Monday, 6/2/97 Dalai Lama’s message transcends borders CULTURE:
Tibetan leader to speak at UCLA about world peace, freedom
By Matt Grace Daily Bruin Contributor Sterilized women.
Imprisoned monks. Cultural destruction. Over one million dead. For
almost fifty years, the tiny nation of Tibet has been subject to
the communist tyranny of China. After an aggressive takeover in
1949, China adopted violent censorship laws, and quickly acted to
uproot the heart of Tibet, Buddhism. Led by the Dalai Lama, an
individual said to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of
Compassion, Tibetans peacefully demonstrated their disapproval of
China’s occupancy, despite constant pressure from the Chinese.
China considered Buddhism a poisonous influence, and responded by
destroying more than 6,000 monasteries and temples while
imprisoning numerous monks and nuns over the course of the last 50
years. "Tolerance does not mean we lose our anger or hatred, but
tolerance also does not mean we accept what (the Chinese) did," the
Dalai Lama explained in an interview with Asia Now anchor Leslie
Wilcox. "But always we try to develop genuine compassion toward the
Chinese." Both a political and spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama won
the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his fight to liberate Tibet and his
work to improve the human condition through nonviolence. "Each of
us must learn to work not just for his or her self, family or
nation, but for the benefit of all mankind," the Dalai Lama said in
a statement. "Universal responsibility is the real key to human
survival." Though his political work centers mainly on Tibet, the
Dalai Lama’s words and sentiment reach around the world. "I’m
interested in how peace can come through nonviolence," beamed Anne
Cabrinha, a third-year anthropology student, reflecting on her
motivation for joining Students for a Free Tibet (SFT). The Dalai
Lama is currently traveling the world spreading Buddhist teachings
in a speaking tour. Next week the tour will bring him to UCLA.
"What we do here has a direct impact on the other side of the
world," Cabrinha added. Cabrinha and a handful of other students
comprise the UCLA chapter of SFT, a nationwide organization
directed toward giving a voice to the Tibetan people and
alleviating the suffering that surrounds them. "Our goal is to
engage the Chinese government (in talking) to the Dalai Lama," said
Ignasi Clemente, coordinator for SFT. "The Dalai Lama is not asking
for independence, (he is) asking for a degree of autonomy and
dialogue," he continued. With only 10 members, the group must
network with other grassroot groups, as well as larger
organizations to contribute, Clemente said. This limited membership
also faces problems with changing schedules brought on by the
quarter system. "The quarter system (makes it) difficult for
retaining people, for keeping a grass-roots movement going."
Consequently, members of SFT volunteer for events hosted by local
groups such as Pasadena Friends of Tibet and Los Angeles Friends of
Tibet. Last summer, Clemente volunteered at the Tibetan Freedom
Concert sponsored by the Milarepa Fund. Against a backdrop of
angst-driven music, he recalled a "Buddhist temple with monks and
nuns continuously praying for world peace." Concertgoers were given
the opportunity to listen to the chantings of Buddhist monks and
sign petitions aimed at disconnecting the U.S. from its Most
Favored Nation status with China. Cabrinha does not feel
disillusioned by the enormity of the situation. "Energy at the
grassroot level can be so much stronger and effective," she
concluded, "Everything is what you bring into it." There is a
"world-wide voice speaking out on behalf of those in need,"
explained Joe Baker, deputy director of the Western Region of
Amnesty International. "Without groups bringing attention to the
situation, it becomes worse." The Dalai Lama strongly supports
efforts made by human-rights organizations to break down
communication and cultural barriers and achieve world peace for all
human beings. "Its a great honor," said Clemente on the arrival of
the Dalai Lama. "He is someone who the Buddhists really admire and
he excels because of his positive attitude." In a special UCLA
Extension program, the Dalai Lama will be in the Ackerman Grand
Ballroom, free of charge, June 5. The Dalai Lama will also lead
three days of discussions at Pauley Pavilion, June 5-8. He will
discuss the Precious Garland, an ancient text that praises the
principles of morality, generosity and truth as the foundation of a
better society. In a public address June 6, titled "A Vision for
the New Millennium," the Dalai Lama will speak about the progress
of the global community as the next century approaches. Students
for a Free Tibet can be reached at [email protected]