Download XIV Dalai Lama combined effort

This document is a combined effort from the submissions of 2 unit 2011.
It also includes 2 sample responses.
List THREE contributions to Buddhism of ONE significant person or school
of thought. (5 marks)
The XIVth Dalai Lama, by his political acumen and peaceful personality, has been
the face of Buddhism to the millions of non-Buddhists throughout the world. A
member of the Vajrayana or Tibetan School of Buddhism, he has popularized the
Eastern Philosophy and spread it throughout the secularized Western societies.
The Dalai Lama has contributed to the religious tradition of Buddhism in that he
has tried to improve the lives of Buddhists by supporting peace and freedom in the
political and international world. He has also been a tireless worker for the rights
and freedom, both secular and religious, for the Tibetan people and the nation of
Tibet. The Dalai Lama, from his very early beginnings, has set out to use his life as
an example and aimed to develop religious understanding by travelling the world.
The change in Buddhism today is well recognised, as the XIVth Dalai Lama is
recognised for his universal message of peace, non-violence, freedom and the
renunciation of the desires of mistrust, anger and fear. He has affected the
understanding and attitudes of the world community to the religious tradition of
Buddhism, causing it to spread beyond the small borders of the Sangha and into the
Westernised communities.
(I would give this 5/5)
Evaluate the effect of ONE significant person or school of
thought on Buddhism.
(20 marks)
(This is a Band 6 response, in the 18 to 20 range)
The fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born on the 6th July 1935 in
North-eastern Tibet. At two years old he was discovered and recognized as
the reincarnation of the thirteenth Dalai Lama and believed to be the
manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the
patron saint of Tibet.
After studying Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan culture in a Vajrayana school
of Buddhism, at a young age of fifteen he was called to assume the throne on
17 November 1950. In doing so he was not only the spiritual leader of Tibet
but he also became the head of state and undertook political responsibility.
This became a form of ‘theocracy’ where the principles of government and its
religion are uniform. It did not become an extreme autocratic form; however, it
rested on Buddhist principles in the way and life of those in the Sangha
modelling democracy.
His Holiness became a pillar of strength for the people of Tibet during the
Chinese invasion and has had a significant effect on Buddhism overall.
During the invasion he attempted many negotiations with the Chinese, for
example his visits to China from July 1954 - June 1955 for peace talks with
Mao Zadong and other Chinese leaders, which were unsuccessful and
although he maintained passive resistance he was subsequently forced into
exile to India in 1959 and has remained there ever since.
His Holiness has had a positive effect on Buddhism through his ever present
compassion and encouragement of peace. Further examples of this include
his drafting a Five Point Peace Plan in 1987 for Tibet as a step towards a
peaceful solution and his achievement of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. His
life has become a model for all Buddhists especially those of the Sangha.
The fourteenth Dalai Lama has had a major impact upon Buddhism in not only
being a political and spiritual leader, but also in becoming the face of
Buddhism in the Western world. His Holiness has visited countries, such as
Australia and the USA, many times evangelising Buddhist beliefs, faith and
peace. His most recent visits to Australia include 2007 and 2008. As a
Bodhisattva he has delayed his own Nirvana to assist others in achieving
enlightenment. An example of his significance is his widely published
autobiography Freedom in Exile and book the Art of Happiness which are
both global bestsellers and have brought Buddhism and spiritual guidance to
the secularised Western World.
His Holiness has had a major effect on Buddhism all over the world. Through
his visits to other nations he has been able to communicate Buddhist
teachings and beliefs in a contemporary context through his interpretations
and teachings. In doing so he has been able to attract many non-Buddhists to
study or convert to the peaceful ways of Buddhism seeking Nirvana. He is
internationally recognised for his peace initiatives, this recognition is evident in
his being awarded the international peace prizes and honorary doctorates.
