The Times of India interviews the Karmapa Lama, the young, Tibetan monk who now lives in exile in Dharamsala. As the most senior Tibetan lama to be recognized by both China and Tibetans-in-exile, the Karmapa is viewed by many as a potential future leader for Tibetan Buddhists:
But as the only senior Tibetan Buddhist monk to be recognized by both the Chinese and the Dalai Lama, many say you could be the hinge on which relations between Tibetans and China swing in a new direction? But you sound very angry with Beijing?
No, it’s not that I have any anger or aversion to the Chinese whatsoever. Since I am a Dharma practitioner, I try to maintain impartiality and be free from excessive attachment to my own side and aversion to and hatred of others. In terms of where my own interests lie, I’m very passionate about supporting the middle path that has been articulated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In His Holiness’s vision of this middle path, there is great benefit for the people of Tibet and also great benefit for the people of China.
If we follow the middle path, both the government of China and the people of Tibet will be benefited. This vision is something that about 90% of Tibetans support – the vast majority of Tibetans. I simply consider myself one of those Tibetans whose responsibility it is to further the cause of the people. Now in terms of specific opportunities that might arise from me to serve this vision, I’m not so sure.
Right now, the government-in-exile of Tibet has been engaging Beijing in dialogue but perhaps the dialogue hasn’t always been fruitful. So, we have to wait and see what kind of opportunities arise.
Read more about the Karmapa Lama via CDT. The identity of the 17th Karmapa is currently under dispute. Read a Wikipedia entry on the controversy.
