Finally, a realistic view of the Tibet question
What every Tibetan has recently been discussing is what President Trump will do for Tibet. Ugyen Gyalpo questions if it is actually important for the Tibetan people who is President of the United States.
Dear friends around the world,
This article “Trump or Hillary: A perennial nature of Tibetans to wait for the shooting star” is an extremely well-written, interesting and poignant, yet hauntingly accurate assessment of the Tibetan situation in waiting for help from Western powers such as the United States. I do not have the pleasure of knowing who Ugyen Gyalpo is but he’s definitely a very insightful and in-depth writer of the Tibetan situation in relations to Western governments and the politics behind it.
Although this article is a few months old and we all know that Mr. Donald Trump has won, I fully agree with him that it doesn’t matter who becomes the President of the United States. It’s not going to make any difference for the Tibetan situation and for Tibetans in Tibet because the United States policy is that Tibet is a part of China, full stop. That goes for the rest of the civilised world and the United Nations where everyone has voted that Tibet is a part of China and not only a part of China, but an inalienable part of China which means ‘inseparable’. So therefore to fight for Tibetan freedom, to aggravate and annoy the Chinese government into giving Tibetans freedom is idealistic and also illogical. Why would 1.2 billion people kowtow to the demands of six million? It doesn’t make sense. Tibet has been a part of China for 57 years now, and there are no signs of it letting up.
Ugyen Gyalpo criticised Tibetans for supporting George W Bush, although the rest of the world were highly critical of Bush. He said it is only because Bush was supportive of the Dalai Lama.
Tibetans on the whole are an intelligent, dedicated and strong group of people but their ideological views on politics can be a little bit “seen through tainted windows”. What do I mean by that? As Ugyen Gyalpo wrote, how a world leader is viewed by Tibetans is not according to the world. If the world – 9 out of 10 people – find that a leader is good or bad, the Tibetans will not see what the world sees. The Tibetans will see world leaders according to their relationship with the Tibetan people, and what they do for Tibetans and that alone. In other words, using the example Ugyen Gyalpo gave, for George W Bush where he had done things that were really, really not commendable, yet the Tibetans like him because he gave support to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetans will support leaders that benefit themselves and the Tibetan people, which is understandable and I do not see anything wrong with that. But they must have a wider vision that leaders that benefit Tibet alone is not going to bring world peace because world peace and growth must come from the world, not just from Tibetans.
So I agree with what he says that it is extremely important that the change that we wish in Tibet come from China. The change we wish to see for Tibetans must come from the Chinese leadership and therefore it would behoove the exiled Tibetan leaders to make friends with the Chinese leaders in Beijing, and not aggravate them. It would behoove them to start reaching out to Beijing because basically, they have the upper hand in every strata of this struggle.
Hence it is very important that the Tibetan leaders stop reaching out to the Western or whatever ‘free’ world we want to call it, but to reach out to China because freedom for Tibetans lies within Chinese hands. It’s as simple as that.
People may call me a traitor, anti-Tibetan, anti-Dalai Lama, anti-Tibetan cause and whatnot for saying this but I am not anti-Dalai Lama, I am not anti-Tibet nor am I anti-China. I am pro-world peace, I am pro-peace. I am a Buddhist monk, I wish for world peace. Whatever it takes to achieve that, that is what’s important. I very much respect His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I very much respect the hopes and wishes of the Tibetan people and their happiness, and for their sufferings to end. But I can also see that politically speaking, idealism and political reality are two different sides of a coin.
What’s important is that Tibetan leaders reach out now and make friends with the Chinese and stop doing things such as courting more Western leaders for money, support and “Free Tibet” and all that, and stop irritating the Chinese further. The bottom line is, Tibet is a part of China whether we like it or not. Whether we accept it or not, it is the fact right now. After we are able to bring some peace in Tibet, and the self-immolations and sufferings and all that stop, then we can see what we can do next. Before you swallow the food, you have to chew it first which means before saying you want this, freedom, independence, autonomy or whatever for Tibet, secure Tibet first and our answer to this lies within the Chinese leadership.
I wish the Tibetans the best, and I wish the Chinese the best and I hope both nations can become good friends. I don’t usually comment or talk about politics but in this case, it has to do with good writing, insightful thinking and in-depth conclusions by Ugyen Gyalpo, who I thank very much.
Tsem Rinpoche
Trump or Hillary: A perennial nature of Tibetans to wait for the shooting star
By Ugyen Gyalpo | Monday, September 12, 2016 14:40
It doesn’t really matter, who wins the US presidential election come this November, as far as hope of leveraging Tibet’s issue is concerned, if there is now any leverage left. Tibet is already sold and compromised at the dirt cheap ounce of autonomy and now, it’s only the Chinese government and a change in their totalitarian system, that we can truly bet and pray on Tibet’s viable future, if there is any.
Rest reassured from the Americans, apart from giving due respect and spiritual recognition to His Holiness, as a global icon and messenger of peace, Tibet, I think pragmatically within geopolitical and economic dynamics, do not stand a chance of receiving help from the US, at a scale Kuwait received, thanks to their oil reserves, when it was invaded by Iraq almost two decades ago.
Keeping things at real perspective, only a whirlwind colossal change, like a political revolution we witnessed, on a scale of the Jasmine revolution, that toppled dictatorial and totalitarian regimes within the Arab peninsula, can we glare through some glimmer of hope. A seismic political change of a sort, that people supposedly in communist mainland China are dying to live up for.
Every American President, regardless of their foreign policy, in keeping America’s national interest ahead, are judged by most Tibetans in diaspora rather unfairly. They are judged not on their international flair and diplomatic skills in handling world politics, but also judged on their accentuation of humanitarian support, empathy and compassion for Tibetan plight and intensified constant denunciation of the Chinese government, in relations to the cataclysmic repression of Tibet.
For example, Tibetans admired president George W Bush, when the whole world despised him, just because he orchestrated the award of the Congressional Gold medal, the highest civilian award, to HHDL during his tenure despite repeated condemnation from China. Tibetans also have the fondness and appreciation in GWB, who as an avid painter, has taken pride in painting a portrait of His Holiness, which he gave to His Holiness as a gift on his 80th birthday.
