. By sparking student interest and raising awareness, Wood said the courses would provide an appropriate context for the upcoming visit.
"The visit is not an isolated event," he said. "We want to raise student awareness of the Dalai Lama, awareness of what he represents, of his past and of his culture. And we plan to do this through lectures, workshops and courses."
One such course will be "Tibet: Myth and Reality." Offered for the spring semester by the Asian studies program, it is a broad overview of all aspects of Tibetan history, society and culture. Thomas Burkman, a director of the program, will teach the class.
"We will discuss Buddhism, both generally and in the context of Tibet," Burkman said. "The course will have guest speakers and many forms of media. It is aimed at a general audience, and there are no prerequisites."
The Dalai Lama's keynote address will be accompanied by an interfaith service and numerous private audiences on next Sept. 21 and 22.
His highly anticipated speech will center on the role of education, especially international education, in promoting constructive dialog among nations around the world, and the interfaith service will include the religious leaders of Western New York's Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities.
Though details have not been finalized, the Dalai Lama also plans to hold private audiences with several groups from UB, one of which may be a delegation of Chinese international students.
However, according Wood, the main purpose of the visit has little to do with Tibet's current political situation.
"Contrary to some people's belief, the purpose of his coming to UB is not political," Wood said. "Instead, it will be focused on the value of education and the link between international education and world peace."
According to Wood, UB may also sponsor a "Tibet-in-Buffalo" film festival at downtown's Market Arcade. Additionally, there may be an exhibition at the Center for the Arts, featuring paintings and photos of the land and people of Tibet as well as performances of Tibetan dance.
Wood also mentioned the possibility that UB will invite Tibetan monks to create mandala paintings, intricate patterns laboriously constructed out of small colored pebbles and sand.
Moreover, next summer's UB Reads program may include books written by the Dalai Lama.
"An academic conference dealing with Tibetan Buddhist law will take place," Wood said. "Experts on the subject from UB and elsewhere will participate."
Ashith Hegde, a graduate student in the industrial engineering department, is one of many students impressed by the fact that the Dalai Lama is coming to UB, his first-ever trip to Western New York.
"I'm excited. He's one of the greatest spiritual leaders, recognized by Indians and everyone else," he said.
The Dalai Lama was born as Lhamo Thondup, and shortly after his birth he was recognized as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and became ruler Tibet from 1950 to 1959. When the Chinese army occupied his country, he was forced to flee to India. From exile, the Dalai Lama has been working to achieve the autonomy of his land. His commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
"It's a really big, super big deal. I think it's very important that he's coming to UB. We'll be honored to have him, and we can definitely all benefit from his words of wisdom," said Keri-Anne Marshall, a senior economics major.
Wood said he sees the Dalai Lama's visit as a major coup for the university and for the Office of International Education in particular.
"Many universities would like to host the Dalai Lama and don't get the chance," Wood said. "The Vice Provost of International Education Stephen Dunnet and many others have worked for years with the Office of Tibet in New York to invite him to our university."
But the ultimate reason behind hosting such an important personage is for the educational benefit, Wood said.
"We want to give the students a great opportunity to learn about a land and culture that many of them know little about," Wood said.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
