His Holiness’ Appeal to the People of China
His Holiness the Dalai Lama today issued an important appeal to Chinese people everywhere. Here are two extracts:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life in the recent tragic events in Tibet. I am aware that some Chinese have also died. I feel for the victims and their families and pray for them. The recent unrest has clearly demonstrated the gravity of the situation in Tibet and the urgent need to seek a peaceful and mutually beneficial solution through dialogue. Even at this juncture I have expressed my willingness to the Chinese authorities to work together to bring about peace and stability.”
“Chinese brothers and sisters - wherever you may be - with deep concern I appeal to you to help dispel the misunderstandings between our two communities. Moreover, I appeal to you to help us find a peaceful, lasting solution to the problem of Tibet through dialogue in the spirit of understanding and accommodation.”
Please read the full text, which can be found here. (A translation of the prayer His Holiness refers to in his statement can be found here).
March 29, 2008 at 4:45 am
Just received this email:
I am sorry to have to write you with bad news and this request for your
urgent attention and help, but we are in a truly dire situation with
the monks in Tibet. The Chinese authorities have taken the inhumane
action of locking down key monasteries in Tibet, and preventing access
to water, food and medicine! No one is allowed to leave or enter, and
no food or water is entering the monasteries. The monks are
systematically being starved and deprived of water! Several deaths
have already occurred and this information is leaking out despite the
Chinese communication blackout in Tibet. We know of one monk suicide at
Ramoche, and this (suicide) is an unheard-of tragedy!
(Ramoche is the parent monastery of our local Gyuto Monastery; the
Chinese have also locked down Drepung, Sera, and the other major
monasteries.They believe they can passively murder/starve the monks and
rid themselves
of dissent from this educated class….
OK not sure of what else to say—