Does Dalai Lama Get Paid? The 14th Dalai Lama’s Net Worth, Salary, and Assets Explored

The 14th Dalai Lama, aka Tenzin Gyatso has been trending for kissing a young boy. How rich is the Tibetan leader from the Buddhist?

The Dalai Lama has long been a symbol across the globe of the peaceful Buddhist religion, but recent video footage appeared to show him in an abusive position over a young child, CNN reported. In the wake of the incident, the Dalai Lama’s office apologized for his actions. Who is the Dalai Lama, and what is the Dalai Lama’s net worth after decades in exile?

The Dalai Lama, whose given name is Tenzin Gyatso, is considered by many Buddhists to be the 14th incarnation of the spiritual leader of the “Yellow Hat” school of Tibetan Buddhism. He has been in exile since 1959, but has somehow maintained a large sphere of influence in his spiritual tradition.

TENZIN GYATSO (FORMERLY LAHMO DHONDOP), OR THE DALAI LAMA Profile Summary

The top spiritual leader of the “Yellow Hat” school of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is revered by many around the world, especially those who practice some form of Buddhism. The Dalai Lama isn’t a name, but rather the title given to the person believed to be the reincarnation of the previous 13 leaders in the same position. Tenzin Gyatso is the name of the current and 14th Dalai Lama. He has spent most of his life in exile in India, where he has established a community of fellow Buddhists.

Celebrated Name:	Dalai Lama
Net Worth:	$1 (not millions)
Profession:	Dalai Lama, Buddhist spiritual leader
Birthdate:	July 6, 1935
Birthplace:	Tibet
Residence:	Dharamshala, India

What is the Dalai Lama’s net worth?

As an exiled spiritual leader in India, the Dalai Lama doesn’t receive a traditional salary. The Dalai Lama’s net worth is somewhat confusing. Most sources say that he has a net worth of just $1, perhaps because as a monk he shouldn’t hold earthly possessions. One source contradicts that, claiming he is worth $150 million thanks to books published and awards with monetary prizes.

What was the Dalai Lama’s early life like?

In keeping with Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteśvara, or the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Most sources believe that Tenzin Gyatso, the current Dalai Lama, was one of 16 children born to a Tibetan farming family. Every Dalai Lama is a tulku, and after one Dalai Lama dies, it can be years before the next is identified.

According to The Economist, when he was two years old (in 1937), signs directed monks to the 14th Dalai Lama. Signs like a star-shaped fungus growing on the 13th Dalai Lama’s shrine pointing northeast led them to Lhamo Dhondup, who was the correct age and filled other requirements to become the next Dalai Lama, made official in 1950.

Why does the Dalai Lama live in India and not Tibet?

A revolt in Tibet in 1959, which wasn’t successful in defeating Chinese occupying forces, led the 14th Dalai Lama to retreat to India in exile. He established a government-in-exile in Dharamshala, where thousands of Tibetans followed their leader.

What does the Dalai Lama do for a living?

At age 87, the Dalai Lama has led a fascinating life as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists. He has traveled all over the world offering spiritual guidance, founded multiple organizations, and written numerous books on spirituality.

These are just some of the books written by His Holiness:

• The Little Book of Encouragement (2021, edited by
• Our Only Home: A Climate Appeal to the World (2020)
• Happiness (2018)
• The Wisdom of Compassion (2013, with Victor Chan)
• Beyond Religion: Ethics for the Whole World (2012)
• Toward a True Kinship of Faiths (2010)

Some of the awards received by the Dalai Lama include:

• Liberty Medal, 2015
• Honorary Doctorates (Macalester College, University of Maryland, Southern Methodist University, and many others)
• Honorary Citizenship, numerous countries
• Inaugural Hofstra University Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize, 2008
• U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, 2006
• International League for Human Rights Award, 2003
• Four Freedoms Award, 1994

Why is the Dalai Lama the subject of controversy?

Recently, the Dalai Lama was reportedly seen on video asking a young boy to suck his tongue at an event. The February footage showed the Dalai Lama first allowing a hug and a kiss on the cheek from the boy, then kissing the boy on the mouth, and finally asking the boy “suck my tongue.”

Delhi-based child rights group, Haq: Center for Child Rights, told CNN that it condemns “all form of child abuse.” It also contradicted claims that his behavior was in keeping with Tibetan tradition. “Some news refers to Tibetan culture about showing tongue, but this video is certainly not about any cultural expression, and even if it is, such cultural expressions are not acceptable.”

A statement from the Dalai Lama’s office offered an apology “for the hurt his words may have caused,” but then appeared to trivialize the event, claiming, “His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras.” Whether the apology will be accepted by the public remains to be seen

How is the Dalai Lama chosen? The successor for the Dalai Lama is chosen after much religious consultation.

The Dalai Lama is the renowned spiritual leader of Tibet. They are often regarded as a unifying symbol of the Tibetan state and advocate for all Buddhist values and traditions. It is typically their responsibility to unify religious groups and regions.

Since 1411, there have been 14 people who have been designated as the Dalai Lama. The most recent one, Tenzin Gyatso, was first appointed in February 1940. He is currently 87 years old.

Typically, the next Dalai Lama is appointed after the death of the previous one. Tenzin Gyatso began his reign three years after the death of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1933.

As for how the next Dalai Lama is chosen, however, it’s an interesting process. Unlike other religious leaders like the Pope who are elected to their positions, it is not necessarily a matter of people campaigning to become the next Dalai Lama. In fact, it is believed that the next Dalai Lama is determined by reincarnation.

One of the major beliefs of Buddhism is reincarnation, the process by which a person is reborn as something else upon dying in their current life. In this cycle of rebirth, referred to as “samsara,” one’s existence is an ongoing cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

By that same tenet, the Dalai Lama’s existence is tied to reincarnation. It is believed the proceeding Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the previous one.

That being said, there is an interesting selection process in determining who the Dalai Lama reincarnates into. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the search for the Dalai Lama’s next reincarnation can begin even before the current one has passed. Tibetan monks initiate a search that involves consulting oracles and reading signs. Reportedly, they can even derive clues about the next Dalai Lama from the body of the previous one upon their deaths.

The search typically collects children who are born around the time of the Dalai Lama’s death, and further spiritual consultation is utilized to determine the correct reincarnation. Once they are discovered, they are almost immediately appointed as the Dalai Lama, even as children. Tenzin Gyatso was appointed as the Dalai Lama in 1940, but he was only born in 1935, making him 5 years old when he was granted the title.

Ahead of the 14th Dalai Lama’s passing, there has already been controversy surrounding the search for his successor. The Guardian reports that China, which exerts strict control over the country, has attempted to argue that they have the right to decide the next Dalai Lama. Their claim to his title has caused a significant global backlash.

As of this writing, a new Dalai Lama has not yet been named.