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Template:Infobox Dalai Llama Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub (Tibetan: ལྷ་མོ་དོན་འགྲུབ་, Wylie: Lha-mo Don-'grub; Chinese: 拉莫顿珠) (6 July 1935 in Qinghai) is the 14th Dalai Llama, a spiritual leader revered among the people of Tibet. He is the head of the government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, India. Tibetans traditionally believe him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors.

The Dalai Llama was born fifth of 16 children to a farming family in the village of Taktser. His first language was the regional Amdo dialect. He was proclaimed the tulku or rebirth of the 13th Dalai Llama at the age of two. In 1950 the army of the People's Republic of China invaded the region. One month later, on 17 November 1950, he was formally enthroned as Dalai Llama: at the age of fifteen, he became the region's most important spiritual leader and political ruler.

In 1951, the Chinese military pressured the Dalai Llama to ratify a seventeen-point agreement which permitted the People's Republic of China to take control of Tibet. He fled through the mountains to India following the failed 1959 uprising, and the effective collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement. In India he set up a government-in-exile.

The most influential figure of the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, he has considerable influence over the other sects of Tibetan Buddhism. The Chinese government regards him as the symbol of an outmoded theocratic system. Along with the 80,000 or so exiles that followed him, the Dalai Llama strives to preserve traditional Tibetan education and culture.

Circumstances in Tibet have in more recent years sparked an international protest movement, including the attempted disruption of the 2008 Olympic Games. In March 2008 the Dalai Llama called for an international inquiry into China's treatment of Tibet, which he said amounted to cultural genocide.

A noted public speaker worldwide, the Dalai Llama is often described as charismatic. He is the first Dalai Llama to travel to the West, where he seeks to spread Buddhist teachings and to promote ethics and interfaith harmony. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was given honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and was awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal in October 2007. He has received more than 100 honorary conferments and major awards.

On 17 December 2008, after months of speculation, the Dalai Llama announced his semi-retirement. He said that the future course of the movement he had led for nearly five decades would now be decided by the elected parliament-in-exile under the prime minister Samdhong Rinpoche. The 73-year-old Nobel laureate, who had recently undergone surgery, told reporters in Dharamshala, "I have grown old.... It is better if I retire completely and get out of the way of the Tibetan movement."

Early life and background

House where the 14th Dalai Llama was born

Lhamo Döndrub (or Thondup) was born on 6 July 1935 to a farming family in the small hamlet of Taktser in Qinghai province of China. He was one of nine to survive childhood. The eldest was his sister Tsering Dolma, eighteen years older. His eldest brother, Thupten Jigme Norbu, had been recognised at the age of eight as the reincarnation of the high Llama Taktser Rinpoche. His sister Jetsun Pema years later portrayed their mother in the 1997 film Seven Years in Tibet.

Tibetans traditionally believe Dalai Llamas to be the reincarnation of their predecessors, each of whom is believed to be a human emanation of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. A search party was sent out to locate the new incarnation when the boy who was to become the 14th was about two years old. It is said that, amongst other omens, the head of the embalmed body of the thirteenth Dalai Llama, at first facing south-east, had mysteriously turned to face the northeast—indicating the direction in which his successor would be found. The Regent, Reting Rinpoche, shortly afterwards had a vision at the sacred lake of Lhamo La-tso indicating Amdo as the region to search—specifically a one-story house with distinctive guttering and tiling. After extensive searching, the Thondup house, with its features resembling those in Reting's vision, was finally found.

File:Dalai Llama boy.jpg
The Dalai Llama as a boy

The little boy was presented with various relics, including toys, some of which had belonged to the 13th Dalai Llama and some of which had not. It was reported that he had correctly identified all the items owned by the previous Dalai Llama, exclaiming, "That's mine! That's mine!".

Lhamo Thondup was formally recognized as the reincarnated Dalai Llama and renamed Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the Faith, Ocean of Wisdom). Tibetan Buddhists normally refer to him as Yishin Norbu (Wish-Fulfilling Gem), Kyabgon (Saviour), or just Kundun (Presence). His followers often call him His Holiness the Dalai Llama, the style employed on the Dalai Llama's website.

Monastic education commenced at the age of six, his principal teachers being Yongdzin Ling Rinpoche (senior tutor) and Yongdzin Trijang Rinpoche (junior tutor). At the age of 11 he met the Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, having spotted him in Lhasa through his telescope. Harrer effectively became one of the young Dalai Llama's tutors, teaching him about the outside world. The two remained friends until Harrer's death in 2006.

In 1959, at the age of 23, he sat his final examination at Lhasa's Jokhang Temple during the annual Monlam or prayer Festival. He passed with honours and was awarded the Lharampa degree, the highest-level geshe degree, roughly equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy.

Life as the Dalai Llama

Lhasa's Potala Palace, today a UNESCO world heritage site, pictured in 2006
File:Mao dalai Llama-1955.jpg
The Dalai and Panchen Llama meeting with Mao Zedong in 1955.

As well as being the foremost religious figure in Tibet, the Dalai Llama has traditionally been the country's absolute political ruler. In 1939, at the age of four, he was taken in a procession of Llamas to Lhasa:

"On 25 November 1939 a nine-member delegation, consisting of staff from the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission, arrived in Lhasa, and were later joined by Wu Zhongxin, the Commission's director of Tibetan Affairs. The arrival in Lhasa was carefully planned to coincide with the enthronement ceremony for the 14th Dalai Llama. On 22 February 1940, Wu Zhongxin and other foreign representatives attended the ceremony in the Potala..." Later the Kuomintang and the Communists claimed that Wu had presided over the ceremony and that his involvement was essential to the recognition of the new Dalai Llama.
"There is no evidence to suggest that Wu Zhongxin presided over the installation of the Dalai Llama. However, the delegation managed to establish a permanent office in Lhasa, and installed a direct radio communication with Nanjing."

The remainder of the Dalai Llama's childhood was spent between the Potala and Norbulingka, his summer residence:

"On 8 July 1949, the Kashag called Chen Xizhang, the acting director of the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission office in Lhasa. He was informed that the Tibetan Government had decided to expel all Chinese connected with the Guomingdang Government. Fearing that the Chinese might organise protests in the streets of Lhasa, the Kashag imposed a curfew until all the Chinese had left. This they did on 14, 17 and 20 July 1949. At the same time the Tibetan Government sent a telegram to General Chiang Kai-shek and to President Liu Zongren informing them of the decision."

On 17 November 1950, with the country facing possible conflict with the People's Republic of China, the 15-year-old Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso was formally enthroned as the temporal leader of Tibet.

Abandoned former quarters of the Dalai Llama at the Potala. The empty vestment placed on the throne symbolizes his absence

His governorship was short. In October of that year the army of the People's Republic of China entered the country, breaking through Tibetan defenses with ease.

