The Fifth Dalai Lama was not only an influential spiritual figure in Buddhist history, but also an important political leader. For the purpose of this research, the author wants to show the link between the political activism and the religious leadership in form of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Moreover, the author concentrates on how he managed to legitimate his social position placed at the top of Tibetan society, by working out the most significant and relevant historical facts in that period, that had a strong impact on the beliefs of the Tibetans - politically and religiously.
The second chapter depicts the situation of Lhasa in the seventeenth century and the role the fifth Dalai Lama played in the unification of Tibet, in the rise of the Gelukpa order and consequently in the establishment of the Ganden Podrang government in the 1640s. The focus of the third chapter will lie on Lobzang Gyatso’s social position as the supreme ruler of all Tibet, especially in form of the "Great Fifth" as a reincarnation of a bodhisattva. In this context, the question relies on how did the Fifth Dalai Lama achieved to enhance his political project and what was he capable of achieving by doing so? The fourth chapter describes one of his guiding goals: the propagation of Tibetan Buddhism in the non-Tibetan sphere, namely in the north-east of Tibet by enhancing relations with the Manchu emperor of China.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Lhasa in the seventeenth century
- The Fifth Dalai Lama and his Reunification of Tibet
- The Reorganisation of the Tibetan Government
- Tibet as "Land of Religion"
- The Fifth Dalai Lama and his Reunification of Tibet
- The "Great Fifth" Dalai Lama - the supreme ruler of all Tibet
- A Trülku as the head of society
- The Fifth Dalai Lama as the surrogate of Avalokiteshvara
- The Fifth Dalai Lama's journey to Beijing in 1652-1653 - in the context of Tibetan Buddhist missionary impulses
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research aims to analyze the complex duality of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso, as a religious leader and a political activist. It investigates how he navigated the political and religious landscape of Tibet in the seventeenth century, culminating in his rise to supreme power. The research explores the historical circumstances that contributed to his influential position and delves into the strategies he employed to legitimize his authority within Tibetan society.
- The role of the Fifth Dalai Lama in the reunification of Tibet
- The establishment of the Gelukpa order's dominance
- The Fifth Dalai Lama's social position as supreme ruler
- The intersection of religious leadership and political activism
- The impact of the Fifth Dalai Lama on Tibetan beliefs and cultural identity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the significance of the Fifth Dalai Lama as a central figure in shaping the modern image of Tibet and outlines the research's focus on his dual role as a religious and political leader. It emphasizes the need to understand the historical context of the seventeenth century in Tibet to grasp the Dalai Lama's achievements.
- Lhasa in the seventeenth century: This chapter explores the historical background of Lhasa in the seventeenth century, highlighting the period of civil war and the eventual reunification under the Fifth Dalai Lama. It focuses on the establishment of the Ganden Podrang government and the Dalai Lama's role in securing harmony between the celestial and terrestrial realms.
- The Fifth Dalai Lama and his Reunification of Tibet: This chapter delves into the political and religious context of the Fifth Dalai Lama's rise to power in 1642, examining the Gelukpa order's dominance and the pivotal role played by Gushri Khan, the Mongol leader. It analyzes the relationship between the Dalai Lama and his patrons, emphasizing the chöyön relationship as a key factor in his success.
- The "Great Fifth" Dalai Lama - the supreme ruler of all Tibet: This chapter analyzes the Fifth Dalai Lama's position as the supreme ruler of all Tibet, focusing on his status as a Trülku and the significance of his role as the surrogate of Avalokiteshvara. It explores the ways in which he legitimized his authority within Tibetan society, showcasing the intertwining of religious and political power.
- The Fifth Dalai Lama's journey to Beijing in 1652-1653: This chapter examines the Fifth Dalai Lama's journey to Beijing in the context of Tibetan Buddhist missionary impulses, exploring his interactions with the Manchu emperor of China. It analyzes the motivations behind this journey and its implications for the spread of Tibetan Buddhism.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key keywords and focus topics of this research are the Fifth Dalai Lama, Gelukpa order, Tibetan Buddhism, political unification of Tibet, religious leadership, political activism, Ganden Podrang government, chöyön relationship, and Tibetan Buddhist missionary impulses. These terms encompass the main themes, historical context, and core concepts explored in the text.
- Quote paper
- Laura Tomas (Author), 2016, The Dualism of the Fifth Dalai Lama. A Religious Leader and Political Activist, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/913286
