DHARAMSHALA, November 27: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Tuesday reiterated his commitment to the Middle Way Approach, a policy pursued by the exile Tibetan government based here. The Tibetan leader advised the Tibetans that they should keep their spirits high and always maintain their Tibetan identity.
“Some say we need to change the MWA, but if those of us living in free countries push for independence, the people who suffer as a result will be Tibetans in Tibet,” the 78 year old Nobel peace laureate said in his address to over a hundred Tibetans living in Japan.
His Holiness said, “Those who work hard there (Tibet) to educate our people will encounter new difficulties. When even strong foreign powers have to come to terms with China, how can we hope to achieve something different?”
Since 2009, 123 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet protesting against China’s occupation of Tibet and its hardline policies.
He noted that because of the Tibetan people’s determination to non-violence, increasing number of Chinese intellectuals support Tibet’s cause.
The Tibetan leader said, “We have young people campaigning for independence, which is our right, but we have to ask what kind of independence they are talking about. The independence declared at the time of the 13th Dalai Lama is not comprehensive.
“If we raise our voices for independence, we kindle the Chinese anger without achieving our goal.”
Furthermore, the Tibetan spiritual leader appealed the Tibetans to live an ethical life, promote Tibetan culture and values and avoid cheating or deceiving others.
He said Tibetans need material development and economic progress which is attainable through genuine autonomy. “We can look after our education, language, religion and environment, while leaving defense and foreign affairs to China.”
From December 25 to January 3, His Holiness will continue his teachings on the 18 Great Stages of the Path (Lam Rim) Commentaries at Sera Monastery, Bylakuppe at the request of His Eminence Ling Choktrul Rinpoche and Gaden Shartse Monastery. The Tibetan leader will be in the Indian capital until then.
