Challenges Faced by Dalai Lama: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Dalai Lama's life and career.

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: First period of exile to escape the British invasion

In 1904, the 13th Dalai Lama underwent his first period of exile to escape the British invasion.

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.

1910: Second period of exile to escape a Chinese invasion

In 1910, the 13th Dalai Lama underwent his second period of exile to escape a Chinese invasion.

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.

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.

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: Seeking refuge in India following the Tibetan uprising

Following the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising, the 14th Dalai Lama sought refuge in India, where he was allowed in by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and has since lived in exile in McLeod Ganj, establishing the Central Tibetan Administration.

1959: Escape from Lhasa during Tibetan diaspora

In 1959, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, escaped from Lhasa during the Tibetan diaspora and has since lived in exile in Dharamshala, India.

1959: 14th Dalai Lama fled to India

In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India, marking the end of the Dalai Lama lineage's rule over 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.

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.

1995: Selection of Panchen Lama and subsequent abduction

In 1995, the Dalai Lama proceeded with the selection of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama without using the Golden Urn. The Chinese government insisted on its use and chose Gyaincain Norbu. Shortly after being chosen, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was abducted by the Chinese government in 1995 and has not been seen in public since.

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.

September 2007: China's control over high monks

In September 2007, the Chinese government declared that all high monks, including the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama, must be approved by the government. The Dalai Lama has alluded to a possible referendum to determine the 15th Dalai Lama as a result.