In his first big interview with a British paper since rioting broke out in
Tibet on March 10, I had expected the Dalai Lama to be in a sombre mood. As
the exiled leader of his nation, he has little enough to laugh about: around
200 Tibetans have lost their lives since the uprising in March and many more
have been beaten or imprisoned by the Chinese.
Meanwhile, the Chinese, who mounted a bloody takeover of the Himalayan plateau
in 1950, have been busily painting the Dalai Lama as “a demon” and “a wolf
in monk’s robes”. Never has the Tibetan leader’s dream of negotiating
autonomy for his people seemed less likely to be fulfilled. Never has he
seemed less likely to return to the country from which he fled to India as a
young man, followed by tens of thousands of refugees.
This month the Dalai Lama is once again on the move – he met members of the
German government last week and is to see Gordon Brown this week. When we
met two days ago, it was in a modest hotel suite in the Ruhr Valley with
what looked suspiciously like a Teasmaid in the corner.
In some ways he looked the same as I remembered from previous encounters:
maroon robes, saffron waistcoat, cheap plastic flip-flops. But his entire
demeanour was different. He hardly giggled – a trait for which he is famed.
And, above all, he looked unexpectedly enthusiastic, as though someone had
suddenly given him back the keys to his lost realm.
They haven’t, of course, but – rather surprisingly – he has clearly come to
terms with this. “Actually,” he told me, “I am very much looking forward to
becoming a citizen of the People’s Republic of China. At the moment I am a
refugee. But I would like to return to Tibet as a member of China’s Tibetan
minority.”
There is no doubt he means this. One of the remarkable features of the Dalai
Lama’s leadership over the past decade or so, from his government in exile
in Dharamsala, has been his willingness to risk the anger of his fellow
countrymen. Many, already frustrated at what they see as the lack of
progress being made by the so-called middle-way approach, are ready to risk
all in direct confrontation with China.
Indeed, even as we were talking, there was a small demonstration of
disaffected Tibetans in the car park outside the hotel – although admittedly
they were protesting about the downgrading of a minor Buddhist deity. The
Dalai Lama was unperturbed. “It is their right. They are enjoying
themselves. And it makes me happy that they should exercise their democratic
rights – as long as there is no violence, everyone can be happy.” He
laughed. “But if they think that they can persuade me to change my
principles by shouting, they are mistaken.”
His principles remain solid, though he is at least prepared to put some new
proposals to the Chinese and – typically, perhaps, for a man who has kept
Tibet in the news, year in and year out, by allowing the media to turn him
into a fully fledged personality – he is giving them their first public
airing in a newspaper interview. In an unexpected shift of policy, he has
four conditions which, if met, would permit him to return.
“The first sign that the [Chinese] government is taking the world’s concerns
seriously would be the opening of Tibet to foreign media,” he said. “They
should be given free rein to report all that they find, whether it is good
or bad.
“Secondly, it is important that the government accept medical aid from
outside. There are great numbers of Tibetans who have been injured in the
recent disturbances and it is very doubtful that they have received the
treatment they require.
“Thirdly, the government must release all political prisoners. Not those who
have perpetrated violence, but all who have protested peacefully. Then there
should be fair and open trials for those who did engage in criminal activity.
“Finally, there need to be substantive discussions with a view to satisfying
the Tibetan people’s aspiration to exercise their basic human rights. That
is the right way to prevent any further disturbances. And by disturbances, I
mean peaceful disturbances.”
During the riots this year, some western commentators suggested the Tibetan
leader had been slow to condemn the violence among Tibet’s restive
population. However, he is quite explicit: it is right that any Tibetans who
have caused criminal damage or physical harm should be prosecuted.
While prominent figures debate whether to boycott the opening ceremony of the
Olympics, the Dalai Lama also has no doubts about the fitness of holding the Games in China. “I have been a supporter of China’s right to host the
Olympics from the beginning, “ he said. “It is right that China should have
been awarded them. It has the world’s largest population and a great and
ancient culture. In normal circumstances I would very much like to have gone
to Beijing as a spectator, had I been invited.”
Couldn’t he go anyway? “With the present conditions in Tibet, many people
would rightly be disappointed if I went without the Chinese government
making some genuine efforts to resolve the Tibetan crisis.”
Yet he feels clearly a sense of responsibility not only towards his own
people, but also towards the Chinese. He would like, he said, to make a
donation towards the earthquake relief efforts in China – but he isn’t sure
that such a gesture would be welcome; and he doesn’t wish to be seen as
interfering in an internal Chinese matter.
