The Life Of The Dali Lama Essay -- essays research papers

     The Dalai Lamas biographyHis Holiness the 14th the Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, is the head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He was born Lhamo Dhondrub on 6 July 1935, in a small village called Taktser in northeastern Tibet. Born to a peasant family, His Holiness was recognized at the age of two, in conformity with Tibetan tradition, as the reincarnation of his predecessor the 13th Dalai Lama, and thus an incarnation Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion.The Dalai Lamas are the manifestations of the Bodhisattva (Buddha) of Compassion, who chose to reincarnate to serve the people. Lhamo Dhondrub was, as Dalai Lama, renamed Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso - Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the Faith, ocean of Wisdom. Tibetans normally refer to His Holiness as Yeshe Norbu, the Wishfulfilling Gem or simply Kundun - The Presence.The enthronement ceremony took place on February 22, 1940 in Lhasa, the capi tal of Tibet.Education in TibetHe began his education at the age of six and completed the Geshe Lharampa Degree (Doctorate of Buddhistic Philosophy) when he was 25 in 1959. At 24, he took the preliminary examinations at each of the three monastic universities Drepung, Sera and Ganden. The final examination was conducted in the Jokhang, Lhasa during the annual Monlam Festival of Prayer, held in the first month of every year Tibetan calendar.Leadership ResponsibilitiesOn November 17, 1950, His Holiness was called upon to assume full political power (head of the State and Government) after some 80,000 Peoples Liberation Army soldiers invaded Tibet. In 1954, he went to capital of Red China to talk peace with Mao Tse-tung and other Chinese leaders, including Chou En-lai and Deng Xiaoping. In 1956, while visiting India to attend the 2500th Buddha Jayanti Anniversary, he had a series of meetings with Prime see Nehru and Premier Chou about deteriorating conditions in Tibet.His efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to Sino-Tibetan conflict were thwarted by Bejings ruthless policy in Eastern Tibet, which ignited a popular uprising and resistance. This resistance movement spread to other parts of the country. On 10 March 1959 the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, detonate with the largest demonstration in Tibetan history, calling on China to leave Tibet and reaffirming Tibets ... ...his year. But I do not believe the demonstrations were in vain, because the spirit of liberty was rekindled among the Chinese people and China cannot escape the impact of this spirit of freedom sweeping in many parts of the arena. The brave students and their supporters showed the Chinese leadership and the world the human face of that great nations."A Simple Buddhist monkHis Holiness often says, "I am just a simple Buddhist monk - no more, nor less."His Holiness follows the life of Buddhist monk. Living in a small cottage in Dharamsala, he rises at 4 A.M. to meditate, pursues a n ongoing schedule of administrative meetings, private audiences and religious teachings and ceremonies. He concludes each day with further prayer before retiring. In explaining his greatest sources of inspiration, he often cites a favorite verse, found in the writings of the renowned eighth century Buddhist saint ShantidevaFor as unyielding as space enduresAnd for as capacious as living beings remain,Until then may I too abideTo dispel the misery of the world.For as long as space enduresAnd for as long as living beings remain,Until then may I too abideTo dispel the misery of the world.