The universally recognized 14th Dalai Lama has tirelessly fought for the freedom for Tibet, during and after the unlawful occupation of the Chinese. His non-violence and political involvement for Tibet had brought acknowledgment and respect from the rest of the world.
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was born in 1934 in Eastern Tibet. He was hailed his predecessor's incarnation at the age of two, and was enthroned in 1940. Traditionally, the role of the Dalai Lama is the spiritual guide and leader of Tibet, creating a symbol of security and peace. Dalai Lama's are rarely ever politically involved in Tibet.
His holiness fulfilled this traditional role up until 1949, when he assumed full power, as the threat of a Chinese invasion became evident.
The Tibetan National Assembly called together an urgent meeting, a month after the first attack from the Chinese. In this session, a then sixteen year old Dalai Lama was implored to take on the title and total command of Head of State, and abandon his home in Tibet's capital, Lhasa, and settle close to Tibet's shared border with India in Dromo, in order to remain safe. His traditional role of spiritual leader was drastically lengthened as he became the political leader of Tibet on November 17, 1950. The Dalai Lama appointed Prime Ministers and sent delegations of help and protection to the United States and the United Nations.
"I could not refuse my responsibilities. I had to shoulder them, put my boyhood behind me and immediately prepare myself to lead my country"*. The Dalai Lama made this statement referring to when his country had just been invaded in 1950. This statement shows the strong, fearless and compassionate leader Tibet was fortunate to be in possession of.
The Dalai La...
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...ina. The Dalai Lama has become an international figure for his endless struggle. He has continued to fight using non-violence, and has travelled the world educating others on Tibet's plight with China in an effort to gain support and eventually free Tibet.
Bibliography
Information Centre at Tien W'gong Buddhism Temple. (verbal)
Internet
http://www.phayul.com/images/news/articles/0504020932525T.jpg
http://www.rangzen.org/history/views.htm
http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/world/A0861546.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/audiointerviews/profilepages/lamad1.shtml
Books
Peacock, John. The Tibetan way of Life, death and rebirth', Duncan Baird Publishers, 2003, London.
Cutler, Howard C. The Art of Happiness at Work', Hodder Headline Australia, 2003, Sydney, Australia.
Farrer-Halls, Gill. The World of the Dalai Lama', Godsfield Press, 1998, London.
... will always be remembered with other great non-violent activists such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela, despite this, his determination, dedication, and selflessness will always remain unparalleled.
Mao ZeDong and Gandhi have influenced our political views and aspects on how we view our society and country today. Both used their power differently and succeeded and failed but are looked up to incorporate their theories and philosophies in our decision-makings. Noticing the experiences they encountered are the main reasons for their beliefs, which led their paths to either using violence, or non-violent acts.
Bronkhorst, Johannes. Buddhism in the Shadow of Brahmanism. Leiden: Brill, 2011. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2013).
Before any of these questions can be answered though, one must first know the origin of the conflicts between the two regions as well as the history of the Free Tibetan Movement. As said above, Tibet used to be a place that not many people knew about. This made it much easier for the Chinese government to come in and take control of the people and the land without much protest from the outside world. In fact even if other countries, like bordering India, had known, not much would have been done. This is because no nation had ever recognized Tibet as an independent country. Rather, it was the events that followed which caused the uproar. According to defected citizens of Tibet that traveled to India and then dispersed throughout the world, the Chinese started a form of spiritual cleansing. Monks and spiritual leaders that would not follow their ground rules were detained, captured or killed. The lama's of the Tibetan people were either taken as political prisoners or exiled. However, there are also those that said that some of this never happened.
In 1937, Tenzin Gyatso was chosen as the 14th Dalai Lama at the tender age of two years old. The Dalai Lama is considered to be the transcendent and sequential head of Tibet. He was able to assume his position a few years later, but had to flee his home in 1959 due to the Chinese occupation of Tibet. The Dalai Lama has worked incessantly to encourage the peaceful liberation of Tibet ever since that particular time period. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as he is entitled, has taken this specific time of his banishment to tour the world discovering what is out there and presenting Buddhism to the rest of the world as he takes in other experiences. Although quite rare, he does provide interviews where he not only converses about Buddhism, but also cautiously speaking the advantages of religious diversity in the world.
