Childhood and Education Journey of Dalai Lama in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Dalai Lama, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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.

1909: Return from exile after escaping the British invasion

In 1909, the 13th Dalai Lama returned from his first exile after escaping the British invasion.

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: Return from exile after escaping a Chinese invasion

In 1912, the 13th Dalai Lama returned from his second exile after escaping a Chinese invasion.

July 1935: Birth of the 14th Dalai Lama

On July 6, 1935, the 14th Dalai Lama was born on a straw mat in a cowshed to a farmer's family in a remote part of Tibet.

Others born on this day/year

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.

1969: Future of the Dalai Lama institution

In 1969, the 14th Dalai Lama stated that the decision of whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue rests with the Tibetan people. He also suggested the possibility of a future vote among Tibetan Buddhists to decide on the recognition of his rebirth.