7 Amazing Facts About Dalai Lama
I was sitting with my friends and someone started chatting about Tibet and its freedom struggle. We all realized how less we knew about the Dalai Lama and his efforts in this regard. Well, we’ve done some homework and these 7 facts will enlighten you about His Holiness too. Start your journey to enlightenment!
1. Dalai Lama is unlike his predecessors – Outspoken and International efforts
Unlike his predecessors, the 14th Dalai Lama has not been confined to the physical boundaries of Tibet and surrounding regions. Did you know that he has visited and interacted with spiritual and political leaders of countries around the world including United States, Canada, UK, Greece, Japan, Australia, Mexico and many more? I think it’d have been a massively challenging feat to interact with religious leaders like the late Pope Paul VI at the Vatican – something that his predecessors did not attempt to do. From Prime Ministers to Presidents and from Celebrities to Religious Leaders, the Dalai Lama has not held back in putting his views forward in the international scene.
2. Dalai Lama set up a government in exile
Do you know that since 1951, Tibet had been under the control of the Communist Party of China? There had been a major revolt in 1959 after which the Dalai Lama fled to India and set up a Tibetan Government in exile. If this wasn’t a mammoth task by itself, he also organized the re-establishment of more than 80,000 Tibetans who followed him! From providing the refugees with agricultural based jobs to setting up an entire Tibetan educational system in Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama has literally saved an entire generation.
3. Dalai Lama is an International Advocate with strong opinions
It is one thing to be an International Advocate and it is another to voice strong opinions about sensitive matters – and carry it off with charisma and charm! From economics to abortion, sexuality to firearms, and democracy to environment – he has been very open and controversial at times. Did you know that the Dalai Lama refused a vegetarian meal at the White House? He said, “I am a Tibetan Monk, not a vegetarian” I don’t mean to be rude here, but it takes real strength to refuse a meal at the White House, especially when the diplomacy of an entire country is at stake! And if you thought that this was daring enough, try looking up his views on sexuality. It is rare and very bold for a religious and political leader like him to step up on an international plate and voice opinions about sexuality.
4. Dalai Lama and the Nobel Peace Prize
In 1989, the Dalai Lama was awarded one of the highest accolades in the world – the Nobel Peace Prize. You may have heard of that, but do you know why? The prize was conferred upon him for his contribution towards peace and human rights. What he has done for peace in Tibet, very few can’t even dream of. The Dalai Lama has been an international advocate of peace and democracy.
