Pope Dalai Lama

[Jim D.]

A few months back I visited a Buddhist Temple, in fact, several times over the past three years. I just wanted to go in an rest, and think, and meditate on my wanting to belong to something that was like minded. I talked with the head woman/Abbott who seemed nervous about my being there. She was Chinese. The other Chinese person kept looking at me like what is he doing here. Well, anyway I picked up some pamphlets, did the research on line regarding Buddhism, and was curious about how the Dalai Lama was chosen to be the Spiritual Leader...And then business man that I am, I looked for their mission statement and financial statement.

 

So, the Catholics have their Pope, their coffers, their land, their buildings, their tax exempt status, and then there are the Buddhists who have their land, their buildings, their tax exempt status,their millions, their Dalai Lama. (I think that I saw a Rolex on his wrist at one time  )

 

What happened to the guys that just preached for a meal.

 

I will not support an organization financially, and be led by a human being that is just like me.

 

So, I decided to be little o'le me practicing Dao Philosophy.

 

 

[C T]

Dont know about you but i am guessing that it will take me more than one visit to the US to make any informed judgements about the country. Despite all the 2nd hand information i may gather, at the end of the day, nothing beats immersing myself into the vibe of the vast cultural diversities for a period of time for an impression to form, and even then, it may be totally coloured by my own biases, so i'd rather keep my mind open as much as possible. And this outlook i'll usually try to bring to any other event that transpires, be it food, religion, politics, and so on. 

 

It seems naive to assume that Daoist organisations and temples are exempted from materialistic concerns. You will perhaps reconsider that your one visit to one temple may not be sufficient to actually warrant any fruitful attempt to draw comparisons between these 3 traditions that you mentioned.

 

Then again, you may want to also consider that some of the members here have travelled to places like China, Taiwan, and other countries in the Far East and have seen first hand, or have otherwise heard of Daoist clergies who own mansions, luxury cars, keep a harem of mistresses, and possess the kind of financial clout and exploitative potential that if you were to not put your naivete aside upon hearing details of their colourful lifestyles, it'll literally blow your mind. Does this undermine the philosophy in any way? It would be foolish to think so, one with good sense would assume. 

 

Just in case you might think i am speaking out of my behind, here's an example of how much a Daoist funeral cost (copied from a Daoist funeral specialist website), excluding the price of the casket, which could range upwards of $2500 (Singapore dollars). A reputable priest with sufficient HR can easily handle more than one funeral arrangement per day. Being the astute businessman that you are, it should not be difficult for you to do the math. Please bear in mind that other than time, there are literally no other costs involved as every conceivable cost is borne by the family of the deceased. 

 

 

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Lastly, the topic title is inappropriate and borders on ridicule and insult, so please, i'd be very grateful if you can show some respect for other members who may not share your exact sentiments. Doing so would set a good example for your adopted belief/philosophy. 

[Cheshire Cat]

[...]

 

So, the Catholics have their Pope, their coffers, their land, their buildings, their tax exempt status, and then there are the Buddhists who have their land, their buildings, their tax exempt status,their millions, their Dalai Lama. (I think that I saw a Rolex on his wrist at one time  )

 

What happened to the guys that just preached for a meal.

 

I will not support an organization financially, and be led by a human being that is just like me.

 

[...]

 

Your view is clear an coherent.

 

But I'll say a couple of things:

 

1) Dalai Lama isn't the head of buddhism, nor the head of tibetan buddhism and not even the head of his Gelug school: he's involved in politics to a certain extent. And yes, he could be considered as a sort of "Pope".

I personally like the man and I think that he's very advanced in his spiritual practice, but if you don't like him, this doesn't mean that the totality of buddhism is shit.

 

2) Usually, the monks that we see as unworthy disciples of the Buddhas studied a lot ... and even in the case that they achieve very little in cultivation, we should consider that 1 out millions gets something really noticeable from cultivation.

I consider them prominently as eminent professors of buddhism because I tend to consider spirituality from a non-denominationl POV.