Furthermore through his peaceful resistance and many attempts at
negotiations of peace with China he has become an ambassador for peace all
over the world. To Vajrayana Buddhists he preserves the Buddhist school
outside of Tibet and Nepal and provides hope for all Tibetan Buddhists
through his initiatives in establishing educational, cultural and religious
institutions and 1963 drafted constitution of democracy in Tibet. Thus , he
has modelled the concept of “ahimsa” for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists
alike. In effect, he has put Buddhist dharma into practice, thus ensuring that
Buddhism as a theology is a living religious system which affects the daily life
of its adherents.
Moreover, His Holiness is the first Dalai Lama to engage in dialogue with
three Catholic Popes, namely, Paul VI, John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI,
thus proving his support for interfaith dialogue for example “I always believed
it is much better to have a variety of religions… because of the different
mental dispositions… unique ideas or techniques, and learning about them
can only enrich one’s own faith.”
It is important to note, that as a two year old Lhamo Dhondup had no say in
becoming the fourteenth Dalai Lama but has shown how one person truly can
make a difference in the world through his work for the rights and freedoms of
people everywhere, both religious and secular. Through his guidance and
living out his beliefs he is an example to all religious people across the world.
Additionally, it is obvious that His Holiness has changed Buddhism around the
world through his message of peace and tolerance and renunciation of the
desires of anger and revenge. He provides hope for peace not only for the
people of Tibet but for all through his actions and faith.
Even recently, his Holiness has gained recognition for the supressed living in
Tibet under Chinese rule and attempted a peaceful resolution to the situation
of ‘cultural genocide’. “Tibet is a nation facing serious danger”, “whether
intentionally or unintentionally, cultural genocide is taking place” in Tibet with
about 130,000 Tibetan refuges, including the Dalai Lama himself, living in
exile. He upholds a peaceful approach in maintaining that “The (Beijing)
Olympics should not be called off”, he still fights for peace for his people.
To conclude, when evaluating the effect of the Dalai Lama on Buddhism it is
clear that His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso has had a major impact all over the
world. He has become a source of wisdom and spirituality through travel and
advocacy for peace, he has shown the power of one and true Buddhist
principles. His Holiness has positively affected Buddhism not only in Buddhist
countries but all over the world.
The contribution of the XIV Dalai Lama to the development and
expression of Buddhism to adherents and to Buddhism as a living
religion.
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The Dalai Lama is the fourteenth reincarnation, he is known as
Avalokitesvara.
When he was discovered he left home to be trained and after years of
education he became the leader of Tibet in 1950, which was the same year the
Chinese invaded.
As a result he has tried to encourage a peaceful solution with the Crisis of
Tibet.
He preached respect and kindness, which are ethical principles in Buddhism
(these are aspects that need to be achieved when following the eightfold path
to attain enlightenment); he has demonstrated how to be a living Buddhist in
the modern era.
He encouraged peace and won the Nobel Peace prize in 1989, which
represents his desire for world peace.
He travelled around the world to different government to seek support, which
further demonstrates his promotion of peace and reflects global interactions.
He promoted peace and passive resistance (non-violence) through his
preservation of Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
He is the leader of Vajrayana Buddhism; however the other variants also look
towards him as a leader who has tried to establish peaceful negotiations
between china.
He has attempted peaceful co-existence by guiding the nation in exile.
He believes that “happiness is based on a peaceful mind”, which links to
passive resistance as he is against violence.
Hence, he is a significance leader for Buddhism as he attempted to achieve
peace and model what a Buddhist should be like.
