New on Twitter: The Dalai Lama

Twitter's founder says the Dalai Lama laughed at the thought of using the social networking service. But the Tibetan spiritual leader now has an official Twitter site - and more than 68,000 followers.

Twitter founder Evan Williams posted a message Sunday that he'd just met the Dalai Lama in Los Angeles and pitched using Twitter.

On Monday, a Twitter page set up by the Dalai Lama's office in India carried its first message. It mentioned that the Dalai Lama had been in L.A. and gave a Web site link for details.

Six other Tweets since then provide links to interviews, photos and webcasts.

So far, the Dalai Lama hasn't posted any personal messages.

Fresh off a visit to the White House, the Dalai Lama was in Florida on Tuesday where he addressed about 4,000 people at Nova Southeastern University. He says the economic crisis cannot deter the U.S. from championing liberty, freedom and democracy.

Exiled for the last half-century, the Dalai Lama also spoke of the value of forgiveness, urging the audience to hate actions, not people. He says he maintains compassion for the Chinese even though he disagrees with their treatment of his people.

The Buddhist leader will address more South Florida crowds later Tuesday and on Wednesday.