Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama

Born: July 6, 1935

« I am just a simple Buddhist monk - no more, nor less. » by The Dalai Lama

His Holiness was born Lhamo Dhondrub on July 6, 1935 in Takster, Amdo, North-East Tibet to a peasant family. He was recognized at the age of two, in accordance with Tibetan tradition, as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. His enthronement as the 14th the Dalai Lama took place on February 22, 1940 in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva (Buddha) of Compassion, who chose to reincarnate to serve the people. Lhamo Dhondrub was, as Dalai Lama, renamed Tenzin Gyatso - or - Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the Faith, Ocean of Wisdom. Tibetans also refer to His Holiness as Yeshe Norbu, the Wishfulfilling Gem or simply "Kundun - The Presence."

On November 17, 1950, 80'000 Chinese troops invaded Tibet. In 1954, the Dalai Lama went to Beijing for peace talks with Mao Tse-tung. His efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to Sino-Tibetan conflict were thwarted in Bejing. In 1959 the capital of Tibet, Lhasa was the scene of a huge demonstration calling for China's withdrawal from Tibet, and reaffirming Tibetan independence. The uprising was crushed by the Chinese army. The Dalai Lama escaped to India where he was given political asylum. Since 1960, the Dalai Lama has resided in Dharamsala, India, the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-exile.

In 1989 the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The citation read, "The Committee wants to emphasize the fact that the Dalai Lama in his struggle for the liberation of Tibet consistently has opposed the use of violence. He has instead advocated peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people."

His Holiness often says, "I am just a simple Buddhist monk - no more, nor less." In explaining his greatest sources of inspiration, he often cites a favorite verse, found in the writings of the eighth century Buddhist saint Shantideva:

« For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain, until then may I too abide to dispel the misery of the world. » by The Dalai Lama

From: www.lucidcafe.com/library/96jul/dalailama.html

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Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Spiritual/Political Leader and Humanitarian

(1869 - 1948)

« Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood. »                                                                              by Albert Einstein about Gandhi

(Mohandas Karamchand) Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. He became one of the most respected spiritual and political leaders of the 1900's. Gandhi helped free the Indian people from British rule through nonviolent resistance, and is honored by his people as the father of the Indian Nation. The Indian people called Gandhi Mahatma, meaning Great Soul.

At age 13, Gandhi joined Kasturba, age 12, in a marriage arranged by their parents. The Gandhis had four sons: Harilal and Manilal, born in India, and Ramdas and Devdas born in South Africa. While Gandhi displayed loving kindness to everyone else, he was quite demanding and severe with his wife and sons.

Gandhi studied law in London and returned to India in 1891 to practice. In 1893 he accepted a one year contract to do legal work in South Africa. At the time South Africa was controlled by the British. When he attempted to claim his rights as a British subject he was abused, and soon saw that all Indians suffered similar treatment. Gandhi stayed in South Africa for 21 years working to secure rights for Indian people. He developed a method of direct social action based upon the principles courage, nonviolence and truth called Satyagraha. He believed that the way people behave is more important than what they achieve. Satyagraha promoted nonviolence and civil disobedience as the most appropriate methods for obtaining political and social goals.

In 1915 Gandhi returned to India. Within 15 years he became the leader of the Indian nationalist movement. Using the tenets of Satyagraha he lead the campaign for Indian independence from Britain. Gandhi was arrested many times by the British for his activities in South Africa and India. He believed it was honorable to go to jail for a just cause. Altogether he spent seven years in prison for his political activities. More than once Gandhi used fasting to impress upon others the need to be nonviolent.

India was granted independence in 1947, and partitioned into India and Pakistan. Rioting between Hindus and Muslims followed. Gandhi had been an advocate for a united India where Hindus and Muslims lived together in peace. On January 13, 1948, at the age of 78, he began a fast with the purpose of stopping the bloodshed. After 5 days the opposing leaders pledged to stop the fighting and Gandhi broke his fast. Twelve days later he was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic who opposed his program of tolerance for all creeds and religion.

From: www.lucidcafe.com/library/95oct/mkgandhi.html

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