Why UCSD was Wrong to Select the Dalai Lama as Commencement Speaker

[Ringo Starr]

"First the Dalai Lama’s reputation as a “peaceful” religious leader is not consistent with his high engagement in politics and affair of states. Some say that in the eyes of many in the western world, the Dalai Lama is seen as a master in spirituality and Buddhism, a popular leader of the world; and on the official website of UCSD, he is labeled as “a man of peace” who “promotes global responsibility” by chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla.

However, the term “Dalai” itself has never been a mere title for a religious leader, just as the Pope is never only the leader of the Catholic Church. Before the 1959 rebellion, the Dalai Lama was the leader of the Tibetan government, which held a highly autonomous status under Chinese sovereignty, according to the 17 Point Agreement signed by Chinese and Tibetan officials in 1951."

http://www.templecitytribune.com/opinion/why-ucsd-was-wrong-to-select-the-dalai-lama-as-commencement-speaker/] [url]http://www.templecitytribune.com/opinion/why-ucsd-was-wrong-to-select-the-dalai-lama-as-commencement-speaker/ [/url]

[Ringo Starr]

http://www.templecitytribune.com/opinion/why-ucsd-was-wrong-to-select-the-dalai-lama-as-commencement-speaker/

[grandmapele]

Maybe UCSD should have invited the Pope for the commencement speech.  At least, there is no hint of controversy there. The Dalai Lama is resting on his laurels.  Where are the Tibetans in exile in India heading more than 50 years? If Tibet is not free by the time the lease for the settlements come up, what will happen to a displaced people? Is the CTA stirring up shit to deflect attention to that with the split within the Kagyus and the Gelugs?