THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick is to host a public address by the Dalai Lama in April.
The event, on April 14th, is being organised in conjunction with the charity Children in Crossfire established by Richard Moore, a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama, and two non-profit organisations, Spunout.ie and Afri.
“We are extremely honoured to host this address and to welcome the Dalai Lama on to our campus at UL,” UL president Prof Don Barry said.
“His Holiness is respected all over the world as a truly inspirational spiritual teacher whose energy, compassion and wisdom touch everyone he meets.
“He has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and the US Congressional Medal in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote the compassionate and peaceful resolution of human conflict and we very much look forward to hearing his message on the power of forgiveness when he speaks at UL,” he added.
The University of Limerick address will be the final engagement for the Dalai Lama, who will be in Ireland for just two days.
Children in Crossfire was established in 1996 by Mr Moore, from Derry, who was just 10 years old when he was blinded by a rubber bullet in 1972.
Mr Moore has since become a leading international advocate for the rights of children suffering from the injustice of poverty.
Civic and community leaders will be invited to hear the Dalai Lama speak in Limerick on “The Power of Forgiveness”.
The event will include ritual chant and music performances by students and faculty members of the Irish World Academy at UL as well as performances by the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
Limerick primary and secondary school children involved in the “Music as an Instrument of Social Change” programme will also perform.
The event will take place from 9.30am to 11.30am and is open to members of the public. Tickets, which will be available shortly, will cost €25 and are subject to booking fees and online charges. All proceeds from the event will support a Dalai Lama initiative to be established at UL.
Those who are interested in buying tickets can register at ul.ie/dalailama