Dalai Lama

en Tenzin Gyatso (es) Seine Heiligkeit der 14. Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) (de) Tenzin Gyatso, il 14° Dalai Lama (it) Su Santidad el 14º Dalái Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (es)

Taktser, Amdo, Tibet

Born 1935

Biography

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and is traditionally considered the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The current, 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born Lhamo Thondup in 1935 in Taktser, Tibet. Recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two, he was enthroned in 1940. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising and the subsequent Chinese occupation, he fled to India, establishing the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamshala. He has tirelessly advocated for the peaceful liberation of Tibet, emphasizing non-violence, compassion, and universal responsibility. His teachings promote interfaith harmony and a secular approach to ethics.

Selected Thoughts

«Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.»

«The purpose of our lives is to be happy.»

«Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.»

Writing Style

The Dalai Lama's writing style is characterized by its profound clarity, compassionate tone, and accessibility. He integrates deep philosophical concepts with practical advice for daily living, often employing parables and personal anecdotes to illustrate complex ideas. His works are usually transcriptions of his lectures and teachings, reflecting an oral tradition, and are marked by an emphasis on inner peace, mindfulness, and the interconnectedness of all beings.