The Struggle for Freedom and Enlightenment in Tibet: Ethics and Spirituality

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600-500 BCE: Siddhartha Gautoma founds Buddhism

741-797: King Trisong Detsen builds first Tibetan monastery at Samye

1278: Kublai Khan, emperor of China, converts to Tibetan Buddhism

1578: Sonam Gyatsho, born in 1543, receives title of Dalai Lama ("Ocean of Wisdom") from Mongol ruler Altan Khan. He is identified as the 3rd Dalai Lama.

1617: Ngawang Lozang Gyatsho, the 5th Dalai Lama, is born in southern Tibet. He later re-establishes Tibet's independence, reopens trade with India and visits China.

1903-1904: Thubten Gyatsho, the 13th Dalai Lama, flees Tibet as British troops march to Gyaum, sheltering in Mongolia and China. …