Is the Dalai Lama secular?
The very first line in his first chapter, “Rethinking Secularism,” presents his amazing perspective: “I am a man of religion, but religion alone cannot answer all our problems.” His reasonable honesty is a welcome refreshment.
How does the Dalai Lama approach ethics?
The Dalai Lama’s teachings build around a virtue ethics focus. He suggests that our very survival depends on basic human goodness. This balance is to be achieved through love and compassion which then leads to happiness (Bstan-‘dzin-rgya-mtsho, 2000). Fundamentally, the teachings of the Dalai Lama are normative.
What is the difference between secular ethics and religious teachings?
Secular ethics are a more mature and reasonable basis for morality. Religious ethics is so rule bound, similar to Hebrew morality, and non-reasonable, whereas, philosophical or secular ethics is oriented toward results and consequences.
Where does secular morality come from?
Others suggest this idea goes back at least 2,600 years as exemplified in Psalm 14 of the Hebrew Bible. According to others, the idea goes back as far as 4,000 years, with the ancient Egyptians’ 42 Principles of Ma’at. Others eschew the idea that religion is required to provide a guide to right and wrong behavior.
Can you be moral without being religious?
It is simply impossible for people to be moral without religion or God. Faith can be very very dangerous, and deliberately to implant it into the vulnerable mind of an innocent child is a grievous wrong. The question of whether or not morality requires religion is both topical and ancient.
What is the role of the Dalai Lama in Buddhism?
The Dalai Lama is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism and traditionally has been responsible for the governing of Tibet, until the Chinese government took control in 1959. Before 1959, his official residence was Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
Can we be ethical without being religious?
It is what we believe in, right or wrong. Therefore, it is impossible to have an ethical system without being religious. Ethics is what you believe is right or wrong. Even when you say that, it is a religious commitment.