A sentimental boost and reassurance for the Tibetans, that factors into everything, in tilting acceptance or rejection. Well, tragically this doesn’t account none of the blunder president George W Bush made following the failed search for Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction that catapulted in thousands of civilians’ deaths, a war that he manufactured and cost US taxpayers trillions of dollars to sustain, that would have otherwise fed the whole African continent for a century!
Every time, a Tibetan delves into world politics and show admiration for world political leader, a connection is always audaciously sought and drawn, to see if any or all friendship would benefit the Tibetan cause. This is all but natural and I don’t see anything wrong with that. But this just goes to support the fact, that our favorability in supporting leaders, is always in direct correlation with how far reaching an impact or how empathetic someone can relate to our plight and how aligned someone is with our wishes, visions and hopes.
As we are left through, after the grueling US election primaries, a unicorn like candidate in Trump, unlike any the country has ever seen, has emerged biting out the dust and crashing the walls of establishment with narratives of bigotry, xenophobia and racist calls and now, we are left, so to speak to choose between the lesser of the two evil, the other, of course, a seasoned politician, a prolific and professional liar and who would not require an introduction.
While Hillary played safe burying her conscience amidst the email scandal, Trump endorsed and fanned the Brexit movement and encouraged and promoted economic isolationism. A self-made billionaire, with emaciated political background, but someone, who is gluttonously passionate in breaking China’s economic spinal cord, that has hitherto being leveraged on Americas bonds. A white neck maverick, bent on restoring Americas dwindling pride, by bringing all offshore jobs back home and someone, who swears to handcuff the culprits of intellectual theft, that costs US billions in lost future revenues.
Trump, a businessman by instinct, who wants the economic playing field that is so far being tilted towards China, be leveled by sculpting fair trade and carving China’s currency to its actual value that was for years manipulated in their favor. And, someone, who vows little or no unnecessary interference in worldly affairs, and someone who wants to focus everything in rebuilding America great again.
Will then, Tibet as a thorny, delicate political issue ever surface on Trump’s cards and cross his thick brows is akin to staring up at the night sky and wishing for the elusive shooting star to trail blaze.
As for Hillary, who was but shadowy figure of Obama, will pretty much inherit obama’s legacy and continue with the same appeasement policies towards China, as it has been for the last eight years. They will continue to entertain His Holiness through the back door of the White House and leave little to the imagination, except for their perceived gesture of recognizing His Holiness as nothing but spiritual icon and a humble Nobel laureate.
It’s a fair bet, where neither winner nor loser in this November, US Presidential election, will have any sway as for the political future of Tibet. It’s the political events both inside and outside of China, especially in Asia pacific, where Chinese dominated populations reside freely, in a democratic society, in places such as Hong Kong and Taiwan, where we should put our focus on. And, pay special attention to changes of leadership within the communist politburo and in retrospect, feel the simmering upheaval within the Chinese society, understand and empathize with the Chinese themselves, who crave for freedom, that success in their form of capitalism and profit paves way for.
It is here, around this part of the world, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, where movement for Tibet’s freedom should be intensified and chapters such as SFT’s should appear and get a foothold.
It’s a tragic and selfish world, we all live in now. Everything and anything is for self interest. Even if in this made up imaginary world, nothing and not even, the most fictitious Buddhist US president, can alter the course of Tibet’s fate, since it’s so caught up in the intertwined web of corporate and multinational interests that none would risk puncturing a hole in that symbiotic web to give justice to the Tibetans and risk trillions of dollars in losses.
Only through a transformation within the Chinese leadership will we find the light at the end of the tunnel. Times have changed and so have the powers of the UN and the climate of US diplomacy. And, we as Tibetans at the receiving end of eternal sufferings know far better than anyone that 57 years of protests in front of the UN accrued to nothing more than talking to a glassed concrete, that is soundproofed especially to the cries of the Tibetans and hostage to Chinese vetoes.
Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?c=4&t=1&id=38020&article=Trump+or+Hillary+%3a+A+perennial+nature+of+Tibetans+to+
wait+for+the+shooting+star
For more interesting information:
- Tibetan leadership’s new anti-Shugden video
- Tibetan Buddhist Centre Opens in Qinghai
- Is Dharamshala Safe for Tibetans?
- The Importance of Tibet Befriending China
- Why aren’t the monasteries helping the drought?
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It’s an old post after all but interesting to read how the Tibetans viewed. Ugyen Gyalpo, wrote a good insight article. Official U.S. policy has always been that Tibet is not independent but a part of China. To him it ’s not going to make any difference for the Tibetan situation and for Tibetans in Tibet . CTA should stop all the blaming toward the China and stop all the accusation toward Dorje Shugden. Going against them will not bring any benefit either. After all these years, Tibet is still part of China. Instead to create a good cause for Tibetans, CTA has created problems and sufferings . The Tibetans should also do more for their country and mending the relationship.
The CTA has been exploiting the Tibetans in –exile for their own benefits. It would be wonderful H H Dalai Lama engage in dialogue with the Chinese leadership to resolve the grievances of the Tibetan people.
Thank you Rinpoche and Ugyen Gyalpo for this sharing.
Rinpoche has shared a direct and insightful write up by Ugyen Gyalpo that is very useful for those who care about the Tibetan cause and its political scene. Personally, this article gives an insight on how the majority of Tibetans think which explains why the ban on Dorje Shugden is being accepted without a second thought and remained as an issue within the Tibetan society for 20 years.
It took me awhile to understand why Dorje Shugden is an issue and how logical explanations on the issue do not penetrate into the mind of those who oppose the practice. Now I understand Dorje Shugden is being seen as something that challenges the very core of their interest:
1. His Holiness Dalai Lama
2. The benefits that are perceived to be given by His Holiness to fellow Tibetans in the secular sense.
These interests can be weaknesses easily manipulated by one who intended to do so.
