... huh. Is he pulling a Cincinnatus or something?
The Ant King
I remember hearing something about the Chinese goverment saying that they were the ones who would decide what the Dalai Lama's next reincarnation could be/choose the next Dalai Lama. Could this have something to do with that?
Kill all math nerds
"I don't want to be like Mubarak"... I know humility is supposed to be a virtue, but come on I don't think it's that likely that this guy will end up like Mubarak.
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He made the right decision.
NOT THE BEES
The people who most need to abdicate power are rarely the ones who wish to do so. I doubt he's personally worried about becoming like Mubarak in the immediate future *, but more likely this is a long-term safeguard against future corruption by dispersing power.
The problem is with a religious institution with its own set of morals, democracy is a double-edged sword. On the one hand you avoid singular entities abusing power by twisting words for their purposes; on the other, popular vote is not always a good indicator of morality.
EDIT: Though I guess he's only stepping down from Tibet's government and not the local Buddhist leadership, and he remains open as an advisor, so okay.
edited 17th Mar '11 3:48:19 PM by Pykrete
bitchy queen
I do hope this strengthens the Tibetan presence that the Chinese have ignored for so long.
"Without a fairy, you're not even a real man!" ~ Mido from Ocarina of Time
Lv. 3 Genasi Wizard
This feels like a political move more than anything else. Like saying to the Chinese government "Whoever you pick to succeed me, that person will not be my true reincarnation".
The thing about making witty signature lines is that it first needs to actually be witty.
^ Don't count on it. If anything this is the final nail in the coffin of the "free Tibet" activist campaign.
He is stepping down as the political leader of Tibet in exile, if I am understanding correctly he will remain the Tibetan Buddhist political leader.
The Dali Lama's role in the exiled government was largely ceremonial anyways, this just gives the elected Prime Minister slightly more notability.
NOT THE BEES
That's the other thing, it feels kind of like a concession to China. Even though it might protect Tibet from internal power abuse, it opens it right the hell up to external.
Its a choice between "my next reincarnation is going to be a puppet" and "You know what, I am really fucking sick of all this".
I'm not sure it is really is a concession. The Chinese-Tibetan dispute is a result of British imperialism in the early 20th century and less of a religious dispute. Basically, the British and other powers were carving up Asia and after a brutal campaign against the Chinese, the Brits gained control of Tibet.
Both sides weary of war signed an agreement which basically said that the UK would control Tibet but would pay some money for the land and recognized the Chinese right to annex the land once they were done with the place.
When the British finally did leave, however, China was immensely weak and in no position to try and conquer the natural fortress that is the Tibetan peninsula. The Tibetans maintained de facto independence for some years, engaging in some shady dealings, before finally being invaded by Mao.
edited 17th Mar '11 4:18:53 PM by Pentadragon
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scratching at .8, just hopin'
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The Ant King
edited 17th Mar '11 7:43:37 PM by Myrmidon
Kill all math nerds
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More like giant cherries
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Always Right
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Zzzzzzzzzz
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This is getting boring, folks. Get back on the damn topic. Bannings will ensue for derails. Tom, I don't care how fond you are of your hobbyhorse, stop bringing it out for exercise in OTC threads where it's off-topic.
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edited 17th Mar '11 8:45:53 PM by Madrugada
...if you don’t love you’re dead, and if you do, they’ll kill you for it.
One can speculate aout what a political move this is all day long... one thing remains for sure, namely that this guy is an extremely fascinating phenomenon.
antic disposition
It's not only that he feels his official political role in Tibet is preventing the government from becoming independent: he's mentioned before that he would like time to focus on spiritual matters. I imagine that being embroiled in this ongoing struggle has made him want to return to being a simple monk again. He is their spiritual leader as well; perhaps he thinks they need better guidance there.
"Doctor Who means never having to say you're kidding." - Bocaj
It seems like an April Fools joke.
Kill all math nerds