The US House of Representatives on September 13 voted to award His Holiness the Dalai Lama the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor. The award in recognition of the Dalai Lama's advocacy of religious harmony, non-violence, and human rights throughout the world and for his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Tibet issue though dialogue with the Chinese leadership. The bill enjoyed broad bipartisan support, with 387 cosponsors drawn from both political parties in the House and Senate, representing more than two-thirds of Congress. President Bush presented the medal at a congressional ceremony.
Personally, I think it is wonderful and don't question His Holiness' motives at all. But, I have heard some rumblings which question his motives for accepting such an honor from a "war mongering" President (Bush). The idea being that Bush is using the His Holiness for political gain and that His Holiness is too naive to realize it. Any thoughts?
2007-10-21 16:51:44 · 14 answers · asked by lightningelemental 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
FYI: I have also listed this question in the Politics & Government > Politics section.
2007-10-21 16:54:39 · update #1
To Love Yahoo!!! is a prince: Read my details. I am a great supporter of His Holiness and respect and admire him. I am NOT questioning His Holiness at all. But I have heard quite a bit of questioning, and was just wondering what the Yahoo Answer community had to say.
2007-10-21 17:08:26 · update #2
"His Holiness" is a title of respect. His own people refer to him as His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
2007-10-21 17:10:43 · update #3
I didn't say he was naive. I was relating what I heard in discussions on NPR etc.
2007-10-21 17:13:13 · update #4
'Holiness' is a state of being.
It has nothing to do with religion, The Dalai Lama has even made statements to this effect that his aim is to try to advance the causes of peace and happiness to all people, regardless of ethnicity or religion, despite that he is, officially, the head of both the secular and religious affairs of the Tibetan people.
If it pleases some to belittle the efforts and effects of a man whose example serves us all, as a species, so be it. His compassion is great enough to encompass this too.
With regard to the 'honour', isn't it supposed to be given on behalf of the People of the United States of America ? Personally I am delighted to think that some of his 'light' shines in that country too, the actions of a few may be questionable, but the Heart of America beats on, this administration will pass, and another will replace it, what 'flavour' will that have ?
I simply cannot think of a person alive today on this planet who embodies more succinctly the attributes of 'Holiness' than the present Dalai Lama. And I am certain that the more quaint aspects of his selection to his position are no mystery to him any more than the questionable aspects of the motivations for giving him this honour.
Who knows, maybe a little of his 'Holiness' might rub off on certain people in 'high places' ? ;-)))
{{{{{{{Cosmic Holiness}}}}}}}
2007-10-21 23:54:45 · answer #1 · answered by cosmicvoyager 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, bush is using the Dalai Lama for political gain but the lama is not naive in accepting it. He needs international recognition. Every honor sheds a light on the plight of Tibet.
2007-10-21 16:59:11 · answer #2 · answered by October 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's not the the Dali Lama went to Congress ASKING for it...so what motives does someone have for getting an award???
I don't agree with Bush, but I find this in great poor taste to question why a person seeking peace would accept an award for it, even if by a "war mongering" president.
Isn't the Dali Lama a Buddhist guy...and since Buddhists don't believe in Gods...why are you calling him Holy? (serious question, I don't get it)
2007-10-21 16:58:12 · answer #3 · answered by Love Yahoo!!! is a prince 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i do no longer think of any undesirable play on the Dalai's section. regardless of the undeniable fact that it relatively is a poke directed at Beijing and that i could question Bush's motives for giving it. bear in mind before 9/11, the U.S. supported Tibetan independence and dissidents have been stated as 'freedom warring parties'. Now they're stated as 'terrorists' by making use of the U.S. as they constantly have been by making use of Beijing. This honor may be a reasonable warning that the U.S. ought to easily turn coverage back to helping Tibet...thereby inflicting plenty hassle for China.
2016-10-07 09:10:13 · answer #4 · answered by pihl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Dalai Lama naive? That's funny!
2007-10-21 17:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by Champion of Knowledge 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
President Bush is in his last term in office - what possible "political gain" can he be cooking up?
No ill motives in this instance, I'm afraid.
The Dalai Lama received just recognition for his efforts, no matter which country it came from.
2007-10-21 16:59:05 · answer #6 · answered by Ambassador Z 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Bush undoubtedly is using it for political gains but I also think the Dalai Lama is smart enough to realize that it also benefits his own political and social gains in that it puts international pressure on China.
2007-10-21 16:56:54 · answer #7 · answered by ndmagicman 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
What's with the "his holiness" crapola?
The lama is just a man who claims to be a hereditary king of Tibet appointed by god. As much as the Chinese suppress the Tibetans now, under the divine rule, the Tibetan peasants were even more suppressed by the monarchy.
2007-10-21 17:05:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
"Never Give Up. No matter what is going on, never give up. Too much energy is spent on developing the mind, instead of the heart. Be compassionate. Work for peace, & again, never give up. No matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, never give up." - the Dalai Lama
PS: I see I'm not the only one who thought of this quote.
So I'd better elaborate:
A man who is pure of heart cannot be tainted by others' agendas.
2007-10-21 22:24:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
There will always be those who use others for their own gain. Should I not accept reward for my efforts? Honor is as honor does. A dishonorable government can still honor a worthy teacher. The dishonor or the honor is earned.
2007-10-21 23:48:13 · answer #10 · answered by midnite rainbow 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