7th Dalai Lama facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kelzang
7th Dalai Lama of Tibet in 18th century thangka art
Religion	Tibetan Buddhism, Gelug school
Personal
Born	1708 Lithang, Kham
Died	1757 (aged 48–49) Tibet
Senior posting
Title	7th Dalai Lama
Period in office	1720–1757
Predecessor	Tsangyang Gyatso
Successor	Jamphel Gyatso
Chinese name
Chinese	格桑嘉措
Transcriptions
Tibetan name
Tibetan	བསྐལ་བཟང་རྒྱ་མཚོ་
Transcriptions Wylie bskal bzang rgya mtsho Tibetan Pinyin Gaisang Gyaco

Kelzang Gyatso (also spelled Kalzang Gyatso, Kelsang Gyatso, or Kezang Gyatso) was a very important spiritual leader. He was the 7th Dalai Lama of Tibet. He was born in 1708 and passed away in 1757. People believed he was the true return of the 6th Dalai Lama. He became the Dalai Lama after another person who claimed to be the Dalai Lama was no longer recognized.

Who Was the 7th Dalai Lama?

Kelzang Gyatso was a special spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lamas are seen as the most important teachers of this religion. They are believed to be the return of Avalokiteshvara, who is the Buddha of compassion. Kelzang Gyatso was known for his wisdom and his calm nature.

Finding the New Leader

After the 6th Dalai Lama passed away, there was some confusion. Some people thought another person was the next Dalai Lama. But many believed that Kelzang Gyatso, born in a place called Lithang, was the real one. He was found when he was very young.

Becoming the Dalai Lama

Kelzang Gyatso was officially recognized as the 7th Dalai Lama in 1720. This was a very important event for Tibet. He was then brought to Lhasa, the capital city. He began his training and studies to become a great spiritual leader.

Early Life and Education

From a young age, Kelzang Gyatso studied very hard. He learned about Buddhist teachings and philosophy. He was taught by many wise teachers. He grew up to be a very learned and respected person. His education prepared him for his big role.

A Time of Change in Tibet

During the time Kelzang Gyatso was the Dalai Lama, Tibet faced many changes. There were some political challenges. But he focused mainly on his spiritual duties. He worked to bring peace and stability to his people.

His Role as a Spiritual Guide

The 7th Dalai Lama spent much of his life teaching. He wrote many books and poems about Buddhism. He helped people understand their religion better. He was a guide for many followers. His teachings are still studied today.

Legacy of the 7th Dalai Lama

Kelzang Gyatso is remembered for his deep spiritual knowledge. He helped to strengthen the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He made sure that the traditions and teachings continued. His peaceful leadership left a lasting mark on Tibet. He passed away in 1757, but his influence lived on.

Images for kids

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  7th Dalai Lama, Kelzang Gyatso in Tibetan painting

See also

In Spanish: Kelsang Gyatso para niños