Dalai Lama: How to be a Buddhist in today’s world

How to Be a Buddhist in Today’s World

1 Genuine and sincere practice
Once people adopt a religion, they should practice it sincerely. Truly believing in God,
Buddha, Allah or Shiva should inspire one to be an honest human being. Some people claim
to have faith in their religion but act counter to its ethical injunctions. They pray for the
success of their dishonest and corrupt actions, asking God or Buddha for help to cover up
their wrongdoings. There is no point in such people describing themselves as religious.
2 _____________________
Today the world faces a crisis related
to lack of respect for spiritual
principles and ethical values. Such
virtues cannot be forced on society by
legislation or by science, nor can fear
inspire ethical conduct. Rather,
people must have conviction in the
worth of ethical principles so that
they want to live ethically.
3 ______________________
The U.S. and India, for example, have solid governmental institutions, but many of the
people involved lack ethical principles. Self-discipline and self-restraint of all citizens—from
CEOs to lawmakers to teachers—are needed to create a good society. But these virtues
cannot be imposed from the outside. They require inner cultivation. This is why spirituality
and religion are relevant in the modern world.
4 ______________________
India, where I now live, has been home to the ideas of secularism, inclusiveness and
diversity for some 3,000 years. One philosophical tradition asserts that only what we know
through our five senses exists. Other Indian philosophical schools criticize this nihilistic view
but still regard the people who hold it as rishis, or sages. I promote this type of secularism:
to be a kind person who does not harm others regardless of profound religious differences.
5 ______________________
In previous centuries, Tibetans knew little about the rest of the world. We lived on a high
and broad plateau surrounded by the world’s tallest mountains. Almost everyone, except
for a small community of Muslims, was Buddhist. Very few foreigners came to our land.
Since we went into exile in 1959, Tibetans have been in contact with the rest of the world.
We relate with religions, ethnic groups and cultures that hold a broad spectrum of views.
6 ______________________
Further, Tibetan youth now receive a modern education in which they are exposed to
opinions not traditionally found in their community. It is now imperative that Tibetan
Buddhists be able to explain clearly their tenets and beliefs to others using reason. Simply
quoting from Buddhist scriptures does not convince people who did not grow up as
Buddhists of the validity of the Buddha’s doctrine. If we try to prove points only by quoting
scripture, these people may respond: “Everyone has a book to quote from!”

iSLCollective.com
Dalai Lama: How to be a Buddhist in today’s world
7 ______________________
Religion faces three principal challenges today: communism, modern science and the
combination of consumerism and materialism. Although the Cold War ended decades ago,
communist beliefs and governments still strongly affect life in Buddhist countries. In Tibet,
the communist government controls the ordination of monks and nuns while also regulating
life in the monasteries and nunneries. It controls the education system, teaching children
that Buddhism is old-fashioned.
8 ______________________
Modern science, up until now, has confined itself to studying phenomena that are material
in nature. Scientists largely examine only what can be measured with scientific instruments,
limiting the scope of their investigations and their understanding of the universe.
Phenomena such as rebirth and the existence of the mind as separate from the brain are
beyond the scope of scientific investigation. Some scientists, although they have no proof
that these phenomena do not exist, consider them unworthy of consideration. But there is
reason for optimism. In recent years, I have met with many open-minded scientists, and we
have had mutually beneficial discussions that have highlighted our common points as well
as our diverging ideas—expanding the world views of scientists and Buddhists in the
process.
9 ______________________
Then there is materialism and consumerism. Religion values ethical conduct, which may
involve delayed gratification, whereas consumerism directs us toward immediate happiness.
Faith traditions stress inner satisfaction and a peaceful mind, while materialism says that
happiness comes from external objects. Religious values such as kindness, generosity and
honesty get lost in the rush to make more money and have more and “better” possessions.
Many people’s minds are confused about what happiness is and how to create its causes.
10 ______________________
If you study the Buddha’s teachings, you may find that some of them are in harmony with
your views on societal values, science and consumerism—and some of them are not. That is
fine. Continue to investigate and reflect on what you discover. In this way, whatever
conclusion you reach will be based on reason, not simply on tradition, peer pressure or blind
faith.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He is co-author, with Thubten
Chodron, of “Approaching the Buddhist Path,” from which this article is adapted.

