The Lama and the Adventists
6 December 2007
The Lama and the Adventists
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We were warned by a religion professor not to go, that we might be demon-possessed. We went anyway. Several compact cars pulled away from Southern’s campus at noon on Monday, October 22, packed full of damp students who were willing to brave the rain and claustrophobia in order to see him. We were going, whether we were excused from our classes or not. The Dalai Lama was worth it all, we reasoned.
After a long ride punctuated with the sounds of our cars’ windshield wipers, we squelched out and walked the few blocks to Centennial Olympic Park. I did my research before we came: I knew that the Dalai Lama is the leader of the Tibetan people and a Buddhist monk from the Vajrayana sect of Buddhism, and is believed to be a reincarnation of the magistrates, or Lamas, before him. Practically, he is know worldwide for his speeches and efforts towards peace, non-violence, and religious tolerance, as well as his continued labors for the Tibetan people. As a group, we were excited to see and hear the man who has been the recipient of so many honors and titles for peace, the Nobel Prize among them, and the one given just a few days before: the Congressional Gold Medal. That day, he was going to be given the title of Presidential Distinguished Professor for Emory University.
Once we got there, we set up our blankets and coats on the damp grass in front of the stage and tried to curb our excitement by visiting with the people around us—over 10,000 attended. The space in front of the stage became a field of rain-proofed admirers, from hemp-wearing hippies to professionals with expensive umbrellas, all facing the stage where Emory’s colors were draped, and where we knew he would stand soon.
After listening to several different musical entertainment groups, ranging from a jazz trio to a group of Tibetan monks chanting, the ceremonies began. Through it all, I remember thinking that he looked like such an ordinary person, a sweet, wrinkly, Asian grandfather. His eyes seemed to hold the sadness of the world, and yet they sparkled with a sense of humor evident in his speaking style. If I hadn’t been sure that I would have been tackled by the several security people near and on the stage, I would gone and hugged him.
When he bowed to us and spoke in his charmingly broken English, he was not especially profound or revolutionary, but he was sincere in his urgings for us to become a part of the “century of dialogue,” of peace, of communication and community with our fellow people all over the world. He used examples of animal life to illustrate how we are all capable of compassion, and emphasized that as human beings, we are all capable of great or terrible things, and we must choose for ourselves how we will live. “We are all the same,” he said. He gave advice on parenting, on education, and on the necessities of awareness and concern for the world around us. I was especially impressed by his humility as he spoke to such a varied audience, awed that this man, who has seen so many of his countrymen tortured and killed, could be so giving, and without bitterness or malice.
The other surprising element that afternoon was the lack of noise and stirring from the crowd. It did not rain the entire time we were there. We were all hushed and contentedly reverent for the man who has made such an impact on our century and our world. Even as we stood and applauded, there was a lack of wild cries—we were all respectfully showing our gratitude for this man’s example.
As we left that place, quietly moving with the thousands of others, all I could think of was the serenity he seemed to have spread over us all. As an Adventist, I heard nothing that day which offended or contradicted my beliefs. The Lama himself admitted that Christians have a completely different philosophy from Buddhists, but he emphasized that we practice the same things, we have the same ideas of good and right ways to live and to treat others. If anything, his message of religious tolerance should ring true to Adventists, who have taught these ideas since the beginning of our church. He did not come to talk about Buddhism, or to convert us to it, but to speak on the universal need for peace and compassion. If that isn’t an Adventist cause, I don’t know what is. And surprisingly enough, none of us seem to have been demon-possessed. As Matthew Hermann said later, grinning, “I’d definitely see the Dalai Lama again,” adding facetiously, “although I might become demon-possessed, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
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Let me guess ... it was Steve Bauer who warned you that you might get possessed.
The name of the professor does not matter so much as the fact that such a statement would be made in the first place by any professor with a Ph.D.
The statement indicates a blatant lack of respect for other faith traditions and for that reason alone, I strongly object to it; in addition to the lack of respect inherent in such a statement, this comment also shows the ignorance of that professor with regards to the life and work of His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet - a lifetime of work that, when fully studied and appreciated, would illustrates further the absurdity of such a comment.
As president of both Amnesty International and College Democrats at Southern I am glad that our organizations choose to participate in the gathering in Atlanta - it was a moving experience; and quite frankly, if the Dalai Lama - a man of peace, tolerance, and compassion - is progressing the cause of greater understanding among different religions, ethnicities, and nationalities and if certain people hold that that is the very work of evil and all that is wrong with the world, then I have no need or desire to associate with such beliefs or individuals.
Raymond Thompson
Good to see someone keeping up the tradition of October 22 and warnings.
Wow, demon possession? I still can't wrap my mind around that suggestion. Did you challenge him on it? What was his explanation?
Getting past that, thanks for sharing your experience. I'd love to hear him in person sometime as well.
I read your comments with interest. It sadens me to realise that the bigotry and narrowmindedness that I grew up with is still allive and 'surviving' in some of our educational Instituions. Praise the Lord for people with love and compassion. This is what Christians should be famous for. NOT the opposite! Jim Bussau
That professor was rather naive, yet more correct than any bloggers have realized. The Dalai Lama's "theology" is as old as Satan: "I do it myself!" It was the motivational factor of Cain, of the Rich Young Ruler. It is not unusual for a SDA young adult to find no fault in a monastic life style since it has been the montra of at least the 1860's of E.G. White's message to young people. Sactification always has had priority over, as one editor of the Review wrote. "mere Justification". A grateful, caring, generous life style is part of the life style of the "forgiven". But the Dalie Lama's message is a grateful, caring generous life style is "payback". Such is the Satanic theme. Only the life of One Creator is sufficient to redeem fallen man. No such doctrine is found in a dozen Lama's. And it would seem in a car load of college students from PUC. Peace on earth, good will toward men is the consequence of redemption not the cause. Tom Zwemer
So, why is “that professor” to be called a bigot because he believes in the biblical doctrine of demonic possession, while a supertition claiming that Budha is reincarnated in Dalai Lama be called enlightenement. A theocratic leader of a middle age society who endorses flogging and blinding as common penalty, and denies any kind of individual liberty to his subjects be, an intolerant absolutist religious leader who encouraged violence against the competing deity Dorge Shugden in Tibet, is not a bigot, is he?. Why does amnesty international care so much about a nazi couched monk (just like another his holiness I know), who encouraged India to disregard the nuclear nonproliferation program and to whom Shoko Asahara, leader of the Supreme Truth cult in Japan and spreader of sarin nerve gas on the Tokyo subway, donated 70 million yen. Just because he anointed non-acting actor Steven Seagal as a reincarnated lama and a sacred vessel or "tulku" of Tibetan Buddhism and took another juicy donation from sex-symbol Richard Geere?
Does doctrine trump right living? Seems that Jesus in the last part of Matt. 25 commended those who did good deeds and never mentioned a belief system. Lots of people have "right beliefs" but unless their actions agree, the beliefs are not only useless but hypocritical.
I'll take someone who is compassionate and desirous of other humans over anyone's beliefs.
Jeannieb
Raymond, it's comforting to learn that there exists an organization known as College Democrats on the campus of Southern Adventist University in Tennessee.
From all the literature coming out of that school, one would surmise that everyone there is a right-wing Republican politically. I'm glad to learn the voice of the Loyal Opposition is now being heard.
It pains me that the party of my youth has now been taken over by radicals. "Compassionate conservatism" is in reality neither compassionate nor conservative. We are being forced to submit to the worst presidential administration of the past 100 years.
Keep up the good work, in promoting the Loyal Opposition. Today's modern Democratic party is nothing like the Tammany Hall politicos of my youth. They're forward-thinking, good people.
Let's hope 2008 will bring about change.
I think it's totally acceptable to disagree with the Dalai Lama and share the reasons why you disagree with his philosophy/beliefs. However, it seems a bit extreme to suggest that if you go listen to him give a talk that you will leave the place demon possessed. That's taking it to a whole new level that seems incredibly unjustified.
Hi folks,
Go see him and learn about Buddhism, I have. But don't try and syncretize Buddhism with Christianity. That is my objection.
It is like oil and water...one is "salvation by the love and good deeds of the individual and society" and the other is "salvation by faith alone in the merits of Christ" which gradually leads to "true love and good deeds."
pat
Hello everyone,
As this is a subject close to my heart I decided to say a few things. You should all know that I too am a student at Southern, and I am also enrolled in the course wherein all this drama went down.
