The Lost World

Here is a very interesting documentary by the BBC about Tibet in the 1930s and leading up the Chinese invasion of Tibet. It has a lot of very rare and amazing footage of the Dalai Lama and his family, festivals in Lhasa, and the Chinese occupation. It also includes commentary from the Dalai Lama, Samdhong Rinpoche, and others like the Dalai Lama’s sister-in-law.

“My job is too big for one man”

That was the sentiment expressed by the Dalai Lama in a recent speech, as reported by the Independent.  As Andrew Buncombe describes it:

In a speech that underscored the pressures he has had to bear during his life serving as both a spiritual and political leader, the Dalai Lama has said there is no need for his successor to perform the two roles.

Now, the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, which is basically the constitution of the government-in-exile, specifies that the Dalai Lama is the chief executive. This is not a figurehead position, since it is given broad executive powers and a veto over legislation. So, we’re talking about amending the Charter to remove the Dalai Lama’s powers? It seems like that would be politically difficult to do if the incumbent Dalai Lama doesn’t suggest it explicitly. So, is that what he is suggesting?

The Dalai Lama’s Pre-Dawn Ritual

Hi Jigme,

As a Tibet expert, I know you’re more learned than most about the Dalai Lama. But did you know that His Holiness’s morning ritual includes praying while jogging barefoot on the treadmill? The TODAY SHOW’s Ann Curry followed the Dalai Lama as he went through his pre-dawn ritual, I thought you and your readers would find the clip very interesting:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/29108526#29108526

Best,

on behalf of NBC

This is a very entertaining video I had emailed to me. Of course I don’t consider myself a “Tibet expert”.

THE STATEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIBETAN NATIONAL UPRISING DAY

Today is the fiftieth anniversary of the Tibetan people’s peaceful uprising against Communist China’s repression in Tibet. Since last March, widespread peaceful protests have erupted across the whole of Tibet.  Most of the participants were youths born and brought up after 1959, who have not seen or experienced a free Tibet. However, the fact that they were driven by a firm conviction to serve the cause of Tibet that has continued from generation to generation is indeed a matter of pride.  It will serve as a source of inspiration for those in the international community who take keen interest in the issue of Tibet. We pay tribute and offer our prayers for all those who died, were tortured and suffered tremendous hardships including during the crisis last year, for the cause of Tibet since our struggle began.