China seeking to control Tibetan spiritual traditions: Dalai Lama

Days after remarking that the political situation in China is unstable, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has said that China has not only stripped Tibetans of their political rights but is also attempting to control their spiritual traditions.

“The Chinese Communists have taken away not only our political rights, they have also sought control of our spiritual traditions,” the Dalai Lama said during his visit to Karsha Monastery in Zanskar, Kargil district. Recalling a conversation during his visit to Beijing in 1954, he said, “Mao once told me that religion is poison. I believe he was sincere in his own way of thinking. Although I said nothing at the time, I realised in my heart that he was deeply hostile to the Dharma.”

He added, “The Chinese Communist policy views religious tradition as nothing more than blind faith and therefore something that should be destroyed. They regard the Dharma with hostility. However, the teachings of the Buddha that we uphold involve study, reflection and meditation. Studying the great treatises through logic and reasoning is truly remarkable.”

After being delayed for two days due to poor weather disrupting travel between Leh and Zanskar, the Dalai Lama was finally able to fly into Padum by helicopter on Monday. He will stay in Zanskar for five days. “Unlike some other religions that rely more heavily on faith, our tradition of Buddhism places strong emphasis on logic and reasoning,” he explained. “These tools are incredibly valuable and can enhance our understanding of almost any subject.”