Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dalai Lama

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dalai Lama made an impact.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism's Gelug school. The title originated with Altan Khan, who bestowed it upon Sonam Gyatso in 1578. Sonam Gyatso was subsequently recognized as the 3rd Dalai Lama, with the title being retroactively applied to the first two tulkus in his lineage. Thus, the Dalai Lama represents a lineage of reincarnations central to Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1904: Qing Government temporarily revoked Thubten Gyatso's Dalai Lama title

In 1904, the Qing Government temporarily revoked Thubten Gyatso's Dalai Lama title, marking a period of political turmoil.

1912: Upholding de facto Tibetan independence from China

From 1912, the life and deeds of the 13th Dalai Lama served as living proof of successfully upholding de facto Tibetan independence from China.

1912: End of Tibet's relationship with China and proclamation of independence

In 1912, the 13th Dalai Lama declared that Tibet's relationship with China had ended with the Qing dynasty's fall and proclaimed independence, though this was not formally recognized under international law.

1912: Reconstitution of the government with the Dalai Lama presiding over a Kashag

In 1912, the government was reconstituted with the Dalai Lama presiding over a Kashag of four Tibetans after the Qing sent a force to restore order, reinvesting him with temporal power.

1913: Publication of the Tibetan Declaration of Independence

In 1913, the Great Thirteenth Thubten Gyatso published the Tibetan Declaration of Independence for the entirety of Tibet.

1913: Return from exile and assumption of control of foreign relations

In January 1913, the 13th Dalai Lama returned from exile in India and Sikkim and assumed control of foreign relations, dealing directly with foreign leaders.

February 1940: Central Government approval for Lhamo Thondup to become the 14th Dalai Lama

In February 1940, the Central Government approved the request to exempt Lhamo Thondup from the lot-drawing process to become the 14th Dalai Lama.

1949: Tibet listed as a country in Nepal's application to join the UN

In 1949, when submitting an application to join the UN, the Kingdom of Nepal listed Tibet as a country just as independent and sovereign.

November 1950: Formal enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama

In November 1950, the 14th Dalai Lama was formally enthroned during the Battle of Chamdo with the People's Republic of China.

1950: Upholding de facto Tibetan independence from China

Until 1950, the life and deeds of the 13th Dalai Lama served as living proof of successfully upholding de facto Tibetan independence from China.

1951: Ratification of the Seventeen Point Agreement with China

In 1951, the 14th Dalai Lama ratified the Seventeen Point Agreement with China, marking a significant moment in the relationship between Tibet and China.

1951: US offers assistance if Dalai Lama leaves Tibet

In 1951, the United States informed the Dalai Lama that to receive its assistance and support he must leave Tibet and publicly disavow agreements concluded under duress between Tibetan and Chinese representatives.

1955: Nepal established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China

In 1955, Nepal established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and recognized Tibet as a part of China.

April 1959: Statement on the Seventeen Point Agreement

On April 18, 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama issued a statement that in 1951, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government were pressured into accepting the Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet.

1959: Revocation of the Seventeen Point Agreement

In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama revoked the Seventeen Point Agreement with China, reversing his previous decision.

1959: The Kashag and the Tsongdu ruled without further interruption

Until 1959, the Kashag and the Tsongdu or National Assembly were reinstated, and, presided over by a Dalai Lama or his regent, ruled without further interruption.

1974: Rejection of calls for Tibetan independence

In 1974, the 14th Dalai Lama rejected calls for Tibetan independence, shifting his stance on the political future of Tibet.

2001: Ceding of partial power to an elected parliament of Tibetan exiles

In 2001, the 14th Dalai Lama ceded his partial power over the government to an elected parliament of Tibetan exiles.

2005: Public agreement that Tibet is part of China

In 2005, the 14th Dalai Lama publicly agreed that Tibet is part of China and did not support separatism, further evolving his position on Tibet's status.

2014: Statement on Tibet wanting to be part of China with cultural preservation

In 2014, the Dalai Lama stated that Tibet wants to be part of China but China should let Tibet preserve its culture and script.

2016: Statement on Tibet wanting to be part of China with cultural preservation

In 2016, he said that Tibet wants to be part of China but China should let Tibet preserve its culture and script.

2020: Statement on not supporting Tibetan independence and hoping to visit China

In 2020, the Dalai Lama said he did not support Tibetan independence and hoped to visit China as a Nobel Prize winner, preferring the concept of a republic within the People's Republic of China.