The Tibetans Today

About 130,000 Tibetans live in exile throughout the world while in Tibet, which is about the size of Europe, the population is around six million. Tibet was invaded by the Chinese in 1950 and in 1959 the Dalai Lama was forced to leave Lhasa the capital of Tibet and escape over the Himalayas. Since then he has lived in exile in Dharamsala in Northern India where he has made huge efforts to preserve Tibetan cultural heritage. Buddhism and the monastic way of life have always been an integral part of the culture. As the Chinese destroyed over 6000 monasteries in Tibet it was essential that those who fled into exile with the Dalai Lama set up monasteries and nunneries to keep the traditions alive. 

Today the Tibetan Buddhist traditions are being taught in exile and there is no shortage of Tibetans who want to become monks or nuns. The Dalai Lama continues to be the highest spiritual authority and an inspiration for all Tibetans.

The Tibetan Children’s Village is another important institution. There are about 15,000 children being educated and looked after by this organisation which has branches throughout India as well as in Bhutan and Nepal. As well as providing a place for the children to live, The Tibetan Children’s Village teaches the Tibetan language, traditional music and the history of Tibet as most of the younger children have never been to Tibet. 

 In the 1980’s the Dalai Lama adopted ‘The Middle Way’ approach. If this was put into practice it would mean that Tibet would still be part of China, which would control defence and foreign affairs, but Tibet would be demilitarised and Tibetans would have control over domestic issues. The Tibetan Youth Congress, numbering fifteen thousand, is the only organisation that still campaigns for a totally free and independent Tibet. The Chinese have so far failed to accept either of these ideas and still occupy Tibet. 

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