Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Tibetans in traditional garb were joined by neighbors as they waited to welcome the Dalai Lama to Medford Tuesday.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Kunsang Ngamdung (left) and Tsering Ngamdung (right) waited in line to see the Dalai Lama.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Tenzin Kalsang, 17, helped Tenzin Choedon, 13, with her traditional dance costume before their performance.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Traditional Tibetan Tashi Sholpa dancers waited for the Dalai Lama to arrive.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

The Dalai Lama arrived at the Kurukulla Center for Buddhist Studies.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Tara Lobsang listened to the Dalai Lama at the Kurukulla Center for Buddhist Studies.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

The Dalai Lama received a baseball cap and a key to the city of Medford from Mayor Michael J. McGlynn at the Kurukulla Center for Buddhist Studies Tuesday.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

The Dalai Lama spoke to a crowd of 1,800 about his efforts to help people cultivate inner peace and to promote harmony among religions.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

The Dalai Lama spoke to the crowd.