This article feels good to read, but I have my doubts about it's actual utility. Most profoundly, he leaves the question unanswered about what the Dalai Lama actually does with the information he consumes. How does he act on it? Does he ever seek to contact someone that he reads about? Does it inspire writing about compassion? Does he ever get angry about the things that he reads, or sad? Does he get overwhelmed or frustrated?
Didn't realise the Dalai Lama was a controversial figure just judging from some of the early comments here he is. Why? Is this a silly 'religion/mysticism vs. science' thing or is there more to it?
He is primarily a political leader, in exile from China. People like him because:
- they care about religious/political freedom
- he's an underdog, and his enemy is a notoriously authoritarian government
I don't think he is a controversial figure in the US. But his political advocacy is not supported by everyone in rest of the world, and his reputation is probably more notorious if you talk to people on China's side.
There are two things that you might be seeing. One is the 'religion/mysticism vs. science/engineering' argument. The other is that many Chinese nationalists see positive comments about the Dalai Lama as a cover for anit-China sentiment. In their minds, anything pro-Dalai Lama is proof that Chinas enemies are conducting a smear campaign agains China.
Well, imagine that Utah wanted to secede and form an independent Mormon theocracy in the middle of the USA. How do you think the US would respond if the Mormon government ignored any law or court ruling against them, and went ahead with establishing their state?
The condition of the Dalai Lama and Buddhist Tibet is analogous to this hypothetical situation in many ways, yet I find it hard to imagine that the world would rally around the exiled Mormon leaders and hail them as heroes. The biggest difference here is that the government of China is an authoritarian regime, but that fact notwithstanding, it still has autonomy within its own borders.
The Dalai Lama -- and the Tibetan government in exile -- are in Dharamsala, India which is GMT + 5 1/2. He hasn't set foot in Tibet since his exile in 1959.
EDIT: If he were in Lhasa, the sunrise today was at 6:55 AM so he'd be up almost 3.5 hours before sunrise. In Dharamsala the sun rises at 5:17 AM, so he gets up only 1:45 before sunrise.
Perhaps you should give the article at least a cursory glance, as this question is addressed in the opening paragraph.
"I suspect that our voracious appetite for the daily routines of cultural icons is fueled by a deep yearning to glean some insight on and practical help with this impossible balancing act, from people who seem to have mastered it well enough to lead happy, productive, creatively fruitful, and altogether remarkable lives."
If you were an athlete, you would care to learn about the routines of other athletes. You may not play the same sport, but you care how they train.
Similarly, if you are an intellectual, you would care to learn about the routines of other intellectuals. You may not hold the same beliefs, but you care how they train.
I actually wanted to see his daily routine. But the narrative ended at 9:00 AM. He gets up early and meditates for hours. (impressive). And he listens to the news at some unspecified time (so what?). Where's the rest of the routine?
Why should you care about the routines of anyone who achieved greatness?
Even if you don't agree with the Pope's religion, you can admire his work ethic/drive/charisma/etc. to become the head of an organization with a billion members.
Similarly, the Dalai Lama has won a Nobel Peace Prize, congressional gold medal (highest civilian honor), honorary citizenships and doctorates. Nobody's forcing you to pay attention to someone extraordinary.
That is one of the best non tech articles I have seen on HN this year. Personally I think the Dalai Lama is the real deal, someone who has compassion for everyone.
He was 15 years old when he was given full power, and at this point China had already invaded. What he "inherited" with his position is irrelevant to him as a person.
That said, feudal Tibet was not a great place to be a serf.
[+] [-] javajosh|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] k-mcgrady|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] analyst74|10 years ago|reply
- they care about religious/political freedom
- he's an underdog, and his enemy is a notoriously authoritarian government
I don't think he is a controversial figure in the US. But his political advocacy is not supported by everyone in rest of the world, and his reputation is probably more notorious if you talk to people on China's side.
[+] [-] rocky1138|10 years ago|reply
Edit: I'm not too sure why I'm being downvoted, since I'm essentially asking for clarification on something. Should questions be looked down upon?
Here's a Wikipedia article dealing with what I'm curious about: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serfdom_in_Tibet_controversy
[+] [-] tdaltonc|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jessedhillon|10 years ago|reply
The condition of the Dalai Lama and Buddhist Tibet is analogous to this hypothetical situation in many ways, yet I find it hard to imagine that the world would rally around the exiled Mormon leaders and hail them as heroes. The biggest difference here is that the government of China is an authoritarian regime, but that fact notwithstanding, it still has autonomy within its own borders.
[+] [-] tomjen3|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] notNow|10 years ago|reply
It turned out that Buddhist clergymen were not "lovely pets" like we're told before.
[+] [-] zachrose|10 years ago|reply
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_in_China
[+] [-] eastbayjake|10 years ago|reply
EDIT: If he were in Lhasa, the sunrise today was at 6:55 AM so he'd be up almost 3.5 hours before sunrise. In Dharamsala the sun rises at 5:17 AM, so he gets up only 1:45 before sunrise.
[+] [-] unknown|10 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] torgoguys|10 years ago|reply
For bonus points, should I also care what the Pope's daily routine is? Why or why not?
I'm not trying to be snarky, even though it may read that way.
[+] [-] spicy|10 years ago|reply
"I suspect that our voracious appetite for the daily routines of cultural icons is fueled by a deep yearning to glean some insight on and practical help with this impossible balancing act, from people who seem to have mastered it well enough to lead happy, productive, creatively fruitful, and altogether remarkable lives."
[+] [-] monch|10 years ago|reply
Similarly, if you are an intellectual, you would care to learn about the routines of other intellectuals. You may not hold the same beliefs, but you care how they train.
[+] [-] jqm|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] throwawaymsft|10 years ago|reply
Even if you don't agree with the Pope's religion, you can admire his work ethic/drive/charisma/etc. to become the head of an organization with a billion members.
Similarly, the Dalai Lama has won a Nobel Peace Prize, congressional gold medal (highest civilian honor), honorary citizenships and doctorates. Nobody's forcing you to pay attention to someone extraordinary.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_honors_presented_to...
[+] [-] mark_l_watson|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] unknown|10 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] floridaguy01|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] w1ntermute|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kleer001|10 years ago|reply
I can't think of any country in the world that has the moral high ground.
[+] [-] steve19|10 years ago|reply
That said, feudal Tibet was not a great place to be a serf.
[+] [-] locopati|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] joshdick|10 years ago|reply