So you can all know, I completely respect His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his teachings. I also have respect for opposing points of view, however, I do not respect random slander and statements arbitrarily represented as fact without any support.
For example, "eddie constantine" you should know that the Dalai Lama is not a reincarnate of Buddha, but rather a Bodhisattva. a Bodhisattva is someone who as obtained enlightenment but made the decision not to enter Nirvana in order to help others still struggling. The concept is much like the idea of Jesus giving up his divine surroundings in Heaven in order to help humanity. But please don't try making the accusation that I am equating Jesus to the Dalai Lama because I'm not.
Furthermore, I'm sorry to say the rest of your comment was pretty much incomprehensible to me, try using an outline first. It helps put thoughts in a logical order.
Pat,
the situation is a little more complicated than the reversal of cause and effect in our doctrines. We have many similarities. One could say, for example, both Buddhism and Christianity try to obtain salvation through the rejection of the corrupt world we live in. That too, would be an over simplification. All I am saying is that the debate over the criteria for salvation is not as cut and dry as accepting Jesus. Ellen White said that only about one in twenty adventists are redeemed, do you really think that that few of a number have accepted Jesus? All I'm saying is the debate is complex, so trying to sum it all up in one sentence doesn't work.
Devin,
Thanks for your thoughts. The Dali is thought of by Buddhist as the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion. "the Tibetian Book of living and Dying."p.100.
(After "death" -supplied by me), "Bodhisattva return again and again to devote his or her wisdom and compassion to the service of the whole world."p.364.
For me, the "bottom line" is that Christ... His life, death and resurrection is Christianity. Christian growth and it's manifestations are but the response to that historic life through the Spirit.
"There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved."
... “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. 14 “For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. Mt.7:13,14.
All that is best in your study and journey,
Pat
Pat,
I'm not sure that many people are interested in arguing that the Buddha or the Lama is more Christian than Christ. Therefore, I'm not clear what your statement here means: "For me, the 'bottom line' is that Christ... His life, death and resurrection is Christianity."
I understand worries about religious mixing -- it can be confusing, diluting, and it ultimately reinforces the stem of every argument, the utter historical contingency (subjectivity) of faith.
Seeing your proof-text, exclusivist reading of Acts 4:12, you might want to check out evangelical scholar Clark Pinnock's paper "No Other Name Under Heaven." I can't find a non-paying journal link, but hopefully you can dig it up.
A more contextually consistent reading of the text would sound like this when translated to English. "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name in heaven given among mortals by which we here must be saved."
Note the difference between the indicative and the imperative in the verse. It's the difference between "can" and "must."
This is in the context of a proliferation of Christian sects claiming Paul or Paulus, etc.
Christianity has never promised or provided a perfect ethical response to every human situation, nor has Christianity promised some kind of magical moral clarity once one claims that Jesus' death makes them less sinful at this moment, or that moment, or now, or now, or now. As Calvin Rock writes in Church Leadership:
Conversion makes one obedient to the will of God, and it enhances one's relationship with others, but it does not necessarily provide the depth of virtue needed for effective leadership.
We must be like Christ, not to save ourselves, but to save humanity.
Beyond the quasi-tautology of claiming Christ is tops for Christians, I take courage in young (and older) Adventists realizing that narrow gates don't obviate broad minds.
Hi Alex,
I think of several more verses to claim Christ is tops for me.
"And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For WE DO NOT PREACH OURSELVES but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." 2 Cor.4:3-6.
"And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 Jn.5:11-13.
" For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void.18 For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." 1 Cor.1:17-25.
“For God so loved the world (literal Greek-In this way God loved the world) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil." Jn.3:16-19.
Alex, it is not that other things can not be said it is that what is most important is usually not said. It is not that there are not other truths but the omission of "the truth" of Christ that saves others.It is not that our life and witness are unimportant but that "we do not preach ourselves."
Likewise we are "reckoned" to be like Christ because we are "in Him" not because we are as He is.
Christianity is "exclusive" recognizing however that the "gate keeper" stands at the door and knocks and if anyone opens the door He will come in. That is the issue for us all...who is Christ and what have you done with Him?