“Your enemy is the best teacher”
“I am just a simple monk – no more no less”
Thus, he has contributed to Buddhism becoming a living religion as he has modelled
how a Buddhist should live through demonstrating ethical principles such as respect
and kindness. He advocates passive resistance even in times of turmoil, for example,
during the Chinese occupation of Tibet 1950 to 1959. He preaches the ethical
principles of Buddhism and demonstrates them which make it easier for adherents to
follow, especially in times of difficulty such as the Tibetan crisis. He has also
demonstrated how to achieve enlightenment and pass on his knowledge to adherents,
which enhances faith. He has interpreted scripture to allow it to reflect the modern
context in which adherents can live out in their daily lives, for example in terms of
euthanasia and cloning. He desires to preserve the environment through advocating
passive resistance and not harming any sentient being as the environment is ever
changing, he has done this through seeking support from governments.
XIV Dalai Lama
Make notes on the contribution to the development and expression of Buddhism
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In 1950 the XIV Dalai Lama was called upon to assume full political power
after China’s invasion of Tibet in 1949.
In 1954 he went to Beijing for peace talks with Mao Zedong and other
Chinese leaders.
From November 1956 to March 1957 his holiness visited India to participate
in the 2500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations.
In 1963 he issued a draft democratic constitution and a number of reforms to
democratize the administrative set up. This ensured freedom of speech, belief,
assembly and movement.
In 1987, the five point peace plan was proposed as a step towards peaceful
solution. He envisioned that Tibet would become a sanctuary. However, China
did not respond positively toward this.
In 1990, his reforms saw the realization of a truly democratic administration in
exile for the Tibetan community.
Up to 2005, his holiness has made close to 300 separate visits outside his
homeland and has visited 63 countries. He is one of the most widely travelled
leaders in the world. His travels focus on two life long commitments: The
promotion of human values and the promotion of religious harmony and
understanding.
Books written by the XIV Dalai Lama - Ethics for the New Millennium, The
Art of Happiness, The Path to Tranquillity, The Good Heart, Kindness, Clarity
and Insight.
World leaders - Gordon Brown, President Bush, Barack Obama, Chancellor
Angela Merkel, Pope John Paul II
How does the Dalai Lama contribute to Buddhism as a living religion?
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By continuing to express his input by travelling worldwide and promoting the
lessons of Buddhism, the XIV Dalai Lama continues to ensure that Buddhism
is a living religion as well as constantly addressing current issues and
engaging in peace talks.
Five Point Peace Plan & the Nobel Peace Prize.
Five Point Peace Plan
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The Five Point Peace Plan was introduced to the US congress On
September 21st 1987.
The Five Point Peace Plan called for:
1. The alteration of Tibet into a demilitarised, peaceful and non-violent
zone.
2. The retraction of China’s population transfer policy, due to the threat
it poses to the Tibetan population.
3. Respect for the fundamental human rights and the democratic
freedoms of the Tibetan people.
4. Restoration and protection of Tibet’s natural environment, as well as
the prevention of China using Tibet as an area for the dumping of
nuclear waste and production of nuclear weapons.
5. Instigation on talking about the future situation of Tibet, including the
situation with relations between Chinese and Tibetan people.
These proposals were received well internationally and worked to
increase interest, engagement and awareness through the world and
America, but despite this and continued peaceful attempts China
maintained the rejected of the plan and the Dalai Lama’s suggestions.
Nobel Peace Prize
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In 1989, The 14th Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Prize was awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee to ‘emphasize
the fact that the Dalai Lama in his struggle for the liberation of Tibet
consistently has opposed the use of violence’.
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The committee commended him for:
- Only adopting peaceful solutions in order to preserve his
people’s historical and cultural heritage.
- His non-violent policy, especially when considering the suffering
of the Tibetan people.
- Constructive proposals for the solution of human rights issues,
international conflicts and global environmental issues.
The contribution of the XIV Dalai Lama to the development and
expression of Buddhism
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Birth name: Tenzin Gyatso; 6 July, 1935
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Monastic education at age of six. Passed with honours—doctorate of Buddhist
philosophy
1950- Assumed full political power
1954- peace talks with Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders
1987- Five Point Peace Plan (won 1989 Nobel Peace Prize) essentially
envisaged Tibet as a zone of peace at the heart of Asia, and preservation of its
envirnornment, and Tibetan human rights.
