Dalai Lama's message misinterpretated

by Eka Yana, India, The Buddhist Channel, Dec 15, 2006

With regards to the article, "The Dalai Lama is no Pope", the letter from His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Private Office did not state that worshipping relics of the Buddha and his chief disciples amounts to breaking one's Refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

Instead, His Holiness's consistent position is that, in-line with Lord Buddha's teachings, for Buddhists, one's only reliable source of refuge should be the Three Jewels and not any worldly spirit.

From what we know, it has never been the intention of His Holiness to project or position himself as a "Buddhist Pope", though he is often mistaken to be so, due to his popularity. However, he is repected internationally to be the leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

His advice is thus important to many. His above advice is also consistent with that of the leading Holinesses of all four living Tibetan Buddhist traditions. In fact, it is consistent in all other Buddhist traditions not to take refuge in any worldly spirit.
The Buddhist Channel - Donate to Support Our Work



An Appeal

In deep gratitude for your support! We are half way to meeting our target (US$ 10,400 of US$ 18,000 already achieved)!

The Buddhist Channel is a dedicated group of "mindful communication practitioners" striving to make a positive impact on the Buddhist community. We deeply believe in the power of mindful journalism and are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for your support. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless Buddhist monastics, local communities and other dedicated engaged workers. With your help, we make their stories known, and thereby opening up avenues for them to obtain sustainable support for their work.

Please indicate whether your support will be a donation or a loan. We will get back to you via email. We thank you in advance for providing us financial relieve. May the Buddha Dharma ever be your guide and protector.

Note: To date, we have received the following:

US$ 900 from Esa Myllykoski (donation)
US$ 9,500 from Lance Edwards/Kau Soo Kin (loan)

We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.

If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv

TOP