The Dalai Llama sent a delegation to Beijing and, although under PLA military pressure, ratified the subsequent Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet and tried to work with Beijing. In September 1954, the Dalai Llama and the 10th Panchen Llama went to Beijing to attend the first session of the first National People's Congress, meeting Mao Zedong. The Dalai Llama was even elected to be the Vice Chairman of the Congress. However, during 1959, there was a major uprising among the Tibetan population. In the tense political environment that ensued, the Dalai Llama and his entourage began to suspect that China was planning to kill him. Consequently, he fled to Tawang, India, on 17 March of that year, entering India on 31 March during the Tibetan uprising. Central Intelligence Agency paramilitary teams from their Special Activities Division were responsible for the Dalai Llama's successful clandestine escape from Tibet and the initial resistance fighters in Tibet to the Chinese communist forces.

Exile to India

The Dalai Llama met with the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, to urge India to pressure China into giving Tibet an autonomous government, as relations with China were not proving successful. Nehru did not want to increase tensions between China and India, so he encouraged the Dalai Llama to work on the Seventeen Point Agreement Tibet had with China. Eventually, after the failed uprising in 1959, the Dalai Llama fled Tibet and set up the Government of Tibet in Exile in Dharamshala, India, which is often referred to as "Little Lhasa".

File:Nehru and Gyatso 1959.jpg
First meeting: Jawaharlal Nehru and the Dalai Llama at Mussoorie in 1959 soon after he fled Tibet

After the founding of the exiled government he reestablished the approximately 80,000 Tibetan refugees who followed him into exile in agricultural settlements. He created a Tibetan educational system in order to teach the Tibetan children the traditional language, history, religion, and culture. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts was established in 1959 and the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies became the primary university for Tibetans in India. He supported the refounding of 200 monasteries and nunneries in an attempt to preserve Tibetan Buddhist teachings and the Tibetan way of life.

The Dalai Llama appealed to the United Nations on the question of Tibet. This appeal resulted in three resolutions adopted by the General Assembly in 1959, 1961, and 1965. These resolutions required China to respect the human rights of Tibetans and their desire for self-determination. In 1963, he promulgated a democratic constitution which is based upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A Tibetan parliament-in-exile is elected by the Tibetan refugees scattered all over the world, and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile is likewise elected by the Tibetan parliament. In 1970, he opened the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala which houses over 80,000 manuscripts and important knowledge resources related to Tibetan history, politics and culture. It is considered one of the most important institutions for Tibetology in the world.

At the Congressional Human Rights Caucus in 1987 in Washington, D.C., he proposed a Five-Point Peace Plan regarding the future status of Tibet. The plan called for Tibet to become a "zone of peace" and for the end of movement by ethnic Han Chinese into Tibet. It also called for "respect for fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms" and "the end of China's use of Tibet for nuclear weapons production, testing, and disposal." Finally, it urged "earnest negotiations" on the future of Tibet.

He proposed a similar plan at Strasbourg on 15 June 1988. He expanded on the Five-Point Peace Plan and proposed the creation of a self-governing democratic Tibet, "in association with the People's Republic of China." This plan was rejected by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in 1991. In October 1991, he expressed his wish to return to Tibet to try to make a mutual assessment on the situation with the Chinese local government. At this time he feared that a violent uprising would take place and wished to avoid it. The Dalai Llama has indicated that he wishes to return to Tibet only if the People's Republic of China sets no preconditions for his return, which they have so far refused to do.

The Dalai Llama celebrated his seventieth birthday on 6 July 2005. About 10,000 Tibetan refugees, monks and foreign tourists gathered outside his home. Patriarch Alexius II of the Russian Orthodox Church said, "I confess that the Russian Orthodox Church highly appreciates the good relations it has with the followers of Buddhism and hopes for their further development." Taiwan's President, Chen Shui-bian, attended an evening celebrating the Dalai Llama's birthday that was entitled "Travelling with Love and Wisdom for 70 Years" at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. The President invited him to return to Taiwan for a third trip in 2005. His previous trips were in 2001, and 1997. In Tibet there is a popular song calling for his return to Tibet called Aku Pema.

Teaching activities

File:Dalai Llama teaching room.jpg
The Dalai Llama's main teaching room at Dharamsala

The Dalai Llama chief spiritual practice is Dzogchen, a subject he teaches and writes about extensively. He has conducted numerous public initiations in the Kalachakra, and is the author of a great number of books. His teaching activities in the US include:

  • In July 2008, the Dalai Llama had held a public lecture and conducted a series of teachings at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
  • He visited the U.S. in April 2008, when he gave lectures on engaging wisdom and compassion, and sustainability, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and at Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y.
  • In February 2007, the Dalai Llama was named Presidential Distinguished Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, the first time that the leader of the Tibetan exile community has accepted a university appointment. The appointment is in part an expansion of a program begun in 1998 called the Emory–Tibet Partnership. As Presidential Distinguished Professor, he will:
    • provide opportunities for university community members to attend his annual teachings,
    • make periodic visits to Emory to participate in programmes, and
    • continue the Emory–Tibet Partnership practice of providing private teaching sessions with students and faculty during Emory's study-abroad programme in Dharamshala.
  • The Dalai Llama has strong ties with University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin, United States, and is a frequent visitor there. He visited the university in 1981 and again in 1989, the year in which he won the Nobel Peace Prize. In May 1998, he addressed a large audience at the Kohl Center and received an honorary degree from the university. He visited Madison again during the summers of both 2007 and 2008, making public appearances at The Kohl Center and Alliant Energy Center, as well as more intimate sessions at the nearby Deer Park Buddhist Center, where Geshe Sopa (the first Tibetan tenured in an American university), whom the Dalai Llama sent to America in 1959 to bridge cultures, resides.
  • In May 2001, he met with a group of neuroscientists who conduct research on the effects of meditation on brain function, emotions and physical health.

Foreign relations

File:Dalai Llama and Bishop Tutu. Carey Linde.jpg
The Dalai Llama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureates

Since 1967, the Dalai Llama has initiated a series of tours in 46 nations. He has frequently engaged on religious dialogue. He met with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican in 1973. He met with Pope John Paul II in 1980 and also later in 1982, 1986, 1988, 1990, and 2003.

In 1990, he met in Dharamsala with a delegation of Jewish teachers for an extensive interfaith dialogue. He has since visited Israel three times and met in 2006 with the Chief Rabbi of Israel. In 2006, he met privately with Pope Benedict XVI. He has also met the late Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Robert Runcie, and other leaders of the Anglican Church in London, Gordon B. Hinckley, late President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), as well as senior Eastern Orthodox Church, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, and Sikh officials.

