The Dalai Lama will be coming to Salt Lake City next fall. He’ll be the keynote speaker at the Parliament of the World’s Religions.
The 14th Dalai Lama is a symbol of Tibetan culture around the world, though he gave up his authority as head of the Tibetan government in exile in 2011. As a Buddhist monk and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, he’s also seen as an international spiritual leader.
The Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable made the announcement yesterday. It’s led by Greek Orthodox Father Elias Koucos. His parish hosted a meeting with the Dalai Lama and the local Tibetan community in 2001.
“We’re again thrilled that he’ll be here,"Koucos says, "and I know it’ll be a tremendous opportunity for everyone to come and view and listen to what he has to say. So we’re excited.”
PemaChagzoetsangis the former head of the Utah Tibetan Association. She is enthusiastic about the upcoming visit.
Chagzoetsang tells KUER, “He would once again inspire the people of Utah to have a spirit of generosity, to be more mindful and emulate his love of humanity.”
The Parliament of the World’s Religions will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center October 15th through the 19th. About four thousand people are expected to travel to Utah for the sessions, but local residents are also being encouraged to register and attend.
