Richard Gere, a devoted Buddhist and Tibet activist

Today I was fortunate to be given a short audience with the Dalai Lama early in the morning. Of course I got there one hour early. I always get so excited when His Holiness is in town! While I was waiting in the waiting room Richard came and we talked about "Hachi," his movie about a dog in Japan. Then we talked about my books, etc. We laughed a lot. Around His Holiness everyone is happy. Richard is a committed activist for Tibet and I truly respect his amazing work. He is a big inspiration for us, indeed.

今朝はNYにいらしているダライラマ法王と謁見の機会をいただき、予定の時間より一時間も早く着いてしまった私、、。いつもダライラマがいらっしゃるとウキウキしてしまうのです。待合室にいるとリチャードギアが近寄って来ておしゃべりを始めました。ちょうど「ハチ公」を見ていたので、その話や私の絵本の話、、。

（リチャードは私が作った結核の絵本をよく見ているそうです）ダライラマ法王のまわりにいると、皆が自然と笑顔になり幸せな気分になる一時なのです。