Spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s statement endorsing the annexation of Tibet to China comes as a shocker to those living in exile
Disappointed are the Tibetans living in India, following their spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s shocking statement about the Tibet freedom struggle last week. In an appeal to the Chinese government, the Lama has said that he wishes to end the Tibetan freedom struggle. The statement has stirred a cold protest within the Tibetan populace living in exile in India. Over 20,000 Tibetans staying in India do not agree with the stand of their spiritual leader. However, respect for their religion is stopping them from parting ways or openly airing their feelings against the spiritual leaders stand. Instead, they try to find the political compulsions that led to the Lama’s appeal. “The independence struggle will not end just because the Dalai Lama has expressed a perspective. Several Dalai Lamas in the past have also tried to end the struggle, but the movement has not stopped,” points out Tenzin Tsundue the general secretary of Friends with Tibet, an NGO working for Tibetan liberation.
He, however, assured that the Tibetan community will not put up any protest against the Lama statement. “Religion is the guiding force for Tibetan community. The mindsets are only religion driven. Therefore, it is very difficult to go against the Lama,” he adds. Despite the dilemma, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), which is the most powerful in the freedom struggle, will continue with its routine activity, he says. Nevertheless, the community is confident that the dilemma will not divide them by choosing between freedom and religion for they all are for freedom.
“The community is slowly realizing Buddhism is not only about offering your prayers, prostrations and other rituals. It is about the fighting for your motherland,” says a member of the NGO. He further adds, “For several years, we have been living in exile. In India, we stay as refugees. We are called traitors when we visit our country. Religion is definitely not above your identity.”
Further, the community believes that the Dalai Lama is well aware of the dissent brewing within the community. “Though he is a religious leader, one cannot deny his involvement in world politics. He is doing what he feels right to survive in the political situation. We will do what we feel is right,” says another member. However, Lama’s statement is expected to make a colossal impact on the spirits of Tibetans staying in Tibet, says Tsundue.