Originally published in the Wall Street Journal on July 6, 2017

iSLCollective.com
Dalai Lama: How to be a Buddhist in today’s world
Questions 1-5
Answer the questions with NO MORE THAN TWO

1. What should true religious belief motivate human beings to be? ________________
2. What is it that some dishonest and corrupt people want God or Buddha to help them
to hide? ________________
3. What will people want to do if they believe strongly in the value of ethical principles?
________________
4. For a good society to be created, who must display self-restraint and discipline?
________________
5. Spirituality and religion encourage ____________________ which is needed to
develop self-restraint and discipline.
Questions 6 – 11
Identify the statements as True (T), False (F) or Not Given (NG)
6. Religion is relevant in the modern world because it can force people to adopt
spiritual values. ______
7. The Dalai Lama does not encourage secularism. ______
8. For many centuries, Tibet has had a close relationship with India. ______
9. There is a need to be able explain Buddhist beliefs rationally and logically. ______
10. Of the three challenges facing religion, communism is the most dangerous. ______
11. Materialist values, such as the accumulation of wealth and possessions are in conflict
with key religious values. ______

Questions 12 – 20
Match the headings with the paragraphs 1 – 10
NOTE- There is ONE EXTRA heading

Heading Paragraph
A Confused by consumerism
B Tibetan emergence
C Cultivate good ethics
D Study and investigate
E Genuine and sincere practice 1
F Books for all
G More the scripture is needed
H Indian secularism
I A lack of conviction
J Communist control
K The role of science

iSLCollective.com
Dalai Lama: How to be a Buddhist in today’s world
Answer Key
Questions 1-5
Answer the questions with NO MORE THAN TWO

1. What should true religious belief motivate human beings to be? honest
2. What is it that some dishonest and corrupt people want God or Buddha to help them
to hide? their wrongdoings
3. What will people want to do if they believe strongly in the value of ethical principles?
live ethically
4. For a good society to be created, who must display self-restraint and discipline?
all citizens
5. Spirituality and religion encourage inner cultivation, which is needed to develop self-
restraint and discipline.
Questions 6 – 11
Identify the statements as True (T), False (F) or Not Given (NG)
6. Religion is relevant in the modern world because it can force people to adopt
spiritual values. F
7. The Dalai Lama does not encourage secularism. F
8. For many centuries, Tibet has had a close relationship with India. F
9. There is a need to be able to explain Buddhist beliefs rationally and logically. T
10. Of the three challenges facing religion, communism is the most dangerous. NG
11. Materialist values, such as the accumulation of wealth and possessions are in conflict
with key religious values. T

Questions 12 – 20
Match the headings with the paragraphs 1 – 10
NOTE- There is ONE EXTRA heading

Heading Paragraph
A Confused by consumerism 9
B Tibetan emergence 5
C Cultivate good ethics 3
D Study and investigate 10
E Genuine and sincere practice 1
F Books for all EXTRA
G More the scripture is needed 6
H Indian secularism 4
I A lack of conviction 2
J Communist control 7
K The role of science 8

