Dalai Lama Case
Essay by charles29 • September 30, 2013 • Essay • 1,038 Words (5 Pages) • 1,467 Views
Since the mid 14th century Tibetan Buddhist have had a tradition of finding the reincarnation of Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama (Stein). Since then there have been 13 more Dalai Lamas. The Dalai Lama' are said to be manifestations of the Buddhist god of compassion, and is looked to as the spiritual leader of Tibet. This deeper knowledge for compassion is very evident in the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso also referred to as his holiness. Throughout his 60-year reign Gyatso has received over 150 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes, and more in recognition of his message of peace, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He has also authored or co-authored more than 110 books. The Dalai Lama has became a world renown figure for peace and continues on his mission that began when he was only two years old (Stein).
Gyatso was born on in 1935, to a farming family, in a small Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. He was recognized at the age of two be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, but did not start his monastic education until the age of 6. Gyatso didn't finish schooling until he was 23 where he recieved the Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest-level degree, equivalent to a doctorate of Buddhist philosophy (Dalia Lama).
In 1950 Gyatso was asked to assume full political power after Tibet was invaded by china in 1949. He attempted to have peace talks with Chinese leaders, but was eventually sent to exile when the suppression of the Tibeten National uprising. Since his exile Gyatso has been living in Dharmasala, India. Since the Chinese invasion, Gyatso has led the Central Tibetan Administration, and has been fighting for democracy in Tibet(Dalia Lama).
The Dalai Lama is not just a man of peace in Tibet. He is a worldwide symbol for peace and unity. Which should make it no surprise that in 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has constantly pushed for policies of non-violence, even in the times where he was faced with extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel award winner to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems(Dalia Lama).
Along with the150 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes and the 110 books he had authored or co-authored. Gyatso has held dialogues with heads of many different religions and participated in many events promoting inter-religious harmony and understanding. Even including a trip to our city of Louisville in the summer of 2013. Since the mid-1980's, The Dalai Lama has began dialogues with modern scientists, ranging from the fields of psychology, neurobiology, quantum physics and cosmology. The unlikely pair between Buddhist monks and world-renowned scientists has found a common goal in trying to help individuals achieve peace of mind. This has also led to the introduction of modern science in the traditional curriculum of Tibetan monastic institutions(Dalia Lama).
On 14 March 2011 His Holiness sent a letter to the Assembly of Tibetan Parliament in exile, requesting them to relieve him of his political powers. According to the Tibetans in Exile, Gyatso was technically still considered to be the head of state. He became the first Dalai Lama since the first four to go back to just the spiritual
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