Dalai+Lama

**The Impact of...** **the**// **Dalai Lama** //

// "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." -the Dalai Lama //

Overview [[image:dalailama.jpg width="139" height="169" align="right"]]
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born on July 6,1935 in Taktser, Amdo, a town in northeastern Tibet. He was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. The Dalai Lama’s are a tradition of Tibet, and are believed to be enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and choose to take rebirth in order to serve humanity. His Holiness began his monastic education at the age of six. The curriculum consisted of five major and five minor subjects- this education prepared the Dalai Lama to take over the country of Tibet.


In 1950, His Holiness was called upon to assume full political power after China's invasion of Tibet in 1949. In 1954, he went to Beijing for peace talks with Chinese leaders, but finally, in 1959, His Holiness was forced to escape into exile. Through numerous non-violent attempts to free the country of Tibet, China has so far failed to respond positively to these various peace proposals. But the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression.


The Dalai Lama has also traveled to more than 62 countries spanning 6 continents. He has met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations. He has held dialogues with the heads of different religions and many well-known scientists. Since 1959 His Holiness has received over 84 awards, honorary doctorates, and prizes in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. His Holiness has also authored more than 72 books.

"A Brief Biography | The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama." //His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama | The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama//. Web. 10 Jan. 2010. . 
 * References (2009-10.1.2.B)**

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