His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a renowned advocate for peaceful resolution of political conflict. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his continuing efforts to resolve Tibet's conflicts with the Chinese government through nonviolent means.

His Holiness was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two, enthroned at the age of five, and called upon to assume full political leadership of Tibet at age 15. In 1959 following the crushed Tibetan National Uprising, the Dalai Lama was forced to seek political asylum in India, where he works to preserve the Tibetan language, religion, and culture within the refugee community.

As an international advocate for peace and religious understanding, the Dalai Lama has traveled extensively, drawing the attention of world leaders to issues of fundamental human rights and democratic freedom. Of his tireless dedication to nonviolence, the Nobel Committee noted, “He has advocated peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.”

For a full biography of the 14th Dalai Lama and more information, visit the Office of Tibet, New York web site.

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