Why Tibet? Nonviolence?
You don't have to look far to find examples of violence. Unfortunately, evidence of violence is all around us. City streets, schools, in the media, corporate boardrooms, government halls, and our almost exhausted environment. So why should we concern ourselves with Tibet? Adam Yauch, one of Milarepa's founders, explained it this way in the first issue of Grand Royal Magazine:
"...Maybe it's because the Tibetan people are so peaceful and won't fight back, even as the Chinese rape and torture them, prevent them from practicing their religion and destroy their monasteries...Maybe seeing films of Tibetan monks and nuns, who have taken vows not to harm another living creature, being beaten was what got me.
"Or maybe it's that I've met some of these people and see how happy they are, despite what's going on. Laughing all the time without the same agenda of worries that so many of us carry in our modern society. Or maybe it's that see their society as an example of how people can live in peace, working towards enlightenment. An example or blueprint of a way that a culture can operate in harmony with itself and the land."
For thousands of years human beings have used the teachings of nonviolence not only as a guideline for spiritual and ethical behavior, but as a message for social change. The courageous principles demonstrated by figures like Thoreau, King, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama stand as an example for all of us. Throughout history, people like these have refused to take up arms in their struggles and have insisted that all their actions be motivated by compassion and love. Nonviolent action continues throughout the world today in places like Burma, Nigeria, Tibet and here in America.
The most widely recognized example of nonviolent action succeeding on a global scale is the revolution in India launched by Mahatma Gandhi. Adhering strictly to the principles of nonviolence, Gandhi mobilized millions of people to directly and peacefully overthrow the British government's rule of India. Gandhi's revolution succeeded because he knew that a one that is based on violence can only bring about a society whose existence is maintained through violence. What Gandhi stressed most is that nonviolent action must come from a deep inner belief in the principles of love and compassion and must be accompanied by an indomitable will. Nonviolent action, pursued with steadfastness against those who maintain a violent stance, Gandhi said, eventually triumphs.
Since 1959, The Tibetan people have maintained a nonviolent struggle against the Chinese government's brutal occupation. They have lobbied, demonstrated, and gone on hunger strike to further their cause for freedom. Most refuse to kill. Despite this, the Dalai Lama emphasizes love and compassion. In keeping with traditional Buddhist thought, his exiled Tibetan government acts and governs with the benefit of all beings in mind, including the Chinese.
Throughout the course of the Chinese occupation, hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have been imprisoned or killed by Chinese police. Yet the Dalai Lama continues to regard the Chinese as his greatest teachers. As he says: "For a person who cherishes compassion and love, the practice of tolerance is essential; and for that, an enemy is indispensable."
The integrity of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people stand as models for us all. The people of Tibet and their nonviolent struggle are crucial for all peoples. The Tibetans will not resort to guns or bombs. It is nonviolence in its purest, and most essential, form. They are teaching us a lesson; setting a precedent which we must strive to follow. There is nothing more honorable, effective and healthy than compassionate nonviolence in response to human error and brutality. For their strength, we owe them our admiration and support.
for more info on Tibet, check out Tibet Online or International Tibet Independence Movement
