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Tenzin Gyatso

Origin: Taktser, Tibet
(July 6, 1935)

Heroic Values: Caring, Courage, Faith, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Selflessness, Tolerance, Vision, Wisdom

Background

Tenzin Gyatso was proclaimed the 14th Dalai Lama at age two. He entered a monastery to study at age six where, among other things, he learned the ways of Buddhism. In 1950, at age fifteen, he became the political ruler of Tibet. This appointment came earlier than traditional because of the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949.

As spiritual and political leader, Gyatso went to China to negotiate with Mao Zedong for peace. He was unsuccessful and in 1959 was forced to flee Tibet after an armed suppression of a Tibetan uprising. He has never been allowed back, so he has spent most of his life campaigning for a free Tibet outside of his home nation.

While in exile, the Dalai Lama has proposed many solutions for the issues in Tibet. He has also had many interactions with the Western World, including religious leaders. He preaches for global understanding and responsibility and in 1989 he won the Nobel Peace prize.

Sources

Wikipedia
The online encyclopedia

Dalailama.com
Gyatso's home on the web

Charlie Rose
An interview with the Dalai Lama