His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama 'Tenzin Gyatso' is Tibet's Head of State as well as the Spiritual Leader of the Tibetan people. He was recognized at age 2 as the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. In November of 1950, His Holiness assumed full political power of Tibet. He completed his Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy in 1959. Also in 1959, after China attacked Tibet, the Dalai Lama escaped to Dharamsala, India, where he has since led the Tibetan Government-In- Exile. On December 10th, 1989, His Holiness accepted the Nobel Peace Prize "on behalf of the oppressed everywhere and all those who struggle for freedom and work for world peace and the people of Tibet." In his statement he declared, "This prize reaffirms our conviction that with truth, courage and determination as our weapons, Tibet will be liberated. Our struggle must remain nonviolent and free of hatred."
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