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Devil's Advocate: Dalai Lama
Published on Sun, Apr 08, 2007 at 20:55, Updated on Mon, Apr 09, 2007 at 09:17 in World section
Tags: Devils Advocate, Karan Thapar , Karan Thapar
TIBET'S SPIRIT: The Dalai Lama says the Tibetan movement goes beyond him.
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That’s what I am seeking. On paper, yes, there is autonomy. But in reality, every key position is occupied by the Chinese who have no idea of Tibetan culture or Tibetan habits or mentality. Of course, there's no question (of understanding) the value of Tibetan spirituality.
Karan Thapar: And here this is a condition. This is not a dream for future. This has to happen now.
Dalai Lama: That’s right.
Karan Thapar: This is very important.
Dalai Lama: That’s right.
Karan Thapar: And when the Chinese say they have given autonomy to Tibet, you say that’s not autonomy, the Chinese have given terror.
Dalai Lama: That’s right. At the moment the rule of terror is the reality of Tibet.
"I think the Government of India’s policies towards Tibet are difficult to change.” |
Dalai Lama: As I mentioned earlier, we are not looking at history. Today’s reality is that the danger of diminution of our culture is being felt in all parts of Tibet. So all the six million Tibetans are very much eager to preserve their own culture, language and spirituality. Therefore, we here in free countries–morally speaking and also in reality–are acting on behalf of these people.
So therefore, since we are not seeking independence or separation, we are very much satisfied if they provide us certain rights within the ambit of autonomy. We are very much working with the Chinese. Our main concern is preservation of our culture, spirituality and environment.
"Unfortunately, among Tibetan people–particularly among the youth –there are signs of growing frustration.” sort of interest.” |
Dalai Lama: Yes.
Karan Thapar: I understand your attitude, I understand your response to the Chinese PM. Let me now put before you a problem. You are already 71. The Chinese say the age is against you and time is on their side.
Dalai Lama: That’s okay. The Tibet issue is not my issue–as in, not an individual’s issue or “old institution” sort of interest. No, it’s not.
Karan Thapar: So it will continue?
Dalai Lama: Aah, whether the Dalai Lama institution will continue is up to people. As early as 69 I stated that whether the very institution of Dalai Lama should continue is up to people. This is not the issue. The issue is the six million Tibetan people.
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