In the immediate aftermath of the March riots, about 10m Chinese internet
users posted comments on an official website that were critical of the Dalai
Lama and of Tibetans in general. One of the most frequent complaints was of
Tibetan ingratitude: most ordinary Chinese do not question the government’s
claim to have brought prosperity to an economically deprived region. In
fact, much of the money pumped into Tibet has found its way not into the
pockets of the indigenous population, but into those of Chinese migrants.
However, a few educated Chinese are willing to listen to dissenting voices and
an even smaller minority is actually willing to speak out against the
Communist party’s treatment of Tibet. The Dalai Lama was particularly
encouraged by an open letter written to the Chinese government by Chinese
intellectuals. Originally signed by 29 courageous lawyers and academics, it
eventually attracted more than 400 signatures.
“I have no doubt that the increasing education of the Chinese people will make
an enormous difference,” he said.
Does he think that he is likely to be able to return home soon? “It could
happen in a matter of hours. You see, there is nothing complicated about it.
The sticking-point is not ideological. It is political. But such things can
be put right very quickly.”
What if there is no speedy resolution? “Actually, I am looking forward to
retiring. Then the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the elected
representatives of the Tibetan people in exile. In one sense I am already
semi-retired. Since 2001 there has been an elected prime minister within the
Tibetan government in exile.” It is true that the Dalai Lama is no longer
minutely involved in the day-to-day running of an administration that serves
the 150,000-strong worldwide community of exiled Tibetans. But does he
believe that his people will allow him to retire? Surely that would create
an even longer hiatus until the next Dalai Lama emerges – “taking rebirth”
as a young boy – and is then suitably educated?
“Well,” he said laughing, “it is my human right to retire. Besides, I have
held my position as head of state since the age of 16. I am now almost 73
years old. I think that I deserve some reward. I would like to spend some
time preparing for my next life. As you know, we believe that this can be
done through spiritual practice. And also, I feel that it would be
beneficial if I were to retire while I can hope to have some years left to
me. That way I can keep an eye on what is going on.
“It would be very difficult for people if I were to keep my position until I
die. Suddenly, the Dalai Lama is gone and there is only a small child to
take his place. There needs to be a period of transition.”
In the past he has spoken of his desire to decouple the institution of the
Dalai Lama from politics, but he has never explained how he intends to
achieve this.
“Definitely, by the time I am 80,” he continued, “I shall have retired
completely. I have no desire to be in the position of Mr Mugabe.” He paused.
“Of course, the situation in Tibet is a factor.”
But not a conclusive one, it seems. “As soon as the situation does improve and
I am able to return to Tibet, I will immediately renounce all legitimate
authority. I will hand over all executive power to the local representative
government of Tibet.”
I know that it is his fondest wish to spend his last days in Reting monastery
in Tibet. For the first time, I felt that he might yet live to achieve that.
Holder of the White Lotus: The Lives of the Dalai Lama, by Alexander
Norman, is published by Little, Brown at £20. Copies can be ordered for £18,
including postage, from The Sunday Times BooksFirst on 0870 165 8585
china's imperialism in Tibet was the biggest land grab of the twentieth century.
HH Dalai Lama is a remarkable human being, who in the Gandhian Indian tradition loves even his enemies and wishes them good.
Jingoist chinese fascism that justifies oppression of Tibets has to be defeated.
Singha, Pittsburgh, United States
Where can he go?
Dalai Lama has declared time and again that Tibet is part of China, and so is Taiwan. But when it comes to action, he resorted to the Western countries for mediation in internal affairs of China. It makes people doubt whether he is intended to solve the conflict in a peaceful matter within the jurisdiction of China.
China’s central government has brought about major economic progress, as well as democracy, to Tibet which has made Tibetans’ human rights improving significantly, as compared to the past times when Dalai ruled. It should be a basis of trust to admit the reality when the central government and Dalai Lama sit down and negotiate.
I suppose it must be a real tiring thing for him to fly non-stop around the globe at his age. However, does what he has done so far, lead to a beneficial result for Tibetan residents as well as people of other ethnic groups living in China, as we expect? He surely has to think carefully. Time is not on his side, neither power nor the truth is. He needs to be both rich in political wits and valor during his following talks with the central government. He needs to respect history and progress. Back to the mainstream thinking and be a lawful and responsible citizen first! Otherwise, he will be totally abandoned by both his people and the history.
