Tibet Autonomous Region of Cina

I know very little of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, I know nothing about Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism to comment anything about that sect of Buddhism. The only icon of Tibetan Buddhism I recognize is the current Dalai Lama. From what little I've seen and heard from the Dalai Lama, I've found him to be a colorful concoction of personable, lighthearted, iconic Buddhist figure. I can't think of a more world famous monk at our present time than the Dalai Lama (I'm not sure if monk is the right word here, probably 'demigod-ruler-monk' would be more fitting). I watched the Little Buddha as a kid, and I don't remember anything else of it except that the Tibetan Buddhists were looking for a particular young, western protégé whom they believed is the reincarnation of their leader to continue the Lama lineage. Keanu Reeves starred in that movie?! As The Buddha?!! I've gotto watch it again then!

In spite of everything else that I don't agree with - particularly the reincarnation part, I'm grateful to the current Dalai Lama for he has effectively promoted Buddhism to today's modern world by his reputation of being a simple, unassuming, down-to-earth, demigod religious leader who once ruled Tibet. I mean, the Dalai Lama is so much more personable, open about himself, smiling and funny compared to Pope Benedict - who appears so authoritative, distant and closed about himself. Did the Pope ever accepted an impromptu interview with the media? The Dalai Lama did - with the BBC, with Harvard University students, even with Larry King!


Here's to the Potala Palace, which once - half a century ago - was the abode of the religious demigods. Now, it is all but reduced to an intrinsically hollow, souless museum. I hate the Communist Chinese! (Tsk tsk, unwholesome speech, unwholesome thought) Why can't they leave things as they are without their big fat imperializing, ethnocentric ego. It is too cruel of them to evict and fabricate a picture of a sinister political exile out of the Dalai Lama. This bottle of Tibetan water given by a Chinese hotel free-of-charge provides the hint. Imperialism and greed - the desire to rule Lhasa into a capitalist and tourist paradize. I feel that this bottle, more than anything, symbolizes their success in trampling Tibet, home of the Dalai Lama. Being the secretly stubborn, idealistic me who doesn't make any sense, I REFUSE TO RELENT to their OUTRAGEOUS BLASPHEMY of Tibetan culture, symbol, environment & way of life - I've kept the bottle unopened, the Tibetan water (assuming that China is not making imitation Tibetan water) untasted, untouched.



Fact or Fiction: The Potala Palace was the tallest building in the world, before the advent of skyscrapers.