Introduction
In 1950 the newly formed People Republic of China invaded and took control of the Buddhist country Tibet. Then after 9 years of Chinese rule, in the year 1959, Tenzin Gyatso (the Dalai Lama) escaped Tibet so that he could establish the Central Tibetan Administration or the Tibetan Government in exile. This Government in exile was set up in the northern Indian city of Dharamshala in the province of McLeod Ganj with the full support of the Indian government. This event cause outrage in the wider Buddhist community and the Dalai Lamas exile has had a major impact on the Tibetan Buddhists.
Exile of the 14th Dalai Lama
In May 1951, the government of the People’s Republic of China announced the seventeen-point agreement with the Tibetan
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The three main principle commitments of the Dalai Lama are, firstly the Dalai Lama is to help peoples spiritual and mental wellbeing, he wishes people to be happy and joyful and he helps people to find their mental peace, the Dalai Lama believes that all humans are the same as they all want joy and they wish to feel no suffering because of this he promotes the values of self-discipline, contentment, tolerance, forgiveness and compassion to not only the Buddhist in Dharamshala and around the world but to all people regardless of beliefs. He calls these values universal values because he believes everyone should follow them. Tenzin Gyatso has spoken by invitation in hundreds of countries across the globe in front of thousands of people about these human values and has placed great importance in sharing the knowledge of these values with all people that cross his path. Secondly, as the Dalai Lama is still a Buddhist monk he is strongly dedicated to the growth and continuation of peace and harmony between all the religions of the world and their respective traditions, he is committed to overcome the philosophical distinctions of the different world religions and help them come to a harmony where they can use their power to the most good for the world. Tenzin Gyatso recognises the roles other religions play on the world stage and how they can contribute to peace and harmony, he says, “there is a need to recognise that human beings observe several religions and several aspects of the truth.” Tenzin Gyatso’s contribution to world peace and harmony is seen in the many awards he has received including but not restricted to, Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace, Nobel Peace Prize, International Freedom Award, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Freedom Medal, World Security Annual Peace Award, Advancing Human Liberty