The Dalai Lama rows back
The Dalai Lama's precise position on sovereignty for Tibet has not always been entirely clear, but it would seem to be now:
"The past is past. When the People's Liberation Army came to Tibet, according to legal experts, Tibet was a de facto independent nation. Therefore, we consider it an occupied land. But that doesn't mean we are seeking independence". He made these comments in an interview to be screened by CNN, although this post is based on a report in the Taipei Times.
Alarmingly, he conceded "Tibet is a backward country, economically, materially. Therefore, for our own interest as far as material development is concerned, we want to remain within the People's Republic of China". More encouragingly he notes, "I think many visitors to Tibet, including many Chinese, can see that Tibet is actually ruled by terror, the rule of terror".
Tibet is in no position to resist the Chinese occupation, and Beijing is unlikely to be conscience stricken any time soon, alas. Meanwhile, I continue to support self-determination for the people of Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration's (Govt in exile) page is here, complete with what would appear to be a rather literal translation of their national anthem. Given quite how bloody many national anthems are, this is a rather noble sentiment: "may everyone throughout the world enjoy the glories of happiness and peace".
"The past is past. When the People's Liberation Army came to Tibet, according to legal experts, Tibet was a de facto independent nation. Therefore, we consider it an occupied land. But that doesn't mean we are seeking independence". He made these comments in an interview to be screened by CNN, although this post is based on a report in the Taipei Times.
Alarmingly, he conceded "Tibet is a backward country, economically, materially. Therefore, for our own interest as far as material development is concerned, we want to remain within the People's Republic of China". More encouragingly he notes, "I think many visitors to Tibet, including many Chinese, can see that Tibet is actually ruled by terror, the rule of terror".
Tibet is in no position to resist the Chinese occupation, and Beijing is unlikely to be conscience stricken any time soon, alas. Meanwhile, I continue to support self-determination for the people of Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration's (Govt in exile) page is here, complete with what would appear to be a rather literal translation of their national anthem. Given quite how bloody many national anthems are, this is a rather noble sentiment: "may everyone throughout the world enjoy the glories of happiness and peace".
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on Sunday, April 08, 2007 at 1:21 pm.
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It really doesn't matter what the Dalai Lama says. China has hegemony over Tibet and will never give it up. Why they want it, who knows? But they've got it, and they're keeping it. They just built their sky-train to take tourists from China at an investment of - I am guessing - at least $500m to $1bn.
The Chinese have even chosen their own Panchen Lama, which is ridiculous, but they have. I am sure at some point the Dalai Lama will identify the real Panchen Lama and I am guessing this person may well be in the West. I think the Dalai Lama is a practical individual and he accepts the reality.
While rooting around I found this minor gem: 'The current Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated that he will never be reborn inside territory controlled by the People's Republic of China[4], and has occasionally suggested that he might choose to be the last Dalai Lama by not being reborn at all'. Source.
Not many of us could say that, I imagine.
Interesting.
It has been suggested that he may choose to come back in the West - most probably the New World. And that is where he will find the Panchen Lama before he dies.
I remember reading around 10 years ago that the Panchen Lama had already been identified by the Dalai Lama, although not formally. He was born in Colorado.
The Dalai Lama is a self indulgent showman.
He has in the past claimed that "he" keeps being reincarnated in order to continue unfinished works , well if that is the case then surely he should keep reincarnating himself until Chinese communism is defeated rather than sulking and refusing to be reborn?
He is however a keen shooter, so he can't be all bad.
The Hitch - Perhaps defeating communism is not his job. He has other tasks.
BTW, "he claims" is incorrect. He was discovered to be the Dalai Lama. He didn't discover himself.
Perhaps you should inform yourself about Tibetan Buddhism before commenting further?
BTW, I don't know what he "shoots", as he doesn't kill anything.
Perhaps he shoots leaves, and eats?
Verity ,
He may indeed have been "discovered" as the reincarnation of the thirteenth Dalai Lama but discovered or not that is what he "claims" to be.
As that is not scientific fact then it can only ever be a claim.
As to his shooting prowess he likes to shoot targets with airguns.
He also eats meat.
I hadn't realised the Dalai Lama eats meat,The Hitch. I looked it up and he does believe that if eating meat, one should only eat meat that has died naturally - this would include road kill, I guess - that has been dead for 16 hours.
However, you're right. He eats meat that definitely did not die naturally at state banquets. Which is odd, because the kitchens of heads of state and similar are equipped to cook for all religious beliefs and tastes.
I was once in the same room with him and perhaps 60 or so other people, and he is an enormously powerful presence.
I don't see why he shouldn't like shooting. Doesn't everyone?
The Dalai Lama has already identified the person whom he believes to be - and whom everyone except the Chinese accept as - the present Panchen Lama. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised by the Dalai Lama in 1995, and almost immediately arrested by the Chinese, who subsequently replaced him with their own puppet. The Chinese have since refused to disclose Gedhun Choekyi Nyima's whereabouts, and resisted any attempts by foreign diplomats or agencies to meet with him and ensure his safety and well-being.
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