Ever wondered about the Dalai Lama?

international | rights, freedoms and repression | other press Wednesday April 13, 2011 11:25 by Celia S

In the article below Michael Parenti deconstructs the body myths surrounding the question of the Dalai Lama/Tibet. Very relevant given the love-in going on today. What say you Andy Storey/Afri?

Friendly Feudalism: The Tibet Myth

I. For Lords and Lamas

Along with the blood drenched landscape of religious conflict there is the experience of inner peace and solace that every religion promises, none more so than Buddhism. Standing in marked contrast to the intolerant savagery of other religions, Buddhism is neither fanatical nor dogmatic--so say its adherents. For many of them Buddhism is less a theology and more a meditative and investigative discipline intended to promote an inner harmony and enlightenment while directing us to a path of right living. Generally, the spiritual focus is not only on oneself but on the welfare of others. One tries to put aside egoistic pursuits and gain a deeper understanding of one’s connection to all people and things. “Socially engaged Buddhism” tries to blend individual liberation with responsible social action in order to build an enlightened society.

A glance at history, however, reveals that not all the many and widely varying forms of Buddhism have been free of doctrinal fanaticism, nor free of the violent and exploitative pursuits so characteristic of other religions....What of Tibetan Buddhism?