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Dalai Lama - Politics and Religion

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By Patty Inglish, MS


With President Bush (public domain)
With President Bush (public domain)

A Lifelong Calling and Mission

The Dalai Lama of Tibet works with a mission to increase the recognition of human rights around the world, for every human being. In addition, he seeks religious harmony and understanding along world religions; he wishes people to focus on the similarities of the religions, most of which want peace.

He wishes also that traditions of religions be respected by other religions, believing himself that multiple religions are necessary in a world of peoples.

His third life's purpose, as it were, is to establish recognition of human rights and freedoms in Tibet.

In March of 1959, the Dalai Lama was invited by some Chinese Officials to join them at an entertainment event. He was then sent a list of conditions for the event, including not having any Tibetan military personnel with him.

After performing religious questionings as per tradition, the Dalai Lama disguised himself as a foot-soldier on March 17 (St. Patrick's Day in the West, interestingly) and fled Tibet in order to thwart a capture and possible execution.


Ongoing Political Conflict

The Dalai Lama of Tibet has long criticized China politically for its stances of "unimaginable and gross' human rights violations" against Tibet and its peoples.

The Dalai Lama was exiled and fled to India and Pakistan in 1949 after unsuccessfully standing against Chinese invasion of Tibet. Some political analysts conclude that the Dalai Lama increases his political criticism of China in order to help bring down the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. Forty-nine years after his exile, the Dalai Lama has upgraded his verbal attacks, severely scolded China in speeches in Dharamsala, India and elsewhere: "For nearly six decades, Tibetans have had to live in a state of constant fear under Chinese repression."

On the other hand, Chinese officials maintain that the Dalai Lama wishes to destroy the success of August 2008 Beijing Summer Games in retaliation for his defeat in Tibet and exile to India and Pakistan. Some officials claim that the Dalai Lama is the head of a coalition of conspiracies perpetrated in an attempt to prevent the Summer Games form occurring. However, no particulars or details have been given. While the Dalai Lama maintains that he no longer wants independence for Tibet, he seeks a larger religious and political independence for the country. However, some Chinese officials claim that he wants both to provide independence from China for Tibet and to ruin the Beijing Olympics in a bid to gain sympathy for his political and religious cause.


"An Open Heart." Compassion.

Dalai Lama at the White House

Dalai Lama Speaks at Woodstock

Tibetan Culture. Tribute to the Dalai Lama.

Underground Movie: Tears of Tibet

David Bowie: Seven Years in Tibet

Dalai Lama - Politics and Religion in the News

  • India to China: Dalai Lama an 'honored guest'Phayul1 second ago

    Tibet's exiled Dalai Lama is an "honored guest" in India and will not be barred from visiting a disputed border area despite China's strong protests, India's prime minister said Sunday after talks with the Chinese premier.

  • Rudd snub, but Victoria welcomes Dalai LamaThe Age24 hours ago

    He may have been snubbed by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, but the Dalai Lama will be warmly welcomed to Victoria's Parliament House on Wednesday for a special talk to MPs.

  • Dalai Lama hope to return Tibet in his lifeNew Kerala20 hours ago

    Shimla, Dec 05 : Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama is still hopeful of returning to Tibet in this lifetime and hopes to be reborn many times after his death, according to a book published recently.

  • Dalai Lama speaks to large audience in AucklandOtago Daily Times33 hours ago

    Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama addressed over 1000 people today at Auckland's Vector Arena on the subject of "A Peaceful Mind". In New Zealand at the invitation of the Tibetan Buddhist community, he will hold a teaching session at the same venue tomorrow.

Comments

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stephhicks68 profile image

stephhicks68  says:
2 years ago

Very interesting. I read this yesterday when you first posted it. But it definitely merits a second read. Nice work, Patty!

Zsuzsy Bee profile image

Zsuzsy Bee  says:
2 years ago

Great Hub Patty! The Dalai Lama's teachings have been an inspiration for me it seems like forever. It's my life long secret wish to travel to Nepal and get closer and to experience some of his teachings upclose.

Great HUB as always regards Zsuzsy

Angela Harris profile image

Angela Harris  says:
2 years ago

I really enjoyed this. The Dalai Lama is a real inspiration. He reminds me so much of Ghandi.

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS  says:
2 years ago

Thank you all for the lovely comments. I enjoy it very much when each of you visit my Hubs. I am always blessed by each of your comments.

People who have visited both the Dalai Lama and Pope John Paul II have stated that when they approached either gentleman, they felt as if they were standing at the portal to heaven and the eternal. I believe it.

goldenmala  says:
16 months ago

Below is a link to a documentary about the Dalai Lama that give rise to questions about his mixing of politics and religion. Is the Dalai Lama a religious dictator?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5sOm-uQH9Y

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS  says:
16 months ago

Thanks for another perspective, goldenmala; now people who read this will have more information upon which to make up their own minds.

tonyL  says:
15 months ago

2500 years ago Gautama Sakyamuni Buddha gave up his luxurious and powerful princely position inorder to pursue the ultimate truth. He had remained impoverish and steadfast to this ideal - a sacrifice that had enabled him to achieve great pure enlightenment.

gautama gave up "politics" so to speak but dalai lama seems to indulge and embroil himself.so what is dalai lama really up to - enlightenment or mudslinging?apparently i have just made a post on my site about this issue on DL. feel free to visit : tllow.wordpress.com

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS  says:
15 months ago

Thanks for the additional information, tonyL.

Dirk  says:
6 months ago

is the Dalai Lama a democrat?

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