The Dalai Lama reveals what makes him angry: ‘It’s when my staff do something carelessly’

The exiled spiritual leader also spoke of his affection for his mother

'It's when my staff do something carelessly, then my voice goes high. But after a few minutes, it passes' (EPA)

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader known for his promotion of tolerance, patience, and forgiveness, has revealed what makes him angry: careless staff.

In an interview with The Times Magazine, the Dalai Lama admitted that “small things” still get to him, but he doesn’t hold on to his anger.

“You never stop getting angry about small things. In my case, it’s when my staff do something carelessly, then my voice goes high. But after a few minutes, it passes.”

During the interview the spiritual leader – who celebrated his 80th birthday this year - also spoke of his affection for his mother.

"The first seed of compassion is not taught nor explained but shown through action. My mother was a very compassionate person.

“She was a peasant farmer and was illiterate. There was nothing to play with, so she always carried me on her back as she worked.

“I received the maximum affection from her. Sometimes in modern life, it’s not possible to spend sufficient time with your children in this way. But what makes a good parent? I’m a monk – I have no experience!”

Earlier this year the Dalai Lama gave advice to people with a broken heart, suggesting they “practice celibacy.”

The exiled leader also turned 80 this year, and had ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to him by tens of thousands of people at Glastonbury festival when he joined Patti Smith on the Pyramid stage.

Additional reporting by PA