I
2.
Humility: I Tried to Look Humble and
Modest
want to respond to your comment about being at the funeral,” the Dalai
Lama said, referring back to the Archbishop’s story about preaching at
Chris Hani’s funeral. “You mentioned when you spoke at the funeral that
you did not consider yourself as superior, you were just one of them.
That’s very, very important. I always feel the same way when I give a
talk. I consider myself as simply another person, just like those in the
audience, same human being. So, I am just one human being talking to
other human beings.
“Similarly, they should consider me as the same human being, with
the same potential for constructive emotions and destructive emotions.
When we meet anyone, first and foremost we must remember that they,
too, have the same desire to have a happy day, a happy month, a happy
life. And all have the right to achieve it.
“Then, you see, my talk may offer them something relevant, but if I
consider myself something special, or if they also consider me something
different and special, then my experience will not be of much use. So it’s
wonderful that, in you, Archbishop, I have found a comrade who fully
shares this same view.”
The Dalai Lama and the Archbishop were uninterested in status and
superiority. The Dalai Lama began to tell a story that was a poignant
reminder that not all shared their view in the religious world.
“You have said I am a mischievous person,” he said, pointing at the
Archbishop. “One day, at a big interfaith meeting in Delhi, one Indian
spiritual leader sat there next to me like this.” The Dalai Lama sat up
stiffly and made a rigid, scowling face. “He said that his seat should be