Tenzin Gyatso - the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two the child, who was named Lhamo Dhondup at that time was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, who had passed away in 1933. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and patron saint of Tibet. The Dalai Lama assumed full temporal powers on 17th November 1950.

Fifty-one years after His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s escape to India, the Dalai Lama is today one of the world’s most respected leaders. People the world over find much inspiration from his talks on Buddhist philosophy, peace, compassion, forgiveness and universal responsibility. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has also been presented with numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, for leading the non-violent struggle for the rights of the Tibetan people and for his efforts to promote global peace and the environment.

The Dalai Lama’s three main commitment in life are the promotion of human values, the promotion of religious harmony and his work for Tibet.

On the level of a human being, His Holiness Dalai Lama’s first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline.

As a religious practitioner, the Dalai Lama’s second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding among the world's major religious traditions.

As a Tibetan and carrying the name of the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s third commitment is to the Tibetan issue. His Holiness feels that he has a moral responsibility to work for the Tibet issue because of the Tibetan people's faith and trust in him. He wishes to pursue this commitment until the day of return to Tibet, following a resolution to the Tibetan problem.

For further information on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, see:

www.dalailama.com (The official website of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama)

21.05.2010. 08:53