Congressional Gold Medal: For the Dalai Lama or Against China?

US politicians are far less interested in the religious and cultural sensitivities of Tibetans than they are in undermining China's growing international presence.

As for the Dalai Lama, who has continued to describe himself as a man of peace, whose religion itself is not Buddhism but peace, to stand next to a president responsible for several wars that have devastated countles lives diminishes his spiritual authority.

Far from appearing as a spiritual leader, the image of the Dalai Lama standing next to a president who has reigned over the deaths of thousands reeks of political machinations devoid of any spiritual motivation.

As a man of spirit the Dalai Lama should have rejected such a politically motivated gesture on the part of American politicians. As a man of spirit the Dalai Lama should stand in solidarity with Iraqis suffering through war, with Burmese agitating for greater freedom, and yes - even with Chinese.

Accepting the award will place his cause and the cause of his people at further odds with Beijing. Denying the award, and its attached political baggage, would have placed the Dalai Lama in line with the spiritual yearnings of all people, not just his own, for a true and just peace

Read More