That having been said, he was recently caught completely off-guard by a particularly insightful question, and as such gave an answer that was completely “unenlightened”. For the question (paraphrased) of “What would you say if you only had one moment to say it” is probably the least silly question of all, and when asked that remarkable query, the Dalai Lama had quite a few very good retorts at his quite-wise disposal:

*He could have said “Love is a verb.”

*He could have said “Be Kind when least inclined.”

*He could have said “Your life is not about you.”

*And he even could have said “Do what you can with what you’ve got for whomever is closest by.”

And yet instead of any of these answers — indeed, instead of even a prolonged, silent smile (which would have allowed the questioner and all others listening in to come up with one of the four aforementioned Truths themselves), our beloved Dalia Lama not only called the question “silly”, but then proceeded to offer one of the least enlightened answers possible — essentially saying “Feed yourselves”.

I’m sure it’s hard to wear the mantle of Holiness, just as I’m sure it is difficult to be continually asked for replies that are expected to be both insightful and wise. That having been said, it is precisely because “holy men” are often asked such questions that they take far greater Care — and be far more devout champions of CARING — whenever answering the same.

Amen … Let it be so.

“There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. My religion is very simple … My religion is kindness.” ” ~ The Dalai Lama