Tara Brown
Heather Curan
Philosophy and Religion-HUM 400
May 9, 2011

Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama was a god known as the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet. He lived in a

homeland called Lhaso. Tibetan culture is the way which the position of spiritual and secular

leader practice Buddhism. One aspect of the Dalai Lama’s training differs symbolically. He

read important scriptures from the Bible and attended many meetings in his spare time.

In 1954, he looked at the rewards of Communism. Chinese soldiers attacked and

destroyed Tibetan religious institutions. He complained to Chairman Mao. He quoted,

“Religion is poison.” Dalai Lama concluded what a horrible thing it was.

In 1956, he accepted Prime Minister Nehru’s invitation. While he was at the celebration,

Nehru warned him about the war in Tibet. Dalai Lama went on with his monastic studies.

While he resided in his summer home, he almost got kidnapped by the Chinese forces. His only

escape was to leave India immediately. He continued with the campaign saving Tibet from

there. Two weeks later, he reached India for a new beginning.

His young life in India was very different than his life in his homeland. Now he took full

charge of his life and creates policies with his personal principles. After he arrived in India,

he continued reform in the community. He opened settlement communities and monasteries.

He preserved the Tibetan cultural symbol for devastation and genocide. He symbolized his

contact with political leaders, scientists, musicians, psychologists, and other walks of life.

Dalai Lama became a major descendant in India. His documentary on the Christian gospels,

entitled “The Good Heart: A Buddist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus Christ.” This

book discusses the practices and teachings of Buddhism culture. 2

The world of Dalai Lama existed. Some people were astonished by him. His smile and

unique laugh were known to millions of people around the world. He spent most of his time

traveling Tibetan communities and giving lessons met by many participants.

Disease, malnutrition, and the hardship of journey killed tens of thousands.

Tibetan principle acknowledges three vehicles to reach the closing purpose of Buddhism.

These techniques come from similar levels of spiritual development from a Buddhist healer.

The first principle is Theravada. It is self-discipline versus self-emancipation.

Several monks practice this discipline. The second principle is Mahayana. It is a path to

philosophical insight in lifesaving. The third principle is Vajrayana. It is a way of tantic rites

and mystical meditations. Dalai Lama spent fourteen to twenty years studying the first two vehicles prior to getting

ready for the tantras. These three principles set forth the rituals, mystical meditation, and spells

that led to Supreme Wisdom. Tibet’s three ways made the country a virtual museum of

Buddhism.

In the early years of the Chinese workforce, more than 1.2 million Tibetans died.

The Chinese destroyed more than 6,200 monasteries. They jailed the monks and nuns.

They stole jewels, gold, silver, statues, and other holy treasures. They went back to China and

purchased them. They also burned their sacred scriptures.

In the 1990’s, they led campaigns to convince Tibetans to leave their important document

about Buddhism and Dalai Lama. They seized private houses for religious purposes and forbid

government laborers from transporting their children to Buddhist schools. It is against the law

for anyone to own a Buddhist shrine or to hold a photograph of a Dalai Lama.

3

In 1995, the Dalai Lama selected a six-year old boy to be the next Panchen Lama. He is

the second highest religious figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Someday he will be the fifteenth

Dalai Lama. The Chinese refused the Dalai Lama’s choice and put in another boy.

In 1999, the fifteen-year-old boy whom Dalai Lama had selected as Karmapa, escaped

from Tibet. Karmapa was another high-ranking symbol. They made an attempt to discontinue

his studies so he left and disobeyed.

The next year, Chinese authorities forced more than 800 monks and nuns to leave their

monasteries. Nevertheless, there were more than 12,000 monks and nuns imprisoned when

the Chinese took over.

Dalai Lama maintained a government-in-exile in Daharamsala, India. India allowed him

and his people to preside over India’s laws. In 1989, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his

diplomatic energy to emancipate his homeland. Tibet will again be free and its people will

worship as they choose. He is the world’s Buddhist, who symbolizes the benefits of knowledge,

sympathy, patience, and mannerism. He is truly a Buddhist ambassador to all whom knew him

in its Buddhist culture.

Sources

Landaw, Jonathan and Bodian, Stephan, “Buddhism for Dummies,” Chapter 15, “Four Modern
Buddhist Masters” pages 291-297

Wangu Madhu Bazaz, “Buddhism World Religions;” Chapter 4, “The Varieties of Buddhism,” page 67
“Buddhism Today”; Chapter 8; pages 114-117