Published by World Tibet Network News - Monday, March 24, 1997

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan, March 23 (AFP) - A Taiwan university conferred an honorary doctorate Sunday on the Dalai Lama for his tireless work in the cause of world peace and freedom of belief and thought.

The Tibetan Buddhist leader on his first trip to the island was awarded a doctorate in social sciences for his "relentless efforts to promote freedom of religion and world peace," a statement from the Chungshan university said.

"Throughout his life, his Holiness has dedicated himself to promoting freedom of beliefs and respect for culture differences.

"His efforts at advocating the Buddhist idea of compassion and universal responsibility introduce the West to a better appreciation of Oriental culture," it added.

The Dalai Lama was presented with a blue and black gown to fix over his own traditional red robes as well as a black mortar board, which caused him to break into peals of laughter as he fixed it on his shaven head.

He also had trouble keeping the gown on as it kept slipping over his shoulders.

In his speech of thanks he urged educational institutions to foster good hearts as well as good minds in order to ensure knowledge is used wisely.

"I believe that human education is a kind of instrument ... whether that is used for constructive or destructive (purpose) depends on another factor, a good heart.

"Please pay attention to the good heart so that education of the brillant brain can be useful for the community and the individual himself," he told more than 250 guests gathered at the university, also known as the National Sun Yat-sen university.

"Some people may not feel comfortable with religious faith. That is OK, that is religious freedom. But we should have a warm heart."

The Dalai Lama, who arrived in Taiwan on Saturday, is only the second person to receive an honorary degree from the university after Taiwan Prime Minister Lien Chan.

He also received a bronze engraving of the diploma. The award marked the end of his visit to southern Taiwan during which he visited several Tibetan temples and addressed a packed stadium of 50,000 people with a sermon about love and compassion.

He was due to fly to Taipei later in the evening where he was to stay in the Howard Plaza Hotel.