The Spiritual Leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Abstract

This paper presents the history of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his leadership and responsibility, and his teachings.  The results of the study showed that His Holiness is the person who was born with special traits that made him “great” leader. Intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability are some of the important traits that are consistently found in His Holiness. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. His Holiness has traveled to more than 52 countries and met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations. He has held dialogues with the heads of different religions and many well-known scientists. From 1959 to 2010 His Holiness has received over 94 honorary doctorates, awards, prizes, etc., in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility, and compassion. His Holiness has also authored more than 50 books. Studying His Holiness’s story gives us the other viewpoints of how he uses Ahimsa (non-violence), love, compassion, wisdom, and peace in trying to negotiate with the Chinese government to solve the problems of his Tibetan people. His ongoing efforts to end the suffering of the Tibetan people through peaceful negotiations and reconciliation have required enormous courage and sacrifice.