Spiritual Figures  Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) FAQs  FAQ
What is the Dalai Lama’s full name?

The spiritual figure widely known as the 14th Dalai Lama bears the full religious name **Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso**. This name, bestowed in the context of his role as Dalai Lama, encapsulates his identity as a Tibetan spiritual leader and reflects a long lineage of Buddhist tradition. While “Tenzin Gyatso” is the form most familiar to the world, the extended name carries layers of reverence and meaning within the Tibetan Buddhist context.

From a contemplative perspective, the distinction between the commonly used name and the full formal name mirrors a central theme in spiritual life: the interplay between the outer, accessible aspect of a teacher and the deeper, more nuanced dimensions of their role. “Tenzin Gyatso” functions almost like a bridge, allowing people from many cultures to relate to him as a person, while **Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso** points to the sacred responsibilities and vows associated with his office. In this way, the name serves not only as an identifier, but also as a reminder of the spiritual commitments that define his life and work.