Buddhism: The last honest religion? Entertaining Q&A with Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama had a discussion in his home Dharamsala, India, on March 15th, 2011 with some Thai Buddhists. The first question asked of him is basically "How does Buddhism mesh with modern science?" His answer is quite refreshing to hear from any leader of any religion.

Though, whether or not Buddhism is really a stereotypical "religion" is very much up for debate. Many classify it has a philosophy rather than a religion - myself being one of them (with exception to the supernatural-endorsing sects). I do not consider myself a Buddhist but have great reverence for many of their teachings.

Full 2-hour discussion is available here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl9ycLV7IKA

(I edited out spots where he was asking his translator for English words and other pauses/interruptions like that)

Background meditation music:
1. Phil Thornton - Daitoku-Ji
2. Dooroudja Ensemble - Impression (Remix)
3. Apollo Nova - Miles Away
4. Helios - The Wisdom Gate

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• yourbrainonreligion
• your
• brain
• on
• religion
• buddhism
• buddhists
• buddha
• dalai
• lama
• question
• and
• answer
• the
• last
• honest
• religious
• leader
• atheism
• atheist
• christianity
• christian
• fundamentalism
• based
• blind
• faith
• is
• danger
• to
• society

[Papercut2099]

I watched the video but wondering what you think... is buddhism really honest?

[YourBrainOnReligion]

@Papercut2099 I would have to say it depends on the person practicing it.

[neuroglejak]

Buddhism has changed my life, for better:)

[nayanmalig]

I have never seen Buddhists "go after" gays or lesbians in a vengeful manner. that's because its core is compassion.

[Ebvardh]

@nayanmalig I will.

It seems like the smarter thing to do.

[nayanmalig]

@Ebvardh "We must not rely blindly on scripture" is actively preached in Buddhism. Google "Kalama Sutta".

[Ebvardh]

@actracts Man, I'd personally love to have a beer with Jesus and the Dalai Lama.

They both seem like bros to me.

[Ebvardh]

@michael94806 "Hot cold, love hate"?

Wouldn't a more appropriate opposite to love be indifference?

In fact, indifference is opposite to hate too.

And what about the middle ground between hot and cold, where it's neither?

There is no such middle ground when it comes to light though. Darkness is simply the absence of light, and there can't be a place where it's semi-lightened. There is simply more light.

Your reasoning and random coupling of words seems flawed, mate.

[Ebvardh]

Holy fuck… This is frankly amazing.

I would never have imagined that I'd live to see a religious leader saying "We must not rely blindly on scripture, we must accept reality".

Buddhism is clearly not just another ego cult trying to avoid facing fear of death, like all other religions.

[AntiMatter3000]

... when christianity,islam, and judaism all die out..buddhism will remain.

[actracts]

If God did exists and sent Jesus down to earth, I imagine Jesus would have the same personality as this guy. As revered and famous as he is, probably out rivaling the Pope, he's still down to Earth and seem like that sweet, old guy who lives next door to you.

[ImpendingDeathProd]

You know what the differance is between the DL and all the other religious leaders and personalities? Your first instinct is not to run away as fast as you can when you see him. That dude might actually be fun to hang out with.