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Conrad
climber
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Feb 21, 2008 - 01:22am PT
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Thanks Delhi Dog for starting this fine thread.
Why, may one ask, is the Tibeten cause important to poeple of the world and specifically those of that are citizens of the United States?
As a citizen of a modern democracy we (the US) have based our society on equality and fair representation. Admitedly we have our shortcomings (slavery, treatment of indigenous people among others), yet the core of our society is about doing the right thing.
I realize the plight of Tibetan people and their culture is something that calls for my attention. What separates the dilemma of the Tibetans and similar states of sorrow on our planet is the manner of solving thier conflict in which the Tibetans and their leader in exile, HH the 14th Dalai Lama, have taken. It is non violence - ahimsa from the Hindus and Jainists. Mahatma Ghandi made this the central part of India's independance movement. To have a leader that lives this, one that is not bound by election cycles and money that drives them, is (by my view) in this day and age of utmost importance. If we hope to coexist with 6.7 billion people on this fragile planet, we need to get along. And do so peacefully.
To have a leader that stands for this is of huge importance. Chances are, if you read this, cruising around on the internet, you live a comfortable life, relative to the 60 % of the world that is dealing with a lack of food and potable water. We as citizens of the US wield an inordinate amount of power in the world. And if we believe in the doctrines that founded our nation 231 years ago we owe to our fellow citizens of our planet to make it a better and happier place.
The Olympic Games of 2008 are going forward. Beijing will be hosting a huge party, beginning on the 8th second of the 8th hour of the 8th day of the 8th month on the 8th year of this nascent century. One suggestion is to have those on the podium to put thier hands together in prayer (as in namaste) as a sign of support. Think of Mexico City '68 when African American athletes raised thier fists as a sign of solidarity and support. And to have a similar gesture at the 08 games? It would be a sign of non violence.
The above image is from inside the Rotunda of the United States Capitol on Wednesday the 17th of October, 2007. As a few of us here in the at the taco parilla remember, we encouged our elected officials to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama. Your calls & communication helped out.
"It is the nation's top civilian award presented to those individuals that embody the best quality in America's heritage."
"World peace must develop from inner peace.
Peace is not the absence of violence.
Peace is the manifestation of human compassion."
~~~~~~~~~ HH the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso ~~~~~~
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survival
Big Wall climber
arlington, va
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Feb 21, 2008 - 08:16am PT
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Conrad,
What a quality post, I tip my hat with respect.
I wish I did as well......
Bruce
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Delhi Dog
Trad climber
Good Question...
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 21, 2008 - 08:33am PT
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Conrad,
Thank you for the articulation of thought which resides I believe in most Americans and I suspect in the general hearts of most humans.
It is refreshing to me to read your post.
It is inspiring too at the same time.
We owe it to ourselves as a people to put forth the effort which each of us is capable of putting forth.
Only we ourselves know how much that is.
As Satish Kumar (former Jain Monk, Peace Pilgram, Ecological Activitst and Educator) writes:
You Are, Therefore I am
 from his most important book Your Are Therefore I Am (A Declaration of Dependence)
Cheers,
DD
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