[blockquote source=”His Holiness, the Dalai Lama”]“I am just a simple Buddhist monk, no more, no less.” [/blockquote]

I had the honor of meeting His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. A small group of media were hand-selected to attend the Anwar Sadat Lecture Series on Peace at the University of Maryland.

Truth be told, I’m not sure how it all came to be; though I will say, I felt the grace of a Divine energy at play.

It was a moment I had dreamed of all my life, and one that I shall carry with me through each of my remaining days.

Our group was small, less than 20 members of the press, in total—and representing news agencies from all around this world. To my right, I caught the flashing glimpse of a CNN media badge—and quickly passing to the left of me, another team from the Voice of America.

As we whisked through yet another security checkpoint, I felt doubt slipping in to ask,  “So, just what do you think you’re doing here?”

It was the same thought I had struggled with in the days leading up to his visit.  To be one of the very few media selected to participate in such a historic event—I tear up, just thinking of it, and as I reflect over the path that has carried me here.

It has become one of the greatest sources of my gratitude.

As His Holiness entered the room, he bowed to each of us – an invitation that there may be no barriers between us.

“Sit down,” he said, as we all stood reverently in honor this man. “No formality! We are [the] same…The way we are born, the way we die—no formality.”

He spoke continuously for 45 minutes, never once breaking passion’s stride. There were no note cards during this lecture—as these words were coming directly from his heart.

He asked us to find the means, each day, to deepen our interconnectedness. To view this world through the eyes of compassion, forgiveness, and tolerance—to extend happiness and peace even in this, a most hostile world. He offered that tragedy should serve as humanity’s reminder that change…real change…requires a constant effort.

“The Dalai Lama won’t be here forever,” he said, as his voice began to trail.

And, with tears in his eyes he offered to all, “You have the opportunity and the responsibility to create a new world, a happier world…on the basis of the oneness of humanity. It will be up to each of you to carry forward this legacy.”

Indeed, it is our role to ensure that this most precious message of tolerance, understanding, and peace be preserved—and that each of us, in some small way, may become a change agent for humanity’s greater good.

We are all very much one. Even on those days when we may feel just a bit like we don’t belong. It is this sense of disconnectedness that often reminds us of our true purpose.

At least, that’s what a very wise man once said to me—as he stood there with the most beautiful smile in his eyes.