The Dalai Lama

              The Dalai Lama is the political and religious leader of the Tibetan community. Likewise, he is the spiritual guide of a lot of Buddhist people around the world. The term Dalai Lama means “Ocean of Teaching”.

            The Dalai Lama´s given name is Tenzin Gyatso. He was born in 1935. His parents were peasants and lived in a small town called Takster. When Tenzin was 2 years old, he was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor.

             He began his monastic studies when he was 6 years old and in 1959 he got a “geshe” degree, or Tibetan Philosophy Doctorate Degree.

            In 1950, the Chinese Military Forces invaded Tibet. Because of this, the Dalai Lama took the role of the political leader of the Tibetan community. Since then, he has been fighting against the oppressive communist Chinese governance.

                       

            In 1954, The Dalai Lama traveled to Beijing to talk with Chinese leaders. He tried to obtain peace for his people. He did not get peace for his people, so he decided to go into exile in India. His fight is well-known around the world because it is based on patience, tolerance, and compassion.

          The Norwegian Parliament Committee awarded  the  Dalai Lama  the Nobel Peace prize in 1989. He got that prize  because he has opposed the use of violence and he has proposed  solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect.