• TOURISM & CULTURE
  • ADVERTISEMENT

Latest News

  • All Religions Prayer for World Peace and Special Talk on Inter-religious Harmony
  • A national-treasure pagoda at Yakushiji, a Buddhist temple listed as a World Heritage site opened in Nara
  • State Vesak festival to be held in Jaffna this year
  • Imran Khan invites Sri Lankan Buddhists to visit Pakistan
  • The annual Quan The Am (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) Buddhist Festival in Hanoi
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
  • BUDDHIST HISTORY
    • BUDDHISM MESSAGES
    • Message by PM Narendra Modi
  • BUDDHIST CIRCUIT
  • BUDDHIST MONKS
  • MONASTRIES
  • BODH GAYA
  • MCLEOD GANJ

Dalai Lama Tops List of World’s Most Influential Spiritual Leaders

Mar 03, 2020 Shyamal Sinha BREAKING NEWS, TOP NEWS Comments Off on Dalai Lama Tops List of World’s Most Influential Spiritual Leaders


By  Shyamal Sinha
Photo by Erik Törnerc.

Photo by Erik Törnerc.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
-His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one of the most beloved and recognized leaders of our time. He is the spiritual leader of Tibet, but his presence and impact is known worldwide as a statesman, spiritual teacher, and theologian. Also known by his given religious name, Tenzin Gyatso, he is the fourteenth person to be recognized as a Dalai Lama.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has topped the Watkins list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People for 2020. Watkins bookshop in London has been compiling the list since 2011 as a way to celebrate living spiritual teachers. Along with the Dalai Lama, other leading figures listed included Pope Francis at No.2, teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg at No.3, talk-show host and entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey at No.5, and Vietnamese Buddhist leader Thich Nhat Hanh at No.7.

As evidenced by the inclusion of Thunberg, Winfrey, and others, the list aims to go beyond established religious institutions to include leaders making a difference in areas of global spiritual importance. This includes teachers, leaders, activists, artists, and others addressing issues of fundamental human concern.

From watkinsmagazine.comFrom watkinsmagazine.com

The list is available in the spring issue of Watkins Mind Body Spirit magazine. The special issue features 16 pages dedicated to photographs, biographies, and further details about each person on the list.

The Dalai Lama, known for his global interfaith peace work as well as his teachings on the full range of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, teaches the practices of kindness and compassion around the world. He has consistently landed in the top ten of the list, ranking at No.3 in 2019—behind Pope Francis at No.1 and Oprah Winfrey at No.2—and No.2 in 2018, with Pope Francis again at No.1. The last time that the Dalai Lama was No.1 was in 2016. Recent books auhtored by the Dalai Lama include The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality (Morgan Road Books 2005), Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World (Mariner Books 2012), and The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World (Avery Publishing 2016). The last of these was co-authored with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who is No.8 on Watkins’ 2020 list.

Other notable Buddhists on the list include the prolific author and speaker Pema Chödrön at No.57, poet and environmental activist Gary Snyder at No.67, peace activist and honorary president of Soka Gakkai Daisaku Ikeda at No.71, British-Australian Theravada monk and advocate for full female ordination Ajahn Brahm at No.77, Vipassana teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society Jack Kornfield at No.83, and psychologist and meditation teacher Tara Brach at No.98. Several others on the list are influenced by Buddhism, either in traditional forms or by way of mindfulness practice or an interest in Buddhist philosophy or psychological teachings.

According to the website, several factors are used in compiling the list of influential figures. The main three are that the person is alive as of 1 January of the year, that the person has made a global contribution to spirituality, and that they have had an impact that can be traced through metrics such as Google searches, having a Wikipedia page, and so on. Lastly, the creators of the list note that they are careful to ensure that none of the individuals listed have spread messages of intolerance or hatred.

Watkins Books is described as London’s oldest esoteric bookshop, established in 1897 by John M. Watkins, a friend of the world traveler and co-founder of Theosophy, Helena Petrovna (commonly known simply as “Madame”) Blavatsky (1831–91).

The 84-year-old self-proclaimed “simple monk” has dedicated his life to the service of humanity, promoting a universal “religion of human kindness.” As a spokesman for the peaceful and compassionate resolution of conflict, he promotes love and compassion on a global scale, and urges all beings to create their own happiness.

Share this...
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

  • tweet
Bhutan Closes Borders for Two Weeks After Reporting First Coronavirus Case In Korea as Coronavirus Spreads; Religious Gatherings Under Scrutiny

Related articles
  • All Religions Prayer for World Peace and Special Talk on Inter-religious Harmony
    All Religions Prayer for World Peace...

    Mar 04, 2021 Comments Off on All Religions Prayer for World Peace and Special Talk on Inter-religious Harmony

  • A national-treasure pagoda at Yakushiji, a Buddhist temple listed as a World Heritage site opened in Nara
    A national-treasure pagoda at...

    Mar 02, 2021 Comments Off on A national-treasure pagoda at Yakushiji, a Buddhist temple listed as a World Heritage site opened in Nara

  • State Vesak festival to be held in Jaffna this year
    State Vesak festival to be held in...

    Feb 27, 2021 Comments Off on State Vesak festival to be held in Jaffna this year

  • Imran Khan invites Sri Lankan Buddhists to visit Pakistan
    Imran Khan invites Sri Lankan Buddhists...

    Feb 25, 2021 Comments Off on Imran Khan invites Sri Lankan Buddhists to visit Pakistan

More in this category
  • All Religions Prayer for World Peace and Special Talk on Inter-religious Harmony
    All Religions Prayer for World Peace...

