Dalai Lama

NAME His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. His birth name was Lhamo Thondup, which means "Wish-Fulfilling Goddess"

WHAT FAMOUS FOR The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, specifically the Gelugpa school. He is widely recognized for his advocacy of peace, compassion, and Tibetan autonomy.

BIRTH Born July 6, 1935, in a small village called Taktser in northeastern TibetAmdo, Tibet (now part of Qinghai, China).  He entered this world on the floor of a cow shed on his family’s farm

FAMILY BACKGROUND Born into a humble farming and horse-trading family in northeastern Tibet, the future Dalai Lama, Lhamo Thondup, was the ninth of sixteen children. His parents, Choekyong and Dekyi Tsering, cultivated barley, buckwheat, and potatoes to sustain their family. 

While his father was known for his quick temper, Lhamo Thondup enjoyed a simple childhood in a mud-walled house, dressed in traditional Tibetan attire. Tragically, only seven of his siblings survived infancy. Notably, two of his brothers also attained high spiritual positions, recognized as the 6th Taktser Rinpoche and the 16th Ngari Rinpoche.

CHILDHOOD As a young child, Lhamo Thondup lived a simple life in a square mud-walled house without windows, dressed in traditional Tibetan clothes. At the age of two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, following a series of traditional signs and prophecies.

After his recognition, the young boy was separated from his family and brought to Lhasa to begin his new life as the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was enthroned at the age of six in the Potala Palace, which became his official residence. His early years were marked by rigorous spiritual and intellectual training.

The Dalai Lama as a child

EDUCATION The Dalai Lama's education commenced at the age of six and followed the rigorous Nalanda tradition. His studies encompassed a wide range of subjects, including logic, fine arts, Sanskrit grammar, medicine, and various branches of Buddhist philosophy. He also studied minor subjects such as poetry, drama, astrology, and composition. Under the guidance of esteemed scholars and monks, he diligently pursued his studies, dedicating long hours to prayer and meditation.

A significant encounter during his childhood was with Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountaineer who became his tutor. Harrer provided the young Dalai Lama with valuable insights into Western culture and global affairs, broadening his perspective beyond the Tibetan world.

At the age of 23, the Dalai Lama culminated his formal education by successfully completing his final examinations during the Great Prayer Festival in Lhasa. He was awarded the prestigious Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest doctorate in Buddhist philosophy, a testament to his dedication and intellectual prowess.

Throughout his childhood and education, the Dalai Lama was meticulously prepared for his dual role as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet. However, this period coincided with growing political tensions with China, foreshadowing the challenges that lay ahead.

CAREER RECORD He was enthroned as Dalai Lama on November 17, 1950, during the Chinese invasion of Tibet. 

Following the Chinese suppression of an uprising, the Dalai Lama fled Lhasa on March 17, 1959. He arrived in India on March 31, 1959, where he established a government-in-exile in Dharamshala. He remains a prominent advocate for Tibetan autonomy and global peace.

APPEARANCE The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is known for his warm, engaging smile, kind and expressive eyes, and a bald head, customary for Buddhist monks. He always wears glasses.

Certain physical traits, such as long ears and specific moles, were considered auspicious in Tibetan culture and played a role in his identification as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama maintains a simple and serene appearance, reflecting his self-description as a "simple Buddhist monk." While his physical characteristics were significant in his early recognition, his profound impact as a spiritual leader and global figure transcends his outward appearance.

The Dalai Lama in 2013 By Niccolò Caranti Wikipedia

FASHION He typically wears maroon and yellow robes, the traditional colors of Tibetan Buddhist monks.

CHARACTER Renowned for his humility, compassion, and wisdom, the Dalai Lama radiates kindness and a profound sense of calm.

SENSE OF HUMOUR He is known for his playful and disarming humor, often making jokes during his speeches and interactions. 

One notable example of his playful nature occurred during a symposium in Mundgod, India. As the crowd waited solemnly for his arrival, the Dalai Lama entered the room and, instead of beginning with a formal address, he decided to wipe his brow with a white washcloth. Then, rather than setting it aside, he placed it on his head like an absurd floppy hat, wearing it for about an hour while giggling. This spontaneous act immediately lightened the mood, causing the previously serious crowd to laugh along with him.

