14th Dalai Lama

14th Dalai Lama

The 14th Dalai Lama in 2013

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the current Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the former political leader of Tibet. He was born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser, Amdo, Tibet.

Early Life

The 14th Dalai Lama as a child in the 1940s

The 14th Dalai Lama was born as Lhamo Thondup in a small village in northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. He was formally enthroned as the Dalai Lama on February 22, 1940, in the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Education and Training

The Dalai Lama received a traditional monastic education, which included studies in logic, Tibetan art and culture, Sanskrit, medicine, and Buddhist philosophy. He completed his education with the highest honors, receiving the Geshe Lharampa degree, equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy.

Political Leadership

The Dalai Lama with the Panchen Lama and Mao Zedong in Beijing, 1954

In 1950, at the age of 15, the Dalai Lama assumed full political power as the head of the Tibetan government. This was a tumultuous time, as the People's Republic of China had begun its invasion of Tibet. In 1954, he traveled to Beijing to meet with Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders in an attempt to negotiate peace.

Exile and International Advocacy

The Dalai Lama in 1959

In 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, the Dalai Lama fled to India, where he was granted asylum. He established the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, which serves as the Tibetan government-in-exile. Since then, he has traveled extensively, advocating for the rights of Tibetans and promoting peace and non-violence.

Teachings and Philosophy

The Dalai Lama is known for his teachings on compassion, non-violence, and interfaith dialogue. He has written numerous books and given lectures worldwide, emphasizing the importance of inner peace and ethical living.

Awards and Recognition

The Dalai Lama has received numerous awards for his work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. He is widely respected as a spiritual leader and a symbol of peace and resilience.

Related Pages

• Tibetan Buddhism
• Potala Palace
• Central Tibetan Administration
• Nobel Peace Prize

Gallery

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  The Dalai Lama's residence in Dharamshala

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  The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

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  Map of Tibet, 1950

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  Mao Zedong with the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama

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  The Dalai Lama with the Panchen Lama

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  View of the Potala Palace

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  The Dalai Lama in Tokyo, 1967