A benign smiling face, his posture unassuming and his aura peaceful. All these things remain with one long after meeting the Dalai Lama. It was a blessed morning when we had the opportunity to spend some time in his august presence.

When I used to see clips of the Dalai Lama on Facebook, or quotes of his circulating on social media, I often wondered about the charisma surrounding him. Hearing him that day explained it in many ways. He is deeply spiritual, witty and very contemporary in his thinking. He can laugh at himself, and see hope in every thing.

From the importance of ancient Indian traditions of ‘ahimsa’ and ‘karuna’ to the imperative of maintaining ‘hygiene of emotion’ in current times, he was optimistic and positive.

Faith must be based on reason – he narrated to us the story of Nagarjuna of Nalanda University, who questioned the Buddha’s teaching. An important lesson for modern times.

Education is the key to building the ability for reason and intellect was his message to us.

When he blessed us and held our hands, a sense of unparalleled peace and well being permeated us.

He straddles centuries in his persona, and engages in contemporary and current issues with ease. It was a privilege to be in his presence.