STATEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA TO ALL TIBETANS
April 06, 2008
While extending my warm greetings to all the Tibetans in Tibet, I would like to share some of my thoughts.
1. Since March 10 this year, we have witnessed protests and demonstrations
in almost all parts of Tibet, even in a few cities in Mainland China by
students, which are the outburst of long pent-up physical and mental anguish
of the Tibetans and the feeling of deep resentment against the suppression
of the rights of Tibetan people, lack of religious freedom and for trying to
distort the truth at every occasion, such as saying that Tibetans look
towards the Chinese Communist Party as the “Living Buddha”, is an ultra
leftist statement and smacks of Han chauvinism. I am very much saddened and
concerned by the use of arms to suppress the peaceful demonstrations of
Tibetan people’s aspirations that have resulted in unrest in Tibet, causing
many deaths, and much more causalities, detention, and injury. Such
suppression and suffering are very unfortunate and tragic which will reduce
any compassionate person to tears. I, however, feel helpless in the face of
these tragic incidents.
2. I pray for all the Tibetans as well as Chinese who have lost their lives
during the current crisis.
3. The recent protests all over Tibet have not only contradicted but also
shattered the People Republic of China’s propaganda that except for a few
“reactionaries”, the majority of Tibetans enjoy a prosperous and contented
life. These protests have made it very clear that Tibetans in the three
provinces of Tibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harbor the same aspirations and
hopes. These protests have also conveyed to the world that the Tibet issue
can no longer be neglected. These protests highlight the need to find a way
to resolve the issue through “finding truth from facts”. The courage and
determination of those Tibetans who have, for the greater interests of
Tibetan people, demonstrated their deep anguish and hopes by risking
everything is very commendable as the world community has acknowledged and
supported the spirit of these Tibetans.
4. I deeply appreciate the acts of many Tibetan government employees and
Communist Party cadres who have, without losing their Tibetan identity,
shown grit and sense of what is right during the present crisis. In future,
I would appeal to the Tibetan Party cadres and government employees not to
look always for their personal benefit, but to work for safeguarding the
larger interests of Tibet by reporting the real sentiments of the Tibetan
people to their superiors in the Party and try to give unbiased guidance to
the Tibetan people.
5. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates,
Parliamentarians, and concerned citizens from every part of the world have
been sending clear and strong messages to the Chinese leadership to stop the
present ongoing harsh crackdown against the Tibetan people. They have all
been encouraging the Chinese government to follow a path where a mutually
beneficial solution could be reached. We should create an opportunity for
their efforts to bring out positive results. I know you are being provoked
at every level but it is important to stick to our non-violent practice.
6. The Chinese authorities have been making false allegations against myself
and the Central Tibetan Administration for instigating and orchestrating the
recent events in Tibet. These allegations are totally untrue. I have made
repeated appeals for an independent and respected international body to
conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. I am sure this independent
body will uncover the truth. If the People’s Republic of China has any basis
and proof of evidence to back their allegations, they need to disclose these
to the world. Just making allegations is not enough.
7. For the future of Tibet, I have decided to find a solution within the
framework of the People’s Republic of China. Since 1974, I have sincerely
remained steadfast to the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The whole
world knows this. The Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be
governed by similar administration that enjoys meaningful National Regional
Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full decision-making,
except for matters concerning foreign relations and national defense.
However, I have said it from the beginning that the Tibetans in Tibet have
the right to make the final decision for the future of Tibet.
8. The hosting of the Olympic games this year is a matter of great pride to
the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the very beginning supported the
holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged. I
feel the Tibetans should not cause any hindrance to the Games. It is the
legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights.
On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do
something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people. On the
contrary, we need to foster trust and respect in our hearts in order to
create a harmonious society, as this cannot be built on the basis of force
and intimidation.
9. Our struggle is with a few in the leadership of the People’s Republic of
China and not with the Chinese people. Therefore we should never cause
misunderstanding or do something that will hurt the Chinese people. Even
during this difficult situation, many Chinese intellectuals, writers and
lawyers in Mainland China and other parts of the world have sympathized and
shown us their solidarity by issuing statements, writing articles and
offering pledges of support that is overwhelming. I have recently issued an
appeal to the Chinese people all over the world on 28th March, which I hope
you will hear and read.
10. If the present situation in Tibet continues, I am very much concerned
that the Chinese government will unleash more force and increase the
suppression of Tibetan people. Because of my moral obligation and
responsibility to the Tibetan people, I have repeatedly asked the concerned
leadership of the PRC to immediately stop their suppression in all parts of
Tibet and withdraw its armed police and troops. If this brings result, I
would also advise the Tibetans to stop all the current protests.
11. I want to urge my fellow Tibetans who live in freedom outside Tibet to
be extra vigilant as they voice their feelings on the developments in Tibet.
We should not engage in any action that could be even remotely interpreted
as violent. Even under the most provocative of situations we must not allow
our most precious and deeply held values to be compromised. I firmly believe
that we will achieve success through our non-violent path. We must be wise
to understand where the unprecedented affection and support for our cause
stems from.
12. As Tibet is currently virtually closed and no international media is
allowed there, I doubt my message will reach the Tibetans in Tibet. But I
hope through media and by word of mouth, it will be passed on to the
majority of you.
13. Finally, I want to reiterate and appeal once again to Tibetans to
practice non-violence and not waver from this path, however serious the
situation might be.
The Dalai Lama
Dharamsala
