News

Dalai Lama Visits Hospice!

Late last year, patients and staff at North Shore Hospice were treated to a surprise visit from the Dalai Lama. On Sunday 6 December, amid tight security, the Dalai Lama, head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, spent almost an hour with patients and staff as he toured the North Shore Hospice’s In Patient Unit (IPU).

His visit had to be kept a closely guarded secret because of the tight security needed for a Head of State. We were particularly honoured to host the Dalai Lama as he is rarely able to visit individual organisations.

On his arrival he was whisked into the IPU to meet with Patron Judy Bailey, CEO Mike Franklin and the patients in their rooms. The Dalai Lama spoke warmly and offered comfort to each patient, suggesting ways to stay mentally strong through times of trial. When one of the patient’s children asked him what his favourite food was, he replied simply, "noodles".

He later addressed an expectant group of staff and community patients who had gathered in the family lounge to meet him. He told them he always thinks of New Zealand as a very happy place. He said he may not return, given that he is nearly 75 and will "face death like everybody".

The Dalai Lama made the visit specifically to meet patients and provide them and their families with some words of comfort. His message meant different things to different people, but had a common theme; death is a part of living and once you accept that, it is possible to be at peace.

His parting advice to everyone gathered was that if you are religious, pray to God but if you are an unbeliever, accept the reality of life and all it holds, including death. Once he finished speaking he shook hands with patients before getting into a waiting car and disappearing in a motorcade flash.

Although it was all over very quickly, there are small reminders everywhere of the impact he had on patients, their families and staff. Several days after the visit, one patient was reluctant to take off the kata (white scarf) the Dalai Lama had blessed her with.

So many of those who met him said it was a wonderful experience, one which they felt left them with a sense of peace. They commented that his message was simple, but one they understood and could identify with.

It truly was a remarkable day and our patients and families have a wonderful memory of the day the inspirational spiritual leader visited our Hospice.