His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, A Man of Peace

Jul 12, 2011
Maggie Harries

My Spiritual Journey - The 14th Dalai Lama - The Dalai Lama/Author

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness," said the Dalai Lama some time ago. His biography is consistent with his statements.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists. His life is one of great interest.

Dalai Lama

Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th leader in the line of Buddhist spiritual and political leaders of Tibet, followers of Gautama Buddha c. 563-c.483 BCE). The Dalai Lama, in office from November 17, 1950 to the present, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet, and has proven himself to be a man of peace.

In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet, standing for non-violence in the face of extreme aggression. He became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized as a concerned advocate of global environmental issues.

Fascinating History

Now let's explore some history. He was born on July 6, 1935, and given the name of Lhamo Dhondup in Taktser, a very small village in NE Tibet. This farming family had 4 sons and 2 daughters in addition to Lhamo, the future 14th Dalai Lama. ‘Lama’ means teacher and person.of wisdom. ‘Dalai’ means ocean. So the title ‘Dalai Lama’ translates into Ocean of Wisdom.

After following guidance to find the 14th Dalai Lama, the monks received vision he would be found in NE Tibet in a house with strange gutters. Many monks went on this journey. They found him at the house with strangely shaped gutters.

They spoke to him and his parents and the lad correctly identified objects which had belonged to the 13th Dalai Lama, who had died in December of 1933. The monks believed they had found the reincarnation of their leader who was 2 years of age at the time.

Enlightened Beings

So, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama after succeeding at tests given to him. Those chosen to serve as Dalai Lama are believed to be enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity.

On February 22, 1940, he was declared the new Dalai Lama under the name of Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang. He was brought to Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital, which is comprised of 1,000 rooms built into a mountain, and directly to the Lion Throne.

He began his monastic education at 6 years of age. His major subjects were logic, Tibetan art and culture, Sanskrit, medicine, and Buddhist philosophy. This was further divided into five categories.

At 23 he took his final examination, passed with honors, and was awarded the highest degree equivalent to a doctorate of Buddhist philosophy. He took over the political leadership of Tibet not long after Communist China invaded the country. China immediately claimed Tibet was now part of China.

Finding Safe Refuge

The Dalai Lama fled his country taking safe refuge in India in 1959 during the revolt against Chinese control of Tibet. Since then, while in exile, he has promoted Tibetan religious and cultural traditions. Buddhist monks believe that the troubles of this life can be overcome through moral and mental discipline, and have certainly had their tests over time.

In 1987 the Dalai Lama received the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, and in 1989 received the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Dalai Lama’s Visit to Washington, D.C.

A huge crowd, possibly numbering 10,000, journeyed to hear this renowned speaker on the west lawn of the US Capitol Saturday, July 9th. This 10-day world peace conference organized by supporters of the Dalai Lama was concise in directness. According to this leader, people must achieve inner peace prior to effectiveness in the wishful quest of a better world.

Some in the crowd were dressed in Buddhist garb holding prayer beads. His words were definitive, but carried a warning to those considering this massive effort..

“Too much of a self-centered attitude leads to fear and distrust,” said the Nobel Prize winner. “And, also difficulty in communicating with other people due to a deep insecurity in one’s self.”

One visitor summarized the message this way, “I really loved what he spoke about learning to have compassion and inner peace. Just, you know, learning to love yourself.” Buddhist Sergey Gladkikh replied through a translator, “The most important thing in life is not to be upset or disturbed with...difficulties.”

His Own Future Plans

Earlier this year, he removed himself as the titular head of the government-in-exile of Tibet. He stated a possibility exists of his return to Chinese-controlled Tibet because China is changing.

World Peace Event Called Kalachakra on July 6-16, 2011

This Washington event is composed of a series of talks, rituals, visualizations, mantras, and yoga designed to transform the minds of participants yearning to achieve mature inherent wisdom and a sense of compassion. This is the universal and ultimate Buddhist goal of enlightenment, similar to a huge peace festival. It lasts from July 6-16, 2011.

It even includes an exquisite sand painting by widely revered Buddhist monks, dubbed a ‘sand mandala’ which will be destroyed at the end of 10 days as a sign of the impermanence of created things.