The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has almost finished his five-day conference on compassion in Seattle. Yesterday he spoke to over 14,000 students about the benefits of human relations and the appropriate way of solving problems, which is through dialogue.

The Dalai Lama addressed the large crowd in central Seattle wearing a traditional cinnamon-hued robe and brown walking shoes. He spoke of compassion, forgiveness, also on how a positive attitude can help end violence and rivalry between human beings. During his 25-minute address, he also mentioned the love of mothers, the need to nurture children and a wide variety of topics related to kindness, humaneness and compassion.

He was greeted with a standing ovation while Mark Emmert, University President, introduced him as the "pre-eminent spiritual leader of our time." He also received an honorary degree from the University.

He addressed the students saying: "You will make this century of peace. Today's world (is) heavily interdependent. Destruction of your neighbor or enemy is destruction of yourself," as quoted by the Associated Press. He insisted on the issue concerning conflict-solving, as he strongly believes that the poverty and environmental problems will increase in the future.

According to Reuters, children were very pleased with the general message of the discussion but most of them were rather disappointed to learn so little about the recent incidents in Tibet, as they expected the Dalai Lama to also cover the delicate subject.

In front of the University of Washington arena where the conference took place, hundreds of demonstrators got together to protest in a pro-Chinese display. According to the AP, people held up banners and chanted "We love Tibet," "Stop lying" and "Dalai, your smiles charm, your actions harm."