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The Orange County,

WESTMINSTER – The Dalai Lama told thousands of people here on Saturday that kindness, compassion and religious harmony are essential at a time of violence and strife.

Speaking at the dedication of the new Chua Dieu Ngu Buddhist Temple in Westminster, the Tibetan leader called on the crowd to make a resolution to be kind and compassionate, “starting today.”

“If we do that, there is hope that the later part of this century will be peaceful,” he said. “Violence is not created by weapons, but it comes from in here, the heart. External disarmament can come only through internal disarmament.”

The Dalai Lama was in Orange County for the second consecutive year. Last year, he celebrated his 80th birthday at the Honda Center and led a two-day Global Compassion Summit at UC Irvine.

State Sen. Janet Nguyen said the Dalai Lama’s visit to Little Saigon, which is largely Buddhist, was as special as the Pope’s visit would be to Catholics. He is scheduled to speak before the State Legislature Monday.

Spectators on Saturday got the chance to witness the monk’s compassion. He called on those sitting in the oppressive heat to cover their heads with hats or towels. He stopped security personnel from pushing away those who wanted to get closer to him and snap photos on their cell phones. He even invited an elderly man with a walker to come up on stage to receive his blessings.

“As long as you don’t create trouble or make noise, it’s all good,” he said, as he pointed his finger jovially at the crowd and broke into a guffaw.

The Dalai Lama talked about the responsibility everyone has to spread the message of religious harmony.

“All major religious traditions have their own philosophies and teachings,” he said. “But the main practice is the same — love, forgiveness, tolerance and self-discipline. The teachings may be different, but the goals are the same.”

He followed his speech about compassion with a traditional Buddhist teaching in Tibetan, which was translated to Vietnamese for the audience.

Garden Grove Mayor Bao Nguyen said he was struck the Dalai Lama’s genuine love and compassion for people.

“I feel a sense of renewal for the path of peace and love,” he said. “His is a universal teaching. He has so much humor, he’s just so adorable. You can feel his compassion because he shows it.”

Kathy Le of Westminster said she appreciated his advice to rise above everyday emotions such as hatred, competition and jealousy.

“We are all just so wrapped up in our everyday lives, our jobs and making money,” she said. “His teaching that we should find happiness within ourselves is powerful. It’s so humbling to be in his presence.”

Eleven-year-old Tamy Van of Westminster sat with her friends in the shade.

“He is great,” she said. “I just love everything he said.”

Earlier in the day, thousands lined up outside the temple early as 2 a.m. to catch a glimpse of the 14th Dalai Lama.

People waited for up to five hours to clear security checks.

But, it would all be worth it, said Teri Chen of Fountain Valley, who took her pl;ace in the line at 5:30 this morning.

“I’ve seen (the Dalai Lama) many times,” she said. “He has a special connecting power to connect with your heart. When you look at him you get a sense of peace and compassion. He’s a living Buddha.”

Alejandra Paez said she came all the way from Miami Beach, Fla., just to hear the Dalai Lama speak about compassion.

“My mother passed away just a week ago,” said Paez, who is a Tibetan Buddhist. “I’m here so I can pray for her and get the Dalai Lama’s blessings on her soul.”

She said the Dalai Lama is a “human being who cares and has compassion for everyone, regardless of who they are and what their social status is.”

Nhat My Thien, a member of the Westminster temple, said she was thrilled the Dalai Lama was here for the dedication of the temple where she prays and meditates.

The 20,000-square-foot, $6 million traditional temple building, built under the leadership of its abbot Thich Vien Ly, has pagodas, a red brick tile roof, a giant statue of Buddha gracing the temple front and living quarters for the monks.

Thien said the exiled Tibetan leader who rebelled against the communist Chinese regime is a symbol of hope and human rights for the Vietnamese community.

“We’re just very, very happy he’s here,” she said.