The ongoing four-match Test series between India and Australia has turned out to be an intense encounter between the two cricketing giants. Whether it was the heated exchanges or the personal duels, the three Tests so far have been a mere witness to a gruelling rivalry.

With tempers soaring high both on and off the pitch, it was only understandable for the players to take a break and gather themselves. And, that's exactly what Steven Smith did.

Ahead of the fourth Test in Dharamsala, the Australian skipper took some time out to meet Dalai Lama at his temple. In a bid to regain some peace of mind, Smith spent time with his Holiness at his temple in Dharamsala.

Incredibly fortunate to meet the Dalai Lama and listen to him speak at his temple in Dharmsala today #compassion #oneness #peaceofmind

A post shared by Steve Smith (@steve_smith49) on Mar 24, 2017 at 2:07am PDT

Smith took to Instagram to post a picture with the exiled spiritual leader which carried a caption: "Incredibly fortunate to meet the Dalai Lama and listen to him speak at his temple in Dharmsala today #compassion #oneness #peaceofmind.”

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"He's all about compassion and oneness for every human being and it was great to hear something like that from someone as prestigious as the Dalai Lama," Smith said.

"I asked him a question about sleep and how he could help me, and he gave me his blessing. We rubbed our noses together and gave me some blessings, so hopefully it'll help me with my sleep over the next five days.

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"If we can learn anything from it, it is that perhaps sometimes we get a bit over the top when we are out there playing cricket. It's a tough game but at the end of the day it's just a game and you need to realise that at times," he concluded.

Dalai Lama:Look Into My Eyes, You'll See God
Steve Smith:OMG! What's Sachin Tendulkar Doing Over There?
Dalai Lama: You Know Nothing, Smith! pic.twitter.com/RmZUFSwYMc

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 25, 2017

Dalai Lama: What you like about India?

Steve Smith: Indian bowlers pic.twitter.com/RPUgZhxJL2

— Sarcastic Dude (@Sarcasticdudee) March 25, 2017

Steve Smith to Dalai Lama:
"Your highness, Please tell me how can i get rid of BRAIN FADE"#IndvAus #INDvsAUS ?? pic.twitter.com/8zEla3asFU

— . (@BleedBlueForeva) March 26, 2017

Dalai Lama : I've fought Chinaman all my life!!!
Steve Smith : Pad up mate!! You're opening in the next innings!!! #KuldeepYadav #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/H0E8S6gRSw

— karnik Padha (@KarnikPadha) March 26, 2017

Dalai Lama: Son! 111 is spiritual Number
Steve Smith: ok!  #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/ST8Qf5GJfT

— #AJFF ?। Jinx™ (@meetdspartan) March 25, 2017

Steven Smith - What you see in my eyes? Dalai Lama - Yet another century ? #IndvAus pic.twitter.com/XZDmvJ0AeK

— P₹akash $inha ?? (@Predicto_Praky) March 25, 2017

Smith: We need your blessings for test series victory in India.
Dalai Lama: tum rehne do beta tumse na ho payega!!#INDvsAUS #TestOfTheBest pic.twitter.com/vrzz6hzQhQ

— Crictle (Yogi)?? (@LazyKachhua) March 24, 2017