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, meaning "Holiness Knowing Everything Vajradhara Dalai Lama", was bestowed upon Sonam Gyatso in 1578 by Altan Khan, solidifying his leadership within the Gelug tradition. While Sonam Gyatso was the third Dalai Lama, the title was also retroactively applied to the two previous tulkus in his lineage, thus establishing the current lineage. This recognition highlighted his spiritual authority and its importance for the followers of the Gelug school of Buddhism.

Sections (4)

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

1904: Exile due to British invasion

In 1904, the 13th Dalai Lama went into exile to escape the British invasion.

1904: Revocation of Dalai Lama title

In 1904, the Qing Government temporarily revoked Thubten Gyatso's Dalai Lama title.

1910: Exile due to Chinese invasion

In 1910, the 13th Dalai Lama went into exile to escape a Chinese invasion.

1950: End of de facto Tibetan independence

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

1951: Ratification of the Seventeen Point Agreement

In 1951, the 14th Dalai Lama ratified the Seventeen Point Agreement with China, which formally incorporated Tibet into the People's Republic of China.

1951: US offers support if Dalai Lama leaves Tibet

In 1951, the United States informed the Dalai Lama that in order 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 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: Dalai Lama seeks refuge in India

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

1959: Dalai Lama escapes from Lhasa

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

1959: Revocation of the Seventeen Point Agreement

In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama revoked the Seventeen Point Agreement with China that he had previously ratified in 1951.

1995: Selection of Rival Panchen Lamas

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. Simultaneously, the Chinese government insisted on using the Golden Urn and selected Gyaincain Norbu. Subsequently, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was abducted by the Chinese government shortly after the selection and has not been seen in public since 1995, leading to two rival Panchen Lamas.

September 2007: Chinese Government's Control Over Monks

In September 2007, the Chinese government declared that all high monks, including the 15th Dalai Lama, must be approved by the government, further asserting control over Tibetan religious affairs. The Panchen Lama traditionally approves the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, providing another avenue for Chinese government influence.