💞 Compassion and kindness
He teaches that compassion and kindness are the heart of religion. In his view, being kind to others brings happiness to them and to yourself. This fits the Buddhist aim of ending suffering (dukkha).
Buddhism: Origins and Their Impact on the Community » The 14th Dalai Lama: Teaching and Contribution
What you'll learn this session
Study time: 30 minutes
Edexcel spec: Paper 2 Buddhism (4RS1/2A), 1.4, 1.1
- Who the 14th Dalai Lama is and why he has such a high status
- His main teachings: compassion, non-violence and secular ethics
- How he has contributed to Buddhism
- How far he is relevant to Buddhists today
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Unlock This CourseWho is the 14th Dalai Lama?
The spec asks you to study one important Buddhist other than the Buddha. This course uses Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. He was born in 1935 in a farming family in Tibet. As a small child he was recognised as the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhists regard each Dalai Lama as a form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion (met in The Sangha: Bhikkhus, Bhikkhunis and Bodhisattvas). This gives him very high status among them.
Some key events in his life:
- 1935: born in Tibet.
- 1959: he left Tibet and has lived in exile in India since. His story of exile is told in Buddhism, Conflict and the Dalai Lama's Exile from Tibet, so it is only recalled here.
- 1989: he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a famous international prize for work for peace.
- 2011: he handed his political power to leaders elected by the Tibetan exile community.
He turned 90 in 2025 and still teaches today. He lives in Dharamsala, India, where the Tibetan exile community is based.
Key terms:
- Tenzin Gyatso: the name of the 14th Dalai Lama.
- Nobel Peace Prize: an international prize given each year for work for peace.
- Secular ethics: ways of living a good life based on shared human values, which anyone can follow whether or not they have a religion.
His teaching
🕊 Non-violence
He teaches that problems should be solved by talking and understanding, not by force. He has said that he wants dialogue and not violence, even towards people who oppose him.
🌍 Secular ethics
He argues that people of any faith, or none, can learn kindness, honesty and self-control. This message is meant for the whole world, not only Buddhists.
🔬 Dialogue
He has held discussions with scientists, and with leaders of other religions. He believes that learning from each other helps everyone. (His meetings with other faiths appear in Buddhism in a Multi-Faith Society.)
His contribution to Buddhism
- Making Tibetan Buddhism known worldwide. Through his teaching tours, talks and books, millions of people have heard about Buddhism, and many have been drawn to it.
- Keeping Tibetan culture alive in exile. In exile, Tibetans have schools and monasteries that teach their religion, language and traditions to a new generation.
- Handing power to elected leaders in 2011. This separated the religious role of the Dalai Lama from the running of the exile government, and many people saw it as a step towards democracy.
- Being a role model. Many Buddhists see his gentle manner and his lifelong stress on compassion as an example of how to live out the Buddha's teaching.
How relevant is he to Buddhists today?
✅ Very relevant
He is one of the best-known Buddhists in the world. His teaching on compassion and non-violence applies to modern problems, and he is a role model for many believers.
❓ Less relevant
He leads one tradition, Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhists in other traditions, such as Theravada Buddhists, follow other teachers, and Buddhism has no single head. Some Buddhists may also feel his work as a world figure is far from their daily practice.
On succession, he said in 2025 that the role of Dalai Lama will continue after him.
Common mistakes
- Saying the Dalai Lama is the head of all Buddhists. He leads Tibetan Buddhism only, and Buddhism has no single head.
- Saying he is the Buddha or a god. Tibetan Buddhists regard him as a form of Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva.
- Listing facts about his life without saying why they matter to Buddhists. Always add the effect on believers.
- Forgetting a different point of view in a 10-mark answer.
Exam-style question
Paper 2 (a) [AO1] Outline two teachings of one important Buddhist you have studied. [4 marks]
Paper 2 (b) [AO1, AO2] Explain why one important Buddhist you have studied is important for Buddhists today. [6 marks]
Paper 2 (c) [AO1, AO2] "The 14th Dalai Lama is relevant to all Buddhists today."
Discuss this statement, considering the arguments for and against. In your answer you should include reference to teachings, other (divergent) points of view, and your own opinion using reasoned arguments. [10 marks]
Model answer
(a) The 14th Dalai Lama teaches that compassion and kindness are the centre of religion (1), so Buddhists should care about the suffering of others (1). He also teaches non-violence (1), which means problems should be solved by talking and not by force (1).
(b) The 14th Dalai Lama is important because Tibetan Buddhists regard him as a form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion (1), so he has very high status. His teaching on compassion shows Buddhists how to reduce suffering in daily life (1). He has made Buddhism known around the world (1), which has helped many people learn about it. He kept Tibetan culture alive in exile (1), so a new generation can study its religion. He is a role model, because his peaceful response to exile and his Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 show non-violence in practice (1). His 2011 decision to hand power to elected leaders (1) allows his role to stay spiritual.
(c) Plan. For: he teaches compassion and non-violence, which fit the Buddha's aim of ending suffering and apply to every Buddhist; he is one of the most famous Buddhists and a role model; his message of secular ethics is open to everyone. Against: he leads one tradition, Tibetan Buddhism, and Theravada Buddhists follow other teachers; Buddhism has no single head, as the Buddha named no successor; for some Buddhists daily practice matters more than a famous leader. Conclusion: his teaching on compassion is relevant to all Buddhists because it matches the heart of the Buddha's teaching, but as a leader he is most relevant to Tibetan Buddhists. So "all" is too strong, though his example reaches far beyond one tradition.
Exam tip
In a "Discuss" question, put in one view from another Buddhist group (such as Theravada Buddhists) and finish with your own reasoned opinion. Pick on the word "all" in the statement.