Description:

In this talk, Northwestern doctoral candidate Nisheeta Jagtiani examines the teachings and political philosophy of the Fourtheenth Dalai Lama, with a specific focus on rimé (nonsectarianism). Firstly, Jagtiani scrutinizes the Dalai Lama’s utilization of rimé concerning issues exclusive to Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. Secondly, she delves into the Dalai Lama’s expansive range of teachings in English, aimed at a general audience. Through this analysis, Jagtiani argues that the Dalai Lama has not only employed rimé in both realms but has also expanded its scope.

Since his relocation to India, his home in exile, Jagtiani suggests the Dalai Lama has adopted a rimé approach in the establishment and development of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). This approach has manifested in the formation of a democratic polity and a steadfast emphasis on equality, intricately connected with Buddhist and rimé principles. Moreover, on a broader scale, the Dalai Lama has employed this approach to foster unity among Tibetans across diverse regions and various Tibetan Buddhist sects. This unifying strategy is a key factor contributing to the heightened sense of Tibetan identity experienced by Tibetans worldwide. Lastly, Jagtinai draws attention to the Dalai Lama’s teachings on secular ethics and inter-religious harmony, revealing their inspiration from Indian secularism. These insights are derived from his training on the advantages of adopting a rimé approach, applicable to both religious and non-religious individuals in the twenty-first century.