Thousands of people were planning to see the Dalai Lama at CU Boulder today for his sold-out “Compassion in Action” teaching. Now many are putting that teaching into practice as they send healing prayers to His Holiness who has unexpectedly fallen ill– causing him to postpone his visit to Colorado.

Tenzin Gyatso (The Dalai Lama’s spiritual name) was enthroned as the 14th Dalai Lama in 1940 at the age of 5, and has spent most of his life since traveling the world extensively as a peacemaker and spiritual leader.

His teachings focus on Tibetan ethics of inter-religious harmony, interracial tolerance, environmentalism, peace and compassion to all beings. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent response to the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

A Landmark Event in Boulder

flyerBoulder’s Buddhist-influenced community hasn’t had a visit by the Dalai Lama since 1997, and people from around the world were planning to visit Boulder this week for this landmark event.

The Tibetan Association of Colorado (TAC) who co-organized this event with CU student government is requesting donations to help cover losses from the cancellation. Donations are tax deductible and can be made here.

As an extra “thank you” to people for their support, TAC will put all donors on a “priority list” for purchasing tickets for a rescheduled event.

TAC spokespeople are confident that His Holiness is simply needing rest after extensive travel as an 80 year-old world leader, and people around the world are holding him in their prayers.

Other ways to connect with the Dalai Lama in Boulder THIS WEEK

12079942_10208220794861735_19298285783231955_oTonight ~ October 21

For a musical performance inspired by the Dalai Lama check out world-renowned musicians Michael Fitzpatrick and Rami Yadid of “Vehicle” performing tonight at their release party for the album “Compassion” at Boulder Shambhala Center from 7:30-10. More details   

Vehicle made its debut performance on-stage with 200 Tibetan Monks and the Dalai Lama performing the song “Verses of the Heart”. The piece was commissioned by the office of His Holiness to create a “hit song” of the Heart Sutra, one of the most well known Buddhist texts.

This Weekend ~ October 24 & 251534289_orig

Learn more about the Dalai Lama’s life and the history of Tibet at a photography exhibit this Saturday and Sunday at Naropa’s Nalanda campus. Exhibit details

The exhibit is a fundraiser for TAC’s “Dream Project” to develop a “Tibetan Center for Ethics” to expand the Dalai Lama’s teachings to our community in Colorado.