What Dalai Lama means to me?

Coming from an overtly religious family, I have had many interactions and meetings with various religious and spiritual ‘Gurus’ from various strands of thought. I had deep reverence for them but never found a strong connect with any of them.

With His Holiness Dalai Lama, there was this riveting force that drew me towards him. That touch of his hands, touch of his head on my forehead, are truly unforgettable. Ever since I have rushed at every opportunity to just be in his divine presence — That is Dalai Lama for me.

Two years later, while coming back to the hotel after a long evening in Goa, we saw a shack open at 3 am on our way back. My friends ask me to go and ask for food, half expecting to be refused.

I saw the owner was preparing to close the shack for the day, standing next to the Dalai Lama’s portrait. I requested him, he refused. I asked him again, he politely explained that he will not be able to do it. I showed him my pictures with His Holiness, instantly creating a magical bond between us. Nevertheless, I reluctantly walked back to the car, realizing we would have to make do with a packet of chips for the night. To my surprise, the shack owner called out to me and reopened his kitchen for us. We had the best Thupka of our lives. Such is the grace of His Holiness. A year later during my visit to Goa again with colleagues, I made it a point to touch base with the shack owner again.

I have been reading his quotes, his ideas, his struggle and I found that there is something in him — a power of perception that makes people fall in love with him.

Top of my wishlist — to go to his Dharamsala monastery with friends to just rewind after this crisis.

Happy 85th to a man that inspires and empowers so many of us!