Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama

Mr. Mains

Objectives:

• To understand the roles and responsibilities of the Dalai Lama

• To understand how one becomes the Dalai Lama

• To understand the current controversy with the Dalai Lama and China and the potential impact it can have not only on Buddhism, but our world as well

Multiple Choice

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of what religion?

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Confucianism

• Catholicism

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Buddhism

• Traces back to the late 1300's (Mongols invaded China)

• Dalai Lama means "Ocean of Wisdom"

Multiple Choice

Challenge question!! The Dalai Lama is not only the spiritual leader of Buddhism, but also the spiritual leader of what country?

• India

• China

• Tibet

• Nepal

Current Dalai Lama accomplishments

• Traveled to over 67 countries & 6 continents

• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for non-violence in the liberation of a his country

• Won countless awards & co-authored books

• Promoted religious harmony as well as integrated & collaborated with science/environment

Multiple Choice

Even harder challenge question!! The Dalia Lama is the spiritual leader for life. The current Dalai Lama is the _____ one in their history

• 18th

• 17th

• 21rst

• 14th

Multiple Choice

It is believed that the Dalai Lama is a bodhisattva. What do you think this means? Hint: remember what the root word "bodhi" means...

• someone who dies

• someone who gives up everything

• a rich royal prince

• one who doesn't reach nirvana=to help others reach enlightenment

How does one become chosen as the Dalai Lama?

• First off, it is believed that the Dalai Lama is a bodhisattva

• Bodhisattva: a being who doesn't reach nirvana in order to save others through enlightenment

• Not an ELECTION process, but a SELECTION process

• It is believed that the Dalai Lama CHOOSES to reincarnate into a new "qualified" person

• What factors come into place in order to find this new Dalai Lama?

Open Ended

What do you think the selection process for the next Dalai Lama would look like? Who could be a possible person? Any insight on this process?

Use this sentence starter: I think that the selection process for finding the next Dalai Lama would include

The process is like a REAL game of Hide-and-Seek!!

• The process is quite simple but can take some time

• Led by the Panchen Lama (teacher/aide to the Dalai Lama)

• In return, the Dalai Lama leads the search for the new Panchen Lama

The Search is ON!!

• Can be a 2-3 year process

• Search is typically only limited to Tibet (there was one in Mongolia)

• The Panchen Lama, with the Tibetan government and other High Lamas, watch for signs

• What do you think would be some signs that could be used? Remember that this is heavily based upon faith and that the new Dalai Lama is reincarnated into a new body

Open Ended

What do you think would be some signs/symbols that could be used to locate the next Dalai Lama? Remember that this is heavily based upon faith

Use this sentence starter: I think that a sign or symbol that would be used to locate the next Dalai Lama would be

Some signs/symbols of where the future Dalai Lama will be:

• Visons/signs in meditation & dreams (by search team)

• Signs from a holy lake in Tibet (vision about the direction of rebirth)

• Color and/or direction of the smoke after Dalai Lama was cremated

• Overall, child has to go through tests to be confirmed it is the DL reincarnated-remember, there should be some type of familiarity

• Child is then taken to Lhasa to learn Buddhist ways (huge honor)

Open Ended

Quick check: What is one sign/symbol/way in which the Dalai Lama is found by the Panchen Lama & the Tibetan government?

Use this sentence starter: One way they could find the Dalai Lama would be by

The current Dalai Lama ascension

• Was born Tenzin Gyatso in 1935 to peasants in Tibet (86 years old)

• Chosen at age 2; educated at age 6; took control at age 15

• 1950-He took power & China invaded Tibet

• 1951-Tibet was pressured into becoming part of China; they refused

• 1959-For fear of his life/losing control, he fled Tibet to live in India

• China propaganda: Dalai Lama is a separatist, traitor for being anti-communist & pro self-rule & inciting a Tibetan rebellion

Tensions continue to rise...

• In the early 1960's, the DL pushed for some level of autonomy

• 1980's-Tibet wanted full independence but compromised to a high level of autonomy

• Early 1990's-Tibet set up an interim government to set up a new democratic constitution for their freedom from China

• September 2001-Chairman of the Cabinet was elected & voted on a new cabinet to help rule-first time Tibet elected their officials

• March 2011-Dalai Lama officially gives up any political power

• This officially ended the 368 year tradition of the DL ruling both politically & spiritually-ONLY spiritual leader now

Poll

Do you think there is still some tension between the Dalai Lama/Tibet and China today?

• yes

• no

Current controversy:

• Dalai Lama has claimed that he may be the last one

• Sees his role as the spiritual leader has outlived its usefulness

• Tibetans feel like this isn't his decision, not an option or should be left on them to make

• Problems: Both Tibet & China claim to have the next Panchen Lama

• This Panchen Lama will find next Dalai Lama

• Having a Panchen Lama with Chinese influence can sway the way Buddhism is used in the future

• China has said that they will use force to get the next DL if needed

Dalai Lama Interview

http://hcut.to/v/xWEbzGu

Open Ended

What possible consequences could occur if there are two competing Panchen Lamas (one from Tibet, one from China)?

Use this sentence starter: A possible consequence of having two competing Panchen Lamas could be

Review:

• The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Buddhism who promotes non-violence

• The current Dalai Lama has been in power since 1950 and is in exile due to conflcit with China

• The search for the Dalai Lama is an long process that is led by the Panchen Lama & the Tibetan government

• Right now, there is a huge conflict between Tibet & China over who will determine the next Dalai Lama

Your task:

• In Google Classroom, answer the question in 3-5 strong sentences.

  • What is your solution on how this controversy should be solved. This will be graded and inserted as part of your grade.

    Use this sentence starter: My solution on how to solve the controversy between China and Tibet over their claim for the next Dalai Lama would be