09:18 AM EST on Friday, November 18, 2005

BY RICHARD SALIT
Journal Staff Writer

NEWPORT -- A thin, bald, elderly man who spoke in stilted English kept the rapt attention of an audience of nearly 4,000 people yesterday with a message as simple as the burgundy and gold robe he wore: Compassion can bring personal happiness and world peace.

But this was no ordinary speaker. It was the Dalai Lama, making a rare appearance in Rhode Island at a sold-out event at Salve Regina University.

The exiled Tibetan leader, with arms exposed and nothing warm on, looked perfectly relaxed and comfortable beneath a tent by the sea on a brisk, breezy day. His hour-long talk, cheerful demeanor and amusing gestures drew loud applause and quite a few laughs from an audience of Salve students, faculty and staff and others fortunate enough to get their hands on the limited number of tickets made available to the public.

"It was moving. He's an honest genuine soul," said Dan Rakosky, 44. "I think the message he sends to all these kids is important: Replace anger with compassion."

One of those students, senior Laura Ouimette, said, "I thought it was very inspirational. He tries very peacefully to solve problems . . . Now it makes me want to read more about him."

The 70-year-old Buddhist monk, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his steadfast nonviolent campaign to free Tibet of Chinese tyranny, visited Newport on the last day of a trip to the United States. He spent the previous 10 days in Washington, D.C.

The 14th Dalai Lama, also known as Tenzin Gyatso, flew into Quonset State Airport aboard a corporate jet belonging to Carnegie Abbey resort owner and Newport resident J. Brian O'Neill. Local police officers in cruisers and on motorcycles, joined federal agents in SUVs, in escorting the Dalai Lama, with sirens wailing, into Newport. It was the beginning of a visit with tight and highly visible security.

The first stop was the campus home of Salve President Sister M. Therese Antone. Two area women who weren't able to get tickets for the talk, arrived while the Dalai Lama was inside having lunch. They stood at the end of the driveway with Buddhist katas, smooth ceremonial scarves, draped over their arms and holding their hands together in front of them.

"I just think he is really an extraordinary human being," said Linda Heuman, of Providence, who has lived in Dharmasala, India, where the Dalai Lama's exiled government is located. "I am honored to catch even a glimpse of him."

When a federal agent approached them, Heuman said, "We're just here for a blessing."

In fact, when the Dalai Lama's Chevrolet Suburban passed by, he acknowledged the women, bowing his head and holding his hands together.

Journal photo / Bob Thayer

Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and Salve Regina University President Sister M. Therese Antone touch foreheads in sccordance with Buddhist custom yesterday.

"A blessing," said Heuman, "a lifetime blessing."

The Dalai Lama next went to the university's Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy to visit privately with his longtime supporters, former Sen. Claiborne Pell and his wife, Nuala. Then the entire entourage arrived at Ochre Court, the mansion that serves as the school's administration building.

The audience, having gone through metal detectors, was already seated in the 40-foot high, 260-foot long tent overlooking Easton's Bay. The long lines had died down at the portable restrooms, which were being supervised by Robert Gilman. The 49-year-old Newport man, unable to get his hands on a ticket, had actually volunteered to do the job for a friend's company simply to see the Dalai Lama. In the back pocket of his jeans was a paperback copy of Ethics for a New Millennium, a book by the Dalai Lama.

"He promotes peace. It's thrilling for me to see someone genuine," said Gilman. "I'm not a Buddhist, but I love the philosophies. I just want to hear what he says."

The serene musical sounds of bells and string instruments played over the loudspeakers as the Dalai Lama entered the tent, surrounded by federal agents. He slowly made his way down the aisle, shaking hands with the crowd. He sat down in a red velvet, tall-backed chair on the stage, opposite the Pells, who were in the front row, near Governor Carcieri and his wife. The Dalai Lama recognized the loud applause, bowing his head and holding his hands together.

During his talk, he outlined the steps that can lead humanity to peace. It begins with each person being more compassionate.

"Once a more compassionate attitude develops," he said, "then it's very easy to communicate with others."

Once the "inner self"' becomes more sensitive and compassionate, then "inner peace" will follow. Inner peace will spread to families and then, he said, "the whole community becomes more passionate." As this attitude spreads, so, too, will peace.

"World peace will be achieved through inner peace," he said. Gazing out at the many youths in the audience, he said he saw brightness on their faces and proclaimed, "You are the generation that is shaping a whole new world, a friendly compassionate one."

Sister Antone noted that the day was the 55th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's being enthroned as the religious leader of Tibet, nine years before he would be forced to flee invading Chinese troops. She presented him with the first ever Pell Center peace award. Then, following Buddhist custom, they each donned scarves, held each other's arms and touched foreheads.

View more photos of the Dalai Lama, and his stops around the world in recent years, at:

http://projo.com