Dharamsala: What would you say if you were to meet the Dalai Lama? Some might ask for the path to nirvana, or why poor people seem happier than the rich. Steve Smith asked for the secrets to a good night's sleep.
Dharamsala is the destination for many pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment. For Australian cricket, it could be the scene for one of its greatest triumphs after one of the most intense Test series in recent memory. Smith has been at the centre of much of the drama. No wonder he is having trouble getting some shut-eye.
![Touching moment: Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, with Steve Smith at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala.](/web/20170327011544im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/6/7/6/c/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gv66zi.png/1490363582304.jpg)
"I asked him a question about sleep and how he could help me - he gave me his blessings, we rubbed our noses together," Smith said.
"Hopefully it will help me with my sleep over the next five days."
For those who hold on to the game's virtues of sportsmanship and fair play, then perhaps Australia's visit to the Dalai Lama's residence should have come a month ago.
![Light banter: The Dalai Lama appears to share a joke with Dave Warner.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170327011544im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/6/7/5/r/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1490345804170.png)
Light banter: The Dalai Lama appears to share a joke with Dave Warner. Photo: cricket.com.au
Not that the Australians are to blame for all the conflict that has strained relations between two of cricket's powerhouse nations. This is not the most aggressive team to have worn the baggy green but as much as Australian fans would like to point the finger at Indian captain Virat Kohli, it does take two to tango.
If Smith was to take one lesson from meeting His Holiness, the captain said, it would be that cricket is not the be-all and end-all.
![Privilege: The Dalai Lama poses with the Australian cricket team and models a T-shirt signed by the visitors.](/web/20170327011544im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/6/7/0/o/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gv66zi.png/1490363582304.jpg)
"It relaxes us a little bit. He's all about compassion, oneness for each and every human being," Smith said.
"It was great to hear something like that from someone as prestigious as the Dalai Lama. It was a great experience for all of us. If we can learn anything from it, perhaps sometimes we get a bit over the top out there playing cricket.
"It's a tough game but at the end of the day, it's just a game. You need to realise that at times. That's something this team can perhaps take from meeting the Dalai Lama."