iSLCollective.com
Dalai Lama: How to be a Buddhist in today’s world

How to Be a Buddhist in Today’s World

1 Genuine and sincere practice
Once people adopt a religion, they should practice it sincerely. Truly believing in God,
Buddha, Allah or Shiva should inspire one to be an honest human being. Some people claim
to have faith in their religion but act counter to its ethical injunctions. They pray for the
success of their dishonest and corrupt actions, asking God or Buddha for help to cover up
their wrongdoings. There is no point in such people describing themselves as religious.
2 _____________________
Today the world faces a crisis related
to lack of respect for spiritual
principles and ethical values. Such
virtues cannot be forced on society by
legislation or by science, nor can fear
inspire ethical conduct. Rather,
people must have conviction in the
worth of ethical principles so that
they want to live ethically.
3 ______________________
The U.S. and India, for example, have solid governmental institutions, but many of the
people involved lack ethical principles. Self-discipline and self-restraint of all citizens—from
CEOs to lawmakers to teachers—are needed to create a good society. But these virtues
cannot be imposed from the outside. They require inner cultivation. This is why spirituality
and religion are relevant in the modern world.
4 ______________________
India, where I now live, has been home to the ideas of secularism, inclusiveness and
diversity for some 3,000 years. One philosophical tradition asserts that only what we know
through our five senses exists. Other Indian philosophical schools criticize this nihilistic view
but still regard the people who hold it as rishis, or sages. I promote this type of secularism:
to be a kind person who does not harm others regardless of profound religious differences.
5 ______________________
In previous centuries, Tibetans knew little about the rest of the world. We lived on a high
and broad plateau surrounded by the world’s tallest mountains. Almost everyone, except
for a small community of Muslims, was Buddhist. Very few foreigners came to our land.
Since we went into exile in 1959, Tibetans have been in contact with the rest of the world.
We relate with religions, ethnic groups and cultures that hold a broad spectrum of views.
6 ______________________
Further, Tibetan youth now receive a modern education in which they are exposed to
opinions not traditionally found in their community. It is now imperative that Tibetan
Buddhists be able to explain clearly their tenets and beliefs to others using reason. Simply
quoting from Buddhist scriptures does not convince people who did not grow up as
Buddhists of the validity of the Buddha’s doctrine. If we try to prove points only by quoting
scripture, these people may respond: “Everyone has a book to quote from!”

iSLCollective.com
Dalai Lama: How to be a Buddhist in today’s world
7 ______________________
Religion faces three principal challenges today: communism, modern science and the
combination of consumerism and materialism. Although the Cold War ended decades ago,
communist beliefs and governments still strongly affect life in Buddhist countries. In Tibet,
the communist government controls the ordination of monks and nuns while also regulating
life in the monasteries and nunneries. It controls the education system, teaching children
that Buddhism is old-fashioned.
8 ______________________
Modern science, up until now, has confined itself to studying phenomena that are material
in nature. Scientists largely examine only what can be measured with scientific instruments,
limiting the scope of their investigations and their understanding of the universe.
Phenomena such as rebirth and the existence of the mind as separate from the brain are
beyond the scope of scientific investigation. Some scientists, although they have no proof
that these phenomena do not exist, consider them unworthy of consideration. But there is
reason for optimism. In recent years, I have met with many open-minded scientists, and we
have had mutually beneficial discussions that have highlighted our common points as well
as our diverging ideas—expanding the world views of scientists and Buddhists in the
process.
9 ______________________
Then there is materialism and consumerism. Religion values ethical conduct, which may
involve delayed gratification, whereas consumerism directs us toward immediate happiness.
Faith traditions stress inner satisfaction and a peaceful mind, while materialism says that
happiness comes from external objects. Religious values such as kindness, generosity and
honesty get lost in the rush to make more money and have more and “better” possessions.
Many people’s minds are confused about what happiness is and how to create its causes.
10 ______________________
If you study the Buddha’s teachings, you may find that some of them are in harmony with
your views on societal values, science and consumerism—and some of them are not. That is
fine. Continue to investigate and reflect on what you discover. In this way, whatever
conclusion you reach will be based on reason, not simply on tradition, peer pressure or blind
faith.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He is co-author, with Thubten
Chodron, of “Approaching the Buddhist Path,” from which this article is adapted.

Originally published in the Wall Street Journal on July 6, 2017

iSLCollective.com