Associated Press Writer= BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The Dalai Lama says he doesn’t fault President Obama for his low-key reception in Washington because he recognizes that the president must juggle ties to the Tibetan spiritual leader with concerns about angering China.

The Dalai Lama told The Associated Press he understands that Obama must be practical in exercising his commitment to human rights worldwide.

"No disappointment. The last six decades my heart hardened. I do not consider important political gestures. I don’t care. The important is meet face-to-face," said the Dalai Lama, who was sometimes assisted by a translator.

"With President Clinton, the first meeting was a ‘drop-in,’" he said. "People asked me the same question (then). I don’t care."

The Dalai Lama made the remarks while in Los Angeles to support Whole Child International, an organization that advocates better care for orphans worldwide.

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