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Dalai Lama in Facebook Post: ‘Grounding Ethics in Religion Is No Longer Adequate’

Sep. 14, 2012 10:40am Billy Hallowell

The Dalai Lama, known for being a revered Buddhist leader, issued some ironic commentary about faith and religion earlier this week. On Monday, he took to his Facebook page to make the claim that it may be time for society to “think about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether.”

Dalai Lama Writes Message on Facebook About Religion & Ethics

Photo Credit: FILE

Considering the Dalai Lama’s prominent faith role, his views are noteworthy. While he admitted that many of the tenets that the world’s diverse faiths share do help individuals to refine their “inner values,” religion may no longer be enough to sustain individuals — and society as a whole — when it comes to ethics and spirituality. He wrote:

All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness can and do promote inner values. But the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate. This is why I am increasingly convinced that the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether.

This curious post was liked by more than 139,000 individuals; 4,961 people commented on it, too, as of Friday morning.

Photo Credit: Facebook

This argument is odd, mostly because it seems to align the faith leader with atheists who also claim that religion isn’t necessarily a path to inner peace, prosperity and goodness. In fact, io9 notes that these comments mirror some statements that were recently issued by atheist Sam Harris. In a recent interview the prominent atheist said:

The moment we admit that questions of right and wrong, and good and evil, are actually questions about human and animal well-being, we see that science can, in principle, answer such questions. Human experience depends on everything that can influence states of the human brain, ranging from changes in our genome to changes in the global economy. The relevant details of genetics, neurobiology, psychology, sociology, economics etc. are fantastically complicated, but these are domains of facts, and they fall squarely within the purview of science.

Of course, Tibetan Buddhists don’t believe in a God, nor do they embrace the notion of a human soul. Still, they believe in karma, rebirths and reincarnation. It’s unclear what, exactly, the Dalai Lama is calling for in his Facebook message, but one must assume that the aforementioned faith sentiments would remain in the leader’s religious worldview.

Then again, thinking about ethics, while stripping religion aside, does, indeed, seem to be mostly secular in nature and not at all what one would expect to hear from a figure like the Dalai Lama.

(H/T: io9)

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Comments (142)

TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:38am
Obviously, the great push to the NWO has started and Dali is on the red train to utopia…

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- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:59pm
  The Lama is a servant of satan just like Catholicism, mormonism, SDA, JW and on and on.
  
  Report this comment
- WhiteFang
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:53pm
  THERAPTURCOMES,
  
  Any credibility you may have had, was destroyed with that comment.
  
  Report this comment
- Jemima1978
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 3:01pm
  To THERAPTURE– and who and what are YOU??
  
  Report this comment
- The_Cabrito_Goat
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:28pm
  The leader of a faith, wants to dismiss faith?
  
  That’s what you get for using a game of chance to decide who the lama should be.
  
  Report this comment
- thriceconcussed
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 5:05pm
  It’s sad to see how many Christians don’t (or refuse to) understand Buddhism. First, if any of you had read “The Universe in a Single Atom,” you would realize that Mr. Halowell is ignorant for comparing the Lama’s remarks to harris’ remarks. The Lama repeatedly explicates his fear of scientific materialism becoming the dominant mode of human inquiry, so I don’t see how those two comments can be equated. Judging by many of the responses on this site I can see that the true meaning underlying his words was completely lost on some of you. By calling him evil, etc., one only shows that religion limits the ethics of many, and allows for him or her to apply one’s ethics only to those who accept their religion. Additionally, considering that Buddhism was extant long before Christ was born, I doubt that only “hippies” follow the eightfold path. I do believe Jesus said to “love thy neighbor,” yet many on this site respond in the way of fanatics. Isn’t odd that while decrying the intolerence of Islam many “Christians” say that all other religions are “evil?” Finally, Buddhism is a philosophy, not a religion, and we don’t believe that Buddha was a God: He died as a man.
  