For those of us who are deeply affected by the Dorje Shugden ban, it should be clear to us by now how the Tibetan Leadership manipulates the Tibetans’ interest in order to shift their attention away from the lack of performance of the Tibetan Leadership. All the Tibetan Leadership has done in the past 57 years since exile is to use the Tibetan people interest for their benefits, including hiding behind Dorje Shugden’s issue and enjoy the protection given by this enlightened Protector in a wrong way because they know for sure that Dorje Shugden will never harm them due to His compassion and wisdom. This is a clear example of people taking advantage of others’ kindness.
The only reason why the ban of Dorje Shugden still exists is because the Tibetan Leadership does not want to change their way in approaching this matter and continue to make use of it so that them can continue to receive benefits selfishly.
Thank you Rinpoche sharing this article. I do not know much about politics. n my opinion, it’s not a wise choice for Tibet to look for supports blindly. Tibet and Tibetens should have build up something together by themselves, to be independent and strong. it is very obvious China didn’t even consider letting Tibet independent. The bottom line of Ugyen Gyalpo’s story is that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) should make friends with China.
Ugyen Gyalpo, in my humble opinion, has driven the nail to the very core of the whole issue that Tibet is facing for the last 50+ years.
It is undeniable that Tibet is part of China and will remain so for a very, very long time. Everyone, in particular, the CTA and all CTA supporters have to live with this fact. What can be done is to change the mindset rather than trying the situation which clearly is illogical and not possible, at least in this lifetime.
If the CTA and all those “free” Tibet movement people were to change just their viewpoints and work with China, things will change for the better. Or at least, to look at how lucky they are that there is no genocide being committed!! LOL. If you look at other less fortunate nations, where ethnic cleansing happened, China did not do this to Tibet. Tibet is very much a part of China and hence, why not accept this fact?
This whole Tibet issue, from a political perspective, is way beyond my comprehension and I am not worthy of putting any opinions here, but what I see from a simplistic viewpoint, is that we have to accept and work with China to improve the condition of Tibetans in China and strike a conciliatory action towards China.
Thank you
Humbly yours,
Lum Kok Luen
“Every time, a Tibetan delves into world politics and show admiration for world political leader, a connection is always audaciously sought and drawn, to see if any or all friendship would benefit the Tibetan cause. This is all but natural and I don’t see anything wrong with that. But this just goes to support the fact, that our favorability in supporting leaders, is always in direct correlation with how far reaching an impact or how empathetic someone can relate to our plight and how aligned someone is with our wishes, visions and hopes.”- Ugyen Gyalpo
In my opinion, it’s not a wise choice for Tibet to look for supports blindly. Tibet and Tibetens should have build up something together by themselves, to be independent and strong. No one would be there to support us forever and under any circumstances in the secular world. I should understand it has been a trauma event and experience for the Tibetens with China few decades ago, fights, bloods, tears, screams and anger. We should not struggle and hold onto what is difficult on our mind from the secular world, Tibet, as a Buddhist country might able to understand it easier. How long can we fight with each others due to the past and because we want to released our anger, unsatisfaction and to revenge? Yes, forever until the another party is totally demolished, but when we fight until this time, are we the same batch of people who wish to revenge or we are ordered by our ancestors to be in the war by them?
May world peace comes and be everyone’s priority to reach.
With all the respect to tibatan leadership, is undeniable China has become world number one economy government body over take America. Hence Tibet has become part of the China in reality. CTA should stop all the blaming toward the China and stop all the accusation toward Dorje Shugden separating your own tibetans and nation. If Tibet ready seek for freedom,must make start make connection with China and repaired the relationship. Not making more trouble with China.This is most tibatan people wish to live in peace at very part of the world.
Ugyen Gyalpo has totally spot on about CTA and Tibet, it has been 57 years, CTA has been using the same method for the past 57 years to claim back Tibet, if their method works, they would have already claimed back, don’t have to wait for so many years, and vice versa, since 57 years passed and they could not claim back Tibet, means their method is not effective and they have to change another method.
In fact, lesson has learned from the history in China, it is when Qing Dynasty has taken over Ming Dynasty, there are a group of people who swore to kill the Qing Emperor to restore back Ming Dynasty, but no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn’t success and in the process, many people got involved and get killed, it became a lose – lose situation, no one get benefit and everyone got sacrificed.
Whereby another group of people tried to work with Qing Emperor in harmony, those who are caliber managed to work in a higher post in the Palace and they managed to benefit their people while holding the high post in the Palace, whereas those not so caliber ones also get a job and make their living, so in this situation, yes, they do not claim back their Dynasty still, but they are able to live in peace and benefit their people.
CTA should take this as a lesson, going against them will not bring any benefit, because China is so huge and powerful, and Tibet is just a small country, fighting against China is just like driving a small car to go hit a big lorry, at the end the car got damaged and the lorry is just fine. If CTA really think for the benefit of their citizen, they should work with China harmoniously and not going against them, unless….. they have a different motive..
I do not know about politics. I only know that China with a population of 1.3 billion is playing an important and influential role in the global economy. Therefore many country leaders is making friend with China for the benefit of their country. At such, I can’t understand why Tibet still against China when more and more countries are pro China. Whatever steps that Tibetan leader taking, they should think that is this bring benefits or suffering to their people instead of personal gain.
After 57 years, Tibet is still part of China. Instead to create a good cause for Tibetans, CTA has created another nonsense issues by linking China to Dorje Shugden and ban the practice. Obviously this does not help Tibet but actually separate the Tibetan themselves. What can you expect more from a government who created suffering to their own people?
The Tibetan government should look thru this matter, not blaming or accusing any other person or spiritual practices due to their economics failure. It not logical and doesn’t make sense.
By right they should looking forward to amend their relation with China. Somehow Tibet is part of China for more than 50 years. Tibetan people should broaden their horizon, think out of the box,think and reconsider of their people sufferings from separation of their believes and families.
Pain, suffer and disharmony for the Tibet if the government is not taking any action.
I wish that CTA can work along with China, and also wish USA give helps to Tibet and other countries. Always remember one quote ( rule your empire with love ).
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this article
Whoever win the US presidential it does not going to change anything for Tibet. If it’s going to be a change it would happen long time ago why have to wait for now?