RELATIONSHIPS As a Buddhist monk, he has taken vows of celibacy and abstains from marriage, dating, and sexual relationships. This is in line with the traditional practices of Tibetan Buddhist monks and the expectations for the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Dalai Lama shares warm connections with world leaders, religious figures, and the Tibetan diaspora. He developed a notable friendship with Pope John Paul II, bonding over shared values of peace and compassion.

MONEY AND FAME Although globally famous, the Dalai Lama leads a modest life, renouncing material possessions. He is dedicated to his spiritual mission and Tibetan advocacy. 

He was on the CIA payroll from the late 1950s to 1974, receiving $180,000 annually to support Tibetan resistance.

The Dalai Lama meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama in 2016

FOOD AND DRINK The Dalai Lama's diet is a harmonious blend of tradition, health, and ethical considerations. He adheres to a strict dietary regimen rooted in Buddhist monastic traditions, with lunch serving as his final meal of the day. His breakfast typically includes porridge, bread, tea, and tsampa, a traditional Tibetan staple made from roasted barley flour.

The Dalai Lama enjoys a diverse range of foods, favoring fresh vegetables such as cauliflower, bitter melon, spinach, tomatoes, and daikon. Thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup, is a particular favorite. He likely continues to savor traditional Tibetan dishes like momos (dumplings) and shapale (meat-filled fried pastries). While primarily vegetarian, he occasionally consumes meat, a practice adopted after experiencing health issues while on a strictly vegetarian diet in India. He emphasizes that meat consumption is permissible only if the animal was not killed specifically for his consumption.

The Dalai Lama is a strong advocate for reducing meat consumption and improving animal welfare. He has expressed deep concern about the treatment of animals in industrial food production, particularly the plight of egg-laying hens. He enjoys tea, including traditional Tibetan butter tea, and abstains from alcohol.

MUSIC AND ARTS The Dalai Lama, while not a dedicated music enthusiast himself, deeply appreciates the profound impact of music and art. He recognizes their unique abilities. Music possesses the power to transcend cultural barriers and forge deep emotional connections between people. Furthermore, within Mahayana Buddhism traditions, artistic expressions like creating mandalas or composing poetry are considered practices aligned with Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha. The Dalai Lama encourages listeners to go beyond merely enjoying the melody and to delve deeper, reflecting on the profound meanings and messages conveyed within the lyrics.

This nuanced perspective is beautifully exemplified by his participation in the Inner World album. Released on July 6, 2020, his 85th birthday, this project features a collection of mantras and chants set to calming music, with evocative titles such as "Compassion" and "Wisdom." Through this album, the Dalai Lama demonstrates a willingness to embrace music as a powerful medium for sharing Buddhist teachings and connecting with a wider audience.

LITERATURE The Dalai Lama does appreciate literature, particularly works that explore philosophical and spiritual themes. While he is not known to be an avid reader of fiction, he has authored or co-authored over 110 books on various topics related to Buddhism, ethics, and philosophy4.

His own literary output demonstrates a deep engagement with ideas and a desire to share knowledge through the written word. Many of his books explore complex Buddhist concepts, interfaith dialogue, and the intersection of spirituality with modern scienc

NATURE The Dalai Lama has a deep respect for nature and often speaks about environmental preservation. He is, however, frightened of caterpillars.

PETS The Dalai Lama has a fondness for animals. There are photographs of him interacting gently with various animals, including cats, which demonstrate his compassion towards all living beings. 

He used to keep cats as pets but no longer does so. He explained that he stopped having cats because they can cause too much attachment, which goes against Buddhist principles of non-attachment.

The idea of the Dalai Lama having a cat has been popularized by fictional works, such as David Michie's book series The Dalai Lama's Cat. While these stories have captured people's imaginations, they are works of fiction and do not reflect the Dalai Lama's actual living situation

HOBBIES AND SPORTS He enjoys photography, including developing his own pictures.

The Dalai Lama has a long-standing fascination with mechanical objects and enjoys tinkering with them. This interest dates back to his childhood in Tibet and has continued throughout his life. His curiosity extends to a variety of mechanical devices, including clocks and watches, telescopes, film projectors, clockwork soldiers and motor cars.

