Essay on The Dalai Lama: A Path to Greater Happiness

In today 's world, the role of technology has become primal and a necessity in our daily lives. In The Dalai Lama, we are able to see the astounding capabilities that the new technological advancements are able to do. However, to only a certain extent are these advancements beneficial, as these improvements can as well lead to serious matters in regards to our system of ethics and moral reasoning. By being able to establish a limit on the use of these advancements, it is possible to create a balance between the benefits of the technological improvements and being able to maintain a system of global ethics. The role of genetic manipulation, cloning and selection of traits all have potential in providing humanity with assistance in making daily living an unchallenging asset.

The Dalai Lama is known to be the figurehead to Buddhism. The most recognized Dalai Lama’s are probably the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, and the third Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso. The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso states: "From one viewpoint, Buddhism is a religion, from another viewpoint Buddhism is a science of mind and not a religion. Buddhism can be a bridge between these two sides. Therefore, with this conviction I try to have closer ties with scientists, mainly in the fields of cosmology, psychology, neurobiology and physics. In these fields there are insights to share, and to a certain extent we can work together.” Tenzin Gyatso was appointed as the Dalai Lama the age of two, and was formally recognized when he was 15. Because assassination is a common problem with political leaders and religious leaders, he fled from Tibet and stationed himself and thousands of refugees in Dharamsala Himachal Pradesh, India. He preaches as well as practices the importance of nonviolence and peace and significance of compassion as Ghandi once did. The Dalai Lama has received many types of recognitions, one being the Nobel Peace

In the midst of these occurrences, The Dalai Lama gained attention amongst many religions. In reinforcing his message of coexistence with others, he was travelling around the world, organizing occasions and teaching the significance of living in unity. His endeavors gained him the title of Tibetan leader, who spread his teaching regardless of nationality, race or religious background. The Dalai Lama asserts that his role is promoting unity, love and other elements that promote tolerance

The expression and development of the Buddhist Religious Traditions has been significantly affect by the life teachings and direction of the XIV Dalai Lama. The expression of the faith has been advanced not only by the Dalai Lama’s writings and establishments of Buddhist places of knowledge but perhaps most importantly by the living witness of the man to the teachings of the tradition. This example has allowed for the development and impact on the teachings and worship on individuals. This has also allowed for the development of the faith through the Dalai Lama’s ability to connect Buddhism to the Western world and by him taking the role of representing to the world, The Buddhist tradition and his talks to religious leaders around the world

While reading a chapter in Ideas Across Time I came across a portion of text written by the Dalai Lama. In the excerpt from The Art of Happiness, there was one statement that caused me to pause and reflect on my own Life and the journey that I have taken. The Dalai Lama commented that a person should strive to be good even though that person does not participate in any form or religion. I used to think that as long as I was a good and just person that was all God expected from me. I felt that was more than enough. Besides, with all of the scandals present involving pastors, who in their right mind would want anything to do with religion. It would take some time, but I would later learn that my spiritual life has nothing to do with other people.

The Dalai Lama is the Tibetans’ political and spiritual leader. He is the most important leader in Tibet. The Dalai Lama is a monk of the Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso. Tenzin Gyatso was born Lhamo Thondup on July 6, 1935, in Taktser, China. He has been a monk all his life.

Happiness is one of the highest regarded human sentiments in moral philosophy. Most ethical theories take happiness into consideration in some way. The Dalai Lama’s proposal of ethics is no exception, as his ideas are based off the principle of achieving happiness. The Dalai Lama asserts that everyone is the same, in that everyone is a human being who wishes to be happy and avoid suffering. As much as happiness is considered in moral philosophy, there are many different interpretations of what happiness is and how it can be achieved.

How does the Dalai Lama define apathy? Using this definition, discuss how apathy might manifest at following energy centers: Root, Sacral, Solar, Heart and Throat. Be sure to provide supporting details and examples.