What actually the Tibetan leaders are waiting for? Keep hoping for the support from US and until when? Is this practical and beneficial for their people in long run?
China is growing big with their influences that no other country want to make enemy with. The reason is simple which is all other country want to live in peace and harmony for the benefit of their people.
If the Tibetan leaders really truthful to act for their people benefit they should not make enemy with China and stop linking Dorje Shugden as an excuse to separate their own people. It’s shame that the Tibetan government seems like running out of idea to attack China by linking Dorje Shugden with their baseless accusation. Whatever the Tibetan leaders doing are not going to work and nothing they can do to even tickle the giant.
May they realise this with true compassion heart to benefit the Tibetan by working out with China. Tibet is in China that will not make a change and is time to deal in peace for Tibetan and their future.
I think that CTA and the Tibetans should actually do something about this instead of relying on other political parties. Like what the writer said, all leaders are for themselves and unless there is something beneficial for their own interests or country, they will not be of much help.
The CTA themselves should be doing something to improve their relationship with China. Not go against them and then hope that China return Tibet to them, willingly. Perhaps the Tibetans should also do something for their country and urge their government to find ways in mending the relationship.
After 57 years, what have CTA achieved? Protesting in front of the UN for the 57 years and nothing happened, maybe another approach should be used? India’s government gave 99 years to Tibetan refugees that arrived 57 years ago, and now there is only a balance of 42 years, what about the future generation? The government should be looking at the interests of its people, move forward and upward for this generation and the future.
Whether Tibetans choose to accept it or not, Tibet is undeniably a part of China. The countries of the world , especially the Western powers on whom the Tibetan Government in Dharamsala has in the past been relying for aid, now unanimously declare that Tibet is a part of China.
Ugyen Gyalpo is expressing a realistic view here. It is pointless for the Tibetan leadership to butt their head against China. Nothing will be gained or accomplished by continuing to adopt a stubborn attitude of fighting for Tibet to be independent of China. The Tibetan leadership should give up the unrealistic attitude of only favouring a foreign power, who is empathetic to their cause of independence for Tibet and aligned to their vision, hopes and dreams. The reality is that no foreign power will court the displeasure of China anymore.
While Trump’s main concern is for America to become the number ONE world power again, knocking China off the pedestal it currently occupies, it is unlikely that he will bend backward to support the Tibetan cause. Even if Hillary Clinton had won the presidential elections, it would be unlikely for the US to go against Obama’s declaration that Tibet is a part of China. It’s a selfish world, where leaders will only look after their own country’s interest above all else, especially in terms of dollars and cents.
Going forward , it is unlikely that the UN will change its stance , where for the past 57 years, they have not given their ear to the Tibetans’ plea for support for their fight for freedom. Nor is it likely that there will be a transformation within the Chinese leadership or a change in their totalitarian system to change the face of things.
Therefore the only way is for the Tibetan leadership to follow the examples of other nations , and seek the friendship of China.Tibet has no leverage and no cards to play. As China holds all the cards, it is the only way to go. Peace for Tibet and the world is the only way to go.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for bringing this article up. The writer Ugyen Gyalpo really hit the nerves through this article.
It clearly shows the mentality of the mass Tibetans and how it will not help them or Tibet in any way.
The article essentially highlighted the support of the Western leaders whom favoured Tibet and His Holiness, and not how the leader is. While a lot should and ought to be considered, it never is the case.
China’s influence is growing, and rather than relying on new world leaders, or Western leaders to help and support Tibet and Tibetans.. shouldn’t Tibetans rise and take effective actions?
By changing the mindset of the Tibetan government and its people, by organising a truce with the Chinese government, may Tibet be free.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the article written by Ugyen Gyalpo. Sadly, the content of the article hits directly to the points and filled up with honesty and true facts of what is happening with Tibetan government in exile. Everyone who has read this article should understand what is required to be done by CTA from this moment onwards.
After 57 years of China taking over Tibet and Tibet is part of China on the world map now, the long history has proven that the possibility of Tibet to return to its previous situation and condition back in 57 years ago is extremely low or else, it should have taken place much more earlier than now. The multi-dollar question is, why the CTA continues to hit onto the wall again and again since 57 years ago until now, and heading to the same direction in the hope of receiving help from US to gain back Tibet from China? Further, the CTA keeps on aggravating China by linking the CTA’s claimed Dorje Shugden issue with China, which is not a smart move and it will even make things become worse when the CTA’s video was published to the world through their website. In fact, there is no issue of practising Dorje Shugden at all as mentioned by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama recently. The entire world is already aware and acknowledge that China is a very powerful country with multi-level of Chinese authorities starting from cities/ states, provinces and up until central government. China can live alone by itself but many countries wants to be connected with China for the benefits of economic and trading affairs.
A Buddhist government should not lead its own citizens away from peace, harmony or happiness but work diligently and proactively aligning with the principle of Dharma for their citizens, who have placed trust and confidence in them as leaders. May the CTA one day, sit down for a peaceful dialogue with China government and work things out to bring back the peace of mind, happiness and harmony for all Tibetans.
With folded hands,
kin hoe
Reading what Ugyen Gyalpo wrote, it would seem that many Tibetans shares the same sentiments in silent. Many would have moved on after 57 years and accept reality of things – Tibet is part of China now and nothing can change that.
I hope those conflicted Tibetans who is suffering will find peace eventually. This can only happen with acceptance that the light can only be found with the Chinese leadership. If the Tibetan government really wants to help their people, this is the route to go instead of holding on to the Tibetan cause in fear of losing their rice bowl.
” we as Tibetans at the receiving end of eternal sufferings know far better than anyone that 57 years of protests in front of the UN accrued to nothing more than talking to a glassed concrete, that is soundproofed especially to the cries of the Tibetans and hostage to Chinese vetoes”
Very sad note to end the excellent article written by Ugyen Gyalpo ! But better to accept the reality then to be in denial of the truth of the matter. No persons or government other then that of the Chinese can provide the “freedom” for Tibet and the Tibetans !
The CTA and its leaders should swallow their pride and accept that their methods have failed; 57 years of applying the same method gave no progress to them. Mindsets have to be changed, policies need to be changed. Don’t drag on anymore. Move on and embrace the changes for the betterment of all !
