NEW DELHI -- Even as the Dalai Lama has softened his attitude toward China -- which annexed Tibet in 1950 and drove him to an Indian exile nine years later -- the spiritual leader of his people, who was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, now finds himself facing dissent within his own community.

He has indicated his willingness to buy peace with China under terms of autonomy -- not quite independence -- provided Tibetan culture is preserved.

One of the two important Tibetan leaders opposing the Dalai Lama is Lobsang Yeshi Jampel Gyatso, or the 13th Kundeling Tagtsha Jetung Rimpoche.