The Dalai Lama received his first watch, a rare Patek Philippe pocket watch, in 1943 as a gift from an envoy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since then, he has developed a notable watch collection and is known to perform maintenance and repairs on his timepieces himself.

He not only enjoys observing these objects but also loves to repair, disassemble, and reassemble them14. This hands-on approach reflects his deep interest in understanding how things work.

The Dalai Lama's daily routine in Dharamsala includes a morning walk, either outdoors or on a treadmill.

SCIENCE AND MATHS The Dalai Lama has a deep and enduring interest in science. He not only enjoys scientific pursuits but actively engages with the scientific community and promotes the integration of scientific knowledge with Buddhist philosophy.

The Dalai Lama's interest in science began in his youth. He has stated that if he hadn't become a monk, he might have been an engineer due to his fascination with how mechanical things work. This curiosity has evolved into a lifelong engagement with various scientific disciplines.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY The Dalai Lama is considered a living Bodhisattva, specifically an emanation of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion1. This belief is central to Tibetan Buddhism and the institution of the Dalai Lama. The title "Dalai Lama" means "Ocean of Wisdom" in Tibetan

He embodies and teaches Buddhist philosophy, focusing on compassion, interdependence, and the middle way.

POLITICS Before 1959, the Dalai Lama served as both the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet1. However, following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Tenzin Gyatso was forced to assume political power at the age of 15. In 1959, fearing assassination, he and thousands of followers fled to Dharamshala in northern India, where they established an alternative government.

The Dalai Lama served as the head of the Tibetan government until 2011 when he relinquished political authority to an elected leader in exile.

He advocates for the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue.

Promotes dialogue and understanding between different cultures and religions.

SCANDAL His association with the CIA from the late 1950s to 1974 has drawn criticism.

MILITARY RECORD The 14th Dalai Lama has become a world-renowned figure, widely respected for his commitment to nonviolence and advocacy for Tibetan rights6. He has traveled extensively, giving teachings on Buddhism, compassion, and peace. His efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS He maintains good health through meditation, moderate exercise, and a balanced diet. He fell ill with hepatitis in the 1960s, which influenced his dietary choices.

HOMES The 14th Dalai Lama currently resides in Dharamshala, India, where he fled in 1959 after the failed Tibetan Uprising. His home is located within the Tsuglagkhang complex in McLeod Ganj, Upper Dharamshala, an area often referred to as "Little Lhasa" due to its significant Tibetan population and cultural influence.

Prior to his exile, the Dalai Lama resided in two main locations within Lhasa, Tibet:

Potala Palace: This majestic dzong fortress served as his winter residence from 1649 to 1959. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Potala Palace was the seat of the Tibetan government.

The abandoned former quarters of the Dalai Lama at the Potala. Photo taken by Luca Galuzzi

Norbulingka: This served as his summer residence. Both the Potala Palace and Norbulingka are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Following his escape from Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama initially established the Tibetan government in exile in Mussoorie, India. In 1960, the government relocated to Dharamshala, where it remains today.

The Dalai Lama's current residence in Dharamshala serves as more than just a home. It is a significant spiritual and cultural center for Tibetan Buddhism, attracting scholars, pilgrims, and tourists from around the world. It stands as a powerful symbol of Tibetan culture and a focal point for the Tibetan community in exile.

TRAVEL The Dalai Lama is a frequent global traveler, spreading his message of peace and compassion.

The Dalai Lama has never personally driven a car. He is typically driven by others in various vehicles. His brother, Tenzin Cheogyal, often served as his driver, particularly when using the 1966 Land Rover Series IIA that was the Dalai Lama's official vehicle for 10 years during his exile.

When traveling now, the Dalai Lama is usually seen as a passenger in various vehicles, ranging from small cars like the Wagon R to larger vehicles such as the Grand Vitara or Honda CRV.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA The Dalai Lama is featured in numerous documentaries, interviews, and biographical works.

ACHIEVEMENTS Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent efforts for Tibetan autonomy.

Recognized as a global icon of peace and compassion.

Successfully preserved Tibetan culture in exile while inspiring millions worldwide.