The Dalai Lama
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. He was born in a small village called Taktser in northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the 13th Dalai Lama. He began his monastic education at the age of six and completed the Geshe Lharampa Degree (Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy) when he was 25. In 1950, he assumed full political power as Head of State and Government when Tibet was threatened by China. Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, he was forced into exile in India in 1959, where he now resides in Dharamsala. He has dedicated his life to promoting peace, compassion, inter-religious understanding, and universal responsibility. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his efforts in the liberation of Tibet and his commitment to a peaceful resolution.
Awards
['Nobel Peace Prize (1989)', 'Ramon Magsaysay Award (1959)', 'Honorary Canadian Citizenship (2006)', 'Christmas Humphreys Award (2005)', 'Liberty Medal (2015)', 'Shine a Light Award (2011)', 'Templeton Prize (2012)', 'Democracy Service Medal (2010)']
Notable Works
['The Art of Happiness', 'Ethics for the New Millennium', 'Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World', 'The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World', 'Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People', 'An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life']
