As he nears 88th b’day, Dalai Lama doesn’t miss daily run on treadmill

DHARAMSALA: He's up and about even at 88. He sweats it out on a treadmill and feeds his appetite for news by listening to the BBC.

He's the Dalai Lama who will be celebrating his 88th birthday on July 6. His aides say he is a vegetarian, eats hot porridge and runs on a treadmill or strolls regularly. His Holiness, an honorific given by his followers, starts his day as early as three in the morning with prayers and meditation. After that, he takes a short morning stroll in his official palace or loves to trudge on a treadmill to stay fit. And he eats hot porridge, tsampa (barley powder), bread with preserves, and tea.

No texting, no television and no music. The Buddhist monk, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, during breakfast regularly tunes his radio to the BBC World News in English. From 6 am to 9 am His Holiness continues his morning meditation and prayers, say aides.

After 9 am he usually spends time studying various Buddhist texts and commentaries written by the great Buddhist masters. Lunch is served from 11.30 am. His Holiness visits his office from 12.30 p.m. until around 3.30 p.m. During an afternoon at the office one interview is scheduled along with several audiences.

Upon his return to his residence, His Holiness has his evening tea at around 5 p.m. This is followed by his evening prayers and meditation. He retires in the evening by around 7 p.m. Putting it simply, the Dalai Lama believes "our life is based on hope –- a desire for things to turn out well".

"Our lives depend on hope. If you have hope, you'll be able to overcome problems you face. But if you're without hope, your difficulties will increase. Hope is linked to compassion and loving kindness. In my own experience I've faced all sorts of difficulties in my life, but I never gave up hope," the Dalai Lama is often quoted as saying.

The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in the remote Amdo region of Tibet. IANS

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