A random grouping if ever there was one, Lady Gaga, the Dalai Lama, Ann Curry, and a bunch of US mayors gathered in Indianapolis, Indiana, this weekend to chat about inner peace.
At least that was the main topic of discussion in an interview between Gaga and the Dalai Lama at the 84th annual Conference of Mayors on Sunday (June 26). The pop star asked the leader of the Tibetan government questions that had been submitted via social media, as Ann Curry ostensibly (and silently) moderated the conversation.
The two talked about compassion, and the Dalai Lama recommended finding purpose in serving others. “When you show more of a sense of concern for others’ well-being, then you also get the feeling, ‘I’m useful to others,'” he said. “That brings self-confidence and meaning to life.”
They also discussed how meditation can help bring about inner peace by giving people a chance to reflect on the root of their problems.
When asked about how to maintain hope, the Dalai Lama recommended finding the upsides in any struggle. ”Once [a] tragic situation happens, not avoid—look at more deeply, widely,” he said. “Many positive, happy things are there if you look [from a] wider perspective.”
He also emphasized that younger generations will shape the environment and culture for those to come. ”The future is on your shoulders, not my shoulders,” he told Gaga.
The two had more than their zen outlooks in common—they also shared a joke about being old souls. “I’m one 81-year-old person with quite a lot of experiences,” the Dalai Lama said to Lady Gaga. “My experiences much bigger than your experiences.” Without missing a beat, Gaga shot back: ”You didn’t know this, but I’m much older than you.”
Watch the full interview (about 20 minutes) on Lady Gaga’s Facebook page.