Oriental Studies (Apr 2018)
The Ethical Aspect of The Relationship between the Fifth Dalai Lama and the Emperor Shunzhi at their meeting in Beijing in 1652
Abstract
The article is devoted to the history of the relationship between spiritual leader of Geluk school the Dalai Lama V (Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, 1617-1682), and the Manchu Emperor Shunzhi (1644-1661). Their meeting in Beijing in 1642 showed Ethical Aspects of the relationship, and helped to restore the union of Tibetan hierarchy and the Chinese Emperor on the “Mentor - Patron” principle. The event was tested in the context of ethics and, as a result, showed the unique point of view of each side on this union, as well as on the “Mentor - Patron” principle. Manchu Emperor, by means of special ceremonies and titles granted for the Dalai Lama, clarified new status of Tibet and its hierarch. Therefore, official correspondence of monarchs, describing the ceremony of meeting, sharing of titles and diplomas, submitted in Chinese sources, are involved. Ethics of the relationship between the Dalai Lama and the Emperor of China’s Qing dynasty on the principle “mentor - patron” had undergone significant changes since entering into the religious-political alliance with the Sakya school and the Mongol Khan. A new utilitarian view on the relationship between the Lama and the Emperor emerged after the first meeting of the Manchu Emperor - Shunzhi and the Dalai Lama V and existed until the collapse of the Empire. In order to legitimize the power and to maintain peace in the state, the Qing emperors had to support all religions. Despite the fact that the Qing rulers paid great attention to the communication with Tibetan lamas directly, political interests took precedence over the religious ones, and the relationship between “student” and “teacher” over time, began to weaken.
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