Blogging the Dalai Lama

Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia, has appointed the Dalai Lama as a distinguished professor. And he has begun professing! But how to address him? “Professor Dalai Lama?” “Doctor Lama?” – well of course, he is still addressed as “Your Holiness.” But what does this professorship mean?

And I wonder if he’ll have a regular faculty web page.

The professor arrived in Atlanta yesterday to begin a whirlwind round of panels, discussions and lectures.

Though there’s nothing new about teaching for the Dalai Lama. He routinely teaches for between 2 and 5 days, and full days at that – none of this one-hour-class-three-times-a-week stuff for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It’s an extremely important part of the “lama” role. One to which he is particularly dedicated.

So when he agreed to be a “Presidential Distinguished Professor” at Emory, it was not in the least unusual in terms of what he does from day to day, while still being unique since this is an actual teaching position – not just an honorary appointment.

Spiritual Leaders Call for Understanding, The Washington Post – At Emory University, Dalai Lama Says Tolerance Is ‘Essential’ in Today’s World – By Dorie Turner “ATLANTA, Oct. 21 — The Dalai Lama and other spiritual leaders called Sunday for followers of the world’s religions to work toward understanding each other rather than bickering over differences.

The panel, which included Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of Mohandas Gandhi, stressed affection for others, even if they have differing views on faith.

“Today, the world is getting smaller,” the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet said in English. “We really need closer understanding of each other. It’s essential.”

The discussion was part of a weekend of events at Emory University with the Dalai Lama, who has accepted a distinguished professorship at the school. His visit will also include a free public talk at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta on Monday and the first of many lectures to the Emory community. …

Dalai Lama becomes Emory professor – (Dorie Turner, Associated Press) – USAToday “ATLANTA- The Dalai Lama was formally installed as a professor at Emory University on Monday as Tibetan monks wearing large moon-shaped, yellow hats chanted and played cymbals, gongs and horns. The exiled Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, whose face is recognized around the world, now is the bearer of a faculty ID card. ‘I suspect you will not need to carry this with you for identification, but in any case, we wanted you to know you are welcome,’ student Emily Allen said as she handed him the card, a present from the students….” “As a professor of this university, I think you should listen to me,” the 72-year-old monk and Nobel Peace Prize laureate said with a laugh.” “…As Presidential Distinguished Professor, the Dalai Lama will provide private teaching sessions with students and faculty during Emory’s study-abroad program in Dharamsala, India, and periodiically visit Emory in Atlanta.”

Emory: Dalai Lama, experts discuss depression – Georgia Public Broadcasting News – “Thousands filled Emory University’s gymnasium Saturday to listen as scientists and the Dalai Lama discussed how Buddhist practices can affect depression. The researchers – some of the country’s top experts on depression – said Buddhist meditation can play a big part in treating patients suffering from the debilitating disease. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work with depression because each case is unique, and often nontraditional therapies like meditation training are helpful when used with other treatments, the researchers said….”

The Mind and Life Institute co-sponsored sessions on October 20th on “Mindfulness, Compassion, and the Treatment of Depression”