Short Biographies of the Previous Dalai Lamas (Part -2)

The Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso

In retrospect, the Tibetan believed that Tsangyang Gyatso forecast his personal rebirth at Lithang in Kham whilst he wrote this song:

White crane, lend me your wings,

I cross no farther than Lithang,

And thence, return once more.

Sure sufficient, the Seventh Dalai Lama was born in 1708 to Sonam Dargya and Lobsang Chotso in Lithang, years after the disappearance of the Sixth.

Thupten Jampaling Monastery, which was based in Lithang with the aid of the Third Dalai Lama, was astonished by means of the wonders of the kid and also the kingdom oracles of Lithang had expected that the newborn child will be the reincarnation of the late Dalai Lama. However due to the turbulent political scenario, they could not escort the new Dalai Lama to Lhasa, and he was taken to Kumbum monastery, wherein he was ordained by Ngawang Lobsang Tenpai Gyaltsen.

In 1720, he was enthroned in the Potala Palace and he took the amateur vows of monkhood from Panchen Lobsang Yeshi, who gave him the name Kelsang Gyatso. In 1726, in the course of the auspicious month of Saka Dawa, he took the Gelong vows (complete ordination) from Panchen Rinpoche. He sought the train of Panchen Lobsang Yeshi, the Abbot of Gyumey monastery and the Abbot of Shalu monastery, Ngawang Yonten, from whom he studied the entire foremost Buddhist philosophical treatises and became a master in each the sutra and tantra.

In 1751, at the age of 43, he constituted the ‘Kashag’ or council of ministers to administer the Tibetan government and then abolished the publish of Desi, because it located too much strength in one man’s hand. The Dalai Lama have become the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. At the age of 45, he founded the Tse-School in the Potala Palace and built the new palace of Norling Kalsang Phodrang. The Seventh Dalai Lama became a top student and wrote many books, specially at the tantra. He become also a terrific poet who, in contrast to Tsangyang Gyatso, dwelt on spiritual themes. His easy and unblemished life won him the hearts of all Tibetans. He died in 1757.

The Eighth Dalai Lama, Jamphel Gyatso

The Eighth Dalai Lama, Jamphel Gyatso, was born in 1758 at Thobgyal, Lhari Gang within the Tsang area of southwestern Tibet. His father, Sonam Dhargye, and mother, Phuntsok Wangmo, were originally from Kham and traced their ancestry to Dhrala Tsegyal, one of the legendary heroes of the Gesar epic.

As soon as Jamphel Gyatso was conceived, Lhari Gang become blessed with a bumper harvest with every stalk of barley bearing 3, 4 and 5 ears — some thing unparalleled. When the mother and a relative have been having their supper in the garden, a large rainbow seemed, one quit of which touched the mother’s shoulder. (This is appeared to be a totally auspicious omen, associated with the birth of a holy being.) Not long after his delivery, Jamphel Gyatso become regularly determined to be searching heavenward with a smile on his face. He was also seen to be attempting to take a seat in a meditative, lotus posture. When Palden Yeshi, the Sixth Panchen Lama, heard approximately this boy, he suggested: This is the true reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

As the kid started out to speak, he said: “I will go to Lhasa on the age of 3”. Now the complete of Tibet become satisfied that this child was the Eighth Dalai Lama. Darkpa Thaye, the leader attendent of the Seventh Dalai Lama, got here to Lhasa with a big contingent of lamas and Tibetan government officers. They took the boy, then two and a half of years old, to Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse, accomplished the popularity rite and the Panchen Lama gave the boy the name Jamphel Gyatso.

In 1762, the boy was escorted to Lhasa and enthroned inside the Potala Palace. The enthronement ceremony became presided over by using Demo Tulku Jamphel Yeshi, who become the primary Regent to symbolize the Dalai Lamas once they were minors. At the age of seven, he took the amateur vows of monkhood from the Panchen Lama and then he was completely ordained in 1777. In addition to his incredible religious legacy, it become the Eighth Dalai Lama who constructed the well-known Norbulingka Park and Summer Palace at the outskirts of Lhasa. In 1804, he died on the age of forty-seven.

The Ninth Dalai Lama, Lungtok Gyatso

The Ninth Dalai Lama, Lungtok Gyatso was born in 1805 in Dan Chokhor, a small village in Kham to Tenzin Choekyong and Dhondup Dolma.

Amid 1807, he was acknowledge as the reincarnation of the Eighth Dalai Lama and was escorted to Lhasa with incredible ceremony. In 1810, he turned into enthroned at the Potala Palace. He took his newbie vows from the Pachen Lama, who gave him the name Lungtok Gyatso. sadly, he died in 1815 at the very young age of nine.

The Tenth Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso

The Tenth Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso The Tenth Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso, was born amid 1816 in Lithang in Kham to Lobsang Dakpa and Namgyal Bhuti.

