The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet: A Few Facts About His Holiness

Most people have heard of the Dalai Lama of Tibet, but who exactly is he and what does he do? Here are a few facts about the Dalai Lama, taken from the official website of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.

The Dalai Lama of Tibet's name is Tenzin Gyatso, and he is both the spiritual leader and head of state of Tibet. He was born on July 6, 1935. When he was just 2 years old he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, and it is said that he has chosen to be reborn of this life to serve humanity.

The Dalai Lama began his education when he was six years old. When China invaded Tibet in 1949, he assumed all Political power, and went to Beijing to have peace talks with Chinese leaders. He has appealed to the United Nations on the behalf of Tibet, and the General Assembly adopted three resolutions on behalf of Tibet.

Proposing for peace in Tibet, his Holiness, addressed a "Five Point Peace Plan." These were stated on the website:

1. Transformation of the whole of Tibet into a zone of peace.

2. Abandonment of China's population transfer policy that threatens the very existence of the Tibetans as a people.

3. Respect for the Tibetan people's fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms.

4. Restoration and protection of Tibet's natural environment and the abandonment of China's use of Tibet for the production of nuclear weapons and dumping of nuclear waste.

5. Commencement of earnest negotiations on the future status of Tibet and of relations between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.

Instructions for attending the teachings of the Dalai Lama are on the website, with a full schedule of events and locations. He also gives public talks on various subjects, and they are followed by a question and answer session.