His Holiness being interviewed by NHK
Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is currently on a short visit to Japan. Soon after his arrival in Osaka, he gave an interview to NHK, one of the biggest national TV broadcasters. During this two-hour exchange, the spiritual leader confirmed his position regarding his future reincarnation and on the relationship between Tibet and China.
He has maintained that the future of the Dalai Lama’s institution is entirely in the Tibetan’s people hands. “As far back as 1969, I have stated that it is up to the Tibetan people to decide whether the institution of Dalai Lama should remain or not,” he said.
The Chinese government has claimed the authority to pick the next reincarnation, and to this end has set up a dedicated bureau for “laws of reincarnation”. The Chinese Communist Party has created a “data base of living Buddhas” which contrasts with former leader Mao Zedong’s assertion to His Holiness that “religion is poison”.
Regarding the future of Tibet, His Holiness said that the only realistic resolution to the Sino-Tibetan situation will be through the Middle Way Approach. This approach does not seek full independence from China, but looks towards a genuine autonomy where Tibetan people can freely practice their religion, traditions and culture while living within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. As an example, he pointed to the European Union as a model of shared sovereignty. “In today’s interdependent world, countries cannot live in isolation without depending on others. As for Tibet, we have a huge land and a rich culture but we need China’s help to develop economically,” he said.
Speaking about the Middle Way Approach, His Holiness said that it is the only way to resolve Tibet’s issue in a mutually beneficial manner.
His Holiness teaching at Osaka International Convention Center in Japan
Photo: Tibet.net
His Holiness is currently leading a four day teaching to thousands of attendees on ‘Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisatva’s Way of Life at the Osaka International Convention Centre. He took the opportunity to emphasis the fact that prayers and devotion to the Dharma are meaningless without a deep understanding and study of the Buddhist texts. “We all need to be 21st century Buddhists, which means we at least understand the nature of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the teacher, his teaching, the path to cessation, and the community of those who put it into practice. Today, the crucial thing is to study.” he said.
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