On This Day, Dalai Lama’s Birthday, he turns 78.

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Lhamo Thondup was born on July 6, 1935 in Taktser, China, northeast of Tibet, to a peasant family. 
The true value of existence is revealed through compassion

The true value of existence is revealed through compassion

At the age of 2, he was identified as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. Young Lhamo was renamed Tenzin Gyatso and proclaimed the 14th Dalai Lama.  Tibetans believe him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors. 
Dalai Lamas are believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokitesvara, an important Buddhist deity and the personification of compassion. Dalai Lamas are also enlightened beings who have postponed their own afterlife and chosen to take rebirth to benefit humanity. “Dalai” means “ocean” in Mongolian (the name “Gyatso” comes from the Tibetan word for ocean). “Lama” is the equivalent of the Sanskrit word “guru,” or spiritual teacher. Put together, the title of Dalai Lama is literally “Ocean Teacher,” meaning a “teacher spiritually as deep as the ocean.” 
Ask the Dalai Lama who is he is.  His simple answer is I am just an ordinary monk.  
On a personal note, I did have a chance to be in his presence with Desmond Tutu.  Together they were full of wisdom and both promote world peace.
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21 thoughts on “On This Day, Dalai Lama’s Birthday, he turns 78.”

  1. I have seen Dalai Lama few meters away when he came to Perth many years ago. Thanks for explaining the meaning of “Dalai”.
    An informative post. keep sharing

    Saba

    Reply ↓

  2. Pingback: On This Day, Dalai Lama’s Birthday, he turns 78. | SABAS LOG

  7. Seeker,
    During the time you were in the presence of the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, what was the most memorable part of that experience? Just curious. Have never had such an experience.
    Thank you,
    Jerry

    Reply ↓

    • I was standing under a stairwell away from the crowd, listening to them talk, banter, share jokes and laughing with them. I had a good laugh, nothing special. What was special I had the time to spend with two good friends that I took along with me. The Dalai Lama is very special to them. My friends are special to me not the Dalai Lama.

      Reply ↓

  8. Happy 78th Birthday, your holiness, the Dalai Lama! （ ^_^）o自自o（^_^ ）Cheers!
    Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama! Lucky you! How did you manage that?ʘ‿ʘ

    Reply ↓

    • I wanted to take two of my friends who happen to be a fan of the Dalai Lama so I manage to get us tickets. I don’t remember particularly how I got the tickets but I remember spending good times with my friends more than I remember what was it like with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. I was lucky to have my friends with me that day.

      Reply ↓

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