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. Thank you for your words of wisdom, though hard on the ears, it is spot on and realistic.
Wow! The writing of Ugyen Gyalpo is daring and in-the-face. And sadly, it is indeed quite true. From a political standpoint, the Tibetan cause is simply too small and insignificant for the US president to list on his to-do list. And if we address economics, there is even lesser importance. So I tend to agree with the writer and Rinpoche, it really does not matter that Trump is the next President. In fact, it did not matter when Barack Obama was President either. A back door entrance to the White House says a lot without saying anything.
The CTA has to stop it’s nonsense of linking China to the Shugden issue when it is clearly unrelated and is a ploy to distract the real issues CTA has which is glaring failure to win in this Tibet issue. Or even more honestly, to admit they have failed and actually had no chance to start with. We are not talking about a David and Goliath issue here. There is no beating China on this issue.
The recent video released by the CTA is not going to do much for their cause at all. It is clear the CTA has some twisted and damaging policies with regards to the Shugden issue in which they have made worse every year for the last 20 years!
Like the rest of the world sees, after 57 years, Tibet is part China. Nothing is going to change that, at least not with what the current CTA and Sikyong Lobsang Sangye are doing. Sigh…
Thank you Rinpoche sharing this article. Tibet has to accept the fact that they are part of China. Even Taiwan and Hong Kong are now part of China. They cannot keep reaching out to Western countries for help especially now US President is Trump. It is even more harder to get help from him as he wants to get US economy back good like the old days. Tibetans should think into a bigger picture and out of the box. They cannot be close minded and stubborn. In another way, this is ego. China is so successful. Don’t they want to be like China? Don’t they want growth and peace? The CTA should have a good talk with the China government and they will have the peace that they want all these years. Finding solutions is the key and not condemning on Dorje Shugden for destroying Tibet is totally wrong thinking. Lastly, I wish that Tibet will achieve their peace soon.
With folded palms,
Vivian
Thank Rinpoche for sharing such a well written article. I hope Tibetans will open their mind up and wake up after reading it.
The same tricks that used to work 57 years ago to draw attention, sympathy and support is not working anymore. The earth is turning, everything is changing, nothing is permanent, all Buddhists understand this, why can’t the CTA rub their eyes and see clearly. Be realistic instead of just creating the non sense Dorje Shugden ban to draw attention.
What would the world think when the Tibetan leadership blamed Dorje Shugden, that they called an evil spirit for the failure of Tibet independent? Accusing their own Tibetans as traitors that paid by China to harm HHDL and CTA simply because of their faith to Dorje Shugden. Never mind using all kind of lame reasons. Why want to shame yourselves and split the Tibetans further when your people already miserable enough to even live a normal life? What kind of independent strategy is that? What benefits can CTA gets out of this other than the Tibetan leaders Individual interest?
After 57 years, the mind set is still as they were 57 years ago. If this is truly for the benefit of Tibetans never mind inside or outside Tibet, unite Tibetans, make friends with China, give peace to the Tibetans, let them go home. How? Stop taking from others. Learn to stand on your own feet. Make friends with the right leaders! Stop breaking the Tibetans hearts and shaming the Buddha. Very bad karma! Move on for the sake of all Tibetans.
Times change. Tibet needs to move forward. Being stuck on how it was before does not help. Only in dealing with the actual situation, things can become better. If you have toothache, you don’t go to the pediatrist. He may have kind words for you, but you have to go to the dentist to get help. The same, when you have an issue with China, the West will not be able to help, they can have kind words and support but that is all they are able to provide. The Tibetan Government has to face China to overcome this desperate situation. So much time has passed without result, the Tibetan people need to unite and move forward. There is no escape. The denunciation of the Chinese government is not helpful but only dialogue and the wish to benefit the many Tibetans who are in this difficult situation since such a long time.
Thank you for sharing this insightful article.
This article written by Ugyen Gyalpo is a realistic take on the current situation of the Dalai Lama, CTA and the Tibetan Cause. For me, it is a reality that Tibet is in China and has been for 57 years now. Even in today’s map, Tibet is no longer a country but a province of China. So won’t it be logical that any outreach the CTA does should be towards China who holds their interest in her hands. Come to think of it, since Tibet is a province in China, rightly the Tibetans aren’t Tibetans anymore. They are Chinese and those in exile if they return to their ‘homeland’ will be Chinese. Oh dear, CTA and their supports had been calling the Chinese all sorts of names and now they are it. Wow, this is really karma coming back at them and their abusive words being a reflection of themselves.
The Dalai Lama and CTA had been relying on US and the Western countries for support in their cause, other than the generous sponsorships. I really don’t see why would these countries offend one of the biggest trade partners for a minority group who no longer has a country in existence. Even if the countries were to set embargo as pressure, China is more than capable in coping with isolation as shown during its communist regime. She is rich in natural resources, human population and really does not need to rely on outside trade for survival. On the other hand, CTA solely depends on sponsorship for survival that being ‘refugees’ has become their profession. Lull by the easy handouts, they had willfully misspent the monies especially mostly on propaganda against China and the Dorje Shugden Lamas & practitioners, of course not mentioning their luxurious living, leaving their people still lagging behind in economic doldrums & poverty. I am sure that developing good relations with China, CTA will receive the same generosity from China and allow them to return. Of course before this can happen, CTA would need to stop all hostilities towards China, including hostilities by Tibetans within Tibet/China. CTA need to prove their good governance, which would include reuniting their people by removal of the illogical ban on Dorje Shugden. Won’t it be nice that CTA will no longer need to waste so much time, energy and monies on propaganda which created so much sufferings and karma. Hope the Sikyong Lobsang Sangay play wise quickly and fulfil the Dalai Lama’s wish to return home.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting article by Ugyen Gyalpo on his honest take of the current situation faced by the Dalai Lama and CTA. It really doesn’t matter who is the President of the US as they will not be of help in the Tibetan Cause. What it will impact on however is how much or how long their sponsorship of the Tibetans in exile will be. I guess this is more important to CTA as returning to Tibet/China doesn’t seem to play too much importance as their propaganda programs are still very much in place. It is the Dalai Lama and their people who have no voice that really want to return home. Rinpoche had always advocated peace with unbiased views. It is really a shame that CTA and their followers could attack Rinpoche with accusations of supporting China, which absolutely have no basis nor true. May His Holiness the Dalai Lama live long to return to Tibet/China and continue to spread the Dharma.
