Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was born as Lhamo Döndrub, later adopting the religious name Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, which is a shortened version of his full name.
He is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and the head of state of Tibet, recognized at the tender age of two as the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
In November 1950, he assumed full power of Tibet, and in 1959, he completed his Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy, the same year China attacked Tibet, leading him to flee to Dharamsala, India, where he has since led the Tibetan government in exile.
On December 10th, 1989, he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, dedicating it to the oppressed everywhere, all those who struggle for freedom, and those who work for world peace and the people of Tibet.
In his acceptance statement, he reaffirmed the conviction that with truth, courage, and determination as their weapons, Tibet will be liberated, emphasizing that their struggle must remain nonviolent and free of hatred.
