It's interesting to note that a thread that involves the Dalai Lama invokes precious little response when compared to topics that feature Judaism, Christianity or Islam.

To me this is a clear indication that the Dalai Lama is a far greater religious figure than any Rabbi, Priest or Sheik. His Buddhist religion also appears to be of more benefit to the human race than the other three ego-manical and anti-human monotheisms.

Quite frankly, I can't imagine the Dalai Lama leading out in last nights suicide bombing in Kabala where innocent women and children were killed or use proactive and aggressive missionary tactics to convert a society that doesn't need or want to be converted.

What does he do other than proclaim peaceful inaction as a virute?

Meanwhile here in the real world of blood and violence, corruption and crime, real people do good deeds everyday.

He's a religious pop star, nothing more nothing less.

A True Fact, “People get the impression that love, compassion and kindness is religious. This is not a religious matter - it is a matter of humanity, whether you believe it or not.”

Yes, like many others I too am frustrated by the lack of social justice in Tibet and the way we are supposed to passively watch.

While I adore the Dalai Lama I never ever forget Buddhism evolved from a need to practice social justice, a social justice that is not taught - in modern times.

Extremes eh!

I feel the SELF in Western terms is too one way. Too individualistic, and while I see the need to meditate, for me it is to use that clarity for strength and thought about issues that need our attention, to grow and innovate action towards world change.

I am not surprised there are not more people commenting on this forum. Many of us have a high respect for the Dalai Lama and Buddhism but I am sorry to say the mass in this country that may practice Buddhism and, who get to go and see the Dalai Lama (are usually privilaged and) unfortunately do not contribute openingly to social or political actions, as advocates for others.

This I find extremely sad.

http://www.miacat.com
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Hi Rainer, Miacat,

I think that what you describe as peaceful inaction is not well understood in us in the West. As I understand it, Buddhism says that it is from a point of stillness that right actions can be made. By contrast, from a point of mental/emotional confusion the results of actions are at best fortuitous and often negative. Meditative practice is about learning to remove my identity (ego) from any situation and becoming aware of my mental, emotional and sense experiences and how they bear upon me when I decide to take subsequent action (i.e. the impulse). This is the related to the concept of karma (which means action) which is about understanding how actions lead to (re)actions and further actions etc.; the past and the future hinging on the ever-present moment. It's not an intellectual exercise - it is something that is experienced, that can be observed. This is the liberation that is spoken of - to see things as they really are. So it is not about non-action so much as understanding when it right to act and when it is right to sit still. This is what we can learn from the Dalai Lama.

Regards

I am taking my two daughters to see the Dalai Lama when he visits next month as we did when he was last here. I can't really explain why I think it is so important but I just seem to know it is. Perhaps this is why there have been so few responses to this topic, maybe it defies an explanation. I thought part of it for me was to, in my own little way, stand up to the Chinese pressure on our government not to meet him, but on reflection even this reason seems to be demeaning to the man.

Ando, with respect, most people live in world where they do see things very clearly and know when to act - and do!

No need for me and others to sit under a tree and contemplate life via my inhaling and exhaling when its right there in front of me.

So this inaction is just an excuse never to get engaged and have lots of 'spiritual smoothy' explanations (exuses) on why inaction is chosen.

Existential, narcisistic, selfish inaction. That's all it is.