Researcher from Australian college underlines Dalai Lama is taken into account a manifestation of Avalokitesvara, who might be depicted throughout binary concepts of gender
The 14th and present Dalai Lama, seen right here in Paris in 1989, is taken into account the manifestation of Avalokitesvara, the godly being “who hears the cries of the world”.(AFP File)
Known as Chenrezig in Tibet, Guanyin in China, and Kannon or Kanzeon in Japan, Avalokitesvara originated in India as a person, however might be depicted as both a person, lady, or non-binary being in spiritual iconography. This gender fluidity has led to Avalokitesvara being revered as a trans icon within the West, writes Stephen Kerry, lecturer in sociology at Charles Darwin University.
Conversation across the Dalai Lama custom has grown busier for the reason that newest and 14th incumbent, Tenzin Gyatso, turns 90 quickly. And this has reigniting hypothesis over his eventual successor.
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva (as in Avalokitesvara, represented by way of the Dalai Lama) is an individual or illustration who denies themselves enlightenment till all beings can obtain enlightenment. “Avalokitesvara seems to dwelling beings in no matter kind might finest save them,” Kerry writes in The Conversation.
“I’ve spent the previous 5 years investigating the lives of queer Buddhists in Australia. As a part of this analysis, I’ve surveyed and interviewed 109 LGBTQIA Buddhist Australians. The phrases of those people, and my very own expertise as a genderqueer Buddhist particular person, reveal how the Dalai Lama emerges an an unlikely inspiration for people sharing a trans and Buddhist identification,” he provides.
‘Effeminate and good-looking’
He additionally says that gay or non-binary Buddhist Australians are typically reluctant to reveal their gender identities to their communities, and could also be advised to stay silent about their identities.
“For some, Avalokitesvara’s gender fluidity has been essential for reaffirming each their queer and Buddhist selves. One Buddhist trans lady […] advised me Guanyin (Avalokitesvara) had particular significance for her. [She] spoke about Avalokitesvara travelling from India to China as a male, earlier than ‘transitioning’ to the primarily feminine presentation of Guanyin over centuries.”
Another particular person from the queer neighborhood advised Kerry about how he was fascinated by depictions of Avalokitesvara “trying effeminate and good-looking, with a cute moustache”.
A 14th-century statue of the Avalokitesvara, stolen in 2012 and since recovered, at a temple in Japan in June 2025.(AP)
Not everybody agrees
Some Buddhists deny Avalokitesvara’s perceived queerness. Kerry recounts how a genderqueer Buddhist particular person advised him a few trainer who known as the theories “simply tales”.
Kerry provides, although: “Despite being a cisgender man who has been considerably inconsistent in his assist of queer individuals, the Dalai Lama, because the manifestation of the bodhisattva of compassion, is a attainable religious hyperlink between immediately’s queer Buddhists and centuries-long traditions of gender transition and fluidity.”
Meanwhile, the controversy over how the following Dalai Lama might be chosen rages on. The 14th and present Dalai Lama has asserted that the temporal establishment will proceed after his dying however his “reincarnation” will “not be chosen by China”. The Chinese authorities has mentioned any successor should be authorized by Beijing.
No Comment! Be the first one.