The Views and Works of Dalai Lama and John Hick

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Arguments
Objections
Response to the Objections
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Religions form an integral part of the universe and the people in it today. Followers of each faith identify themselves with specific doctrines and teachings that dictate the manner in which they pursue happiness and the afterlife. In the recent past, some critics have identified the existence of many religious groups with divergent doctrines as problematic, thereby suggesting the possibility of integration. Modern scholars have gone further to present different views regarding the roles and goals of such faiths and why they remain relevant in the world. A proper analysis of the views and works of Dalai Lama and John Hick could help shed more light on this issue. Dalai Lama’s acknowledgement that religions can practice independently, but collaboratively, without conflicts or integration resonates with Hick’s pluralistic hypothesis that indicates that each faith has its authentic approach for experiencing the Real.

Arguments

In the studied interview, Dalai Lama is convinced that each religion has its unique features and guidelines. The question of integration between Buddhism and Christianity is solved by promoting religious independence. The thinker goes further to indicate that each faith has a unique purpose intended to promote human happiness. For a person to achieve his or her spiritual ambitions, the most important duty is to remain gentle and focus on actions that can make him or her a fine human (Lama 662). Those who focus on these teachings would have greater responsibilities and engage in actions that can make the world a better place.

While diverse thoughts and ideologies appear to exist in different religious faiths, Dalai Lama is convinced that people could find a sense of commonness and be able to pursue their goals. Specifically, the reader observes that Christianity and Buddhism are associated with the teachings of kindness, empathy, love and compassion. Those who embrace such insights will have contented lives and be willing to help each other (Hick 632). They will be pursuing the same religious goal without the need to denounce their faith. Additionally, many countries promote different religious beliefs since their people can live harmoniously and be able to achieve their potential. This scenario reduces the need or importance of integration.

The problematic question of combining all faiths into one becomes implausible in the eyes of Dalai Lama. Each religion appears to have its unique doctrine that is capable of guiding followers to find happiness. The presence of their different worldviews from the unique notion of the Real to each religion and is followers (Lama 662). They are able to exist side by side while promoting their teachings. Individuals belonging to such religions would, therefore, have to focus on the present doctrines if they are to become transformed (Lama 663). These aspects show conclusively that a conflict does not exist when it comes to the existence and nature of these religions. It also becomes quite clear that they try to promote a sense of diversity that is necessary for all people.

The issues Dalai Lama presents could be analyzed and answered from the perspective of John Hick. In his work, Hick offers a unique view that could help human beings appreciate the religious phenomena defining the world as it is. His pluralistic model posits that there is only a single divine reality. This divinity is identified as the Real and it presents the source of all people’s religious views and experiences (Hick 633). The hypothesis goes further to indicate that no single religious practice or tradition could pronounce clear perception of this form of divinity. Based on this observation, Hick indicates that religion has its authentic approach towards experiencing or conceiving the Real (635). Consequently, the Real will transcend all human descriptions, whether positive or negative.

Dalai Lama’s argument shows that each religion has a unique doctrine and a way of guiding followers to what appears to be the truth and happiness. He is opposed to integration since all religions have similar worldviews, values, and missions that allow people to experience the Real. Hick offers a powerful hypothesis that supports the importance of all religions and the need to show followers the most appropriate way to experience divinity (634). He goes further to acknowledge that there cannot be a superior, better, or truer religion than the others (Hick 634). This pluralistic view guides people to appreciate and respect all religions since each presents a unique way of experiencing the Real. The method will guide believers from all walks of life to live harmonically and consider how they can apply available doctrines to achieve happiness.

Objections

The works of Dalai Lama and John Hick appear to converge when it comes to the question of religions and their roles in the universe. Lama acknowledges that the idea to pursue religious integration would be inappropriate since they can operate simultaneously in the same society. The most important thing is all faiths have unique values and teachings that can guide their followers to pursue happiness and focus on the afterlife. However, some skeptics acknowledge that the notion of religious pluralism is inappropriate and it amounts to confusion in the world today. For example, Lama believes that the existence of different religions in various regions could be the primary catalyst for disagreements (663). People are introduced to divergent worldviews at a tender age, a development that triggers spiritual differences.

In other works, some analysts have indicated that the presence of the will to integrate religious views could help more people find a common balance. The move can address the religious disparities existing in the world and guide more people to pursue increased happiness (Lama 663). These arguers believe that people need to have the intention and willingness to integrate religious beliefs and borrow what sounds more practical from each of them. Relying on the notions of John Hick, some scholars have gone further to explain how his perspective could become the best foundation for religious integration (Hick 633). Specifically, the pluralistic hypothesis could become the best guideline for promoting a shared religion since all beliefs focus on the Real (Hick 634). Those who take such an idea seriously will find it easier to support the integration of religions and allow believers to achieve both eternal kingdom and happiness.

Response to the Objections

Historical evidence reveals that religions have been emerging from different periods. The number of belief systems and worldviews has continued to increase instead of finding some form of convergence. Based on this understanding, Dalai Lama’s perspective remains more plausible since the move to integrate religions could backfire. Each group is aware of the established doctrines and the best ways of remaining spiritual. Lama also suggests that a common ground is possible whereby all religious could promote their shared values and rely on them to make the society a better place (665). This approach will promote cohesion while at the same time allowing members of each faith to experience the Real in their own unique way.

The same message would emerge when the issue of religious integration is examined from the lens of John Hick’s hypothesis. While allowing each group to pursue its goals, a pluralistic experience continues to exist that allows people to make their own interpretations. The framework becomes a powerful tool that encourages people to appreciate the negative and positive of their own religions. It also expands human understanding of all religions since they have similar aspects and promote the same messages of righteousness (Hick 634). When examined carefully, the hypothesis backs Lama’s responses in such a way that people can experience their respective religions in a unique manner while pursuing the Real. This understanding is acceptable and capable of guiding members of the global community to live harmoniously irrespective of their unique worldviews and faiths.

Conclusion

The global community is characterized by numerous religious groups with diverse worldviews and doctrines. These faiths have coexisted for many years with little conflicts. Dalai Lama offers powerful perspectives that support the harmonious relationship of religions without the need for integration. Hick supports the same understanding through his inspirational pluralistic hypothesis. The emerging insights encourage people to pursue religious goals diligently while focusing on their own interpretation of the Real. Such an acknowledgement would make the world a better place and address most of the conflicts recorded between different religions in the past.

Works Cited

Hick, John. “Religious Pluralism and Ultimate Reality.” The Routledge companion to philosophy of religion, edited by Meister Chad and Copan Paul, Routledge, 2003, pp. 632-636.

Lama, Dalai. “Buddhism, Christianity, and the Prospects for World Religion.” The Bodhgaya Interviews, edited by Jose Ignacio Cabezon, Snow Lion Publications, 1988, pp. pp. 661-666.

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The Views and Works of Dalai Lama and John Hick

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