So today...

Today I got to tick something huge off my bucket list and got to be involved in the Dalai Lamas trip to Auckland. He talked about happiness and spirituality and we later had the chance to ask him questions.

my question was about what he thought of new religions being created out of a need to break away from traditional ones without losing a sense of structured spirituality, his answer was this;

"I think its better when people stay within the traditions that they have. Changing religions is a big thing that can create much worry. The religion is not so important but the secular ethics of compassion, connection and love, based on humanities design, should be present in everyone's lives."

he also said "distrust leads to fear, fear leads to isolation, isolation creates loneliness and negative minds"

I was seriously hoping he was going to end with "and leads to the dark side", sadly, didnt happen.

First of all, it's extremely cool that you got to see the Dalai Lama in person. That man is pretty darn close to human perfection. As my social studies teacher put it, "I am all for submitting to totalitarianism...so long as the Dalai Lama is appointed dictator for life."

I reacted to the Dalai Lama's quote in two directions When I first read it, I interpreted as, "The Dalai Lama doesn't approve of new religions and Jediism!" After all, he believes "changing" religions can cause worry, and "staying within the traditions that they have" is the way to go. This was troubling to me.

However, in the other direction, I agreed with the Dalai Lama's quote to some extent. Religion itself isn't as important as basic human morality (i.e. compassion, love, etc.), and I would never have worked towards becoming a Jedi for the "religious" side of it - I always did Jedi Training because of the principles that it stands for and I agree with.

Also, in defense of the Dalai Lama's quote, and upon deeper examination, the Dalai Lama said that it's dangerous for people to stray away from the traditions that they have and "change[]" religions.

However, as an aspiring Jedi, I came into the idea of Jediism and the Jedi Order with no personal religious views and no traditions that would contradict any Jedi beliefs or practices. So maybe the Dalai Lama wasn't necessarily disapproving new religions - maybe he meant exactly what he said.

That is awesome that you were able to see the Dali Lama.

When it comes to his quote about staying within one's traditions, I can get that to a point, but my question would be for people like myself, who was raised in one religion and after much living and soul searching found that I no longer believed in it the way I felt I should and in fact rejected the church due to the politics of it.

I started the initiates program here because I believe in the fact that we are all connected by one thing. What that thing is every religion has a different name for (force, god's love, etc.) but the fact remains that because I believe in that fundamental core element I am able to live my life based on the "secular ethics of compassion, connection and love, based on humanities design, should be present in everyone's lives."

At least that's my take on it.

That and if the old religions were fulfilling the lives of people then there wouldn't be a need for any "new" religions.

Kewl!!! Congratz!! I went and watched him speak back in 1992 (wow that sounds so long ago now!). Watching the guy makes me want to meditate for some reason.

I've recently read him mention people staying with their original religion's, specifically when he has been asked about people from the 'west' converting to Buddhism. I personally rationalized (invented) the position as perhaps he might feel their is some spiritual practices which can access childhood imagery/memories and they might work better in adulthood if the adult system of spirituality is compatible with them. I got that from my own earlier spiritual experiences were generally of the nature of my childhood religion (Catholic). So I've avoided that advice personally.... and my later experiences have thus become a mix of Catholic, Tibetan Buddhism and Science - so far!!!

I'm trying to introduce Jediism to the mix now :side:

If one was to believe in reincarnation, then I wonder what was someones original religion :lol:

I have to isagree with him. As we grow older, we change. while we shouldn't seek to change for the sake of changing, or because "that's what you have to do as you age", you're bound to refocus as you learn more over time.

Let's say as a child, maybe you thought christmas was the celebration of the year, etc... But as you grow, you lose interest. You start thinking it promotes greed and a sense of entitlement to personal property. And that you'd rather celebrate something you didn't even know existed as a child... This is a change of "tradition", not necessarily with a change in spirituality...

Besides, to avoid change because it may worry you is a self-fulfilling prophecy: You worry about change because change can worry you.

Also the Buddha was Hindu at first...



I wonder. Did anyone ask him if he felt his approach in tibet/china relations paid off? Does he have regrets?

ren wrote: I wonder. Did anyone ask him if he felt his approach in tibet/china relations paid off? Does he have regrets?

No. It was very briefly hinted on at one point but his response was that in resolving any conflict one must look past the mental attitude and see the human behind it. I think thats zen for "No comment".

ren wrote: while we shouldn't seek to change for the sake of changing,

When I read his quote, that's how I took what he meant....

If you are happy with your religion, then why seek to change religions?

Brenna wrote:

ren wrote: I wonder. Did anyone ask him if he felt his approach in tibet/china relations paid off? Does he have regrets?

No. It was very briefly hinted on at one point but his response was that in resolving any conflict one must look past the mental attitude and see the human behind it. I think thats zen for "No comment".

If you are happy with your religion, then why seek to change religions?

because there's a need for it? It was in the question. Maybe he didn't understand it?