When I was a student at Indiana University back in the 1980s I had the pleasure of attending a lecture given by the Dalai Lama. While waiting for the lecture to begin there were Chinese students handing out pamphlets denouncing the Dalai Lama and stating how much better off the Tibetan people were now that China had taken over. I was a naive Midwestern kid and really didn’t know what to make of this. When the Dalai Lama spoke it was such a contrast to the material in the pamphlets that I was stunned that the Chinese thought any sane person would believe them. The Dalai Lama mentioned the Chinese students and asked that we treat them with respect and kindness. It was a great lecture and a time I will never forget.
Later I realized that the Dalai Lama’s brother was a retired IU professor and had opened a Tibetan restaurant in town. I ate there occasionally and got to know the family a little. I also attended some Tibetan cultural events over the years. I have never considered myself Buddhist, but have always been touched by the depth of compassion that Buddhism teaches.
Like many others I have been following the current unrest in Tibet. And once again the Chinese propaganda machine is at work. Today’s news out of China is that Tibetans are planning suicide attacks. You can read the article here.
China: Tibetans planning suicide attack
Just as I did 20 years ago, I’m asking myself, “Do they really think anyone is buying this?” But maybe that isn’t looking at the issue correctly. China is the fastest growing economy in the world and the United States is deeply in financial debt to them. China doesn’t care if we believe their propaganda or not. No one is going to try and stop them, so they can do and say whatever they want. But we ARE watching and we WILL remember what is happening. I am copying a letter from a friend of mine. Please read his message and be a light in the darkness.
15 TIBETAN MONKS DETAINED
Samten (m), aged 17, Lungkar Monastery, Qinghai Province
Trulku Tenpa Rigsang, (m), aged 26, Lungkar Monastery, Qinghai Province
Gelek Pel (m) aged 32 Lungkar Monastery, Qinghai Province
Lobsang (m) aged 15, Onpo Monastery, Sichuan Province
Lobsang Thukjey (m), aged 19 Onpo Monastery, Sichuan Province
Tsultrim Palden (m), aged 20 Onpo Monastery, Sichuan Province
Lobsher (m), aged 20 Onpo Monastery, Sichuan Province
Phurden, (m), aged 22 Onpo Monastery, Sichuan Province
Thupdon (m), aged 24 Onpo Monastery, Sichuan Province
Lobsang Ngodup (m), aged 29 Onpo Monastery, Sichuan Province
Lodoe (m), aged 30 Onpo Monastery, Sichuan Province
Thupwang (m), aged 30, Darthang Monastery
Pema Garwang (m), aged 30, Darthang Monastery
Tsegyam (m), aged 22, Kashi Monastery
Soepa (m), aged 30, Mangye Monastery
WRITE TO:
President of the People’s Republic of China
HU Jintao Guojia Zhuxi
The State Council General Office
2 Fuyoujie, Xichengqu
Beijingshi 100017
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Salutation: Your Excellency
Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Regional People’s Government
Qiangba PUNCOG Zhuren
Xizang Zizhiqu Renmin Zhengfu
1 Kang’angdonglu
Lasashi 850000, Xizang Zizhiqu
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Salutation: Dear Chairman
Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China
MENG Jianzhu Buzhang
Gong’anbu
14 Dongchang’anjie
Dongchengqu, Beijingshi 100741
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Fax: 011 86 10 63099216 (it may be difficult to get through, please keep trying)
Salutation: Your Excellency
COPIES TO:
Mayor of Lasa Municipal People’s Government Tibet Autonomous Region
LOBSANG Gyaincain Shizhang
Lasashi Zizhiqu Renmin Zhengfu
16 Jinjulu, Lasashi 850000, Xizang Zizhiqu
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Salutation: Dear Mayor
Ambassador Wen Zhong Zhou
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
2300 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Fax: 1 202 745 7473
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.