  Report this comment
- SagebrushRebel
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 7:25pm
  You’re right, Tears, no moral absolutes, no standard of good to measure evil by, no absolute Truth…it’s all relative. Truth is what YOU decide it is is for YOU. No more “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, just do unto others first and then cut out., cause it’s all about you, baby. Hold the State and Man as the standard and ditch the God thing……. Yeah, that probably won’t work out too well for anybody in the long run. Without God and his laws for man and nature, we have no yardstick to measure good and evil. C.S. Lewis said it best “Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.” -
  
  Report this comment
- ltemp
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 9:48pm
  @theraptureleft
  Nice comment, you’ve just revealed your heart. Now do the right thing and search your heart for the spirit of sorrow and repentance for slandering millions of people who are searching for truth in a very confused world, with a sincere and faithful spirit. Who ever is mentoring you needs to reread the bible and teach you the truth of Gods character. A prayer for you.
  
  Report this comment
- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:10pm
  WHITEFANG
  
  The resurrection/rapture will soon sort it all out for the world and by the looks of thing it will be sorted out sooner rather than later.
  
  The whole point of the wolf wearing the sheep’s clothing is to deceive is it not? So tell me, how does a person recognize the wolf if he is wearing the skin of a sheep?
  
  By the bible defining what is a Christian and what is not. It really is that simple. Romans 10:9-10 & John 3:18
  
  Report this comment
- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:13pm
  JEMIMA1978
  
  I am a non denominational, futurist, fundamentalism bible reading literalist CHRISTIAN.
  
  Report this comment
- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:25pm
  LTEMP
  
  Oh I study the bible alright and it is in a dispensation, contextual, manner with emphasis on Hebraic studies and prophecy.
  
  I have slandered no one and it is the bible that points out that in the last days it is the narrow path that leads to heaven and the wide path that leads to destruction.
  
  You will also take note it is the bible that says be a BEREAN Acts 17:11,
  
  To NOT BE deceived Gal 6:7, 1 Cor 6:9, 1 Cor 15:33, James 1:16
  
  The resurrection/rapture is upon us and it will sort this out. I pray when the resurrection/rapture takes place right before the eyes of this world that millions will become believers upon Christ Romans 10:9-10
  
  I am preparing material for those left behind by Inspiration of the Holy Spirit. May I ask, what have you done?
  
  Link below
  
  http://youtu.be/ahEVxIzlxwo
  
  Report this comment
- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:19am
  @SAGEBRUSHREBEL
  
  Uh, that’s exactly what religion is!
  
  I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard a religious person say, “well it’s the truth for me.”
  
  Anyways, in regards to your comment, what kind of “truth” and “measure of good and evil” do you claim to argue for?
  
  That all humans are born worthy of an eternal punishment?
  
  That only by accepting a human sacrifice on their behalf can they be saved from that torture?
  
  That cutting the foreskin off of baby boys even though we are supposedly “intelligently designed by an all knowing God?”
  
  I would HATE to live in a world where “do unto others…” is a guidance of morality.
  
  Check this.
  
  If someone doesn’t care about being murdered, then under the philosophy of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”….murdered is therefore correct and moral.
  
  If I don’t care about getting raped, I am perfectly justified under that philosophy to rape at will and it is thereby moral.
  
  The only way that philosophy works is under the assumption that everyone wants to be treated well.
  
  There is no moral absolutes and I wouldn’t want a moral absolute.
  
  I’d much rather have reasoned, well thought out and argued justifications for why something is or isn’t moral.
  
  Report this comment
- loneindividual
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 2:04am
  Atheists who want to remain true atheists actually plan on dying…not worshipping the God of Reason or the State.
  
  A True Atheist recognizes their awful condition. They then have the choice to either commit Suicide & Wait to die in order to not hurt any other individual, or practice Human Sacrifice (CanniBALism/Vampirism/Communism) & Wait to die….OR become like Kefka/Joker & become HARDCORE NIHILISTS REIGNING TERROR UPON THE WHOLE UNIVERSE.
  
  Most Atheists are Socialists…meaning they justify/rationalize & even wantonly practice human sacrifice.
  
  S.E. CUPP is not your typical Atheist.
  
  Sadly…the Dalai Lama *IS* while promoting FLAWED INDIVIDUALISM
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:31pm
  What he is saying, in a polite way, is that so many of today’s religions are so screwed up (like Islam) that one can no longer base one’s morals and ethics on a screwed up religion.
  
  It’s that simple.
  
  Report this comment
- Papadoc
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 4:09pm
  @MODERATIONISBEST – ["I’d much rather have reasoned, well thought out and argued justifications for why something is or isn’t moral."]
  
