TYPE ONE WRITING

What do you know (or think you know) about the Dalai Lama? For example: Who is he? What are his teachings? Why is he important? Write four to five lines

WHAT IS THE DALAI LAMA?

Spiritual and political leader of Tibet

Incarnation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva of

Compassion Lamas: Tibetan

Buddhist monks

WHO IS THE DALAI LAMA?

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso Born Lhamo Dhondup Farming Family Began monastic

education at age 6

HOW IS THE DALAI LAMA DISCOVERED?

When the Dalai Lama dies, a search party is organized to find the next Dalai Lama

Story Time!

ESCAPE INTO EXILE

1950: Chinese government gained control of central and western Tibet

1959: Dalai Lama escaped to northern India Established the Government of Tibet in

Exile Dalai Lama has lived in India and travelled

the world since then

DALAI LAMA’S TEACHINGS

You will be given a quote (or two) said by the Dalai Lama

Complete the graphic organizer individually

With a partner who has the same quote as you, discuss the Dalai Lama’s teachings and their connection to the basic teachings of Buddhism

TICKET OUT THE DOOR

What is the Dalai Lama’s role and why is he so important to Tibetan Buddhists? Bonus Question: To what sect of Buddhism

does Tibetan Buddhism belong?

QUOTATION #1

“I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principle source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.”

QUOTATION #2

“In the present circumstances, no one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems. Every individual has a responsibility to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes are not sufficient; we must become actively engaged.”

QUOTATION #3

“As human beings we all want to be happy and free from misery… we have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace. The greatest obstacles to inner peace are disturbing emotions such as anger, attachment, fear and suspicion, while love and compassion and a sense of universal responsibility are the sources of peace and happiness.”

QUOTATION #4

“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…”

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.”

DALAI LAMA’S TEACHINGS (CONT.)

How could the teachings of the Dalai Lama help if a student gets a "D" on a report card?

How could his teachings help if students are teasing another student because of the way he or she looks, talks, or dresses?

How could his teachings help a student in a situation in which everyone else is drinking or smoking?

How could his teachings help students come to terms with the potential of terrorist attacks in their own country?

How could his teachings help students address the needs of someone in their community who has lost a job and is having financial trouble?