The Dalai Lama was forced into exile in 1959. He reached India on March 31, 1959, after leaving on the 17th. He only traveled at night to avoid the Chinese. He traveled on foot over the Himalayas.
In one sense, the present Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso, shortened from Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso) has been that since his birth on 6 July 1935. However since the present Dalai Lama is the reincarnation of all previous Dalai Lama, he could be said to have been in that position since the First Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa, who was was born in 1391
The Dalai Lama has long been considered the secular (nonreligious) leader of Tibet although that has recently changed as the Dalai Lama would like the people of Tibet to have a democratically elected leader. The Dalai Lama is also the religious head of one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism called the Gelug, or yellow hat Buddhists.
Never. Chinese rule is always welcomed in Tibet, if you'd like to ask how long has Dalai Lama been resisting China rule, then since the end of 1950s.
The Dalai Lama is not chosen to become what he is, (Like Popeye) he is what he is and has been that for fourteen reincarnations. The position is not an elected or appointed office. In Buddhism an enlightened person can refuse to enter Nirvana, choosing instead to return to the cycle of death and rebirth to help others become enlightened. The current Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama and ultimately the reincarnation or a manifestation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteśvara. After the death of the existing Dalai Lama the problem is to find where the reincarnation has occurred. This is usually expected to be in Tibet. The search is the responsibility of the High Lamas of the Gelugpa Tradition and the government of Tibet. It can take around two or three years (or more) to identify the new incarnation of the Dalai Lama. The High Lamas conduct several rituals to increase the odds of finding the reincarnation quickly. They look for omens and seek hintsin their dreams. They also devise tests for candidates they feel may be the reincarnation. Familiarity with the possessions of the previous Dalai Lama is considered the main sign of the reincarnation. Having been found, the child is brought to Lhasa (or a similar location) for training in Buddhist thought and knowledge The current Dalai Lama is was born Tenzin Gyasto
The Buddha is an historical figure that initiated Buddhist practices and philosophy. The Dalai Lama is believed by his devotees to be the reincarnation of a long line of tulkus who are considered to be manifestations of the Bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteśvara.
Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Llhamo Döndrub (Tibetan: ལ; Wylie: Lha-mo Don-'grub) 6 July 1935 in Qinghai[1]), is the 14th and current Dalai Lama.[He does not have a middle name. Before being named Dalai Lama, he only had a first and last name. His new name is very long and is actually a title meaning "Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the Faith, Ocean of Wisdom"
Since the early 1400's
There is no "scientific, rational" explanation. The only reason is: God's help. The question calls to my mind an anecdote, only tangentially related, that chills me and which I must share: During one of his infrequent visits to the US, the Dalai Lama requested a meeting with Elie Wiesel, and asked: Your people were exiled for two thousand years and survived. Please help me understand what sustained you. My people have been recently sent into exile, and it will be a long one. Told by Elie Wiesel.
In Mahayana Buddhism, an enlightened person has the option of entering Nirvana after death, or of returning to the cycle of death and rebirth to guide others to enlightenment. The Dalai Lama is believed by his devotees to be the latest reincarnation of a long line of tulkus who descend from the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara who return to further the enlighten ment of mankind.
70 years
Too Long in Exile was created on 1993-06-08.