The Dalai Lama is a charismatic person who puts everyone he meets at ease
Over the course of my travels, I have seen how the Dalai Lama’s vision has transformed every aspect of Tibetan society - from local government, education, monastic practices to the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism by lay people. Tibetan traditions now accommodate the modern world, thus keeping Tibetan culture alive. It was therefore especially significant to meet with HHDL to see in person, how he transformed traditions to accommodate the modern world.
During my private audience, he looked at the photographs I had taken in the Tibetan settlements and often pointed to people he recognized or inquired where the photos were taken. He smiled at the photo of a nomad baby wrapped in yak wool. A woman embroidering elaborate Buddhist deities on a bright red costume captivated him. From his joy in seeing the photographs, I realized he rarely sees his people going about their daily lives.
The Dalai Lama is a charismatic person who puts everyone he meets at ease. He frequently avoids protocol to get closer to people. More than once, I’ve seen him disregard the security guards to accept treats directly from people. I frequently saw how people defer to him; however, he knows how to affirm, empower them and put them at ease. His kindness is evident in the way he listens with his whole heart and mind. Above all, I saw the humanity of the Dalai Lama. The actions that make him human, rather than a deity - walking, talking and laughing - are ever present and often made me forget that he is the Dalai Lama. He is not an exceptional being or a God, which many Tibetans believe him to be, but a great example of what a human being can be.
