Harry's thoughts on the meeting
This day will never be forgotten by me.
I remember 2 months ago when I was in the gym at the Westpac centre when Elizabeth our publicist interrupted me midway through performing a ‘dead lift’ exercise to inform me she had received an ‘unusual request’.
She told me she had just got off the phone to the Dalai Lama’s publicist who was wanting to know if I would like to be an official ambassador for His Holiness’ tour of Australia which would also entail having an opportunity to meet him.
I remained silent for a few moments then produced my biggest smile followed by an elated “yes.”
I sat on the news for quite some time choosing not to share it with too many people as it seemed much more of a distant concept rather than a present reality.
As time passed on I began to share the news with more people who would ask me the same question, “What are you going to say to him?” And I replied in the same way…”I don not know?”
The reason for this is because I had not yet known in what context I would get the opportunity to ask a question or if I would get any opportunity at all.
As time drew closer to my meeting my ambassadorial role to His Holiness was made public by the media. I subsequently received an influx of people asking me the same question accompanied by this question, “Are you excited or nervous?”
To be truthful the answer was, “not really” and “not at all”
Having an association with the Dalai Lama being made public I was able to gain a better appreciation for the way in which his message of love, peace and compassion has transcended many barriers to influence people from all walks of life. It seemed every 2nd person I spoke to claimed some influence His Holiness has had on their life.
Still I did not have a question in mind for I had read and come to understand conceptually buddhist philosophy which in essence is everything His Holiness’ teaching is derived from.
After my daily meditation 1st thing this morning I decided what question I would ask. I chose a question which is specific to the city of Melbourne seeing as though it is the city I inhabit and have somewhat influence in, albeit minor.
My Question: Melbourne is a very diverse city in that it has a vast array of cultures, religions and ethnicities which seems to separate us, in what way can Government, media or people of influence help to show the interdependent of the world that is necessary to bring us together?
I anticipated an answer that I could have read or heard in the many teachings that His Holiness has delivered over the course of time, however was extremely taken by surprise in the personal nature of his response.
He seemed to answer the question in a way that was specific to my life telling me that I am part of a generation that has the responsibility of the future. I felt as though he reaffirmed to me that my life’s passion of promoting peace and equality in society is something to pursue. This filled me with a sense of immense motivation.
I was then called to present His Holiness with a Sherrin football which he accepted whilst he proceeded to momentarily pull me up onto the stage to get closer to him. He then pulled me closer to give me a hug and made our foreheads touch.
The best way to describe how I felt was pure Bliss. That is how i felt in his presence it truly was divine. He then gave a ‘Khata’ (white scarf) as a traditional gift which is something I will cherish for eternity.
During the close encounter I felt a great emotion build up inside of me and the best way I could describe this is simply Bliss. It was amazing. I can happily say I leave the experience with an enormous sense of gratitude for the opportunity and a new motivation to continue on trying to use my circle of influence in a positive way.
LIVE FOR HOPE
