what can you tell me about the Dalai Lama?

Answer 1

Wow, after hearing the answer from
Vinslave, and especially Gaz, it's challenging to put excellent input into
your answer.

I am also a Student of Buddhism, but only have been for one year. Next to Siddhartha Gautama {The first Buddha), the 14th Dalai Lama is the equivalent to the christian, Jesus [who became Christ], to all Buddhists !!
He is someone we only hope to emulate in this LIfe. He chose to remain after reaching Buddhahood, to help all of mankind. This is an example of total selflessness, on his part.
He has written hundreds of excellent books.
Please Patiently continue to read. *Thanks.

The official website of His Holiness The XIV Dalai Lama is online at dalailama.com - it is an authoritative source of information about The Dalai Lama, including his schedule of teachings, lectures, public appearances and travels.

Chronology of The Dalai Lama’s Life
1935 Born Lhamo Thondup; Taktser, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet.
1937 Recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama
1940 Enthroned as the 14th Dalai Lama in Lhasa
1950 China invades Tibet.
The Dalai Lama Assumes temporal responsibility for Tibet.
*Tibet appeals to the United Nations. Tibetan representatives in Beijing forced to sign “Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet.”

1954 Visits China and meets Mao and other Chinese leaders.
1956 Visits India for the commemoration of 2,500 years of Buddhism, meets with Nehru and other Indian leaders.
Tibetan uprising in Lithang crushed and monastery destroyed.
1959 Tibetan uprising against the Chinese begins in Lhasa.
March 10: thousands of Tibetans take to the streets in Lhasa.
March 17: The Dalai Lama escapes from Lhasa, seeks asylum in India.
March 19: Tibetan troops join the uprising against the Chinese.
March 23: Uprising suppressed. The Chinese dissolve the Tibetan local Government and impose military Government, fronted by the Panchen Lama, and in April begin “democratic reforms.” Thousands of Tibetans are executed, imprisoned, or sent to labor camps. Destruction of monasteries begins.
80,000+ other Tibetans follow the Dalai Lama to India.
1959-1961 The Great Leap Forward leads to widespread famine, with up to 30 million deaths in China and many thousands in Tibet.
1960 Establishes a school in Mussoorie, the first Tibetan institution in exile.
1961 Assembles first elected Tibetan parliamentary body in exile.
1963 Promulgates a democratic constitution for Tibet’s future governance.
1964 United Nations General Assembly adopts second resolution calling on China to respect the human rights of the Tibetan people, including their right to self-determination.
1965 The Tibet Autonomous Region is formally established.
1967 During Chinese Cultural Revolution, Tibetan temples, monasteries, libraries, and scared monuments destroyed or made into state museums.
1976 Visits Europe and Japan for first time.
The Cultural Revolution ends with the death of Mao. The Chinese acknowledge “past mistakes in Tibet,” blaming them on the Cultural Revolution and on the ultra-leftist policies of the Gang of Four.

*1979 The Dalai Lama Visits the United States for the first time.
China initiates a policy of opening up to the outside world. They invite the Dalai Lama to return from exile, on condition he remains in Beijing.
Responds to Deng Xiaoping’s promises to discuss and resolve everything short of “separation.”
Sends first fact-finding delegation to Tibet and China.
The delegates are greeted by demonstrations calling for independence and the return of the Dalai Lama; many demonstrators are imprisoned.
1980 Sends second and third fact-finding delegations to Tibet
1983 Sends high-level Representatives to Beijing.
1984 Tibetan government-in-exile declares that 1.2 million Tibetans died and over 6,500 monasteries destroyed as a direct result of Chinese rule.
1987 The Dalai Lama proposes “Five Point Peace Plan” during a visit to the U.S. Congress.
First of pro-independence demonstrations take place in Lhasa.
1989 Offers “Middle Way Proposal” at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Martial law declared in Tibet.

