Chinas Oppression Of Tibet And Tenzin Gyatso
Oct 11
Posted: under buddhism.
Tags: china, chinas, dalai lama, oppression, tenzin gyatso, tibet, tibetan
I have talked about many schools of Tibetan Buddhism over the last 2 days. All of these schools have more in common with each other than not. The energy that binds Tibetan Buddhism together is called Avalokiteshvara (bodhisattva of compassion). It is strongly believed, among Tibetans, that it is possible for any person to attain enlightenment.
Guru (lama) is a very important element in Tibetan Spirituality. Students need attentive guidance during many parts of their tantric practices. The Guru is, thus, able to pay very close attention to an individual and keep them on the right track to enlightenment.
The bodhisattva of compassion is regarded to have been reincarnated into 14 different bodies (to date). These incarnations are known as the Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama can be interpreted as Ocean of Wisdom.
Here is a list of the first 13 Dalai Lamas:
1. Gedun Drub (1391-1474)
2. Gedun Gyatso (1475-1542)
3. Sonam Gyatso (1543-1588)
4. Yonten Gyatso (1589-1616)
5. Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682)
6. Tsany-yang Gyatso (1683-1706)
7. Kezang Gyatso (1708-1757)
8. Jampel Gyatso (1758-1804)
9. Luntok Gyatso (1806-1815)
10. Tshultrim Gyatso (1816-1837)
11. Khedrup Gyatso (1838-1856)
12. Trinley Gyatso (1856-1875)
13. Thubten Gyatso (1876-1933)
Tenzin Gyatso is the fourteenth in the lineage and here is his story:
Tenzin Gyatso was born on July 6, 1935. The government of Tibet sent out a party to search for the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama and soon found him among a family of poor farmers in the province of Amdo. Tenzin’s eldest brother, Thubten Jigme Norbu, had been his successor so it was a shock when Tenzin was found to be the next Dalai Lama. This was apparently a very abnormal situation.
Thubten Gyatso was found in a state of sitting and his head was mysteriously turned toward the area near Amdo. This was one of many clues that led the party to find Tenzin.
When the party finally found Tenzin they tested by handing him some possessions from the thirteenth Dalai Lama. As a result he cried, “It is mine!”
Tenzin was taken away from his poor family and began intensive training that would prepare him for what was to come. Eventually, he was reunited with his family and went through rigorous training and education.
At the young age of 15 Tenzin was made to be the leader of Tibet. Chinese were threatening to invade at this time and he tried hard to get help from both the United States and Great Britain. They refused to help. The Tibetans have been trying to hold back a full scale invasion from communist China for 9 years.
On March 17, 1958 the Nachung Oracle told Tenzen he must leave Tibet. In the winter of the following year General Chaing Chin-wu invited the Dalai Lama to come see a Chinese dance troupe. He said he must come unarmed and without bodyguards. The people of Lhasa were upset and tens of thousands surrounded the Tenzen’s palace. He was able to sneak out, disguised as a soldier, and be free of Tibet and assassination.
China has tortured and held captive Tibet since 1959. Nobody has come to their aid. People still do business with China. China says it’s an internal affair and Tibet has been an integral part of China for 700 years.
At the end of the uprising in Tibet more than 80,000 Tibetans were dead and China devastated the environment. They both deforested and overpopulated this tiny country.
March 10 is a national Tibetan holiday called Uprising Day.