During the runup to the Beijing Olympics of 2008, the Dalai Llama visited Japan on 10 April 2008 on his way to the United States, amid protests around the world over China's handling of the 2008 Tibetan unrest. The Dalai Llama, whom Beijing claimed fomented the unrest, called for calm, but the protests showed little sign of abating. The Dalai Llama said he did not support a boycott of the 2008 Summer Games outright. Japan's government had been relatively quiet about the violence in Tibet and, out of deference to Beijing, does not deal officially with the Dalai Llama. Tokyo does, however, grant visas to the spiritual leader, who has visited Japan fairly frequently.

International children's villages

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Dalai Llama at Tibetan Children's Village Dharamsala, 1993

The Dalai Llama has long been a supporter of SOS Children's Villages organization. He often visits the villages, and has maintained a friendship with the founder, Hermann Gmeiner.

He has said of SOS's efforts:

The splendid work done by SOS Children's Villages is charity where deeds speak louder than words. The revolutionary idea and the general concept developed by Hermann Gmeiner for providing orphaned and abandoned children with a new family and a permanent home has had a great influence on child welfare world-wide, and SOS Children's Villages have become a model on every continent. Above all, SOS Children's Villages shows that it is possible to create a community of brothers and sisters comprising children of all races, creeds and nationalities. The ties that develop and hold these communities together and form the basis of their upbringing is love.

Social and political stances

Tibetan independence movement

The Dalai Llama accepted the 1951 Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet with the People's Republic of China. However, he moved to Kalimpong in India and, with the help of American government organized pro-independence literature and the smuggling of weapons into Tibet. Armed struggles broke out in Amdo and Kham in 1956 and later spread to Central Tibet. The movement was a failure and was forced to retreat to Nepal or go underground. Following normalisation of relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China, American support was cut off in the early 1970s. The Dalai Llama then began to formulate his policy towards a peaceful solution in which a democratic autonomous Tibet would be established.

In October 1998, the Dalai Llama's administration acknowledged that it received US$1.7 million a year in the 1960s from the U.S. Government through the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and had also trained an army in Colorado (USA).

The Dalai Llama has on occasion been denounced by the Chinese government as a supporter of Tibetan independence. Over time, he has developed a public position stating that he is not in favour of Tibetan independence and would not object to a status in which Tibet has internal autonomy while the PRC manages some aspects of Tibet's defense and foreign affairs. In his 'Middle Way Approach', he laid down that the Chinese government can take care of foreign affairs and defense, and that Tibet should be managed by an elected body.

The Dalai Llama on 16 March 2008 called for an international inquiry into China's treatment of Tibet, which he said amounted to cultural genocide. He has stated that he will step down as leader of Tibet's government-in-exile if violence by protesters in the region worsens, the exiled spiritual leader said 18 March 2008 after China's premier Wen Jiabao blamed his supporters for the growing unrest. On 20 March 2008, he claimed he was powerless to stop anti-Chinese violence. The Dalai Llama 28 March 2008 rejected a series of allegations from the Chinese government, saying he does not seek the separation of Tibet and has no desire to "sabotage" the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Critics of the news and entertainment media coverage of the controversy charge that feudal Tibet was not as benevolent as popularly portrayed. The penal code before 1913 included forms of corporal punishment and capital punishment. In response, the Dalai Llama agreed many of old Tibet's practices needed reform. His predecessor had banned extreme punishments and the death penalty. And he had instituted key reforms like removal of debt inheritance before the Chinese invaded in 1951.

On 4 June 2008, Dalai Llama said that Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, a territory that is called Southern Tibet in mainland China and still claimed by the People's Republic of China, is part of India, acknowledging the validity of the McMahon Line per the 1914 Simla Agreement signed by Tibetan and British representatives.

On 25 October 2008, the Dalai Llama announced he had given up negotiating for increased autonomy for Tibet within the People's Republic of China. He stated that from now on Tibetans themselves should decide how to continue a dialogue with the Chinese government.

Interfaith dialogue

On 6 January 2009, at Gujarat’s Mahuva, the Dalai Llama inaugurated an interfaith "World Religions-Dialogue and Symphony" conference convened by Hindu preacher Morari Bapu. This conference explored "ways and means to deal with the discord among major religions," according to Morari Bapu.,

Social stances

The Dalai Llama endorsed the founding of the Dalai Llama Foundation in order to promote peace and ethics worldwide. The Dalai Llama is not operationally involved with this foundation, though he suggests some overall direction and his office is routinely briefed on its activities. He has also stated his belief that modern scientific findings take precedence over ancient religions.

Abortion

The Dalai Llama reminds that according to Buddhist precepts abortion is an act of killing, although he has taken a nuanced position, as he explained to the New York Times:

Of course, abortion, from a Buddhist viewpoint, is an act of killing and is negative, generally speaking. But it depends on the circumstances. If the unborn child will be retarded or if the birth will create serious problems for the parent, these are cases where there can be an exception. I think abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance.

Economics

Of all the modern economic theories, the economic system of Marxism is founded on moral principles, while capitalism is concerned only with gain and profitability. Marxism is concerned with the distribution of wealth on an equal basis and the equitable utilization of the means of production. It is also concerned with the fate of the working classes—that is, the majority—as well as with the fate of those who are underprivileged and in need, and Marxism cares about the victims of minority-imposed exploitation. For those reasons the system appeals to me, and it seems fair. I just recently read an article in a paper where His Holiness the Pope Benedict XVI also pointed out some positive aspects of Marxism (though dissaproving of it on the whole).

As for the failure of the Marxist regimes, first of all I do not consider the former USSR, or China, or even Vietnam, to have been true Marxist regimes, for they were far more concerned with their narrow national interests than with the Workers' International; this is why there were conflicts, for example, between China and the USSR, or between China and Vietnam. If those three regimes had truly been based upon Marxist principles, those conflicts would never have occurred.

I think the major flaw of the Marxist regimes is that they have placed too much emphasis on the need to destroy the ruling class, on class struggle, and this causes them to encourage hatred and to neglect compassion. Although their initial aim might have been to serve the cause of the majority, when they try to implement it all their energy is deflected into destructive activities. Once the revolution is over and the ruling class is destroyed, there is not much left to offer the people; at this point the entire country is impoverished and unfortunately it is almost as if the initial aim were to become poor. I think that this is due to the lack of human solidarity and compassion. The principal disadvantage of such a regime is the insistence placed on hatred to the detriment of compassion.

The failure of the regime in the former Soviet Union was, for me, not the failure of Marxism but the failure of totalitarianism. For this reason I still think of myself as half-Marxist, half-Buddhist.

