What could account for the Western world's growing interest in Tibet? There is a perception among Westerners that Tibet is like the fabled Shangri-La in "The Lost Horizon." Others are fascinated by the mystery and devotion of Tibetan Buddhist monks. Peace and harmony seem to be the natural state of affairs for the average Tibetan -- regardless of the political freedoms Tibetans are denied by the Chinese government. In 1959, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the nation of Tibet, was exiled by the Chinese government. This was preceded by nine years of Chinese government occupation. Since that time, Tibet has been a study in the perseverance of spiritual freedom. Thousands of monasteries and holy places were destroyed by the Chinese government. During the early 1980's, the Chinese government took an enlightened approach towards Tibetan culture allowing monasteries to reopen and Buddhists to study openly. This freedom was again denied during the Communist crackdowns following the Tiananmen Square massacre. The nation of Tibet is a nation in exile. The Tibetan government continues to pursue the idea of a free Tibet. Through its efforts in Dharamsala, India, the Tibetan Government in exile raises awareness around the world. The true Tibet, or "Tibet Autonomous Region" as it is known to tourists, can be visited by nearly everyone but the Dalai Lama and other high lamas of the Tibetan tradition. For more information on the global effort to free Tibet, visit the London based Free Tibet site at www.freetibet.org.   | Home | Cultural | Environmental | Musical | Ordinary | | Contact Us | About the Authors | © Copyright 2007 fiftythings