Where and how does the narrator suggest that H.H. has developed his wisdom? Nature (wind, rivers, space), meditation, contemplation

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1 HUM 2410: ASIAN HUMANITIES Instructor: John Hardin TEN QUESTIONS FOR THE DALAI LAMA Video Worksheet Answers How old was His Holiness (H.H.) the Dalai Lama when he first lost his freedom (of speech, of thought, of movement, of religion)? Fifteen years old How does the narrator Rick Ray describe the life of the Tibetan people prior to when "the invaders came" (referring to the Chinese invasion)? "They (the Tibetans) had been dreaming on the roof of the world", simple, peaceful Where and how does the narrator suggest that H.H. has developed his wisdom? Nature (wind, rivers, space), meditation, contemplation What does H.H. say that those who assist in the liberation of Tibet will gain? Nothing. There is no profit, at least monetarily. The Tibetan issue is a moral issue. What great American leaders does H.H. mention in his speech? Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln What does H.H. say he admires about American society? What do you understand these to mean? The virtues and value of democracy, freedom, and liberty. He does not admire our weapons or our economy and does not believe that these will contribute to making us more popular. What does the narrator suggest is one of H.H.'s greatest strengths? His ability to always be present and accessible. His greatest inspiration is each person that he meets. How does the narrator describe H.H.? Mischievous, humble, a unifier, a rock star of world peace, a promoter of the science of peace comparable to Einstein, Gandhi, and King, a worldly citizen, a refugee, forgiving, with an infectious laugh, he does not suffer fools easily What does H.H. spend most of his waking energy pursuing? A perfect form of enlightenment. The Dalai Lama has three main commitments in life: promoting human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self discipline which he describes a secular ethics ; promoting religious harmony and understanding; and acting as a spokesperson of the Tibetans and their struggle for justice and freedom. He encourages each person he encounters to become a traveler in the world, a seeker of truth. Where does H.H. currently reside? In a monastery at the base of the Himalayas in Dharmsala in northern India What brought Rick Ray to India? To direct a travel video for an American production company, lured by the promise that he would be given the opportunity to interview the Dalai Lama. When he arrived he learned that no one had made any plans for that interview to take place. No matter where you come from or how poor you think you are, India puts it all into perspective.

2 Somewhat surprisingly, what technology do many of the monks who serve the Dalai Lama use? Computers, the internet, and How did Rick Ray spend his time in India prior to his meeting with H.H.? Travelling and learning more about India and its people, gaining a new perspective, considered entering a Buddhist monastery, immersing himself in Buddhism. Who is Tenzin Geyche Tethong? HH the Dalai Lama s personal assistant What does H.H. expect from the person who wishes to meet with him? That they are genuine, sincere, and respectful. How does the filmmaker attempt to illustrate the life and transformation of Siddhartha, the Lord Buddha? Contrasting images of wealth and poverty on the train, at the train station, and in the streets of India, incorporating a variety of images of the peoples of India involved in daily activities What role does H.H. play in the lives of the Tibetan people? a god-king, he is the religious and political leader of Tibet. He is traditionally believed to be the reincarnation of his predecessors and the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara ( down observe lord one who looks down and observes the world), also known as Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion. He is the most influential member of the Gelug/Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has considerable influence over other Buddhist sects. His full title is Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsant Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (Holy Lord and Reverend, Gentle Glory, Eloquent, Kind Hearted, Wise, Protector of the Teachings). Dalai Lama means Ocean of Wisdom He has the responsibility to act as a free spokesperson for the Tibetan people in their struggle for justice and freedom. After the previous Dalai Lama passes away, how is the next Dalai Lama discovered/ recognized? Following an ageless process, senior monks travel far and wide in an attempt to find him, looking for and following signs in nature and people that are said to have been left by the previous Dalai Lama. One who is believed to be the reincarnation is given a series of simple tests of recognition of previous possessions and experiences. How old was Lhamo Dondrub (the Dalai Lama's birth name) when he was officially proclaimed the Fourteenth Dalai Lama? Lhamo was born on July 6, 1935 the fifth of sixteen children of a farming family in the village of Taktser. Only six of his siblings (two sisters and four brothers) survived infancy. He was discovered at the age of two and proclaimed to be the Dalai Lama at the age of four. He and his family were moved to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, when he was four. It was there that he went through rigorous training to assume his role as the political and religious leader of Tibet. In 1950 the army of the People s Republic of China invaded Tibet. One month later on November 17, 1950 he was enthroned formally; he was fifteen. In 1951, at sixteen, the Chinese military pressured him to ratify a seventeen-point agreement which permitted the People s Republic to take control of Tibet. After a failed uprising in 1959, which effectively marked the collapse of the resistance movement, HH fled through the mountains to India. Where is Tibetan culture geographically centered today? Deep and high in the India Himalayas in the city of Dharmsala in the Nubra Valley

