His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. He is the spiritual leader of Tibet.

The Dalai Lama has been a Spiritual Adviser to Maitripa College (originally Maitripa Institute) since its founding and was hosted by the College in 2013 in Portland for a 3-day environmental conference and interfaith dialogue. 

Click here for details on this historic visit, including video, photos, and an e-book and visit the event website for reports and photo galleries here: http://dalailamaportland2013.net

His Holiness was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, the child, then named Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.  The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are realized beings inspired by a wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, who have vowed to be reborn in the world to help humanity.

Please refer to his website (below) for a complete biography and reports on past and current activities.

For more: https://www.dalailama.com/

Maitripa College 2013