In 1822, he was identified and enthroned in the Potala Palace and inside the same year, he took his amateur vows of monkhood from the Panchen Lama, Tenpai Nyima who gave him the name Tsultrim Gyatso. In 1826, at the age of ten, he was enrolled in Drepung monastery wherein he studied various Buddhist philosophical texts and mastered each the sutra and tantra. In 1831, he reconstructed the Potala Palace and on the age of 19, he took the Gelong vows (full ordination) from the Panchen Lama. However, he was continuously in bad health and died in 1837.

The Eleventh Dalai Lama, Khedrup Gyatso

The Eleventh Dalai Lama, Khedrup Gyatso, was into born in 1838 at Gathar in Kham Minyak to Tsetan Dhondup and Yungdrung Bhuti.

In 1841 he was acknowledged as the new Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, Tenpai Nyipa, cut his hair and gave him the name Khedrup Gyatso. In 1842, he was enthroned in the Potala Palace and at the age of 11, he took the novice vows of monkhood from the Panchen Lama. Despite his young age, he assumed the obligation of Tibetan religious and political leader on the request of the Tibetan people. and, he died in 1856 at the Potala Palace.

The Twelfth Dalai Lama, Trinley Gyatso

The Twelfth Dalai Lama, Trinley Gyatso became born in 1856 in Lhoka, an area close to Lhasa to Phuntsok Tsewang and Tsering Yudon.

In 1858, the young boy as Dalai Lama become escorted to Lhasa in which Reting Ngawang Yeshi Tsultrim Gyaltsen, the regent gave him the name Thupten Gyatso. In 1860, at the age of 5 he took the beginner vows of monkhood from the Gaden Throne Holder Lobsang Khenrab and he was enthroned in the Potala Palace. In 1873, at the age of eighteen, he took on full responsibility as each spiritual and political chief of Tibet. In 1875, he died on the age of twenty inside the Potala Palace.

The Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Thupten Gyatso

The Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Thupten Gyatso, was born inside the Fire Mouse year of 1876 at Langdun in Dagpo, valuable Thakpo Tibet to Kunga Rinchen and Lobsang Dolma, a peasant couple.

In 1877, he became identified as the reincarnation of the twelfth Dalai Lama following predictions from the State Oracle Nechung and different auspicious symptoms at his birthplace. He became then escorted to Lhasa. In 1878 the Eighth Panchen Lama, Tenpai Wangchuk, finished the hair-cutting rite and gave him the name Ngawang Lobsang Thupten Gyatso Jigdral Chokley Namgyal. In 1879, he changed into enthroned inside the Grand Reception Hall on the Potala Palace. Later that year, he obtained the Upasaka (Tib.: ge-nyen) vows from the Regent Tatsak Rinpoche, Ngawang Palden Yeshi. In 1882, at age six, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama became officially ordained as a newbie monk (Tib.: ge-tsul) by way of the same Regent.

And in 1895 he took the total monk ordination (Tib.: ge-long) from his educate, Phurchok Ngawang Jampa Rinpoche, within the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, who served as each the Preceptor and Procedural Master of the rite. Phurbuchok become assisted with the aid of many eminent Buddhist masters of Tibet at that point, such as Ling Rinpoche Lobsang Lungtok Tenzn Thinley and the Gaden Throne Holder, who served as the Secret Inquiry Master and so on required by way of the ordination ceremony. On 27 September 1895 he subsequently assumed the political and spiritual authority of Tibet and changed into thrown into the thick of the Great Game performed out via Czarist Russia and British India at the fringes of their sprawling empires. He went thru the British invasion of Tibet in 1904 and the Chinese invasion of his us of a in 1909/10 but survived the ordeals of each experiences, along with his authority distinctly improved.

When the news unfold in 1910 that Lu Chan, a Chinese General of the Manchu force, arrived in Lhasa, the Dalai Lama and some of the maximum vital officials fled Lhasa and headed to India. The group crossed Dromo and held a negotiation with the Chinese invaders on the Jelep-la Pass, which separates Tibet and Sikkim.

In 1911, the Manchu Dynasty turned into overthrown and the Tibetans took this opportunity to expel the remnant Manchu forces from Tibet. The Dalai Lama lower back to Tibet and went directly to practice an extraordinary political authority not seen because the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Besides trying to modernize Tibet, the Dalai Lama also tried to dispose of some of the greater oppressive functions of the Tibetan monastic system. During his exile in India, the Dalai Lama was fascinated by the current world and he delivered the primary Tibetan currency notes and cash. On thirteen February 1913, he made public the five-point assertion reasserting Tibet’s Independence. Also, in 1913 he mounted the primary put up workplace in Tibet and despatched 4 younger Tibetans to have a look at engineering in England.