  So in other words, morality should be based on your opinion. Hmmm… Which leaves you with a real problem for all the people in the world who don’t agree with that opinion. What if someone should have a (in their opinion) well-thought out and argued justification for stealing your stuff and killing you. According to your theory, that would then be moral and they should not be judged for it, right?
  
  I know, I know… with that failing, you’ll move to the idea that societies should decide as a whole, not individuals, right? Well, how about if my town decided it wants your town’s stuff or to burn your town down and has well thought out justifications for that? What about if the neighboring country decides it wants your stuff or to gas your citizens and has well thought out justifications why your people shouldn’t live? Moral?
  
  But hey… this wouldn’t happen, would it? Nope! It’s not an entire country would decide to enslave other people based on race and be able to justify it. It’s not like people would have well thought out justifications why millions of innocent unborn should be ripped limb from limb. It’s not like some leader would rise up, write Mein Kampf, and decide to gas massive groups of people to try and drive them to extinction, right?
  
  After all, man reasoning out morality always works. Right?
  
  Report this comment
- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 1:00am
  @PAPADOC
  
  I never said that it was an individual assessment but a societal one.
  
  We as a society have to come together and determine what type of society we want to live in.
  
  Whether or not it’s what you want to live in, fact is, it is the type of world we live in.
  
  There has never been a society that has lived off an absolute morality and there never will be because absolute morality doesn’t exist.
  
  Things that you think are absolute morals now, won’t be absolute morals later. And things that you don’t think are absolute morals now, will be absolute morals later.
  
  Report this comment
- Bearfoot
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 10:49am
  ModerationIsBest,
  
  Absolute morals do exist. They are found in the Holy Scriptures and given to mankind by the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, David, and Jesus, the Christ.
  
  The reason those morals are not respected or followed is because of the rebelliousness of men and women. And all of us reap the consequences of our stupidity.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 11:29am
  ModerationIsBest
  There is (***ARE***) no moral absolutes and I wouldn’t want a moral absolute.
  
  I’d much rather have reasoned, well thought out and argued justifications for why something is or isn’t moral.
  ***
  Biologically there are moral absolutes. No there is wiggle room in the templates but there are absolutes.
  
  You want well reasoned justifications. Like all that drivel form university ethicists that spend all there time thinking & stinking. Better yet they have sheepskisn saying that they have well reason thought. They have doctorates!
  
  Freaking ethicists form universities come up with cr/p such as it is okay to punish someone for something even if they didn’t do it.
  
  Or maybe you want to throw the baby out with the bath water & get rid of religions that teach the golden rule, which span tribes, races & ethnic groups. Ya that is a great start. So we can start at ground zero. Excellent ideal.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 11:38am
  Correction
  “Now, there is wiggle room in the templates, but there are absolutes.”
  
  Report this comment
- Bearfoot
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 11:41am
  The plethora of conflicting religions around the world cannot be relied upon to give clear moral guidance. This because they all teach their own style of moral behaviour. If everyone adhered to the clear moral teachings of the Holy Scriptures, there would be only one faith and one way to behave morally.
  
  Rely on God’s Word the Bible, the thousands of conflicting religion’s is of no value.
  
  Report this comment
universalphilos
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:33am
December 19, 1986: “And we shall say this parable in this manner and in this way. For many people ventured forth in the land you would call the Holy Land, that of Bethlehem. They did make pilgrimage there. For there was the birth and the beginning of the Christian religion. Yet, it sits in the heart of the land of Judaism, and there is a heart of the Moslem religion.
Remember these words, for in each is like a huge circle, each a part of the other. Each could not exist without the other. If you destroyed one part, you have destroyed the whole. Yet, allow one part to grow, and you allow them all to grow, for they are bound together.
There are many parts of the Buddha religion, and the Buddhists of many sectors and parts, and they do not make war upon one or another. They have found a way of sharing their God. If only all others would do the same….Set aside the time, each of you, in you in your hearts and souls, that may we find a way to live among each other in peace and harmony.
We have seen all nations. But you, who live in this you call the United States of America, are of all nations, of all colors and creed[s]. You have brought forth a great nation dedicated to justice and liberty for all, before God. That and that alone has set you aside from all other nations and has allowed all religions to flourish within the same….”
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BzyT3fgGxb4-Mnp5THVvU0tNMFU

