His
Holiness the Dalai Lama's compassion, humility and ability to
be 'free in exile' have attracted millions over the world to his
spiritual tradition—Tibetan Buddhism. For millions
of Tibetans worldwide—His Holy Highness the 14th Dalai Lama
is the very personification of faith and hope.
Born Lhamo Thondup in 1935 to a peasant family of Taktser, he
was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at
the tender age of two. From then on, the child was groomed not
only to rule as a regent but also to administer to the spiritual
needs of his people, believed, as he is to be the manifestation
of Avalokiteshwara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Traditionally, in Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas have been 'monk-kings'
of Tibet, embodying a unique synergy of monastic life with state
affairs.
