Why Dalai Lama matters a lot?
By Bhavya Srivastava
Published on UC Web
What after Dalai Lama the 14th? Will the tradition dies with him? How China will react when the present Dalai Lama leaves his physical presence? These are the imminent questions asked by every Buddhist, as time passes. Dalai Lama, due to his fight for Tibet and spiritual stature acquired a position that defines his actions. It was long back when he came to India with a hope to free Tibet. Now the reason was settle with an autonomous cause. His Holiness has a popular height of Himalayas, but the ice is melting and few thinks that the dam he has created cannot save them from China.
HH Dalai Lama physical presence, his talks, speeches, statements give a hope to his religion. He is invincible when he smiles and asks people to come for peace and harmony. He is the only hope for Tibet today. After him a void situation is obvious, china may appoint a Dalai Lama, like Panchen Lama. Few months back China send Panchen Lama to Lhasa to establish his prowess. But people of Tibet know how a man called Tenzin Gyatso, who came on foot and make their cause an international cry.
Gelug or ‘Yellow Hat’ school of Tibetan Buddhism is the newest in the Tibetan Buddhism tradition. Their influence on Mongolians make them powerful and Dalai word comes from mongolia. Dalai Lama holds an authority in Tibet and ruled the land till 1950. His traditional belief suggests a reincarnation of himself, but Dalai Lama signals some realities. Few years back, His Holiness said in a statement, “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. On that basis we will take a decision. If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the Fifteenth Dalai Lama to be recognized, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama’s Gaden Phodrang Trust. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should seek advice and direction from these concerned beings and carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I shall leave clear written instructions about this. Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China”
On the question of 15th Dalai Lama, his assertions to the Time magazine were more to the point, “The institution of the Dalai Lama, and whether it should continue or not, is up to the Tibetan people. If they feel it is not relevant, then it will cease and there will be no 15th Dalai Lama. But if I die today I think they will want another Dalai Lama. The purpose of reincarnation is to fulfill the previous [incarnation’s] life task. My life is outside Tibet, therefore my reincarnation will logically be found outside. But then, the next question: Will the Chinese accept this or not? China will not accept. The Chinese government most probably will appoint another Dalai Lama, like it did with the Panchen Lama Then there will be two Dalai Lamas: one, the Dalai Lama of the Tibetan heart, and one that is officially appointed”. ( Courtesy: Time Magazine)
The process Dalai Lama has slowly adapted teaches how to fight with dignity and how to reclaim your destiny by awareness. The awareness drives of Dalai Lama today make Tibet a place of acknowledgement. The self-immolations in the name of Tibet, pains him and he never supported any destructive measures. His hope is in the people. Not only in Buddhists, but in every human soul, who knows about Tibet and Dalai Lama. His recent statements hints that he want to change the way his seat or practices are seen, he needs a reform. His statement that a beautiful woman may be the next Dalai Lama, was criticised by many, but he was progressive in his thoughts. Surely Dalai Lama is wisdom oriented man today who intuitively sees the future and try to emulate few changes by his views and ways.
In that light the followers of Buddhism must understand few things. As a religion Buddhism has a dominant presence in South East Asia and in some western countries. But Dalai Lama has some physical limitations to address the issues of Tibet, due to the influence of China. Like his wish to visit Nepal may never fulfilled, as Nepal can’t invite him due to influence of China. There are many countries who respect him, but can’t stand with Tibet cause, so his aura and stature can’t give him access to reach every Buddhist. Here in India, he is regarded as a holy saint with a mission, recently Indian government supported him on his Arunachal Pradesh visit albeit China strong reservations.
Cultural differences and many sects of Buddhism today rule this religion. From Theravada, Mahayan, Hinyan to Vajrayana, the 300 million population of Buddhists today followed various types of spiritual practices. Geographically you can divide them into three traditions, Theravada, East Asian Buddhism and Tibet Buddhism. The monks and followers may be divided into different sects due to time and cultural transgressions, but Lord Buddha still is the single undisputed force for them. Today Buddhism is known for its meditational practices and peace loving life.
After Dalai Lama, the Buddhist world will lost a mascot of a mission. His life may be not as famous if he didn’t cross the border and hurl the flag of Tibet. Many knew the way he took the cause further has the capability to turn winds. His presence and aura make many assured that the spiritual powers of this holy man can change the destiny of millions. He never show any halo around him and behave like a child. Some says his childish behaviour is likened by westerners and this is an impediment to the issue, but his approach is unquestionable. He met, love and blesses and politely discusses the cause with open heart and wins the logical side.
Dalai Lama surely loves to see the next phase of his spiritual journey. He may appoint an authority to search his next reincarnation. But the boy or girl needs time to mature himself for the challenge of rights and power. China is known for its aggressive ways to capture things. Till then, the people of Tibet and the millions Buddhist must pay respect to the holy soul and raise his cause for humanity and peace.
