Dharamsala, India—The rain came down harder and those celebrating the final day of Losar, the Tibetan New Year, squeezed in tighter to get under the roof. All were on their feet to sing the Tibetan national anthem. Barley flour was thrown in the air to signify the beginning of the New Year. Monks, laymen and Western spectators brushed the flour… return to article
-
subscribe to print magazine
-
email this article to a friend
-
Reader Comments (3)Page 1 of 1 pagesThey are spokespersons and lay students in, I believe, the Gelug-pa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Lamas are monks or nuns.
Posted by luminous beauty on Apr 8, 2005 at 6:56 AM Richard Gere is a spokesperson by default for the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Steven Seagal was recognized as an incarnation by HH Penor of the Palyul lineage of Nyingma Buddhism in the 1990s. This recognition does not make Steven Seagal a “lama,” which means one authorized to teach the 3 yanas of Tibetan Buddhism. It does, however, make him a “Rinpoche,” meaning “precious.” Authorization as a lama usually comes directly from one’s teachers and is often not given until the recipient has completed much practice and study. Lamas need not be either monks or nuns.
Clarke Fountain, M.A. Buddhist Studies (1989), Naropa University
Posted by Clarke Fountain on Apr 8, 2005 at 3:19 PM Page 1 of 1 pages -
register a new account »Posting Security
Also by Ari Paul
- Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Sexist antics and union-busting cast doubt on American Apparel's progressive cred - Tibetans Face New Uncertainty in Exile
Popular Discussions
- The 9/11 Faith Movement
Many Americans believe 9/11 was a conspiracy by the U.S. government
1968 posts since Jul 11 06 - What’s the 411 on 9/11?
891 posts since Dec 21 05 - Democrats: It’s the War
659 posts since Nov 1 05 - Was the Presidential Election Stolen?
459 posts since Jun 19 06 - A Fundamental History Lesson
The rise of National Socialism proved politics and religion don't mix
426 posts since Oct 10 05
© 2005 In These Times | Reprint Policy | Privacy Policy | Powered by Expression Engine | RSS Feeds
