I heard the following story about the Dalai Lama a number of years ago. I have never seen it corroborated, but as an indigenous storyteller might say: I don't know if this is how it happened, but the story is true.

The Dalai Lama was scheduled to speak at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. When the ceremonies began, there was standing room only -- he is exotic and legendary, after all, and people were craning to get a glimpse of him. A number of speakers preceded him, and they went on a little long, so by the time it was time for His Holiness to speak, people were anxious to hear what he might say. He stood up, a small Tibetan monk in a maroon robe, walked up to the microphone, and said, "We're here to help each other." And then he turned around as if to return to his seat. People gasped. "Could that possibly be all he is going to say, after all the time we've waited? " And then the Dalai Lama hesitated, returned to the microphone, and said, "And if we can't do that, then we should try not to hurt each other." And then he sat down.