In 1914, he bolstered Tibet’s navy pressure by using organizing special schooling for the Tibetan navy. In 1917 he installed the Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrology Institute) in Lhasa to maintain the unique traditional Tibetan scientific and astrological structures. For that cause, he selected about a hundred younger and wise college students to teach in Men-Tse-Khang. In 1923, he established a Police Headquarter in Lhasa for the safety and welfare of the Tibetan human beings. In the identical year he established the first English college of Tibet in Gyaltse. Sadly, he died in 1933 at the age of fifty-eight before undertaking his goal for Tibet’s modernization.

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Short Biographies of the Previous Dalai Lamas (Part-1)

The First Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa

The First Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa, was born in 1391 in Gyurmey Rupa, near Sakya in the Tsang place of principal Tibet to Gonpo Dorjee and Jomo Namkha Kyi, a nomadic family. His given name was Pema Dorjee.

He did his primary studies of reading and writing Tibetan script with Gya-Ton Tsenda Pa-La, and then on the age of fourteen, he took his newbie vows from Khenchen Drupa Sherab, abbot of Narthang monastery, who gave him the spiritual name of Gedun Drupa. Latter, within the year 1411, he took the Gelong vows (complete ordination) from the abbot.

The younger Gedun Drupa became aware to the reputation of the Great Tsongkhapa, the founding father of the Gelugpa School and he have become his disciple in 1416. His loyalty and devotion to Tsongkhapa persuaded the amazing master to make Gedun Drupa his foremost disciple. Tsongkhapa passed Gedun Drupa a brand new set of robes as a sign that he might spread the Buddhist teachings all over Tibet. In 1447, Gedun Drupa based the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse, one among the biggest monastic Universities of the Gelugpa School.

The First Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa become a great person of large scholarship, famous for combining study and practice, and wrote greater than 8 voluminous books on his insight into the Buddha’s teachings and philosophy. In 1474, on the age of 84, he died at the same time as in meditation at Tashi Lhunpo monastery.

The Second Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso

The Second Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso was born in 1475 in Tanag Sekme, near Shigatse inside the Tsang area of central Tibet to Kunga Gyaltso and Machik Kunga Pemo, a farming family.

His father was a famous tantric practitioner belonging to the Nyingmapa sect. When Gedun Gyatso turned into capable to talk, he become stated to have advised his mother and father that his name was Pema Dorjee, the brith name of the First Dalai Lama and that he would like to live in Tashi Lhunpo monastery. When he was conceived, his father had a dream wherein someone dressed in white appeared and instructed him to call his son Gendun Drupa and also stated that his son could be someone with the capacity to keep in mind his past lives. However, his father named him Sangye Phel.

He received his primary education from his father and on the age of 11 he was recognized as the reincarnation of Gendun Drupa, the First Dalai Lama and changed into enthroned at Tashi Lhunpo monastery. In 1486, he took his newbie vows from Panchen Lungrig Gyatso and his vows of Gelong (full ordination) from Choje Choekyi Gyaltsen, who gave him the ordained call of Gedun Gyatso. He studied at Tashi Lhunpo and Drepung monasteries.

In 1517, Gedun Gyatso became the abbot of Drepung monastery and inside the following year, he revived the Monlam Chenmo, the Great Prayer Festival and presided over the occasions with monks from Sera, Drepung and Gaden, the three fantastic monastic Universities of the Gelugpa Sect. In 1525, he have become the abbot of Sera monastery. He died on the age of sixty-seven in 1542.

The Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso

The Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso was born in 1543 at Tolung, nearby Lhasa, to Namgyal Drakpa and Pelzom Bhuti, a wealthy family.

His father and mother had already had many children, but they’d all died and to ward off any misfortune that might take this new child baby from them, they fed him at the milk of a white goat and named him Ranu Sicho Pelzang — The prosperous one saved by goat’s milk.

In 1546, at the age of 3, Sonam Dakpa Gyaltsen, the ruler of Tibet, and Panchen Sonam Dakpa identified him as the reincarnation of Gedun Gyatso. He was escorted to Drepung monastery in a fantastic procession and was enthroned and his hair was cut, symbolizing his renunciation of the world. He took novice vows from Sonam Dakpa at the age of seven and presumed the name of Sonam Gyatso. At the age of 22, he took the Gelong vows (complete ordination) of Bhiksu from Gelek Palsang.

In 1552, Sonam Gyatso have become the abbot of Drepung monastery and in 1558, the abbot of Sera monastery. In 1574, he established the Phende Lekshe Ling so that help him in accomplish his religious activities, that is now referred to as Namgyal monastery and nevertheless serves as the Dalai Lama’s personal monastery. It turned into throughout his time, the Mongolian King Altan Khan provided him the identify of Dalai Lama which actually method Ocean of Wisdom and in return, the Dalai Lama conferred on Altan Khan the name of Brahma, the king of faith. The Third Dalai Lama additionally based Kumbum monastery in Tsongkhapa’s birthplace and Lithang monastery in Kham. In 1588, he died at the same time as teaching in Mongolia.

The Fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso

The Fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso,was born in 1589 in Mongolia to the Chokar tribal chieftain Tsultrim Choeje, who was the grandson of Altan Khan, and his second spouse PhaKhen Nula.

With predictions from the country oracles and auspicious signs and symptoms at his birth, the abbot of Gaden monastery recognized him as the genuine reincarnation of the Third Dalai Lama and he become given the name of Yonten Gyatso. His parents, however, refused to part with their son until he become older, so he obtained his primary religious education in Mongolia from Tibetan Lamas.

In 1601, at the age of twelve, Yonten Gyatso became escorted to Tibet observed by way of his father and the former Gaden throne holder, Sangya Rinchen, who bestowed the vows of novice monk on him. In 1614, on the age of twenty-six, he took the Gelong vows (full ordination) from the Fourth Panchen Lama, Lobsang Choegyal. He later have become the abbot of Drepung monastery after which Sera monastery. In 1617, on the age of twenty-seven he died at Drepung monastery.

The Fifth Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso, was born in 1617 in Lhoka Chingwar Taktse, south of Lhasa to Dudul Rabten and Kunga Lhanzi.

When Sonam Choephel, the chief attendant of the Fourth Dalai Lama heard of the awesome abilties of the Chong-Gya boy, he paid a visit to the child and showed him articles belonging to the previous Dalai Lama. The boy straight away stated those belonged to him. Sonam Choephel stored the invention of the Fifth Dalai Lama a mystery due to the turbulent political situation. When things settled down, the Fifth Dalai Lama became taken to Drepung monastery in which he was ordained into monkhood by way of the Third Panchen Lama, Lobsang Chogyal, and was given the name Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso.

The Fifth Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso

The Fifth Dalai Lama was acknowledged at a time while Tibet was in political turmoil. However, all this uncertainty was laid to rest by Gushir Khan, the leader of the Qoshot Mongols and in 1642, the Dalai Lama was enthroned within the primary hall of Shigatse as each the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. In 1645, the Dalai Lama held a meeting with excessive officers of Gaden Phodrang on the development of the Potala Palace at the Red Hill, where the 33rd King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo had constructed a red fort. In the same year, the development began and it took almost 43 years to finish.

In 1649, Sunzhi, the Manchu emperor, invited the Dalai Lama to Peking. When he reached the Chinese province of Ningxia, he was greeted by means of the emperor’s minister and army commander who got here with 3 thousand cavalry to escort the Tibetan chief. The emperor himself traveled from Peking and greeted him at an area referred to as Kothor. In the Chinese capital, the Dalai Lama stayed on the Yellow Palace, constructed for him through the emperor. When the emperor officially met the Dalai Lama, the two of then exchanged titles. In 1653, the Dalai Lama back to Tibet.

Gushir Khan died in 1655, as did Sonam Choephel, the Desi. The Dalai Lama appointed Gushir Khan’s son Tenzin Dorjee as the brand new Mongol king, and Drong Mey-Pa Thinley Gyatso succeeded the latter to the put up of Desi. When the Manchu Emperor died in 1662, his son, K’ang-si, came on the Manchu throne. In the same year the Panchen Lama died at the age of 91. In 1665, after a petition from Tashilhunpo monastery, the Dalai Lama recognized a boy from Tsang region as the reincarnation of the overdue Panchen Lama and gave the boy the name of Lobsang Yeshi.

The Fifth Dalai Lama was a superb scholar, nicely versed in Sanskrit. He wrote many books, which include one on poetry. He also established two institutions, one for lay officials and another for monk officials, in which they had been taught Mongolian, Sanskrit, astrology, poetry, and administration. He was a person of few phrases, however what he stated carried conviction and stimulated rulers past the borders of Tibet. In 1682, at the age of sixty-five he died before finishing the construction of the Potala Palace, however, not earlier than entrusting the responsibility of the development to Sangya Gyatso, the brand new Desi with the advice to keep his loss of life secret in the meanwhile.

The Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso

The Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born in 1682 within the location of Mon Tawang in curent-day Arunachal Pradesh, India to Tashi Tenzin and Tsewang Lhamo.

