Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa or head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, has for the first time slammed Beijing’s totalitarian rule in Tibet and come out in open support of Dalai Lama’s middle-path approach, or ‘meaningful autonomy’ to resolve the Tibetan crisis. In an interview with ET’s Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury in New Delhi, the Karmapa who has lived in exile in India since 2000 when he was just 14, expressed hope that a change in political situation in China will soon make the communist country change its policy towards Tibet, Edited excerpts:
17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje/File photo
There has been a fresh round of self-immolations in Tibet in protest against China’s rule and in demand for more rights. Do you support this method of protest?
The spate of self-immolations reveals the the underlying tension that has been simmering for decades due to China’s misguided policies in addressing the grievances and resentments of the Tibetan people. These are symptoms of a broken and wounded people desperately crying out for the restoration of their cultural identity, and religious and human rights.
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, is my spiritual and temporal leader and has been like a father figure for me in Dharamsala. I unequivocally support the middle-way approach advocated by the Dalai Lama.
He is the one and only leader who would provide leadership in this momentous task, not just in this life but in future lives as well. It is the shared responsibility of all Tibetans to preserve the Tibetan religion and culture and uphold the Tibetan identity. I am committed to the well being of the Tibetan people. I regard it as my duty and responsibility to support the religion and culture of Tibet.
India is my second home. The Tibetan culture and religion has flourished in India’s open, free and welcoming atmosphere. India has given refuge to the Dalai Lama and to many Buddhist lineage heads that have set up monasteries around the country when many other nations did not have the courage to do so.
Tibetan Buddhism, culture and the Tibetan way of life thrive in India. India has not only saved Tibetans and their way of life from extinction but also enabled us to draw inspiration from this holy land of the Buddha and take Buddhism to distant parts of the world. I have nothing but gratitude for the Government of India since my arrival.
Tibet was as independent nation from ancient times right up to 1951. During this period Tibet was in full control of its external and defence policies. It maintained strong religious, cultural and trade ties with India. The common border was open and peaceful, allowing not only the free movement of goods and people but also the flow of some of the finest thoughts of human civilisation.
What made you flee to India when you were just 14?
I had to receive oral teachings of the Karmapa Lineage which have been passed down in an unbroken chain from India since the time of Lord Buddha. The origins of my lineage are in Nalanda whose great scholar, Naropa, received the teachings from his teacher, the Mahasiddha Tilopa. The Karmapa lineage is deeply rooted in India.
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