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 title given to the head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The title, meaning "Holiness Knowing Everything Vajradhara Dalai Lama," was first bestowed upon Sonam Gyatso in 1578 by Altan Khan. Sonam Gyatso became the 3rd Dalai Lama, and the title was posthumously awarded to the first two tulkus in his lineage. The Dalai Lama lineage represents a significant figure in Tibetan Buddhism and, historically, held political influence.

Sections (4)

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

1904: Escape the British invasion

In 1904, the 13th Dalai Lama was in exile to escape the British invasion.

1909: Escape the British invasion

From 1904–1909, the 13th Dalai Lama was in exile to escape the British invasion.

1910: Escape from a Chinese invasion

From 1910–1912, the 13th Dalai Lama was in exile to escape a Chinese invasion. After his return from exile in India and Sikkim during January 1913, he assumed control of foreign relations and dealt directly with foreign officials.

1912: Escape from a Chinese invasion

1912: Upholding Tibetan independence

From 1912 to 1950, the 13th Dalai Lama upheld de facto Tibetan independence from China.

1912: Declaration of Independence by the 13th Dalai Lama

In 1912, following the collapse of the Qing dynasty, the 13th Dalai Lama declared that Tibet's relationship with China had ended and proclaimed Tibet's independence.

1912: Collapse of the Qing dynasty

In 1912, following the collapse of the Qing dynasty, the government in Tibet was reconstituted with the Dalai Lama presiding over a Kashag, reinvesting him with temporal power.

January 1913: Return from exile and control of foreign relations

In January 1913, after returning from exile in India and Sikkim, the 13th Dalai Lama assumed control of foreign relations and dealt directly with the Maharaja, the British Political officer in Sikkim, and the king of Nepal.

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.

1949: Nepal references Tibet as an independent state when submitting an application to join the UN

In 1949, the Kingdom of Nepal referenced Tibet as an independent state when submitting an application to join the UN.

November 1950: Enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama

On 17 November 1950, the 14th Dalai Lama was formally enthroned during the Battle of Chamdo with the People's Republic of China.

1950: Upholding Tibetan independence

From 1912 to 1950, the 13th Dalai Lama upheld 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, which outlined the terms for Tibet's incorporation into the People's Republic of China.

1951: Pressure to accept the Seventeen Point Agreement

In 1951, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government were pressured into accepting the Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet.

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: Issuance of statement regarding the Seventeen Point Agreement

On 18 April 1959, the 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 failed 1959 Tibetan uprising, the 14th Dalai Lama sought refuge in India, where Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru allowed him and the Tibetan government officials to enter. The Dalai Lama has since lived in exile in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh.

1959: Escape from Lhasa during the Tibetan uprising

In 1959, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, escaped from Lhasa during the Tibetan uprising and went into 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 continuous rule over Tibet for 317 years.

1959: Revocation of the Seventeen Point Agreement

In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama revoked the Seventeen Point Agreement with China.

1959: Reinstatement of the Kashag and National Assembly

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 Tibetan independence

In 1974, the 14th Dalai Lama rejected calls for Tibetan independence, shifting away from supporting the Tibetan independence movement.

1995: Selection of the 11th Panchen Lama and subsequent abduction

In 1995, the Dalai Lama chose the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama without using the Golden Urn, while the Chinese government insisted on its use, leading to two rival Panchen Lamas. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, chosen by the Dalai Lama, was abducted by the Chinese government shortly after and has not been seen in public since 1995.

2005: Agreement that Tibet is part of China

Since 2005, the 14th Dalai Lama has publicly agreed that Tibet is part of China and no longer supports separatism.

September 2007: Chinese government regulation on high monks

In September 2007, the Chinese government declared that all high monks, including the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama, must be government-approved after the death of Tenzin Gyatso. The Dalai Lama alluded to a possible referendum to determine his successor.