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- universalphilos
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:42am
  September 5, 1971, spiritual messengers of God: “Therefore, we should say these words unto thee. For as before, of the God of Moses, of the God of [Isaiah], of the God of Abraham, and of your God of Jesus Christ, we say unto thee these words. For the same God is the God of Buddha, the same God is the God of Mohammed, as the same God is the God of Ishmael. For as the spirit of God should flow as in the brook, it should flow into many lands of many tongues. And as the tongues should be different, yet the Gods be the same, for ‘There shall be no other God before our God, and there shall be no other God after our God.’” [See Exodus 20:2, Deuteronomy 5:7-11, Mark 12:28-31.]
  “Thy may call of Him many names; this means very little difference. But as man should pray, one unto another, unto their God, thy should respect of the same. For remember, as we have said before, our Father has many mansions….”
  http://www.angelfire.com/in4/aup_messiah/1971September05.audio.html
  
  Report this comment
- universalphilos
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:52am
  (The next sentence continues): “And as the one known as Jesus Christ did go before thee to prepare a way, so should you go before others to prepare a way. But each of you should go in his own way unto our Father, and there give praise unto Him, that He may love thee and you may love Him.” [See John 13:31-36, 14:1-29, 15:7-17, 16:6-30 and chapter 17.]
  
  Report this comment
noluck_99
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:28am
The concept of right and wrong are religious tenants. Without responsibility to a higher authority for our actions….it is no longer “right” or “wrong”…it becomes making choices which result in the least amount of consequences.
How do you make laws to govern if you can not adequately determine a basis of “acceptable” action?
Like it or not….our laws are based on Judea/Christian ethics….the 10 Commandments. Eliminate “God” from the verbiage and you have a sound base to begin developing laws by which everyone can live by…..even Muslims and Buddhists.
The greatest problem isn’t religious based laws…..it is attorneys who struggle to define what “is” actually is……

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- NHwinter
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:24pm
  Didn’t the Dalai Lama say on a trip to America that he was a Marxist! What would we expect then. With all that is happening in the world today, to say God need not be our Guide is absurb. I don’t know where it will all end in this world, but I do know where it will end – eternity with God, or not with God. So, good luck Dalai Lama.
  
  Report this comment
volantis
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:26am
Most people are not aware the bulk of Tibetan Buddhist teachings approach the mind with scientific analysis and direct experience. There is a small part of Tibetan Buddhist teachings, which fall under the category of religion, and which is basically legend, myth, and drama. The Tibetans have long accepted that fantasies can be a valid path to enlightenment just as long as the end result is enlightenment.

It sounds like the Dalai Lama has finally accepted that fantasies make up the greater part of Western religions. They are fantasies of killing, apocalypse, walking on water and clouds, and the destruction of enemies. One cannot in fairness ask other religions to give up their fantasies if they cannot also give up their own. The Dalai Lama appears to be saying he is ready to purge Tibetan Buddhism of its fantasies and stick to the scientific teachings of the mind as an example for others to follow.

This is something that should have been done long ago. Now we are at a crossroad where the fantasies are backed with powerful weapons and the future of humanity is at stake.

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- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:44am
  So then explain why the countries that are the least religious have the least amount of freedom and the worst living conditions, whereas those countries that currently or historically adhere to either Christianity or Judaism are the the most powerful and richest countries on Earth.
  
  Your logic is found wanting.
  
  Report this comment
- encinom
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:17pm
  @SquidVetOhio
  
  The Most religious nation are usually three world nations with repressive regimes that use religion’s paranoia and fear to keep the people in check. The free nations in Europe have the lower rates of attendance at churches and more and more atheists and agnostics. Region, at best has had a neutral affect on civilization and at worst has retarded the its growth. In the US religion has assault the teachings of science by forcing the introduction of myths and fairy tales.
  
  Report this comment
- Lord_Frostwind
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:12pm
  Unfortunately for the atheists, they simply cannot win the war with religion. The main reason is demographics, atheists and agnostics do not have as many children as people of faith, and even if they gain a majority in a society, they are replaced within a few generations by another faith group. You need proof? Look at Europe, a highly secular society that is rapidly becoming endangered within their homelands and being replaced by people of the Islamic faith.
  
