The Dalai Lama's brother, Tendzin Choegyal, also has close ties with the city, having traveled there often to give speeches and teach.
[8][10] Also attending the inauguration were Tim Shriver, Deepak Chopra, and Sonja Lyubomirsky,[5] with James Hoggan & Associates providing public relations services for the event.
Chan stated that the facility would highlight the Dalai Lama's international connections, invite guest speakers, host interfaith dialogues, and discuss peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Chan added that half of the center's $60 million budget would go to operating costs, research, local programming, and an endowment, and the rest towards construction of the facility and a meditative retreat.
The Center will translate the Dalai Lama's teachings on kindness, compassion and interconnectedness into programs directed at creating a more just and harmonious world.
[6][7][17] The Dalai Lama returned to Vancouver in October 2014 to take part in a panel discussion with Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, Tamara Vrooman, and Janet Austin, with special guest Peter Senge.