The Tibetan Buddhist also perceive the Dalai Lama as one of the many incarnations of Avalokitesvara - the most respected Bodhisattva of Tibetan Buddhism who represents te compassion of all Buddha.
Contrary to the perception of many people, the Dalai Lama is not the head of the Gelug School. Instead, this position is officially granted to the Ganden Tripa, the head of Ganden Monastery.
As per records, the title of the Dalai Lama was first conferred upon Sonam Gyatso by the Mongolian ruler, Altan Khan in the year 1578. However, he was not the first Dalai Lama as such. This is because he was third in his lineage and his previous two incarnation were bestowed this title post their deaths. Consequently, Sonam Gyatso became the 3rd Dalai Lama.
The 5th Dalai Lama, along with Gushri Khan, a Mongol ruler unified Tibet. From that time, till mid 20th century, the successive Dalai Lamas held partial political power in Tibet. The residence of the Dalai Lama in Tibet at this point of time was Potala Palace in winter and Norbulingka palace and park in the summer. In 1949, People's Republic of China marched its forces into Tibet and forced the Dalai Lama (14th) to flee to India. Now, the Dalai Lama resides in the Dharamshala in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
The Succession of Dalai Lama
With the demise of one Dalai Lama, quest begins for his successor or reincarnation. Lamas look for a small child or yangsi (yang srid) who possesses qualities similar to the previous Dalai Lama. Usually, the search spreads over a period of few years, but once the search is finalised, the new Dalai Lama is brought to Lhasa. Here, he undergoes training under other Lamas.
Currently, this method of selection of the Dalai Lama is secular, however, the insistence of People's Republic of China to get the names of the Dalai Lamas approved by it has led to some speculations that the present Dalai Lama will choose to be the last incarnation. The future of the Dalai Lama remains unclear with the Dalai Lama stating both that the conditions in Tibet require him to be reborn as well as he will never be reborn inside territory controlled by the People's Republic of China.
Names of the Dalai Lamas
- Gendun Drup
Life - 1391-1474
Reign -
- Gendun Gyatso
Life - 1475-1541
Reign -
- Sonam Gyatso
Life - 1543-1588
Reign - 1578-1588
- Yonten Gyatso
Life - 1589-1616
Reign -
- Lobsang Gyatso
Life - 1617-1682
Reign -1642-1682
- Tsangyang Gyatso
Life - 1683-1706
Reign - -1706
- Kelzang Gyatso
Life - 1708-1757
Reign - 1751-1757
- Jamphel Gyatso
Life - 1758-1804
Reign - 1786-1804
- Lungtok Gyatso
Life- 1806-1815
Reign -1808-1815
- Tsultrim Gyatso
Life -1816-
- Khendrup Gyatso
Life - 1838-1856
Reign - 1844-1856
- Trinley Gyatso
Life - 1857-1875
- Thubten Gyatso
Life - 1876-1933
- Tenzin Gyatso
Life - 1035 till present
Reign - 1950- present
The Current Dalai Lama - Tenzing Gyatso
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzing Gyatso, was born in a small village on 6th of July 1935. His parents were peasants and named him Lhamo Dhondrub. At the age of two, he was recognised as the Dalai lama and at the age of six, his education commenced. When he attained 25 years of age, he complete his Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy.
In 1950, he was granted full political powers over Tibet when Chinese power threatened to overtake the region. However, in 1959, he had to flee to Dharamshala, India because of the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Soon after his exile, His holiness established educational, cultural and religious institutions so as to safeguard the rich cultural heritage of Tibet.
He has also delievered teachings and initiations including the Kalchakra Initiations. Infact, the number of Kalchakra Initiations conducted by the 14th Dalai Lama far exceeds thos done by any of his predecessors.
Even on Tibet issues, His Holiness has and continues to present solutions that might resolve the problem. In 1987, he presented a Five-Point-Peace Plan as a first step to resolve the issue of future status of Tibet. The five points of the plan included 1) designation of Tibet as a peace zone 2) an end to the large transfer of Chinese into Tibet 3) restoration of basic human rights and democratic freedoms 4) the abandonment of China's use of Tibet for nuclear weapons production and the dumping of nuclear waste and 5) 'earnest negotiations" on the future of Tibet and relations between the Tibetan and Chinese people.
A year later, in Strasbourg, France, He further elaborated on this plan and also put up a proposal to create of a self-governing democratic Tibet, "in association with the People's Republic of China."
The 14th Dalai Lama, unlike his predesecessors has been to foreign land like United States, Canada, Western Europe, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Mongolia, Greece, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Nepal, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Vatican, China and Australia. He has also met up with the religious heads of all these places during his visit. He strongly propogates peace and understanding amongst different religions and faiths of the world.
The western and other foreign people, on their part have recognised the intellect and peace efforts of His Holiness. Off late, many western universities have also conferred upon His Holiness, numerous Peace Awards and honorary Doctorate Degrees.
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama is also the proud recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize 1989.
