TNH, DL & SEB Flashcards
Briefly, describe the early life of Thicht Nhat Hanh
Thicht Nhaht Hanh was born on October 11th in Hue, Vietnam. He studied Zen Buddhism from the age of 16, and was ordained in 1951.
What influence did the Vietnam War have on Thich Nhaht Hanh and the development of Socially Engaged Buddhism (SEB hehehe)?
During the Vietnam War, TNH developed a bridge between the ideals of compassion for all beings in Buddhist ideology and real world applications to a larger extent than previously seen (which was in part due to karmatic fatalism*).
Throughout the war, TNH and his followers assisted in aiding the wounded and displaced, as well as campaigning and protesting peacefully - although the use of self-immolation by some has been seen as controversial. Some would argue this is violent, others may argue it is an act of great compassion - such as the immolation of Thich Quan Duc.
How has TNH modified some Buddhist ideas to be compatible with SEB?
TNH has modified a number of Buddhist ideas to be more compatible with SEB: primarily, rephrasing a number of precepts to become active instead of passive morally - for example: as opposed to merely refraining from theft [passive], one should actively attempt to prevent the ineffective* action from occuring.
*[the morality of deeds is often preferably referred to as effective or ineffective to the attainment of Nibbana by Buddhists]
Following his exile from Vietnam, where did Thich Nhat Hanh relocate?
Thich Nhaht Hanh relocated to Paris in 1966, and was offically denied re-entry to Vietnam at the end of the war in 1975, however he briefly assisted refugees fleeing by sea. By 1982, he relocated to Bordeaux in Southern France, founding the monastery and community at Plum Village which has become the largest Buddhist monastery in Europe.
What influence has TNH had on Buddhism in the West, and how has he achieved this?
TNH has written over 130 books on Buddhism and its application, and has majorly contributed to the development of a more palletable form of Buddhism for Western Societies. TNH has highly advocated Mindfullness, and mindful living - taking every action meaningfully and with awareness.
This has become successful in the West; the cultural differences of Western socities do not support the monastic culture of Eastern Buddhist schools, and as such, Buddhism which can be applied in daily life has become preferred and advocated for by TNH. Socially Engaged Buddhism has also been compatible with Westerns
What are some controversies surrounding SEB?
Controversies around SEB include the following:
- Some do not agree that TNH has the authority to modify long standing traditions, or Dharma; such as the modification of precepts from passive to active.
- The counter-argument for this could be that SEB is fully inline with the ideas of compassion and path of the Bodhisattva. Furthermore, as stated by the Buddha “Whatever is spoken truly, that is what I call the Dharma”, there is an argument that modifying precepts for greater compassion is highly compatible with the original Dharma
- Some forms of protest, especially self-immolations are argued to not be peaceful. Self-immolation could be seen as an act of great personal violence.
- Furthermore, due to the general belief in the system of Karma, some may argue that intervening to help another is not needed as they are simply paying off their karmatic debt.
- Both of these arguments can be countered by teachings on compassion
How has Buddhism interfaced with religions in the West?
Teachers such as TNH have supported the interface between Buddhism and Western religions, especially Abrahamic religions. The Rock Edicts 7 & 12 of Emperor Ashoka also support the compatibility of Buddhism with other religions: to not reject their views, but to have an open and informed view of all. Modern influential Buddhists such as TNH and the DL have further supported the idea that Buddhist ideas can be incorporated and practised by anyone, regardless of the religion they follow, without necessarily rejecting their other beliefs.
Briefly, what is the Dalai Lama tradition and role in Tibetian society?
The Dalai Lama is the political head of the Tibetan state, fitting the role of a king. He is also the head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
What are the religious schools present in Tibet?
Schools of Tibetan Buddhism from most recently founded to earliest:
- Gelug: c.1409
- Sakya: c.11th century
- Kagyu: c.11th century
- Nyingma: c.8th century
Schools of Bon:
- Old Bon - Bon influenced by Nyingma Buddhism
- Yungdrung Bon - pre-Buddhist indigenous shamanistic religion of Tibet
- New Bon - Bon highly influenced by Buddhism
Describe the life of the 14th Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama was born in 1935 in Tibet, and was identified as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama following the successful identification of the former Lama’s objects (except a new walking stick). He was then taken to Lhasa and the Potala Palace in 1939.
Following the annexation of Tibet by the CCP, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee to Dharamsala, India, in 1959: following this, a Tibetian government was formed in exile and a community was built in Dharamsala and other places outside of Tibet.
There has been a debate around the issue of the 15th Dalai Lama: with the ongoing occupation of Tibet and probable death of the Panchen Rinpoche, there has been problems with finding the next reincarnation when the time comes. The Dalai Lama has stated that his reincarnation will be found outside of Tibet in Tibetan communities in exile, and could potentially even be female unlike all other prior reincarnations
What contributions has the Dalai Lama made to the spread of Buddhism into the West?
The Dalai Lama has become a significant face of Buddhism, and has substiantally influenced the spread of Buddhism into Western countries - he has given many lectures and talks, written many books on Buddhism and advocated the spread of Mindfulness. His contributions also include support for anti-war campaigns, nuclear disarmament and the freedom of Tibet. The influence of the Dalai Lama has greatly assisted the substantial spread of Buddhism into the West
What are the contributions and views on the compatibility between science and Buddhism according to the Dalai Lama?
The Mind and Life Institute is a scientific research body which since its inception in 1991 has researched the neuroscience surrounding meditation and Buddhist practices, as well as societal impacts of Buddhism. This society has engaged with many other research bodies, especially universities, and was founded by R.A. Eagle, with a key relationship with the Dalai Lama; allowing an interface between the DL and modern science.
