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Dalai Lama - Biography - artelino

Dalai Lama Biography.Video and text documentary narrating the biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle for a free and democratic Tibet, for his role in encouraging unity and friendly relations among different religions and for his continuous preaching of compassion, kindness and love towards others.

HH the Dalai Lama - The Soul of Tibet

Son of Tibetan Farmers

The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935 as one of 7 surviving children with the name of Lhamo Dhondup to a farmer couple living in a small village in the eastern Tibetan region of Amdo. When he was two years old he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lamas are considered by Tibetan Buddhists as a reincarnation of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), a Bodhisattva.

Reincarnation of a Bodhisattva

In Buddhist belief Bodhisattvas are benign beings who have already reached the state of enlightenment and thus could enter Nirvana. But Bodhisattvas refuse to go as long as there are still others who have not yet attained this state. They remain on earth and in the cycle of rebirths to help others by compassion.

The film explains the procedures of how the 14th Dalai Lama was recognized. If that is not all hocus-pocus, it is quite amazing.

Growing up in Potala Palace

The child was transferred with his parents to the Potala Palace. At the age of 5 his education started together with that of his brother.

Chinese Invasion

In 1950 the invasion of Tibet by Chinese Communist troops began. In 1951 the Chinese occupied Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. The Dalai Lama was then 16 years old and had to take responsibility as the religious and worldly leader under extremely difficult circumstances. A Tibetan delegation was forced to sign a 17 point plan for the 'peaceful liberation of Tibet'.

In 1954 he traveled together with the Panchen Lama (second highest Tibetan religious leader) to Beijing. Originally the Dalai Lama who wanted to modernize his country, was impressed by some of the concepts of Mao Zedong. But soon he became disillusioned by the harsh realities.

Escape to India

Oppression and religious prosecution became worse and worse under the Chinese. In 1959 there were rumors that an arrest or even an assassination attempt on the young Dalai Lama was imminent. A huge crowd gathered around the Norbulingka Palace to protect the Dalai Lama who was able to flee during the night disguised as a soldier.

Nearly three weeks later the group of refugees arrived sound and safe in India after a very dangerous journey. For the Chinese the successful escape of the Dalai Lama was embarassing, of course. Prime Minister Nehru granted the Dalai Lama asylum in spite of hefty Chinese protests. Since then the Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamsala in Northern India.

Fight for Tibetan Autonomy

The Dalai Lama's fight for Tibet stands on two basic principles. First, non-violent protest. Second, the Dalai Lama has never requested an independent Tibetan state, but has fought for a democratic Tibet with full autonomy in all cultural, religious and environmental aspects while the Central government of China keeps sovereignty in external affairs and defense policy.

However many of the younger exile Tibetans are beginning to doubt the "middle way" approach of the Dalai Lama and begin to call for a fully independent Tibet.

Five Point Peace Plan

In 1987 and in 1988 the Dalai Lama proposed a 5 point peace plan on the occasion to his address to the US Congress and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The Chinese have never seriously responded to this initiative. They prefer to demonize the Dalai Lama.

Nobel Peace Prize in 1989

In 1989 HH the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for a free and fully autonomous Tibet.

After the 14th Dalai Lama?

In a future, free Tibet the Dalai Lama sees his political role as terminated. In the 1990s under his guidance a democratic constitution was formed and free elections were held among the exile Tibetans. When asked in recent interviews about his current role and position he sees himself as a teacher, a simple monk. On many occasions he expressed his status as 'semi-retired'. But he certainly knows that the Tibetan cause needs his charisma and popularity.

Presumably he will have been the last in a series of 14 Dalai Lamas, no matter how the political situation in Tibet will develop. The Chinese have demonstrated with the Panchen Lama, the second highest position after the Dalai Lama, that they will appoint any future religious leaders themselves and thus install a willing puppet. The Tibetans call China's Panchen the 'Panchen Zuma', the 'False Panchen'. The situation is so sad and absurd at the same time. How can an atheist, Communist regime appoint a religious leader? This is beyond comprehension, anyway.

The Dalai Lama - a Unique Personality

Watch the videos on this web site or on Youtube™ featuring the Dalai Lama. This man has not only a great charm and humor, but also an astonishing charisma. Few spiritual leaders of the second half of the 20th century have been so influential as this astonishing man.

In my view, one of the reasons for his impact on the souls of people worldwide lies in his capability to express seemingly complex issues in a few very simple words that everybody can understand and agree with. But the other reason is certainly his lived attitude of compassion towards other people and beings, in the very tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Dieter Wanczura, July 2010.

Reference

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama - a Brief Biography

Last Updated on Saturday, 30 October 2010 23:03  



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