[Rune]

I see it this way.

 

If you have grown up in some far away place, off the modern comfort of western civilisation, then it is next too imposible, too live the life of a munk, if you reach the west.

 

What we take for granted, like tecnology and entertainment, is not given too everybody on this planet.

 

It does not make them bad people, but only makes them human, unless they claim otherwise.

 

Buddist munks are shoppaholics, and you see them in many shopping distrikts through out asia, with their new gear

[C T]

misinformation is dangerous

[Jetsun]

If the Dalai Lama was just into money he could have retired a long time ago, but instead despite being 80 years old he still travels the world and teaches every year.

 

There is a lot of disinformation about the Dalai Lama out there, he is enemy number one to the Chinese government as he represents a different focus of loyalty for Tibetans, even though in reality he is probably one of their best friends as he is the main reason why the Tibetan population haven't turned violent against their oppressors. When he dies who knows what will happen there.

[vonkrankenhaus]

I'm not sure people can really believe that either a Pope or Dalai Lama are put forth for spiritual reasons.

 

Religions were not.

 

So why would the leaders of the religions?

 

 

 

 

 

-VonKrankenhaus

[Jim D.]

I don't have anything against the man. I just don't think he is "special." I don't have anything against the Pope. I just don't think that he is anything special. The people do because they have to have someone to follow. It is kinda like a father figure with money and political power. Only the masses don't get their fair share of the monies that these guys have control over or real estate they own. The people just get to follow and rent peace of mind for another week.

 

Rome is a state unto itself. It has its own bank and stash of nice things down stairs, way down stairs and out of sight. People know this, and yet they are still go for all this mystery... I am a descendant of Peter...that means that I know Jesus indirectly.

 

The Dalai Lama is not flamboyant, or out there. I don't even know for sure if he is benefiting from the big financial picture. What I have is an issue with is people setting him up on a pedistal. I mean, he was picked out to be the one as a child.

 

CT your right. Money drives every organization even the Daoist.

 

That's why I stay to myself, practice Tai Chi, read Taoist Classics, and leave all the rest of the "crazies" out there...and watch them march toward the scrificial altar of Despare when one day they'll find out that the dude that they are following is not going to help them one bit. Because he does not have the answers or the desire to hand it over and give people a free ride.  He has never lived life on life's terms. He's been coddled.

 

You know, I would be a free and untroubled wanderer if I didn't have to work for a living.

 

You know who has never heard the word no since he became very rich...Paul McCartney.

 

Money talks and bullshit walks.

 

BTW, when I saw the Buddhist Temple Financials, I wasn't willing to go back. I am trying to get away from materialism, not get with it.

Edited July 4, 2016 by Jim D.

[liminal_luke]

This is a slight tangent, but I just want to say that I don´t think there´s anything wrong with having money, with wanting to have money, with having or wanting the things that money can buy.  

 

My opinion. There´s plenty of spiritually advanced people with money, plenty without money.  Lots of not so spiritually advanced people with money as well as without it too.

[Jim D.]

When you put man in the mix of something Philosophically good his greed gets in the way. There is no Altruistic act. The ego gets stroked one way or the other. As long as you have a guy up on the pedistal, he is getting something out of it, otherwise he would disappear out of the lime light if he was truly humble. You can't read his insides. And you compare your insides to his/her outside. He's got to be saying at some level I can make a difference...plus I don't have to work.

 

If you know anything about Common Law, you would agree that each and every person is born with a sense of right and wrong. We all have it. You don't have to have someone guide you, instruct you, sell you a book with the answers, or whatever. When people tell you they are following so and so, they are really telling you that I am in a special group, and I have the inside information, and I am special, and also mindless...because it is easier on me if you do my thinking for me, and tell me how I am going to end up.

[silent thunder]

trolls trolls and where is the bridge?

[Jim D.]

Silent Thunder: I don't understand your point, or your Metaphor. "Brake it down for me like I'm a 6 year old."