The Relationship Between Morality and Religion in the Dalai Lama and John Pope Ii Perspective

Most  religious  leaders  come  to  power  through  elections  or  appointment.          However,  the  leader  of  the  Gelug  school  of  Tibetan  Buddhism,  the  Dalai  Lama,  is  simply  found.          Buddhists  believe  in    reincarnation,    the  idea  that  a  person’s  soul  never  dies  and  is  instead  born  into  a  new  body.          Additionally,    the  death  of  one  Dalai  Lama  spurs  the  quest  for  a  young  person  born  with  that  special  soul. The  search  for  the  fourteenth 

The Tripitaka provides direction for people on topics that are morally grey. Through the Buddhist history, the link between politics and religion has been great as many of the political rulers have also been the religious leaders. For instance, Dalai Lamas of Tibet connects religion and politics by ruling the political entity through his religious Buddhist beliefs. In each of these religions there is insight for understanding the society in which it exists, as well as in the comparison of these religions and their relationships with morality in society. By examining these three examples, Islamic culture, Christian economics and Buddhist politics, it is apparent how each of the religions are intricately connected with society. Secondly, many religious institutions consider themselves to be privileged arbiters of morals and to have expertise in matters of religion and morality. Many people today believe this to be true, and many are still in denial. The teachings about moral values in religious institutions are continually present in society, which then influences the beliefs of people, parents, on morality. For example, “many parents who are not themselves religious nevertheless consider that the education of their children should include some moral instruction based on religious traditions encouraged by religious institutions of the society in which they live ” (Rand,

For some, the choice of Vegetarianism is decided based on religious beliefs or practices. Vegetarianism is compatible with the major world religions—the Eastern Religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the Abrahamic Religions (Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Bahá'í Faith). Among these, it is most commonly practiced by those of the Buddhist, Christian and Islamic faith. Vegetarianism within the Buddhist culture is taught along with the “Four Noble Truths,” which focus on the acts of suffering. Since the Buddhist faith accepts the idea of karma, it is believed that in order to maintain a life of peace and happiness and remain free of suffering, one must refrain from the harming, injuring or killing of any living being. As part of the Christian faith, animal cruelty is forbidden. The teachings of Jesus Christ focus on the ideas of love, compassion, mercy and acceptance. Although the question of eating meat is not directly addressed in Christian doctrine it can be implied that since animals are a creation of God and the idea of love for all of God’s creations is heavily stressed in the Christian faith, then out of Christian love on should lead a life

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.

Not all people who are religious have sound morals, just as not all people who are atheistic are immoral. In his article, John Arthur discusses why religion does not depend on morality and morality does not depend on religion. Arthur seeks to alter the perspective of those who believe religion is necessary within a society to have a proper moral code. Many believe religion provides a purpose in life, a motivation to do what is right, and a set list of guidelines to follow in order to be a good person.

According to George Washington, morality can only be maintained or exist when religion is there to guide it. While this may seem like a simple concept to understand, matters of religion and morality are more complex. Many religions have value systems regarding virtues and morals that are meant to guide their followers in determining between right and wrong; however, just because a person is religious does not necessarily mean they are moral and just because a person is moral does not necessarily

Ethics can be defined as ‘Human moral conduct according to principles of what is good or right to do’. In Christianity there are certain ethical teachings, mainly The Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, and Jesus’ commandments of love. The Ten Commandments are derived from the Old Testament which defines what people must do in order to serve God faithfully and gives direction on how to live a life according to the covenant and in essence to be a good Christian person. In the New Testament the Beatitudes and Jesus’ commandments of love are found. With love being the main concept of these teachings, they and the Ten Commandments can be seen as alike as they

I put no stock in religion. By the word "œreligion" I´ve seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of God. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. And goodness, what God desires, is here [pointing to Balian´s head] and here [pointing to Balian´s heart]. By what you decide every day, you will be a good man. Or not.

These individuals are known to be experts of morality. The chapter proposes two reasons as to why these individuals are called upon so frequently. One, for those who believe and have some sort of religious back round, and second, for those who believe in what is called a “scientific view” of the world. This chapter presents the idea that there is some popular belief that religion and morality go hand in hand and that in order to understand morality, you must understand religion. It is explained that when we view morality from a religious perspective, we give meaning to morality in a way that a “good man” made this world that we currently live in and that we are his children. While the book proposes the question that people who believe in God, or a higher power, base their values on what those religions state is right or wrong, whereas for an atheist the question still remains; how do these individuals weigh their moral compass and place their values?

Religion and morality have been seen as inseparable since the advent of Western thought (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/religion-morality/) - religion's fundamental characters being frequently ethical in nature, and morality often viewed as a derivative of religion. However, the relationship is not as clear cut as many people would like you to believe. A very old and important dilemma facing this relationship is the Euthyphro dilemma, discussed in Plato’s Euthyphro. In it, Socrates and Euthyphro argue about the nature of morality outside of a court. Socrates is being prosecuted for impiety, while Euthyphro is charging his father with murder. Although charging your father, even for murder, is frowned upon in Ancient Greek culture,

Religions affect the lives of its followers greatly because if you're a Muslim you have to pray five times a day, if you're a Jew you can't have any other gods, and if you believe in Buddhism you have to follow the middle path to stop suffering. All these rules you have to follow can take away time from you and can make you give up stuff you have, even make you leave money behind.

In the Dalai Lama’s writing of The Role of Religion of Modern Society, I agree with him on how each religion can be true and help people to respect one another no matter the religion they practice. While growing up most humans are taught to practice one religion, in which they inherited from their parents and most of the time both parents practice the same religion. So children are taught to follow and believe that their religion is the most valid and true. In my case I disagree with these types of people and agree with The Dalai Lama, because I grew up both Jewish and Christian. Being able to learn and practice both religions, I noticed the similarities and differences and learned to believe each religion is true.

If someone were to commit an immoral act, but it had a positive "Karma," or result, it would be acceptable. The Buddhist representative said that to find Ultimate Truth one must live morally, following the basic moral rules: never take the life of anything living, never steal, do not overindulge. The representative of Atheism said that morality and man's understanding of morality improves over time. For example, at one time biracial marriage was frowned upon. But now that man is morally better, it is acceptable. Similarly, the Atheist generally believes that though gay marriage is currently not respectable, as man morally improves, it will become acceptable. Morality improves as man and his understanding of the world

Benevolence and righteousness are universally valued. For example, Christianity and Buddhism both value honesty, forgiveness, loving your neighbor, and making the right choices.

In a national sense, religious belief and identity can separate whole nations from one another, like in the case of Ireland and England, one of the defining differences is our belief in a different branch of Christianity. This can have disastrous effects on the world as a whole. Religion can be held accountable for the majority of warfare and bloodshed in the world today as nations attack each over their differing beliefs and ideals. Many nations will use religion and beliefs to try to justify the awful atrocities they commit on one another. In this sense, religion