Environment

He has also expressed his concern for environmental problems:

On the global level, I think the ecology problem is very serious. I hear about some states taking it very seriously. That's wonderful! So this blue planet is our only home, if something goes wrong at the present generation, then the future generations really face a lot of problems, and those problems will be beyond human control; so that's very serious. Ecology should be part of our daily life.

In recent years, he has been campaigning for wildlife conservation, including a religious ruling against wearing tiger and leopard skins as garments.

Firearms

In 2001, he discussed firearms and self-defense, and Hal Bernton, a staff reporter of The Seattle Times, reports that:

One girl wanted to know how to react to a shooter who takes aim at a classmate. The Dalai Llama said acts of violence should be remembered, and then forgiveness should be extended to the perpetrators. But if someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, he said, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun. Not at the head, where a fatal wound might result. But at some other body part, such as a leg.

Sexuality

In his view, oral, manual and anal sex (both homosexual and heterosexual) is not acceptable in Buddhism or for Buddhists, but society should tolerate gays and lesbians from a secular point of view. In 1997 he explained that the basis of that teaching was unknown to him and that he at least had some "willingness to consider the possibility that some of the teachings may be specific to a particular cultural and historic context" while reiterating the unacceptable nature saying, "Buddhist sexual proscriptions ban homosexual activity and heterosexual sex through orifices other than the vagina, including masturbation or other sexual activity with the hand... From a Buddhist point of view, lesbian and gay sex is generally considered sexual misconduct". In a 1994 interview with OUT Magazine, the Dalai Llama explained "If someone comes to me and asks whether homosexuality is okay or not, I will ask 'What is your companion's opinion?'. If you both agree, then I think I would say 'if two males or two females voluntarily agree to have mutual satisfaction without further implication of harming others, then it is okay'". However, in his 1996 book Beyond Dogma, he clearly states, "A sexual act is deemed proper when the couples use the organs intended for sexual intercourse and nothing else....Homosexuality, whether it is between men or between women, is not improper in itself. What is improper is the use of organs already defined as inappropriate for sexual contact." He has said that sex spelled fleeting satisfaction and trouble later, while chastity offered a better life and "more independence, more freedom." He says that problems arising from conjugal life could even lead to suicide or murder.

Buddhist vegetarianism

See also: Buddhist vegetarianism

In Tibet, meat being the most common food, most monks have historically been omnivores, including the Dalai Llamas. After leaving Tibet the Dalai Llama attempted vegetarianism after seeing his cook kill a chicken for his meal. However, after getting jaundice, his doctors advised him to return to eating meat. Since then, he abstains from meat every other day.

Controversies

British journalist Christopher Hitchens criticised the Dalai Llama in 1998, questioned his alleged support for India's nuclear weapons testing, his statements about sexual misconduct, his suppression of Shugden worship, as well as his meeting Shoko Asahara, whose cult Aum Shinrikyo released sarin nerve gas in the Tokyo subway system. Hitchens proclaims that he "makes absurd pronouncements about sex and diet and, when on his trips to Hollywood fund-raisers, anoints major donors like Steven Segal and Richard Gere as holy."

Despite protest from China, German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the Dalai Llama in the Berlin Chancellery on 25 September 2007. The meeting was characterized as "private and informal talks" in order to avert potential retaliation by China such as the severance of trade ties. In response to the meeting, China cancelled meetings with German officials including Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries.

Several Tulkus or "reincarnate Llamas" have criticized Tenzin Gyatso. Two months after the 2008 Tibetan unrest and before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, news carried by Xinhua, the Chinese official government news agency, said that the twelfth Samding Dorje Phagmo (considered to be Tibet's "only female living Buddha,") who is also the vice-chairwoman of the standing committee of the Tibetan Autonomous Regional People's Congress, was quoted saying that "The sins of the Dalai Llama and his followers seriously violate the basic teachings and precepts of Buddhism and seriously damage traditional Tibetan Buddhism's normal order and good reputation." She told Xinhua that "Old Tibet was dark and cruel, the serfs lived worse than horses and cattle."

The Dalai Llama's talks in the UK, May, 2008, were attended by Chinese protestors who oppose Tibetan independence.

Dorje Shugden

Main article: Dorje Shugden controversy

During a teaching tour of the UK in May, 2008, there were demonstrations by the Western Shugden Society and Chinese students. The Western Shugden Society say they are protesting the ban of a prayer to Dorje Shugden, which they argue constitutes religious persecution. Similar protests occurred in Sydney when the Dalai Llama arrived in Australia in June 2008. The Dalai Llama says he had not banned the practice, but strongly discourages it as he feels it promotes the spirit as being more important than Buddha, and that it may encourage cult-like practices and sectarianism within Tibetan Buddhism. The Shugden worshipers in India say they are denied admission to hospitals, stores, and other social services provided by the local Tibetan community.

Recognition of the 17th Karmapa

Main article: Karmapa controversy
This article may be unbalanced toward certain viewpoints. Please improve the article by adding information on neglected viewpoints, or discuss the issue on the talk page.

Another controversy associated with the Dalai Llama is the recognition of the seventeenth Karmapa. Two factions of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism have chosen two different Karmapas, leading to a deep division within the Kagyu school. The Dalai Llama has given his support to Urgyen Trinley Dorje, while supporters of Trinley Thaye Dorje claim that the Dalai Llama has no authority in the matter, nor is there a historical precedent for a Dalai Llama involving himself in an internal Kagyu dispute. In his 2001 address at the International Karma Kagyu Conference, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche - one of the four Karma Kagyu regents - accused the Dalai Llama of adopting a "divide and conquer" policy to eliminate any potential political rivalry arising from within the Kagyu school. For his side, the Dalai Llama accepted the prediction letter presented by Tai Situ Rinpoche (another Karma Kagyu regent) as authentic, and therefore Tai Situ Rinpoche's recognition of Urgyen Trinley Dorje, also as correct. Tibet observer Julian Gearing suggests that there might be political motives to the Dalai Llama's decision: "The Dalai Llama gave his blessing to the recognition of Trinley, eager to win over the formerly troublesome sect , and with the hope that the new Karmapa could play a role in a political solution of the 'Tibet Question.' ...If the allegations are to be believed, a simple nomad boy was turned into a political and religious pawn." However, according to Tsurphu Labrang, articles by Julian Gearing on this subject are biased, unverified and without crosschecking of basic facts.

CIA backing

In October 1998, The Dalai Llama's administration acknowledged that it received $1.7 million a year in the 1960s from the U.S. Government through the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and also trained a resistance movement in Colorado (USA). When asked by CIA officer John Kenneth Knaus in 1995 whether the organization did a good or bad thing in providing its support, the Dalai Llama replied that though it helped the morale of those resisting the Chinese, "thousands of lives were lost in the resistance" and further, that "the U.S. Government had involved itself in his country's affairs not to help Tibet but only as a Cold War tactic to challenge the Chinese."

