Dalai Lama gives Tony Abbott advice

New federal opposition leader Tony Abbott was late for his meeting and press
conference with the Dalai Lama in Sydney.
Fortunately he didn't swear at His Holiness - a lesson learnt from the 2007 election
campaign when he was late for a debate with then shadow health minister Nicola
Roxon.
The Dalai Lama forgave the apologetic Liberal leader with a friendly pat on the knee.
The Tibetan spiritual leader told reporters he was very happy to meet Mr Abbott.
"I hope, Your Holiness, all who meet me will be equally happy," Mr Abbott replied
laughing.
Mr Abbott called on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to make time in his schedule to see
the Dalai Lama during his Australian visit.
"I understand the diplomatic sensitivities there are," Mr Abbott said.
"There are things opposition leaders can do that prime ministers find more difficult.
"But certainly Prime Minister (John) Howard found time to met His Holiness when he
was prime minister.
"I can understand why people are a little disappointed Prime Minister Rudd (cannot
meet him)."
Mr Rudd met with the Dalai Lama as opposition leader in 2007 after initially
refusing an invitation.
Wearing his trade mark burgundy and yellow robe and a pair of orange thongs, the
Dalai Lama thanked Australia for accepting Tibetan refugees seeking asylum from
Chinese rule.
"I suggested to His Holiness ... I'd discourage him from sending them on leaky
boats," Mr Abbott said.
When asked if he was concerned about the Liberal Party's scepticism on climate
change, the Dalai Lama said he welcomed freedom of expression in democracies.
Mr Abbott laughed and said: "Thank you Your Holiness that was well-handled".
On Monday the Dalai Lama weighed into the public debate on an Australian emission
trading scheme urging individual and collective action.
The pair said they did not actually discuss climate change in their personal meeting.
Rather, Mr Abbott sought spiritual advice from the Buddhist leader.
"I did ask for some guidance when it comes to maintaining inner peace," Mr Abbott
told reporters.
"He has decades of experience ... I've been leader for three days.
"I was reassured ... that provided you approach things in the spirt of truth and
compassion you will be given the inner resources to cope with the difficulties of
daily life."
Mr Abbott said he hoped to channel some of his new-found inner peace and compassion
to heal rifts in the Liberal Party.
He was asked if he found solace in his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull's vow, on
Thursday morning, not to cause the new leader trouble from the back bench.
"I respect that. I would not expect anything less from Malcolm," he said.
"He's a man of integrity, a man of honour.
"He and I disagree a little on policy but we've always respected each other and I am
pleased that he has said that."