The Most Exceptional Optimist: the Dalai Lama

Recognized at age 2 by Tibetan Buddhists as the 14th incarnation of the Dalai Lama, His Holiness has been the Spiritual Leader of tibet for most of his 79 years, though he has not lived there since 1959, when he escaped to India. In the years since, the Dalai Lama–who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989–has become a global icon.

6.5

Hours spent meditating and praying each day

200,000

Attendance at the Dalai Lama’s largest prayer gatherings, most recently in Bihar, India, in 2012

3

Months spent traveling outside India every year

3 A.M.

Wake-up time, followed by a morning ritual that includes meditation and light exercise

7 P.M.

Bedtime

2

Meals eaten per day (breakfast and lunch)

110

Books by the Dalai Lama; most focus on peace and spirituality

3

Popes who have met him; Pope Francis has yet to do so

4

Sitting U.S. Presidents who have met him

32

Countries that have bestowed awards on him