The Dalai Lama is a profound believer of peace, compassion, love and nonviolence. He is considered by Tibetan Buddhists to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion and was meant to lead the people. Even though he has had a tough time throughout most of his life time and has struggles to free his homeland from the Chinese occupation he has consistently opposed the use of violence. “He has instead advocated peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.” (The Dalai Lama A Simple Path and An Open Heart pp. 800).Dalai Lama, since then, began teaching about the Four Noble Truths, in order to demonstrate that they offer an insightful path to greater happiness for individuals, and for humanity.
Tibetan Buddhism is very distinct, both culturally and ideologically, from other forms of Buddhism and has adapted many of the pre-Buddhist Tibetan beliefs, such as, local deities and rituals into its religious, spiritual and cultural identity. The 13th century biography of Korepa (also known as Lorepa) and the 19/20th century biography of Shungseb Jetsun are both written by yogins (people who practice tantric yoga) . Despite the large chronological gap, both have lived very similar ascetic lives and have both used their lives and teaching to influence the understanding of Tibetan Buddhism to the general lay community but also the ideology and theology of Tibetan Buddhism. In this essay, I am going to evaluate what we can learn about the nature and beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism from the biographical accounts of the lives of yogins such as Korepa and Shungsep Jetsun and how this has influenced the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhists about the understanding of their religion.
The Dalai Lama XIV has also made a significant impact on Buddhist adherents, and has allowed for buddhist teachings to have a more far-reaching effect on individuals. He has done a lot of work to the expansion of Buddhism in the Western world, and has adapted the buddhist philosophy to be more understanding to adherents.
Prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King Jr. are known all around the world for teaching and practicing nonviolence while fighting for human justice and peace. They are graced throughout history books, not only for their commendable actions but for their effective manner of inducing change around the world. Although these prominent figures leave everlasting footprints on the soil of this earth, there are many more that have contributed and still contribute to the struggle of human survival.
It was told that the Dalai Lama himself is the 14th reincarnation and the last reincarnation. The Dalai Lama describes how he himself did not step on the path to Nirvana in order to help others gain enlightenment. As such it can be seen that the Dalai Lama is a pivotal role for Buddhism. The Dalai Lama is important to both individuals and communities as he is someone who is seen as a teacher and written many books in order for people to better understand buddhism. The quote “[Nirvana] can only be reached, not produced, by the Path . . . it transcends the intrinsic nature of matter . . . being attainable through special insight affected by strong effort” can be understood through how the Dalai Lama lives out his life. This is seen as the quote talks about how just learning about the path to enlightenment through the eightfold path is not enough to be on the path to Nirvana. People must also live the teachings of Buddhism in order to attain enlightenment. The Dalai Lama heavily impacts individuals and communities as the Dalai Lama himself is seen as a role model of the faith. This is seen as the Dalai Lama himself is seen as the living example of the Buddhist teachings. As such he
Rinpoche, Samdhong. Uncompromising Truth for a Compromised World: Tibetan Buddhism in Today’s World; forward by 14th Dalai Lama. (Tibet: World Wisdom, 2006), 264.
The Dalai Lama’s speech talked about what him and his people have already done. He also didn’t think what his people have done is nearly good enough. He believes that they could do more, and that they should. What he has done is not enough for him. He took a different approach into his speech but what he said is something
Humility in Lama’s pillars allows his readers to see how we depend on others and should not take advantage of that. Humor- laugh at life, life with friend or at yourself. Throughout the book Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu did not have a smile on their face once. They knew to not take life too harsh. In this lesson the main quote is “Acceptance: The Only Place Where Change Can Begin.” (223) Accept reality because there is no way to get around it. Path Of Forgiveness-Lamas readers are being told to confront the hurt and to renew the relationship with what has had hurt you to move on. Dalai Lama tells his readers “Every day, think as you wake up, “ I am fortunate to be alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it.” (241) Gratitude- “ Too much self-centered thinking is a source of suffering.” (251) Compassion. Generosity-The lesson to know in this pillar according to Lama “ Generosity is a natural
No wonder you are always alone. No one can stand your miserable company. (Peter Aufschnaiter)
Gandhi's teachings of non-violent resistance, known as satyagraha, has had a lasting effect and influence on the world today. He has been the role model for many famous, influential people such as American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. and former South African President Nelson Mandela. His continued influence can still be felt today in many non-violent peace organizations around the world bearing his name or teaching his philosophy.