Nov 27, 2012

Monk Running Amok


I am a firm believer in the separation of religion and politics, not because I don't see the mutual inclusiveness of both these domains nor do I see any religious objection in engaging in politics, as both are inextricably intertwined that at times it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. Rather it is this complexity attached to religion-politics relation that many are increasingly mistaking politicians for religious scholars and religious scholars as politicians.

The case in question is the role played by the venerable Dalai Lama, the self-exiled spiritual leader of the Indian-based Chinese-Tibetan Buddhists. This Noble Laureate self-styled crusading monk is fanning the hope of autonomy, if not total independence from China that many of his followers in Tibet are expressing their frustration by self-immolation. This certainly will not convince the Chinese authorities to concede to the demands of the Lama and gang despite his international supports. He has with his uncanny political ventures and postures has won the irks of the Chinese that even the Taiwanese have recently shunned and refused him entry.

It is high time Dalai Lama seeks a respectable solution to the aspirations of the Tibetan Buddhists who have increasingly grown disenchanted with his international politicking of their plights to enhance his self-importance in the arena of hypocritical political order. He should portray himself as a genuine spiritual master rather than a political tool of the West.

READ: Dalai Lama

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