The Dalai Lama on violence: He's for it

The Dalai Lama on violence
The Dalai Lama's message for Armed Forces Day may surprise those who assume him to be a pacifist. The Dalai Lama has sent a message of support for Armed Forces Day, which is next Saturday. In it, he writes of his admiration for the military. That is perhaps not so surprising. As he explains, there are many parallels between being a monk and being a soldier -- the need for discipline, companionship, and inner strength. But his support will take some of his Western admirers by surprise, not least when it comes to his thoughts on non-violence. Is he in the CIA?

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China Applauds Itself On Tibet

"China Applauds Itself Ahead of New Tibetan Holiday"
Stephanie Ho (VOA News, 3/27/09)

Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, greets the audience at a ceremony marking "Serf Liberation Day" in Beijing, China, March 27, 2009.

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On the eve of a government-declared holiday to celebrate 50 years of Chinese Communist rule in Tibet, Chinese officials are emphasizing the material improvements made in the lives of ordinary Tibetans.

The Chinese government is applauding itself for overturning Tibet's feudal hierarchy 50 years ago.

In 1959, Tibet's top spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled his homeland and Beijing crushed a failed uprising against Chinese rule. China says this is when it brought democratic reform to Tibet, and it is celebrating the event Saturday with a new holiday called "Serf Emancipation Day." More>>