Refusal of visa to enter South Africa

In March 2009, the Dalai Llama was denied a visa to enter South Africa in order to attend an international peace conference. The South African government initially stated that it denied his visa to avoid distracting attention from South Africa and its hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, although the visa-refusal precipitated precisely such a distraction. South African government officials later acknowledged that his visa had been denied to maintain close relations with China. Chinese officials had urged the South African government to not admit him.

Two other Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Arch Bishop-emeritus Desmond Tutu and former South African President FW de Klerk, criticised the denial and pulled out of the conference. Current Minister of Health Barbara Hogan was critical of the decision, accusing the Government of "being dismissive of human rights". Opposition parties to the ruling African National Congress, including the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party and Congress of the People, also expressed disgust. "The recent shameful denial of entry to South Africa to a peace icon and Nobel laureate, the Dalai Llama, is a demonstration of the ANC government's willingness to sacrifice the standing of South Africa on the altar of political expediency," said Mvume Dandala, leader of the last-mentioned, as well as former presiding bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and former head of the All Africa Council of Churches. "This is especially so if the rumours are true that this was because of the funding arrangements between the ANC and the Communist Party of China."

Conference organisers, including the grandson of Nelson Mandela, also expressed outrage over the refusal to issue the Dalai Llama a visa. The conference was subsequently cancelled.

The South African government defended its decision as a matter of sovereignty. One South African official publicly criticised the Dalai Llama and lamented a taboo on criticism of him, while another publicly criticised the government for denying his visa.

Western supporters

The Dalai Llama has been successful in gaining Western sympathy for Tibetan self-determination, including vocal support from numerous Hollywood celebrities, most notably the actors Richard Gere and Steven Seagal, as well as lawmakers from several major countries.

In 2005 and 2008 Time placed the Dalai Llama on its list of the world's 100 most influential people.

File:Bush, Byrd and Pelosi awarding the Dalai Llama.jpg
The Dalai Llama receiving a Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. From left: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate President pro tempore Robert Byrd and U.S. President George W. Bush

On 22 June 2006, the Parliament of Canada voted unanimously to make The Dalai Llama an honorary citizen of Canada. This marks the third of four times in history that the Government of Canada has bestowed this honour, the others being Raoul Wallenberg posthumously in 1985, Nelson Mandela in 2001 and Aung San Suu Kyi in 2007.

In September 2006, the United States Congress voted to award the Dalai Llama the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award which may be bestowed by the Legislative Branch of the United States government. The actual ceremony and awarding of the medal took place on 17 October 2007. The Chinese Government has reacted angrily to the award, which it merely refers to as "the extremely wrong arrangements". Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said: "It seriously violates the norm of international relations and seriously wounded the feelings of the Chinese people and interfered with China's internal affairs".

In June 2007, during an Australian tour, the Dalai Llama made public appearances in Perth, Bendigo, Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane.

On 6 December 2008, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France and current Chairman of the European Union met the Dalai Llama in Poland and appeased the situation after China postponed a China-EU summit.

In March 2009 a peace conference for Nobel laureates in South Africa was postponed indefinitely after Pretoria refused the Dalai Llama a visa, sparking a storm of controversy, the government being accused of bowing to Chinese pressure. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former South African President FW de Klerk pulled out of the meeting in protest.

Songs for Tibet is an album supportive of the Dalai Llama and a peaceful solution for the Tibetan issue. Several rock bands contributed with their music for the album.

Popular culture

"The Dalai Llama has become immensely popular in recent years, publishing a steady stream of books, including the best-selling "The Art of Happiness" and filling football stadiums during his U.S. appearances. His message of peace and tolerance, combined with personal charisma and spirituality has made him popular with musicians, artists and Hollywood celebrities. With his red and yellow robes, shaved head and twinkling eyes, his picture has become an icon similar to that of Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara or scientist Albert Einstein - popping up on everything from t-shirts to notebooks to boxer shorts."

— Annie Schleicher, PBS The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

Health

File:Dalai Llama 1471 Luca Galuzzi 2007.jpg
The Dalai Llama during his visit to Italy in 2007

After suffering abdominal pain in the October 2008, the Dalai Llama was hospitalized in New Delhi. He had routine surgery on 10 October to remove a gallstone. Four marks on the Dalai Llama's right arm are the consequence of a childhood smallpox vaccination and do not have any special significance. His right arm is uncovered in accordance with Buddhist tradition.

Possibility of retirement

In May 2007, Chhime Rigzing, a senior spokesman for the Tibetan spiritual leader's office, stated that the Dalai Llama wants to reduce his political burden as he moves into "retirement". However, in 2008 the Dalai Llama himself ruled out such a move, saying "There is no point, or question of retirement."

Rigzing stated "The political leadership will be transferred over a period of time but he will inevitably continue to be the spiritual leader because as the Dalai Llama, the issue of relinquishing the post does not arise".

The Dalai Llama announced he would like the elected Tibetan Parliament in Exile to have more responsibility over administration.

File:Tibetan parliament.jpg
The Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Dharamsala

On 1 September 2007, China issued new rules controlling the selection of the next Dalai Llama, declaring that any reincarnation must bear the seal of approval by China's cabinet. These regulations could potentially result in one Dalai Llama approved by the Chinese government, and another chosen outside of Tibet. This would be similar to the present situation with the Panchen Llamas and Karmapas. In November 2007, Tashi Wangdi said the new rules mean nothing. "It will have no effect" said Wangdi. "You can't impose a Pope. You can't impose an imam, an archbishop, saints, any religion... you can't politically impose these things on people. It has to be a decision of the followers of that tradition. The Chinese can use their political power: force. Again, it's meaningless".

During the 2008 unrest in Tibet, the Dalai Llama called for calm and concurrently condemned Chinese violence. His call was met with Tibetan frustration at his methodology and goals and Chinese allegations that he himself incited the violence in order to ruin the 2008 Summer Olympics. In response to the continued violence perpetrated by Chinese as well as Tibetans, on 18 March 2008, the Dalai Llama threatened to step down, a move unprecedented in the history of the office of the Dalai Llama. Aides later clarified that this threat was predicated on a further escalation of violence, and that he did not presently have the intention of leaving his political or spiritual offices. Many Tibetan exiles expressed their support for the Dalai Llama, and the People's Republic of China intensified their campaign of attacks against him.

In the ensuing months, he held meetings aimed at discussing the future institution of the Dalai Llama, including:

conclave, like in the Catholic Church, a woman as my successor, no Dalai Llama anymore, or perhaps even two, since the Communist Party has, astonishingly enough, given itself the right to be responsible for reincarnations.

