In the afternoons, the Dalai Lama has audiences with officials, followers and others who wish to see him ? especially refugees who have dodged Chinese border guards to leave Tibet.

"He never misses meeting the people who've come from Tibet," said Ngawang Norbu, director of the refugee reception centre in Dharamshala.

For recreation, the Dalai Lama tinkers with what he calls "mechanical things" like watches ? although he says he is hopeless with computers ? and pours over encyclopedias and picture books about the Second World War.

At 6pm, it is time for evening tea, more prayers and meditation and bed at 8.30pm ? after putting in a 17-hour day.

"I would say it's because of his self-discipline that he's able to keep on with this hectic schedule ? he won't deviate much from his daily routine," said Toplak, who has worked for the Dalai Lama for 13 years.

"He's indefatigable ? he won't slow down," he said.

Those close to the Dalai Lama say he finds it tough to turn down requests for audiences.

"He has so many invitations and he hates to disappoint anyone," said the Tibetan prime minister-in-exile.

"He can only accept 20 percent of the requests and invitations he gets. Eighty percent he has to turn down and he's still overly burdened," he said.

After hinting he might retire, the Dalai Lama now has ruled that out.

"There is no point or question of retirement," he said recently.