In the three weeks I spent in Dharamsala, I photographed the Dalai Lama numerous times. During that time, he kept an incredibly busy schedule. He taught, attended his Long Life Prayer, performed ordinations, hosted a Mind & Life Dialogue and consulted the State Oracles, to name a few responsibilities. If he spotted me in a crowd, he would smile, or if I were nearby, he asked me for my impressions. On one such encounter, he extended to me an invitation to photograph him at home while meditating.
Many of his attendants had become quite friendly toward me, although from the perturbed manner by which one attendant greeted me as I was escorted to his meditation room, I had the impression this was a seldom-granted privilege. The attendant placed a chair for me far from where the Dalai Lama was already seated and meditating. The Secretary who had escorted me inched the chair a bit closer and told me not to disturb the Dalai Lama. It was dark, so I set up my tripod.
The Dalai Lama must have been amused with the commotion. He called me and said, “First come here and we say good morning.“ Then he said, “I see you need light” and then switched on the light. He held up one mala, a strand of 108 prayer beads, and told me he had escaped with this. He then picked up a second mala and said, “This one is for you.” I felt my heart skip and uttered a gasp. He had already presented me with a bronze Buddha and a Dharma Wheel. I felt overwhelmed. The Dalai Lama gave a small chuckle. Then he said, “You don’t need to sit there. You can come as close to me as you want.” Within seconds, he was absorbed in deep meditation.
As I looked through the camera’s viewfinder one foot away from the Dalai Lama, he expression changed from quiet serenity to focused concentration while a simple grace illuminated him. It was a rare privilege to witness this meditation. More than ever, I wanted to share my experiences with others. It is my hope that through these photographs and stories, people will gain greater insight into the rich Tibetan culture and its value to the world.