Alex,
Satan would have called Jesus an exclusivist proof texter in the wilderness as Jesus "proof texted" Satan three times very quickly (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). I hate to think you want to be related to that side. Nor would I. We should rather affirm proof texting and exclusivity only if substantiated "precept on precept", "line upon line" as Isaiah 28:10 says. This is the way to avoid error. Why should we fight against the very method Christ used and thus imperil ourselves and others by discouraging them from winning over evil? Matthew 18:6
Shalom,
Rich
I feel I have to respond to this article as I am attend an SDA church on Saturday and meditate at a Buddhist center on Sunday.
(Strangely enough I missed the Dali Lama in Atlanta because I had to go Collegedale that Monday)
Since engaging with Buddhism I have become less and less "demon possed". I had a lot of emotional "demons" due to inheriting a family legacy of anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
For me, little that I was taught by the Adventist church helped me in dealing with my emotional problems. I grew up in a very loving church and I think SDAs have a lot to offer, but the views of sin, righteousness and sanctification I formed only strengthened my depression.
Praying and quoting Bible promises only did so much. In my heart of hearts I knew I was a miserable sinner and God could never save me because I couldn't stop sinning. I was crippled by worry, doubt, guilt. and extreme self-hate. I went to a couple of Christian therapists but nothing has helped me like Buddhist practice.
Buddhism gave me some very practical tools to help overcome emotional problems. The breathing techniques really work, and are used in modern therapy. Meditation, which has been horribly misrepresented by SDAs, has done wonders in helping me overcome negative thinking patterns and in gaining a reasoned, rather than panicked, out look on life. Through the practice of mindfulness I am finally able to see the joy of the moment, instead of seeing only worries for the future. One Buddhist phrase, "I open the door of my heart to myself" finally allowed me to experience the "grace" of accepting myself for everything I am.
The writings of the monk Thich Naht Han have been particually helpful to me. His book "Living Buddha, Living Christ" made me realize my own Christian tradition had a lot more to offer than I'd realized.
Before my chance visit to a Buddhist center all I'd ever heard about Buddhists was they worshiped the dead, worshiped idols, and that if you meditated you'd be demon possesed.
I know Adventists get upset when people say false things about us. (i.e. We are a cult, we only eat peanut butter, we won't go to doctors, etc) so why do we do the same to other groups?
As I overcame my false impression of Buddhism, I was amazed at what that tradition had to offer. I know Buddhism has it's flaws as all religious traditions do, but there is a lot we can learn from it as well.
"His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet." I'm baffled, this man is holy??
What a sad example of Adventist higher education. The professor that told his students that they "might be demon-possessed" if they attended a talk by the Dalai Lama is all about legalism (not to mention a message of gloom and doom). If they were truly teaching a Christ centered message this would not have been an issue. If they feed their students there would be no need for them to go elsewhere to look for some kind of truth. Shame on the Department of Religion at SAU!
Bill,
I agree that the Profs. should have treated it as a "comparative religion" study and explored that rather than simply write it off as "demon possession" (If that is what was actually said)
I commented extensively on the issue earlier and my comments were meant as an expression of issues in regards to Buddhism and Christ/Christianity.I lived in SE Asia for 7 yrs. I offerred dental services several times to the monks at Po Lin monastary as part of HKAH mission outreach to locals in conjunction with HK government offering transportation. Buddhist can be good citizens.
The issue is "syncretism" of different issues and principles...namely the person of Christ, our Creator-Redeemer Savior. Christianity/Christ can not be blended with Buddhist thought legitimately and with straightforward honesty.
pat
PS. I think the "D.Lama, Love and Compassion" was the other thread on this subject on the old site format.
http://spectrummagazine.typepad.com/
26 OCT.2007 strand
There ain't that much difference in religions--man's behavior toward his "god". There is a great deal of difference in theology--man's understanding of God!
The Romon Cahtolic priest used to get the "Holy Water" out of our well in Pound, Wisc. We used the same water in the feet washing prior to communion service.
Both thought we were doing God a favor! God should have been pleased. After all it really was His water!
The Dalae Lama is an important world figure in both politics and religion. He is obviously worth the effort to hear. Beats
Rush Limbaugh! Recall Jesus even demanded that Satan get behind Him when Peter unwittingly became Satan's shill! I don't think libeling by labeling is a Christian attribute--even though calling sin by it right name is commanded. Never-the-less--Jesus calls us by our first name. Tom
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