In order to finish the Potala Palace, Desi Sangye Gyatso done the wishes of the Fifth Dalai Lama and saved his demise a secret for fifteen years. People have been advised that the Great Fifth was persevering with his lengthy retreat. On vital events the Dalai Lama’s ceremonial robe was positioned at the throne. However, while Mongol princes insisted on having an audiencet, an old monk referred to as Depa Deyrab of Namgyal Monastery, who resembled the Dalai Lama, became employed to pose in his vicinity. He wore a hat and eyeshadow to hide the reality that he lacked the Dalai Lama’s piercing eyes. The Desi managed to maintain this charade until he heard that a boy in Mon exhibited fantastic competencies. He despatched his trusted attendants to the location and in 1688, the boy was added to Nankartse, a place close to Lhasa. There he was educated by teachers appointed via the Desi till 1697, when the Desi sent his depended on minister, Shabdrung Ngawang Shonu to the Manchu court to tell Emperor K’ang-si of the loss of life of the Fifth and discovery of the Sixth Dalai Lama. He introduced the reality to the humans of Tibet, who greeted the information with gratitude and pleasure and thanked the Desi for saving them from lamenting the putting of the solar and, as a substitute, making them rejoice in its rising.

The Desi invited the Fifth Pachen Lama, Lobsang Yeshi, to Nankartse, where Tibets 2nd maximum religious leader administered the vows of a amateur monk to the adolescents and named him Tsangyang Gyatso. In 1697, the fourteen-year old was enthroned because the Sixth Dalai Lama in a ceremony attended with the aid of Tibetan government officials representing the three principal monasteries — Sera, Gaden, and Drepung — Mongol princes, representatives of Emperor K’ang-si and the Lhasa populace.

In 1701 there was a warfare among the Desi and Lhasang Khan, the descendant of Gushir Khan, and the latter killed the Desi Sangya Gyatso, which disturbed the young Dalai Lama. He left his monastic study and selected the out of doors existence, he had no plans to take the completely ordained vows. In reality, he visited the Panchen Lama in Shigatse and asked his forgiveness, and renounced even the vows of a beginner monk. Though he endured to live inside the Potala Palace, he roamed round Lhasa and other outlying villages, spending his days along with his friends inside the park behind the Potala Palace and nights in taverns in Lhasa and Shol (an area below the Potala) consuming chang and singing songs. He become regarded to be a incredible poet and author and he wrote several poems. In 1706, he was invited to China and died while this journey.

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Biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama, Tibet's political leader, has strived to make Tibet an independent and democratic nation from China. He and his fans are exiled to India.

The Dalai Lama was into born Lhamo Thondup on July 6, 1935 in Taktser, China. At age 15, he assumed political strength of Tibet because the Dalai Lama. The People's Republic of China invaded that  year. Fearing assassination, he and thousands of followers fled to Dharamsala in northern India, wherein they established an alternative government. Since then, the Dalai Lama has taken severa actions in hopes of setting up an autonomous Tibetan nation inside the People's Republic of China. However, the Chinese authorities has shown no signs of moving in the direction of peace and reconciliation with Tibet. The Dalai Lama has also performed loads of meetings, lectures and workshops global, as a part of his humanitarian efforts. He was provided the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. In December 2008, the Dalai Lama introduced his semi-retirement after having gallstone surgery.

Early Life

Lhamo Thondup was into born on July 6, 1935 in Taktser, China, northeast of Tibet, to a peasant family. He is the pinnacle of country and spiritual leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, India. Tibetans trust him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors. For nearly 50 years, he had aimed to set up Tibet as a self-governing, democratic nation.

Lhamo Thondup was the 5th of sixteen childrens—seven of whom died at a young age. After several months of trying to find a successor to the 13th Dalai Lama and following many vast religious symptoms, spiritual officials located Lhamo Thondup, at age 2, and identified him because the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. Young Lhamo was renamed Tenzin Gyatso and declares as the 14th Dalai Lama.

Dalai Lamas are believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokitesvara,  most important Buddhist deity and the personification of compassion. Dalai Lamas also are enlightened beings who've postponed their own afterlife and selected to take rebirth to advantage humanity. Meaning of "Dalai"  is  "ocean" in Mongolian (the call "Gyatso" comes from the Tibetan word for ocean). Meaning of "Lama" in Sanskrit wording  is "guru," or spiritual teacher. Put collectively, the title of Dalai Lama is exactly "Ocean Teacher," that means a "teacher spiritually as deep as the sea."

Buddhist Teachings

Buddhism become created within the sixth century, BCE, with the start of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, making it one of the oldest religions practiced these days. Originating in India, the religion unfold in the course of maximum of japanese and southern Asia. Buddhism came to Tibet within the eighth century, CE. Unlike other religions which are centered on a best being, Buddhism is centered on 4 fundamental truths: Life is not best; people are left unsatisfied by means of seeking to make life best; human beings can realize there may be a better way to acquire fulfillment; and by way of dwelling one's existence thru expertise, moral behavior and mental control, humans will attain enlightenment.

