Saturday, April 05, 2008

Hello Dalai

An Open Letter to the Dalai Lama

One of the most famous quotes from the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is "I am a simple Buddhist Monk – no more no less." How do you address such an extraordinary disconnect? The Dalai Lama was in adopted into theocratic royalty and raised as such. He had an entire country under his feet and now presides over a "government in exile." He has never had to worry about health care or rent and it is impossible for him to lose his job. He will never wind up in Tent City. He has more privilege than you or I could imagine. What’s wrong with this picture?

Many of my otherwise intelligent friends have been dazzled by the glamour of this whole thing. I wound up in an argument and was challenged to write an "Open Letter To The Dalai Lama." So here it is.

Dear Tenzin Gyatso,

There are some serious allegations that you need to address. Since you are coming to my town soon and will no doubt stay in the best accommodations and will be hosted by all of the highest dignitaries, given a key to the city, featured on the front pages of the papers, featured on all TV news programs, and so on, I think you owe it to us to be clear on these things.

1. Old Tibet was a feudal theocracy under the tight control of you and your monks. Your former privilege is legendary. Is this what you would like to see reinstated?

2. In the old country punishments for legal infractions included the gouging out of eyes and the severing of limbs. How do you see this form of justice operating in today’s world?

3. The monks routinely took nine year old boys into the monasteries for ritual sex and other exploitations. We call this child abuse. What do you call it?

4. Ritual drums were made of human skulls. Do they sound better than wooden or clay drums?

5. When the old order was overthrown people found the remains of children who had been buried alive in the foundations of the monasteries. That’s why they blown up. Was this over reacting?

6. What is the difference between you and other deposed monarchs?

7. Do you still get money from the CIA?

There’s more but this will do for a start. To my knowledge you have never addressed any of this in public and I can’t for the life of me understand why so many people think you’re so wonderful. Perhaps you will enlighten me.

Seven questions, we will wait for seven answers.