BLESSINGS FOR PEACE; DALAI LAMA PREACHES.

Byline: Donna Huffaker Staff Writer

GLENDALE - The Lama">Dalai Lama blessed a Tibetan-Buddhist shrine at Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Thursday that is the first of its kind in the United States.

Then, since even a Tibetan-Buddhist shrine blessing wouldn't be complete in Los Angeles without a Hollywood celebrity, the Dalai Lama appeared onstage with Sharon Stone.

The exiled Tibetan leader spoke to more than 900 people gathered at Forest Lawn's Hall of the Crucifixion-Resurrection in a question-and- answer session hosted by the actress, an outspoken advocate for the Tibetan cause.

``When affection is there, caring is there,'' the Dalai Lama told the capacity crowd as he advised them to use their intelligence positively, live holistically and open themselves to a more positive existence. ``Automatically our minds become more widened,'' he said.

Barefoot and wearing a feather boa, the star of ``Basic Instinct'' and ``Casino'' wondered beforehand how she would introduce the religious leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, referring to him as ``Mr. Please, please, please let me back into China'' and ``the hardest working man in spirituality.''

The 42-year-old actress, who with her husband, Phil Bronstein, recently adopted a baby boy, said one of the things gleaned from Buddhism is empathy for one another and the complete freedom to love another human being whom you have never met before.

The Dalai Lama blessed the Shi-tro Mandala, which is being built at Forest Lawn, in a private ceremony. The first three-dimensional mandala to be created in the United States, it is one of only a few in the world.

The intricately carved and brightly colored work by artist Pema Namdol Thaye is dedicated to universal peace. Expected to be completed in three months, it will be available for exhibition in museums and other venues throughout the United States before it's permanently installed at the Chagdud Gonpa center in Los Angeles.

Linda Maxwell, executive director and co-founder of the local We Care For Youth group, has been involved with the mandala since the project began and helped bring it to Forest Lawn. At the question-and-answer session, she praised the attendance of a group of 22 teens from Camp Scott of the Los Angeles County Probation Department, saying they would benefit from the Dalai Lama's Buddhist teachings.

``When you turn kids' minds to peace, they go there,'' she said.

One of the teens asked the Dalai Lama how she can keep herself out of trouble when trouble is often brought to her.

Drawing laughter, he told her, ``Life is not easy,'' then suggested she take note of Jesus and other teachers of peace. After encouraging the girl to build her self-confidence and fight life's challenges with wisdom, knowledge and determination, he summoned her to the dais. As she wiped away tears, they exchanged hugs.

The Dalai Lama, born in 1935 when Tibet was an independent country, assumed leadership when he was 16, after the Communist Chinese invaded Tibet. Nine years later, he was forced into exile in India and his return has become an international cause.

His teachings are revered by followers around the world. San Diego residents Sara and David Hamilton have practiced Buddhism for a few years and have seen the Dalai Lama several times. They brought their 9- month-old daughter, Lila, on Thursday, saying it is important to show support for his teachings.

``Buddhism is a really good place to put your mind. I love the discussions, even if you can't hear everything because you're running around after a baby,'' Sara Hamilton said.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) The Dalai Lama blesses children Thursday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale before answering questions.

(2) Forest Lawn visitors get a look at the first three-dimensional mandala, a religious object symbolizing wholeness and the universe, in the United States.

(3) Actress Sharon Stone, who appeared barefoot, was nervous before introducing the Dalai Lama.

David Crane/Staff Photographer