1992- issued guidlines for constituion of future free Tibet.
1988-Strasbourg Proposal- another proposal based on 5 point peace plan and
for the self-governing of Tibet.
Universal Recognition
- 1989- Nobel Peace Prize- “non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet”,
consistent advocation of non-violence. First Nobel winner to be recognized for
concern for global environemntal problems
- Has vistied more than 62 countries spanning 6 continents holding inter-faith
dialogues & well-known scientists
- Has received over 84 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes in recognition of:
message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal
responsibility and compassion
- Authored over 72 books.
Evaluation of his Significance on Buddhism
The Dalai Lama is significant as he has constantly been an advocate for peacethe fundamental principle of Buddhist teachings such as the first precept of
“Abstaining from harming sentient beings”.
His influence is respected globally with over 84 awards, honorary doctorates,
prizes in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious
understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. Such diplomacy is
evident in his Five Point Peace Plan which outlines the preservation of Tibetan
human and environmental rights, winning the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his
“non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet”.
Additionally, he was the first Nobel Laurete (winner) to be recognized for
concern for global environmental problems. Thus, His Holiness effectively
deliberates Buddhist teachings to aid global current events, allowing Buddhism
(in particular, Vajrayana) to remain a dynamic, living religious tradition.
The contribution of the XIV Dalai Lama to the development and expression of Buddhism.
 How Buddhism has developed as a result of his actions
 How the Dalai Lama contributes to Buddhism as a living religion
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Spiritually connected to the thirteen previous Dalai Lamas.
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Education – Buddhist Studies: logic, Tibetan art and culture, Sanskrit, medicine, Buddhist
philosophy, Prajnaparamita (wisdom), Madhyamika (middle way), Vinaya (monastic discipline),
Abidharma (metaphysics) and Pramana (logic). Through education, the Dalai Lama was able to
educate other lay people of the Buddhist teachings. Knowledge in these areas allowed the Dalai
Lama to have an understanding of his role of both political and religious leader.
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17th November, 1950: At the age of 15 he was enthroned as the Dalai Lama, a title that made
him the temporal leader of Tibet.
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When he came into power, he granted general amnesty – freeing the prisoners. This action
demonstrated his kindness towards the Tibetan people, therefore reflecting the Buddhist
teaching to resist negative emotions in which the Dalai Lama said to be “…the real destroyer of
inner peace…”, further emphasising this statement where he says “Compassion is the essential
factor for peace and happiness.”
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The Dalai Lama sent people to other countries to seek allies as well as the attempt to persuade
China to withdraw through negotiation. As a leader, the Dalai Lama experienced the
responsibility to govern Tibet and involve himself in political situations. Although these
attempts were not successful, the Dalai Lama continued dialogue with the Chinese in order to
reach an agreement. Through faith and belief, His Holiness continued to hope for the return to
Tibet, where Tibet will become an individual country once again. He hopes of this until this day.
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He implemented a Society for Tibetan Education as a result of his realisation of the importance
of this education for those Tibetan refugees within the India. This act demonstrates his
commitment to all adherents of Buddhism as they are given the opportunity to continue their
beliefs and development of their understanding of the religion.
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1935Dalai
Lama
was born
in
northern
Tibet.
1959- XIV
Dalai Lama
Fled into
exile in
Northern
India,
where he
set up
government
.
1940- At age
5, he moved
to a palace in
Lhasa to be
trained in the
religion of
Buddhism
and was
enthroned as
the 14th Dalai
Lama
1937- He was
indentified as
next
reincarnation
of the Dalai
Lama
9 years of passive
non-resistance
1950- The XIV
Dalai Lama
assumed secular +
religious
leadership of
Tibet (at age 15).
The Chinese
communist army
invaded Tibet.
