A Nation Under Threat: Tibet

A nation that is currently under threat, the Tibetan government continues to thrive despite oppression from the Chinese government. Same goes with its unique culture and traditions. Today, Tibetan communities in exile still continue to practice their age-old traditions and customs.

For years, the Chinese government has done several efforts in order to claim Tibet as a minority group belonging to the Chinese nation. However, the Tibetan nation and its supporters fight for their independence. This fight is based on their beliefs that Tibet has its own culture, traditions, history, language, territory, legal system, religion, and race that are different from the Chinese culture and tradition.

Why Tibet and its Supporters Fight for Independence

It is a fact that concepts that have made the Chinese religion so unique is not present in the Tibetan religion and culture. It is true that Buddhism somehow ties Tibet and China together but Taoism and Confucianism are completely absent from Tibetan culture and religion. Tantrism, which is a central part of Tibetan Buddhism, is only a small part of Chinese Buddhism.

Same goes with the cultural practices. It can be noted that the national historical literature, drama, poetry, and epic of Tibet is focused on their uniqueness as separate entities from Chinese history and culture. Classic Tibetan pieces are quite unknown to the Chinese community. Another factor that makes Tibet a completely independent nation is that many Tibetans prize their deep spiritual relationship with India’s Holy Land, a belief that is not evident in Chinese philosophy and religion.

In terms of legal systems, Tibet was able to establish its own common system of laws. During the reign of Emperor Songsten Gampo, the first-ever laws referred to India’s Buddhist laws based on morals. These first laws were not related in any way to China’s Confucian philosophy.

Current Status of Tibet

Despite these claims, the Chinese government continues to recognize Tibet as a minority group and not as a separate nation with its own unique identity. The nation’s leader — the 14th Dalai Lama — is in exile in India. Against all odds including abusive treatment from the Chinese government, Tibetans continue their fight for independence.

sources:
Save Tibet Organization
Save Tibet Organization
Save Tibet Organization