I know this is a stupid question to ask but...Is the Dali Lama really Enlightened?

Question

Are all Buddist Monks Enlightened also? How long does it take to become Enlightened?

Answer 1

The Dalai Lama may or may not be enlightened but the chances are good that he is. I am sure he is a great master. He may not agree. He is an amazingly well-educated man who also practices several hours a day as well as studying and undertaking his official duties and teaching those fortunate enough to be able to attend.
His doctors have told him to rest at present, and he had to cancel his planned European tour this summer.
The aim of every Buddhist practioner is to become enlightened in order to benefit all sentient beings and help them to enlightenment also, so it's not necessary to be a monk or a nun to become enlightened.
To become enlightened can happen just like that but I'm sure takes a lot of practicing before it happens. It can take innumerable lifetimes and if it happens this lifetime, well, there will have been a lot going on previously. the idea of cause and effect (karma) or, in western terms, chaos theory, comes into it all as well. Check out Zen as well.

Answer 2

This is not a stupid question. However the real point is to practice right mindfulness yourself. How long it takes for you to see your true nature depends on you. It is also useful to study and contemplate. A religious leader can only be judged by his words and actions. My feeling is that the Dalai Llama is a very wise and insightful man. If that means enlightened then he is. Lets not get carried away with this term enlightenment, but remember that every moment of our life is a moment of enlightenment if we have ears to hear and eyes to see. There is no special state to attain. This is the great paradox, when we look for enlightenment we lose it, like the fish looking for the water he has heard so much about! We are simply caught up in desires again. It is enough to just do the next thing you have to do with quiet mindfulness. As this practice deepens the mind is stilled and our 'vision' is no longer obscured. Enlightenment? Just a word.

Answer 3

The Dali Lama would be the first to tell you that enlightenment is a continuing process, not a destination. You become more enlightened as you continue the process, but you never arrive at total enlightenment. Therefore, your whole life you will be on the path if you choose to pursue enlightenment. The hardest part about enlightenment is keeping yourself open to receive it.

Answer 4

Dalai Lama is not a Prophet; he is a man like other men.
All priests in various religions are men. They may become the wisest among men, but they are not all-knowing, all-wise like the Prophets, Who are Founders of world religions.
Nobody can reach Enlightenment like Buddha; His Enlightenment is Divine Manifestation like Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab and Baha'u'llah.

Answer 5

Write him a letter.Be sure to spell his name correctly though.And no all Buddhist monks have not reached enlightenment.It is however a good plan for life(except for a few things that I don't believe in).Instead of teaching you some silly idol worship it and Taoism teach you how to live life in harmony with your surroundings delving deeply into your mind and spirituallity.According to most believers enlightenment may take an entire lifetime.Certainly not a few weeks.(where did that answer come from?)

Answer 6

A friend of mine met the Dalai Lama and said he truly is a holy man. There was no doubt in her mind that he is Enlightened.

Answer 7

Not a stupid question at all. I've read a lot on the Dali Lama and his is enlightened, he has a very powerful spirituality

Answer 8

you can get enlightened any time in life . like a 5 year old child can as well as an 80 year old granpa . it depends on your environment and your culture . that cannot be determined . all monks must be enlightened but i cant assure you.

Answer 9

I always thought that a Dali Lama was a male lama from south America and they are a bit thick!

Answer 10

The wisdom of the Dali Lama is within you too. All you have to do is search for it.