On Friday, His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama will turn 77. In the past few years my family has marked the occasion by sharing birthday cake and reflecting on the contribution of a man who describes himself as “a simple Buddhist monk.” Of course, that statement is always accompanied by his ever- present smile and slightly raised eyebrow as if to see who has gotten the private joke. It seems to me like that anyway.
There is much to be said of a man who is undoubtedly one of the most recognized beings on the planet. He’s traveled to 62 countries and met with heads of state, religious leaders, scientists, and thousands of other equally important, average citizens. In 1989 he won the Nobel Peace prize and later a Nobel laureate for his environmental leadership. The Dalai Lama remains committed to non-violence, kindness, and compassion. On the worldwide stage, he is the most visible proponent of peace. He also has championed inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and interconnectedness, and environmental protection. Some simple monk!
Tenzin Gyatso was born in rural, northeastern Tibet (Amdo) in 1935. He was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two and installed as Tibet’s religious and secular leader. To Tibetans, the Dalai Lama is an emanation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara). The Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950 finally resulted in deteriorating conditions with His Holiness fleeing his country after an uprising was brutally suppressed by the Chinese. In 1959, The Dalai Lama and many other Tibetans crossed into India. The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile now reside in Dharamsala, India.
With Americans celebrating the 4th of July this week, it’s interesting to note (in a synchronistic sort of way), how His Holiness shares democratic values and has done much to implement them for his own nation. In 1990, Tibetans elected their first Assembly in a one-man, one-vote system. This overturned a centuries-old political system headed by the Dalai Lama. In a further advancement of democratization, Tibetans- in-Exile elected their first top minister of the cabinet known as the Kalon Tripa.
His Holiness has advocated and supported these changes. In addition, the Dalai Lama continues to reach out to the Chinese government to open a dialog on the issue of Tibet.
Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama (short version)
In the land encircled by snow mountains
You are the source of all happiness and good;
All-powerful Chenrezig, Tenzin Gyatso,
Please remain until samsara ends.
ellisnelson 
Reblogged this on Sherry's Space.
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Hi — Thank you for visiting my blog, and I am thrilled to find yours. I have been a Himalaya fan and supporter of Tibet for almost as long as I can remember. It breaks my heart what is happening there. I’m fascinated with Everest, too, and dream of standing at base camp…someday. Thanks!
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Love your blog and thanks for stopping by my blog. 😉
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Every Wednesday, a group of young Tibetans from USA, Canada, UK, India and beyond will be wrintig blogposts, making videos, basically documenting how they are asserting their Tibetan identity in their everyday lives. There is already an interesting post about Tibetan literature and a video on how to make Shapaley.
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Yeah the Dalai Lama is a great person, and I know that he has touched the lives of many people. Buddhism has really good principals. I love how it’s about calmness and looking within.
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Thank you for checking my blog http://inspirationalplusawesome.wordpress.com/
I agree with what you were born to succeed said about Dalai Lama. He is inspiration.
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I adore the HHDL and consider him my guide through this struggle called life. Last year I was in Washington DC with him for his birthday and 8 days of teachings and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!
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Thank you for this post. It takes unimaginable faith, courage, and unlimited ability to hang in there, no matter what, to do what he is doing. By the way, thanks for stopping by today and liking my post.
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HHDalaiLama is such a remarkably special person…and is nurturing such important perspectives in the world…people who’ve been in his presence say that it’s a remarkable experience.
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Yes, that’s unfortunate. The US sometimes does things I’m not proud of either. I did see some photos recently of Bishop Tutu and HHDL together in Dharamsala acting like two schoolboys. So they overcame the political nonsense to see each other.
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Thank you for the like on my post today- I’m still new at this, so anyone even reading my blog is much appreciated. I am neither a Christian nor a Buddhist, but I think there is a lot to be said for a world leader who just wants us all to be nice to each other. Earlier this year, Bishop Tutu, who is also such a man, invited the Dalai Lama to his eightieth birthday celebrations this year, but my country (South Africa) denied him a visa because they didn’t want to upset the Chinese. Nice move for a country that benefitted so much from the sympathy and compassion of the world in ending apartheid!
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Thank you for stoping by @ my blog the other day. I find you very interesting in your writing, I am myself a student of buddhism, it is a life long practice. Thank you for sharing your insights
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My father was a bodyguard for the Dalai Lama a couple of decades ago. I was too young to really understand that much about him at the time, but now I realise what a big privilege it was!
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My brother, a cop in NY, had escort duty once. Even though he wasn’t a Buddhist or knew in any great detail who/what the Dalai Lama was, he was VERY moved by the experience. I’ve only seen HH once, in a very crowded setting but the energy is simply indescribable. Talk to your Dad!
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I will! It was only a few days ago that we found the photo of my father with him.
Your brother must have some exciting stories from his job!
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Thanks for the Like. Stop by any time.
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I adore HHDL. I wish him great health and longevity. One rare and special human being. Belated Birthday wishes.
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