The Making of the Dalai Lama: Early years

His Holiness the Dalai Lama was born on 6 July 1935 to a farmer's family in the poor village of Taktser in Amdo Province.

In this picture, Lhamo Thondup (meaning 'Wish-Fulfilling Goddess'), as he was named, is seen in the arms of his mother Dekyi Tsering. His father Choekyong Tsering and brother Gyalo Thondup are also in the frame.

In his autobiography, Freedom in Exile, the Dalai Lama recalls his father as a man of medium height with a quick temper.

"I remember pulling at his moustache once and being hit hard for my trouble", says His Holiness, "yet he was a kind man too and he never bore grudges."

He recalls his mother as "undoubtedly one of the kindest people I have ever known."

His Holiness had fifteen siblings, of whom only six lived beyond infancy.

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