Alexandra Lamancusa: The 14th Dalai Lama- Tenzin Gyatso (previously Lhamo Dondrub)

I selected the 14th Dalai Lama because I am moved by his philosophies on kindness and by his life story.  I happened to meet him last summer in D.C. while he was blessing the Potomac River, so I also have a personal connection to him. I admire his ability to address all people regardless of background and his ability to find joy in life, regardless of what life has handed him.

It’s fascinating to imagine growing up while being told that you are and have been for centuries this spiritual teacher destined to lead an entire people.  I can’t help but wonder what I would think if I were in his shoes.

He has a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy.   I didn’t know that was required (I would assume that was part of the job description).  He was taken from his home at the age of four.

His oldest brother was also identified as another reincarnation or a lesser lama, so he was not alone when he was taken to Lhasa, the city of the monks in Tibet.

I appreciate his humor and that he’s always smiling. When I met him on the Potomac, he switched out his ceremonial headdress for a baseball cap.  He’s such an interesting combination between historical and modern.

He also has special meaning and significance to me because my grandpa also really enjoys his teachings.  It’s nice for us to chat about new things the Dalai Lama has said or things we have read!

He’s interested in looking at how meditation can affect the brain.

He also happens to be a Nobel peace-prize winner, if everything else wasn’t enough to make him famous and awesome

He enjoys repairing watches.  Who knew?

What do I want to express with this bust?  I guess perhaps I want to show the conflict between being an individual and a political/spiritual leader. I could talk about his personality (maybe through hats…).  I really want to look at how he is hi sown individual and yet at the same time this prominent political and spiritual figure.

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