His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. “Dalai” means “Ocean” in Mongolian, and is a translation of the Tibetan name “Gyatso,” while “Lama” is the Tibetan equivalent of the Sanskrit word “guru”, and is commonly translated to mean “spiritual teacher”.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is regarded by Tibetans and many followers of Tibetan Buddhism as the human incarnation of Chenrezig, referred to as Avalokiteshvara in India and Kuan Yin in China. Chenrezig is the Buddha of Compassion and the patron deity of Tibet. The Dalai Lama is believed to be the current incarnation of a long and illustrious line of Tulkus, or Buddhist Masters, who have become exempt from the wheel of death and rebirth.

These highly attained Masters have deliberately decided to be reborn on earth in order to teach humanity to escape the sufferings of Samsara.

While His Holiness is of the Gelugpa tradition, as he is the spiritual leader of Tibet, he does not officially represent one particular lineage and advocates harmony for all.

GVBAM's President Mr Henry Ooi (second from left) and Vice-President Ms Ruby Khong (far left) meeting His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Mundgod, India in 2008

GVBAM's President Mr Henry Ooi (second from left) and Vice-President Ms Ruby Khong (far left) meeting Mr Chhime Chhoekyapa (in grey), Secretary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. On the extreme right is Drepung Gomang Hutuktu Telopa Rinpoche of Kalmykia

GVBAM's President Mr Henry Ooi (right) and Vice-President Ms Ruby Khong (left) meeting Mr Desang Tsering (center), Secretary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama