The title “Dalai Lama” combines the Tibetan word lama (“teacher”) with the Mongolian word ta-le (“ocean,” anglicized as “dalai”), suggesting breadth and depth of wisdom. It became the title for the leader of the Gelukpa order in beginning with the third Dalai Lama who reached an agreement for mutual respect and support with Mongol chief Altan Khan, who bestowed on him that title.
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