I remember my student days in the UK, that time I had an Iraqi friend who were my coursemate and we did our coursework sometimes together and he was a funny fella always joking and he came from a privileged background. He told me that the 1990 Gulf War, that the US and coalition forces that went on to liberate Kuwait was not all it was made out be on the popular news channel. He told me even before the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces, Iraqi received the green light from the US to invade Kuwait. That war and all subsequent wars made so many US companies that much richer and weakened a former ally of the US, Iraq. Further to that Iraq becoming weakened then succumbed to ISIS/ISIL was side the effect of the removal of Saddam Hussein,who post Gulf War blamed for hoarding WMD(Weapons of Mass Destruction) a precursor to the war on Iraq(2003-11). if there were ever WMD which there isn’t, it was probably was given to them by the US in the first place, prior to 1990.
This is link about what the ambassador conveyed to Saddam Hussein when he asked if what US will do if Iraq invaded Kuwait. i told the same fact to a BBC (British Born Chinese) then, she looked at me like hello!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Glaspie
The US would start wars, and conflicts if it benefited their country and their hold over all important resources like oil. Good news today is the reliance of fossil oil, is on the decline, as more alternatives are appearing to be a future substitute of oil. So there should be less wars fought over oil reserves. So why would the US ever go head to head with the Chinese for the Tibetan issue? People in the world have seen US handiwork across the globe, their meddling in Cuba, Central America, and the Middle East, no nation expects US help, without any strings attached. The US and other Western Powers wants to sell to China, as much as they can, and China is in almost the same situation it was prior to the opium wars that crippled the China’s elite in the earlier 20th century. China is now quite self sufficient, on its own technically they don’t need to buy stuff made in the West if they choose not to. The Chinese were self sufficient before the opium wars, the only threat they really had were from the Western powers with modern military that had wanted to do business with Chinese. Why the US then want to be encumbered with a pawn like Tibet in their game of chess with the Chinese? US has tried to play China using the Taiwan and Tibetan card, without much success, I don’t think they will try such measures again as it brought them not a lot of benefit and just makes it even harder for them to deal with the Chinese.
For the Tibetans to just wait for someone to rescue them and give them liberation is not realistic in any way shape and form. I may not have the solution, but perhaps a new way needs to be formulated or tested for the Tibetan issue.
I did observe that when the Western Powers let go of the colonies after World War 2, and the abolishment of Apartheid, the opposition to the colonial powers were based inside the country and it was not driven by a separate force/entity that exists external to the Tibetan border, and they try to empower and energize a population that is under occupation. That external entity is the CTA which is trying to negotiate independence or autonomy with the Chinese, which has little or no success to be worthy of mention and it has existed as long as the Dalai Lama was in exile. The Asian countries that were colonies of the Western powers and also South Africa, most of their leaders were well educated, and they progressed and leveraged on the modern education provided by the colonising influence. Perhaps there needs to be Tibetans brought up under the current Chinese system and modern leader to effectively deal with the Chinese, someone who knows the Chinese well, to be an effective opposition in the future.
A Mandela or Gandhi or Dalai Lama may need to emerge from Tibet, within its current borders and not external to it.
Wai Meng, I think there is a very suitable candidate but that would mean CTA lifting the ban on Dorje Shugden and reconciling with Shugden Lamas and practitioners. The 11th Panchen Lama who now holds the hearts of the Tibetans as proven during the recent Kalachakra initiation event which had 400,000 practitioners attending including eminent Lamas and Gurus. He is young but already serves as the Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China. China trusts him. But is CTA willing to let go of their fears and be courageous in facing this unchartered course? It is really their choice to make.
The effort to cultivate a Mandela for the Tibetans, needs not only the CTA to acknowledge Dorje Shugden lamas, there is also a real need for the Tibetan people in exile to get to know more about the suitable candidate you have mentioned.
Any shrewd government would want peace and prosperity for its country and its people. It is plain common sense to make friends than to make enemies with a powerful nation who could offer these. China has emerged as a reckoning force in trade and economy and it has not flexed its military muscles to bully other weaker nations. The CTA, without a country, is just a mole hill compared to the mountain, China. Yet they are still using a tea spoon to scrape the mountain, hoping the mountain might crumple. And because they have failed in this silly effort, they turned their attention to the spiritual attack on Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden is being used as a pawn for the embarassing loss of face the CTA suffered. They suddenly claimed that Dorje Shugden is a demon, a ‘realisation’ the Dalai Lama said after he did investigations. And that Dorje Shugden’s practice would be detrimental to the health of the Dalai Lama and would shorten his life. Huh? Anyway, who and what Dorje Shugden is or perceived to be has nothing to do with the lost cause of what the CTA are fighting for. It is all about losing face, pride to the CTA is so big that their ego is the size of Mount Everest. The Tibetan people are made to suffer from segregation and separation from their loved ones, religious freedom is denied to Dorje Shugden practitioners and much more. All because of pride.
Pastor Henry, i wished too that CTA can put down the pride and look into the benefit of the Tibetans, especially the next generation of Tibetans in India. Dorje Shugden ban have to be lifted soon as this is simply not logic. How can a Dharma protector being pulled into political issues? CTA should change his solution and stop making Tibetans suffer more. This is against HHDL wishes. I hope Tibetans can see the light at the end of the tunnel soon.
