Summary

Abrams begins this chapter by describing the elegant yet simple décor in the Dalai Lama’s dining room. He notes that he can feel in the Dalai Lama’s “posture and his body language the power of a leader” (67) because of his genuine concern felt for all those around him. Abrams praises the Dalai Lama’s ability to engage with every new person he meets, a testament to his being “fully present” (68). Also evidence of the Dalai Lama’s present mindset is his ability to switch from an esteemed religious leader to a caregiving host, who thoughtfully asks the Archbishop if the temperature of his soup is okay before continuing their conversation.

During their meal, the Archbishop and the Dalai Lama turned to the topics of “bringing together their two religious traditions, the great challenge...