Word: tibetans
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When China invaded Tibet in 1950, it promised to bring modernity to the isolated feudal kingdom. Instead, it brought a reign of religious and cultural repression that drove into exile the Tibetan government, including its supreme religious and political leader, the Dalai Lama. At his cottage in McLeod Ganj, India, the Dalai Lama, 69, spoke with TIME's Alex Perry...
...developments. China [still has] the same system, but much is changing. Freedom of information, religious freedom and freedom of the press are much better. So on that level, the situation in Tibet is hopeful. Today quite a number of [Chinese] people are showing an interest in the preservation of Tibetan culture and spirituality...
...TIME: After you, what happens to the position of the Dalai Lama? Dalai Lama: The institution of the Dalai Lama, and whether it should continue or not, is up to the Tibetan people. If they feel it is not relevant, then it will cease and there will be no 15th Dalai Lama. But if I die today I think they will want another Dalai Lama. The purpose of reincarnation is to fulfill the previous [incarnation's] life task. My life is outside Tibet, therefore my reincarnation will logically be found outside. But then, the next question: Will the Chinese accept...
...cultural heritage. Only if you seek independence or separation is it a question of win or lose. If worldwide interest in Tibet diminishes and is not sensitive, then the Chinese government will not feel much sensitivity [toward Tibet]. But Indian public sympathy is very strong and also the Tibetan community in America and Canada...
...TIME: is there still a Tibet to return to? Dalai Lama: I think so. When Manchuria was facing danger, no one in the outside world took it seriously. Tibet is not like that. Today, Tibetan culture is almost like a part of international culture. That's a big advantage...