In the video below, from his teachings in Ladakh on August 1, 2017 the\u00a0Dalai Lama states:<\/p>\n
I feel, that some of these lama institutions [have] some sort of influence of feudal system. That is out of date. It must end. So with some feudal influence, then eventually the lama institution creates lama politics [laughing].<\/p>\n
So, that is very bad.<\/p>\n
Lama politics\u2026 Lama individual disgrace, doesn\u2019t matter. But very bad impression about monastery or monk \u2013\u00a0very bad<\/em>. So we must pay more attention.<\/p>\n
You should\u00a0not say<\/em>, \u201coh this is my guru, whatever the guru says I must follow\u201d \u2013 that is totally wrong<\/em>. The Buddha himself mentioned, \u201cmy teachings, you must examine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Similarly, if one particular lama says something,\u00a0you examine<\/em>: whether this go well with the Buddha\u2019s teachings or the circumstances of society, then you must follow.<\/p>\n
If the lama says something, and you investigate, is not proper, then you should not follow the lama\u2019s teaching. Even the Dalai Lama\u2019s teaching: if you find some contradiction, then you should not follow: that is my teaching.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
He then quotes [my favorite Tibetan philosopher] Tsongkhapa. The audio is quiet and muffled as his translator gives the English, but my guess is that it follows the same reasoning as the above. Buddhism<\/a> from\u00a0India and then Tibet consistently emphasizes the importance of responsibility<\/em>\u00a0and understanding one\u2019s own intentions as the root of its ethical system.<\/p>\n
Watch here:<\/p>\n