Rise of the Dalai Lamas

Following the end of the Yarlung Dynasty in 842 CE, Buddhism went into a sort of decline in Tibet, and only survived due to small strongholds in rural areas and hidden texts referred to as "dharma treasures". Then in 1042 the Indian scholar Atisha came to Tibet and initiated a major revival in Buddhism. It is at this point that what later became known as the "four waves" or sects of Tibetan Buddhism began to split off. These four sects collectively practice what is regarded as 'Tibetan Buddhism', a combination of traditional Buddhist elements, yoga-influenced tantric practices, and the indigenous Bon tradition.

The first wave is called Nyingma, and refers to the early school based on the teachings of Padmasambhava. The second wave is known as Sakya, and is a very intellectual tradition. The Kagyu or "Red Hat" tradition is a more meditation-oriented tradition, and includes Milarepa (1040-1123), the famous Tibetan poet as well as the Karmapas, the first line of reincarnate Lamas.

The latest tradition is the Gelugpa or "Yellow Hat" sect, a scholarly and monastically oriented tradition founded by Tsong Khapa (1357-1419) and presently headed by the Dalai Lama. In 1577 the Gelugpa leader Sonam Gyatso visited Altan Khan and the Mongols, who named him 'Dalai Lama' (meaning Ocean of Wisdom), and proclaimed him leader of the Tibetan nation. He was the third of three incarnations, thereby making him the Third Dalai Lama.

The next important Dalai Lama was the Great Lozan Gyatso, Fifth Dalai Lama. His accomplishments include solidifying the power of the Dalai Lamas, codifying monastic discipline, writing histories of Tibet and building the great Potala Palace, winter residence of the Dalai Lama and trademark monument of Tibet.

The next Great Dalai Lama was Thupten Gyatso (1876-1933), the 13th incarnation. His achievements include introducing paper currency, a postal system, roads and electricity and designing the Tibetan national flag. Before his death he had visions of an imminent takeover by Chinese troops.

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, was born on July 6, 1935 in a village named Taktser in the Amdo region of north-east Tibet. He was recognized as a tulku (incarnated lama) by a search party at the age of 3, and taken to Lhasa as the new Dalai Lama in 1939.

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