An Appeal To All Chinese Spiritual Brothers And Sisters

Thanks, D. I hope the Buddhists in China feel strong and are able to to help with this issue.

Of course. Thank you for seeding this Djehuty.

Most people would probably want to know 'how to help'.

RE: A Solution for the Dalai Lama, Tibet, China, and the Olympics

I have watched with interest and increasing concern the unrest related to the historical exile of the Dalai Lama; the civil and religious status of Tibetan Buddhists, both in their historic homeland and elsewhere; the rapid emergence of China as a global actor sufferings its own growing pains as it adjusts to the material and spiritual conditions of modernity; and lastly, the preservation of the Olympic Spirit as China prepares to host this important event in August.

The Spirit of Modernity, characterized in the twentieth century first by the fractures of two World Wars and then polarization and consolidation between East and West, began to give way to a New Order in the wake of the voluntary collapse of Soviet Communism.

The Polish Solidarity Movement, supported by Pope John Paul II, was a harbinger of a larger universal unseen movement in the Spirit of Modernity.

The Polish Labor Movement proved that Solidarity is a philosophy of human rights; but, Solidarity is even more a religious concept and prophetic agenda.

LHASA

Lhasa is the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama and the Potala and Norbulingka palaces. Both palaces are included in a World Heritage Site. In Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa is regarded as the holiest place.

Lhasa is a prefecture-level city that consists of one district and seven counties. The seven counties are Lhünzhub, Damxung, Nyêmo, Qüxü, Doilungdêqên, Dagzê, and Maizhokunggar. These counties are important for the administrative and agricultural support of the city proper.

I propose that Lhasa, including the seven counties constituting the prefecture, be given the status of a city-state similar to that of Vatican City; and, that the Dalai Lama be recognized as the absolute monarch of Lhasa in the same or similar manner as the Pope is both the civil and spiritual ruler of Vatican City.

The Dalai Lama should be permitted to return to Lhasa promptly once the status of the city is finalized by concord.

Before and in time for the Olympics, redefining the status of the city can be effected with very little delay, as can the Dalai Lama's return to Lhasa.

I further propose that Beijing and Lhasa rapidly exchange formal diplomatic ambassadors in order to negotiate the particulars of a final agreement.

Any final agreement should address the following points:

1. The status of Chinese nationals currently within the prefecture-level city;

2. The progress and egress of religious pilgrims;

3. The determination of succession. China should agree to non-interference in the process and decision relative to future Dalai Lamas.

4. Buddhist monks in Dispersion. China should agree that no monk residing outside the boundaries of prefecture-level Lhasa be required to renounce the spiritual authority of the Dalai Lama. Monks in the Dispersion, including the region of China (outside prefecture-level Lhasa) should obey the laws of their host country insofar as these laws do not require a substantial violation of conscience.

5. Lhasa non-military pacifism. Lhasa should agree to a non-military order of civil police to ensure domestic tranquility.

The Dalai Lama derives his spiritual power and authority from God, not from the Land of Tibet. This is proven by the viability of the Dalai Lama in exile. His own popularity and the appeal of his religion have grown in the West. Hence, the greater territory traditionally known as Tibet is not necessary for his continued viability or that of his religion.

THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT

Upon winning the games, the victor Olympiads would be presented with a crown of olive leaves. The olive branch is a sign of hope and peace.

This brief advisory is offered in this spirit.