Karmapa Lama: Tibet's young voice
By Saransh Sehgal
DHARAMSALA, India - The Gyalwang Karmapa is the spiritual head of the Karma
Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and thus considered the number three lama in
Tibetan Buddhism. Karmapa means "the one who carries out Buddha activity" or
"the embodiment of all the activities of the Buddhas".
Like the Dalai Lama did in 1959, the current 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley
Dorjee, fled his native land in 1999 to Nepal and then India to pursue full
religious and other freedoms. Attaching himself to the Dalai Lama, the Karmapa
now lives in a temporal residence at the Gyuto Tantric Monastery in Sidhbari,
the suburb near Dharamsala in northern India where the Dalai Lama heads the
Tibetan government in exile.
The Karmapa's dramatic escape from Tibet made him a hero to exiled Tibetans and
captured world attention. He was just 14, but
the Tibetan diaspora immediately saw in him something special - strong personal
charisma combined with the vigor of youth. Some already saw, even then, a
potential leader in his own right.
Now a young man, many in the exiled Tibetan community believe the 25-year-old
Karmapa will become their next spiritual leader after their god-king the Dalai
Lama, who has sought to blend modernism with tradition, passes away.
Belonging to the Black Hat lineage, the Karmapa Lama is an exceptionally
intelligent young monk. Although Indian authorities have barred him from
traveling to the Rumtek Monastery, his order's seat in exile in the Indian
state of Sikkim near the Chinese border, his influence cannot be contained. It
seems to be growing particularly among exiled Tibetan youths, youths inside
Tibet and Buddhists around the world.
Every day, scores of visitors, mostly Tibetan, Western, Chinese or Taiwanese
Buddhists, arrive at his monastery to seek his blessings in private or attend
his public teachings.
The Karmapa's importance is growing as the Dalai Lama is aging. Once the
74-year-old spiritual guru departs, the lengthy process of choosing his
reincarnation means years may pass before the new Dalai Lama is ready to assume
leadership and guide Tibetans.
That would leave Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, the 17th Karmapa, as the most senior
Tibetan Buddhist leader in exile. The Karmapa lineage is the most ancient
lineage in Tibetan Buddhism, predating the Dalai Lama lineage by more than two
centuries. The Karmapa was the most powerful school of Tibetan Buddhism until
400 years ago, when the "Yellow Hat" Dalai Lama's Gelupa school became
dominant.
Although, due to tradition, the Karmapa can never replace the Dalai Lama as the
supreme Tibetan spiritual leader, he can nonetheless act as a force to lead
Tibetans in exile in their 50-year-long struggle to return to their homeland
with freedom. But questions naturally arise over such a possibility. Will the
Karmapa Lama be willing to lead the "Free Tibet" movement? If so, what will be
his approach? Will he continue the Dalai Lama's "Middle Way" in dealing with
Beijing to seek the "high-degree autonomy" of Tibet? Or will he seek a fully
independent Tibet, as some radical young Tibetans hope for? Could he become
more conciliatory with Beijing?
Asia Times Online had the opportunity to interview the 17th Karmapa Lama on
July 8 at his temporal residence, the Gyuto Tantric Monastery. It was
surrounded by tight security provided by both Tibetan and Indian guards. Inside
the rooftop room of the monastery, where Tibetan Thangka paintings drape the
walls and colorful carpets are spread across the floor, the Karmapa met in
private, preferring to use translators for the interview. Although his
secretary asked there be no political questions, the Karmapa answered most
questions patiently, weighing his words.
Saransh Sehgal: His Holiness, how do the Tibetan people in exile
and inside Tibet see you as a religious leader and beyond?
His Holiness the Karmapa: There are different opinions. It is
difficult to say that they all conform with the reality. However, not only
Tibetan religion, but also Tibetan culture, society and the Tibetan people are
facing hardships. Therefore, there is a possibility [of me] acting not only as
a religious leader but as a leader of a society with all its aspects ... Or
should I say, there is a possibility [of me] giving guidance.
SS: His Holiness, you have maintained a distance from political
activities in support of the Tibetan struggle. How long do you believe you can
keep that stance?
HH: There is nothing unusual about it. On one side, the Karmapa
is a spiritual leader with a history of more than 800 years. Therefore, as I am
the one upholding [the lineage of karma], it would not be proper for me to act
slapdash. Speaking from another perspective, the present situation of Tibet not
only concerns religion, but is also related to human well-being ... I think it
is important to consider the other aspects rather than holding only the
political aspect and thinking of it as the most important.