Within these truths are countless layers of teachings on the nature of life, existence, demise and the self. Buddhism encourages its followers now not to believe in those teachings, as followers of other religions believe of their faith's vital figures and dogma, but instead to discover, recognize, and check the truths towards their personal studies. The emphasis here is on the exploration. The Buddhist notion of rebirth is a concept of "renewal" and no longer exactly reincarnation of a spirit or frame. Under Buddhism, the cognizance of a person can come to be a part of the attention of every other individual, as a flame actions from one candle to another. The second flame is not equal to the primary, neither is it totally unique. Thus, Buddhists agree with life is a persistent journey of experience and discovery and not divided among life and the afterlife.

Becoming the Dalai Lama

Tenzin commenced his relogious schooling at age 6. His education consisted of logic, Tibetan artwork and tradition, Sanskrit, medicine and Buddhist philosophy, that is divided into 5 different categories managing the perfection of information, monastic discipline, metaphysics, good judgment and epistemology—the examine of expertise. At age eleven, Tenzin met Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountaineer, who became considered one of his tutors, coaching him about the outside world. The two remained pals till Harrer's demise in 2006.

In 1950, on the age of 15, Tenzin assumed complete political power because the Dalai Lama. However, his governorship was brief. In October of that year, the People's Republic of China invaded Tibet hostile to  little resistance. In 1954, the Dalai Lama went to Beijing for peace talks with Mao Zedong and different Chinese leaders. However, in 1959, persevered suppression of the Tibetan humans with the aid of Chinese troops caused their rebellion. The Dalai Lama and his closest advisers believed the Chinese authorities was planning to assassinate him. Consequently, he and several thousand followers fled to Dharamshala in northern India and set up an alternative government there.

At the time, the People's Republic of China considered the Dalai Lama to be a image of an obsolete spiritual move, no longer in step with communist philosophy. More recently, the Chinese government alleges that he is a separatist and a traitor for advocating Tibetan self-rule, and a terrorist for inciting Tibetan rebellion.

Conflict with China

Since the Chinese invasion, the Dalai Lama has taken severa moves in hopes of setting up an self reliant Tibetan nation within the People's Republic of China. In 1963, he issued a draft constitution for Tibet containing some of reforms to democratize the authorities. Called the Charter of Tibetans in Exile, it grants freedom of speech, notion, assembly, and movement. It also offers specific guidelines for Tibetans dwelling in exile.

During the Sixties, the Central Intelligence Agency funded and educated Tibetan forces to withstand the Chinese invasion and career with the Dalai Lama's complete expertise and help. The program was a failure as heaps of lives had been lost in the resistance and is now considered merely a Cold War tactic at the part of america to assignment the Chinese authorities's legitimacy within the place.

In September 1987, the Dalai Lama proposed the Five Point Peace Plan for Tibet because the first steps in a non violent method to reconcile with the Chinese authorities and end the volatile situation there. The plan proposed that Tibet would end up a sanctuary where enlightened people can exist in peace and the environment may be preserved. In June 15, 1988, the Dalai Lama addressed contributors of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. There he proposed talks between the Chinese and Tibetans that would cause a self-governing democratic political entity for Tibet. The entity might be associated with the People's Republic of China, and the Chinese government might be responsible for Tibet's overseas policy and protection.

In 1991, the Tibetan authorities-in-exile declared the Strasbourg Proposal invalid because of the modern-day Chinese leadership's terrible attitude towards the suggestion.

Humanitarian Work

The Dalai Lama is the religious leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and within the lifestyle of Bodhisattva he has spent his lifestyles devoted to  benefits humanity. He has written severa books and performed loads of meetings, lectures and workshops at essential universities and establishments in the course of the arena, discussing conducting wisdom, compassion and, extra currently, environmental sustainability. Unlike his predecessors, the Dalai Lama has met with many Western leaders and has visited the United States, Europe, Russia, Latin America and many nations in Asia on some of activities.

Known as an effective public speaker, the Dalai Lama is often defined as charismatic. His message is usually considered one of peace and compassion for humans everywhere in the global. During his travels abroad, he has burden the want for a higher know-how of and appreciate among different faiths of the sector. He has made numerous appearances at interfaith services and has met with several heads of different religions, which includes Pope John Paul II; Dr. Robert Runcie, the Archbishop of Canterbury; Gordon B. Hinckley, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of modern-day Saints; and Patriarch Alexius II, of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In 1989, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent efforts for the liberation of Tibet and his problem for international environmental troubles. The Committee's citation said, "The Committee desires to emphasize the fact that the Dalai Lama in his war for the liberation of Tibet continually has adverse using violence. He has alternatively recommended peaceful answers based upon tolerance and mutual appreciate in order to hold the historic and cultural history of his human beings." In latest years, a number of Western universities and establishments have conferred peace awards and honorary doctorate ranges upon the Dalai Lama in reputation of his distinguished writings in Buddhist philosophy, in addition to his fantastic management within the service of freedom and peace.

