|
The Buddha
Shakyamuni, while delivering the Sutra on the White
Lotus, faced north and grinned. He said:
"In the northern
Land of Snow not a single enlightened being has yet to
walk. However, my teachings will spread there and flourish
like the rising sun. Everyone will be liberated by the
Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokitesvara). The Bodhisattva
Avalokitesvara made the aspiration to liberate the beings
in the Land of Snow and to aid the region’s people
in following the teachings of the Buddha. In the future
when my teaching has degenerated in India, in the Land
of Snow to the north the people will be liberated by this
Bodhisattva."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is considered
the supreme public and religious leader of Tibet, the
protector of all beings. Like the Gyalwa Karmapa, the
Dalai Lama is the incarnation of the Bodhisattva of
Compassion, Avalokitesvara (Chenrezi). Also, His Holiness
is the emanation of the Bodhisattva Meaningful to Behold.
In 1438, Gendun Drupa, the nephew and principle
disciple of Tsongkhapa (the founder of the Gelugpa Lineage)
became the first abbot of Ganden Monastery. Tsongkhapa
proclaimed that in the future this abbot of Ganden Monastery
will reincarnate for centuries to come. His incarnations
are inseparable from the activity of the Bodhisattva of
Compassion.
The title of these incarnated masters, Dalai
Lama, means Ocean of Wisdom. It is a combination
of both the Mongolian and Tibetan languages. The Mongolian
King, Altan Khan, was converted to Buddhism by the 3rd
Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso. The Khan bestowed on Sonam Gyatso
the title "Dalai Lama."
Each Dalai Lama is renown for their spiritual
insight and realization, and their compassionate ways
to reach mankind. Their legacy is one of the most unique
and rare to ever be found in the history of the world.
Apart from being an emanation of two great
Bodhisattvas, the Dalai Lama’s past incarnations
include:
Kyu Nangche,
a brahmin during the Buddha’s lifetime
King Nyatri Tsenpo
who ruled Tibet in the Second Century B.C.E, becoming
the first religious monarch
King Songsten Gampo
who ruled Tibet in the Seventh Century C.E, introducing
Buddhism to the country.
King Trisong Deutsen
who ruled Tibet during the 8th-9th Centuries C.E. He invited
to Tibet the master Padmasambhava.
Dromtonpa who
was Lord Atisha´s translator and disciple |