SS: The [present Tibetan] prime minister in exile is ending [his
term] next year, there will be democratic elections by the Tibetans in exile -
how do you view this matter?
HH: I don't know much about it. I have not yet paid special
attention to that. All I can do is pray so that it will come out well.
SS: His Holiness, Buddhism is very popular in the West, and
people in the West are more inclined to Tibetan Buddhism. What is the reason
behind the growing popularity of Tibetan Buddhism?
HH: Let's put it this way, people of modern times, for example
people in highly developed Western nations, are [looking] for peace of mind.
They have undergone tremendous material development, [but] in between they are
facing problems, which instead of helping their material development put them
under extra burdens or pressure ... They have come to realize the importance of
peace of mind and in Buddhism [the] presentation of [these] aspects of the mind
are comprehensive and clear. I think this is one of the reasons why people's
interest in Buddhism is growing. Likewise, many noble beings like His Holiness
the Dalai Lama are visiting through the world and [have] spoken out their
views. People are moved. I think this is also one of the reasons behind the
growing interest in Tibetan Buddhism.
SS: His Holiness, will you stick to the Middle Way that His
Holiness the Dalai Lama has been continuing?
HH: I think the guidance provided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
with a great intention of bringing a swift, just and sincere - not "Victory to
oneself and defeat to the others" - solution to the Tibet cause, is very great.
SS: His Holiness, the entire community of Tibetan youths over
here in exile, as well as hopefully those inside Tibet, take you as a young
leader. How do you see your interactions with Tibetan youths?
HH: I have nothing to do other than as I said previously, though
I am physically young, mentally I am a traditionalist. This is my position.
Therefore, with this as a reason I hope to maintain a good relation between
past or tradition and modernity, and act as a liaison between the two.
SS: How do you see the issue of succession of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama?
HH: His Holiness is well aware of the issues. I think His
Holiness will definitely give clear instructions and guidance. I have always
been thinking of it, I have no further comments.
SS: But there are times where He said, that there may also be a
female Dalai Lama also. Or maybe a young lama ...
HH: I think His Holiness will clarify all these issues. Those
were His Holiness' passing remarks, not officially spoken. His Holiness said
that such things are possible.
SS: Are you worried that Tibetan culture and religion is dying
under Chinese rule?
HH: The present Chinese political standpoint and policies have a
[negative] influence [upon Tibetan religion and culture]. That makes us worry.
However, the survival of Tibetan religion and culture is in the hands of all
the Tibetans. For example, if Tibetans in exile don't harbor faithful, sincere
and foresighted devotion to Tibetan religion and culture - and if religion and
culture is not preserved - there is the possibility of religion and culture
being destroyed even during our exile in free countries. Therefore, it depends
on Tibetans. The Tibetans in Tibet are making great efforts, and thinking of
their efforts, I still see some hope.
SS: His Holiness, does China hope to have a dialogue with you, as
you are very much recognized as a religious leader in China?
HH: Me! I am not [involved]. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the
spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet and the Tibetan government in exile are
in the process of dialogue. Not me.
SS: Are you able to get messages from your family in Tibet?
HH: Yes, sometimes, sometimes.
SS: What are your interests, apart from spiritual studies and how
do you plan to further educate yourself?
HH: Different arts and different languages.
SS: His Holiness, Can you describe your experience in India till
now?
HH: I am amazed by the freedom to engage in various spiritual and
political activities that is enjoyed by the huge number of Tibetans settling in
India, and the rights the government of India has extended to us to practice
our livelihood and Dharma activities - [this] has been impressive.
SS: His Holiness, how do you see the future of Tibet?
HH: Future of Tibet? I am not sure. The future of Tibet is a
matter of grave concern but nobody knows.
SS: When do you expect to return to Tibet?
HH: I don't know. On this also, I am not sure because not only
me, but all [Tibetans] wish to return. When we will be able to return, no one
knows.
Saransh Sehgal is a contributor based in Dharamsala, India, who can be
reached at info@mcllo.com .
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Belonging to the Black Hat lineage, the Karmapa Lama is an exceptionally
intelligent young monk. Although Indian authorities have barred him from
traveling to the Rumtek Monastery, his order's seat in exile in the Indian
state of Sikkim near the Chinese border, his influence cannot be contained. It
seems to be growing particularly among exiled Tibetan youths, youths inside
Tibet and Buddhists around the world.
