Sydneysiders are gearing up to welcome the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is known to hold controversial views on homosexuality, vegetarianism and in opposing the Chinese Government.
Joseph Heng, who is attending the Sydney Public Talk, said the Dalai Lama’s views were often misconceived.
“The Dalai Lama is not opposed to homosexuals, he is opposed to the act of having sex for pleasure. He believes that sex should only occur for procreation to have children, and not for enjoyment,” he said.
“Therefore as homosexuals can’t procreate – that is what he is against.”
The Dalai Lama’s regular consumption of meat has concerned some strict Buddhist vegetarians. He is known to consume meat every second day.
“From my knowledge of the Dalai Lama he was originally a vegeterian, but because of the unavailability of vegetables and the expense in the area he lives in, he has nothing else to choose but to eat goat meat,” said Mr Heng.
It is understood that while the Dalai Lama applauds the compassion of vegetarians, he has to eat meat due to health reasons.
A spokesperson for the Dalai Lama in Australia said that a sold-out crowd of 10,500 people are expected to attend his Public Talk, ‘Ethical Mindfulness in Everyday Life’, held on Sunday, June 16.
“Teachings by the Dalai Lama are conducted only from time to time around the world and it isn’t unusual for people to travel from Australia and as far as India to attend. This time the teachings will occur right here in Darling Harbour,” said the spokesperson.
Prices to see the Dalai Lama speak at the Sydney Entertainment Centre over the weekend range from $40 up to $110.
David Tate, a Buddhist living in Sydney, is critical of the ticket prices, opining they represent the commercialisation of Buddhism.
“The Dalai Lama experience has become expensive … it’s almost come to the point where it will be how much money are people willing to spend to see the Dalai Lama,” said Mr Tate.
“Tibet and the Dalai Lama have almost become a brand, and most people just want the chance to hear the man speak without having a heavy financial burden.”
The Dalai’s Lama visit to Sydney was initially the focus of controversy after The University of Sydney was accused of withdrawing an invitation for the Dalai Lama to speak to the university due to political reasons.
The innuendo focused on the close financial ties the university has with the Chinese Government, and was speculated as the reasoning behind dropping the invitation.
However, after widespread condemnation, the University of Sydney ended the dispute by agreeing to host a lecture by the Dalai Lama. The university’s Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (IDHR) will host an on-campus lecture after coming to an agreement with representatives of the Dalai Lama, according to IDHR director John Keane.
“It is hoped the mid-June event will form part of a determined commitment of the University of Sydney to develop a constructive dialogue on matters concerning Tibet and the wider region,” said Professor Keane in a statement.
Officials from the university later claimed they had never received any official request for an appearance by the Tibetan spiritual leader. Critics still question whether this is in fact true. Emails from the university’s Vice-Chancellor Michael Spence referenced a decision to “withdraw support for hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s planned speech”.
Mr Keane reaffirmed that the University of Sydney remains “firmly committed to the principle that academics are free to invite anyone to our campus who has a legitimate contribution to make to public debate”.
The Dalai Lama will speak under the theme of ‘Education Matters’ in an open event for university students only.
Even though the Dalai Lama no longer makes political statements, the Chinese Government has previously blamed him for the continued self-immolation of Tibetan monks. Around 100 monks have died since 2009 by protesting human rights abuses by Chinese authorities.
The public talk held this Sunday will centre on a 1959 Buddhist book, Beyond Religion, Ethics for a Whole World, where His Holiness will discuss how to put ethics into practice in everyday life.
The Nobel peace prize laureate will give two days of teachings on June 14 and 15, with a public talk on ‘Ethical Mindfulness on Everyday Life’ on Sunday afternoon.
The Sydney Public Talk is sold out; however limited seats remain for the Dalai Lama’s Sydney Teaching at the Entertainment Centre from June 14-16. To attend, visit www.dalailamainaustralia.org
