Eulogy in Honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Distinguished personalities, esteemed guests, honorable audience,
Today we gather in a solemn moment to honor an exceptional figure in the fields of culture, science, and global spirituality: His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, the supreme spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
Danubius International University of Galați, Romania, has the honor of conferring the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to His Holiness, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to humanity through his philosophical reflections, promotion of peace, and tireless efforts to cultivate harmony among the world’s religions.
Academic Journey and Remarkable Contributions
His Holiness began his education at the age of just six, earning a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy by the age of 25. His academic curriculum was extraordinarily diverse, encompassing fields such as English, the exact sciences, mathematics, as well as traditional Tibetan arts, astrology, poetry, music, and composition. His advanced education also included training in Sanskrit, dialectics, metaphysics, and the philosophy of religions, assessed periodically by the most prestigious Tibetan monastic universities: Drepung, Sera, and Ganden.
Throughout his career, His Holiness has demonstrated a deep commitment to secular education, establishing a strong bridge between science and spirituality. Dialogues initiated with renowned scientists worldwide have addressed diverse themes, ranging from neuroscience to quantum mechanics, culminating in the publication of essential works such as Gentle Bridges: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on the Sciences of Mind.
An Ambassador of Peace and Compassion
Recognized as a symbol of peace and international understanding, His Holiness has visited numerous countries and engaged in meaningful dialogues with leaders from various cultural, religious, and ideological spheres. The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to him in 1989, stands as a testament to his commitment to nonviolence and justice. His Holiness is also the author and co-author of over 110 works, promoting education in the spirit of love, justice, and freedom.
The Dalai Lama highlights a profound connection between Buddhism and science, both rejecting dogmas and relying on the observation and analysis of phenomena. His collaborations with prestigious academic institutions, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, have facilitated the exploration of relationships between consciousness, spirituality, and science.
Recognition of Merits
By conferring the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, Danubius International University of Galați pays profound tribute to His Holiness for his essential role in promoting ecumenical dialogue, mutual respect among beliefs, and encouraging a universal message of compassion and global responsibility. In a world marked by tensions and challenges, his personality remains a beacon of moral and spiritual light.
Your Holiness, we express our gratitude for your invaluable contributions to science, spirituality, and humanity. You are a living example of wisdom, courage, and perseverance. Your message of love and nonviolence continues to inspire entire generations, and the title awarded today is a modest expression of our profound admiration.
Associate Professor Dr. Ionel Mohîrță