the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists

The Tibetan government headed by the Dalai Lama was ordered dissolved by Communist Chinese Premier Chou En-lai on March 28, 1959, and the Dalai Lama was forced to flee. He reached sanctuary in India on March 31 at the Chutangmu checkpoint on the Tibetan-Indian frontier. On April 13 the Indian Foreign Ministry announced that the Dalai Lama would be given a residence in Mussoorie, a former resort in the Himalayan foothills 150 miles northeast of New Delhi.

Left: The Dalai Lama blesses followers who fled with him from Tibet to India.
Right: The Dalai Lama using both modern microphones and ancient religious objects to conduct anniversary observances on Buddha's birthday.

The Dalai Lama visited the United States for seven weeks beginning in September 1979. Throughout his tour he spoke of love, compassion, and tolerance of others, as well as his hope that he may someday be able to return to Tibet.

Left: The Dalai Lama and Terence Cardinal Cooke (both seated) celebrate an interfaith service in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, New York, on September 5.

SEE ALSO
Chou En-lai
St. Patrick's Cathedral

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This page was last updated on April 27, 2017.