Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 51st Anniversary of the Tibetan National

Uprising Day

Today marks the 51st anniversary of the Tibetan people's peaceful uprising in 1959 againstCommunist China's repression in Tibet, as well as the second anniversary of the peaceful proteststhat erupted across Tibet in March 2008. On this occasion, I pay homage to those heroic Tibetanmen and women, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet, and pray for an early end tothe sufferings of those still oppressed in Tibet.Despite the great hardships Tibetans have faced for many decades, they have been able to keep uptheir courage and determination, preserve their compassionate culture and maintain their uniqueidentity. It is inspiring that today a new generation of Tibetans continues to keep Tibet's just causealive. I salute the courage of those Tibetans still enduring fear and oppression.Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, it is the responsibility of all Tibetans to maintainequality, harmony and unity among the various nationalities, while continuing to protect our uniqueidentity and culture. Many Tibetans in Tibetan areas are working in various responsible posts in theparty, government and military, helping Tibetans in whatever way they can. We recognise thepositive contribution that many of them have made up to now, and obviously when Tibet achievesmeaningful autonomy in the future, they will have to continue to fulfil such responsibilities.Let me reiterate that once the issue of Tibet is resolved, I will not take any political position nor willmembers of the Tibetan Administration in exile hold any positions in the government in Tibet. Ihave repeatedly made this clear in the past. To understand the situation of the Tibetans in exile andtheir aspirations, I invite Tibetan officials serving in various Tibetan autonomous areas to visitTibetan communities living in the free world, either officially or in a private capacity, to observe thesituation for themselves.Wherever Tibetans in exile have settled, we have been able to preserve and promote our distinctcultural and spiritual traditions, while generating awareness of the Tibetan cause. Unlike otherrefugees, we have been relatively successful because we have also been able to give our children asound modern education, while bringing them up according to our traditional values. Andbecause the heads of all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon religion are in exilewe have been able to re-establish various institutions for religious training and practice. In theseinstitutions over ten thousand monks and nuns are free to pursue their vocations. We have beenreadily able to provide educational opportunities for those monks, nuns and studentswho continue to come from Tibet. At the same time the unprecedented spread of Tibetan Buddhismin both East and West and the prospect of continuing to flourish in the future gives us hope that itmay yet survive. This is some solace to us during this most critical period in Tibet's history.

Today, the Chinese authorities are conducting various political campaigns, including a campaign ofpatriotic re-education, in many monasteries in Tibet. They are putting the monks and nuns inprison-like conditions, depriving them the opportunity to study and practise in peace. Theseconditions make the monasteries function more like museums and are intended to deliberatelyannihilate Buddhism.Tibetan culture based on Buddhist values of compassion and non-violence benefits not onlyTibetans, but also people in the world at large, including the Chinese. Therefore, we Tibetansshould not place our hopes in material progress alone, which is why it is essential that all Tibetans,both inside and outside Tibet, should broaden their modern education hand in hand with ourtraditional values. Above all, as many young Tibetans as possible should strive to become expertsand skilled professionals.It is important that Tibetans maintain friendly relations not only with people of all nationalities, butalso amongst themselves. Tibetans should not engage in petty disputes with each other. I earnestlyappeal to them instead to resolve any differences with patience and understanding.Whether the Chinese government acknowledges it or not, there is a serious problem in Tibet. As theworld knows, this is evidenced by the fact that there is a huge military presence and restrictions ontravel in Tibet. It is good for neither party. We have to take every opportunity to solve it. For morethan 30 years, I have tried my best to enter into talks with the People's Republic of China to resolvethe issue of Tibet through the Middle-Way Approach that is of benefit to us both. Although I haveclearly articulated Tibetan aspirations, which are in accordance with the constitution of the People'sRepublic of China and the law on national regional autonomy, we have not obtained any concreteresult. Judging by the attitude of the present Chinese leadership, there is little hope that a result willbe achieved soon. Nevertheless, our stand to continue with the dialogue remains unchanged.It is a matter of pride and satisfaction that our mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach and thejustice of the Tibetan struggle have gained growing understanding and support year by year frommany political and spiritual leaders, including the President of the United States of America,reputed non-governmental organisations, the international community, and in particular fromChinese intellectuals. It is evident that the Tibetan issue is not a dispute between the Chinese andTibetan peoples, but has come about because of the ultra-leftist policies of the Chinese Communistauthorities.Since the demonstrations in Tibet in 2008, Chinese intellectuals inside and outside China havewritten more than 800 unbiased articles on the Tibetan issue. During my visits abroad, wherever Igo, when I meet Chinese in general, particularly the intellectuals and students, they offer theirgenuine sympathy and support. Since the Sino-Tibetan problem ultimately has to be resolved by thetwo peoples themselves, I try to reach out to the Chinese people whenever I can to create a mutualunderstanding between us. Therefore, it is important for Tibetans everywhere to build closerrelations with the Chinese people and try to make them aware of the truth of the Tibetan cause andthe present situation in Tibet.Let us also remember the people of East Turkestan who have experienced great difficulties andincreased oppression and the Chinese intellectuals campaigning for greater freedom who havereceived severe sentences. I would like to express my solidarity and stand firmly with them.

It is also essential that the 1.3 billion Chinese people have free access to information about theirown country and elsewhere, as well as freedom of expression and the rule of law. If there weregreater transparency inside China, there would be greater trust, which would be the proper basis forpromoting harmony, stability and progress. This is why everyone concerned must exert their effortsin this direction.As a free spokesperson of the Tibetan people I have repeatedly spelled out their fundamentalaspirations to the leaders of the People's Republic of China. Their lack of a positive response isdisappointing. Although the present authorities may cling to their hard-line stand, judging by thepolitical changes taking place on the international stage as well as changes in the perspective of theChinese people, there will be a time when truth will prevail. Therefore, it is important that everyonebe patient and not give up.We acknowledge the Central Government's new decision taken at the Fifth Tibet Work Forum toimplement their policies uniformly in all Tibetan areas to ensure future progress and development,which Premier Wen Jiabao also reiterated at the recent annual session of the National People'sCongress. This accords with our repeatedly expressed wish for a single administration for all thoseTibetan areas. Similarly, we appreciate the development work that has taken place in Tibetan areas,particularly in the nomadic and farming regions. However, we must be vigilant that such progressdoes not damage our precious culture and language and the natural environment of the Tibetanplateau, which is linked to the well-being of the whole of Asia.On this occasion, I wish to take the opportunity to offer my sincere thanks to the leaders of variousnations, their intellectuals, the general public, Tibet Support Groups and others who cherish truthand justice for continuing to support the Tibetan cause despite the Chinese government's pressureand harassment. Above all I wish to pay my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, thevarious State Governments, and the people of India for their continued generous support.Finally, I offer prayers for the happiness and well-being of all sentient beings.The Dalai Lama10 March 2010------------Contact:Chonpel TseringSecretaryThe Office of Tibet1 Culworth StreetLondon, NW8 7AFUKTel: +44 (0)20 7722 5378Mobile: +44 (0)7823 322 545(The Office of Tibet, London, is the official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the UK,Northern Europe, Poland and the Baltic States)