The Lourdes Foundation Hosted His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama In Los Angeles, February 25-26

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lourdes Foundation, an international organization compassionately empowering and lifting up the lives of youth to build a stronger foundation for the future leaders of our global community, hosted His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Los Angeles February 25-26, 2014.

During this special visit, His Holiness addressed universal responsibility & alleviating inner turmoil through compassion in the 21st Century at two events.  The first event was a public talk at the Forum, Presented by Chase on February 25th followed by a Q & A Session with Ann Curry on the 26th at the California Science Center where Eric Benet was joined by David Foster on piano for a special tribute to His Holiness.  Guests included community leaders such as President of the Los Angeles Police Commission Steve Soboroff, Former Governor Grey Davis, American Engineer and former NASA Astronaut Garrett Reisman, Philanthropist Lynda Oschin, along with high profile attendees including Larry King, Sharon Stone, Naomi Watts, Jeremy Renner, Rosario Dawson, Eva Longoria, Amber Valletta, Lupita Nyong'o, Diane Kruger, Joshua Jackson, Ahna O'Reilly, Christina Hendricks, Geoffrey Arend, Camilla Belle, Malin Akerman, Sandra Oh, Minka Kelly, Mandy Moore, Jim Carrey, Kathy Bates, Constance Zimmer, Nikki Reed, Amber Heard, Alia Shawkat and more.                                                                  

"His Holiness brought enlightening messages about the value of social integrity and how compassion, non-violence and fruitful dialogue can achieve peace," said Lama Tenzin Dhonden, the Personal Peace Emissary to His Holiness. "It is hoped His Holiness' words will make a significant contribution to minimizing the stresses people face in today's world, where financial, environmental and social conflicts are constant."

Sean Lourdes, Chairman of The Lourdes Foundation, and President of its benefactor, Auge Media, added, "It was an exceptional honor to host His Holiness in our great city.  Our belief is that fundamental change in our global community begins with change within oneself and one's own community and that change can come through a better understanding of the messages of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The more people who hear the message of peace and compassion, the more positive impact it will have on creating lasting change." 

About Auge Media and The Lourdes Foundation:
Auge Media, a global publishing and multi-media corporation, now celebrating its 60^th Anniversary, is proud to be the majority-funding source for The Lourdes Foundation, an international organization compassionately empowering and lifting up the lives of our youth to build a stronger foundation for the future leaders of the global community. For more information on Auge Media please visit the website here.  For more information on the Lourdes Foundation, please visit the website here.

About His Holiness the Dalai Lama:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He is also the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems. He was awarded the United States highest civilian honor, The Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 and in 2012 received The Templeton Prize which honors a living person who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works.

Since 1959, His Holiness has received over 84 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes, etc., in recognition of his messages of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. His Holiness has also authored more than 72 books and travelled to more than 62 countries spanning 6 continents. He has met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations and held dialogues with the heads of different religions along with leaders of science and industry.

About the Forum:
The Forum underwent a reinvention that has created a thriving venue for both artists and music fans. The Forum opened on January 15 as the largest indoor performance venue in the country designed with a focus on music and entertainment. Architecturally, the interior of the bowl has been completely modernized and features flexible seating, ranging from 17,500 seats to 8,000 seats, enabling the venue to attract a wide variety of events. In addition to completely refurbished concourses, fans will enjoy approximately 8,000 square feet of new event level hospitality offerings, including food and beverage, merchandise and bathrooms. A tinted glass wall separates this concession area from the arena; ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the performance. Additionally, the Forum delivers a one-of-a-kind experience for artists thanks to its superior acoustics, intimate ambiance and state-of-the-art facilities. The new Forum was designed with artists in mind and includes seven, star-caliber dressing rooms that feature upgraded amenities, providing an unparalleled experience for all entertainers and performers.  For more information, please visit www.fabulousforum.com.

About the California Science Center:
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. Its mission is as follows: "We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people's lives."

The Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For more information, please visit www.californiasciencecenter.org

SOURCE The Lourdes Foundation