    Mar 04, 2021 Comments Off on All Religions Prayer for World Peace and Special Talk on Inter-religious Harmony

  • A national-treasure pagoda at Yakushiji, a Buddhist temple listed as a World Heritage site opened in Nara
    A national-treasure pagoda at...

    Mar 02, 2021 Comments Off on A national-treasure pagoda at Yakushiji, a Buddhist temple listed as a World Heritage site opened in Nara

  • State Vesak festival to be held in Jaffna this year
    State Vesak festival to be held in...

    Feb 27, 2021 Comments Off on State Vesak festival to be held in Jaffna this year

  • Imran Khan invites Sri Lankan Buddhists to visit Pakistan
    Imran Khan invites Sri Lankan Buddhists...

    Feb 25, 2021 Comments Off on Imran Khan invites Sri Lankan Buddhists to visit Pakistan


VIDEO NEWS

WEEK IN VIDEO

BUDDHIST CUISINE

  • Buddhist Cuisine-5

    Buddhist Cuisine-5

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Buddhist Cuisine-4

    Buddhist Cuisine-4

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Buddhist Cuisine-3

    Buddhist Cuisine-3

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Buddhist Cuisine-2

    Buddhist Cuisine-2

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Buddhist Cuisine-1

    Buddhist Cuisine-1

    Aug 01, 2019

Mantra Om Mani Padme Hum

Intl Chanting Ceremony Bodhgaya 2019

gallery img (60)
gallery img (47)
gallery img (35)
gallery img (15)
gallery img (38)
gallery img (49)
gallery img (41)
gallery img (27)
gallery img (58)
gallery img (55)
gallery img (53)
gallery img (51)
gallery img (50)
gallery img (46)
gallery img (44)
gallery img (43)
gallery img (42)
gallery img (40)
gallery img (37)
gallery img (33)
gallery img (32)
gallery img (31)
gallery img (30)
gallery img (29)
gallery img (26)
gallery img (24)
gallery img (23)
gallery img (22)
gallery img (21)
gallery img (20)
gallery img (19)
gallery img (18)
gallery img (17)
gallery img (16)
gallery img (14)
gallery img (13)
gallery img (12)
gallery img (11)
gallery img (8)
gallery img (6)
gallery img (5)
gallery img (4)
gallery img (2)
gallery img (1)
gallery img (62)
gallery img (28)
DSC_0180
DSCF7503
DSCF7483
DSCF7475
DSC_0077
DSC_0130

GALLERY

  • Ven. Lama Lobzang -15 January 2016

    Ven. Lama Lobzang -15 January 2016

    Jan 16, 2016
  • Launch buddhisttimes.news at Greater Noida

    Launch buddhisttimes.news at Greater Noida

    Jan 16, 2016
  • Buddhism in Japan

    Buddhism in Japan

    Jan 15, 2016
  • Jan 09, 2016
  • Jan 09, 2016
  • Jan 09, 2016
  • Jan 09, 2016
  • Jan 09, 2016
  • Jan 09, 2016
  • Jan 09, 2016
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015

Weather

+39
°
C

+39°
+27°

Bodh Gaya
Saturday, 30

See 7-Day Forecast

NOTICE

  • Dr. Yeshi Dhonden, Former Personal Physician to the Dalai Lama, Dies
    Dr. Yeshi Dhonden, Former Personal Physician to the Dalai...

    Nov 27, 2019 Comments Off on Dr. Yeshi Dhonden, Former Personal Physician to the Dalai Lama, Dies

    By  Staff writer Dr. Yeshi Dhonden, 1927–2019....
  • Former Rigpa Head Sogyal Rinpoche Passes Away in Thailand
    Former Rigpa Head Sogyal Rinpoche Passes Away in Thailand

    Aug 29, 2019 Comments Off on Former Rigpa Head Sogyal Rinpoche Passes Away in Thailand

    By Staff Writer On behalf of all members of the...
  • Passing of World-renowned Scholar Jao Tsung-I Mourned
    Passing of World-renowned Scholar Jao Tsung-I Mourned

    Feb 07, 2018 Comments Off on Passing of World-renowned Scholar Jao Tsung-I Mourned

    By Staff Writer On behalf of all members of the...
  • Respected Tibetan Teacher Kyabje Gelek Rinpoche Dies
    Respected Tibetan Teacher Kyabje Gelek Rinpoche Dies

    Feb 17, 2017 Comments Off on Respected Tibetan Teacher Kyabje Gelek Rinpoche Dies

    Respected Tibetan Teacher Kyabje Gelek Rinpoche On behalf...
  • Condolence message on the demise of Ven. Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi NayakeThero
    Condolence message on the demise of Ven. Anamaduwe Sri...

    Jun 27, 2016 Comments Off on Condolence message on the demise of Ven. Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi NayakeThero

    Ven. Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi NayakeThero General...

Inauguration

  • Inauguration 7

    Inauguration 7

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Inauguration 6

    Inauguration 6

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Inauguration 5

    Inauguration 5

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Inauguration 4

    Inauguration 4

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Inauguration 3

    Inauguration 3

    Aug 01, 2019
  • Inauguration 2

    Inauguration 2

    Aug 01, 2019
Copyright budhisttimes.news 2019-20 | All Rights Reserved
Developed & Maintained By Shyamal Sinha Web Design Delhi Web Design Agency in Delhi Web Desinging Services in India Best Website Portfolio Creative Website Desinging Agency in Delhi Web Desinging Comapny India Custom Web Application Development Comapny Wordpress Website Designing Logo Desinging in Delhi Internet Marketing Company Mobile Application Development
  • TECH & SCIENCE
  • BUDDHIST ART/MUSIC
  • UPCOMING PROGRAM