Historical Figure
Tenzin Gyatso
b. 1935
Spiritual leader of Tibet since 1940
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Biography
The 14th Dalai Lama is the incumbent Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism. He served as the resident spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet before 1959 and subsequently led the Tibetan government in exile represented by the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, India.
In Their Own Words (5)
It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.
Kindness, Clarity, and Insight (1984). , 1984
Don't compare me with Jesus. He is a great master, a great master...
Interview in The New York Times (28 November 1993). , 1993
It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance.
Ocean of Wisdom: Guidelines for Living (1989) , 1989
If I say, "I am a monk." or "I am a Buddhist," these are, in comparison to my nature as a human being, temporary. To be human is basic.
"Kindness and Compassion" p. 47. , 1990
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.
"Kindness and Compassion" p. 47. , 1990
Timeline
The story of Tenzin Gyatso, told in moments.
Became one of the world's most recognized spiritual figures, teaching compassion and mindfulness to audiences of millions. Wrote dozens of books. Maintained a daily routine of four hours of meditation beginning at 3:30 a.m.
Born Lhamo Thondup to a farming family in Taktser, a tiny village in the Amdo region of Tibet. At two years old, monks identified him as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama through a series of tests.
Enthroned as head of the Tibetan government at 15, after Chinese forces invaded eastern Tibet. A teenager running a government under military occupation.
Fled Tibet during the failed uprising against Chinese rule, crossing the Himalayas to India disguised as a soldier. Established a government-in-exile in Dharamsala, where he has lived since.
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advocating a nonviolent solution to the Tibet crisis. Proposed genuine autonomy within China rather than full independence, a stance that frustrated some Tibetan nationalists.
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