Since 2009, 140 Tibetans have immolated themselves to protest Chinese policies that limit their freedom of movement, speech and religion, especially their right to venerate the Dalai Lama.
Walking down the street with a portrait of the Dalai Lama will get one immediately arrested in most parts of China. Tiny medallions are routinely confiscated and destroyed.
People have crossed the Himalayas in flip-flops seeking a blessing from the Dalai Lama.
When China was only Communist, everyone received the Dalai Lama, but now that China is hyper-capitalist, he gets blacked out.
People are surprised at how down-to-earth I am. I like to stay home on Friday nights and listen to 'The Art of Happiness' by the Dalai Lama.
I totally disagree with the view that the Tibet struggle will die, and there will be no hope for Tibet, after the Dalai Lama passes away.
The Dalai Lama is just a temporal leader of Tibet.
If some people have the belief or view that the Dalai Lama has some miracle power, that's totally nonsense.
If some people have the belief or view that the Dalai Lama has some miracle power, that's totally nonsense. I am just one human being.
I felt we must separate political responsibility. The Dalai Lama should not carry that burden. So that is my selfish reason - to protect the old Dalai Lama tradition. It is safer without political involvement.
