The political situation between the Chinese government and the people of Tibet, led by the Dalai Lama has been one of extreme tension for years now as 2 very powerful forces have fought over the issue of independance and sovereingty. Now, as the Olympics approach in Beijing, the world is watching as one of the most powerfully dominant countries is home to one of the greatest events in history. Having a tenous relationship with many world leaders and a human rights record that many question with their own internal policies, their Communist leadership and their involvement with factions within countries such as Sudan, China is one of the more controversial hosts to welcome the world for the Olympic Games.
As the torch was lit last week to travel around the world before beginning the games on 08.08.08, many watched as China and Tibet's sparring increased to higher levels and resulted in peaceful demonstrations turning to violence.
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader to the Tibetan people, a Nobel Peace prize laureate and the most famous Buddhist monk in the world, has always prided himself in being a man of peaceful resistance and inciting change through peace and commitment to resist the ideals that are morally offensive to what he stands for politically, socially or spiritually. Currently living in exile, the Dalai Lama must be given credit for standing up to the huge force called the Red Dragon in many ways. Sadly, this month he has watched as many of his Tibetan countrymen have been viciously killed in attacks, many being some of the most peaceful buddhists in the world. For the great work that the Dalai Llama has achieved, there is a change coming. Sadly, as interviewed in Newsweek this month, he says there is a new wave of Buddhist activitists, those, whom like the freedom fighters in South Africa, are willing to take up arms and begin violence to create change. Though I understand the sentiments, and don't truly comprehend the frustration, i hope that this does not become the final option for change. Living in South Africa, I have seen the power of peaceful debate and the pain left due to political activism through violence. It usually always end with too many dead, most being lost within the weaker group.
As questions begin of whether or not to boycott the Olympics because of China's record, Germany's Angela Merkel elluded to this in the positive while Condoleeza Rice made comments to the contrary. While China's record might be in question, I think there is no greater time for the world to come together and participate in globe building and cultural exchange such as the Olympics. When August begins, I pray that when the swimmers dive off the starting blocks and the gymasts land off the balance beams, countries will come together, people will communicate and it will be a stage where a step closer to social justice through change will occur...
