What the Dalai Lama doesn't say, II

It is  notable when the XIVth Dalai Lama talks amongst broad, general audiences, he does not erudite on at least a couple backgrounds. It is likely he may detail on the items on specific treatments or interviews at times but it is not in his common agenda for general audiences especially of the west because they would be unfamiliar with the topics.

A) As was mentioned in an earlier article, the Dalai Lamas follow the school Prasangika. The school is developed from a wider study called Madhyamaka, or the Middle Path which started in India around the 3rd century.

It has perhaps the most austere approach for assessing reality. The Prasangika is covered also by many asiatic scholars. It is allegorically likened to reductio style analysis by scholars. The analytic prasanga approach is recondite, relentless, methodical and hence the scholars are affronted with no viable technique to assert*. For the Prasangika establish that there is nothing whatsoever that can be verified beyond thorough examination of their style. To be consistent in their thousand year old technique and method, they must also eject their final finding that all experiences are, by realizing, in reality found void. This vein has run through the history of Tibet for over 1100 years. These are made erudite by the early Dalai Lama, Tsong Khapa. It comes to utter conclusion that nothing can be asserted because in the first place nothing to sustainably assert ever can be substantiated by any means.

B) The leaders of Buddhist Tibetan sects are to go through examination process before they can be recognized, viz introspection, conquering the self. This is not widely relayed.

What occurs for the aspirant candidate is undeniably tough. {Warning! the following contains unfamiliar graphic information}

In tradition, and history, the Buddha in India, in endeavor to obtain his final comprehension had undergone 49 days of austerity and examination, "I will not budge for anything from this spot until I obtain unblemished understanding". This for the Tibetan tradition is repeated and required to have a likened experience for aspiring leading sect candidates.

It too, is based on the 49 days of austerity. The candidate is to agree to be processed in this traditional way, it cannot be obtained merely by intellectual means.

The candidate then is escorted by members to a remote location. The candidate then is to enter a built, sealed box alone. The candidate is to remain inside the box for all 49 days. They must handle their own experiences therein and be well versed in what to do. For the first third of the 49 days food is brought to the candidate about 3 times a day and sent through a slot. Then for some number of days the food is reduced to twice a day then to once a day and for about the last third of the the time there will be no food brought.

At the end of the 49 days, the box will be opened and there will be an assessment of this process. The candidate may be found dead, debilitated, insane, or composed and in control and successful for passing the ordeal.

*One may read a synopsis on this called "none", earlier in the entries.