3 What do Buddhist pilgrims often leave at the summits of mountains? Paper prayer flags Describe the typical life of a Tibetan Buddhist monk? Wake at sunrise, cooking, prayer, religious study, meditation What "tremendously intricate task" do the monks dedicate their time to, what does the result symbolize, and what ultimately becomes of it? How is this particularly related to the lives of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people? They construct intricate sand mandalas, which are said to symbolize the metaphysical world and are deliberately destroyed and scattered in the sea. This symbolizes how life is not permanent, all things are temporal, and reflects the conflict that Tibet has experienced with the Chinese occupation. Attachment results in loss and sorrow. How old was H.H. when China invaded Tibet? The invasion occurred in October 1950 when he was fifteen years old How did the Dalai Lama address the Chinese threat? Respectfully and pursued negotiations with truth and dignity. He thought that the Chinese sought to preserve Tibetan culture until he realized their intent was to destroy Tibet. What was Mao Zedong's view of religion? It is poison. It undermines and retards the progress of a country. While the Dalai Lama strongly disagrees, he does see that religion often contributes to negative emotions including frustration, anger, and hatred. How did the U.S. respond to H.H.'s appeals for help? What was the primary cause for this response? Generally ignored it. The Christian community saw little value in the esoteric and unknowable religion of Tibet and political and economic leaders saw no benefit or advantage. How did H.H. escape from Tibet and where did he flee to? In disguise under the cover of night he fled and traveled across twelve hundred miles to northern India. How many Tibetans were killed and how many Buddhist monasteries were destroyed by the Chinese? An estimated 1.2 million Tibetans were killed and over six thousand Buddhist monasteries were destroyed. What is the significance of Dharmsala? This small town is now home to the Dalai Lama and tens of thousands of Tibetans and is the center of the government-in-exile. It provides a safe haven for political and religious exiles. And it is here that HH strives to preserve traditional Tibetan education and culture. Describe the typical daily routine of H.H.? Rising at 4 a.m., meditation and prayer, eating a hearty breakfast, listening to BBC News, studying, attending meetings, meeting and counseling people What interests does H.H. have beyond spiritual practice and his people? He is very interested in science (neuroscience, astronomy, quantum physics) and in how things work he is a tinkerer When science contradicts faith, which is H.H. prone to choose? Science. He encourages independent research and tests of faith.

4 *The Interview* What does H.H. suggest is the reason that poor people are also some of the happiest people in the world? If you have very little in life, you have very little to worry about or to lose. If you have a lot, it seems you have a lot to lose. What does H.H. offer in response to the narrator's suggestion that India is "a much richer country, on some level, than America" - what does he advise is the cause of this? Those in the west are quick to anger, while those in the east appear to have limitless patience. He suggests that many Americans have too much greed and limitless desire one more, one more, one more. What is perhaps the best illustration of H.H. practice of self-discipline? His response to the Chinese methodical occupation of his homeland and destruction of his culture cultural genocide. What is one of the most pressing issues for H.H. today? Preservation of Tibetan culture, although he recognizes some traditions like the caste system are outdated and that Tibet should reach out and embrace the outside world. What is H.H.'s view of religious traditions beyond his own? broad and open-mindedness, all have the same potential to create harmony and peace of mind, to encourage compassion and tolerance. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create good human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other s respective traditions. As far as one truth, one religion is concerned, this may be relevant on an individual level. However, for the community at large, several truths, several religions, are necessary. What humble qualities does H.H. possess that are rather unusual for a person of his status and authority? Laughs, especially about himself and even at somber occasions. He is quick to admit making mistakes, has little sense of self importance, travels coach, no big press conferences, his accessibility, spontaneity, not caught up in formality. But he does share a high level of charisma and is a noted public speaker. What does H.H. suggest poses one of the greatest threats to the survival of humanity? Overpopulation and destruction of the ecosystem. Every human life is valuable, but it is not an issue of quantity as much as it is an issue of quality. What does H.H see as a means to resolving Tibet's problems with China? Active engagement, diplomacy, passive resistance, patience, and wisdom. He seeks a mutually beneficial solution. He is confident that the power of truth will triumph over the power of the gun and regards guns as a sign of weakness that may offer a short-term solution but are a long-term problem. He encourages, peace, smiling, warmth, sharing, no hatred and no violence. He faces the challenge of convincing his people to forgive and embrace their Chinese brothers and sisters. However, Tibetans are made to live in a constant state of fear by the Chinese peace and stability under the rule of terror is not good. He has tried to convince other political leaders to help bring China into mainstream world democracy. In March 2008 the Dala Lama asked for an international inquiry into China s treatment of Tibet, which he said has amounted to cultural genocide. What award was H.H. given in 1989 and what did he do with the money that was part of the award? The Noble Peace Prize. He lives on about ten dollars a day, so this money made him a rich man. But he chose to donate it to charity, particularly to people who were starving.

5 What results would one find when searching for "Dalai Lama" in Yahoo! China ( and Google China ( - at least at the time this film was made - and what was the motivation behind this? Both these companies caused international outrage when the results would only be governmentapproved pages = censorship and control of information. The motivation was access to the marketplace, money/profit. While similarities are often made between the efforts of Gandhi and the liberation of India and the efforts of the Dalai Lama and the liberation of Tibet, HH is quick to note that Gandhi, even while in prison, could make appeals and was free to speak the Dalai Lama is not. What has happened to the Panchen Lama, why has this occurred, and what significance does it hold on the future of the Dalai Lama? In 1995 he and his family were kidnapped soon after his appointment. He is the youngest political prisoner in the world. This illustrates the extend China will go to in order to impose its will. At what point does H.H. say one must give up the practice of non-violence in order to confront evil and do what is right? As a means of self-defense when in eminent danger of being abused or murdered. He advises us to analyze the value and the consequences. But he thinks that war is old fashioned and out of date. His view is that everything is interdependent and interconnected, and our future is very much linked to one another. The destruction of the enemy is the destruction of self. How would H.H. like to spend the remaining years of his life? To concentrate on spiritual practice without much expectation.