Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama -  chief lama and once ruler of Tibet.

Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is the title given to the spiritual leaders of the Tibetan people. They are part of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, the newest of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama title was created in the 16th century, and the current Dalai Lama is the 14th in this lineage.

Overview

The Dalai Lama is considered to be the successor in a line of tulkus who are believed to be incarnations of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The name "Dalai Lama" is a combination of the Mongolic word dalai meaning "ocean" and the Tibetan word blama (with a silent 'b') meaning "guru" or "teacher".

History

The title was first bestowed upon Gendun Drup, the 1st Dalai Lama, by the Mongolian ruler Altan Khan in the 16th century. Since then, the title has been passed down to each successive reincarnation.

List of Dalai Lamas

1. Gendun Drup (1391–1474)
2. Gendun Gyatso (1475–1541)
3. Sonam Gyatso (1543–1588)
4. Yonten Gyatso (1589–1616)
5. Lobsang Gyatso (1617–1682)

... (list continues up to the 14th)

1. Tenzin Gyatso (born 1935), the current and 14th Dalai Lama.

Role and Responsibilities

The Dalai Lama is traditionally responsible for governing Tibet, although the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has retired from political leadership after the establishment of the Central Tibetan Administration. The Dalai Lama's role is now primarily as a spiritual leader, promoting values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline.

The 14th Dalai Lama

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, is known for his teachings and writings on Buddhism and has become a global symbol for peace and human rights. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Tibet.

Teachings and Influence

The 14th Dalai Lama has traveled the world, speaking about the welfare of Tibetans, the environment, economics, women's rights, nonviolence, interfaith dialogue, physics, astronomy, Buddhism and science, cognitive neuroscience, reproductive health, and sexuality, along with various topics of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist teachings.

Recognition and Impact

The Dalai Lama has received numerous awards over his spiritual and political career and remains one of the world's most prominent religious figures, with a significant following both within and outside of Buddhism.

Challenges

The position of the Dalai Lama has faced challenges, particularly from the government of the People's Republic of China, which has occupied Tibet since 1959 and does not recognize the Dalai Lama's authority.

Future of the Institution

Questions remain about the future of the Dalai Lama institution after the current Dalai Lama, as there are concerns about political interference in the selection of future Dalai Lamas.

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