  Any grip atheists or whatever they like to call themselves, gain on society is fleeting at best.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 11:44am
  encinom
  
  The Most religious nation are usually three world nations with repressive regimes
  ***
  Of course the trollson will define what make a nation more religious than others. Maybe he will get a PEW poll that shows gross attendance. Maybe it will be based on if a religion is stated as the national religion. Maybe he will base it on the # of people showing up for appearances or going thru the motions.
  
  But does anyone doubt that he would base it on showing up in the face of persecution or the amount of charity or zakat given voluntarily.
  
  That would be just to honest & sophisticated for Monicne/EnciClowm.
  
  Report this comment
Mandors
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:21am
There is only one religion in the world that has a problem with ethics, and that is Islam. If you magically erased Islam from the globe, the Earth would be 95% on the road to world peace.

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- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:27am
  it seems that Republican leaders would like to accomplish exactly this. although the path to peace would surely be WW3. worth it?
  
  Report this comment
- Charles
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:44am
  Philly – Repubs want to erase islam? Where do you get your news? George Bush – “Islam is a religion of peace”. No one in either party is interested in erasing islam and both parties are ushering in the muslime brotherhood.
  
  Report this comment
- nonwinger
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:44am
  @Mandors you are sadly mistaken if you believe that erasing Islam would rid you of evil in the world. Remember the millions who were killed under secular regimes in Russia and China? @PhillyAtheist, how can someone who as an atheist claims to rely on reason so easily resort to generalization?
  
  Report this comment
- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:50am
  CHARLES – i’m not stating news, i’m trying to interpret it. there’s an awful lot of anti-muslim talk coming from the right. i don’t doubt for a minute that Romney would go to war with Iran if elected. just what do you think a war with Iran would look like? all the Muslim world would come to their defense, practically putting us at war with Islam. it’s speculative, for sure, but not very far fetched.
  
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- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:52am
  NOWINGER – sure it’s a generalization, but less so when you look at Republican leadership. i highly doubt that the majority of Republican civilians would welcome a war with Islam, but i’m not so sure when it comes to many of the neo cons at the top, including Romney.
  
  Report this comment
- marvel
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:03pm
  @phillyatheist : CHARLES – i’m not stating news, i’m trying to interpret it. there’s an awful lot of anti-muslim talk coming from the right.
  
  I wonder why? What concerns me is that there is not similar talk coming from the left, considering what’s going on in the world. In case you haven’t noticed the majority of them seem to want to kill us…
  
  Report this comment
- ema
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:08pm
  No one, not Romney, no one wants to go to war with Iran. A strike on their nuclear facilities destroying them before they get nuclear weapons does not necessarily mean a war. But, leaving them to get nuclear will mean eventually a nuclear ME and probably war in the near future.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 11:35am
  phillyatheist
  
  it seems that Republican leaders would like to accomplish exactly this. although the path to peace would surely be WW3. worth it?
  ***
  War might come from an economic fight over the South China Sea. Islam, Christianity, & Republicans have nothing to do with instigating it or fanning it. If they three aforementioned groups never existed, war would still be in the offing.
  
  Look Dude, get with the program. You have to watch more than several birdies at once.
  
  Quit purposely trying to FAIL!
  
  Report this comment
walnutportconservative
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:19am
Paul, in Ephesians warned of being tossed around like waves on the ocean if they did not teach and know the truth of Christ found in Biblical writtings and the his own teaching. The Boreans knew they could trust Paul bcause they studied the scriptures daily. We must know the truth, and the truth of Christ will set us free. Now… what I see happening might tie into what John wrote about in Revelation 13. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. The sea is starting to move.

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copatriots
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:17am
For a shocking and different perspective on Buddhism, I recommend “Safely Home” by Randy Alcorn. From the viewpoint Alcorn advances, this post from the Dalai Lama has a most chilling, but fitting, frame of reference.

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floridareader
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:08am
Coming from a man with a high appreciation of life and respect for others, that proposal makes sense in the Buddhist world. But sadly ethics change depending the culture, the religion and the moral values of the communities.
For Christian and Jews ethics are grounded in the Ten Commandments.
For other faiths like the many in India, everyone be the judge.
For Islam followers, do we need anymore explanations than their own actions?
For atheists, well, what can I say.

