Schools

Loyola Academy Junior Meets Dalai Lama

Gavin Sullivan earned his chance to meet the holy figure with his essay, 'Seven Billion Little Steps.'

While most juniors spent their afternoon in late April studying for tests, worrying about their prom groups, and generally being concerned with themselves, junior Gavin Sullivan had the opportunity to live through an experience very few get the chance to experience – a meeting with the Dalai Lama.

The chance to meet the Dalai Lama, only the 14th leader of the Tibetan branch of Buddhism in more than 600 years and considered by his followers to be reincarnated to embody the spirit of an ancient Enlightened being, enticed Sullivan as he served as an icon of non-violence in the face of adversity. 

Check back Friday for Sullivan's personal experience on meeting the Dalai Lama.

Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sullivan earned his chance to meet this holy figure by entering an essay on the topic of non-violence through Loyola’s own branch of Amnesty International. Sullivan began his essay, “Seven Billion Little Steps,” a little “after Christmas and … would revise it every now and then” until he submitted it January 31. 

The junior at the Wilmette high school explained that he had always enjoyed writing and because he had learned much about what it means to bring about peace through theology class and Amnesty International, he decided to take a stab at the contest.

Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Reading before the Dalai Lama

Sullivan along with three others were selected out of more than 100 entrants, to meet the Dalai Lama and to read their essays before him. In addition, Sullivan asked the Dalai Lama one question after his speech.

On arriving at Loyola University for the occasion, Sullivan was not only among some of the biggest theological figures in Chicago, but also world figures and movie stars like Sean Penn. Not too overwhelmed, Sullivan presented his essay with all these worldly and theological figures giving him his full attention.

In Seven Billion Little Steps, Sullivan explored the importance of both trying to listen to one’s conscience rather than to give into vice, as well as delving into the principles of Catholic Social Teaching by explaining that people should work towards the goal of subsidiarity.

“Subsidiarity,” as Sullivan explains it is “a calling for action on the most personal and local level possible.”

This means that as a high school student, Sullivan hopes to make small strides towards nonviolence by doing simple acts like “inviting a lonely peer to the lunch table.”

The Deerfield resident ended his speech by stating that, “With seven billion small steps across the globe, we can surge towards universal peace and prosperity.”

Sullivan stumps the Dalai Lama

After his speech, Sullivan asked the Dalai Lama, “What do you know now that which you wished you knew when you were my age?”  

Sullivan says the Dalai Lama first responded that “he did not know.” The Dalai Lama had never been asked that question before.

As Sullivan put it, “I stumped him!”

The Dalai Lama did find an explanation, saying that information, experiences, and memories one gains because one has a passion for them will stay with that person much longer. He also said he wished he had exposed himself to more diverging viewpoints as a young person and advised everyone should research diverging viewpoints and form their opinions based on all the information they can find.

Later in the event, the Dalai Lama himself gave a speech and, much to the surprise of Sullivan, discussed Sullivan’s speech in his own.

Sullivan described the Dalai Lama as being very personable and approachable; he even unexpectedly attended a lunch reception with the contest winners. The Dalai Lama spoke wise words and gave sage advice according to Sullivan, as well as connecting well with the audience and telling jokes.

The holy figure shares words of wisdom

One thing the Dalai Lama said in particular struck Sullivan. When asked if non-violence is always possible, the Dalai Lama responded that, “Sometimes you … have to use force, but you always need to have non-violent intentions …  important to go in with non-violent intentions,” Sullivan explained.

One should never be pro-actively violent, but the Dalai Lama advised that sometimes one cannot look at the world in an entirely idealistic fashion but that one must take a level-headed look at what is going on in the world.

After meeting the Dalai Lama, Sullivan hopes to continue to live out the principles set forth by both himself and the Dalai Lama. While others stress out about prom and AP Exams, Sullivan hopes to make small strides throughout the school community and keep a peaceful environment present.

This article was written by Charlie Schufreider, a Glenview resident and writer with The Loyola Prep, a publication written, edited and produced by students at Loyola Academy.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here