With the rise in violence in Iraq, and stories of human rights violations that continue around the world, words such as "peace" and "tolerance" become increasingly difficult to believe in. If anyone understands injustice and has reason to lose faith, it's Tibetan Buddhist leader Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso.

The head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people has been in exile since 1959 after a failed uprising against the Chinese invasion. During this time, Tibetan people have suffered, and continue to suffer, violations of their basic human rights; many have been imprisoned for their support of the Dalai Lama. Tibetans' national and cultural identities are all but extinct under the Chinese government, which keeps a tight hold over their religious practices.

And yet the 71-year-old Buddhist monk continues to travel the world, spreading his message of non-violence and calling for dialogue among nations.

Yesterday, that message was shared with thousands, and it will be spread again today with a crowd expected to reach 10,000 at Wailuku's War Memorial Stadium on Maui. Perhaps the most important part of his two-day visit is that approximately 1,000 youths will have been in attendance — and thanks to Michael Mancini, chairman of Haleakala Waldorf School, 5,000 students from 50 schools throughout the state have taken part through the Visions of Peace project.

Everyone can benefit from the Dalai Lama's teachings, but this generation's youth are in desperate need of a strong figure who stands for kindness, compassion and peace — all qualities that are not unlike our Aloha Spirit.

As he leaves our state today, let's hope the words of this great spiritual and political leader have touched the hearts and minds of our future leaders. Maybe, then, our hope for peace and tolerance can be restored.