Does the Dalai Lama have bodyguards? Does the Dalai Lama have bodyguards? And if so what does Buddhist philosophy have to say about that? Are they necessary, or are they just to keep with appearances?

ps. The Dalai Lama is one of my heroes so this should in no way be taken as a joke.
Does the Dalai Lama have bodyguards?


According to Ganden Thurman, executive director of the Tibet House;


  "...Whenever the Dalai Lama travels, "he has his own bodyguards and staff, of course, and translator and two attendants," Thurman said. "And then the State Department people provide the protection envelope around his person..."


I couldn't find anything about any current bodyguards for the Dalai Lama, presumably due to security reasons.

There are, though, information about former bodyguards;


From Dalai Lama's bodyguard to Dharamshala Municipal Councillor: Journey of a common man


  "...DHARAMSHALA, FEB 3: A Tibetan civil servant has been inducted in the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation as a councilor, a feat no one has achieved ever in the history of Tibetan exile. Dawa Rinchen, Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer and a former bodyguard to His Holiness the Dalai Lama..." 

Nun now teaches Buddhist psychology, once was body guard for Dalai Lama


  "...The Venerable Robina Courtin has led many lives. At 70 years old, she’s been a Buddhist, a Catholic, a musician, a political activist, a radical feminist, a martial arts expert, an advocate for prisoners and even one of the Dalai Lama’s personal bodyguards..."

The Dalai Lama’s Bodyguard


  "...Dawa Singya Bhutia (center) was a soldier, trained in Kung Fu and bodyguard to the Dalai Lama..." 

The multitasking bodyguard


  "...It's no mean feat to be a private bodyguard for the Dalai Lama..."



May this be of use to you.