important people in peace Flashcards
What is the role of the Dalai Lama in promoting peace? (Or how has he promoted peace) (3)
In 1987 he attempted to promote peace through addressing the UN congress and proposing to them a ‘Five point peace plan’ for Tibet, thus promoting peace.
Largely well known for his peaceful protests for the liberation of Tibet. This is all done despite the aggression that he faced by China, and yet still constantly advocated for policies of non-violence in Tibet.
He has engaged with scientists to help individuals achieve peace of mind
What are some examples of important people in Buddhism who promote peace? (4)
Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai
Who is the Dalai Lama?
He is the spiritual leader of Tibet. The Dalai Lama is perceived to be a bodhisattva (a reincarnation of a sentient being who want to help others achieve Buddhahood). He is accredited with bringing Buddhism to more Western cultures
Who is Thich Nhat Hanh?
Born in Vietnam, he was ordained as a monk at the age of 16 and soon became a prominent social activist and speaker around the world, and establishing several institutions teaching or applying Buddhist beliefs and values to community service during the 1960s. However, he was exiled from Vietnam 1966, and invited back in 2005
He also formed many new Buddhist monasteries
What is the role of the Thich Nhat Hanh in promoting peace? (Or how has he promoted peace) (5)
In the 1960s, he formed a grassroot foundation named School of Youth and Social service which is based on the Buddhist principles of non-violence and compassionate action
He travelled to the US and Europe to attempt to end the Vietnam War
Travelled widely, spreading the message of peace, brotherhood and the peaceful Buddhist ideals
Founded ‘Wake Up’ which is a worldwide movement of thousands of young people training in mindful living, thus promoting mindfulness
His death in January of 2022 ultimately created peace worldwide, where people around the world observed a week of mindfulness and peace in respect for him
What was part of the five point peace plan for Tibet that was suggested by the Dalai Lama?
Transformation of the whole of Tibet into a zone of peace
Abandonment of China’s population transfer policy
Respect for the human rights and democratic freedoms for Tibetan people
Restoration and protection of Tibet’s natural environment
Negotiations on future of Tibet with Tibetan and Chinese people
Who is Daisaku Ikeda?
Daisaku Ikeda is a Japanese Buddhist who was the founding president of Soka Gakkai International, the largest international Buddhist community for lay people to engage in community services around the world. Under his leadership, Soka Gakkai International spread around the world (with around 12 mill worldwide from more than 150 countries)
What is the role of Daisaku Ikeda in promoting peace? (Or how has he promoted peace) (3)
Formed the Soka Gakkai International organisation which has been engaged in peace across the world. He has also formed other peaceful organisations
Has been advocating for worldwide nuclear disarmament
Has had dialogue with different leaders, scholars and individuals around the world in the fields related to peace
How has Soka Gakkai International contributed to peace? (4)
Has been engaged in peace proposals and movements worldwide
Engaging in practical humanitarian efforts in communities
In 1957, Toda (the then president of Soka Gakkai) called for a complete ban on nuclear weapons, receiving 10 mill signatures
Established research facilities and institutions which promote peace such as the Institute of Oriental philosophy, and the Ikeda Centre of Peace
How have the actions of these people promoting world peace, contribute to the acceptance or rejection of Buddhism? (3)
Acts as ideals. When people see that these well known speakers on peace (with most of them getting a Nobel peace Prize), many will want to know how they got their perspectives on peace, and thus turn to Buddhism for the answers for peace
Furthermore, many of the institutions established by these people who attempt to convey ideas of peace have a religious sense to it. This is seen for example in the Ikeda Centre of Peace which provides a Buddhist view on attempting to achieve peace. Organisations such as this has seen massive success in recent years
These people express their perspectives of peace with Buddhist ideals and values. This means that those who listen to these Buddhists who are preaching about peace also learn about Buddhism, and are thus perhaps more likely to turn to accepting Buddhism
