Usual journalistic protocol does not apply when the interview subject is the Dalai Lama. After being introduced in a plush reception room in Belfast's City Hall last night, hardened hacks produced meditation tomes for His Holiness to sign. Afterwards they lined up to get photos taken beside him. This left just enough time for a short question-and-answer session.
What were the spiritual leader of Tibet's impressions of Northern Ireland and its people? "It's been quite amazing. Despite the difficulties and anxieties, the people are showing optimism, they can smile . . . I feel that people are beginning to feel violence is no use," he said.
The time was ripe for peace "on various levels".
The Dalai Lama had been meeting victims of the Troubles in Derry. He is here as part of a conference organised by the World Community for Christian Meditation.
"I told them forgiveness is important, but forgiveness does not mean just to forget about what happened. I said they should use the memory and experience to develop positive energy," he said.
His Holiness explained how "something meaningful" had happened yesterday, when one woman told him she felt there was no purpose to her life any more. They talked and "after a time people were smiling, laughing, and so I really feel I did some good today".
People in Northern Ireland did not need to adopt Buddhist philosophies, nor did politicians have to take up meditation to maintain peace. "People here have their own religion . . . it is not necessary to seek some other religion," he said.
Those without religious beliefs should have what he called "secular ethics" in their lives. "Simply, in order to be a happy person, we need basic human values."
Asked what he does when he is not attending to his duties, a plainly weary Dalai Lama said he had "just one idea". He explained: "And that is to sleep . . . heh, heh, heh . . . to wake up fresh in the morning."
At least His Holiness could be assured of a deep slumber last night - he has digs at the peaceful Hillsborough Castle in Co Down, courtesy of his new acquaintance, the Secretary of State, Mr Peter Mandelson.