Tenzin Gyatso-The current Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama Today:

Article from the New York Times (Published May 13, 2008): Dalai Lama Expects Talks to Resume
The Dalai Lama discusses talks with China about the continuation of Chinese rule in Tibet.

I chose this article because there has been a lot of tension with relations between China and the US especially with the Olympics coming up. In this article, the Dalai Lama mentions his opinions about the Olympics and expresses his dissatisfaction with Chinese rule in Tibet. The 14th Dalai Lama is still in the media today and a very important figure around the world.

YouTube Video (October 17, 2007): The Dalai Lama receives the Congressional Medal of Honor presented by president G.W. Bush.
He addresses congress and speaks of the future of Tibet.

This event caused an uproar with the Chinese government. The White House would not allow press into the room where the Dalai Lama and president Bush were meeting because of Chinese upset with the exiled Tibetan leader. However, congress awarded the Dalai Lama with this prestigious medal by the president himself. This is an important message to the world about US sentiment towards this historical figure.




What is a Dalai Lama?

There have been 14 Dalai Lamas throughout history. Each is believed to be a reincarnation of the same soul. Translated, Dalai means ocean and Lama means spiritual teacher. The Dalai Lama is considered to be both the political leader of Tibet and its spiritual leader.

Tenzin Gyatso

The current Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) was born July 6, 1935. He was discovered as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama when he was just 3 years old. At 15, he was appointed as Tibet's Head of State. At this time, the communist regime in China was invading the country with attempts to create a communist Tibet. The Dalai Lama soon became the political leader for over 6 million people.

The Dalai Lama adamantly resisted China's attempts to create a communist Tibet. He wanted an autonomous Tibet for his people. In 1951, it was announced that a "Seventeen Point 'Agreement' for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet" was signed by members of the Peoples Republic of China and the local government of Tibet. This document was forged by the Chinese but was successful in a coup of the Tibetan government. Throughout these times, the Dalai Lama was resistent to full Chinese control. He made a historic visit to China in 1954 for peace talks with Mao Zadong and other Chinese leaders.

The Dalai Lama in Exile

In 1959, a Chinese general invited the Dalai Lama to a theatrical performance, however the conditions were that no Tibetan soldiers accompany him and that his guards be unarmed. This worried the nation. Fearing for his life, the Dalai Lama left Tibet after being granted asylum in India. In India, the Dalai Lama was able to make changes for the Tibetan refugees that followed him. He created departments of information, education, home, security, religious affairs and economic affairs. The Dalai Lama continues to remain in exile as Tibet is still under Chinese control. For those in exile, he wants to retain cultural traditions and with "Truth, Justice and Courage as our weapons" to regain a free Tibet.

Hear the Dalai Lama

YouTube video: The Dalai Lama speaks about the four noble truths: the truths of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the path to the cessation of suffering.

More Information

The Official Website of the Dalai Lama.