It was another big day in the village as today marked the 50th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising. There was a major gathering at the Main temple at 9am. HH Dalai Lama delivered speech and released a fairly critical statement. He also thanked the Indian government for providing a safe haven for Tibetan refugees. A delegation from Taiwan made moving speeches in English,
Indeed, today was very much a show of solidarity. Posters and banners were proclaiming greater freedom for “all oppressed by Chinese communists” and expressing the Middle Path as the “only” path. Non-splitists was the order of the day.
After the ceremonial activities at the temple, almost the entire population of McLeod Ganj headed down the hill to Dharamsala on a demonstration for peace. A candle-lit procession gathered again at the temple after 6pm in memory of Tibetan martyrs. Both BBC and ABC (Australia) were broadcasting live.
The Dalai Lam is not getting any younger, and it is still not determined what will happen to the seat of Dalai Lama. Following Beijing´s interference with the Panchen Lama, a wait for a reincarnation is highly unlikely. Indeed HHDL wants to hold a referendum with the Tibetan people to see if the position is still required. It has been suggested that the position could be split to enable a political leader and a spiritual leader. The Karmapa Lama – Head of the Black Hats, could possibly take on the political mantel. Tobes passed on this interesting article from the Canadian globeandmail. It was prophecised that there would only be fourteen Dalai Lamas, but no-one can tell me whom.
The Chinese government continue to refuse dialogue with HHDL as he is labelled as a "Splitist". I get the feeling that he is increasingly out on his own in the Middle path, and for many Tibetans, especially with the political youth, complete Independence is the only outcome. The CCP will rue its decision not to deal directly with him.
I´m indebted to Lobsang at Contact magazine for procuring me a press pass. Some exclusive HH Dalai Lama photos can be found here.
"What has until now been a non-violent campaign for autonomy and self-government within China — the Dalai Lama says he wants "one country, two systems" status for Tibet, similar to Hong Kong — could morph into a violent struggle for outright independence, they say."
ReplyDeleteI suppose the Tibetans are so used to theocracy that they won't follow a secular leader, but the idea of a 'living god' is a bit primitive.
"Primitive?" It´s just pretty cool.
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