This was a GREAT book. I had never been aware of the Tibet conflict until coming here, but I've slowly been gaining an understanding and appreciation of their ongoing struggle. It is especially interesting, as we have many Tibetan students at Woodstock - AND, are relatively close to Dharamsala (where the Dalai Lama now lives after fleeing Tibet in the 1950's).
So basically - Despite of a very long and complicated history with China, Tibet was a self-ruling nation until China invaded in the 1950s. Since that time, China has outlawed pictures of the Dalai Lama (the Tibetan spiritual leader), tortured thousands of its citizens, and kidnapped the Panchen Lama (the second-highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism - was only 11 when he was kidnapped and hasn't been seen since!). China has also spread propaganda to its citizens saying that Tibet has always been a part of China, and its demands for autonomy are unfounded. While the Tibet cause is gaining world-wide publicity, western countries that could actually influential on Chinese policies aren't putting any pressure on the country because we "need them" economically.
This book follows Isabel Losada's journey from hearing about Tibet for the first time to her becoming an activist in London and eventually being invited to Dharamsala for a private meeting with the Dalai Lama. She struggles with the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. What can an individual do in the face of such HUGE obstacles!?
A seriously great book for anyone interested in the Tibetan cause (or for anyone who thinks they might be if they knew about it!)
1 comment:
sorry this has nothing to do with your book post, but I just wanted you to know that I got all chocked up while reading your comment on my blog. I miss you too!...and absolutly we will get together once you are in the US of A. :)
p.s. I love the new blog look!
Post a Comment