He continues to rule Tibetan
government in exile in India. Has
become known internationally as a
symbol for peace and is
acknowledged as a powerful
religious leader.
1989- XIV
Dalai Lama was
awarded the
Nobel Peace
Prize.
The contribution of the XIV Dalai Lama to the development and expression of
Buddhism
- 1950 - became full leader of Tibet (when China invaded), spent the next several
decades in consultation with the leaders of the Chinese Communist party trying to
get them to leave Tibet free or treat them with respect and kindness.
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1959- Tibetans could not tolerate the Chinese presence in Tibet any longer and
launched violent reprisals against them.
- Since the Dalai Lama has left more than 100.000
Tibetans are living with him in northern India, which
are granted protection, schools and cultural centres
ensure the continued development of Tibetan religion
and culture.
- The Dalai Lama has increasingly toured the world
seeking support from governments for freedom in
Tibet.
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1963- Developed a democratic constitution that
will be implemented if or when Tibet is free.
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The Dalai Lama has tried to encourage a peaceful solution to the crisis in Tibet.
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1989- For this peaceful solution action he was awarded the Nobel Pace Prize.
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The Dalai Lama as a world famous Buddhist has regally wrote books on various
aspects of the Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhism in general
THE XIV DALAI LAMA: International campaign for Tibet
His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama has become one of the
world’s great exponents of peace. At the age of two he
was identified as the reincarnation of his ancestor the
XIII Dalai Lama. The XIV Dalai Lama has developed the
Middle Way initiative to resolve the Tibetan issue in the
interest of both the Tibetans and the Chinese. He has
also created the Five Point Peace Plan to promote non
violence. ( concept of Ahimsa) Due to the threat of
religious and cultural extinction and China’s rising
economic power the XIV Dalai Lama relinquished the
goal of independence of Tibet in favour of genuine
autonomy (a proposal that is not inconsistent with the
Chinese constitution.
In 2002 the dialogue began again between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and
Beijing after more than a decade of diplomatic stalemate.
On November 17th 1950, His Holiness was called upon to assume full political power,
after the People’s Liberation Army invaded Tibet.
In 1954 The XIV Dalai Lama went to Beijing to talk peace with Mao Zedong and other
Chinese leaders including Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping.
In 1956, while in India, he attended a series of meetings with Prime Minister Nehru
and Premier Zhou about deteriorating condition in Tibet.
In 1959, the Capital of Tibet, Lhasa, exploded with the largest demonstration calling
China to leave Tibet and reaffirming Tibet’s Independence. The Chinese army
crushed Tibet’s national uprising forcing his holiness to escape to India where he was
given political asylum.
The XIV Dalai Lama often says “I am just a simple Buddhist Monk – no more, no
less”.
He received the 1989 Noble Peace Prize and won worldwide praise and applause.
His book “The Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra” focuses on the relationship
between mind and reality.
One of the XIV Dalai Lama’s greatest sources of inspiration has encouraged many
Buddhist Monks to abide by his teachings through all hardship.
“For as long as space endures, and for as living beings remain,
Until then may I, too abide
To dispel the misery of the world”
The contribution of the XIV Dalai Lama to the development and expression of
Buddhism and how the Dalai Lama contributes to Buddhism as a living religion.
The fourteenth Dalai Lama is both the religious and spiritual leader of Vajrayana
Buddhism in Tibet. He was born on the 6th of July 1935 in north eastern Tibet. He was
discovered at the age of two as the reincarnation of the thirteenth Dalai Lama and
began his monastic education at the age of six and at the age of 23 achieved the Geshe
Lharampa degree, which is the equivalent to a doctorate of Buddhist philosophy. He
is the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet.
In 1950, His Holiness was called upon to assume full political power after the Chinese
invasion of Tibet. He was forced in exile in northern India nine years later. The Dalai
Lama appealed to the UN. The general assembly adopted resolutions in 1959, 1961
and 1965. In 1963, draft democratic constitutions named the charter of Tibetans in
exile’; it enshrines freedom of speech, belief, assembly and movement.
