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Published: November 1st 2009
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My group
Left (a huge interest in comparing buddhism and christianity) Next (my friend), Me, -on my left (girl with family in prison), on the right (random girl) I try to be quite informed about world issues, especially those involving human rights. But, I quite overrate myself.
My first day in McLeod Ganj, home of the Tibetan Government in Exile, was kicked off with in style. I observed a parade of a hundred Buddhist monks and westerners alike walking through the streets holding candles to a chant imploring the world to bring about freedom for Tibet. I knew a bit about the situation - after all, I read a book of the Dali Lama's teaching, I watched the movie 7 Years in Tibet...in fact, I even read the book! So, I know that near about 1950 and following the Chinese claimed to liberate Tibet from its independent government under the lead of the young 14th Dali Lama. Shortly before 1960, under the oppression of the Chinese the Dali Lama fled Tibet into India with the hopes to keep his people united. Since that time hundreds of Tibetans have found themselves as refugees in McLeod Ganj with the hopes to worship their God-King, His Holiness the Dali Lama and perhaps live out their much loved culture in peace.
Events look different when you look into the eyes of
Dinner Party
a gracious host. those who have suffered. As a volunteer to teach EEnglish with Tibetan refugees I have learned a great deal about what it means to suffer. I listened to a story of a young man who participated in a peaceful protest in the 1990's. He was arrested and given 13 years in prison - the charge was for putting a Tibetan flag on the steps of a government building. During this 13 years he tells of torture and of incredible despair. I realize that it does not mean much coming from me, so i won't even attempt to get across his story, but I will tell you that looking into his eyes and seeing his expressions will really make an impact on a person. The injustice that happens in our world today is very depressing. Today. Another girl I have been speaking with the past few days has an uncle who is still in prison - he just disappeared one day. Another person was beaten during a protest. I have learned about the hundreds more political prisoners who are captive by the Chinese by bogus charges. Last week, two political prisoners were executed.
refugees flew because staying means that they had to adopt a Chinese culture and abandon their traditions and religion. They say that being in India gives them great joy because they can worship as they please, but they say they are not free because they have no home. They don't belong.
I have particularly made friends with a 40 y/o Tibetan man who seems to be quite burdened, but still filled with a lot of joy. He invited me to eat with him the other day...I have never been treated with such hospitality. He welcomed me into his tiny hut, offered me an endless cup of chai, plates of sweets, fruit, first course meal, and a main course...then, of course, more chai..and some sweets for the road. He was so happy to do so. The next day he took me on a field trip to visit a Tibetan cultural preservation center and also a Buddhist monastery. I won't attempted to tell his story, but it is the usual - left so he can worship, learn English, make more money to send home.
This is my first experience with refugees - people away from their homeland. There is a joy in the people because they have freedom to do what they wish in this country - and they are quite grateful. However, there is also I deep sadness about not having their own home - a place to call their own. You lose identity when you don't have a home. I really do feel compassion for these Tibetans.
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meissa
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you make me think
Your entry makes me think what it means to be a displaced person. A refugee. I'm glad to hear your insights and I want to ponder them over time. We can learn from your message. It also brings to mind the scripture in Hebrews about our being aliens or sojourners on earth. We're NOT going to be totally satisfied anywhere now, if we consider heaven home. The world as it is now is not the home we will know for eternity. We're not home yet. And with that view we can sojourgn with joy but longing too. Your message challanges me to realize that if I seek Gods kingdom the reality of it being home will create in me something like what you described of the Tibetans~a joyful gratitude but a longing for the "not yet and ought to be!" Thank you for the food for thought, Jason! Abide for Life, melissa moslow