The Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, sits under a canopy in Mussoorie, India, on May 19, 1959. It was the first time he had posed for photographers since fleeing from the Chinese army in March of that year. China invaded Tibet in 1950, making historical claims on the region.
AP
The Dalai Lama is seen with his mother outside the Birla House, his residence in Mussoorie. In 1960 he moved to Dharamsala, India, which remains his home today.
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The Dalai Lama is actually the 14th Dalai Lama and the 74th manifestation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the enlightened Buddha of compassion. During his life, he has traveled to numerous countries with a message of tolerance and peace. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
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The Dalai Lama's mother and his younger brother Ngari Rimpoche are photographed at the Birla House.
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The Dalai Lama comes out of his house to address a religious congregation on May 22, 1959. He was 24 years old.
AP
The Dalai Lama celebrates Buddha's birthday in Mussoorie.
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The Dalai Lama sits under a portrait of Buddha as he gives an address at the Birla House. Leading Tibetan monks sit on his left. His tutors sit on his right. During his address, the Dalai Lama expressed hope that the strife in his country was only a passing phase, and he urged the gathering to pray for a return of peace to Tibet.
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The Dalai Lama was just 15 when he became Tibet's head of state and government in 1950. From 1954-1959, he participated in unsuccessful peace talks with Chinese leaders.
Marilyn Silverstone/Magnum Photos
Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visits the Dalai Lama at the Birla House.
