The man who many Buddhists regard as a living god walks into the room and, before sitting down, displays his famous sense of humour. ‘There’s a rumour going around Tibet that I have died,’ he says through an interpreter. ‘Some Tibetans want me to issue a public statement that I’m alive, but why should I? I am teaching, holding meetings and soon I will fly to Canada. Why should I make a statement to say what anyone can see?’ He laughs, then sits down on the sofa.
By JEREMY COPELAND
DHARAMSALA, INDIA – The exiled spiritual leader meets visitors at his official residence in Dharamsala, high in the Indian Himalayas, in a greeting room filled with colourful traditional Tibetan Thangka paintings. In a glass case at one end are several gold statues of Buddha. Below it sits a small model of the Dalai Lama’s palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, which he hasn’t seen in 45 years. For the next 50 minutes, the Dalai Lama speaks in English — about Tibet’s relationship with China, what it means to be a spiritual leader and his impressions of the West, among other topics — with a little prompting from his secretary. He is able to make his points clearly, but sometimes his sentences are broken.
“I think [China] fear, if they give a little more openness or liberalization, then situation might become out of control,” he says. “I think we need more talk, in order to clear these unnecessary fears, and actually . . . I’m committed to help the stability and genuine unity.”
When Beijing and Tibetans do meet, they won’t be talking about a free Tibet, but an autonomous region — the Dalai Lama’s “middle-way approach,” which would see close ties between China and Tibet.
“Sometimes I feel today’s reality of the world is heavily interdependent . . . everything is dependent on other.
“Tibet, materially, [is] very, very backward, yet natural resources quite rich. But the communication, the machines to use these natural resources, . . . is very limited, very difficult. So if we remain within the People’s Republic of China, provided they respect our culture, they give us guarantee about our environment, then as far as material development is concerned, we might get greater benefit if we remain within the People’s Republic of China.”
Although there is a split in the Tibetan exiled community over the issue of independence versus autonomy, Tibetans all agree that the situation needs to be resolved soon, since Chinese immigrants are beginning to outnumber the native population.
“In some areas, already the Tibetans have become a minority, like Lhasa. The Tibetan population has become overwhelmed. They’re compelled to use Chinese language rather than Tibetan. . . . In those areas where Chinese are dominant, [Tibetan] culture or habit now changing, lifestyle changing.”
The Dalai Lama says he welcomes Chinese migrants who respect Tibet’s culture, religion and environment, and says Tibet needs Chinese businessmen, technicians and engineers to develop, but fears that Tibetans will become an “insignificant minority.”
“Those Chinese who feel Tibetan culture is backward, who feel that generally Tibetan people are dirty, smelly [plugs his nose and laughs], then that’s different.”
Canada and other countries can play an important role in helping to find a solution to the conflict over Tibet, he says. But if politicians refuse to meet him, he doesn’t mind.
“No problem. It’s entirely up to them. If they feel a little inconvenient, doesn’t matter.”At the end of this diplomatic answer, the Dalai Lama brings his hands together in a sign of prayer.
For a man regarded by many Buddhists as a living god, the Dalai Lama is very down to earth. He laughs a lot while answering questions, including when he talks about the celebrity status bestowed on him by many people in the West.
“As a Buddhist monk, I do not care, or I do not concern [myself], about other views or attitudes. My main concern is my own motivation. My motivation should be sincere, honest, that’s main thing. . . . What [other people] say doesn’t matter.
“Some people describe me as a Buddhist monk. I think that’s true. Some people describe me as very holy, or very like God — nonsense. Some people consider me as guru, like great guru. That also I think a little exaggerated. Some people consider me like a spiritual brother. That, I think, may be appropriate. Then some people consider me as a ghost, or reactionary, or political splittist. One time, the Chinese media described me as a wolf with monk’s robe. I’m still here as a human being. Doesn’t matter.”
About North American culture, the Dalai Lama says he sees obvious problems. “I noticed some billionaire, or millionaire, very rich, but lot of complaining, lot of mental unrest and lot of suspicion, doubt.
“One point I always stress or make clear [is that] the whole way of life should be more balanced. Pay sufficient attention about material development and also pay sufficient attention to internal development. Then the result certainly [would be] more happier, more stable, more peaceful society. And friendly or peaceful compassionate family. That’s my strong view.”
Shortly after the interview, the Dalai Lama’s next visitor, an American Buddhist, arrives. When he sees his spiritual leader, he throws himself on the ground.
Looking embarrassed, the Dalai Lama gently motions for the monk to stand up. The American rises, tears of joy rolling down his cheeks.
Jeremy Copeland is a writer living in New Delhi.
