Osel Hita Torres, Boy Chosen By Dalai Lama As Reincarnation Of Spritual Leader, Turns Back On Buddhist Order

The Guardian:

As a toddler, he was put on a throne and worshipped as by monks who treated him like a god. But the boy chosen by the Dalai Lama as a reincarnation of a spiritual leader has caused consternation and some embarrassment for Tibetan Buddhists by turning his back on the order that had such high hopes for him.

Read the whole story: The Guardian

Comments

[shenpen]

Osel has not turned his back on anything. Here is a link to the real interview and you can clearly see how his words have been taken out of context.
http://gobeyondwords.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/tempest-in-a-teapot/

[RnldJnsn]

See Osel's response to all this nonsense:

http://www.fpmt.org/teachers/osel/

[StephenJK]

:(

[Zofomofo]

Buddha, in his teaching, constantly makes use of conceptions, disciples should keep in mind the unreality of all such conceptions. The Buddha always uses them in the semblance of a raft that is of use only to cross a river. As the raft is of no further use after the river is crossed, it should be discarded. These arbitrary conceptions must be given up as one attains enlightenment.

Tradition and faith have no real place in Buddhism.

[RnldJnsn]

Tradition and faith are everything in Buddhism

[Zofomofo]

Only to the traditional and faithful, not to those who read the teachings.

[Zofomofo]

The Dalai Lama is a brilliant teacher, but let's face it, in the end Buddhist are victims of their own tradition, like all faiths.

They should keep in mind this Buddhist story;
Buddha, in his teaching, constantly makes use of conceptions, disciples should keep in mind the unreality of all such conceptions. The Buddha always uses them in the semblance of a raft that is of use only to cross a river. As the raft is of no further use after the river is crossed, it should be discarded. These arbitrary conceptions must be given up as one attains enlightenment.

If you see the Buddha on the road, kill him.

[GreenT2]

It is a misstatement to say that the boy was "chosen" by the Dalai Lama. The senior students and dharma heirs of the previous teacher, Lama Yeshe, recognized the boy as the reincarnation of their teacher. The Dalai Lama confirmed that recognition by officially recognizing him as a reincarnate master. No one in this story is suggesting that there was any mistake in the process of recognition. So the Dalai Lama didn't "choose" anything. He gave his stamp of approval and confirmed the recognition that was brought before him.

[Zofomofo]

Same thing. A distinction without a difference.

[PCMinistry]

His first disco experience was a shock. "I was amazed to watch everyone dance. What were all those people doing, bouncing, stuck to one another, enclosed in a box full of smoke?"

Funny, but this description got me all excited. I guess I never thought about it like that, but this weekend when I will no doubt be enclosed in a box full of smoke, stuck to someone, I will be fully concious of it and probably a little turned on.

[Fraugher]

Do we know any other spiritual figures who missed out on the realities of the world as a youth, and found himself shocked to enter into a world with a myriad of pleasures and pains? Oh that would be the Buddha...

My favorite thing about living in this so-called Christian nation, is that we wouldn't know God if he slapped us across the face. We wouldn't recognize Jesus because he does not look like the cover of Cosmo.

[Logout]

A good candidate to convert to Christianity!

[Cosmic-Zantor]

Equally fictional.

[hominidx]

Very persuasive.

[cosmicmom]

Now why in the world would anyone want to do that to the poor boy?

[RJII]

sht happens

[StephenJK]

We all have the capability to be Dalai Lama from birth. Some are just more receptive to the concept than others. Most are lead down a different path in their upbringing. But, everyone on this planet has the wherewithall to achieve Nirvana and to walk the path of true enlightenment.

When the Dalai Lama chooses a child at birth or shortly thereafter, he sees something in that child that shines brightly. Moreso than the others, I would guess. The thing is, if the Dalai Lama is truly the Dalai Lama almost any child would do. Because children are like an unwritten book and the instructions and directions they receive (along with their experiences) write the pages.

[FairTalk]

Complete nonsence.

[StephenJK]

Really? Look at the "chosen one", Osel. He could be one of any BILLION kids on the planet.

[frug]

The Dalai is adorable but Tibetan Buddhism as a religion strikes me as oppressive and superstitious as any.

[Amalek]

The Catholics are smart enough to select Popes that are in their 50s and unlikely to walk away. These mythical roles are hard to sustain.

[Patricia84]

Indeed, they are smart enough to pick a guy who just can't help putting his foot in his mouth because he is a "conservative", reactionary lo.on.

[Pema]

I know the Dalai Lama has said he wont return, this is the end of the Dalai Lamas, what this young man is going thru may be of greater benefit when he realizes how distracting and stupid most of the activities people endgade in. He was sheltered so it is easy for him to think this is all candy and snowballs, once he sees the seemy underside of life...he may change his mind, because right now, he is ignorant to what western life is, and what it costs spiritually...I dont think this is a case of a "western tulku", I know tulkus born in the west and they still appreciate Dharma. None of them have responsibilty to follow the Dalai Lama and this may be what is behind it more than a disapreciation of Dharma. Its a wait and see....
theres a reason for everything, even if it isnt apparent....

[Cosmic-Zantor]

"There's a reason for everything".

Why do people believe this? It's lunacy.

[Biff Baxter]

Why do people believe this? It's lunacy.

--

Concurred. Totally.

It belongs on the same list of nonsense as "The good lord works in mysterious ways."

[StephenJK]

Why is it so absurd? I believe if you think everything that has ever happened is by chance is lunacy. The Big Bang is a perfect example. The chances that it was perfect chance to create what we see in the Universe today are infantesimally small. You look at all the diversity of life on this planet, the geo-mechanical systems, even a blade of grass and you see perfect "chance"? LOL Boy, the Universe and this planet must be the luckiest things in the History of Time. Do you think the orbs floating everywhere suspending in SpaceTime could have just as easily been squares or triangles? LOL Or that people could have just as easily evolved into grapevines? If this is chance, then I must be dreaming.

[nicholasfromWA]

Has he really said that? I thought he has simply stated that the Chinese government will pick his successor, and that it probably won't be the true Dalai Lama...

[white mende man]

What ever.

[rumblingspire]

this young man will walk the path of Buddha. he will find the middle way.

[ModernTimes1]

In modern world people have a choice. And may not take kindly for being "elected" an incarnation of nayonethin or anybody.
Maybe its time to put the whole Dalai Lama thing to bed. Permanently. And I say that with a sense of great respect for the current Dalai Lama.

[MemoryAlpha]

Amused Note:
You believe "Tibet" is not its own country and "Tibetans" don't deserve their own nationality too.

Extrapolation from:
Your pervasive hostility to non-Westernized cultures and traditions.
(See also: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/users/profile/ModernTimes1?action=comments)

[chriss0114]

maybe having been reincarnated so many times, the Dalai has suddenly realized it is time to move on to something else? doing the same thing over and over can be boring, no?

[Patricia84]

It's the eternal recurrence, karma...