dalai lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been the primary voice of Tibet's struggle for independence from China since his exile as sixteen-year-old Tenzin Gyatso in 1959; he eventually won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his efforts. His speeches eloquently champion human rights for all people, describing ways in which each individual can develop compassion and begin to take responsibility for what happens in the world and to the environment. In terms of philosophy, the Dalai Lama considers himself "half-Buddhist, half-Marxist," supporting an equitable society based on morality and nonviolence as opposed to personal gain at the cost of others, which is the basic outcome of capitalism. Reaching out to younger audiences through his work with musicians such as the Beastie Boys, he has opened many minds to his enlightened ideas on conflict resolution and personal development.