Tibet to the Dalai Lama, "Do not abandon politics"
Dharamsala (AsiaNews) - The Tibetan people "beseech and pray with heartfelt devotion that the Dalai Lama never ever contemplates going into either semi-retirement or full retirement. His Holiness has led the Tibetan people on the road to democracy, and This has been so important a journey that no one wants to see it completed without his guidance”. This is essentially the text of the appeal sent to the public leader of Tibetan Buddhism from the highest political leader of the Tibetan government in exile in India.
The text was published yesterday signed by Penpa Tsering, president of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, and his deputy Dolma Gyari. But it represents the opinion of everyone, in Dharamsala and Tibet itself, who believe that the Dalai Lama’s decision to withdraw from public life of the Tibetan diaspora is wrong. The head of the "yellow sect" of Buddhism, in fact, announced a few weeks ago his intention to delegate all of his temporal power to elected representatives and concentrate on his spiritual role.
The Dalai Lama is very unique in the sphere of world religions. Together with the purely religious role, in fact, the fourteen Buddhist leaders who have followed the leadership of the region have also had a kind of absolutist political power. The Buddhist leader is defined by historians of religion, "the god-king", because at one time he ruled Tibet like a monarch: the case of the latter embodiment, Tenzin Gyatso, is different. He has always supported the democratic development of a Tibetan political system.
Samdhong Rinpoche, prime minister of the government in exile, joins in this call and told AsiaNews: "The Dalai Lama thinks that the Tibetan people should not be so dependent on his figure. Over the past 400 years, in fact, Tibetans have left all decision making up to the leader and have shown themselves reluctant to take responsibility. But this incarnation of the Dalai Lama is different from previous ones, and pushed us all towards a democratic system of government. "
Rinpoche, the first politician elected by the people on the Dalai Lama’s initiative, said: "But the Tibetan democracy is a direct result of our leaders commitment. He encouraged us without hesitation towards democracy: he is a unique example, because usually this result is obtained after a direct impetus from the grass roots level, from the people. Now, our main representative is concerned that – on his death - there may be a power vacuum. But that does not matter: his was too important an example for us all. "
The text of the appeal sent to the Dalai Lama is similar: "His Holiness has led us to the path of democracy, beginning with the introduction of reforms that changed the entire operation of our government. And direct representation elections were called for by you, in this way you have freed our people from feudalism. This is why there is no way to express our gratitude and why, at the same time, we implore you not to leave your political role. We need your guidance ".
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23/11/2010
