Rev. Danny Fisher

Following some critical comments and lampooning for his “fist-bump” of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Tibetan Buddhist leader’s visit to Memphis, Mayor Myron Lowery has his say at CNN:

I had been told by his representatives that the Dalai Lama had a wonderful sense of humor, and would enjoy the exchange. Indeed, he did. His Holiness laughed, returned the gesture, and gave me his blessings.

And in our brief time together, I saw in his eyes the sparkle of kindness, love and good humor.

It’s unfortunate that not everyone could allow themselves to enjoy the moment, as we did.

Barely an hour passed before reporters began calling to say my fist bump with the Dalai Lama was “disrespectful,” unusual and perhaps inappropriate.

Read the rest of Lowery’s special commentary for CNN here.