STORIES
Faith
DONATE

Tenzin Gyatso

by Teddy from Mission Viejo

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."-Tenzin Gyatso
The 14th Dalai Lama (http://www.namgyal.org/img/photos/portraits/hhdl_1_md.jpg)
The 14th Dalai Lama (http://www.namgyal.org/img/photos/portraits/hhdl_1_md.jpg)

I first became aware of Tenzin Gyatso from my mom telling me about him. She told me about what he does and what it is that makes him famous and special to people from all over the world. Although I am not Buddhist, I think very highly of Tenzin. Amongst all the things that he does, the thing that stands out the most to me about Tenzin is how hard he works to accomplish what he believes in, no matter what.

As the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso travels the world teaching his beliefs and sending out messages of peace. As a spiritual leader, thousands look to Tenzin for inspiration for peace and to teach them to do the right thing. Tenzin was picked to be the Dalai Lama as a very young child, when several spiritual Tibetans went on a search for the next Dalai Lama. Tenzin began his training and education to become a spiritual leader when he was seven, studying Buddhist customs and philosophies at a religious temple. Despite his wondrous dealings and accomplished tasks, Tenzin is not paid for his deeds of peace, making him all the more respectable.

Tenzin in action (http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00672/dalai-lama404_672380c.jpg)
Tenzin in action (http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00672/dalai-lama404_672380c.jpg)

Tenzin was selected to be the Dalai Lama as a young child after a group of Tibetan monks chose him as their next leader after he showed signs of being a reincarnation of one of their gods. Tenzin studied very hard for several years from the age of seven to twenty three. He passed his final examinations at the Jokhang temple and was rewarded the Lharampa degree. So, Tenzin worked very hard to fulfill his destiny of being a divine being based on the beliefs of a few other monks.

As the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is looked upon by thousands worldwide as a source of inner motivation to be good and faithful to what they believe in. Tenzin travels around the world giving others advice on how to lead an enlightened life. During his visits, Tenzin talks about moral issues like abortion and firearms, encouraging others to do what is right and how to forgive those who have not done the right thing. Also, Gyatso participates and donates his time to charities and teaching young children and poor people how to lead a good life amidst their unfortunate conditions of living.

Although there is no way to become a Dalai Lama like Tenzin, there are several jobs and groups I could participate in, in an attempt to carry on his messages of peace. Perhaps becoming a member of the Peace Corps so I could tour the world and help and feed the homeless and hungry. Also, becoming a member of the Red Cross might help me to accomplish these things as well. However, a more realistic goal I could fulfill almost immediately would be to help around the community, providing aide to the seniors and cleaning up trash in public sites.

Page created on 11/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 11/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links