The Marie Claire article of July 2008 explains the turmoil, mayhem and difficulties
that the Tibetan people have faced at the hands of the Chinese. The article delves into
stories of Tibetan people and the torture that they experienced and how their religion
and especially their loyalty to their religion, encouraged by the Dalai Lama provides a
means of guidance through the difficult period in Tibetan history.
The Dalia Lama has contributed to making Buddhism a living religion through
ensuring that the Buddhist faith continues, even if he leads and rules while in exile.
In Exile he has become a spokesman and activist for Human Rights in Tibet, and
therefore around the globe. His meeting with the other world religious leaders at the
Parliament of World Religions in 2009 has allowed for interfaith dialogue for major
leaders to interact and come up with solutions to contemporary issues that all religions
are confronted with.
The introduction and creation of the FIVE point peace plan is an example for the rest
of the world of how conflict can be overcome through non-restive methods. This has
been proposed through negotiations between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.
Through the plan he has also advocated for China to abandon the production of
nuclear weapons and dumping of nuclear waste in Tibet to protect and restore Tibet’s
natural environment. In keeping with the first of the five precepts ‘obstain from
harming any sentient beings’ where in this case the Tibetan environment is the
sentient being and is under grave danger. For this he was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet.
His Holiness strives to incorporate the Buddhist faith in their struggle to co-exist on
what they believe is their rightful land under Chinese rule.
DALAI LAMA WORKS- PUBLICATIONS, TRAVELS, SEMINARS:
2011:
 Teachings in Dharamsala, H.P., India on March 19
 Conference in Dublin, Ireland on April 13: Participation in the POSSIBILITIES
2011 Social Forum and give a talk on A Call for Universal Responsibility in the
morning being organized by SpunOut.ie, Afri and Children in Crossfire.
 Public Talk in Kildare, Ireland on April 13: The Spirituality of Compassion
 Public Talk in Limerick, Ireland on April 14: The Power of Forgiveness
 Public Talk in Stockholm, Sweden on April 15: A Human Approach to World
Peace.
 Public Talk in Stockholm, Sweden on April 15
 Public Talk in Lund, Sweden on April 16
 Teaching in Copenhagen, Denmark on April 18: Seven Point Mind Training
 Public Talk in Copenhagen, Denmark on April 18: What Life Is All About
 Teaching in Los Angeles, CA, USA on May 1: Solitary Yamantaka Initiation
 Public Talk in Los Angeles, CA, USA on May 1: Secular Ethics and Meditation
 Public Talk in Los Angeles, CA, USA on May 2: What is True Wisdom?
 Public Symposium in Los Angeles, CA, USA on May 2: Buddhism and
Neuroscience: A Discussion on Attention, Mental Flexibility and Compassion
 Teaching in Minneapolis, MN, USA on May 8: Medicine Buddha Empowerment
 Public Talk in Minneapolis, MN, USA on May 8: Peace Through Inner Peace
 Panel Discussion in Fayetteville, AR, USA on May 11: Turning Swords into
Ploughshares: The Many Paths of Non-Violence
 Public Talk in Fayetteville, AR, USA on May 11: Non-Violence in the New
Century: The Way Forward
 Conference in Newark, NJ, USA from May 13 & 14: Newark Peace Education
Summit The Power of Non-Violence
 Teaching in Dharamsala, H.P., India on June 3 & 4: To the Tibetan youth at
Upper TCV School Auditorium.