He has clarified that his goal is to relinquish all temporal power and to no longer play a "pronounced spiritual role" and have a simpler monastic life.

Quotation

World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not the absence of violence. Peace is the manifestation of human compassion.

— the Dalai Llama.

Awards and honors

File:Dalai Llama Congressional Medal.jpg
The Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Dalai Llama in 2006

The Dalai Llama has received numerous awards over his spiritual and political career. On 22 June 2006, he became one of only four people ever to be recognized with Honorary Citizenship by the Governor General of Canada. On 28 May 2005, he received the Christmas Humphreys Award from the Buddhist Society in the United Kingdom. Most notable was the Nobel Peace Prize, presented in Oslo on 10 December 1989 (see below).

Other notable awards and honors include:

Nobel Peace Prize

On 10 December 1989 the Dalai Llama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee recognized his efforts in "the struggle of the liberation of Tibet and the efforts for a peaceful resolution instead of using violence." The chairman of the Nobel committee said that the award was "in part a tribute to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi." In his acceptance speech the Dalai Llama criticized China for using force against student protesters during the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. He said their efforts were not in vain. His speech focused on the importance of the continued use of non-violence and his desire to maintain a dialogue with China to try and resolve the situation.

Filmography

Examples of films recently made about Tenzin Gyatso:

