Dalai Lama has message of love, acceptance in Dallas

DALLAS, TX (KTRK) -- His Holiness, the Dalai Lama made a special appearance in Dallas today. He spoke as part of a forum at the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University.

The Dalai Lama, wearing an SMU ball cap, spoke on a number of topics, but his speech was predominantly about love, acceptance and the importance of happiness.

He did not stop smiling even once during his hour-and-a-half appearance on stage.

Nearly 5,200 people attended the sold-out event. Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush were in the audience.

Bush has been a close friend of the Dalai Lama for years. They met five times while Bush was president and then today the Dalai Lama said the problems of the world can be solved if people keep this in mind: "We all have the right to achieve (a) happy life. Because everybody, even insects, even animals also want (a) happy life."