Questions tagged [dalai-lama]
The head monk of the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" school of Tibetan Buddhism. The current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso and is the 14th Dalai Lama.
22
questions
25
votes
8answers
8k views
Is low self-esteem a Western phenomenon?
I while ago I read a story about the Dalai Lama and the metta bhavana practice. Someone was talking to him about the difficulty in practicing the first stage (wishing well for oneself) and was ...
8
votes
1answer
747 views
Role of suicide in the context of Dalai Lama's birthday and inevitable deathday
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama recently celebrated his 80th birthday!
I've read that he is very conscious of the fact that after his death, there will be much turmoil, and it's something he thinks ...
7
votes
3answers
415 views
Within Tibetan Buddhism, are the Lamas always the same “soul”?
It's my understanding that the belief in Tibetan Buddhism is that when a Lama is reborn he (not meaning to be sexist, but I know of no female Lamas - please let me know if I'm wrong) becomes that same ...
6
votes
5answers
10k views
Why can't the Dalai Lama be a vegetarian?
In this answer to 'Are all Buddhists vegetarian?' the poster says
[the Dalai Lama] has a medical condition that disallows
him to be a strict vegetarian.
I've heard this before and never ...
6
votes
2answers
310 views
What are the consequences of the 14th Dalai Lama being the last one?
The current (14th) Dalai Lama has recently indicated that he may be the last person to hold that title. Does this stance cause any theological issues for the Gelug branch of Tibetan Buddhism or more ...
5
votes
5answers
640 views
Can a being be reborn into more that one body in Tibetan Buddhism?
I was reading that both the Dalai Lama and Karmapa are both rebirths (emanations) of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. Also there are other lamas who are also emanations of Avalokiteśvara.
So is ...
5
votes
3answers
936 views
If Dalai Lama is enlightened, why he keeps coming back?
Assuming the result of enlightenment is attainment of Nirvana, and assuming Dalai Lama is enlightened, why does he keep on getting reborn?
Could it mean that Nirvana means something else, for example ...
5
votes
2answers
846 views
Where does the Dalai Lama say '… be a better whatever you already are'?
One of my favourite Buddhist quotes is from the 14th Dalai Lama
Don’t try to use what you learn from buddhism to be a buddhist; use it
to be a better whatever-you-already-are.
Amazing. But does ...
4
votes
3answers
408 views
How is a Dalai Lama chosen? And can it be a woman?
The 14th Dalai Lama is about 80 now. How will the next one be chosen or elected? Does the Dalai Lama himself decide, and has this already been decided? Are they, like the Catholics, 'voting' on ...
4
votes
2answers
146 views
Beliefs about the 14th Dalai Lama
What are the Tibetan Buddhist beliefs of the Dalai Lama being an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara? Do all Buddhists agree with this idea?
3
votes
2answers
960 views
How is His Holiness the Dalai Lama able to watch TV?
I watched a documentary of his life and he was using the remote to change the channels on his TV. Does this not break any of the rules? (227 bhikkhu precepts) Thanks.
3
votes
3answers
106 views
Can there be another Dalai Lama?
From what I understand, the Panchen Lama is supposed to choose the next Dalai Lama. If he has been captured, is there any hope for another Dalai Lama to be chosen?
3
votes
1answer
73 views
For what reason did the Dali Lama's traditional daily schedule have washing before meditation?
I often hear that meditation is best at the first part of the day, and it is usually recommended to meditate before eating. Yet it seems odd to me that for the Dali Lama, washing would come first and ...
3
votes
1answer
75 views
How is Gedhun Choekyi Nyima connected to the Buddhist community?
How is he connected to the Buddhist community? Is he a to be Buddhist leader or simply a successor?
And does his imprisonment by china has anything to do with Buddhism or is it just a political ...
3
votes
1answer
112 views
Original reference for 'The essence of all religions is love, compassion and tolerance' by the HH the Dalai Lama
Friends,
Does anyone know of the original reference for the saying attributed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama that starts 'The Essence of all religions is love, compasion and tolerance. Kindness is my ...
3
votes
2answers
131 views
Can there exist two Dalai Lamas at one instance of time?
I am developing an application which calculates peoples age/ birthdays. In this app I have one entry for the Dalai Lama.
My understanding is that its the 14 Dalai Lama who is alive right now. So a ...
2
votes
4answers
2k views
Does the Dalai Lama have bodyguards?
Does the Dalai Lama have bodyguards? And if so what does Buddhist philosophy have to say about that? Are they necessary, or are they just to keep with appearances?
ps. The Dalai Lama is one of my ...
1
vote
4answers
206 views
Does “empirical evidence” challenge “scriptural authority”?
In his talk titled, Science at the Crossroads, the Dalai Lama said,
On the philosophical level, both Buddhism and modern science share a deep suspicion of any notion of absolutes, whether ...
1
vote
1answer
92 views
Is HH Dalai Lama conceited? [closed]
I heard that Theravada presupposes HH Dalai Lama is not even reached initial bodhisattva enlightenment and that His existence is mocked. Is it not so?
1
vote
3answers
120 views
Tibetan Buddhism:Recieving inititation in India/Tibet
I recently read an introductory book on Tibetan Buddhism and intrigued by Tantra & Kalachakra practice. I have been practicing meditation for the last 2-3 years but not under the guidance of a ...
0
votes
2answers
87 views
What makes a great a spiritual leader? Is it nature or nurture or something else?
Two premises presumed for my question:
The 14th Dalai Lama is an especially sincere spirit
Reincarnation, beyond the scientific eg recycling of atoms / culture / dna, is an incorrect idea.
Is the ...
-2
votes
1answer
110 views
Is there a source that Dalai Lama wants scientists to invent a “meditation machine”?
The 14th Dalai Lama have known to actively support scientific explanation on Buddhism. For example his investment in the Mind and Life Institute. But I remember that I've read somewhere that he ...
