You must be wondering, who is 14th Dalai Lama and why is Dalai Lama so famous? The temporal and spiritual head of the Tibetan people is Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. You shall be amazed to know and learn about the life history of Dalai Lama. Taking you through some of the most interesting facts about Dalai Lama, we’ll also discuss his empathizing nature and his viewpoint about the purpose of life — something we seek an answer to. In the end, you will resonate with some of the Dalai Lama quotes and perhaps, find the answer to transient existence.
Who is 14th Dalai Lama And Why Is The Dalai Lama Important?
So, who is 14th Dalai Lama? The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism is Tenzin Gyatso. He was born to a family of farmers on July 6, 1935, in a tiny hamlet in Taktser, Amdo, in northern Tibet. The Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism is the one to which the Dalai Lama belongs. The Dalai Lama is a significant person who propagates Buddhist teachings around the world. Hence, he’s a very important figure.
Why Is Dalai Lama So Famous?
Now that we know who the Dalai Lama is, one may question — why is Dalai Lama so famous?
His popularity has become a cause of wonder, especially when we see that in contrast, the 14th Dalai Lama attained an international level of admiration, approval, regard, and fame that his predecessors could never have dreamed or even imagined.
It was primarily due to his dedication to the cause of non-violence and Tibetan freedom that he rose to become the most well-known Buddhist teacher in the world. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, making him one of Buddhism’s most renowned figures. This explains the answer to why is Dalai Lama so famous.
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Life History Of Dalai Lama
When he was born, he was named Lhamo Dhondup. He was essentially acknowledged as the previous, 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, through reincarnation.
At the age of six, he started his monastic schooling, according to the life history of Dalai Lama. The Nalanda tradition-inspired curriculum had five major and five minor disciplines. Sanskrit grammar, fine arts, medicine, and logic were among the important topics, but Buddhist philosophy received the utmost attention. In 1959, during the yearly Great Prayer Festival, then 23 years old, the Dalai Lama had his final test in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. He received the Geshe Lharampa degree, which is the highest doctorate in Buddhist philosophy.
After China invaded Tibet in 1950, he was requested to assume complete political authority. However, after a failed Tibetan revolt against Chinese control, the current Dalai Lama was exiled from Tibet in 1959. For many years, he served as the head of the Tibetan government in exile, but he has since ceded his political powers to democratic bodies. Tibetans continue to answer to and be devoted to their spiritual leader in the face of China’s repressive 70-year occupation.
Important Facts About Dalai Lama
Here are some of the most interesting facts about Dalai Lama:
- Of all his predecessors, the current Dalai Lama has the longest reign, living the longest.
- He hinted in 2011 that he may “retire” at the age of 90.
- The family of the 14th Dalai Lama did not speak Tibetan, but a local Chinese dialect.
- He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the US Congress.
- The Dalai Lama has always been fascinated by science. He asserted that he probably would have decided to become an engineer if his upbringing had been different.
- In his younger years, he used to spend his free time repairing watches.
- In 2009, while addressing an audience in Tennessee, the Dalai Lama declared that he defends the rights of women and considers himself a feminist.
- His suggestion that the cycle of reincarnation might cease, makes him stand out.
- The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation seeks the counsel of the 14th Dalai Lama, a vocal opponent of nuclear weapons.
- The term Dalai Lama actually refers to the Ocean of Wisdom.
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The Purpose Of Life According To The 14th Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama has talked about the Purpose of Life and commented on human existence. The Dalai Lama asserts that happiness is the ultimate goal of life. He underlined that contentment is something that humans tend to long for.
In his limited experience, he discovered that our sense of well-being increases in direct proportion to how much we care about the happiness of others. He claims that developing a close, compassionate feeling for people, naturally calms the mind. And the reason for mortal existence should be exactly that.
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How Is The Dalai Lama Chosen?
When a Dalai Lama dies, or momentarily before, a successor is found and chosen rather than being traditionally elected. Senior Tibetan monks traditionally engage in a laborious search to find the child who would best represent the Dalai Lama in the future. The search procedure includes analysing spiritual omens, deciphering visions, and contacting oracles.
The Dalai Lama’s dead body may contain hints for the senior monks, such as the Dalai Lama’s posture or the direction it faces. The direction of the smoke is observed after cremation as a possible sign of the direction of rebirth. The reincarnation is then addressed as the next Dalai Lama.
Where Is The Dalai Lama Today?
In the wake of the Chinese consolidation of power in Tibet, tens of thousands of Tibetans fled alongside the Dalai Lama. He established his government-in-exile in 1960 in the old British hill station of Dharamsala, present in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, where he resides.
As a result of the Indian government’s reluctance to allow all of the Tibetan exiles to assemble in one place, settlements were established throughout the subcontinent, where the Tibetans established farming villages and monasteries.
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Famous Dalai Lama Quote
A Dalai Lama quote that people resonate with would be:
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others, and if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
Conclusion
The 14th Dalai Lama has made a number of statements in response to the Chinese threat that would make it impossible for a Chinese-appointed 15th Dalai Lama to be accepted as legitimate. He plans to either appoint his reincarnation himself or, according to one of his statements, the Dalai Lama’s institution could no longer be necessary. This does pose a challenge for Tibet’s future, which we believe would be timely answered and accounted for.
Beyond his charismatic nature and his unquantifiable wisdom, the Dalai Lama is a figure of inspiration and admiration. He remains one of the most revered and respected people in the world.
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