Make sure your guru is qualified, says the spiritual leaders Dalai Lama

There is an air of reverence in the room even before His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, enters. If it is the first time you are meeting him, the excitement levels are notches higher than usual. Wearing a contagious smile, the Dalai Lama walks in. Anxieties, if any, fade away.

The Dalai Lama was being felicitated in Surat on January 2 by the Gujarat Governor, O P Kohli, who presented the SRK Foundation's 7th Santokbaa Award to His Holiness. The Dalai Lama, who turns 80 this July, has a bubbly attitude.

At the function, he faces a volley of questions. A man takes the mic and asks, "May I just take one picture with you?" Arms spread out, His Holiness replies, "Please come", requesting the crowd to make way for him. It's fitting then that when the question of choosing a guru in these days of religious conversion comes up, the Dalai Lama's words are measured, its implication direct.

" Faith must be based on thorough investigation. Even the guru that you follow, make sure that the person is truly qualified. Unless you are fully convinced, do not accept his teachings. Do not develop a 'guru-chela' relationship."

Talking of gurus and chelas, he has his audience in splits when he says, "Indians traditionally are our gurus. We ( Tibetans) learnt about Buddhism from you and we are reliable, trusted chelas."




'Difficult to convert educated people'

Stressing on the need for religious tolerance, the Dalai Lama insists it is education that will eventually help build mutual respect. "It is more difficult to convert educated people. Education helps develop the ability to investigate.

All religious traditions have the same potential — to help humanity. The philosophy and the approach may be different but all carry the message of love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance," he says.

The Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and has a vast following globally. Yet he cautions people against blind faith, mentioning that despite being a Buddhist, he does not propagate Buddhism or compel anyone to convert.

' Politicians have to use common sense'

Asked about his successor, the 14th Dalai Lama says that the decision eventually lies with the Tibetan people who must decide if the Dalai Lama as an institution should continue.

The question of China is never really far away when it comes to His Holiness. When there is a query about Indo-China ties, he refuses to answer any politically-driven questions. Yet it seems he can't help himself and the answer slips out.

"Politicians have to use common sense. India and China are two most populous and powerful nations. They do not have the ability to destroy each other. Hence, they must learn to live together and live happily."

'Modi is a very, very good man'

The Dalai Lama even has a kind word for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recalling his meeting with Modi a few years ago in Vadodara, he calls him a "very, very good man".

As his minders signal the end of the interaction, the Dalai Lama leaves on a light note. Asked what he likes to do in his free time, with a child-like chuckle, the Dalai Lama gestures with his hands, tilts his head to one side and says, "Sleep".