What comes to your mind when you think of the Dalai Lama? A calm figure with a gentle smile? You’ll be surprised to know that “Dalai Lama” is not a personal name, but a title that carries centuries of political and spiritual weight.
The title “Dalai Lama”combines two linguistic roots. The word Dalai comes from Mongolian and means “ocean,” while Lama is a Tibetan term for “teacher” or “guru.” Together, Dalai Lama means “Ocean Teacher” or “Ocean of Wisdom,” suggesting a spiritual guide whose wisdom is as vast as the sea. The title was first bestowed in 1578 when Altan Khan, a Mongol ruler, granted it to Sonam Gyatso, who became the 3rd Dalai Lama. It was later applied retroactively to earlier lineage holders.
The current and 14th Dalai Lama was born in 1935 in Taktser, northeastern Tibet, with the name Lhamo Thondup. After being recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, he was renamed Tenzin Gyatso.
Historically, the Dalai Lama led both Tibetan Buddhism and, until 2011, the Tibetan government. He guided religious affairs, major ceremonies, monastic education, and matters of state. He currently lives in Dharamshala, India, leading the Tibetan exile community, promoting religious teachings, and advising the Central Tibetan Administration.
