is the dalai lama anti-gay? is tibetan buddhism inherently homphobic?
Is the Dalai Lama anti-gay? Is Tibetan Buddhism inherently homophobic?
Does anyone have information on this, or a reliable source?
I am not Buddhist; it's always seemed to me that Zen and activism are mutually exclusive. Plus I am simply areligious. I know the basic outlines of Tibetan Buddhism, but nothing in depth. I have several gay friends who are Buddhists, but then, there are gay Catholics, too.
A (former) wmtc reader tells me the Dalai Lama has made very virulent anti-gay remarks. But the only source he offered was Free Republic, not to be trusted. My own searches turn up some conversation and accusations, but no evidence.
The Dalai Lama welcomed participants in the World Conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association, and issued a message of support, expressing concern "reports of violence and discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people" and urging "respect, tolerance and the full recognition of human rights for all."
Gay Tibet is pretty happy with His Holiness, too.
Do you know the origin of the belief that the Dalai Lama is anti-gay? Do you know if it is true?
Since at least half the wmtc readership is queer, and I also have many Buddhist friends, perhaps someone can offer an answer.
Thanks in advance.
12 comments:
I've only heard that the Dalai Lama has stated that Buddhism can not explicitly endorse homosexuality, since there is no record in the tradition. I don't think he's ever said anything condemning homosexuality, either.
If so, I think it's too bad nonetheless that he can't explicitly accept homosexuality.
The website Bad Karma Lama (of which I know nothing other than it showed up on a Google search) mentions some anti-gay-sex comments of the Lama's. I seem to recall him stating at one point that recreational sex was contrary to Buddhist teachings because it involves giving in to desires, thereby causing strife which interferes with enlightenment.
I seem to recall him stating at one point that recreational sex was contrary to Buddhist teachings because it involves giving in to desires
Of course, "recreational sex" is also associated with heterosexuality.
seem to recall him stating at one point that recreational sex was contrary to Buddhist teachings because it involves giving in to desires
Of course, "recreational sex" is also associated with heterosexuality.
I wonder how many followers of Tibetan Buddhism know this or adhere to it.
It's not relevant to this discussion, of course. And all religions have followers that pick and choose what precepts to follow and what to ignore - personalizing the religion as it suits them (as they should do).
But it would be interesting to know. Do you think all the people who adopted Tibetan Buddhism because it was hip follow this part, too?
Anyway, back to the topic. Thank you Ryan and James. I look forward to more (non-Tommy) comments.
If the Dalai Lama against recreational sex, I wouldn't say that's actually homophobic, though it does imply homosexual sex should never happen.
The Dalai Lama also seems to be a very open and forgiving individual and he doesn't seem to be the type of person to condemn individuals for lifestyle choices, rather encourages them to see the better way.
The Dalai Lama also seems to be a very open and forgiving individual and he doesn't seem to be the type of person to condemn individuals for lifestyle choices, rather encourages them to see the better way.
I agree.
But if a person views being gay as a "lifestyle choice" and encourages gay people "to see the better way", then that person is anti-gay.
I don't know if Mr D Lama is such a person.
I saw him interviewed on Canadian TV on his last visit in Vancouver. At the end, the interviewer asked with trepidation in his voice about his view on gay marriage (which we have here). He said something to the effect of " It's an un-natural abomination, no matter how nice the individuals are." Just like the pope says 'hate the sin, love the sinner'. He said homosexuality was just wrong and un natural. The interviewer clearly cringed through the answer, but this is what he says. But what can you expect from some mountain peasant raised to believe he is a living god.
If that's true, that's a terrible shame. (Minus your last line, which is just unnecessary prejudice.)
I think the Dalai Lama has been pretty consistent with his anti-gay views. I've seen at least 2 interviews where he makes it clear that homosexuality and Buddhism aren't compatible.
i am tibetan, i like to say that dalai lama is not anti gay. buddhist people most dont care if you are gay or not, i mean as long as you dont kill any one or do bad things to others i dont think much buddhist people cares about it or agaist it. i dont agaist as long as they dont bother me. becoz everyone have the rights to do what ever they believe or they like. i dont agaist gay and i dont support them either. is they life why we should agaist? ( as dalai lama always say if you cant help, than dont harm too.)
by the way, anti gay or not anti gay is not up to dalai lama is up to you. and what you feel about. dalai lama have lots of things to think, and he cant make any mistake, if he do than chinese govt will take it and agaist him and the tibetan people. so i just wondering why people come up with this kind of Q. Dalai Lama is not a god he cant make every one happy dont you think so? we buddhist people or dalai lama dont agaist gay people and we dont support them. becoz is not up to us. if you are gay is ok with me i wont agaist you becoz thats your life. have nothing to do with me. but one thing is for sure. dalai lama is not a anti gay person.
Here's an interview with the Dalai lama on the CBC. He comments on gay love around 10:56.
Post a Comment