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The Tibetan monk, Dalai Lama is recognized as one of the most well-regarded personalities. As a connoisseur of peace and harmony, he has influenced many through his preaching. Likewise, in 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was invited to the University of California, Irvine, to address young sporting enthusiasts. Interestingly, the 11x World Surf League champion, Kelly Slater also joined the monk on the panel. Both ended up engaging in an intriguing conversation about surfing.

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UC Irvine organized its third-annual ‘Plan To Take On the World (PTTOW) Youth Media and Innovation Summit’ in 2011. Interestingly, for the panel discussion, UC invited legendary surfer, Kelly Slater, Spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama, and American musicians Rob Bourdon and Mike Shinoda. Moreover, during the talk, Slater asked His Holiness a question regarding surfing. And, the monk answered Slater in the most fascinating way. 

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Kelly Slater asked Dalai Lama an intriguing question

As per the ESPN report, during the panel discussion, Slater asked His Holiness, “Have you ever thought of catching a wave?”. However, at first, His Holiness didn’t understand the question. But, after consulting with his translator, Dalai Lama replied, “Never!”.

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He further explained that “he had grown up near a pond but never learned to swim”, which led to a phobia of water. As per the report, the Dalai Lama “often looks out the window of the plane while flying over great bodies of water and thinks about what would happen if the plane were to go down in the ocean”. 

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Read More: “Will This Be a Serious Issue…”: Surfing Legend Kelly Slater Expresses Concerns Following a Horrifying Mid-Ocean Accident

Furthermore, His Holiness jokingly said, “I would be the first to go to the sharks”. Interestingly, Slater also expressed his reverence for the Tibetan monk by asserting, “It’s most likely a once-in-a-lifetime chance”, to talk with such a great leader.

 Extending his praises for His Holiness, Slater said, “I see it as a huge honor and on another level, he’s just another person like I am”. Clearly, Slater found his answers in the most fascinating way, don’t you think?

Watch This Story –  A Huge Shock for Surfing Fans Before Vans Pipeline From Kelly Slater and John John Florence

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Purva Jain

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Purva Jain is the Senior Editor for US Sports at EssentiallySports, heading coverage of Track & Field, Gymnastics, Tennis, Alpine Skiing, Swimming and other verticles. She oversees day-to-day operations and mentors a large team of editors and writers on uncovering unique angles to stories. A writer-turned-editor, Purva began her ES journey with standout coverage of the 2022/23 FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup and went on to capture the excitement of the Know more

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Anupama Ghosh

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