His Holiness The Dalai Lama prepared by Sonam Gurmaith

Content Introduction of the Dalai Lama Reincarnation Discovery of the 14th Dalai Lama Biography of the 14th Dalai Lama Three Main Commitments in his life Universal Recognition Some of his famous quotes Pictures

Introduction of the Dalai Lama "Dalai Lama" is a name of honour and respect that was given to him by the Buddhist monks of Tibet. "Lama" means "teacher" or "wise person." "Dalai" means "ocean." When put together Dalai Lama is translated as "Ocean of Wisdom.“ Supreme Spiritual Leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

Introduction of the Dalai Lama contd….. The Dalai Lama is considered to be the successor in a line of tulkus  who are believed to be incarnations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion(an iconic figure who represents boundless compassion) and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are believed to be enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity.

Thousand-armed Avalokiteśvara Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion

The 14 Dalai Lamas so far Gedun Drupa (1391-1474) Gedun Gyatso(1475-1542) Sonam Gyatso(1543-1588) Yoten Gyatso(1589-1617) Lobsang Gyatso(1617-1682) Tsagyang Gyatso(1683-1706) Kelzang Gyatso(1708-1757) Jamphel Gyatso(1758-1804) Lungtok Gyatso(1805-1815) Tsultrim Gyatso(1816-1837) Khendrup Gyatso(1838-1856) Trinley Gyatso(1857-1875) Thupten Gyatso(1876-1933) Tenzin Gyatso(1935)

Reincarnation After the death of a Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government embarks on a search for his reincarnation or yangsi. Before dying the Dalai Lamas often give clues as to the location of their reincarnations. They are identified in a number of ways: Some have been found following unusual births and childhoods and others by displaying signs of extreme intelligence. He should be able to pick out the previous Dalai Lama’s personal possessions from an assortment of similar objects. If he passes the test, he is brought to Lhasa for training.

How the 14th Dalai Lama was discovered? Nearly two years later the 13th Dalai Lama died, a search party was created by the Tibetan government to find the new incarnation of the Dalai Lama. They followed the following clues:- The head of the preserved body of 13th Dalai Lama was mysteriously discovered to have turned from facing south to northeast, indicating the direction in which his successor would be found. Shortly after that, a senior lama had a vision. Looking into the waters of the sacred lake in southern Tibet, he clearly saw the Tibetan letters Ah, Ka and Ma float into view. These were followed by the image of a three-storied monastery. Finally, he saw a small house with strangely shaped guttering. He was sure that the letter Ah referred to Amdo, the northeastern province, so it was there that the search party was sent.

It seemed likely that if the letter Ah referred to Amdo, then Ka must indicate the monastery at Kumbum, which was indeed three-storied. They now only needed to locate a hill and a house with peculiar guttering. So they began to search the neighbouring villages. When they saw the gnarled branches of juniper wood on the roof of the His Holiness' parent's house, they were certain that the new Dalai Lama would not be far away.  Nevertheless, rather than reveal the purpose of their visit, the group asked only to stay the night. The leader of the party then disguised himself as a servant and spent much of the evening observing and playing with the youngest child in the house.

The next day they left only to return a few days later as a formal deputation. This time they brought with them a number of possessions that had belonged to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, together with several similar items that did not belong to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. In every case, the infant correctly identified those belonging to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama saying, “It's mine. It's mine”. This convinced the search party that they had found the new incarnation. . 

The 14th Dalai Lama

Biography of the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) He is the fourteenth leader in a line of Buddhist spiritual and political leaders of Tibet. Born on 6 July 1935 to a farming family in northeastern Tibet. Age two: recognised as the incarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. He began his monastic education at the age of six.

Leadership and exile 1950- His Holiness was called upon to assume full political power after China’s invasion of Tibet in 1949. 1954-He went to Beijing for peace talks with Mao Zedong, a Chinese Communist Leader. 1959- His Holiness was forced to escape in exile. Since then he has been living in Northern India ,the seat of the Tibetan political administration in exile. He has appealed to the United Nations on the question of Tibet. The General Assembly adopted three resolutions on Tibet in 1959,1961 and 1965.

“Free Tibet” 1963 : His Holiness presented a draft of democratic constitution for Tibet. May 1990: First time, the people of Tibet elected the political leadership. 1992: As leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama issued guidelines for a future free Tibet.

Three main commitments in his life First: As a human being, the Dalai Lama must promote human values . Second: As a religious practitioner, the Dalai Lama must promote religious harmony and understanding among the world’s religious traditions. Third: As a Tibetan, the Dalai Lama must act as the free spokesperson of the Tibetans in their struggle for justice.

Universal Recognition 1989: Awarder the Noble Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle in the liberation of Tibet. First Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems. Traveled to more than 62 countries spanning six continents. Since 1959, received over 84 awards in recognition for his message for peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He has authored more than 72 books.

“Famous Quotes”

The highest ancient palace in the world The Lhasa Potala Palace

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