Dalai Lama

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His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, "Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet...

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems.

"His Holiness has travelled to more than 62 countries spanning 6 continents. He has met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations. He has held dialogues with the heads of different religions and many well-known scientists." [1]

The Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet into exile following a failed 1959 uprising against Beijing's control of the region, and he now lives in India. In March 2008, demonstrations in Tibet's capital Lhasa marking the anniversary of that uprising descended into violence and spread to neighboring areas with significant Tibetan populations. China says 21 people were killed by rioters during the turmoil, but exiled groups say more than 200 Tibetans died -- most of them at the hands of Chinese security forces.[2]

In 2011 it was reported that "The Dalai Lama has acted shrewdly in giving up his political position and removing the need for a regency". [1]

Wikileaks documents reveal Dalai Lama concerned about climate change in Tibet

According to government documents revealed by Wikileaks, in 2009 the Dalai Lama said world leaders should focus on addressing climate change and other ecological problems in Tibet rather than its political problems, as environmental problems in his Himalayan homeland were more pressing. The Dalai Lama made the comments in an August 2009 meeting with the U.S. ambassador to New Delhi: "Melting glaciers, deforestation, and increasingly polluted water from mining projects were problems that 'cannot wait,'" the memo quoted the Buddhist monk as saying to ambassador Timothy Roemer, whereas he said Tibet could wait 5-10 years for solutions to its political problems. The Dalai Lama criticized China's energy policy, saying the construction of dams in the region had displaced thousands of Tibetans and flooded religious sites. He called for compensation and vocational training for the displaced.[2]

In the same cable, the Dalai Lama said his faith in China's government had grown "thinner" after several rounds of failed negotiations on the future of his homeland, and said Tibetans believed China favored "ruthless oppression." He warned that should China become a global superpower, it would "resemble the former Soviet Union, securing its rule using suspicion and fear," the cable said.[2]

Affiliations

Selected Awards [14]

Resources and articles

Related Sourcewatch articles

References

  1. A Brief Biography, Dalai Lama (Official Website), accessed March 26, 2008.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Dalai Lama emphasized climate change over politics, WikiLeaks reveals" Grist, Dec. 21, 2010.
  3. Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education People, organizational web page, accessed April 29, 2012.
  4. trinitysaintdavid About the Trust, organizational web page, accessed May 2, 2012.
  5. Contact, Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation, accessed January 7, 2011.
  6. Tibet House Trust Financial info, organizational web page, accessed March 1, 2015 .
  7. International Network of Engaged Buddhists Committee, organizational web page, accessed April 20, 2012.
  8. About, World Congress of Faiths, accessed March 3, 2009.
  9. Members, World Commission on Global Consciousness and Spirituality, accessed July 29, 2008.
  10. Leadership Council, Front Line, accessed October 3, 2008.
  11. Mind and Life Institute Board, organizational web page, accessed January 23, 2012.
  12. Action for Happiness Supporters, organizational web page, accessed July 10, 2012.
  13. World Peace Festival Advisory Board, organizational web page, accessed March 21, 2013.
  14. List of Major Awards and Honorary Conferments Received, Dalai Lama (Official Website), accessed March 26, 2008.
  15. Templeton Prize Former Winners, organizational web page, accessed June 13, 2013.

Other Critical Resources