World Tibet Network News Friday, May 1, 1998 (II)

By DINO HAZELL, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK, Los Angeles Times, Friday, May 1, 1998 -- Thousands of people filled a concert hall Friday to hear about truth and wisdom from Tibet's spiritual and religious leader, the Dalai Lama.

The high priest sat in an armchair-like throne draped in gold silk. Dozens of Buddhist monks flanked him. Some people in the crowd trembled and wept quietly.

"When I follow the Dalai Lama, my heart opens and I release my worries," said a tearful Yi Chi Chen, who flew from Taiwan with 130 members of his Buddhism group for the religious leader's three-day teaching in New York. "He is very wise. He shows us the way to live." About 2,200 people each paid up to $500 for seats at the Roseland Ballroom, which was rocked by the likes of heavy-metal bands Nine Inch Nails and Judas Priest just weeks earlier. They sat in reverent silence to hear the Dalai Lama relate his views on the spirit of Manjushri, the Buddha of wisdom.

"I feel that the heart of Buddhist teaching is noble truth, and Buddha has laid out the grand plan for us to follow," the Dalai Lama said through an interpreter.

The Dalai Lama's teaching session is part of the ceremonies leading to the May 7 official opening of Manhattan's Tibet House. The cultural center has operated as a work in progress for 10 years, exhibiting snatches of the Tibetan culture and educating people to their plight, said its director of special events, Ganden Thurman.

Tibetans have pleaded for self-rule since their country was invaded by China in 1950. China annexed Tibet in 1959.