Lama Dawa: Hindu Lineage Holder

Many of you will be surprised to see the image of one of the most renowned Hindu saints of the 20^th century on this blog, especially in connection with Lama Dawa.  But for those who know Lama a little better, it will only underline how free of prejudice Lama really was, from the beginning and throughout his life.

For example, in the final exam at Sanskrit University in Benares in the subject of debating, Lama Dawa, together with some other students with him as their leader, was given the role to debate the “Buddhist” party from the Hindu non-dualist point of view. In other words, he had to present the ‘tirthika’ philosophy, with the aim to win the debate against the group of fellow students who represented the Buddhist view.  And win he did.  Some of his classmates even held small grudges against him complaining, “It’s because of you that we Buddhists didn’t win.  Why did you have to be so efficient!”

Also during his time at Sanskrit University in the off periods between semesters, he often visited Haridwar, Rishikesh, Badrinath, Gangotri and other Hindu places of pilgrimage, and hung out with the sadhus and naga babas, even lining up for begging from the pilgrims, together with them. 

Living in India always made him feel like a fish in water.  Being fluid in Sanskrit and Hindi made it easy for him, and having spent most of his formative years in the country even easier.

But why the photo of Ananda Mayi Ma?  During one of his visits in the Himalayas Lama Dawa met this saint, who embodied a high level of realization.  Between the two, there unfolded a deep meeting of the minds.  On this occasion Ma Ananda Mayi Ma bestowed one of her complete Hindu tantric lineages upon him.

Which made Lama Dawa not only a Buddhist but also a Hindu lineage holder.  But from another perspective we may ask, “what really are these concepts, like ‘Hindu’ or ‘Buddhist’, and where and to which point do they apply?

However, when teaching Lama Dawa always remained true to the lineage that he was presently teaching.  He wasn’t mixing lineages, either, avoiding new age hodgepodges, which he mostly ridiculed.

I don’t know if Lama Dawa bestowed Ma Ananda’s teachings on anyone.  He never said.  He only told me the story of his meeting with her on two different occasions.  And the way he told revealed his respect for what he had received, plus his typical matter of fact vajra pride.