With his judiciously selected words and what can be designated as acceptance of religious diversity that derives from Buddhist teachings, the Dalai Lama’s responses designate a view of strict Buddhist certainty. It can even come across as being related to or even near religious exclusivism. He speaks of love and kindness toward others clearly resulting from Buddhist principles. An initial peek of him, one may deduce that he is a spiritual man with a view that all faiths have some certainty and are well-intentioned of faith. However, one can further comment and research and see that this is a divine being that trusts that Buddhism is the only route of certainty. Hick’s theory of pluralism proposes no faith is the single and lone reality and

The quotes reveal specific aspects of religion and what certain religions mean to different people. For the Dalai Lama religion is about bettering you and not criticizing others. Abraham Lincoln states that “The almighty has his own purposes” meaning that if you believe in a higher power you should not be fully dependent upon that power. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk says that without religion a nation isn’t able to survive. Religion is a key aspect to society and without the constructs of it moral codes and ethics society would crumble. Deepak Chopra mentions that a key part of religion is to serve others, to put your needs behind those of others. Important institutions that religions today take full to heart through initiatives like St Vinnie’s and the United Religions Initiative teaching peace and love between all peoples no matter what they believe. Paramahansa Yogananda believes that religion is about learning who you are as a person and becoming aware of yourself, he phrases it as “self-realisation”. He believes it is the only form of religion no matter what other

Both leaders, John Paul II and the Dalai Lama, employ some of their religious tradition on their view of the relationship between religion and morality. First, the Dalai Lama mentions, in Ethics for the New Millennium, that his book is not about Buddhist ethics and is “not a religious book.” He further emphasizes that he is looking more universally beyond religion and more into moral spirituality. Although these statements might be true, anyone that has analyzed the basics of Buddhist philosophies can evidently see the parallel between his views on everyday life ethics and Buddhist ethics. For example, the Dalai Lama accents the basics of ethics as the desire for inner peace and how to cope/prevent suffering from arising. In comparison, Buddhism teaches the four noble truths, which is the central beliefs containing the essence of Buddhist teachings; it examines the reason humans suffer and how to subsist it with happiness and unity. Since Buddhism is seen more as a philosophy, or 'way of life,' it is understandable that the Dalai Lama can easily speak about

Tibet is a peaceful country, which has never threatened another nation and has been regarded as one of the most religious countries in the world. However, in 1950, China invaded and annexed Tibet, asserting that Tibet should be justly under its control. Chinese invaders assert that the Tibetans have signed agreements that proposed the China to occupy Tibet to "help" the Tibetans. The Chinese claim to have greatly improved the conditions of Tibet, bringing them such luxuries as electricity and roads. Despite all of these claims, China has, in reality, illegally occupied Tibet, manipulated Tibetans, oppressed the religion, transferred many Chinese people to Tibet, slaughtered thousands of Tibetans, violated the rights of Tibetans,

Among world leaders, there is no one like His Holiness the Dalai Lama, religious and political leader of Tibet and winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize. Brought up from an unusual childhood, he became head of the state of Tibet at age 16, and was later forced into exile by the Chinese government. Despite all the hardship he had to endure he does not give up his fight for freedom and treats all sentiment beings with love and compassion. Through his fight for freedom, he has proven himself to be the spiritual and political leader whom the people of Tibet love.

Hosting the Dalai Lama means that Santa Clara University wants to have its students become leaders with values. Values such as compassion, awareness, and intelligence will make a leader that not only is well respected by coworkers but also trusted in their position of management. The Dalai Lama teaches how important it is to have ethics and compassion engrained in a lifestyle and business world. Students attending this seminar will be exposed to a new kind of knowledge allowing them to learn how to work and lead effectively. I believe that Santa Clara University is making a mark on students that goes beyond their college years or career. It realizes the importance that lies in technical knowledge and life skills.

In the last fifty years, some of the most prominent figures in the quest for peace, justice and equal opportunity have been those that have fought the worst conditions in admirable non-violent ways. People like Nelson Mandela have paved the way for equality in places where the thought of it was repulsive amongst those who enjoyed the privilage of not being affected. Those like the Dalai Lama have worked tirelessly to end the idea of differences due to race, origin or school of thought. However, even though both Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama have worked for the same ultimate goal of peace and prosperity for all people, they had very different stances on the issues that confront them and many others. While the Dalai Lama taught from a religious perspective within Buddhism, Nelson Mandela drew from the example of Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, working with the idea of irrevocable freedoms that all people should know and respect.