Fathoming Tibet's political future

Many Tibetans believe that only the Dalai Lama can save Tibet from extinction.

But even a Dalai Lama is mortal. And they are deeply anxious about what will happen when the present one dies.




For Tibetans, he is not just a Buddhist monk, a god and a king - the latest in a centuries'-long line of spiritual and temporal rulers - but a larger-than-life symbol of their unique civilisation.

For the past 50 years, from his sanctuary on the other side of the Himalayas, the 14th Dalai Lama has kept alive their dreams of survival as a separate people.
Many fear that his death will rob them of their last chance of any genuine self-rule.

Others predict chaos and bloodshed. Tibetan extremists might finally feel free to resort to terrorism, giving Beijing the chance to crack down harder.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, amidst a failed uprising against the Chinese occupation which had begun nine years earlier.

Since then he has been the face of Tibet for the outside world. He has won the Nobel Peace Prize, the public backing of film stars, and the private support of presidents and prime ministers.

But no country recognises his government-in-exile.

And as China's power grows there are few who even dare question its claims over Tibet

The Dalai Lama has become more important than ever to Tibetans since he left his homeland, according to Phuntsog Wangyal, who also fled in 1959 after taking up arms against the Chinese.

"He not only touches the people's hearts but he is ingrained in their minds. They have total faith in him," he said.

"It is impossible for the Chinese to destroy this image in his lifetime. But it is inevitable that he will die."

As a founding trustee of the London-based Tibet Foundation, Phuntsog Wangyal believes the sheer charisma of the present Dalai Lama will be hard to replace.

"Who will take up his mantle? There is no-one equivalent to him. I don't think anyone will be able to have that kind of authority."

The extent of that authority was graphically displayed recently when thousands of people in Tibet threw their rare animal skins onto huge fires after the Dalai Lama criticised the use of products from endangered species.

Han Chinese describe life in Tibet


LIAO QIN, visual artist, 52
I was born in Chongqing in south-western China. Tibet was synonymous with mystery and excitement to me before my first trip in 1992. It lived up to my expectations. I was amazed by the stunning beauty, the colour of the autumn leaves.

Between 1992 and 1997, I went to Tibet three times, where I made more local friends who are quite simple and honest. I was deeply moved and even shocked by the wonder of Tibetan arts. I met my future Tibetan husband, and we got married in the traditional Tibetan way by the holy lake Namcuo.



HistoryGeographyReligionBorder claimsCultural shift http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/guides/456900/456954/html/ nn0page1.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4942412.stm





Overall, Tibetans are very different from Han people. I came to accept their lifestyle of relaxing and enjoying everything. Even with only a little money in their pockets, they can still dance and sing happily.

Tibet is the land which fits my free spirit best.

LIAO QIN, visual artist, 52


They call Tibet "the roof of the world", and it remains a mysterious place to many outsiders. So definitely more people will come thanks to the new railway. And it's easier to earn money here than in my hometown in rural Sichuan.

I've got used to life here, including the weather. But in future, probably in 10 years' time when I get old, I still want to return to my hometown.
YAO WUQIONG, seamstress, 43<br><br>Post edited by: linsi, at: 2007/05/19 05:37

Hi Linsi

Tibet is a wonderful place. In China there are to places you have not to miss : Tibet and Xinjiang.

For the future of Tibet, the current Dalai Lama (contrairy to what the Chinese government said) is no looking for independence (He knows that Bejing will never accept) but for a large autonomy like Hong Kong or Macau.

I several times adviced the Chinese ambassador to France to finalise an arragement with him because a lot of young Tibetans in India and in the world think that the peaceful way of Dalai Lama has resulted in nothing. After his death, the Tibetan resistance could become more violent.

I always wanted to visit Tibet, but have not had the chance yet. I am fascinated by the strong culture and how they are trying to stand up againt the powerful influence of Beijing.

John

Hi John,

Yes John, these people are fighting for keeping their identity under Chinese rule. Now, around the main temple in Lhasa, the shopkeepers of Tibetan souvenirs, are not Tibetans but Han.

In reality Tibet is a Chinese colony, just like the Western powers had colonies all over 100 years ago. It is really sad.

Kevin

Yes Kevin, you are right. It is the same with Xinjiang.