## A Beacon of Freedom: Why the Dalai Lama Praises India Over China
Imagine a place where ancient traditions can truly flourish, free from political interference. That's how His Holiness the Dalai Lama sees India, especially when he compares it to China. During his recent visit to Ladakh, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism spoke highly of India, calling it a "free and flourishing environment" for studying deep Buddhist philosophies.
He specifically thanked India for its "immense support" to Tibetan refugees since his exile in 1959. This support wasn't just about shelter; it allowed them to rebuild their monastic universities and keep alive the rigorous scholarly debates central to Buddhist learning. The Dalai Lama noted that these vibrant institutions in India are crucial for preserving and spreading the authentic teachings of Buddhism, particularly those from the ancient Nalanda tradition.
But the picture is starkly different when he talks about China. The Dalai Lama lamented that the "precious traditions" of Tibetan Buddhism have "declined in Tibet" under Beijing's rule. He criticized China's tight political grip on religion, saying it "hinders genuine spiritual growth." In his words, it's "difficult to teach about Buddhism in a country where there is no freedom" because the political situation there isn't stable.
This isn't just about past events; it's about the future too. There's a big discussion brewing about who will be the next Dalai Lama. His Holiness recently stated that a non-profit trust he established, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, should have the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation. Unsurprisingly, China quickly rejected this, insisting that the selection must follow a process approved by Beijing.
However, India's Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, a Buddhist himself, firmly backed the Dalai Lama. He emphasized that the decision rests purely with His Holiness and traditional Buddhist customs, without any government interference.
The Dalai Lama's words highlight a fundamental difference in how these two nations approach religious freedom. For Tibetan Buddhism, India has been a vital sanctuary, allowing its rich heritage to not just survive, but thrive. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom for spiritual and cultural preservation.
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