Dalai Lama to Build Bridge Between Western Science, Eastern Faith

The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, is on a mission to build a bridge between western science and eastern faith. The Tibetan Buddhist leader is scheduled to spend the rest of 2013 in Mexico, the United States, Japan, and India, teaching Buddhism and speaking about compassion and happiness. Many heads of State refuse to schedule a meeting with the holy Tibetan leader, fearing that such a meeting would anger the Chinese government. China refuses to acknowledge Tibet as an independent Buddhist nation and feels that any world leader who deigns to speak with the Dalai Lama is in favor of a non-unified China.

The current Dalai Lama, who is the fourteenth Lama, was forced to secede control of his territory to China in 1950 before he went into exile. Sovereignty of the tiny mountain nation of Tibet has been a hard point of controversy since that time. Although the Dalai Lama, a leader chosen by the Tibetan Buddhists, practices no real political control in Tibet, the Chinese government believes that his existence is a threat to their sovereignty. In an effort to spread spiritual wisdom, the high-profile Buddhist has turned his attention to enlightening the rest of the world and remaining peaceful. His public appearances and speeches are always given freely, as he will not accept payment except to cover the costs of venue rental.

This week in Mexico, the Dalai Lama was welcomed by members of the Buddhist faith and he will be supported by members of the Catholic Church as well. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, however, did not greet the Tibetan leader upon arrival in Mexico, nor does he have any plans to meet with him. This is the first time in several Mexican administrations that a President or government representative has not come forward to greet the Dalai Lama and the snub is believed to be Peña Nieto’s way of appeasing China. Being politically ignored, however, is nothing new for the 78-year old Buddhist, who was snubbed by US President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Harper during visits in 2009.

Since his exile in 1959, the Dalai Lama, considered by his followers to be the reincarnation of the very first Tibetan leader, has lived in India. From his headquarters in his adoptive country, the monk has petitioned heartily for the rights of his fellow Tibetans and even set up immigration avenues for his countrymen in India. During his 2013 world tour, the leader who has inspired millions of people worldwide hopes to create a stronger bridge between his own eastern philosophies and western science. Never one to shame modern science, the Dalai Lama instead follows a spiritual path that deems all pursuits of knowledge worthwhile.

His Holiness does, however, feel that to be successful, science must be guided by ethics. He says in his book The Universe in a Single Atom, “unless the direction of science is guided by a consciously ethical motivation, especially compassion, its effects may fail to bring benefit. They may indeed cause great harm.”

by Mandy Gardner on October 11, 2013
http://guardianlv.com/2013/10/dalai-lama-to-build-bridge-between-western-science-eastern-faith/

Dalai Lama Calls for Secular Ethics

The Dalai Lama doesn't find bright-coloured eyeshadow attractive, he's interested in the mechanics of desalination and thinks small dinners are good for weightloss.

These were just some of the diverse topics the Tibetan spiritual leader broached when he addressed more than 10,000 people at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Sunday.

The 77-year-old moved from global warming to the state of the news media, Marxism and reincarnation during his sold-out public address on the "ethical mindfulness of everyday life".

One of the key messages of the talk, which was part of his 10-day tour in Australia, was the need for "secular ethics" – a human value system that is not grounded in religious teachings.

"Ethics can be universal," the Dalai Lama said.

"Secular ethics respect all religions and non-religions.

"They are taught not through prayer, not through meditation, not through teaching in church but through education."

His argument for "secular ethics" is grounded in the belief that humans are by nature compassionate.

"Our lives start with much immense affection from our mothers so everyone who experiences that is then equipped with the potential to show that affection," he said.

It wasn't all serious. The Dalai Lama, who has toured Australia eight times, generated much laughter and applause during his two-hour talk.

When asked by an eight-year-old what it felt like to be a Buddha, the Dalai Lama responded: "Buddha? Me? Nonsense, unrealistic".

When asked about love, he related an anecdote about meeting an official's wife who was "not very attractive" but wonderful "on the inside".

Ben McDade, 26, who travelled from Queensland for the address, said he was surprised at how funny the Dalai Lama was.

"His message is really simple and easy to comprehend. It's for everyone," he said.

"The thing I've taken away from today is probably just to relax a little about everything."

Rose Levin, 32, of Darlinghurst, brought her three-and-a-half-week-old daughter to the address.

"We thought it would be really lovely to tell her one day that she'd seen the Dalai Lama," Ms Levin said. "She's got to be the youngest person here."

Yoga teachers Jacki Murray, of Gosford, and Michelle Mulliet, of Seven Hills, said they plan to use the Dalai Lama's messages in their classes.

"I first probably heard about his messages five years ago and it has led me to have a massive lifestyle change," Ms Murray said. "It helps me to stay calm and deal with the stress in my life."

The Dalai Lama will make his next public talk in Melbourne on Tuesday. He is also due to visit Adelaide and for the first time Darwin.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dalai-lama-calls-for-secular-ethics-20130616-2ocov.html#ixzz2WWi8eINn