The Dalai Lama is slated to arrive in the Twin Cities this week, with plans to meet with local Tibetan community leaders, University of Minnesota officials and other supporters.
The Tibetan religious leader in exile will be officially welcomed in a private gathering at the home of University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks on Friday. University officials as well as donors and sponsors of the Dalai Lama's visit will be among those attending.
Members of Minnesota's Tibetan community are expected to perform traditional Tibetan dancing and outdoor entertainment to greet the Dalai Lama as he arrives at the home.
"Literally I've been told there will dancing in the streets when he gets here because they're so thrilled his holiness is coming," said Tony Baisley, communications director of the U's Center for Spirituality and Healing.
The center and Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota are sponsoring the Dalai Lama's visit.
On Saturday, the Buddhist holy leader is scheduled to answer questions from the media at the Marquette Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
On Sunday morning, he will lead a Tibetan cultural and spiritual ceremony at Mariucci Arena at the U's campus, which is open to the public. That afternoon, he'll give a public address at the arena entitled "Peace Through Inner Peace."
Tickets for the morning event range from $35 to $250, while afternoon ticket prices are between $50 and $250.
