Buddhism Dalai Lama Flashcards
What are some of the Dalai Lama
The preservation of Tibetan/ Vajrayana Buddhism ( & Buddhism in general)
• After his exile from Tibet to India and the realization that the religion was under threat of dying DL established a Tibetan educational system, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts & university based in Buddhist teachings and culture in Dharmsala, India
• Established 200 monasteries
• Sponsored/consulted and wrote forward in the 2005 English translation of “The Tibetan Book of the Dead”. This book provides a deeper expression and understanding of Buddhist teachings on life and death, in particular, the importance of Karma. In forwarding, DL states “it is nature of our habitual tendencies that generate our future existence” also advises that “to live a virtuous life is sufficient”
Impact survival of Tibetan (Vajrayana) Buddhism and subsequent expansion of Buddhism
Impact survival of Tibetan (Vajrayana) Buddhism and subsequent expansion of Buddhism
• The establishment of an educational system in exile by the DL ensured that Buddhist teachings such as the eightfold path and 4 noble truths were taught to children who were part of the noble sangha
• The construction 200 new monasteries were crucial to the immediate survival and future of the Noble Sangha as 500 Tibetan monasteries were destroyed by the Chinese
• The English translation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, including forward by DL has facilitated greater access, particularly in the West to this source of wisdom & practices that can transform daily life
How did the Dalai lama promote the Buddhist teachings through outreach
Promotion of Buddhist teachings through outreach to other religions
• He visited 46 countries since 1967, spoken to many world and religious leaders e.g. Pope John Paul the 2nd and Archbishop of Canterbury
• These meetings were originally based on the promotion of Tibet’s autonomy through peaceful means
• Based on the teaching that “it is not possible to find peace within the soul without security and harmony between people
• Regularly speaks at interfaith conferences e.g. March 2013 “Diversity not Dissension” stressing that all religions have a similar message of love, compassion and forgiveness thus reinforcing Buddhist teaching
• Has encouraged interreligious practices and appropriation of Buddhist practices by other traditions
Impact greater acceptance of Buddhist teachings
Impact greater acceptance of Buddhist teachings
• Has promoted a greater understanding of Buddhist teachings
• They have been a catalyst for the recognition of Buddhism as a legitimate contributor to interfaith dialogue thereby adding to its expression as a world religion
• Has assisted Buddhism to relate more effectively with other traditions & created a great tolerance of & understanding of DL’s commentary responses to world issues
• Has held to a greater appreciation by adherents of their own practices e.g. meditation
Promotion of Buddhist peach teachings
Promotion of Buddhist peach teachings
• Has worked for autonomy of Tibet by proposing a 5 point Peace plan including the designation of Tibet as a peace zone
• Takes every opportunity to promote teaching on peace including acceptance speech of Noble prize in 1989 “Responsibility does not lie with each of us individually. When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us”
• The website outlines ways to address world disharmony
• Preaches & models active nonviolence e.g. despite Chinese violence to Tibetan denounced violence in demonstrations in lead up to the Beijing Olympics. Also spoke out against Buddhist led violence against Muslim minorities in Myanmar. “the use of violence is outdated and never solves problems”
Impact enhancement of Buddhism’s role in world peace
Impact enhancement of Buddhism’s role in world peace
• Has enhanced the relevance & practicality of Buddhist peace teachings in the world arena
• His readiness to speak out against Buddhist led violence e.g. Myanmar reinforces core Buddhist teachings
• Assists adherents to implement these core principles e.g. 1st precept, which will help them in their journey to enlightenment
