Lady Gaga interviewed the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist leader in exile, in Indianapolis yesterday, putting questions to him from social media users around the world backstage, before appearing alongside him on stage at the Conference of Mayors.
Gaga relayed questions about how to help young people with low self esteem, eating disorders, addictions and self harm, as well as how to feel at peace in the face of so much horror in the world. The Dalai Lama spoke about hope, compassion and community. “We’re social animals,” he explains, “So an individual’s future entirely depends on the rest of the community. No matter how intelligent or rich, [a person can] remain lonely,” he says, adding, “I think even one week is very difficult!”.
Summarising some of his points, Gaga asks, “So what you’re saying is: caring for others and having compassion, it gives you a sense of purpose. It helps you to feel less alone and alienated, because you know that we all belong together” — and the spiritual leader agrees. Watch the full conversation, above.
Credits
Text Charlotte Gush