The shocking series of self-immolations by Tibetan Buddhists protesting oppressive conditions under Chinese rule in Tibet has lead to aggressive efforts by Buddhists to find a peaceful resolution to the problem. But fears remain that the tensions are far from over with agreement from Syracuse Buddhists for allegations by the Dalai Lama that "cultural genocide" has been behind the self-immolations. Toshifumi Kitamura has reported for the Tibet Sun "'Cultural genocide' behind self-immolations: Dalai Lama."
The Dalai Lama insisted on Monday the Tibetans faced “cultural genocide” under hardline Chinese rule which he blamed for a recent wave of self-immolations in China’s southwest. The Dalai Lama has commented “Chinese communist propaganda create a very rosy picture. But actually, including many Chinese from mainland China who visit Tibet, they all have the impression things are terrible. Some kind of policy, some kind of cultural genocide is taking place.”
Meanwhile China has accused the Dalai Lama of instigating the burnings in what has been termed a by China as a form of “terrorism in disguise.” The Dalai Lama and his followers nevertheless say they are committed to a non-violent principle as prayers continue among Buddhists that China will take a more humane posture towards dealing with Tibet.
