On July 6, the Tibetan Buddhist Guru Dalai Lama will turn 90 and before that the controversy of his succession has become a matter of new discussion. China is emphasizing that any future successor will have to take its approval. This statement of China has further increased the decades -old struggle of Tibetan Buddhism with the ruling Communist Party of China, as well as adding a new chapter to the history of the Dalai Lama, a valid organization of Buddhism.
What is the meaning of Dalai Lama?
To understand the background of this entire controversy, it is necessary that the meaning, history and elaboration of the word ‘Dalai Lama’ should be monitored. The word Dalai Lama means ‘Ocean Teacher’. Perhaps this name would have received this name due to knowledge and depth of philosophy. For the first time in 1580, the title was given to the third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso on behalf of Mongol Sardar Altan Khan.
What was the importance in that era, who was the first Dalai Lama?
At that time, this title became a symbol of spiritual and political alliance. Although Gedun Truppa (born 1391) was recognized as the first Dalai Lama, very later (posthumously), he never received this title during his lifetime. These beliefs were given to two predecessors of Sonam Gyatso to establish the Dalai Lama dynasty. Initially, the religious leader of the Gelugpa sect, the Dalai Lama became the highest spiritual and political person of Tibet by the 17th century.
Tsepone WD Shakabpa records this very much in his book “Tibet: A political history”. It is written in the book that, to understand the origin of the Dalai Lamas and their coming to power, it is necessary to go in the 15th century. The famous Lama was posthumously named Gedun Truppa as the first Dalai Lama. He was born in 1391 in Shabatod, Tsang. He took the oath of Getsul in front of Truppa Sherb in 1405 in the Northang Math, which is the first phase of the monk life.
According to this book, in 1447, Gedun Truppa established the Tasilhunpo Math in Shigatsse with the financial assistance of Dargyas Pon Palzang. In 1474, he died in Tesheelhunpo at the age of 84. The following year, in 1475, Gedun Gyatso was born in Tansang’s Tanag Seme. He was considered an incarnation of Gedun Truppa and posthumously called the second Dalai Lama.
Establishment
In 1509, Gedun Gyatso established the Chakorgyal Math, about 90 miles south-east from Lhasa, where there is a lake, which is recognized by the reflections of future events. It is said that the predictions related to the discovery of the incarnations of the thirteenth and fourteenth Dalai Lama were seen in the reflections of this lake.
Who was Altan Khan?
Gedun Gyatso died in 1542 at the age of 65 in Drepung Math. “The historical bond of Tibet and Mongolia, the Dalai Lama’s spiritual and political person, is associated with the historical bond between Sonam Gyatso and Tumat Mongol leader Altan Khan. Altan Khan tried to strengthen relations with Tibetan Buddhism and in 1577, Sonam Giyatso celebrated to come to Mongolia. Altan Khan was converted into Buddhism. In gratitude, Altan Khan gave him the title of “Dalai Lama”, which means “Ocean” in Mongol language.
Tsepone W.D. Shakabpa writes in his book- “A year later, Sonam Gyatso was born in Thalung near Lhasa. She was considered the incarnation of the late Mathadhish Gedun Gyatso of Drepung Math. Sonam Gyatso studied in Dreapung Math and took his last oath from Sonam Drakpa. Invitated.
Altan Khan called Sonam Gyatso to Mongolia
Altan Khan invited Sonam Gyatso to come to Mongolia, but Lama rejected it. A few years later, Altan Khan sent a large delegation with camels, horses to Tibet, again requested Sonam Gyatso to come. This time Lama agreed. He left Drepung on the twenty-seventh date of the eleventh month of Fire-Ox of 1577.
Almost ninety miles north of Lhasa, he was bid farewell to him by three big monasteries, representatives of Nedong Gongma and various portraits. Sonam Gyatso started a program of religious education for Khan and his people and preached in an open public meeting for the entire public on one occasion. Altan Khan turned into Buddhism. “
16th century, which became a period of reforms in Mongols
In the 16th century, Mongol ruler Altan Khan adopted the teachings of Sonam Gyatso, and promoted moral conduct and spiritual discipline among the Mongols, Tibetans and Chinese people in his region. He applied ten principles of Lord Buddha. Altan Khan improved traditional death customs, banning the wives, private servants, horses and animals with the dead. The animals could only be given consent to monasteries and lamps, and in return the family could request to pray for the deceased.
Human or animal sacrifices were punished for death penalty or property seizure. If a horse or other animal was sacrificed, ten times the number of animals killed was seized. A monk or Lama was punished harshly. These reforms promoted social harmony and integrated Buddhism in the Mongolian rule, which led to an important cultural change towards compassion and respect for life.
… then the title of Dalai Lama was found like this
Tsepone W.D. Shakabpa writes in his book, followed by Sonam Gyatso (Third Dalai Lama), was awarded the title of “Dalai Lama”, which means “Ocean” in Mongol language, which symbolizes his vast spiritual intelligence and rights. He was also given a seal with the title “Dorje Chang” (Vajra holder), which was a symbol of spiritual power. In return, he gave the title of “Religious King, Brahma of Gods” to Altan Khan and predicted that the descendants of Khan would become the ruler of Mongolia and China within eighty years. The alliance established the Thechen Chunkhor Math, which became the center of Buddhism and a symbol of Tibetan-Mangol relations. This cooperation inspired the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia and China.
Recognition of spiritual power in Dalai Lama
The open place where the Dalai Lama preached and where the titles and gifts were exchanged, now became pure. The Dalai Lama proposed to establish a monastery there, and Altan Khan agreed to fund the project. The monastery was named Thechen Chunkhor. Many Mongol tribes leaders and some Chinese dignitaries, hearing about the spiritual powers of the Dalai Lama, invited them to their areas. “
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