Approx: 111,170 in exile. India 85,000; Nepal 14,000; Bhutan 1,600; Switzerland 1,540; Rest of Europe 640; Scandinavia 110; USA and Canada 7,000; Japan 60; Taiwan 1,000; Australia and New Zealand 220; (Based on Tibetan Demographic Survey of 1998, Planning Council, Dharamsala)
THE STATEMENT (click here) OF SIKYONG DR. LOBSANG SANGAY ON THE 54TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIBETAN NATIONAL UPRISING DAY
On this day in 1959, thousands of Tibetans from all walks of life and all three regions of Tibet (U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo) converged in Lhasa to resist and protest the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet. We are the children of this tragic yet historic moment in Tibet’s rich, unique, 2,000-plus year history. Today, we are gathered here to re-dedicate ourselves to the brave struggle started by the selfless elder generation. We pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet. The yearning for freedom that moved our elders to undertake the epochal events of March 10, 1959 is a beacon that guides our present-day struggle to secure our basic freedom, dignity and identity.....
The continuing vicious cycle of repression and resentment...Tibetans setting themselves on fire. Since 2009, 107 Tibetans have self-immolated including 28 in November 2012 just before and during the 18th Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. Sadly, 90 of them have died....their ranks include the full spectrum of Tibetans – nomads, farmers and students – from all three Tibetan regions of U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo including the capital city of Lhasa....
Peace for the Tibetans is not difficult to achieve. They are not armed. They do not kill so much as self-destruct. They are no threat to China.
My opinion is that communists seek stable states of government through quiet and cautious revolution. Capitalism found it's way into China. It was a revolution no matter what the Chinese want to deny about that reality. Spirituality was a very high commodity in China. There are many cultures within China today that cling to their ancient past, so providing peace to Tibetans is somewhat of an extension of that spiritual basis of China's people.
Self-immolation results from spiritual distress. It is not a minor problem. When a people are dedicated to peace and thought and physical strength it is a good culture. There is nothing threatening about that. It is a good culture for a country to allow to exist. This is not a culture that will seek destruction of other peoples.
The Tibetan Monks are benevolent people. They seek spiritual elevation as their commodity. That is their monetary exchange. People from all over the world seek the spiritual guidance of these people. They have perfected the spiritual strength of the human condition.
Buddhism. The Four Noble Truths could be consider the transition of suffering.
The truth of dukkha (suffering, anxiety, dissatisfaction)
The truth of the origin of dukkha
The truth of the cessation of dukkha
The truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha
That is not a minor dedication of these Monks. Ending suffering on a global basis is what their spirituality seeks. Ain't a bad idea.
They have a disciple in their lives that lead to this advanced state of spirituality. It is called the Eightfold Path.
Wisdom
- Right view
- Right intention (that is a big one, try to tell capitalists they have the right path to end suffering)
Ethical Conduct
- Right speech
- Right action
- Right Livelihood (that plays into right intention with capitialists)
Concentration
- Right effort
- Right mindfulness
- Right concentration
The Buddists are a threat to the third world when people are told their conscience is lacking when engaging the idea of growing wealth to establish a stable government state. So, while the Tibetan Monks are never a direct military threat, the communists view them in a very bad light. Infiltrators is probably a good description of how they are viewed. Ultimately, subversives. But, heck, I am sure by now the Republicans have insisted I be listed with any anticipated drone list as a subversive. Needless to say it is a badge of honor.
But, to the Tibetans there has been an uptick lately of self-immolation with the approaching anniversary. I believe the leadership among the Buddhists are sensitive to the spiritual distress these basically benevolent people experience. To that end they also try to bring a perspective of modernization and civilized awareness to alleviate their distress. But, it doesn't work well because their homeland is always under siege.
I would ask Secretary Kerry to advocate for their peaceful allowance in the world. It is important. It is at the center of these people and as a world in appreciation of their benevolence we cannot ignore their profound need.
