His Holiness the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on July 6, 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the very young age of two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are believed to be enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems. His Holiness has traveled to more than 67 countries spanning 6 continents. He has received over 150 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes, etc., in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He has also authored or co-authored more than 110 books. His Holiness has held dialogues with heads of different religions and participated in many events promoting inter-religious harmony and understanding. Since the mid-1980’s, His Holiness has begun a dialogue with modern scientists, mainly in the fields of psychology, neurobiology, quantum physics and cosmology. This has led to a historic collaboration between Buddhist monks and world-renowned scientists in trying to help individuals achieve peace of mind. (Source: dalailama.com. Photo by Jamyang Dorjee)

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Monastic Life

The joy of monastic discipline

Written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, these verses pay tribute to the ethical discipline…

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Oustretched hand with sun rays behind it.
21st Century Buddhists

How to be a Buddhist in today’s world

His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers practical advice on putting our religious and spiritual values…

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Tibetan nuns smiling.
Tibetan Tradition

Geshemas and bhikshuni ordination

Statements made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Jangchup Lamrim teachings regarding bhikshuni…

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Books

Origin and spread of the Buddha’s doctrine

An excerpt from "Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions" exploring the similarities and differences within Buddhist…

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Books

Developing a good heart

His Holiness the Dalai Lama reflects on the importance of cultivating a compassionate motivation in…

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His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Tibetan Tradition

Women—part of the basis

HHDL about the importance of full ordination for women, the study of scriptures by women…

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tibetan Tradition

Bhikshuni ordination in the Tibetan tradition

Support of the establishment of bhikshuni ordination in the Tibetan tradition.

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Cover of Cultivating a Compassionate Heart.
Books

Awakening compassion

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's foreword to "Cultivating a Compassionate Heart," on how the Chenrezig…

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Venerable Chodron with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tibetan Tradition

Making progress towards the development of bhikshuni...

Highlights the progress made within nunneries and seminaries for advancement of bhikshunis and geshe-mas.

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama at August 2005 European Tibetan Buddhism Conference.
Tibetan Tradition

Establishing a direction for reviving bhikshuni ordi...

Highlighting the direction for reviving the bhikshuni vow and driving consensus amongst several Buddhist communities.

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Image of Venerable Thubten Chodron ordination
Tibetan Tradition

Suggesting a collaboration for the purpose of reachi...

Importance of discussion amongst various Buddhist communities to reform the rules for bhikshuni ordination.

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Cover of Taming the Mind.
Books

Practical peace and contentment

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's foreword to 'Taming the Mind,' a "practical application of the…

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