Lama Pema Dorjee’s Visit to Fryshuset: A Conversation About Humanity, Family, and Responsibility

When Lama Pema entered Fryshuset, a quiet sense of calm seemed to follow him. The Buddhist monk and longtime disciple of the Dalai Lama was in Sweden as part of his annual European visit, with a simple yet powerful purpose: to meet young people, listen to their perspectives, and share reflections on what it means to live as part of one big human family.

“Being Swedish or Norwegian or Belgian is not so important” he said. “Being human is what truly matters.”

Lama Pema spoke about shared humanity and the responsibility that comes with it. “Each of us should bring at least one contribution” he urged. “We are all responsible for making this world a good place.”

He encouraged the young audience to turn this idea into a daily habit: “When you wake up in the morning, say to yourself, ‘Today I will try to do something good for others… at least one good thing.’ And when you go to bed, ask, ‘What good thing did I do for my human brothers and sisters?’”

Summarizing the Dalai Lama’s teachings, Lama Pema highlighted four principles: humanity, harmony, environmental responsibility, and growth. The discussion also touched on Buddhism in China and how to remain kind and grounded in an uncertain, often turbulent world.

The session closed with questions from Fryshuset’s young participants, leaving a clear takeaway: kindness isn’t abstract, it’s a daily act of responsibility toward our shared human family.

 

Text: Eleonora Ventura