Working for Peace

In the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, unrest broke out in Tibet in anticipation of media interest and expanded repression by way of the Chinese authorities. The Dalai Lama beseeched for calm and condemned Chinese violence. This was met with frustration by using many in Tibet, who considered his comments ineffective, and allegations via the Chinese that the Dalai Lama incited the violence—an accusation that he strongly denies. While the United Nations has passed numerous resolutions on China, calling for the honour of essential human rights and a cessation of human rights violations, and has expressed situation approximately persevering with human rights violations in Tibet, little has been accomplished to solve the trouble. In recent years, proposed resolutions to defend Tibetan human rights had been postponed or reworded to ease any stress on the Chinese government.

In recent years, Chinese President Hu Jintao has proven no signs and movement of shifting toward peace and reconciliation with Tibet. Some say that the Chinese authorities is simply awaiting the Dalai Lama, now seventy four, to die and thereby subsequently dispel any lingering hopes for an independent, democratic Tibet. In December 2008, the Dalai Lama announced his semi-retirement after having gallstone surgical procedure.

On March 10, 2011, at the 52nd anniversary of his exile from Tibet, the Dalai Lama introduced that he might surrender his position as Tibet's political chief. He stated the selection got here from a long-held notion that the Tibetans wanted a freely elected leader. A spokeswoman from the Chinese overseas ministry known as his resignation "a trick."

In September 2015, the Dalai Lama cancelled numerous talking events within the United States that were scheduled for October on the recommendation of his medical doctors. After a habitual annual checkup, the eighty-year-vintage spiritual leader become instructed to rest for several weeks and remained at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for similarly assessment.

Buddhist Dharmaguru Dalai Lama will arrive Bodhgaya on December 16[Read More]

Interesting Facts About 14th Dalai Lama

These energizing records about the present day Dalai Lama will help offer a higher image of the individual behind the distinguish.

His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, has just cautioned that he might be the end of his line. In contrast to his ancestors, he ended up equipped for exploit the Information Age to unfurl a message of harmony. He has composed rankings of books and ventures to every part of the field each year to talk sooner than vast groups.

The Dalai Lama might be obvious even as at his home in exile in McLeod Ganj, India. Thousands go to his speakings to hear his message of peacefulness.

The fourteenth Dalai Lama is the otherworldly head of Tibetan Buddhism and a legend to millions.

The fourteenth Dalai Lama Was Born into Poverty

The fourteenth Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, as Lhamo Thondub (at times transliterated as Dondrub). His name was changed to Tenzin Gyatso, which is brief for Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso. His total name strategy: “Sacred Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the Faith, Ocean of Wisdom.”

He was born on the dirt floor of his poor family horse stables. In spite of the fact that he was one of 16 adolescents, best seven of his siblings and sisters lived to look adulthood.

This Dalai Lama Has Lived the Longest

The current Dalai Lama is the longest living and longest ruling of every one of his ancestors. He has mentioned to a many times that he may likewise be the last of his line except if something changes.

His Family Didn’t Speak Tibetan

The 14th Dalai Lama’s own family virtually spoke a modified version of a Chinese dialect from the western provinces of China and did not speak the Tibetan language.

He Started “Late”

The the soon-to-be 14th Dalai Lama became already four years old in 1939 when he was escorted in a caravan to Lhasa. He turned into considered “old” to be determined as a Dalai Lama, and some lamas expressed concerns approximately beginning his training so late.

He Had a Lot of Responsibility at a youthful Age

At the younger age of 15, the 14th Dalai Lama changed into given complete power over Tibet after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. As a teenager, he changed into pressured to meet with Chinese leaders and negotiate the future of his people.

At the time, he become taken into consideration each religious and political leader of Tibet. The Dalai Lama later renounce political powers and focused on being a spiritual figurehead.

The CIA Got Involved

Despite many pleas for assist to all of the global superpowers, not lots became achieved to assist Tibet after they were about to be overwhelmed and invaded.

The CIA did play an active position in assisting the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet and cross into exile in India in 1959.

The Dalai Lama Received a Nobel Peace Prize

In 1989, the 14th Dalai Lama was offered the Nobel Peace Prize. Unlike several different global leaders at the list of laureates, he has but to order a drone strike or refugee purge.

In 2007, he received the Congressional Gold Medal — the best civilian honor given by way of the U.S. Congress.

Unsurprisingly, the 14th Dalai Lama powerfully opposes nuclear weapons. He serves as an marketing consultant inside the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.

He Wants to Go Home

The Dalai Lama desires to go back to Tibet however has said he’s going to simplest achieve this if no preconditions exist. The Chinese authorities’s rebuttal become that the Dalai Lama must go back as a Chinese citizen to reveal patriotism.

Sadly, the Dalai Lama travels with a protection entourage — even at his home in India. His existence has been threatened in many instances.

