(TibetanReview.net, Jun16, 2015) – Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama on Jun 14 spoke to a capacity audience of 4000 in the Perth Arena and addressed some 700 students at the University of Western Australia to conclude his ongoing tour of Australia which began on Jun 3. Actress Suzie Mather, who belongs to Perth, introduced him to the audience in the Perth Arena while Rick Ardon, a news presenter on Seven News, invited members of the local Whadjuk people to perform a welcoming dance. The Dalai Lama spoke on the Wisdom of Giving & Receiving.
After the talk, and answering questions from the audience, Rob Keldoulis, Chairman of the Board of the organizers of the tour, the Dalai Lama in Australia (DLIA), presented a brief report of the visit. He explained that the Dalai Lama took no fees for his teaching. He said that during his past 12-day visit, the 1989 Nobel Peace laureate had spoken to 20,000 people in 13 events. He said a surplus of $100,000 raised primarily from ticket sales would be donated to charitable causes, with the accounts to be made available on the DLIA website.
Lynn Bain, Manager of DLIA, presented to the Dalai Lama a book of messages sent in by 2000 people across Australia. Suzie Mather and Jemma Rix, both currently appearing in Perth in ‘Wicked’, led the audience in singing Happy Birthday to the Dalai Lama and went on to sing a song from their show that ends: “Because I knew you… I have been changed for good…”
Those who attended the University of Western Australia talk included university students as well as students from local high schools, with the discussion being focused on education and service. He also attended a lunch event with the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce which was attended by 650 guests.
The Dalai Lama was set to return to Dharamshala on Jun 16 afternoon.