Some comment, please read to the end:

Karmapa softens stance on China (2009)

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7946099.stm

The Karmapa Lama – Tibetan Buddhism’s third-highest figure – has spoken of his admiration for Chinese culture.

The comment made in an interview with the BBC Chinese Service suggested a willingness to co-operate with China.

He said he backed the Dalai Lama’s policy of seeking greater autonomy for Tibetans rather than independence, but blamed Beijing for deadlocked talks.

The 23-year-old exiled monk is tipped as a possible compromise candidate to succeed the ageing Dalai Lama.

The 17th Karmapa Lama is the only major monk-reincarnate to be recognised by both Beijing and the Dalai Lama.

China has refused to recognise the boy identified by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama – the second most senior figure – detaining him and appointing its own candidate.

Peaceful resolution?

The Karmapa fled Tibet in 2000 to Dharamsala in India, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

In a rare interview, the Karmapa told the BBC that his feelings toward China had warmed since leaving Tibet, and that he had embraced elements of Chinese culture – learning to speak Mandarin fluently and also watching Chinese films.

He said he fully supported the Dalai Lama’s approach to relations with China, but blamed Beijing for the current stalemate over the political status of Tibet.

At the latest round of stop-start talks with Beijing last November, China condemned the Tibetans’ proposals as a bid for “disguised independence”.

“We can only wait for China to become more open and more democratic.

“The [Dalai Lama's] Middle Way Approach would then be more important because it advocates not separation from China but keeping Tibet as part of China.”

China accuses the Dalai Lama of plotting to separate Tibet from the motherland, and of fomenting unrest.

The Karmapa said he hoped that the political issue of Tibet could be resolved peacefully, saying it would be in the interests of both Tibet and China.

“If there is a chance [to improve relations], I will do whatever I can,” he added.

The Karmapa said the Tibetan government-in-exile had become more democratic, and that the tradition of one Dalai Lama succeeding another need not be followed.

“I just wish there could be more people to take part in the competition [to become leader]“, said the Karmapa.

He said he fully supported the Dalai Lama’s approach to relations with China, but blamed Beijing for the current stalemate over the political status of Tibet.

At the latest round of stop-start talks with Beijing last November, China condemned the Tibetans’ proposals as a bid for “disguised independence”.

“We can only wait for China to become more open and more democratic.

“The [Dalai Lama's] Middle Way Approach would then be more important because it advocates not separation from China but keeping Tibet as part of China.”

China accuses the Dalai Lama of plotting to separate Tibet from the motherland, and of fomenting unrest.

The Karmapa said he hoped that the political issue of Tibet could be resolved peacefully, saying it would be in the interests of both Tibet and China.

“If there is a chance [to improve relations], I will do whatever I can,” he added.

The Karmapa said the Tibetan government-in-exile had become more democratic, and that the tradition of one Dalai Lama succeeding another need not be followed.

“I just wish there could be more people to take part in the competition [to become leader]“, said the Karmapa.

Comment:

Why isn’t the Tibetan Government protest against this statement that challenges the Dalai Lama’s authority? Why is it perfectly OK for a lama of other sect to make this statement, while if any person from the Gelug sect were to say this, he will be persecuted and be accused of treason? The Tibetan Government is clearly afraid of offending the other sects, while they relentlessly press down the Gelugpas, for example Dorje Shugden practitioners, so that they will be seen as non-sectarian.