He May Be the Last

The 14th Dalai Lama declared that the subsequent Dalai Lama gained’t be born underneath Chinese manipulate. He has also hinted on numerous occasions that he may be the closing Dalai Lama to be observed.

During speakings, the 14th Dalai Lama hinted there may be a possibility of his successor being recognized in a Western country and girls may be candidates.

In 2011, the 14th Dalai Lama insinuated that he might also “retire” at age ninety.

Dalai Lamas May Need a Permit to Reincarnate!

The Chinese authorities has expressed plans to elect the subsequent Dalai Lama through method of a committee. The plan, as part of “Order No 5” by using the State Administration of Religious Affairs, is to require allow for reincarnation!

How reincarnation necessities might be enforced has yet to be determined.

The 14th Dalai Lama Hid as a Soldier

When fleeing Lhasa to go into exile in India, the Dalai Lama changed into disguised as a soldier and given a real gun as a prop.

In a video interview later, he laughed remembering simply how heavy the rifle became he needed to convey as a youngster. In the 1997 Martin Scorsese movie Kundun, an epic approximately the existence of the 14th Dalai Lama, the choice become made to deviate from records and no longer have the Dalai Lama contact a rifle.

He Isn’t Always Vegetarian

Despite compassion for all residing matters, the Dalai Lama grew up consuming meat as maximum Tibetan priests do. Eating meat is considered okay as long as the monk himself would not kill the animal. Consuming meat is usually a necessity for preserving health at high elevations wherein greens are not without problems grown.

The 14th Dalai Lama didn’t switch to a vegetarian eating regimen until dwelling in exile in India wherein vegetarianism is less complicated. Because of health problems, he switched again to eating meat once in a while but suggests that human beings follow a more vegetarian food regimen whilst possible.

His domestic kitchen is vegetarian simplest.

His Choice for Panchen Lama Was Abducted

In 1995, the Dalai Lama decided on Gedhun Choekyi Nyima because the eleventh Panchen Lama — the very best ranking lama under the Dalai Lama.

His preference for Panchen Lama went lacking on the age of six (presumably kidnapped by the Chinese authorities) and Gyaincain Norbu became selected to be the brand new Panchen Lama. Many people around the arena do not recognize the authorities’s choice for Panchen Lama and suspect foul play.

He Is Well Traveled

The 14th Dalai Lama tours the world, assembly with governments and giving teachings at universities; students are frequently allowed to place forward questions for him to answer. He also appears on tv suggests and often meets with celebrities.

While touring overseas, the Dalai Lama does teachings in English. While at his house of Tsuglakhang in North India, teachings are given in the Tibetan language so the Tibetans can directly benefit. His talks are continually unfastened to wait in India. Western tourists are warmly welcomed.

He Loves Science and Engineering

The 14th Dalai Lama has been very inquisitive about science and mechanical matters considering youth.

He has said that had he now not been raised a monk, he in all likelihood could have chosen to be an engineer. A visit to the astrophysics department at Cambridge University changed into a part of his first actual experience to the West.

During his youngsters, the 14th Dalai Lama loved repairing watches, clocks, or even cars on every occasion he could spare the time.

He Supports Women’s Rights

In 2009, at the same time as talking in Memphis, Tennessee, the 14th Dalai Lama stated that he considered himself a feminist and fights for the rights of women.

His stance on abortion is that it is inaccurate in line with Buddhist notion except childbirth is a danger to the mom or the kid. He accompanied up to say that the ethical issues ought to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The 14th Dalai Lama Is Popular

In a May 2013 Harris Poll, the Dalai Lama outranked President Obama in reputation by means of 13 percentage.

The 14th Dalai Lama has 18.5 million followers on Twitter and frequently tweets approximately compassion and fixing conflicts without violence.

In 2017, John Oliver performed an interview with the 14th Dalai Lama on his late-night time HBO show, Last Week Tonight.

Photographs of the Dalai Lama Are Illegal in Tibet

Although the Dalai Lama is loved as a religious chief and role model, photographs and snap shots of him had been banned in China-occupied Tibet when you consider that 1996.

Tibetan flags also are illegal; humans have received stiff prison sentences or even beatings for possession of a Tibetan flag.

He Had Western Influence at a Young Age

As highlight in the film Seven Years in Tibet, the Dalai Lama did meet Austrian climber Heinrich Harrer at age 11. Harrer turned into invited to become translator of foreign information and court photographer in order that the young Dalai Lama could hold him near. The Austrian was esteemed as a nicely of expertise about the Western global.

Harrer have become one of the Dalai Lama’s early tutors and delivered many Western ideas and scientific thoughts. The two remained pals until Harrer’s loss of life in 2006.

You Can Find Him Online

Unlike his predecessors, the 14th Dalai Lama can be observed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Buddhist Dharmaguru Dalai Lama will arrive Bodhgaya on December 16[Read More]