Dalai Lama

Nationality: Tibetan Born: 06 July 1935 Height: n-a Star sign: Cancer Famous for: Being the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and tirelessly working for a non-violent solution to the problem of Tibetan Occupation. Quirky Quote: "We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."

"In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher."

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck."

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The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, was born Lhamo Döndrub on 16 July, 1935. He was recognised as a Tulku, or reincarnation, of the Dalai Lama when he was aged two. Born fifth among sixteen children to a farming family in Tibet’s Amdo province, the Dalai Lama has risen to become one of the world’s best known Buddhist monks.

The Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and became Tibet’s offical Head of State on the 17 November 1950 – just one month after China invaded Tibet on 7 October.

Despite many talks with the then Chinese leader, Mao Zedong, Chinese occupation continued, and after the Tibetan resistance failed, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet. He still lives in exile in the North of India, where Tibet’s Government-in-exile is also located.

The Dalai Lama has continued to bring the cause of Tibet to the world’s attention through peaceful means but some still living in Tibet believe more militant action is needed. However, it is the Dalai Lama’s non-violent approach that has enabled him to stay in contact with some of the world’s most prominent leaders - having met even US President George W. Bush.

The final recognition of a new Dalai Lama lies in the hands of the Panchen Lama. In 1989, the 10th Panchan Lama died suddenly, leading to a massive political controversy. The head of the search committee for the new Panchen Lama, Chadrel Rinpoche, was able to secretly communicate with the Dalai Lama, who confirmed the new Panchen Lama as being Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. However, the Chinese authorities arrested Chadrel Rinpoche, and replaced him with the political opponent, Sengchen Lobsang Gyaltsen. Ignoring the Dalai Lama’s advice, the new Panchen Lama was chosen from a list that did not include Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. To this day, his whereabouts remain unknown, and he is considered to be the youngest politcal prisoner in the world. Many believe this is an attempt by the Chinese to prevent the next Dalai Lama from being recognised and taking his place in the world spotlight when his turn comes.