For those of you graduating during this June’s convocation ceremonies, you’ll soon have something in common with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso: a U of T degree.
The Dalai Lama was presented with an honorary doctorate in a special ceremony on April 27 before a capacity crowd in Convocation Hall.
“Your Holiness,” said U of T President Robert Birgeneau, “we are proud to host you in Convocation Hall at the University of Toronto. Through this hall have passed hundreds of thousands of graduates. You honour us with your presence.”
On the stage, along with dozens of faculty and university officials, former Ontario Lt.-Gov. Hilary Weston, former Ontario premier David Peterson, and hockey icon Frank Mahovlich were seated.
Upon being introduced, the Dalai Lama received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the crowd.
“I see that your popularity is bigger than that of a rock star,” said Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Mary Anne Chambers. “They are drawn to you as a world citizen.”
David Clandfield, Principal of New College, introduced the Dalai Lama, describing his work as spiritual leader of Tibet and the intensive training process he was put through to get there. Before being confirmed as the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso was quizzed for several days by hundreds of Tibetan scholars in Buddhism, logic, philosophy, science, geography, mathematics, and English, all before an audience of over 20,000 Buddhist monk-scholars.
“The rigors of the University of Toronto’s doctoral defense,” Clandfield said to laughs from the crowd, “clearly have a long way to go.”
As I receive this honorary degree as a recognition of the little service that I’ve given,” the Dalai Lama said in his acceptance speech, “I would like to express my deep gratitude for this recognition.”
Although he was accompanied by a translator, His Holiness spoke in English throughout most of his speech.
“My broken English may spoil the formality,” he said, to more laughs from the audience, “but it will save time.
“All humanity has the same desire: to live a happy life,” he said. ” I want to say that this institution has done a great service. With inner strength, more self confidence, and less fear.
“For good health, calm mind.”
The Dalai Lama was also presented with the International Acharya Sushil Kumar Peace Award, an award given annually by the South Asian Studies Program at New College. The 2003 winner, Nobel Laureate and U of T professor John Polanyi, presented the award.
U of T Chancellor Vivienne Poy made the closing remarks.
“I proudly extend thanks to the newest member of the University of Toronto family, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. By accepting this degree, Your Holiness has brought great honour to our university. For this, we are deeply grateful.”