Dingli, Beijing, China
D West is either fearful of communism or its agenda is continued world dominance, thus its "concern" in world matters. In the eyes of the Chinese communism has worked well for China. They are practical people. They study the wind and navigate the ship. Their goal is progress to the highest level.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
(2)
Look at China today. The CCP is still in power. The country is rising to a stage where the west feels threaten. Fear not western friends, the body language of China shows it is peaceful and wants harmony. If you disrupt they have to react-only natural. There is pride there is unity and love.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
(3)
D recent quake speaks volumes. There is a large Tibetan population there n many were victims. China had focussed on savings lives n helping victims regardless of ethnicity. Was there a need? All are Chinese.
Tibet was never an issue to both Tibetans and Chinese. Only the exiles thought so.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Mike Nottingham one who garners his knowledge from the media or 2nd hand. Both sources,totally biased. Read history not the media. Tibetans in China are treated better than UK citizens are by it's govt. Dalai Lama is a religious politician. Know any honest ones,do you? Tibet is Chinese, Checkmate!
Michael Henry, Dalian, China
Dalai Lama is supported and funded by the CIA since 1956. He's been an instrument of Western propaganda to undermine China. I found it ironic he won the nobel prize for peace when he started the uprising in 1959 AFTER he signed the treaty with China few years before. A man who cannot keep his words
Xin, Columbus, US
The Dalai Lama's wish to return and become a Chinese citizen would be a most positive move. His presence in the country would spread peace and unity amongst all peoples like never before. Above all there would be a return of kindness and love of fellow human beings that would radiate all over China
Boris, Belgravia, London
Welcome Dalai Lama and his exiled people home!
Don't make any more trouble, It's one country and brother peoples. Will prosper together. That's for sure.
William Tan, Sydney, Australia
Dalai lama lives exile as a world leader instead of coming back to China is good to everyone. The Western people can deluding themselves and feel good, and the Chinese can unite themselves and enjoy peace.
shao zhen, Chicago,
Chinese brothers and sisters
China is lovable just like d Panda bears. I love China. Those who hate China are disgrunted people, not happy with themselves n wants others to share their misery. So they criticise n meddle.
DL loves himself, not China. The quake has shown Tibetans/Chinese are one.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
I do think the Chinese have behaved well in Tibet .
As to not knowing about Tibet most British only know what they have been told by their media & thats not going to be unbiased is it ?If u want to persuade sb. u need to give evidence! Tibet has been a part of China from YUAN Dynasty.
helen, beijing, china
Let him retire as Dalai Llama & apply as the first unified world president.
Mark, Woking, UK
"Mike of Nottingham hates China"
Actually no I don't but I do think the Chinese have behaved badly in Tibet & Tibetans have legimate grievences.
As to not knowing about Tibet most Chinese only know what they have been taught & what the govement tells them & thats not going to be unbiased is it ?
Mike, Nottm, UK
I believe DL can never return to China,and he should know that. It;s politics,and he is a politician,so all people should play according to the same political rule. I feel pity for the old man,but it's politics.Few people really take him as a spirital leader,he has been a tool of west. It's too late
mm, wuhan, China
Tibet was unlawfully annexed by China.its mineral wealth has been looted for the benefit of the Chinese,Tibetans are not Chinese,open your eyes Chinese people,you are destroying a land of culture and tradition,instead of getting angry..look at t
he root cause...its your own government...
Jean, london, England
The reason why Dalai Lama can’t wait to be a Chinese is because, he is a Chinese of the Tibetan ethnic group !!!!
You refer Dalai Lama as “the exiled leader of his nation”. May I ask what nation? Tibet has always been part of China.
dshiu, Hong Kong, China
No! I don't want him back! if he keep on acting as the tool of CIA, no chinese would want him back.
Acutally I know a lot tibetans, i.e. other schools (there are 5 in case you don't know,he is the head of only one), would not want him back either. He has left his people for too long and lost touch.
cynthia, Surrey, UK
I don't want him back. He is a tool of westerns for too long. He will never be chinese again. I simply don't trust this man.
cynthia, Surrey, UK
before this newsletter, i have a little respect on this old man, now these little respect has gone. he left "firstly secondly finally",made himself a humanright prosuitor, but who is wounded, not the robs he support. now what a monk should do is to pray for men buried in the quake.he is a lier.
chairle, chengdu,
Mike of Nottingham hates China and he knows little of history or of Tibet.. The treaty was not forced on the DL in 1951, they appointed him on condition he ceased serfdom and reintegrated the untouchables. Eight years later he still hadn't and was brought to task. Know your subject or risk bigotry.