This blog article meaningfully written by Ugyen Gyalpo, with good writing skill, accurate insightful thinking and in-depth conclusion also agreed that only through a “Transformation” within the Chinese Leadership will find the light at the end of the tunnel for a realistic view of the Tibet Question. Presently, it is also of the belief that nothing, not even the most fictitious Buddhist U.S. President can alter the course of Tibet’s Fate, which is said to be so caught up in the intertwined web of corporate and multinational interests. No one would dare puncture a hole in that “Symbiotic Web” to give justice to the Tibetans and run risking trillions of dollars in losses, as said! Even the suffering Tibetans who have had that experiences of 57 years of protests to the United Nations, likened it to nothing but the similarity of talking to a “Glassed Concrete” that is sound proofed – especially to the cries of the sufferings of the poor Tibetans. So, as our Rinpoche has also indicated sensibly that the change that Tibet wish to see must come from China and its Chinese Leadership. Therefore, the exiled Tibetan Leaders should start making friends with the Chinese Leaders in Beijing and not to aggravate them. It is also said that this would greatly behoove them to start reaching out to Beijing, because they have the upper hand in every strata of this struggle. “FREEDOM OF TIBET LIES WITHIN THE CHINESE HANDS!” May all conducive conditions arise and all obstacles be pacified. Om Mani Padme Hung. Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing.
so many people “into” Tibetan culture, the perceived difficulties with China since the 50’s, not very many people know of the difficulties of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uyghurs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinjiang_conflict & the ongoing persecution of Rohingyas in Burma
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohingya_people
I could go on, Hitler killed 6 million Jews, 8 million Poles, 20 million soviets, Chairman Mao killed 150 million of HIS OWN PEOPLE, the conflicts between the Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda, we can’t change the past, we can only make the best of the present to create a better world for our children than the world we were born in to – it would seem irresponsible to just say “that’s karma” and not do anything about it – it’s karma to get hungry, so eat something, it’s karma to get sick, so take medicine, get vaccinations – we got rid of smallpox, hopefully in the future we can get rid of cancer, HIV, AIDS and other diseases
Dear Rinpoche
Thank you for this insightful article. Since they lost their country, Tibetan government in exile has been favouring the West and played on their sense of morality and compassion to give them the fund and the support that they need. Tibetan government in exile depended so much on this aid that even after over 50 years in exile, they still cannot stand up on their own feet. I think this is the very reason why they are so bias in their view toward the west.
I have noticed that Tibetan leadership in exile is driven by the sense of self-interest and they will be nice to those who help them regardless of what that persons do or have done. It is a sad but I think their biggest challenge will be to stay relevant after over 50 years in exile.
Valentina
Facts cannot change, at least for now. A fact is a Fact.TIBET IS PART OF CHINA! There’s no doubt about it. All the world’s powers as well as the United Nations recognize this. So however hopeful Tibetans in exile are,especially now, it is most unlikely that any leader will help to get Tibet its independence.
Ugyen Gyalpo is right. Whatever Tibetans wish for can only be realized if there is a change within the Chinese government, which is like wishing for the stars. Hence now every effort should be directed towards achieving peace within Tibet. At the same time ,Tibetan leaders should seek t the friendship of China, as the other leading nations of the world are doing. There’s no other choice. It’s the Chinese who have the upper hand.
It will do well for CTA to heed this advice. Be friends with the Chinese leaders and not try and challenge them. Even Mongolia has learned to bow to them, after being “blockaded” by China. Mongolia has officially declared that it will not allow Dalai Lama to visit it anymore!
Ugyen Gyalpo nails it when he describes how the Tibetan leadership has erred in persisting in its strategy of waiting for the USA and other Western countries to fight the battle for them. Over 50 years of piling hope after hope should be adequate for the Tibetan leadership to conclude that is never going to happen.
How far or not the West was prepared to go in sanctioning China over the Tibet issue should already be clear prior to 2008 and before Beijing was awarded host nation of the XXIX Olympics. That the Games went to Beijing should have been a good indication that the Tibetan people’s hopes should not be in the hands of the West.
The bottom line of Ugyen Gyalpo’s story is that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) should make friends with China. But this is in fact not a new revelation. Tsem Rinopoche has been calling for the Tibetan leadership to have dialogue with China and to repair its bridge with the Asian super-power. For that, Rinpoche has been the brunt of much abuse and accusations labelling Rinpoche a traitor. The need to make friends is merely common sense that now, more so than ever, the CTA has more to gain by being friends with China. What other options does it have?
Those who insist that the Tibetan people must fight China speak out of strong devotion and sentimentality. But how pragmatic and realistic is it for a handful of Tibetan exiles to take on a risen dragon? Without this realism, the Tibetan Cause is in grave danger of remaining a pipe dream.
Oh my gosh this writer is really BLUNT but HONEST! And I must say very SMART. He tells the REALITY of Tibetans which is the truth and what EVERY TIbetan probably already knows but does not want to face it because of their face and arrogance… ego and greed. But what he says is true and instead of sucking up to the West which has not done much for them because they do not really get anything back from Tibetans.
The CTA Tibetan leadership/Tibetans/Rangzen group if they really really CARE about Tibetans in Tibet and for the preservation of their culture and identity. Then it would really really be wise to follow this guys advice and basically what Rinpoche been saying… become friends with China https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/the-importance-of-tibet-befriending-china.html and even Ugyen Gyalpo knows that the answer lies within China, so stop courting the West. They will never go to war for you Tibet, you got nothing for them, no oil. Sorry to say this but USA will only truly help you if you got something they want and they are no better than China in this sense of exploitation and globalisation. Don’t be so naive to think they really care about Tibet’s cause. If they did, they would have already done something a long long time ago and not wait till 57 years later?
“Only through a transformation within the Chinese leadership will we find the light at the end of the tunnel. Times have changed and so have the powers of the UN and the climate of US diplomacy. And, we as Tibetans at the receiving end of eternal sufferings know far better than anyone that 57 years of protests in front of the UN accrued to nothing more than talking to a glassed concrete, that is soundproofed especially to the cries of the Tibetans and hostage to Chinese vetoes.”
Reality Bites and it is Time to wake up a smell the coffee Tibetans. IF you truly CARE for the preservation of Tibetan culture and not your personal agendas, anger and hatred. Gotta think Bigger and long-term into the future. Stop harbouring the past, let go and move on if you wish Tibetan culture to survive! Such a good personal TRUTH opinion!
