Dalai Lama heads to London to promote global peace

The revered Buddhist heads to the Royal Albert Hall today to talk about 'the relationship between heart and mind and how best to develop an open heart.' The talk will will be followed by a performance of traditional Tibetan songs and dances.

Tenzin Gyatso, the 76 year old exiled Tibetan spiritual leader appeared on Sunday night at a free event in Manchester in a double act with comedian Russell Brand.


The Dalai Lama meets a young Tibetan boy in Manchester (Getty images)

11,000 people attended the event. Brand asserted some of his trademark uncensored cheek when he told the audience “Some of you might be surprised to see me here. I’ve gone from being Shagger of the Year three times to introducing the Dalai Lama."

"It has certainly been an interesting journey. The Dalai Lama told me ‘We are all just people’ and I’ve taken that on board as I was very nervous meeting him.” he continued.

The Dalai Lama commended Brand, telling him "I think your openness is wonderful.”

He went on to praise the UK for its openness and lack of racial prejudice, saying “Britain should be very proud of its place in the world. It is known as a country which stands up against racism and intolerance and it has provided a haven for those fleeing torture and oppression.”

The Dalai Lama went into exile into India in 1959 to escape oppression from the Chinese government following the Tibetan Uprising.

China decided to halt diplomatic exchanges with the UK last month after Prime Minister David Cameron met for a talk with the Dalai Lama.

Celebrities including Michael Stipe, Stella McCartney, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Beth Ditto, and Jarvis Cocker were filmed reading messages for a special video to mark the new campaign, entitled Stand up and Be the Change.

Check it out below.

Main image: The Dalai Lama tugs on Russell Brand's beard (Getty)