At an address at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Indianapolis on Sunday, His Holiness The Dalai Lama preached a message of compassion and kindness to his audience of mayors and community leaders from across the country. The Dalai Lama says because of America's role as a leading country in the world, it is up to us to spread this compassion worldwide.
"I hope I believe this nation can lead to build a better, compassionate world," he says.
The 80 year old religious leader touched on the topics of global warming, terrorism, and how anger can hurt us in his speech.
The Dalai Lama was also joined by journalist Ann Curry, entertainer Lady Gaga, and businessman Phillip Anschutz in a panel discussion on the topic of compassion. He says mayors have a unique advantage when it comes to spreading this message of compassion and kindness as they are closest to the people they serve.
"So the mayors, you have direct contact or influence to the people in the city," he said. "The federal government is sometimes a little bit far away."
Lady Gaga called for mayors to reach out to young people and to be a calming force in their lives as they experience the anxiety and anger that she says exists in the world.
"We need to shift the perspective and educate young people, yourselves. You have the power to be kind to them," she says. "If you are kind to them and empower them to teach you, you don't have to look far for kindness."
Lady Gaga adds that this kindness is one of the best solutions to the problems the world faces because it's free.
Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton who attended the event says this message of looking to young people resonates with him because of the makeup of the city of Bloomington.
"With such a city of young people, thinking about how we build that social muscle of compassion and caring is a great, great message," Hamilton said.
The Dalai Lama spoke earlier in the weekend at the Indy State Fairgrounds. His last visit to Indiana was in 2010.