Pu Li, Guangxi, PRC
By the way Dalai, thanks so much for your good wishes and commiserations for the earthquake victims, which include many native Tibetans. Nice manoevre on the donation to the disaster fund too.
Much better that you lobby for a place at the Olympics to boost your own profile though perhaps??
Pu Li, Guangxi, PRC
Life is never certain. The DL must be prepared to change now and cease to be a tool for Western interference in China, Surely he can c the unity of d Govt n d people in their response to d earthquake disaster. Surely he knows Tibetans were not mistreated.
DL can return based on China's conditions.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
I am a Chinese Buddhist and have great respect for the Dalai Lama.Many millions of Chinese embrace Buddhism and pray at Tibetan temples.There is no hatred for the Dalai Lama and hope that the politics can be settled soonest and welcome Dalai Lama back to China.All nationality belong to nation equal
Chong , Hongkong, Hongkong
I feel so happy to hear that Dalai Lama expressed his eagerness to be the citizen of PRC. I hope that the Chinese leadership will move forward quickly and resolve the Tibetan problem. It is obvious that Dalai Lama is much milder compared with many young Tibetans in exile. Wish to see him in Beijing
Hongmei, Atlanta, Georgia
"sorry, dalai lama,in 1959, you unilaterally broke the treaty you signed with chinese government."
Shouldn't that be 'forced to sign'
"china can't adopt a god-king. under no circumstance"
The only 'god king' allowed being the Chinese Goverment I guess
Mike, Nottm, UK
sorry, dalai lama,in 1959, you unilaterally broke the treaty you signed with chinese government. you'd never be welome to be a chinese citizen again from then on. and china can't adopt a god-king. under no circumstance
ran, york,
What are the D.L. principles?
What principles allow for "downgrading " the Dharma protector deity of many Mahayana buddhist practitioners in the tibetan and western communities?
Beate Pilar, Guelph, Canada
The best thing the Chinese government could do now would be to allow the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet. He belongs there and letting him return would really improve China's image.
Robert Greene, Florida, USA
4)Western human rights?
Human rights are human rights, no 'Northern', 'Southern', 'Eastern' or 'Western'
All this contrasting of 'Western' with 'Eastern' which for Lim seems to equate with 'Chinese' is just naive prejudice and is not helpful.
Mike, Nottm, UK
1) Total freedom of western medias not advisable. Many r biased n some had been exposed 2 have created misleading presentations.
2) No foreign medical aid necessary. Surely Tibetans r given due attention like others.
3) Peaceful protest? What happened was riots &,carnage.
4)Western human rights?
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
"22 Tibetan took the torch to Everest, if the Tibetans are oppressed, how is this possible"
Stage managed propaganda ?
Mike, Nottm, UK
If this is an accurate description of what the Dalai Lama said... it's very exciting. As a Chinese citizen, I could not accept what the Dalai Lama previously demanded for his return ("high-degree of autonomy" and "greater Tibet"). But what he demands now is different. More at blog.speak4china.com
Tang Buxi, San Francisco,
What I do not understand is the Karmapa left China because he said talong the line that the Chinese government prevented him to fully practice Buddhism. If the Dalai Lama chooses to become a Chinese citizen resulting in Tibetans as Chinese minorities, does this mean the end of Tibetan Buddhist ?
Inge Santoso, Jakarta, Indonesia
I agree with you MImi:
The rioters were loting, burning, and killing innocent people of Han,Hui and other ethnicities in the area and the Chinese government was simply trying to quell in order to return stability to the region.
Cici, Qingdao, CHINA
The article failed to mention that the Chinese sent troops to stop the rioters who were looting, burning, and killing innocent people of Han and Hui ethnicity. Claims of ethnic oppression are proven wrong when 22 Tibetan took the torch to Everest, if the Tibetans are oppressed, how is this possible?
Mimi, NY,
It is no problem to let the Dalai Lama be a Chinese citizen. But he has to make clear what kind of "man" he wanna be. If he wanna be a God-king, forget him or leave him for England or.... If he wanna be a God, just let him be. If he wanna be a king, let him hold the day-dream until his next life.
Andy, beijing, china