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Dalai Lama Argument on Buddhism and Christianity as the prospects for world religion
Dalai Lama was born in China and was originally called Tenzin Gyatso , he reigned as a
spiritual leader of Tibet. He started his reign in 1950 soon after being declared a spiritual
leader in the year 1937. His most widespread ideology was his advocacy for the use of non-
violent liberation that earned him the Nobel prize in 1989, however, Dalai Lama does not
believe that Buddhism and Christianity can integrate efficiently without necessarily leading
to the loss of integrity of the two religions. This paper gives a detailed analysis and criticism
of the response Dalai Lama gives during his interview with Jos Ignacio on the underlying
potential of Buddhism and Christianity integrating without leading to the loss of the major
features of the two religions. The paper shall divulge into analysing the response and
argument presented by Dalai Lama and the give a conclusion on the argument about the two
religions while laying emphasis on love compassion, forgiveness and tolerance which are
imperative in promoting acceptable values in people.

Lamas interview and Argument

The interview between Dala Lama and Jose Ignacio revolves around the ideology on the
possibility of integration of the major religions i.e. Christianity and Buddhism. In his
interview, Lam appears to be skeptical in his response in the attempt of not evoking
confusion on the possibility of integration of the two religions. Although the interviewer tries
to reflect on a possibility of the two religions coexisting in the society, Lama seems reserved
in his responses to avoid confusion; moreover, he asserts that it can be possible for the two
religions to peacefully coexist in the society as witnessed over the years. The interviewer,
Jose Ignacio attempts to present the subject that the two religions can exist peacefully
alongside one another in the society, the fact that the two religions have a common ground
provides a basis of coexisting in the society. Dalai points out that the two religions can exist
alongside each other in the society because the two religions believe in God, he gives an
example of Christianity borrowing some values from Buddhism, Christians may therefore;
decide to incorporate the values they have borrowed from Buddhism in their lives. Both
Christianity and Buddhism are based on common teachings of love compassion, kindness and
compassion which constitutes the moral teachings in life, the existence of the two religions is
possible as there are no limits on adopting teachings from either of the religions. Practices
such as meditation, one pointedness of the mind and concentration are common in most
religion; therefore, they can be adopted comfortably without evoking any conflict in both
religions.
Dalai Lama further asserts that religions cannot come into conflict; he believes that
contrasting philosophical ideologies are the major cause of conflict in various religions.
Islamic, Christianity and Buddhism have common standpoints; therefore, Christians, Muslims
and Buddhists have a common objective as reflected through the teachings of various
religions and how happiness can be attained peacefully regardless of the religion. Dalai
Lamas argument is that irrespective of the characteristics and teachings of two religions in
question; Christianity and Buddhism, there are common teachings and common grounds on
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which the two religions can integrate. Regardless of religion, morality is an important
component of both religions. Although different religions have different features which
define each religion, religious traditions in the world are thought to represent one of the most
important warehouses for cultural values and the fundamental guidelines of ethical living.
Conflict in religion has always revolved around religions and doctrines, Dalai consents that
conflict between religion and various doctrines are prevalent even in Buddhism (538), he
further remarks that there are theories from sub scholars on selflessness and emptiness.
Therefore, Buddhist religion is built on values of becoming concerned with the welfare of
other people and self-sacrifice for the sake of other people; people in this religion constantly
help one another. Lama fluently describes how different religions have different doctrines
that aim at transforming peoples beliefs to build on a strong relationship with others
regardless of their religious background. Lamas argument on the subject of religion is
important in creating a universal coexistence and better life between people. He believes that
there should be no conflicts based on religious beliefs, Buddhists do not believe that God is a
creator unlike the Christians. Such beliefs should not create friction between the two
religions; Lama says that doctrines vary between people just as tastes for food (538).
Response to Dalais Argument
There is freedom of worship, therefore, people are allowed to participate in religious
practices, focusing on the preferred religion is important in enhancing relationship with
others of the same religion. The talk on religion is that people should not be biased and makes
judgments based on the doctrines and values of a particular religion. Biasness encourages
lack of adequate insight of events such as interaction between individuals. Lamas spiritual
humanism argument is that there is an underlying potential in relating with people regardless
of their traditions or doctrines. Lama provides an insight about ethics in form of natural,
moral and spiritual understanding and how they are reflected as human qualities which are
universal. His argument is an exemplary showcase of good teaching that gives insight and
advice to humans.
Lama further argues on the rationale of religion to humanity, he points out that integration of
the two religions is hard because of the contrasting doctrines. His commitment to spiritual
leadership emphasizes on human traits of love, kindness and compassion. Lamas response
depicts a depth understanding of spiritual and human features, he advocates for change and
transformation. His position as a spiritual leader is important in showcasing the doctrines and
religions of the world, moreover, he advocates for peaceful coexistence on the basis that we
are all humans regardless of our status as believers or non-believers. This will help in
building relationships regardless of our religion and status, he believes that most human
problems will be solved by embracing friendship and peace in the society (540).
Conclusion
Dalai Lama interview portrays him as a spiritual leader who advocates for peace, kindness,
love and compassion among people from various backgrounds regardless of their religion
composition. He is at the forefront for advocating for mutual understanding between people
even though it is difficult to integrate the different religions that exist, he proposes that
humanity is important and therefore, there should be no conflict because of doctrines and
ideological differences. A society based on harmony and peace does not focus on the
religious beliefs of the people rather it focuses on formulating solutions to the various
problems in the society. Humans should focus on promoting peaceful coexistence whether
the people that constitute the society are religious or not religious. Conflicts arising from
religious differences should not be witnessed in the society because most religions have a
common ground regardless of their doctrines and values. Buddhists and Christians can
peacefully coexist even though they have differences in religions and doctrines; this is
because the common goal in both religions is to promote peace and harmony through
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establishing meaningful relationships in the society. The common features of various religion
can be used to build meaningful relationships with the people in the society by enhancing
inner values and forgiveness of people.

Works Cited

Cabezon, Jose I. The Bodhaya Interviews. Snow Lion Publication. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion

Publications, 1988.