The history of dalai lama in tibet
Why is the dalai lama important
In the past, Dalai Lamas have also served as the political leaders of Tibet. The current Dalai Lama was exiled from Tibet in after a failed Tibetan uprising against the Chinese occupation. He led the Tibetan government-in-exile for many years but has since passed his political authority to democratic institutions. Tibetans in Tibet decorate their home and monastery altars with HHDL photo and made offerings in celebration of his 80th birthday.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lamas are the manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion and are enlightened beings, who have chosen to take rebirth reincarnation in order to serve humanity. The first Dalai Lama was identified in the 15th century. He was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama when he was two years old.
When China invaded Tibet in , he was forced to assume political power even though he was still a teenager. After fleeing to India in , the Dalai Lama became the highest-profile global advocate for Tibet and a highly respected religious and moral leader. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in and continues to travel the world giving teachings on spiritual and ethical issues.
The process also includes testing candidates to see if they can identify some of the belongings of the previous Dalai Lama.