7 Amazing Facts About Dalai Lama
5. Dalai Lama has received funding from the CIA
As crazy as it sounds, it is a fact that the Dalai Lama administration has received funding from the U.S. Government. Did you know that the CIA injected about $1.7 million every year into the Dalai Lama’s administration in the 1960s? It also trained a resistance movement in Colorado. Acknowledging this, the Dalai Lama had mentioned that the U.S. Government provided funding and support not only to help Tibet, but also to boost its cold war strategy against China. Phew, talk about politics!
6. Dalai Lama has submitted his resignation to the Tibetan Government
Summoned to assume full power as Head of State in the Tibetan Government at the age of 16 (yes, 16!), Dalai Lama is certainly not the figure to shy away from responsibility. Tibet has been a victim of Chinese threats since the 1950s and Dalai Lama has been fighting for Tibet’s freedom ever since. However on 14th of March 2011, the Dalai Lama submitted an ‘official resignation’ to the Tibetan Government in exile. He proposes constitutional changes, democratic election and much more which is aimed to promote Tibet and its causes. He plans to retain his role as a religious dignitary.
7. Dalai Lama is not the name of a person
Surprised? I, too, was! Dalai Lama is not the name of ‘a’ person – he is believed to be the reincarnation or rebirth of ‘tulkus’ who are spiritual leaders. They are some of the most influential and powerful figures in the Tibet region. The Dalai Lama that we know now is the 14th Dalai Lama whose actual name is Tenzin Gyatso.
We’ve all heard about celebrities and political dignitaries giving support and voice to the Dalai Lama and his efforts. But did you really know what he is all about? Well, now you do. Spread the word.