*"The Dalai Lama was Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize !"*

The Nobel Committee’s announcement states that “The Committee wants to emphasize the fact that the Dalai Lama in his struggle for the liberation of Tibet consistently has opposed the use of violence ! He has instead advocated peaceful solutions based upon Patience/tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.”
1990 The Kashag, council of ministers, elected by special assembly of the Tibetan Government in Exile.
1995 Declares Gendun Chokyi Nima to be the reincarnation of the late 10th Panchen Lama.
2004 Envoys of the Dalai Lama return from Beijing after third visit to China in recent years trying to revive discussions with Beijing.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama's Nobel Prize acceptance speech
University Aula, Oslo, 10 December 1989
Your Majesty, Members of the Nobel Committee, Brothers and Sisters.
I am very happy to be here with you today to receive the Nobel Prize for Peace. I feel honored, humbled and deeply moved that you should give this important prize to a simple monk from Tibet I am no one special. But I believe the prize is a recognition of the true value of altruism, love, compassion and non-violence which I try to practice, in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha and the great sages of India and Tibet.

I accept the prize with profound gratitude on behalf of the oppressed everywhere and for all those who struggle for freedom and work for world peace. I accept it as a tribute to the man who founded the modern tradition of non-violent action for change Mahatma Gandhi whose life taught and inspired me. And, of course, I accept it on behalf of the six million Tibetan people, my brave countrymen and women inside Tibet, who have suffered and continue to suffer so much. They confront a calculated and systematic strategy aimed at the destruction of their national and cultural identities. The prize reaffirms our conviction that with truth, courage and determination as our weapons, Tibet will be liberated.

No matter what part of the world we come from, we are all basically the same human beings. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. We have the same basic human needs and concerns. All of us human beings want freedom and the right to determine our own destiny as individuals and as peoples. That is human nature. The great changes that are taking place everywhere in the world, from Eastern Europe to Africa, to the Western world are a clear indication of this.

In China the popular movement for democracy was crushed by brutal force in June this year. But I do not believe the demonstrations were in vain, because the spirit of freedom was rekindled among the Chinese people and China cannot escape the impact of this spirit of freedom sweeping many parts of the world. The brave students and their supporters showed the Chinese leadership and the world the human face of that great nation.

Last week a number of Tibetans were once again sentenced to prison terms of up to nineteen years at a mass show trial, possibly intended to frighten the population before today's event. Their only “crime” was the expression of the widespread desire of Tibetans for the restoration of their beloved country's independence.

The suffering of our people during the past forty years of occupation is well documented. Ours has been a long struggle. We know our cause is just. Because violence can only breed more violence and suffering, our struggle must remain non-violent and free of hatred. We are trying to end the suffering of our people, not to inflict suffering upon others.

It is with this in mind that I proposed negotiations between Tibet and China on numerous occasions. In 1987, I made specific proposals in a Five-Point plan for the restoration of peace and human rights in Tibet. This included the conversion of the entire Tibetan plateau into a Zone of Ahimsa, a sanctuary of peace and non-violence where human beings and nature can live in peace and harmony.

Last year, I elaborated on that plan in Strasbourg, at the European Parliament I believe the ideas I expressed on those occasions are both realistic and reasonable although they have been criticized by some of my people as being too conciliatory. Unfortunately, China's leaders have not responded positively to the suggestions we have made, which included important concessions. If this continues we will be compelled to reconsider our position.

Any relationship between Tibet and China will have to be based on the principle of equality, respect, trust and mutual benefit. It will also have to be based on the principle which the wise rulers of Tibet and of China laid down in a treaty as early as 823 AD, carved on the pillar which still stands today in front of the Jokhang, Tibet's holiest shrine, in Lhasa, that “Tibetans will live happily in the great land of Tibet, and the Chinese will live happily in the great land of China.”

As a Buddhist monk, my concern extends to all members of the human family and, indeed, to all sentient beings who suffer. I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. Although I have found my own Buddhist religion helpful in generating love and comˇpassion, even for those we consider our enemies, I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a sense of universal responsibility with or without religion.

With the ever-growing impact of science on our lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role to play reminding us of our humanity. There is no contradiction between the two. Each gives us valuable insights into the other. Both science and the teachings of the Buddha tell us of the fundamental unity of all things. This understanding is crucial if we are to take positive and decisive action on the pressing global concern with the environment.