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SquidVetOhio
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:07am
Do they have WiFi in those Buddhist temples? How does he have a Facebook page?

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- EndTheGOPTEA
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 7:29am
  Yes, You really need to open up your mind. You can Drink booze and be a Buddhist, Smoke Pot.. Whatever.. It is part of being ALIVE.
  
  Report this comment
breakobamanow
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:07am
And Jesus answered and said unto them. Take heed that no man decieve you.

And many false prophets shall, rise and shall decieve many.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

The things that are happening should be driving more to believe in the Gospel of God’s kingdom which is coming, instead many will be led to worship a man/beast.

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- drphil69
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:49am
  Amen. Be prepared, and keep faith in what you know is true, not in men.
  
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Locked
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:04am
I can see his point. People can, and will, read whatever they want out of their religion. If you can use your faith to justify segregation, banning interracial marriage, slavery, rape, pedophilia, etc… well, then you need to move beyond that. And looking at the Bible, I can see how many people can (and some still do) look at its words to justify such behaviors.

“Good people” will still be found among the non-religious, and “bad people” will still be found among the most pious believers (or Pharisees, as I tend to call them). Saying “my holy book says it, I believe it, that settles it” is not much use when you can literally believe anything you want using said book as justification.

I think in the end we need what Jesus commanded us to have: empathy. ” Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” He loved us unconditionally and commanded us to do the same. And the only way to love one another is to accept each other, with faults. To understand, and not just write off each other. Empathy is a virtue that truly transcends religion; that’s likely what the Dalai Lama meant.

God bless :-)

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- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:17am
  beautifully stated.
  
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- copatriots
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:26am
  A different take is that:
  
  The Dalai Lama’s religion is evil and, in concurring with Sam Harris, the Dalai Lama is doing his part to advance a one world, godless “religion” as described in Revelation.
  
  Report this comment
- Locked
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:36am
  @Copatriots
  
  “The Dalai Lama’s religion is evil and, in concurring with Sam Harris, the Dalai Lama is doing his part to advance a one world, godless “religion” as described in Revelation.”
  
  Sure, you can disagree with his religion; but his religion is separate from his point, which is about ethics. As said, there are plenty of “bad” religious people out there. And I say “bad” because, while they might believe they are acting piously, they’re hurting and subjugating others. Islam is a good example of this. Just because one is a “good Muslim” does not mean one is a “good person.” But some Muslims will see their religion as a religion of peace… while others see it as justification to strap bombs to themselves.
  
  A person needs empathy, like Jesus taught us, to be a good person. If you cannot relate to your fellow man and love him as Jesus loves us, then you’re both a bad Christian AND on your way to being a bad person.
  
  That has nothing to do with the afterlife, or the validity of religious beliefs, of course. The question at hand is ethics, not legitimacy of belief. That’s an entirely different topic :-)
  
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- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:45am
  LOCKED – i think you found the right word – empathy. i’m an Atheist, but i’m a very empathetic person first and foremost. for this reason my own mother is not upset by my lack of faith. she sees in me a caring person who is genuinely concerned about the well being of others. one does not need religion to foster this sense of empathy. if it helps others to find it then it is useful, but not a requirement.
  
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- copatriots
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:55am
  I’m not reading a call to “empathy” in his post, LOCKED. While I commend and agree with your position on empathy, my reading of the Dalai Lama’s words seems to be setting a stage of something that is an alternative to all the world’s religions. (It is telling that atheists are in agreement, no?) In that vein, he conveys no world “religion”, including his own, has it right which is why he is “increasingly convinced that the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether.” What do you think the Dalai Lama will propose the alternative to be. I wonder who might lead such a movement……
  
  Peace and blessings upon you!
  
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- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:39am
  @Locked
  
  What are you talking about?
  
  Jesus didn’t love anybody unconditionally.
  
  The whole Bible reads , “Love me or go to hell.”
  
  In the Christian sense
  
  Jesus is God
  
  God created a system, knowing men and women would “sin” and then held all of their offspring accountable and thus making them worthy of an eternal torture. Only way to avoid this eternal torture is to accept a human sacrifice(God sent himself to be sacrificed to himself to create a loophole for a system he created).
  
