Tibet

The Dalai Lama is still one of the sane and human faces in the global political circus.

For those who think Buddhism is a passive belief and cannot reconcile political resistance with the concept of detachment from worldly affairs, generally we can be said to look at it this way: if you can help, then help; if you can't, then at least do no harm. We cannot let oppressors do what they want willy-nilly, because to allow them to do that is bad for them. We continue to take the path of love and compassion towards our fellow human beings, but we are certainly not passive. I think this concept can be easily applied even if you are not a believer.

Remember that the Dalai Lama is seeking autonomy for Tibet, NOT independence. He is willing to deal with China on those terms. I feel this is the right path. It is clear that this is not simply about preserving sovereignity, it's about preserving culture, knowledge, language and the way of life of an entire people - now that's something worth fighting for. It MUST NOT be allowed to lenyap begitu saja.