The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and was historically the political leader of Tibet. The title “Dalai Lama” translates to “Ocean of Wisdom,” with “Dalai” meaning “ocean” in Mongolian and “Lama” meaning “guru” or “teacher” in Tibetan. The current and 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born on July 6, 1935, in northeastern Tibet.
In his new book, “Voice for the Voiceless,” published on March 11, 2025, the Dalai Lama asserts that his successor will be born outside China. This announcement challenges China’s claim to have the authority to choose his successor and emphasizes the importance of traditional Tibetan practices in selecting the next Dalai Lama.
On March 10, 2025, the 66th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, Tibetan exiles protested outside the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, India. They faced clashes with police forces, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding Tibet’s political status and cultural preservation.
Additionally, the Dalai Lama’s older brother, Gyalo Thondup, who played a significant role in the Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule, passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 97. Gyalo Thondup collaborated with the CIA to train Tibetan guerilla fighters and later engaged in diplomatic efforts to garner international support for Tibet’s cause.