Dalai Lama to Students: Don't Be Lazy Like Me
The Dalai Lama is making the rounds in South Florida
AP
The Dalai Lama speaks to students, faculty, and guests at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
His Holiness made his way to South Florida on Tuesday with his usual message of peace and love for all mankind and creatures walking the earth.
Then, the Dalai Lama told students at Nova Southeastern University to be the opposite of the man most people in the Eastern world revere as the purest being on earth.
"Sometimes we Tibetans are lazy. I myself was a very, very lazy student. Don't be like me," the Dalai Lama joked. "You must be a hard worker."
Hmm. That's some kind of admission from a man who has attained the highest levels of spiritual enlightenment. But it's always refreshing to know even His Holiness was a slacker during his college years.
During his two-hour speech in front of a packed gymnasium, the Dalai Lama was quite the comedian while telling stories about his meetings with various world leaders. He even got in a little physical humor trying to sit with his legs crossed in a chair.
Students really got a kick out of the Dalai Lama's story of China's former communist leader Mao Zedong. He said the two would meet for dinner often, but the dictator had a habit of talking with his mouth full, often spewing chunks of food on the Dalai Lama's plate.
That can't go over well with the reincarnation powers that be.
After fielding a few questions, the Dalai Lama received an honorary degree from university officials. The comedian appeared once more, which may be a prelude to his next role in his future life.
"It is really wonderful to get a degree without much effort," the Dalai Lama laughed. "I very much appreciate. Thank you."
Posted Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010 - 2:55 PM EST
