Contribution to the Development of Buddhism through Contemporary Buddhist Teachers Flashcards
AO3: What can TNH and the DL arguably be described as?
'’Fingers pointing at the moon”
AO3: What can be questioned regarding the influence of TNH and DL in the modern world?
The extent to which they have made relevant Pure Land and Therevada Buddhism.
AO3: What do some people argue they have spread?
A simplistic and populist form which lacks philosophical depth.
AO3: What does TNH advocate for which brings wider awareness to Buddhism.
‘Environmental crisis and violent conflicts…lie beyond religion in the promotion of a concept I call secular ethics’.
AO3: What do their appearance on TV raise questions about?
Whether it is to advocate Buddhism or for their own personal gain.
AO3: What did TNH coin and refer himself to be part of?
‘Socially Engaged Buddhism’
AO3: What about TNH makes him popular in the wider world?
Mild, humble and gentle manner is of great appeal.
AO3: Why is the Dalai Lama of appeal?
His status claim as ‘Tulku’ and representative for Tibetan Buddhism.
AO3: What do some scholars argue about TNH influence on the West?
That it is not strictly reflective of Buddhism if Buddhism at all.
AO3: What have TNH and DL arguably created in opposition to traditional Buddhism?
Due to skilful means they have created new, innovative expression of Buddhism.
AO3: What is arguably futile to search for?
A definitive and universal Buddhism.
AO3: What is arguably futile to search for?
A definitive and universal Buddhism.
AO3: What have they written which shows the vagueness of its link to Buddhism?
Promotes kindness, walking, smiling and being kind.
AO3: What have they presented well to the western world?
Mindfulness and universal principle of non-violence.
AO3: What secular message did the DL write?
‘Universal responsibility is the real key to human survival’.
AO3: What arguably fosters more Buddhist worldwide support?
Triratna movement - for ‘people who try to engage with the Buddha’s teachings in the conditions of the modern world’.
AO3: What metaphysical ideas have TNH and the DL fostered?
Karma, rebirth and enlightenment and their link to compassion.
AO3: What did the TNH create which can be seen as radically innovative?
‘Plum Village’ - a more integrated system not traditional separation of monastery and society.
AO3: What did the DL create which can be seen as radically innovative?
The Mind and Life Institute - mixes Buddhism with science to identify benefits of meditation.
Who are the contemporary Buddhist teachers?
- 14th Dalai Lama
- Thich Nhat Hanh
What is Dalai Lama seen as within Tibetan Buddhism?
Most important leader - leader of one of four schools in Tibet.
Who is Dalai Lama recognised as?
The early embodiment of Avalokitesvara and is the physical embodiment in human form of the compassion and wisdom of that bodhisattva.
When did the Dalai Lama take his political leadership?
Following the death of the 13th Dalai Lama and aged 15 - in 1950.
When did the Chinese invasion of Tibet take place?
1949
What did the Dalai Lama do in 1959?
Fled into exile in Dharmasala in Northern India.
What did the Dalia Lama do in 2011?
Stepped down as head of state - since then has encouraged the development of a secular democratic government-in-exile.
When was the Dalai Lama awarded the Nobel peace prize?
1989.
What are the DLs 3 main commitments?
- promotion of human values
- promotion of religious harmony
- preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture of peace and non violence.
What has the DL become?
The most worldly recognised Buddhist - particularly in the West - through writing books, films and visits around the world.
What has the DL used his position to promote?
- Tibetan Buddhism
- the principle of ahimsa - non violence
- socially engaged buddhism
- relationship between science and Buddhism.
When did TNH take ordination as a monk?
1949.
What was TNH involved in?
Peaceful protests and left the country in 1966 - returned in 2005.
Why did TNH become known in the USA?
His opposition to the Vietnam war, for his friendship with the Civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and the catholic monk Thomas Merton.
Why did TNH establish Plum Village?
As a base for his Buddhist beliefs and practice which he developed through a combination of Zen, Theravada and Mahayana elements.
What is TNH known as in the West?
One of the best known Buddhist teachers.
What does TNHs Order of Interbeing follow?
His fourteen mindfulness trainings. It upholds the importance of Socially Engaged Buddhism along with mindful walking, smiling and breathing.
