The Dalai Lama - A Lay Ruler or A Religious Hierarch? Political Aspects of the Tibetan Buddhism

Abstract

The article examines the political aspects of Tibetan Buddhism built around the institution of the Dalai Lamas of Tibet. The author analyzes the traditional political concepts that existed in the Qing empire, such as: “the world of China and barbarians (hua-yi)”, “Buddhist master and secular patron (mchod-yon)”, “unity of religion and politics (chos srid zung ‘brel)” and “our great Qing (manu yeke cing). ” The author then examines the status of the Dalai Lamas of Tibet in the context of their relationship with China. The political fragmentation of Tibet, connected with the natural background of the Tibetan plateau, prevented the creation of a centralized secular state in Tibet, and only an external force such as the Khoshut Mongols or Manchus could change the balance of power in favor of the Gelukpa religious school, headed by the Dalai Lamas. The creation of the concept of “unity of religion and politics” by the Fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th century and the existence of the de facto independent Tibetan state under the leadership of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama in the early 20th century contributed to the formation of Tibetan nationalism centered around the institution of Dalai Lamas.