  Let’s look at some of the most revered “characters” of the Bible
  
  Lott-offered up his daughters to be raped by a mob
  Noah-Was a drunk who cursed his son and his ancestors for seeing him nude
  Moses-Continually commanded genocide and is responsible for the slaying of innocent Egyptian children
  Jesus-continually lied to the masses and perpetuated a myth to the uneducated masses of that time.
  
  The Bible says, “a rotten tree can’t bear good fruit”…well the Bible is rotten to the core.
  
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- Locked
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 6:41am
  @Moderation
  
  Your reply is actually a fantastic example of what I said. See? You read something completely different from the Bible than I do, even though we both read the same words. I see a message of hope and love, while you see a message of hate and hypocrisy. As the Good Book can mean anything to anyone, I tend to see it as a reflection of that particular person. Just something to think about ;-)
  
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TEIN
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:02am
Another who does not understand principles of the spirit and who authors them…

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wifezilla
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:01am
Considering how many people claim to follow a deity and claim to have a religious faith and the state of the world, maybe the Dalai Lama is pointing out that religion is obviously not enough.

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- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:15am
  So because there are bad people in the world, there must be no God?
  
  There’s actually one religion who’s God tells you the world is evil and to separate yourself from it’s philosophy. And that man is a fallen creature who’s heart is by nature “evil and desperately wicked”. So, it’s followers expects the current state of the world.
  
  Sorry, but if you look at countries that are largely atheistic as compared to the U.S. I’ll take the U.S. anytime of the week and twice on Sunday (pun intended).
  
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- thriceconcussed
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 5:07pm
  Actually, because there is no metaphysical need for a prime-mover to originate the universe, nor keep it moving, there likely isn’t a God.
  
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- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:45am
  @SQUIDVETOHIO
  
  Maybe if you spent less time thinking everyone is evil and more time trying to find the good in people, this world would be a better place.
  
  Besides, you stole your God from another religion so anything you have to say about your God is only due to the previous religion before that. And their God is only a compilation of past God’s brought together.
  
  I wish more people would go back to worshiping idiot God’s like Zeus and Odin, and least they were cool and made good characters in movies and video games.
  
  This Jesus fellow so meek and mild just doesn’t do it for me. There’s just something silly about claiming to love people so much that you would send them to an eternity of punishment for simply not loving you back.
  
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RANGER1965
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:00am
It’s not surprising that he has come to this conclusion. His religion is akin to Atheism, but with a curious faith component. A faith in personal enlightenment absent God. He see’s the terrible turmoil in the world, and “Worlds” religions, including his own, seem powerless to stop it. In some cases the religion is the source of the conflict

It’s ironic that as a Christian I’m taught not only the source of these conflicts, I am taught the very reasoning behind them. As a bonus I am even told to expect this sort of thing becoming more intense in the future. Although the news disturbs me, and I feel it is my personal responsibility as a Christian and an American to defend unto death my nation, and it’s values, including getting rid of this usurper of a president.

When all is said and done, I know that God makes everything work together for good to those that love Him. It’s a comforting promise, and I do.

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breakobamanow
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:58am
What he is saying is it is time to start giving over to the forces of darkness that are ruling the world and drop your faith so when the Anti-Christ appears you can worship the beast. No thanks I’ll keep my faith in God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have a greater promise than this world has to offer.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

The foundations of Heaven and Earth shall be shaken, but my faith is sure, and grows stronger every time I hear this kind of news. It proves God words.

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riseandshine
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:56am
This is big big news.

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joboww
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:54am
just another clarification for the Hippies that claim that Buddhism and Christianity are really the same…yeah right. Lama says look inward, Christ says look to me

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Laugh-ler14
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:54am
I once caddied for the Dali Lama

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- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:58am
  Nice.
  
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- RLTW
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:03am
  And I’m convinced the Dalai Lama has been replaced by some sort of progressive pod person.
  
  But he did tell me that on my death bed I will receive total consciousness, so I got that going for me.
  
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- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:18am
  big hitter the Lama, long.
  
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- Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:19am
  which is nice
  
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- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:28am
  So, did he cheat on his score card? That would explain the new revision on the ethics thing. I would think that toga would interfere with his swing.
  
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- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:29am
  gunga galunga.
  
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- RobbieTLHughie
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 7:21pm
  What is this myopic, paranoid delusional fantasy that a lot of people here are living in that as soon as someone says something you don’t agree with they are not just wrong, stupid and a communist but you brand them with the mark of “Progressivism”. It’s absolutely childish and doesn’t do anyone any good.
  
