Quiz: Dalai Lama facts and trivia

Tenzin Gyatso, born Lhama Dhondup, and named Kundun after having been named the future 14th Dalai Lama (which he now is) is the leader of the Tibetan people in exile. He and his people have suffered greatly under Chinese rule. The troubles there are, unfortunately, not nearly over.

The Dalai Lama is known for his peaceful resistance of the Chinese occupation of Tibet and for his simple message of peace and kindness to all people.

But what do you know about his life, his family, his daily habits? How was he educated? In other words… are you up to speed on the trivia of his life? Do you have an intimate knowledge of his struggles and challenges? Take this test to find out.

Quiz: What do you know about Kundun?

  1. Question 1 of 10

    1. When living in Lhasa the father of the Dalai Lama was not known for ...

    • When living in Lhasa the father of the Dalai Lama was not known for his kindness.
    • When living in Lhasa the father of the Dalai Lama was not known for his kindness.
    Next »
  2. Question 2 of 10

    2. Which of the following is never used by the family of Tenzin Gyatso in adressing him?

    • Correct. The family of Tenzin Gyatso would never call him 'brother'.
    • The family of Tenzin Gyatso would never call him 'brother'.
    Next »
  3. Question 3 of 10

    3. The 14th Dalai Lama was born as Lhama Dhondup in...

    • The 14th Dalai Lama was born as Lhama Dhondup in
    • The 14th Dalai Lama was born as Lhama Dhondup in
    Next »
  4. Question 4 of 10

    4. Kundun became the Dalai Lama officially at age ...

    • Kundun became the Dalai Lama officially at age ...
    • Kundun became the Dalai Lama officially at age ...
    Next »
  5. Question 5 of 10

    5. When the young Dalai Lama visited China in 1955 he was ...

    • When the young Dalai Lama visited China in 1955 he was optimistic and naive.
    • When the young Dalai Lama visited China in 1955 he was optimistic and naive.
    Next »
  6. Question 6 of 10

    6. How many brothers and sisters does the Dalai Lama have?

    • Correct. H.H. the Dalai Lama has 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
    • H.H. the Dalai Lama has 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
    Next »
  7. Question 7 of 10

    7. The Dalai Lama learned English by ...

    • Correct. The Dalai Lama learned English by borrowing books, listening to the BBC and practicing his English in India after having fled Tibet.
    • The Dalai Lama learned English by borrowing books, listening to the BBC and practicing his English in India after having fled Tibet.
    Next »
  8. Question 8 of 10

    8. The main education the Dalai Lama received was ...

    • Correct. The main education the Dalai Lama received was Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and religion.
    • The main education the Dalai Lama received was Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and religion.
    Next »
  9. Question 9 of 10

    9. In Lhasa the young Dalai Lama's best friends were...

    • Correct. In Lhasa the young Dalai Lama's best friends were the sweepers.
    • In Lhasa the young Dalai Lama's best friends were the sweepers.
    Next »
  10. Question 10 of 10

    10. The Dalai Lama is a vegetarian.

    • Correct. The Dalai Lama eats meat, like Tibetans traditionally do.
    • The Dalai Lama eats meat, like Tibetans traditionally do.
    Next »

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More about the life of H.H. the Dalai Lama

More about H.H. the Dalai Lama on life, Buddhism and peace – quotes

Inspiring quotes by the leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a biography. 

See also my quiz about Buddhism in general: from India to Japan, from Tibet to Sri Lanka.

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Katinka Hesselink

Having studied Buddhism and other religions and spiritual traditions since 1995, Katinka Hesselink became a Buddhist formally in 2011. She has studied world religions at Leiden University where she focused on religious anthropology, philosophy and psychology. She has written online since 1999 and started this blog to share her Buddhist knowledge, insight and opinions. Katinka is best known for her common sense approach to Buddhism.

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