The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama: A Life of Spiritual Leadership and Compassion
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Tenzin Gyatso is the full name of the 14th Dalai Lama. He is commonly referred to as His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Birth and Death Dates
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The Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in Amdo, Qinghai Province, China. As of this writing, he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Tibetan
Profession(s): Spiritual Leader, Politician, Author
Early Life and Background
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The Dalai Lama was born to a farming family in Amdo, a region in northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama by the Tibetan government and spiritual leaders. He began his spiritual education at the age of four and received monastic ordination at the age of five.
Major Accomplishments
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Led the Tibetan resistance against the Chinese occupation in the 1950s
Fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against the Chinese government
Established the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, India
Promoted non-violence and compassion through his teachings and writings
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his efforts to promote peace and human rightsNotable Works or Actions
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The Dalai Lama has written numerous books on Buddhism, spirituality, and world affairs. Some of his notable works include:
"The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living"
"Beyond Religion: Ethics for a New Millennium"
"How to Expand Love: Cultivating Compassion through Acts of Kindness"
He has also traveled extensively throughout the world, giving lectures and teachings on spirituality and compassion.
Impact and Legacy
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The Dalai Lama's impact on the world is immense. He has inspired millions of people through his teachings on non-violence, compassion, and love. His commitment to human rights and democracy has made him a prominent figure in international politics.
He has also played a crucial role in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding between different cultures and traditions.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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The Dalai Lama is widely quoted and remembered for his profound wisdom, compassion, and commitment to peace. His teachings on spirituality and human rights have inspired people from all walks of life to cultivate love, kindness, and understanding towards others.
His message of non-violence and compassion has resonated with people around the world, making him a beloved figure in modern times.
A Leader for Our Times
The Dalai Lama's legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His commitment to peace, human rights, and compassion is a beacon of hope for a better world. His teachings remind us that we are not alone and that we have the power to create positive change in our lives and in the world around us.
Quotes by The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama's insights on:
Exile has enabled me to discover the rest of the world, to meet other peoples, to get to know other traditions. Nothing could be more valuable.
Without accepting a religion, but simply developing a realisation of the importance of compassion and love, and with more concern and respect for others, a kind of spiritual development is very possible for those persons who are outside of religion.
When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.
Human use, population, and technology have reached that certain stage where mother Earth no longer accepts our presence with silence.
Of all the various delusions, the sense of discrimination between oneself and others is the worst form, as it creates nothing but unpleasantness for both sides.
If you have adopted Buddhism you should not consider yourself a 'great Buddhist' and immediately start to do everything differently. A Tibetan proverb states, 'Change your mind but leave your appearance as usual.
The proper way to create friends is through a warm heart and not simple money or power. Friends of power and friends of money are something different. These are not friends.
Irrespective of whether we are a believer or an agnostic, whether we believe in God or karma, moral ethics is a code which everyone is able to pursue.
If you succeed through violence at the expense of others' rights and welfare, you have not solved the problem, but only created the seeds for another.
Love and kindness are always appropriate. Whether or not you believe in rebirth, you will need love in this life. If we have love, there is hope to have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace.