| So the name resulted from translation more than a | | | | a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy. |
| bestowed title, but with Sonam being a lama and | | | | With the 1949 Chinese invasion of his country, His |
| having assumed wisdom, the name conveniently | | | | Holiness assumed political power in Tibet. He asked for |
| implied 'Ocean of Wisdom'. | | | | only peace and freedom for his people, but this was |
| The 14th Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader for the Tibetan | | | | not to be. There was a brutal crackdown on the |
| people and he is also their head of state. His Holiness | | | | Tibetan people by the Chinese government in 1959. He |
| is the proper title of respect for this respected and | | | | had to flee from his country and live in exile. |
| beloved man who promotes the causes of justice, | | | | Ever since this time, he has resided in northern India. His |
| humanity and freedom. Although he is human just like | | | | philosophy calls for non-violence, rational behavior, |
| everyone else, he is also revered as a soul who has | | | | compassion and cooperation. Click here for a short |
| embraced the highest levels of understanding and | | | | Dalai Lama biography. |
| enlightenment. | | | | Obviously, I was honoured when he agreed to write |
| In Tibet, it is believed that a Bodhisattva chooses to be | | | | the foreword of my book. |
| reborn repeatedly so that they may further be of | | | | The Dalai Lama has won the Nobel Peace Prize in |
| service to others. The Dalai Lama is a person who is | | | | 1989. It was awarded to him in recognition of his |
| believed to be the reincarnation of Chenrezig, the | | | | non-violent and peaceful teachings. |
| patron Saint of Tibet, and Avalokiteshvara the | | | | Here is an example of such wisdom. |
| Bodhisattva of Compassion. | | | | The Paradox Of Our Age |
| Lhamo DÔndup (Thondup) was the birth name for | | | | We have bigger houses but smaller families. |
| the present spiritual leader of Tibet, but when he was | | | | More conveniences; but less time. |
| recognized formally as the reincarnated Dalai Lama, he | | | | We have more degrees, but less sense. |
| was renamed Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang | | | | More knowledge; but less judgement. |
| Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso. | | | | More experts; but more problems. |
| Tibetan Buddhists refer to him as Yishin Norbu | | | | More medicines, but less healthiness. |
| (Wish-Fulfilling Gem or just Kundun (Presence). His | | | | We've been all the way to the moon and back, but |
| birthplace was in a village called Pari Takster, in the | | | | have trouble crossing the street to meet the new |
| Amdo region, in northeastern Tibet on July 6, 1935. The | | | | neighbour. |
| young boy was officially recognized as the latest | | | | We built more computers to hold more information, to |
| reincarnation of the Dalai Lama when he was only 2 | | | | produce more copies than ever, but have less |
| years old. | | | | communication. |
| This position means that the child had to leave his | | | | We have become long on quantity but short on quality. |
| home at an early age and religious monks educated | | | | These are times of fast food but slow digestion. |
| him. In addition to Sanskrit, philosophy, art and logic the | | | | Tall man but short character. |
| young man was instructed in many other subjects. At | | | | Steep profits but shallow relationships. |
| the age of 23, he received a degree known as the | | | | It is time when there is much in the window but nothing |
| Geshe Lharampa. This is considered the equivalent of | | | | in the room. |