The Tibetans as it were, are fighting for a lost cause. Everybody, every nation will only work for self-interest, understandably. What do the Tibetans have that would be of advantage for any nation or president they are seeking help from? They have no resources, heck they don’t even have any land. They are akin to refugees, political and economic. They are only banking on goodwill and empathy but how long can that be sustained?
As far as Trump is concerned, he has been bristling China deliberately in quite a few instances already ever since he took office and that was not so long ago. Who knows, he might use the Tibetan issue to discharge another salvo at China for having usurped America’s position as the biggest economic superpower. All for self interest of course, and unlikely will that translate to any tangible benefit for the Tibetans and their cause. For the Tibetans to bank on America or Trump would be counterproductive.
Nobody else can help them other than China but at China’s terms of course. And I’m not anti-Tibet or pro-China. That would be ridiculous because I’m neither from Tibet or China. It just makes the most sense, and is the path of least resistance. The sooner they believe it and accept and go with the flow, the sooner they receive the benefit they’ve been seeking all along from all the wrong parties.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. I totally agree with what Rinpoche said and Ugyen Gyalpo’s article. First of all, it is very obvious China didn’t even consider letting Tibet independent. To China, and to the world, Tibet has been part of China since 800 years ago during Yuen Dynasty. Plus, there is no reason for China letting Tibet independent. On the other hand, whether Hilary or Trump, there’s no reason for US to assist Tibet in their “free Tibet” cause. From politically and economically point of view, there’s no “benefit” for US to assist Tibet. Although Trump can be said is anti-China, but he is a business man, from business point of view, what does Tibet give in return? Beside this, I think no country dare to offend China now. As the bigger economy country in the world, many countries want to befriend China, I think Trump truly understand this. Although he is anti-China, but he also doesn’t dare to direct confront or offend China. So, why wanna get his own hand dirty in other people business? 🙂 This is my humble opinion. Other than this, by reading Tibet’s history, I find that Tibetans are never unite. They have internal wars, internal problem, since Tang Dynasty. Even until now, take Shugden issue for example. Tibetan are fighting among themselves. Maybe this could be one of the reason why they will never independent. Due to the citizen never stand together and unite before. Thank you again Rinpoche _/\_
This is a really good article as it presents a powerful observation of the Tibetan situation. I really like 2 points that was discussed in detail in this article. The first one is the main point of the article in which the Tibetans generally favor world leaders who have helped or benefitted the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan cause even if the leader is popularly disliked for other policies. This shows the myopic view of the Tibetan people who are narrow and basically only concern about their own welfare.
Hence, its no wonder the Tibetan people and government is unable to come to terms with reality of the Tibetan situation in order to open meaningful dialogue with the Chinese. They are not concerned with the Chinese perspective of the issue at all nor are they concern with the issues surrounding world geopolitics. For this myopic shortsightedness, the Tibetans are paying a heavy price and will continue to pay the price into the future.
This is where Ugyen Gyalpo’s second point come into play. He came to the conclusion that any real progress with the Tibetan situation can only come from within the Chinese leadership. I think that is very true because nobody dares to go against China (without losing economically) as they need China more than China needs them. Hence, if CTA was smarter and understood this dynamics, they would know how to adjust their stance and tone when addressing China.
This article really highlights what the Tibetans and commentators on Tibetan issues have been discussing recently. The fate of the Tibetan leadership in exile lies not in their own hands but in the hands of foreign powers. Rather than trying to build up their own reputation and political clout since going to exile in India, the Tibetan leadership has relied on financial aid and political pressure from foreign governments in their somewhat futile stance to regain their country. But this country no longer exists as independent. It is now a part of China, and even those countries who supported the Tibetan cause at the beginning are now passing policies that list Tibet as an inexorable part of China. Given the current tide of political and economic change in the world, giving rise to China as one of the world’s most influential nations, it’s sad to think that the Tibetans still hope for independence, even when His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been advocating dialogue with China for some time, but the Tibetan leadership don’t seem to be following his advice at all.
As mentioned above, the US presidential elections just highlights the faults in Tibetan politics and public opinion. We live in samsara, therefore we are bound to be somewhat selfish, but in this case of supporting George W Bush, they really went against world public opinion and even made themselves look bad for doing so. It was obvious that George W Bush was simply using the Tibetan cause as political tool to aggravate China.
Rather than continue down this path, it would be a better solution to change their tactic and now start building the bridges of dialogue with China. Whatever President-elect Trump will do with the Tibetan cause, the Tibetan leadership can no longer afford to be reliant on foreign support. For peace to be achieved, it is better that dialogue be opened between the Tibetans in exile and the Chinese government. This would follow what His Holiness the Dalai Lama now advocates, rather than complete independence for Tibet. Throughout history, countries rise and fall, conquer others and are conquered. That is just the impermanent nature of the world we live in. In my opinion, rather than focus on the physical country, the Tibetans instead should seek to preserve their way of life, cultural identity and most importantly for Buddhists, their rich tradition of religious practices. This can be a lasting legacy that survives centuries into the future, even when countries such as China, Tibet, and even the USA fall to wayside, as world politics change in the future.
The tunnel vision that the author describes the Tibetans as possessing has and will not serve them well, and neither will their naivety.
Take the case of George W Bush, who as an incoming American President re-positioned China as a “competitor” vs. predecessor Bill Clinton who embraced China as a “strategic partner”. It would have been foolish to think that George W Bush would have gone all out to gain Tibet its independence, but nevertheless Tibetans abroad loved and praised him, especially after he as the author described, awarded HH Dalai Lama the Congressional Gold Medal and painted a portrait of HH.
As it turned out, George W Bush eventually had to befriend China in order to gain China’s support to invade Iraq and his initial China as a “competitor” policy sidelined.
What this experience should teach the Tibetans is to directly engage China instead of blindly shopping for support from representatives of “superpowers” who can and have at a blink of the eye, flip-flopped.
As the Tibetan proverb goes: “If I tell you my dream, you might forget it. If I act on my dream, perhaps you will remember it, but if I involve you, it becomes your dream too.” Tibetans have to involve China in making Tibet their dream homes on earth.