Write a 1200-1500-word paper in which you critically analyze the perspective of the Dalai Lama's Soteriological inclusivity found in the module from the vantage point of John Hick's pluralistic hypothesis, which is encountered in the same module. You need not agree with Hick's position and you may role play if you choose, but your paper must take up and defend a clear thesis and the paper must include substantial engagement and specific references to both the Dalai Lame interview and the article by Hick.

INTRODUCTION:

In recent years, John Hick, a philosophy scholar, has made significant contributions to theological and philosophical disciplines. In addition to his provocative contribution to his narratives of theology of Christian faith in today's history (Hick), John Hick's pluralism hypothesis has contributed to his standings. Through his pluralistic hypothesis, he describes and analyses different religious fields of the Dalai Lama's perspectives. Dalai Lama is the 14th leader of monks in Tibetan Buddhism, and chooses to believe in a soteriological inclusivism approach as part of his religious beliefs. Traditionally, it has been argued that he had multiple perspectives on religion, as demonstrated by John Hick. 

ARGUMENT

Hick's pluralistic hypothesis is founded on the conviction that, along with all of the various religions practiced in the current world, there is something that they are all hoping to make and experience, the ultimate divine reality, which Hick refers to as "the Real." This implies that the Greater Power with which all of the major religions of the world recognize is real, but it does not correspond to any of the descriptions provided by various religious leaders and teachings. As a result, none of the existing religions provide a precise explanation of what "the Real" is; rather, they create a variety of interpretations of their own viewpoints and individual perceptions of "the Real." This can be illustrated using the metaphor of a runner.  When a group of people sees a running man, each of them sees him differently. Someone may believe that the man has just robbed someone and is now fleeing, that the man is late and thus in a hurry, or that the person is a marathon runner getting some exercise. None of the eyewitnesses would know why the man is fleeing, but they would all have their own theories.

Given the religious diversity, the Dalai Lama has shared Hick's viewpoint in a number of speeches, personal interview, and addresses. His Holiness frequently expresses admiration for the diversity of religions in the modern world. In his address to the International Association for Religious Freedom's Ladakh Group on August 25th in Leh, the Dalai Lama stated, "As a religious practitioner, I acknowledge the fact that different religions of the world have provided many solutions about how to control an agitated mind." In this manner, His Holiness acknowledges that all religions around the world serve the same purpose: to provide their believers with answers about life in our world and the righteous ways to live it. "I always say that every person on this planet has the freedom to practice or not practice religion," the Dalai Lama persisted. It is permissible to do either. However, once you accept religion, it is critical that you can focus your mind on it and sincerely practice the teachings in your daily life". By saying this, His Holiness expresses his gratitude for the freedom to choose one's religious beliefs and preferences. 

The last assertion is where Hick's viewpoint differs from that of the Dalai Lama. The quote from His Holiness' speech shows that the Dalai Lama is persuaded that truth can be interpreted by an individual with an unbiased mind, whereas Hick is certain that particular religious actuality is unavailable to everyone. Aside from this contradiction, the ideas of Hick and the Dalai Lama appear to be quite similar, as both authors advocate for religious diversity and equality in the modern world. While attending inter-faith lectures, the Dalai Lama uses unbiased notions in his speeches to better understand all of the members of his broad audience who practice a variety of religions. The Dalai Lama addresses conceptions found in all modern religions and discusses issues that confront believers from all cultures and countries. According to the Dalai Lama, "there are transcendent things in every religion that are beyond the grasp of our mind and speech." For instance, the divinity in Christianity and Islam, as well as the principle of wisdom truth body in Buddhism, are metaphysical, which average people like us cannot comprehend." The Dalai Lama also highlighted the distinction between "believing in one religion" and "believing in many religions," as the two actions contradict each other, and for one individual, having a single sanctuary, sole faith, is important, whereas for a society, diversity is vital. 

OBJECTIONS

In addition to the above-mentioned pluralistic views, the Dalai Lama states that "liberation in which 'a mind that understands the sphere of reality annihilates all defilements in the sphere of reality' is a state that only Buddhists can achieve." This type of moksha or nirvana is only described in Buddhist scriptures and is only attained through Buddhist practice". This viewpoint immediately alters one's perception of the Dalai Lama's teachings, transforming him into an inclusive spiritual leader. According to the final quote, His Holiness believes that Buddhist truths exist for people of other faiths. In this way, he tries to awaken his audience about the way he believes is correct by speaking their languages and employing concepts familiar to people of other faiths.

RESPONSES

Hick asserts in his work on religious pluralism that none of the religious teachings should be interpreted seriously because they are flawed. Of course, as a philosopher of religion and theologian, Hick is required to theorize and contend about various religious ideas, as well as develop non-standard perspectives and objective points of view. At the same time, as a religious leader, the Dalai Lama does not have such a choice. It would be immensely frustrating if His Holiness, whose main goal is to promote Buddhist values and doctrines, stated that those teachings are not entirely true, that the Buddha was not truly enlightened, and that none of the truths he promotes should be taken literally. 

As a peaceful protest religious leader, the Dalai Lama recognizes the necessity and inevitable consequence of diversity; he teaches the patience, compassion, and equality required to avoid conflicts, wars, hatred, and violence. However, as a Buddhist monk and religious practitioner, the Dalai Lama cannot teach anything other than that Buddhist wisdom is the path to enlightenment and the end of suffering. Religious inclusivism is a concept that exists halfway between exlusivism and pluralism, balancing the aspects and features of both concepts without approaching either extreme. This appears to be the only appropriate behavior for a religious leader promoting global agreement, peace, and compassion.

CONCLUSION

In his pluralistic hypothesis, John Hick accomplished acceptance of all religions of the world by abandoning the ultimacy or uniqueness of any existing or non-existing religious tradition's doctrines or propounded. He attempts to explain how they can all be true and authentic without emphasizing one aspect of religion and suppressing another. It is clear that John Hick's pluralistic hypothesis represents a simplistic approach to the problem of integrating different religious perspectives.

In comparison to Hick's pluralistic hypothesis, the Dalai Lama's acceptance of various religious traditions was only made possible by emphasizing the common factor, which has also proven to be a key aspect of dGe Lugs Buddhism teaching (the doctrine of which Dalai Lama teaches). The Dalai Lama's doctrines are centered on compassion. As a result, despite the fact that the Dalai Lama is genuinely religiously tolerant and sees much in common in the postulates and aspirations of various religious traditions, he remains a firm believer that only by adhering to the Buddhist tradition can a person ultimately perceive the Divine Revelation.

Step-by-step explanation

I've read the Dalai Lama's Soteriological Inclusivism and John Hick's Pluralism articles, as well as the attachment provided in response to this question. I've also read outline summaries and precepts from major religious texts. Since then, all of my inputs, understanding, and knowledge have been based on what I've learned. You shouldn't be concerned about the answers because they are based on research and deep introspection.