Contribution to the Development of Buddhism through Contemporary Buddhist Teachers

Question 1

AO3: What can TNH and the DL arguably be described as?

Answer 1

'’Fingers pointing at the moon”

Question 2

AO3: What can be questioned regarding the influence of TNH and DL in the modern world?

Answer 2

The extent to which they have made relevant Pure Land and Therevada Buddhism.

Question 3

AO3: What do some people argue they have spread?

Answer 3

A simplistic and populist form which lacks philosophical depth.

Question 4

AO3: What does TNH advocate for which brings wider awareness to Buddhism.

Answer 4

‘Environmental crisis and violent conflicts…lie beyond religion in the promotion of a concept I call secular ethics’.

Question 5

AO3: What do their appearance on TV raise questions about?

Answer 5

Whether it is to advocate Buddhism or for their own personal gain.

Question 6

AO3: What did TNH coin and refer himself to be part of?

Answer 6

‘Socially Engaged Buddhism’

Question 7

AO3: What about TNH makes him popular in the wider world?

Answer 7

Mild, humble and gentle manner is of great appeal.

Question 8

AO3: Why is the Dalai Lama of appeal?

Answer 8

His status claim as ‘Tulku’ and representative for Tibetan Buddhism.

Question 9

AO3: What do some scholars argue about TNH influence on the West?

Answer 9

That it is not strictly reflective of Buddhism if Buddhism at all.

Question 10

AO3: What have TNH and DL arguably created in opposition to traditional Buddhism?

Answer 10

Due to skilful means they have created new, innovative expression of Buddhism.

Question 11

AO3: What is arguably futile to search for?

Answer 11

A definitive and universal Buddhism.

Question 12

AO3: What is arguably futile to search for?

Answer 12

A definitive and universal Buddhism.

Question 13

AO3: What have they written which shows the vagueness of its link to Buddhism?

Answer 13

Promotes kindness, walking, smiling and being kind.

Question 14

AO3: What have they presented well to the western world?

Answer 14

Mindfulness and universal principle of non-violence.

Question 15

AO3: What secular message did the DL write?

Answer 15

‘Universal responsibility is the real key to human survival’.

Question 16

AO3: What arguably fosters more Buddhist worldwide support?

Answer 16

Triratna movement - for ‘people who try to engage with the Buddha’s teachings in the conditions of the modern world’.

Question 17

AO3: What metaphysical ideas have TNH and the DL fostered?

Answer 17

Karma, rebirth and enlightenment and their link to compassion.

Question 18

AO3: What did the TNH create which can be seen as radically innovative?

Answer 18

‘Plum Village’ - a more integrated system not traditional separation of monastery and society.

Question 19

AO3: What did the DL create which can be seen as radically innovative?

Answer 19

The Mind and Life Institute - mixes Buddhism with science to identify benefits of meditation.

Question 20

Who are the contemporary Buddhist teachers?

Answer 20

• 14th Dalai Lama
• Thich Nhat Hanh

Question 21

What is Dalai Lama seen as within Tibetan Buddhism?

Answer 21

Most important leader - leader of one of four schools in Tibet.

Question 22

Who is Dalai Lama recognised as?

Answer 22

The early embodiment of Avalokitesvara and is the physical embodiment in human form of the compassion and wisdom of that bodhisattva.

Question 23

When did the Dalai Lama take his political leadership?

Answer 23

Following the death of the 13th Dalai Lama and aged 15 - in 1950.

Question 24

When did the Chinese invasion of Tibet take place?

Answer 24

1949

Question 25

What did the Dalai Lama do in 1959?

Answer 25

Fled into exile in Dharmasala in Northern India.

Question 26

What did the Dalia Lama do in 2011?

Answer 26

Stepped down as head of state - since then has encouraged the development of a secular democratic government-in-exile.

Question 27

When was the Dalai Lama awarded the Nobel peace prize?

Answer 27

1989.

Question 28

What are the DLs 3 main commitments?

Answer 28

• promotion of human values
• promotion of religious harmony
• preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture of peace and non violence.

Question 29

What has the DL become?

Answer 29

The most worldly recognised Buddhist - particularly in the West - through writing books, films and visits around the world.

Question 30

What has the DL used his position to promote?

Answer 30

• Tibetan Buddhism
• the principle of ahimsa - non violence
• socially engaged buddhism
• relationship between science and Buddhism.

Question 31

When did TNH take ordination as a monk?

Answer 31

1949.

Question 32

What was TNH involved in?

Answer 32

Peaceful protests and left the country in 1966 - returned in 2005.

Question 33

Why did TNH become known in the USA?

Answer 33

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.

Question 34

Why did TNH establish Plum Village?

Answer 34

As a base for his Buddhist beliefs and practice which he developed through a combination of Zen, Theravada and Mahayana elements.

Question 35

What is TNH known as in the West?

Answer 35

One of the best known Buddhist teachers.

Question 36

What does TNHs Order of Interbeing follow?

Answer 36

His fourteen mindfulness trainings. It upholds the importance of Socially Engaged Buddhism along with mindful walking, smiling and breathing.