Perspectives on Religion of Dalai Lama’s

Tenzin Gyatso and the Dalai Lama

Tenzin Gyatso was the Dalai Lama’s given name at birth. He was proclaimed the fourteenth Dalai Lama at the age of two, giving him the possibility to be Tibet’s spiritual and temporal leader. In 1950, he took over as head from his predecessor. He was compelled to quit Tibet nine years later because to personal and ideological conflicts with other Chinese officials. He was well-known around the world for calling for Tibet’s nonviolent liberation. Although the freedom he was working for has not yet occurred in Tibet, going into exile assisted him in spreading Buddhist beliefs and practices around the world. He has had many interviews where he talks about Buddhism and benefits associated with embracing religious diversity in the world. Throughout his discussion, Dalai Lama appears to agree with the John Hick’s theory of variety in religion upon which closer scrutiny reveals otherwise. The Dalai Lama’s acceptance and tolerance of other religious beliefs, in reality, is full of religious exclusivism. This paper, therefore, uses the John Hick’s theory of religious pluralism as the basis of the discussion which Dalai Lama had with His Holiness by Jose Ignacio Cabezon. This article gives details of how Dalai Lama supports religious multiplicity and goes on to agree with the John Hick’s theory on varying issues, but maintains an exclusivist perspective concerning Buddhism.

Dalai Lama’s Interview, Argument, and Objection

Dalai Lamas responses throughout the interview revolved around the integration of the two most popular religions namely Christianity and Buddhism. Many of his responses are straightforward, as he does not want to be quoted out of the context or misjudged on the kind of incorporation the questioner tries to portray. Nevertheless, Lama affirms that if what the investigator states about two religions coexisting well in the society are right then it is possible they may in the future live go together much better. Personally, I agree with the Dalai Lama’s statement that Christians can at will borrow Buddhist ideas and integrate them into their lives with ease due to similarities between two religions. Furthermore, there exist standard teachings between these religions. For example, lessons on love, being compassionate for the less fortunate and kind to one another are found in both Christian and Buddhist teachings. Moreover, there are no limit as to what extent people can adopt other religious doctrines and practices (Hewitt 538). For example, a Christian can decide to get tenets on meditation, concentrations and one pointedness of the mind which are solemnly Buddhist teaching, but find relevance even in daily life of a Christian.

Dalai Lama’s Perspective on Religious Conflict

From different perspectives, Dalai Lama points out that different religions cannot come into conflict unless philosophical ideas controversies occur. Various religious groups seem to have a general standpoint about their doctrine and what people expect (Flores 68). Muslims as well as Christians and Buddhist desire to attain permanent happiness through their religions. It is common for three religions to strive for ensuring their followers become better human beings who are gentle to one another and the environment around them. Lama in his response asserts that there exists a common ground where both Christianity and Buddhism overlap. He proceeds that human thinking is the same regardless of religious affiliation. Consequently, when a person is wholly or primarily in religious conviction, the sphere of morality ought to be the foundation of the purview of worship. Different religions have diverse features and practices, and it is what distinguishes one religion from another. The diversities represent the various cultures and values of different people; hence, respecting other people’s ways of expression is ethical living.

Beliefs and Practices of Different Religions

Beliefs and practices of one religion conflict with that of the other religion for no reason. The controversy between different religions has been in existence for a long time. Dalai Lama confirms that religious debate is something that has been long affecting Buddhism just like any other religions. Dalai Lama proceeds providing evidences to justify his assertions. He gives the theory emptiness and the philosophy of selflessness to explain how both relate with Buddhism (Hewitt 538). Lama explains that Buddhist care about other people welfare. He goes on to say it is through the spirit to care for other people that teachings on self-sacrifice are developed and advanced which help ensure Buddhist help those in need without seeking recognition in return. They voluntarily agreed to help due to what they have learned through religion. Dalai Lama explains that other faiths teach their followers to be mindful of other people’s welfare and help those in need. He says other religions just like Buddhism encourage their members to help others not only in matters relating to religion but other issues of their life affecting (Eddy 45). Dalai Lama says from the explanation he has given, all religions are the same therefore conflicts should not exist between religions. The Dalai Lama’s argument on the subjects are regarded as universal ideas due to the world today is primarily advocating for teachings that promote peaceful coexistence among various groups of people. Differences in religious beliefs and practices should not generate conflict. For example, Buddhist do not believe in God as the creator of the Earth, while on the contrary, Christians regard Him as all that is in the Earth. Such beliefs and doctrines should not produce collision among people. Dalai compares such diversities as the taste of food, which varies depending on a person’s preferences.

Response to the Dalai’s Argument

Everyone has a right to belong to whatever religion they wish to be identified with. Therefore, it is wrong to criticize someone who relates to a dissimilar religion. On the other hand, if one has chosen to belong to particular religions is wise to follow its teachings and practices it thoroughly without fear. It is not right for people to be biased when it comes to beliefs. Biasness makes one not see the good things associated with other religions. Most of the times, perceptions are not what truly exists, therefore, hinder one’s mind from understanding and appreciating other religions. The response portrays Dalai as the spiritual humanism leader due to his ability to communicate with different faiths freely without questioning the morality of their religion and religious tenets (Hewitt 45). The discussion enables Lama to give his idea of ethics that is a form of natural, spiritual and morally upright that indicate some abilities in people are universal and are the foundation of the superlative ethical and religious theories (Eddy 143). The Lama’s argument in all ways is what good advice to people should be like.

Dalai Lama’s Thoughts on an Ideal Religion

Dalai Lama gives his thought at length on what he considered an ideal religion for humanity. He believes integration between various religions is difficult due to different doctrinal teachings associated with each religion (Flores 72). He remains committed to developing a practical guide to ethical living that is based on common dogmas such compassion, love, kindness, and mercy for others, not necessarily those who belong to the same religious group. His words advocate for changing and transforming people to ensure justice and equity of all religions. The Lama’s sentiments are applied to all faiths. His words find the meaning to all people, as they will result in a more peaceful world we all desire to have. I agree with the Lama’s thinking that religious tolerance will solve many problems the world currently facing.

Conclusion

To sum up, Dalai Lama is passionate about different religions coexisting in peace, compassion, love, kindness, and mercy. He wishes to see non-religious people treated with respect for their choice not to be recognized as being associated with any religion. It is hard to integrate diverse people of the world and their faith, but he believes people should strive for embracing other religious conviction. All human beings have resemblances, thus, the discrimination based on religion should be not be allowed. Differences in religious doctrines should not be a source of conflict. Peaceful existence of varying religious groups will decide many issues the world is presently experincing. There is the need to create healthy relationships among myriad religions to decipher stereotypes that provide controversies among people of different faiths. All people irrespective of their religious desire to live blissfully. Since all religions are aimed at helping, their members lead better lives they should not be a source of conflict again. All religions seem to have similar emphases such as love, compassion; tolerance and forgiveness, which are intended for ensuring people, live in peace and harmony.

References

Eddy, Paul R. John Hick’s Pluralist Philosophy of World Religions. United States: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2015.

Flores, Ruben. “Making Sense of Suffering: Insights from Buddhism and Critical Social Science”. World Suffering and Quality of Life, no. 56, 2015, pp. 65-73, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-94-017-9670-5_5. Accessed 7 Jan. 2014.

Hewitt, Harold Jr. Problems in the Philosophy of Religion: Critical Studies of the Work of John Hick. Dordrecht: Springer, 2016.