 (AUSTRALIAN TOUR FOR THE HAPPINESS INSTITUTE) Teaching in
Melbourne, Australia from June 11 to 13: Shantideva's A Guide to the
Bodhisattva's Way of Life
 Public Talk in Melbourne, Australia on June 11: A Conversation with HHDL on
Happiness, Life & Living - Karma and Reincarnation
 Public Talk in Canberra, Australia on June 14: A Conversation with HHDL on
Happiness, Life & Living - Love and Forgiveness
 Forum in Brisbane, Australia on June 15: No Matter What Never Give Up
 Teaching in Sunshine Coast, Australia on June 16
 Conference in Brisbane, Australia on June 17: Happiness and Its Causes
 Public Talk in Brisbane, Australia on June 17: A Conversation with HHDL on
Happiness, Life & Living - Happiness and Compassion
 Public Talk in Perth, Australia on June 19: A Conversation with HHDL on
Happiness, Life & Living - Spirituality in the Modern World
 Teachings in Dharamsala, H.P., and India on June 28 & 29: A Two-day
teaching on Je Tsongkhapa’s Praise to the Buddha for His Teachings on Dependent
Origination and also confers an Avalokiteshvera Permission Initiation.
 Kalachakra for World Peace in Washington, DC, USA from July 6 to 16:
During the first three days of the Kalachakra, from July 6 through 8, His Holiness
the Dalai Lama, along with the monks of Namgyal Monastery and senior lamas,
will conduct rituals which prepare and consecrate the venue. These include
chanting of prayers, creation of the sand mandala and other rituals. From July 9 to
11, His Holiness will give preliminary teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's 37
Practices of a Boddhisattva & Kamalashila's The Middling States of Meditation. On
July 12, the Kalachakra Ritual Dance will be performed by the monks of Namgyal
Monastery. His Holiness will give the Kalachakra Initiation from July 13 to 15. On
July 16, a long life empowerment and a ceremony offering prayers for the long life
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be performed.
 Teaching in Toulouse, France on August 13 & 14: Kamalashila's The Middling
States of Meditation
 Public Talk in Toulouse, France on August 15: The Art of Happiness
 Teaching in Dharamsala, HP, India from August 30 to September 1:
Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life
The Dalai Lama gives teachings and public talks throughout the
year at various times and in different places. In India, teachings
and public talks are usually free and open to the public. However, to
attend teachings and public talks outside of India one usually is
required to pay. The proceeds from these sales are used to cover
the costs of the venue and other expenses related to the visit. On
the 16th day of the month he gives his annual spring teachings at
the Main Temple in Dharamsala. Several thousand people, both
Tibetan and non-Tibetan, usually attend. He has also been making
speeches in India at the request of various Buddhist devotees from
Taiwan and Korea. All talks are translated to English and
broadcasted on FM radios.
The Dalai Lama attends all these events to raise awareness and educate people
about:
-Buddhism
-Compassion
-Environment
-Religious Harmony
-World Peace
-Middle Way Approach
-Tibet
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1950 – Called upon to assume political power of Tibet when Tibet was
threatened with an invasion by China.
1954 – Travelled to Beijing for peace talks with Chinese leader Mao
Zedong.
1963 – Presented a draft democratic contribution for Tibet, after
reforms it was named “Charter of Tibetans in Exile.” The charter
encourages freedom of speech, belief, assembly and movement.
1992 – He announced “when Tibet becomes free the immediate task
would be to set up an intern government whose first responsibility will
be to elect a constitutional assembly to frame and adapt Tibet’s
democratic contribution. On that day I will transfer all historical and
political authority to the president and live as an ordinary citizen of
Tibet.”
1987 – Proposed the five point peace plan.
The Dalai Lama often travels overseas where he, spoke strongly for
better understanding and respect among the different faiths of the
world.
 Made numerous appearances in interfaith services, where he spread
the message of universal responsibility, love, compassion and
kindness. “The need for simple human-to-human relationships is
becoming increasingly urgent.”
 His message of compassion has spread universally. “Compassion is the
essential factor for peace and happiness”.
