Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World

by Robert A.F. Thurman

Book Overview

The suppression of Tibet's cultural heritage has the potential to set a precedent for all oppressed peoples of the world. Perched on the top of the world, changes in Tibet's ecosystem affect the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582702209
• ISBN13: 9781582702209
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 231 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The Dalai Lama's life is devoted to peace and non-violence

The Dalai Lama's life is devoted to peace and non-violence - but few are aware of how he's achieved a worldwide reputation for such. WHY THE DALAI LAMA MATTERS blends a history of Tibet with a survey of political and social change, weaving in the Dalai Lama's biography in the process. Any library strong in human rights issues, Asian history or Eastern spirituality and religion needs WHY THE DALAI LAMA matters.

Noble But Naive

Followers of the Dharma believe in the interconnectedness of all life and consequently practice non-violence. Here the brilliant teacher and former Buddhist monk, Robert Thurman, in addressing China's occupation and oppression of Tibet advocates a non-violent plan to end China's Tibet 'problem '. His answer is for China to give Tibet internal autonomy while it remains in a kind of "United States of Asia" ie. remaining part of China. Thurman argues for a democratic Tibet with a constitution where the Dalai Lama would renounce political rule over Tibet and would not advocate total independence from China. Tibet would have free elections and the Dalai Lama would remain the spiritual and moral head of Tibet. These are all noble and worthwhile ideals. The problem is they are completely naive. Thurman says China can only win by giving Tibet autonomy, as China by doing this will gain esteem in the eyes of the world. However, Thurman fails to address the most important reason that China will never grant autonomy to a Tibetan autonomous and democratic entity. The crux is that word "democracy". Why would Tibet want an autonomous democracy in its midst? In the eyes of the Chinese Communist Party the results would be dire. Suddenly all of its people would be clamouring for the same thing. Thurman's arguement seems naive in the extreme. However, I never thought I would ever see the collapse of the Soviet Union or the fall of the Berlin Wall in my lifetime, so perhaps anything is possible. Dr. Thurman makes a noble argument.

Coaxing the dragon

In the current crisis over Tibet, this book by Thurman is topical, to the point, with some practical suggestions as to the resolution of the conflict with China. The tremendous forbearance of the Dalai Lama receives here a spokesman for the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan tragedy in the form of the status of autonomy, and it is hard to see how the Chinese expect to simply ignore the realities of the situation that has emerged and that is so prejudicial to the Chinese self-image. Thurman reminds us that Tibetan Buddhism is an immense legacy whose destruction by any party could only backfire in ignominy. The tensions of the Tiber/China conflict are tremendous, Thurman's calm is the context for a convincing plea, but will China have the presence of mind to listen?

A solution for world peace

Read this book if you want to know of a viable solution to peace between Tibet and China. Thurman gives us 7 jewels. First, because of Thurman's 45 year friendship with His Holiness, Thurman gives the reader an intimate connection to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, specifically, his brilliant mind and his good, pure heart. A mind/heart connection that seeks gentleness, forgiveness, compassion, and wisdom. This is the psychologically mature leader the world desperately needs. I found this part of Thurman's book to be especially engaging. Second, Thurman provides a brief, but truthful account of the history of Tibet and Sino-Tibetan relations with the brutal oppression and cultural genocide of Tibetans by the Chinese Communist Party. Third, Thurman shows us not only his extensive knowledge and passion for Tibetans and Tibetan culture, but his own gentle, compassionate, and altruistic mind/heart connection. We need leaders in the world like this! The fourth jewel is Thurman's feasible, practical vision for how China and Tibet can benefit from a One Country, Two System arrangement. Though the vision has its potential drawbacks, Thurman articulates the overarching win-win outcome. It is doable if both sides can build essential trust. The fifth jewel is Thurman's compassion for both sides in advancing the Dalai Lama's Middle Way approach. The sixth jewel--Thurman's Wisdom of Nonviolence--is salient and woven like a tapestry throughout the book. Here, Thurman stays true to the essence of Buddhism. And I found Thurman's seventh jewel most endearing and inspiring of all--the jewel of abiding Hope. His indefatigable hope that a peaceful solution is entirely possible was invigorating to me. In a world with ecological problems which present dire peril for our planet, Thurman's hope for transcending these anthropogenic problems shines through from the jewel that is essential Thurman, essential Buddhism---a brilliant mind and a Good Heart. Read Thurman---it is sheer joy to be inspired by him! Other recommended readings are Awakening the Mind, Lightening the Heart and The Meaning of Life from a Buddhist Perspective both by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Important Book

Although the Dalai Lama is almost a household name in the United States, few people have a clear picture of who he is. Robert Thurman has championed the potential of this simple monk to teach the planet how to survive in peace. The ways of war are no longer practical (if they ever were...), and our creative ability to evolve will require a peaceful world. China would be well served to open a dialoge with the Dalai Lama before he dies, if for no other reason than to show it truly is a Great China, not just another despotic communist state. This book should be read widely, especially by the Chinese audience in the United States. Although this book is sometimes critical of China, it is often hopeful that China will soon open its arms in friendship. "No matter what part of the world we come from, we are all basically the same human beings. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. We have the same basic needs and concerns. All human beings want freedom and the right to determine our own destiny as individuals and peoples. That is human nature." from the Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, December 10, 1989.