Definition of the term Bodhisattva

The Dalai Lamas of Tibet

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The Dalai Lama tradition belongs to a system of recognized re-embodiments. Today, the current Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso is the fourteenth in the line. Since the mid-seventeenth century the Dalai Lamas have ruled over Tibet. The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngagwang Lobzang Gyatso and the Thirteenth, Tubten Gyatso are referred to with an added title of "The Great." The First, Second, Third, and the Seventh Dalai Lamas are well-known scholars with published writings.

Tibetans believe the Dalai Lamas to be the reincarnation of the deity Avalokiteshvara, the All Seeing Lord, as was emphasized by the Great Fifth, Ngagwang Lobzang Gyatso. Over the past four centuries, through the institution of the Dalai Lamas, Buddhism spread widely to Mongolia and China. The title "Dalai Lama" was given to Sonam Gyatso by the Mongol Chief Altan Khan. When the two met near Lake Kokonor in 1578, titles were exchanged. "Dalai" in Mongolian means "Ocean" symbolizing Sonam Gyatso's knowledge to be wide and deep as an ocean. In return, Altan Khan received the title of "Brahma, The King of Religion." The first two Dalai Lamas were given the titles posthumously after the first use of the title by Sonam Gyatso (Dalai Lama III). Under the spiritual and secular rule of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Tibet's three provinces were once again united into a strong empire. Furthermore, today the current Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, a Nobel Laureate, is respected as one of the most prominent religious leaders of the World.

Tenzin Dharlo 5-2005