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The Dalai Lama’s s contribution to the life of Vajrayana Buddhist adherents is
instrumental in the development of the religion. The XIV Dalai Lama is
acknowledged as an exceptional spiritual leader and Bodhisattva in Buddhism,
however Therevadin Buddhists do not believe in the concept of Bodhisattva. His
Holiness’s contribution goes further than being the religious leader of Tibet, in
1950 he assumed political responsibility of Tibet due to China’s invasion in 1949.
As the XIV Dalai Lama is both a religious and political leader, he commonly
travels to meet with other world leaders where he works towards the promotion
of universal peace and inter-faith dialogue. In 1987 he proposed the five point
peace plan in order to work towards the autonomy of Tibet and freedom for his
people. The plan revolved around the concept of ahimsa, which would create a
state of peace and non-violence for Buddhist adherents residing in Tibet under
Chinese oppression. His Holiness’s words of wisdom and teachings of
compassion have spread and heavily influenced the life of adherents,
“Compassion is the essential factor for peace and happiness,”
“Happiness is based on peace of mind.”
The contribution of the XIV Dalai Lama to the development and expression of
Buddhism
The Dalai Lama is renowned as not only a significant spiritual leader, but also a
highly influential international figure. His travels around the world enable him to
expose the situation in Tibet, promote Buddhist teachings and associate himself
amongst world leaders and people in the media.
As the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, he has spent his life advocating for
the autonomy of Tibet. In his efforts, he has restored Buddhism as a living religion
by associating its traditional morals and teachings to contemporary situations.
Dalai Lama from 1959-2011:
March 1959 Tibetan People’s Uprising begins in Lhasa (10th of March). Dalai
Lama forced to escape into exile. He leaves Tibet and gains political asylum in India.
March 1959 Tibetan Govt. formally re-established at Lhudup Dzong. 17-Point
Agreement formally repudiated by Tibetan Government.
18 April 1959 Hold international press conference and formally repudiates the 17Point Agreement
20 April 1959 Arrives Mussoorie and resides at Birla House.
30 April 1960 Arrives in Dharamsala to take up residence at Swarg Ashram.
1963 Presents a draft democratic constitution for Tibet. First exile Tibetan
Parliament (Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies) established in Dharamsala.
1967 First visits abroad (since coming into exile) to Japan and Thailand.
1968 Moves residence from Swarg Ashram to present day Thekchen Choeling
(Byrne Estate).
September to November 1973 First visit to the West (Italy, Switzerland, The
Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, UK, West Germany &
Austria).
1979 First contact with the Government of the People's Republic of China
established since coming into exile in 1959.
21 September 1987 Delivers historic Five Point Peace Plan for Tibet in
Washington, D.C. to members of the U.S. Congress.
June 1988 Delivers historic Strasbourg Proposal for Tibet in Strasbourg, France to
members of the European Parliament.
March 7 1989 China imposes martial law in Tibet.
10 December 1989 Awarded Nobel Prize for Peace in Oslo, Norway.
April 17 1991 Dalai Lama addresses US Congress.
1992 Initiates a number of additional major democratic steps, including the direct
elections of Kalons (Ministers) by the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies and the
establishment of a judiciary branch. Previously Kalons appointed directly by His
Holiness.
2001 First direct democratic elections held by the Tibetan people for the post of
Kalon Tripa (senior Minister) in the history of Tibet.
May 2005 He received the Christmas Humphreys Award from the Buddhist
Society in the United Kingdom.
June 2006 He became one of only five people ever to be recognised with Honorary
Citizenship by the Governor General of Canada.
10 March 2011 In a speech given on the 14th Dalai Lama stated that he will
propose changes to the constitution of the Tibetan government in exile which will
remove the Dalai Lama's role as head of state, replacing him with an elected leader. If
accepted by the Tibetan parliament in exile, this will constitute the Dalai Lama's
retirement from his formal political role, although he will retain his position as a
religious dignitary.
14 March 2011 He formally submitted his resignation as political leader to the
Tibetan Parliament-in-exile in Dharamsala, India.