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HOOT_OWL
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:49am
He doesn’t seem to have to much faith ..in his faith.

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- THX-1138
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:56am
  Quite the opposite. He simply understands that it is unlikely that everyone will become Buddhist but he wants to share the logical basis of his “religion” that can bring true happiness and peace to the world. Buddhism is Logic and Reason. That’s all that’s necessary for an adult to find happiness.
  
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ChiefGeorge
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:49am
This is an example of a false prophet.

Our basic core laws are based on the ten commandments and the basic rule of law that is found in the scriptures. Issue resolution is there as well. I get what he is saying about the religion part, but religion is the vehicle to help people stay focused on something they can see and practice, for some without it, they cannot function on the spiritual level alone….why because religion is more about the law than it is about receiving the Holy Spirit who gives of true spiritual awakening. Once this is done, we can transcend just following the law to understanding its more about Love, compassion for others and helping those in need. Love thy neighbor as thy self and Love God even more than self. Forgive others for their trespasses and pray for your enemies. I get none of this through his message. You can’t just BE more spiritual without Gods Holy Spirit, if you try, you will open yourself up to false demons who will possess you.

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- Locked
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:57am
  @Chiefgeorge
  
  “Our basic core laws are based on the ten commandments”
  
  This is completely false (assuming you are talking about the US. You might be from a religious country like Israel). At least the Commandments never appear in our laws.
  
  If by “basic core laws” you imply our behavior… you might have a point. Of course, then they wouldn’t be laws, no?
  
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- encinom
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:00am
  I see you are other Christian Conservatives preach morality, yet seek to deny others basic, fundamental civil rights. You and Conservative Christians routinely lie and spread falsehoods to justify your bigotries and hatreds.
  
  I find no morality in religion, just fools and bigots seeking to control the lives of others through fear and paranoia.
  
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- Locked
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:04am
  Note: should have said “at least half of the Commandments never appear in our laws.”
  
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- Chromo200
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:27am
  ENCINOM .. So conservative christians are against civil rights .. Who got the process of freeing the slave .. who stops other faiths to exist .. who started education for all .. It sure was not your athiest/muslims/agnostics .. What religion sent people out into the world to enlighten people and help them improve their lives .. not you and your friends Just because I don’t belive in gay marriage I am an obstructionist. Let me put it this way I claimed and defiend marriage first so you can pick another word for gays to join .. how about the word union. You are allowed to put up signs that make fun of my religion but when I pray for you or put a symbol of my religion, you take me to court on a false assumption of the separation religion and gov’t. The Constituions says the gov’t can’t tell you what to believe and what is the religion you have to follow.
  
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- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:32am
  Congrats Chief, if you can get ENCINOM whining about you being a bigot, you know you’re in the right.
  
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- encinom
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:51am
  @Chromo200
  
  Wasn’t Conservative Christians. Conservative Christians used the bible to defend slavery and prohibitions against interracial marriages. Today, they demand a large government, large enough to police the bed rooms of consenting adults, largest to force one religions views on marriage on all the citizens. Conservative Christians are demanding a government in every doctor’s office getting in between a doctor and a patient, preventing women from choosing what medical treatments they can receive.
  
  Conservative Christians are nothing more than America’s version of the Taliban, bombing medical offices and spreading hate.
  
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- eagledown
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:05am
  @ENCINOM
  
  Hey it’s Medusa again.
  It’s always a joy to see your nilest comments, and how virtuous of you to comment on religion.
  You see, God IS passionate, he allows you to walk among us.
  Perseus is looking for you.
  
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watersRpeople
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:48am
The Lama throwing religion under the bus.

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tothepoint
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:47am
Sadly for the Dalai Lama, that makes absolutely no sense at all.

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- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:20am
  makes perfect sense to me. many moral and ethical people don’t adhere to a religion. he’s stating what should be obvious, but isn’t to people blinded by faith.
  
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watersRpeople
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:47am
Alright, that Moron Trivia is so funny, and yet astronomically sad.

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Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:47am
Big hitter, the Lama.

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- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:18am
  long.
  
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Mr.Fitnah
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:46am
That depends on the religion.
Islam sanctifies murder rape lying and theft .

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