Essay On The Dalai Lama

When studying Buddhism in modern society, one cannot deny the importance of the Dalai Lama. For centuries, the incarnations of the Dalai Lama ruled over the people of Tibet both spiritually and politically. However it wasn’t until the last century that the popularity of the Dalai Lama made its way to western society. This essay will focus on the 14th and most recent Dalai Lama of Tibet.

Many people in western society are aware of who the Dalai Lama is, but like me, had no idea how much significance he has to the people of Tibet and Buddhist around the world. The Dalai Lama is the physical incarnation of Chenrezig, a follower of Siddhartha Gautama. Chenrezig made a vow to liberate the people of the world from suffering. His quest was both noble and difficult. According to legend, Chenrezig’s realization of the difficulty of completing his task made his head split into thousands of pieces. The Buddha then put the pieces back together giving Chenrezing a new form. He is said to have eleven heads and a thousand arms. Chenrezing assumed the role of the Bodhisattva of compassion, and his spirit lives within the Dalai Lama. A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being that choose to be reincarnated instead of nirvana, in order to help mankind.

The current Dalai Lama is the 14th incarnation of Chenrezig, and assumes the role of Bodhisattva of compassion. After the death of the 13th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan monks began their search for the new Dalai Lama. They found the child they were looking for in Taktser, a small farming community in northeastern Tibet. The child that was to become the 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6th, 1935, and was recognized as the new Dalai Lama at the age of two. The Tibetan monks were able to dete...

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...round the world. He is kindhearted, educated, friendly, and compassionate. The Dalai Lama interacts with some of the most powerful and influential people of the world, but also takes the time to speak to the common man. He understands the value of modern science, and believes that proper applications can lead to a peaceful world. He is the coauthor of many books, and his life and teachings provide the plot for many documentaries and Hollywood movies. After examining his life and work, it is reasonable to say that he is the Bodhisattva of compassion. The world is lucky to have him, and he will be missed dearly when he is gone. His Holiness will be remembered for his wisdom, and his ability to make people smile. The vow that Chenrezing made all those years ago may not be completed, but I believe the 14th Dalai Lama took a major step in the right direction.