See also

Notes

  1. At the time of Tenzin Gyatso's birth, Qinghai was under the control of Ma Lin, a warlord allied with Chiang Kai-shek and appointed governor of Qinghai Province by the Kuomintang. See Li, T.T. "Historical Status of Tibet", Columbia University Press, p179 ; Bell, Charles, "Portrait of the Dalai Llama", p399; Goldstein, Melvyn C. Goldstein, A history of modern Tibet, pp315-317
  2. "The Institution of the Dalai Llama" by R. N. Rahul Sheel in The Tibet Journal, Vol. XIV No. 3. Autumn 1989, pp. 19-32 says on pp. 31-32, n. 1: "The word Dalai is Mongolian for "ocean", used mainly by the Chinese, the Mongols, and foreigners. Rgya mtsho, the corresponding Tibetan word, always has formed the last part of the religious name of the Dalai Llama since Dalai Llama II . The expression Llama (Bla ma) means the "superior one". Western usage has taken it to mean the "priest" of the Buddhism of Tibet. The term Dalai Llama, therefore, means the Llama whose wisdom is as deep, as vast and as embracing as the ocean."
  3. His Holiness the 14th and current Dalai Llama. A Brief Biography. Retrieved on: 8 May 2008
  4. ^ "Profile: The Dalai Llama". BBC News.
  5. Tibet Is My Country: Autobiography of Thubten Jigme Norbu, Brother of the Dalai Llama as told to Heinrich Harrer, pp. 103, 171. First published in German in 1960. English translation by Edward Fitzgerald, published 1960. Reprint, with updated new chapter (1986): Wisdom Publications, London. ISBN 0-86171-045-2.
  6. Mark Sappenfield and Peter Ford (24 March 2008).Dalai Llama must balance politics, spiritual role. The Christian Science Monitor Retrieved on: 9 May 2008
  7. "Theocracy has lost its root in Tibet". China View. Xinhua. 11 April 2008. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  8. Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Llama (1990). Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Llama. HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-039116-2.
  9. "FreeTibet.org". Archived from the original on 2009-05-18. Retrieved 2009-05-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. Protests cut short Olympic relay
  11. Dalai Llama: China causing 'cultural genocide'
  12. Humanity, Not Nationalism from The Tech website
  13. Mary Craig (1997). Kundun: A Biography of the Family of the Dalai Llama. Counterpoint. ISBN 1-887178-91-0.
  14. "Dalai Llama Receives Congressional Gold Medal".
  15. "List of Major Awards and Honorary Conferments".
  16. "Dalai Llama announces semi-retirement".
  17. Brief biography, official website of the Dalai Llama
  18. "Dalai Llama - Speech to the U.N. and Images of Tibet". Retrieved 6 August 2006.
  19. "Cosmic Harmony". Dalai Llama Address to the United Nations.
  20. Marcello, Patricia Cronin (2003). The Dalai Llama: A Biography. Greenwood Press. ISBN 0313322074.
  21. Tsering Shakya. (1999). The Dragon in the Land of Snows: A History of Modern Tibet since 1947, p. 6. Columbia University Press, New York. ISBN 0-231-11814-7.
  22. Tsering Shakya. (1999). The Dragon in the Land of Snows: A History of Modern Tibet since 1947, pp. 7-8. Columbia University Press, New York. ISBN 0-231-11814-7.
  23. Gyatso, Tenzin, Dalai Llama XIV, interview, 25 July 1981.
  24. Goldstein, Melvyn C., A History of Modern Tibet, 1913-1951, University of California Press, 1989, pp812-813
  25. Ngapoi recalls the founding of the TAR, Ngapoi Ngawang Jigmei, China View, 30 August 2005.
  26. Chairman Mao: Long Live Dalai Llama!
  27. The CIA's Secret War in Tibet, Kenneth Conboy, James Morrison, The University Press of Kansas, 2002.
  28. "Witness: Reporting on the Dalai Llama's escape to India." Peter Jackson. Reuters. 27 Feb 2009.
  29. "Library of Tibetan Works and Archives". Government of Tibet in Exile. 1997. Retrieved 23 September. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  30. "Global Village News". Dalai Llama Considers Ending Exile & Return To Tibet.
  31. Interview with The Guardian, 5 September 2003
  32. "CNN.com". China keeps up attacks on Dalai Llama.
  33. Lehigh University : His Holiness the Dalai Llama
  34. "Dalai Llama Visits Colgate". The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Llama. Retrieved 23 April 2008.
  35. ^ Dalai Llama named Emory distinguished professor
  36. "Deer Park's Guiding Spirit". Deer Park Buddhist Center. Retrieved 16 December 2008.
  37. Kamenetz,Rodger (1994)The Jew in the Lotus Harper Collins: 1994.
  38. Reuters Dalai Llama does not support Olympics Boycott
  39. CNN Dalai Llama arrives in Japan
  40. "SOS Children's Villages: Dalai Llama". Retrieved 9 May 2008.
  41. ^ "World News Briefs; Dalai Llama Group Says It Got Money From C.I.A." The New York Times. 2 October 1998.
  42. Dalai Llama speaks "middle way" approach for Tibet's future
  43. ^ Johann Hari (7 June 2004). "Dalai Llama interview". The Independent.
  44. Introduction to the Middle-Way Policy and its History
  45. CNN.com, Dalai Llama: China causing 'cultural genocide'
  46. "Dalai Llama 'to resign' if violence worsens". CNN. 18 March 2008. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Text "http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/18/tibet.unrest/index.html" ignored (help)
  47. "China admits Tibet riots spread". CNN. 20 March 2008. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Text "http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.unrest/index.html" ignored (help)
  48. "Dalai Llama pleads for peaceful dialogue on Tibet". CNN. 28 March 2008. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Text "http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/china.tibet/index.html" ignored (help)
  49. Barnett, Robert, in: Blondeau, Anne-Marie and Buffetrille, Katia (eds). Authenticating Tibet: Answers to China’s 100 Questions (2008) University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-24464-1 (cloth); ISBN 978-0-520-24928-8 (paper)., pp. 81-83
  50. Norbu, Thubten Jigme and Turnbull, Colin M. Tibet: An account of the history, the religion and the people of Tibet (1968) Touchstone Books. New York. ISBN 0-671-20559-5 pg. 317.
  51. "Tawang is part of India: Dalai Llama". TNN. 4 June 2008. Retrieved 4 June 2008.
  52. "Dalai Llama 'gives up' on Tibetan autonomy". The Observer. guardian. 26 October 2008. Retrieved 27 October 2008.
  53. "Dalai Llama Gives Up On China Talks". CBS News. 25 October 2008. Retrieved 27 October 2008.
  54. Dalai Llama inaugurates 6-day world religions meet at Mahua
  55. Dalai Llama to inaugurate inter-faith conference
  56. "The Dalai Llama Foundation". Missions and Programs.
  57. "Boston.com". The Buddha of suburbia.
  58. The Dalai Llama's views on science and religion in an op-ed for The New York Times
  59. Dalai Llama meets Idaho’s religious leaders by Gary Stivers, www.sunvalleyonline.com, 15 September 2005
  60. Claudia Dreifus (28 November 1993). "New York Times Interview with the Dalai Llama". New York Times. Retrieved 31 March 2009.. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  61. Tibet and China, Marxism, Nonviolence
  62. "Dalai Llama Campaigns to End Wildlife Trade". ENS. 8 April 2005.
  63. Justin Huggler (18 February 2006). "Reports Fur Flies Over Tiger Plight". New Zealand Herald.
  64. Dalai Llama urges students to shape the world
  65. The Buddhist religion and homosexuality at Religioustolerance.org
  66. Dalai Llama Urges 'Respect, Compassion, and Full Human Rights for All', including Gays. Conkin, Dennis. Bay Area Reporter, 19 June 1997
  67. OUT Magazine February/March 1994
  68. Beyond Dogma by the Dalai Llama
  69. Sex invariably spells trouble, says Dalai Llama
  70. Sexual intercourse spells trouble, says Dalai Llama
  71. Iyer 2008, pg. 203
  72. His material highness Salon.com article by Christopher Hitchens
  73. "World Tibet Network News". His Holiness the Dalai Llama's view on India's Nuclear Tests.
  74. God Is Not Great, p. 200
  75. "Merkel meets with the Dalai Llama". Euronews.net.
  76. Xinhua, (carried by Reuters 29 April 2008). "Female living Buddha condemns Dalai Llama - Xinhua." Retrieved on: 30 May 2008.
  77. Peace and Placards Greet the Dalai Llama
  78. ^ Protest at Dalai Llama prayer ban
  79. ^ Noisy demonstrations target Dalai Llama on London streets - The China Post
  80. "Dalai Llama arrives to welcomes and taunts". The Age. AAP. 11 June 2008. Retrieved 11 June 2008.
  81. His Holiness the Dalai Llama’s Advice Concerning Dolgyal (Shugden)
  82. The Dalai Llama's demons
  83. International Karma Kagyu Buddhist Organization, "An Open Letter to the Dalai Llama", 17 Mar 2001.
  84. Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, "Message to the International Karma Kagyu Conference", 2001.
  85. Vijay Kranti, "The Dalai Llama and Chinese Desperation", Border Affairs, 2001.
  86. Julian Gearing, "The perils of taking on Tibet's holy men", Asiaweek, 20 Feb 2001.
  87. Statement from the Tsurphu Labrang regarding litigation matter
  88. Rogue State: A Guide to the World's Only Superpower
  89. South Africa: Govt Scores Own Goal Over Peace Conference. Accessed 31 March 2009. Archived 30 April 2009.
  90. Dalai Llama banned to placate China, S Africa admits. Accessed 31 March 2009. Archived 30 April 2009.
  91. ^
  92. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/world/africa/25safrica.html?ref=asia http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/world/africa/25safrica.html?ref=asia Peace Conference in South Africa Is Canceled
  93. 'I've heard him described as Buddha'
  94. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_othid=1&click_id=13&art_id=nw20090326085552297C358243 Hogan says State 'dismissive of human rights'. Accessed 31 March 2009. Archived 30 April 2009.
  95. Interview with CBC News, 16 April 2004
  96. Gere, Richard (18 April 2005). "The 2005 TIME 100: The Dalai Llama". TIME Magazine. Retrieved 11 February 2007.
  97. Deepak, Cheepra (2008). "The 2008 TIME 100: The Dalai Llama". TIME. Retrieved 2 May 2008.
  98. "Dalai Llama becomes honorary citizen". Victoria Times-Colonist. 10 September 2006. Retrieved 11 February 2007.
  99. Grudnikov, Karina. "Dalai Llama joins Wallenberg as Honorary citizen of Canada". International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. Retrieved 11 February 2007.
  100. "Highest US civilian honour for Dalai Llama". The Times of India. 14 September 2006. Retrieved 11 February 2007.
  101. Associated Press (16 October 2007). "China warns that Dalai Llama's congressional award, Bush meeting could damage U.S.-Chinese ties". International Herald Tribune.
  102. France's Sarkozy meets Dalai Llama as China fumes
  103. Dalai Llama ban halts conference
  104. Dalai Llama Award Angers China, Strains U.S.-Sino Relations by Annie Schleicher, PBS NewsHour, October 17 2007
  106. ap.google, Aide says Dalai Llama's surgery ends successfully
  107. ukpress.google, Dalai Llama surgery 'is a success'
  108. Freedom in exile: the autobiography of the Dalai Llama. New York, NY: HarperCollins. 1990. ISBN 0-06-039116-2. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  109. "Dalai Llama: political retirement". Google (yahoo). Retrieved 13 May 2007.
  110. "Dalai Llama urges Chinese contacts". BBC News. 23 Nov 2008.
  111. "New Chinese rules on Dalai Llama". BBC NEWS.
  112. Dalai Llama's representative talks about China, Tibet, Shugden and the next Dalai Llama, David Shankbone, Wikinews, 14 November 2007.
  113. Dalai Llama calls for calm amid Tibet violence
  114. Monks march as Dalai Llama condemns Beijing
  115. Tibet's young exiles sick of passive approach
  116. Tibetans criticise Dalai Llama's 'middle way'
  117. 'Dalai Llama's 'Middle Way' has failed'
  118. China accuses Dalai Llama of 'inciting' Tibet riots to 'sabotage' Olympics
  119. China says Dalai Llama trying to ruin Olympics
  120. Uprising Spurns Dalai Llama's Way
  121. Dalai Llama Threatens to Resign
  122. Dalai Llama's threat shakes Buddhism
  123. Can the Dalai Llama Resign?
  124. Dalai Llama Threatens to Resign - TIME
  125. China steps up verbal attacks on Dalai Llama over Tibet
  126. Drew, Jill (27 April 2008). "A Day After Offer to Meet, China Assails Dalai Llama". Washington Post. Retrieved 27 April 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  127. "'I Pray for China's Leadership' SPIEGEL Interviews the Dalai Llama". Der Spiegel. 12 May 2008. Retrieved 12 May 2008.
  129. List of awards
  130. http://www.dalaiLlama.com, "Dalai Llama Receives Honorary Doctorate In Krakow"
  132. hellomagazine.com, Dalai Llama receives honorary doctorate of philosophy in London
  133. news.bbc.co.uk, Dalai gets honorory doctorate
  134. Paris makes Dalai Llama honorary citizen
  135. Paris makes Dalai Llama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens
  136. Pais, Arthur J. (11 April 2008). "The Dalai Llama wins Hofstra University's first Guru Nanak Interfaith prize". India Abroad. Retrieved 25 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  137. Public Law 109-287
  138. University of Tartu "UT Council Confers Honorary Doctorate on His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso The XIV Dalai Llama "
  139. USFnews Online
  140. Presentation Speech by Egil Aarvik, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee
  141. "The Nobel Prize". Dalai Llama (Tenzin Gyatso).
  142. "The Government of Tibet in Exile". His Holiness the Dalai Llama's Nobel Prize acceptance speech University Aula, Oslo, 10 December 1989.