Important Statement by the Dalai Lama:
*"I believe all religions pursue the same goals, that of cultivating human goodness and bringing happiness to all human beings. Though the means might appear different the ends are the same."*

I hope you were willing to Patiently read this, especially the very words of the 14th
Dalai Lama.

You can now understand why so many Buddhists make it their aim to emulate {imitate) the 14th Dalai Lama.

**Thank You for giving me the opportunity to provide an answer to your most excellent question.**

Have a Great Weekend,

With Metta {loving-kindness & friendliness).

P.S. = please, especially re-read his most humble, and honest words he spoke upon his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Thank You very much. Thank You for your question, once again.

Answer 2

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Dalai Lama considers himself "just a monk", however he's one of the most compassionate, eager to learn, open-to-new-ideas/science, guys I know (unfortunately not personally). He's also a well-learned, kind lama who teaches, writes good books on the Dharma and for people who aren't Buddhist who want to derive some understanding or benefit from what he knows.

He's considered the rebirth of the Dalai Lamas before him and is usually found through a very selective process after the previous Dalai Lama dies... some consider him the reincarnation of Chenrezig... and I couldn't argue it, since His Holiness appears to be the epitome of compassion. There's a lot of fascinating info on him... too much for me to write about in here so...

There's a movie out on his life story and books available... snowlionpub.com and wisdompubs.org are likely to have copies available for purchase... also major bookstores carry copies of his books and biography, and autobiographical info.

Hope this helps some.

Edit/addition... almost forgot to mention he has his own website out as well... and a mini-bio on him is available at www.dalailama.org.au just check out the index and follow the link.

_()_

Answer 3

Born in 1935 to peasant parents in Tibet.

At age 2 was recognised as the 13 reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

In 1950 at age 15 was called upon by the Tibetan Government to take full political responsibility for the Chinese invasion as Head of State and Head of Government of Tibet.

In 1959 qualified as a Doctor of Buddhist Philosophy with Honours.

On 30 March 1959 he escaped the Chinese in Tibet and crossed the Indian border where he was granted political asylum. 80,000 Tibetans followed him into exile. He lives in the small border town of Dharamsala.

In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in seeking a peaceful, political and nonviolent settlement with the Chinese in Tibet.

He travels the globe to over 45 countries to garner support for his efforts in the peaceful resolution of the struggle against the Chinese invasion of his homeland where over 80,000 have been murdered and countless more have been made to suffer under the Chinese.

Peace from a Buddhist...

Answer 4

He seems like a really nice guy, but I've heard conflicting opinions on him.

First of all, he was on the CIA dole for a while, so he's not as innocent as he might seem.

Secondly, he hob-nobs with a lot of celebrities. I don't know about you, but that makes anyone suspect in my book.

Thirdly, he's a high-ranking monk who is also technically a government administrator. I am a firm believer in separation of church and state, so this is also suspect.

Four, he's the Tibetan equivalent of an aristocrat. There is a real caste system in existence in Tibet and the DL is at the top of it. Tibet is a very poor region, so those who benefit through the wealth of the religious system do so to the detriment of those beneath them.

I could go on, but I don't want to sound like I dislike the guy because I don't. I just think many people's opinions regarding Tibet are a little too simplified.

Answer 5

"Dalai" means "ocean" in Mongolian, and "Lama" (bla ma) is the Tibetan equivalent of the Sanskrit word "guru", and is commonly translated to mean "spiritual teacher".

Answer 6

He writes great books... I like his pacifist stance regarding Tibet and trying to get it back through diplomacy, rather than fighting. A particularly good book by him is titled "The Universe in a Single Atom."

Answer 7

He seems to be spending a lot of time advertising himself and being a guest on tv shows....

Answer 8

he's not a real Llama
(i found that out the hard way)
and after research from Emperor's New Groove, i found that he didn't spit as much as i thought he would
he's a great guy!

Answer 9

He laughs more than any other leader I've ever seen.