Mention the name Tibet and it conjures up images of a mystical snow-capped mountain country that, despite the hardships of its people, is often romanticised.
The mysticism is enhanced by their spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, who is believed to be the reincarnation of his predecessors.
Although he fled into exile in 1959, the Dalai Lama is viewed with the same reverence as icons such as the late Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela. Like Mandela and Mother Theresa, he is also a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Tibet is the spiritual home of Buddhism, but for years the people of the country have been persecuted for their beliefs and almost 6 000 monasteries have been destroyed.
The plight of the people of Tibet goes mostly unnoticed as it has to compete for coverage with more pressing issues such as the war in Iraq, the Palestinian crisis and natural disasters.
However, for a Durban man, Tibet and its people are a passion and even if his is often a lone voice, Renato Palmi continues to support their cause.
Palmi founded the Tibet Society of South Africa after a visit to the country in 1993 and 1994.
Although he is not a Buddhist, he has been fascinated with the country for as long as he can remember – recalling how he was drawing Tibetan mountains when he was still a child.
“I always had an interest in Tibet and after seeing the movie Seven Years in Tibet, I wanted to get involved,” said Palmi.
After his visit Palmi founded the Tibet Society on July 6, the birthday of the Dalai Lama. He was also invited to meet the Dalai Lama and members of the country’s exiled government in India. Since then he has attended a number of international conferences with the exiles.
In the past few years the society has screened films such as Seven Years in Tibet, Kundun: the Life of the Dalai Lama and, at the recent Durban Film Festival, Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion. Palmi said that when the society staged a photographic exhibition, The Truth about Tibet, in Durban in 2002, it sparked an outcry by the Chinese government, which tried to prevent it from taking place.
Despite objections, the society continues its awareness campaign and, in line with the Dalai Lama’s wish for non-violence, has held peaceful protests at the Chinese Embassy and the Durban Consulate calling for China to release the Panchen Lama.
The Panchen Lama is the second-highest spiritual leader who, at 15 years old, is believed to be the youngest political prisoner in the world.
The Panchen Lama acts as the adviser to the Dalai Lama.
Palmi said the society had managed to bring a number of Tibetan monks to South Africa to give teachings in the Buddhist faith to the growing body of South African Buddhists.
“Through interacting with Tibetan monks, South African Buddhists will understand that while they can practise their adopted religion in freedom the Tibetan people cannot practise their own religion without any restrictions,” said Palmi.
The Dalai Lama will also be visiting the country next month to teach.
Palmi explained that it was not a political visit, but teachings about transforming the mind and how to achieve the six perfections, based on Buddha’s advice.
Despite people’s outrage about China’s occupation of Tibet, Palmi explained that the Dalai Lama believed in seeking peaceful solutions. There are also fears that the current Dalai Lama will be the last.
Palmi said the Dalai Lama explained that it was a choice to come back (be reincarnated) and if the next Dalai Lama could not be in Tibet, it could be the end of the line.
But Palmi pledged that the society would continue with its work of keeping people informed about the plight of the Tibetan people, letting them know that the vision of the old Tibet most people have is no longer relevant.
“The Chinese colonisation of Tibet has brought prostitution, discos and 4×4 vehicles on to the Roof of the World.
“Through China’s modernisation of Tibet, the Tibetan people are being marginalised and their traditions subjected to control,” said Palmi.
The Dalai Lama will be giving talks in Durban on the 7th and 8th November. Contact the Tibet Society of SA for more information or book through Computicket.
Tibet: the roof of the world
Tibet lies at the centre of Asia, encompassing an area of 2.5 million square kilometres.
The Earth’s highest mountains, a vast arid plateau and great river valleys make up the physical homeland of 6 million Tibetans.
Tibet has three provinces – Amdo, Kham and U-Tsang – which (together with western Kham) are referred to by China as the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The Tibet Autonomous Region covers less than half of historic Tibet and was created by China in 1965.
Tibet at a glance:
Size: 2.5 million square kilometres
Capital: Lhasa
Population: 6 million Tibetans and an estimated 7.5 million Chinese
Language: Tibetan, but the official language is Chinese.
Staple food: Tsampa (roasted barley flour) National drink: Salted butter tea Typical animals: wild yak, bharal (blue) sheep, musk deer, Tibetan antelope, Tibetan gazelle, Kyang (wild ass), Pica Typical birds: black necked crane, lammergeier, great crested grebe, bar-headed goose, ruddy shel duck, ibis-bill Highest Mountain: Chomo Langma (Mount Everest): about 8 800m.
Economy: Tibetans are predominantly involved in agriculture and animal husbandry; the Chinese in government, commerce and the service sector.
Bordering countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, and China National flag: Snow lions with red and blue rays. Outlawed in Tibet.
Political and spiritual leader: The 14th Dalai Lama. In exile in Dharamsala, India.
Source: www.tibet.com The Tibet Society of South Africa, Email: tibdbnsa@iafrica.com