References

  • The Leader's Way', coauthored with Laurens van den Muyzenberg, ISBN 978-1-85788-511-8
  • The Art of Happiness, coauthored with Howard C. Cutler, M.D. ISBN 0-9656682-9-0
  • The Art of Happiness at Work, coauthored with Howard C. Cutler, M.D. ISBN 1-59448-054-0
  • Mind in Comfort and Ease, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-493-8
  • The World of Tibetan Buddhism, translated by Geshe Thupten Jinpa, foreword by Richard Gere, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-097-5
  • The Compassionate Life,Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-378-8
  • Ethics for the New Millennium, Riverhead Books, 1999, ISBN 1-57322-883-4
  • A Simple Path, ISBN 0-00-713887-3
  • Essence of the Heart Sutra, edited by Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-284-6
  • The Meaning of Life: Buddhist Perspectives on Cause and Effect, Translated by Jeffrey Hopkins, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-173-4
  • How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life, Transl. and ed. by Jeffrey Hopkins, ISBN 0-7434-5336-0
  • Kalachakra Tantra: Rite of Initiation, Edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-151-3
  • Iyer, Pico. The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Llama (2008) Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. ISBN 978-307-26760-3
  • A Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus, Translated by Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-138-6
  • Opening the Eye of New Awareness, Translated by Donald S. Lopez, Jr., Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-155-6
  • Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Llama, London: Little, Brown and Co, 1990 ISBN 0-349-10462-X
  • Imagine All the People: A Conversation with the Dalai Llama on Money, Politics, and Life as it Could Be, Coauthored with Fabien Ouaki, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-150-5
  • An Open Heart, edited by Nicholas Vreeland. ISBN 0-316-98979-7
  • The Gelug/Kagyü Tradition of Mahamud, coauthored with Alexander Berzin. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications, 1997, ISBN 1-55939-072-7
  • Practicing Wisdom: The Perfection of Shantideva's Bodhisattva Way, translated by Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-182-3
  • The Wisdom of Forgiveness: Intimate Conversations and Journeys, coauthored with Victor Chan, Riverbed Books, 2004, ISBN 1-57322-277-1
  • Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion, photographs by Phil Borges with sayings by Tenzin Gyatso. ISBN 0-8478-1957-4
  • The Heart of Compassion: A Practical Approach to a Meaningful Life, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press, ISBN 0-940985-36-5
  • Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: Ethics for the new millennium, Abacus Press, 2000, ISBN 0-349-11443-9
  • My Tibet, coauthoured with Galen Rowell, ISBN 0-520-08948-0
  • Sleeping, Dreaming, and Dying, edited by Francisco Varela, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-123-8
  • The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality, Morgan Road Books, 2005, ISBN 0-7679-2066-X
  • How to Expand Love: Widening the Circle of Loving Relationships, translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, Ph.D., Atria Books, 2005, ISBN 0-7432-6968-3
  • Der Weg des Herzens. Gewaltlosigkeit und Dialog zwischen den Religionen (The Path of the Heart: Non-violence and the Dialogue among Religions), coauthored with Eugen Drewermann, Ph.D., Patmos Verlag, 2003, ISBN 3-4916-9078-1
  • How to See Yourself As You Really Are, Translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, Ph.D. ISBN 0-7432-9045-3
  • MindScience: An East-West Dialogue, with contributions by Herbert Benson, Daniel Goleman, Robert Thurman, and Howard Gardner, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-066-5
  • The New Physics and Cosmology: Dialogues with the Dalai Llama, edited by Arthur Zajonc, with contributions by David Finkelstein, George Greenstein, Piet Hut, Tu Wei-ming, Anton Zeilinger, B. Alan Wallace and Thupten Jinpa, Oxford University Press, 2004, ISBN 0-195-15994-2
  • The Power of Buddhism, coauthored with Jean-Claude Carriere ISBN 0717128032
  • Dzogchen: Heart Essence of the Great Perfection, translated by Geshe Thupten Jinpa and Richard Barron, Snow Lion Publications, 2000, ISBN 1559392193
  • Orphans of the Cold War, America and the Tibetan Struggle for Survival, John Kenneth Knaus, Public Affairs, New York. ISBN 1-891620-18-5 1999
  • Violence and Compassion: Dialogues on Life Today (With Jean-Claude Carriere), Doubleday, 2001. ISBN 978-0385-50144-6

Further reading

  • Mullin, Glenn H. (2001). The Fourteen Dalai Llamas: A Sacred Legacy of Reincarnation, pp. 452–515. Clear Light Publishers. Santa Fe, New Mexico. ISBN 1-57416-092-3.

External links

14th Dalai Lama Dalai LlamaBorn: July 6 1935
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Preceded byThubten Gyatso Dalai Llama
since 1937 		Incumbent
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1956 – 1959 		Succeeded byChoekyi Gyaltsen

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