A word from H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche: His Holiness the Dalai Lama needs no introduction, but I thought this condensed biography would be inspirational, and nice to read for a blessing also. Reading the biographies of holy people that dedicate their lives to others really makes us think of what we are doing with our lives. It makes us lessen or examine our excuses of not doing more. His Holiness is a modern day living legend and saint. I thought it would be a great blessing to share his sacred life here. May His Holiness live very long. May you be inspired as I have been for many decades now. Humbly, Tsem Tulku

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is synonymous with Buddhism, Tibet and compassion. He has given his entire life over to making Buddhism into a global household name, and the practice of altruism into a worldwide phenomenon. Without His Holiness’s untiring efforts in talking about loving kindness and promoting it on an international media platform, the world may not have even come to value the word: COMPASSION.

It is through the Dalai Lama’s relentless efforts and dedication that the world is experiencing this renaissance of Buddhism.

The Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, (usually shortened to Tenzin Gyatso) is the head of the government-in-exile based in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Tibetans believe him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors, and an emanation of the Buddha of Compassion: Chenrezig (Tibetan) or Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit), the patron saint of Tibet.

The origins of the Dalai Lama

In 1578, the Mongolain ruler, Altan Khan bestowed the title Dalai Lama on Sonam Gyatso, the 3rd Dalai Lama. The full Mongolian title means “the wonderful Vajradhara, good splendid meritorious ocean,” and is primarily a translation of the Tibetan words Sonam Gyatso.

The title was later applied retrospectively to the two predecessors in his reincarnation line, Gendun Drub and Gendun Gyatso. Gendun Gyatso was also Sonam Gyatso’s predecessor as abbot of Drepung monastery.

It was in 1642 during the time of the 5th Dalai Lama (1617-1682) that the Dalai Lamas came to be recognised as being the spiritual and temporal leaders of Tibet. Prior to this, the Dalai Lama was recognised as the head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism since the fourteenth century, and took on the additional role of political leader in the seventeenth century. All Dalai Lamas since then have held that dual responsibility.

The current Dalai Lama is the fourteenth person to hold that title in straight succession.