The Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual leader, promotes peace and is considered a living embodiment of compassion, here are some things to know about him.
1
Dalai Lama is a title given to the highest spiritual leader of the Gelug school, one of Tibetan Buddhism's major branches.
2
"Dalai" is Mongolian for "ocean," and "Lama" is Tibetan for "spiritual teacher." So, the Dalai Lama translates to "Ocean of Wisdom."
3
The Dalai Lama is considered the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
4
Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th and current Dalai Lama. He was born in 1935 and recognized as a reincarnation at the age of two.
5
Traditionally, the Dalai Lama held both spiritual and temporal power in Tibet.
6
Since 1959, the Dalai Lama has lived in exile due to China's control of Tibet. He advocates for Tibetan autonomy and non-violent solutions.
7
The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent approach to liberation.