A beacon of truth and hope, a scholar, a teacher, an inspiration to millions, the ultimate Tibetan and a key to greater peace in the world - the Dalai Lama is many things.

To be present during one of his visits to Australia is to witness the extraordinary moral authority and respect granted to His Holiness from individuals from all walks of life. Whether Tibetan or non-Tibetan, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, whether a world leader, faith leader, scientist, doctor, scholar or humble follower, few are untouched by the Dalai Lama’s practical wisdom and simple acts of truth and compassion.

On the occasion of his 75th birthday we pause to look back on His Holiness’s life and accomplishments so far and uncover why few individuals are more deserving of our attention today than the Dalai Lama.


Tradition and Progress: The Radical Side of the Dalai Lama

On the surface the life of the Dalai Lama may seem steeped in tradition. Look closer and we soon uncover a rich reformist agenda and a man of stunning intellect and creativity.

From promoting democratisation in the Tibetan community, to speaking out against environmental destruction, to taking part in cutting-edge dialogues at the intersection of modern science and eastern wisdom, the Dalai Lama has been at the forefront of many of today’s most progressive movements. And at 75 he shows no sign of slowing down.

Building Democracy for Tibetans
Less than a year after escaping to India and at only 25 years old the Dalai Lama began laying the foundations of democratic rule among Tibetans. In February 1960 he outlined a vision of a freely elected assembly that would govern the community-in-exile and provide a model for their homeland. The community-in-exile elected its first representatives on 2 September 1960, the anniversary of which is now observed as Tibetan Democracy Day.

In 1991 the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile was substantially enlarged (from 17 members to 46). 2001 saw another important step in the ongoing process of democratisation, with the Tibetan people directly electing their Kalon Tripa (Chief Minister) for the first time. The next major event in Tibet’s democracy will be 2011’s general election, in which the Tibetan people will elect a new parliament and Kalon Tripa. The Dalai Lama has been the driving force behind Tibetans’ ongoing process of democratisation. Earlier this year the Dalai Lama was bestowed with the prestigious Democracy Medal by the US-based National Endowment for Democracy for his commitment to democracy.

Protecting the Earth
Long before Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ and even before his own attendance at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Dalai Lama was calling for greater environmental responsibility, drawing on his Buddhist roots to explain the interdependence between the natural environment and living beings. In his Five-Point Peace Plan for Tibet the Dalai Lama proposed the creation of Tibet into a zone of nonviolence and a sanctuary of environmental protection.

From at least the mid 1980s to the present, and from major conferences, to teachings, to press interviews, the Dalai Lama has taken ever opportunity to advocate for the global environment, raise awareness of global warming, and encourage a future of sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. In December 2009 the Dalai Lama addressed a large audience in Hobart on the subject of “Our Environment: Who is Responsible?”.

Between East and West: The Dalai Lama, Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
The first “Mind and Life” dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Western scientists took place in Dharamsala in 1987. So began a long tradition of meetings between the Dalai Lama and some of the world’s top neuroscientists and psychologists. The Dalai Lama has been at the forefront of such collaborative research for over two decades, helping weave together modern science and Buddhist wisdom to deepen and enhance our understanding of our minds and the world.

While his contributions to the science of mind are particularly noteworthy, the Dalai Lama has also contributed to debates in several other areas of science, including subatomic physics, cosmology and biology. Last year the Dalai Lama joined world-reknowned pscyhologists Dr. Martin Seligman, Prof. Marc Hauser and B. Allan Wallace at a Science of Mind Forum in Sydney.

Interfaith Harmony
The Dalai Lama names the promotion of inter-religious harmony as one of his three main commitments in life, the others being the promotion of human values including compassion and his commitment to the Tibetan issue. He is well known for encouraging Western followers to explore their own religious traditions rather than convert to Buddhism.

He has urged us to respect those with beliefs that appear different from our own and pointed to the commonalities between all the world’s religions, believing that all traditions have the same potential to bring inner peace and promote universal responsibility. Last year he gave the closing address at Melbourne’s Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Chinese Outreach
The Dalai Lama’s efforts to find a solution of equal benefit to Tibet and China can be traced to at least the 1980s and the formation of his Middle Way policy. Today he meets regularly with Chinese intellectuals, democracy activists and everyday citizens. Last year he met with several hundred members of the Chinese community in Australia.

While conceding that his faith in the Chinese Government has grown thin, he has stated repeatedly his unwavering faith in the Chinese people and his desire for a peacefully negotiated and mutually agreed resolution for Tibet.


A Beacon of Hope: The Dalai Lama and the Future of Tibet

In his 2008 book Why the Dalai Lama Matters, Dr. Robert Thurman explores why His Holiness has earned the world’s love and respect.

“In an era marked by a pervasive sense of hopelessness and discouragement about the state of things - despite all our advances in science and culture - it is a humble Buddhist monk from the remote highlands of Tibet who inspires optimism for the future.

“…The Dalai Lama’s wish and vision for humanity are absolutely right and reliable, realistic and not far-fetched, helpful and not harmful. And he has been living his act of truth for the last sixty years.”

His Holiness gives hope to six million Tibetans and countless other Tibet supporters that there is a solution for Tibet - a solution that promises benefits for Tibet, China, Asia and the world at large. His holding to truth and non-violence are a shining counterpoint to the self-interested, power-driven and destructive ways of many in our modern world. His writings - from the 10 March statements to books on Buddhism to essays on the environment to detailed explorations of the confluence of modern science with eastern religion - offer insight into many of the world’s most intractable problems and a source of inspiration and direction for millions.

In short, there may be no living being that provides greater hope for our common future than His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

REPORT: Celebrations for the Dalai Lama’s 75th Birthday in Canberra and Sydney