India, July 5 -- For the last two millennia, Tibet and mainland China have been involved in a power struggle that did not produce a decisive victory until the Communist Party of China (CPC) took over in the 1950s. Over the last five centuries, the institution of the Dalai Lama has played a role in integrating Tibet, beginning with the Mongol king Altan Khan (1507-1582 CE), who first coined the title of Dalai Lama for his Tibetan Buddhist ally, Sonam Gyatso (1543-1588 CE).

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama-and perhaps the last to be born in Tibet-is one of the most recognised spiritual leaders in the world. He describes the institution of the Dalai Lama as a manifestation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. His upcoming 90t...