Tashi Delek
Greetings all who choose to listen,
I hope this post finds all of you in good health and great sprits!!
Our group is settling into a groove here in Dharamsala: ISPs are underway, language classes are going great, our lecture series is rolling along and much more. The weather has been near perfect since we arrived, with the mountians in plain view for most of the day.
The motivation for this blog post is the Tibetan and Chinese conflict that has been occurring for nearly 50 years. The past two days our group has been visited by two Tibetan activists (one affiliated with the Tibetan Youth Congress and one working independently). Each of them provided unique perspectives on what the situation is concerning Tibet as well as possibilities of resolution. Facts have been coming at us about the destruction of the Tibetan culture, ecosystem and much more. While hearing these speakers offer their opinions, my mind has been filled with sadness as this situation has been going on for so long and really no ground has been covered. One interesting aspect of the discussion, however, is the comparison of the fight for an independent Tibet and the "Middle Way" approach that the Dalai Lama has proposed, which asks not for independence, but rather autonomy. This analysis focuses on possible solutions, which provides some optimism that the situation can be resolved. Because of my limited background in this material, I am still very much forming opinions and am eagerly awaiting the rest of our speakers, as many of them will touch on related topics.
We are all eagerly watching the election and hope that you all, back in the US, can provide us with information in the coming hours.
I hope you will stay tuned as members of our group post some reactions to being here in this community and examining the issue of Tibet.
Doug, Thank you for your updates... I hope you are well.
Many blessings,
Justin
Dharamsala, India November 4th, 2008