The Dalai Lama was born in a village called Taktser on July 6, 1935. His parents were peasant farmers. There were 'signs' that led to him being recognized as the reincarnation of the thirteen Dalai Lama. Because of these signs he would be enthroned as a spiritual leader of Tibet at a very young age.
In 1950 the Chinese invaded Tibet. The Dalai Lama sent an appeal to the UN on behalf of the Tibetan National Assembly. It was never answered.
The situation worsened. At the age of sixteen, he found himself leading a nation of six million Tibetans faced with war. It was impossible to avert disaster. He sent delegations abroad to the US, Great Britain, Nepal, and China. All refused but China. Tibet was left to face communist China all alone.
In 1954, the Dalai Lama was invited to visit China and meet President Mao. He went accompanied by 500 people. His people of Lhasa feared for his life. He met President Mao, who seemed sincere to want real cooperation. The Dalai Lama had a dozen meetings with Mao. On his last visit to see Mao he said, "Religion is poison. It undermines the race and it retards the progress of the country." All of a sudden the Dalai Lama was very afraid.
He returned to Lhasa where he was welcomed by thousands of followers. Their religious practices continued undisturbed until the summer of 1956.
The alliance of popular leaders was having success; several sections of the Chinese military road had been destroyed and bridges. The Chinese responded with violence. They sent planes and bombed Lithang Monastery. His Holiness broke down in tears. After the bombing came the torture and execution of the wives and children of the freedom fighters, as well as untold atrocities against monks and nuns.
The Dalai Lama became convinced that Mao was nothing more that a "destroyer of the Dharma." The Dalai Lama was determined to oppose any violence on the part of the Tibetan people. His people were losing confidence in him as a political leader.
In 1959 the Dalai Lama was pressured to attend a theatrical show by the Chinese. His Holiness accepted the invitation, everyone thought this was suspicious and that his life was in danger. On March 10 , 30,000 people of Lhasa protested. They came to protect the Dalai Lama- shouting, "Chinese out of Tibet!"
The Dalai Lama felt caught between two volcanoes and asked the Cabinet to inform the Chinese General, His Holiness, would not be able to attend the play. General Tan Kuan Sen accused the Tibetan government of organizing the agitation against Chinese authorities.
In the days that followed, the crowd was becoming hysterical. The Dalai Lama recieved a letter from the General that the Chinese were getting ready to attack the crowds and bomb the Zorbulingka.
On March 17, 1959 the Dalai Lama left Tibet dressed in trousers, a black cape, and a rifle slung over his shoulder. His appearance was that of a soldier. Into exile he went to India.
International pressure is vital to the restoration of Tibet. More and more people in the world are becoming aware of the Tibetan problem. It is the longing of the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet and restore peace.
Reference ~The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Inner Peace
