His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is back in his adopted home town to deliver teachings to a group of Singaporean Buddhists. Kemmy is clearly very excited about the prospect, although knows no-one coming over. This is a fairly common event whereby he receives funding for the Pro-Tibetan cause for his lessons. As a spiritual leader for the Tibetan people he needs wide shoulders to carry this heavy burden, not least due to the global travelling he undertakes to promote the Tibetan cause. Now aged 73, he was taken to hospital last month for stomach problems brought upon by exhaustion.

Mcleod Ganj fills up with a wide variety of disciples to partake in the teachings. Live translations are given in English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, etc. and most of the students are armed with FM radios to tune in to these.

Last month he was giving teachings to a Korean delegation. Between each lesson, HHDL walks through the throngs. He stops right in front of me to have a conversation with a very wrinkled and old Tibetan woman. On completion he walks vigorously down the aisle and stops in front of a European woman on the opposite side. She immediately breaks down to uncontrollable tears which he attempts to subside with little success. He moves with vigour and vitality, and whatever your religious background, he clearly has a serene and enlightened aura around him.