Chris Weeks/Getty ImagesTalk about an event to remember!
The Lourdes Foundation hosted a question and answer panel with his Holiness the Dalai Lama this afternoon at The California Science Center, and it was quite the star-studded event.
Sharon Stone, Larry King, Anna Kendrick, Lupita Nyong'o, Amber Heard, Eva Longoria, Naomi Watts, Jeremy Renner, Jim Carrey, Nikki Reed, Joshua Jackson, Malin Akerman, Christina Hendricks, Rosario Dawson, Sandra Oh, Amber Valletta, Joanna Krupa and Lisa Vanderpump were among the long list of celebs that attended.
The event took place in the same room as the Space Shuttle Endeavour. There were about 40 round tables arched around a small stage. Nyong'o was among the first to arrive as was Kenrick. Carrey, Renner, Krupa and Vanderpump came in a bit later as people started to take their seats, a source tells E! News.
Heard and her giant diamond ring walked in moments before his Holiness entered the room arm-in-arm with Sharon Stone. Everyone stood up out of respect.
Larry King introduced Ann Curry, who conducted the interview with the Dalai Lama. Eric Benet and David Foster were also introduced to the stage. Benet sang "What the World Needs Now Is Love" as everyone in the audience sang along. "There was a special energy in the room," the source tells us.
As the questioning began, right before Ann asked the first question, there was a loud farting-like noise. Anna made sure the audience knew that was not her, but the sound system. The Dalai Lama chimed in, "I also make that noise." (LOL!)
Curry asked, "Do you have a briefcase and if you do what is inside of it?"
His Holiness leaned over to grab his maroon colored canvas bag and began looking through it. According to our source, there were two mini Toblerone chocolate bars. He gave one to Curry and one to Stone.
There was also travel toothpaste in plastic wrap, sunglasses in a case, and as he looked inside he said there was a clay Buddha but wouldn't take it out, however he mentioned that he always carries this statue with him. There was also a thermometer that he showed the crowd before he stuck it under his armpit.
"I feel younger than I am, feeling young doesn't affect your real age," the Dalai Lama said when asked about age. His response drew a smile from Heard.
The goal of the discussion was to spread the message of compassion, non-violence and dialogue to help achieve peace. The questions Curry asked were submitted by others, and some were anonymous.
An honour to be invited @DalaiLama ..#empathy #compassion
#inspirational.
? Lisa Vanderpump (@LisaVanderpump) February 27, 2014A lunch with @DalaiLama today who said " Debate is good for progression but when the dog was too big I ran!"
How about a pack? I wonder.
? Lisa Vanderpump (@LisaVanderpump) February 27, 2014Taped a great interview w/ his Holiness the @DalaiLama today - he's truly a remarkable man - airs 3/10 on #LKN pic.twitter.com/WfxX9I0eDR
? Larry King (@kingsthings) February 27, 2014There's nothing more contagious than the @DalaiLama's laugh! What an honor to be with His Holiness today! http://t.co/x5fzaw6RFK
? Eva Longoria (@EvaLongoria) February 26, 2014Got to playfight with the Dalai Lama today. What a lucky love filled life I have. What a sweet soul he is. ;^}
? Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) February 26, 2014He has arrived. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. http://t.co/UGbAUgQnHH
? Nikki Reed (@NikkiReed_I_Am) February 27, 2014Wish everyone had the same views as the Dalai Lama. Our world would b filled w kindness and compassion? http://t.co/SNjBBq4ga2
? Joanna Krupa (@joannakrupa) February 26, 2014Orange carpet for the Dalai Lama. #MakesSense. #Oscars http://t.co/K6HSwOdjxi
? Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) February 27, 2014