14th Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama, born Lhamo Thondup, is the current spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the former temporal leader of Tibet. He is widely regarded as an emanation of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and has led the Tibetan government in exile since 1959. Known for his advocacy for peace and interfaith dialogue, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Key Facts
- ›Recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1937.
- ›Assumed full temporal power as ruler of Tibet in 1950 at age 15.
- ›Escaped to India in 1959 following the Tibetan uprising.
- ›Established the Tibetan government in exile, now represented by the Central Tibetan Administration.
- ›Advocates for the 'Middle Way Approach' to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet with China.
- ›Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Tibet.
Important Relationships
- 13th Dalai Lama
- Avalokiteśvara
- Central Tibetan Administration
- Mao Zedong
- Heinrich Harrer
- Ma Bufang
- Reting Rinpoche
- Ling Rinpoche
- Trijang Rinpoche
Taktser, Lhasa, Dharamshala, India
Tibetan
Monastic Vows, Bodhisattva Vows
About 14th Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama: Spiritual Leader and Advocate
The 14th Dalai Lama, born Lhamo Thondup, is the current spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the head of the Gelug school, the newest of Tibetan Buddhism's traditions. His full spiritual name is Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, though he is widely known as Tenzin Gyatso. Central to the Tibetan Buddhist belief in the institution of the Dalai Lama is the understanding that the Dalai Lama is a living Bodhisattva, specifically an emanation of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
Early Life and Recognition
Born on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in Taktser, a village in the traditional Tibetan region of Amdo, Lhamo Thondup was identified as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. He was formally recognized in 1939, after a selection process involving signs, visions, and tests, though a Golden Urn ceremony was waived. He received his monastic ordination and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. His childhood was spent between the Potala Palace and Norbulingka, Lhasa's summer residence.
Political Leadership and Exile
The 14th Dalai Lama assumed full temporal power as ruler of Tibet on November 17, 1950, at the age of 15, amidst escalating tensions with the People's Republic of China. Following the Battle of Chamdo and the annexation of Central Tibet, he escaped to India in 1959 during the Tibetan uprising. In India, he established the Tibetan government in exile, which he led from Dharamshala until 2011, when he retired as political head to allow for a democratic government.
Advocacy and Global Engagement
Since his exile, the Dalai Lama has become a prominent global advocate for Tibetan welfare, peace, and human rights. He champions the Middle Way Approach with China, seeking a peaceful resolution that allows Tibetans to preserve their culture and identity while acknowledging China's sovereignty. He has traveled extensively, promoting Buddhist teachings, interfaith dialogue, and engaging with leaders and thinkers on a wide range of topics, including science, environmentalism, and ethics. His efforts in promoting non-violence and peace were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was the 14th Dalai Lama born?
The 14th Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Thondup on July 6, 1935, in the village of Taktser, in the traditional Tibetan region of Amdo, which was then a Chinese frontier district.
How was the 14th Dalai Lama recognized?
He was selected as the tulku of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1937 and formally recognized in 1939. The selection process involved omens, visions, and tests to identify the reincarnation.
What is the significance of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism?
The Dalai Lama is considered the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism. He is believed to be a living Bodhisattva, an emanation of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
What role did the 14th Dalai Lama play in Tibetan governance?
He served as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet before 1959. After his exile, he led the Tibetan government in exile, though he retired as political head in 2011.
What is the Dalai Lama's approach to the issue of Tibet?
He advocates for the 'Middle Way Approach' with China, seeking a peaceful resolution that allows Tibetans to preserve their culture and identity while acknowledging China's sovereignty.
What are some of the 14th Dalai Lama's major contributions?
His work includes promoting interfaith dialogue, advocating for environmental protection, and teaching Buddhist philosophy worldwide. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his efforts.
Related Buddhists
Je Tsongkhapa
Je Tsongkhapa was a highly influential Tibetan Buddhist monk, philosopher, and tantric yogi who founded the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. His philosophical system synthesized various Indian Buddhist traditions, emphasizing a rigorous understanding of emptiness and the importance of reasoned inquiry in the path to liberation. He is revered as one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism.
Thubten Yeshe
Thubten Yeshe was a Tibetan lama of the Gelug tradition who, following his exile to Nepal, became instrumental in introducing Tibetan Buddhism to Western students. He co-founded Kopan Monastery and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, and was known for his unconventional teaching style.
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche
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