One day prior to the commencement of the Olympic Games, a worldwide event is set to occur. Known as ‘The World's Greatest Light Protest’ private homes all across the globe will be lighting a candle on August 7th 2008 to show how they feel about the situation in Tibet.
Many protests have occurred during the torch relay, both peaceful and disruptive, but they have failed as yet bring a solution to the Tibetan people. The world is beginning to notice, but China merely removes the situation from view and pretends it is not happening, saying that all is well except for a few troublemakers. It has reportedly detained many peaceful monks, whilst removing others from sight and contact with outsiders. Many citizens of Tibet have been detained or warned for holding to their personal belief at an inconvenient time for China.
The world has seen and does care despite China continuing to cover it up, pretending that there is no problem. Some of the Tibetan people who have managed to get their message to the world prior to the Chinese crackdown have reported that they want a complete break from Chinese rule, not just the compromise the Dalai Lama hopes for; they hope the world will fight with them, peacefully or otherwise, for their complete freedom.
It should be possible to fully practice the faith of one’s choosing, whether a Buddhist or not. Yet in Tibet, some religions are now restricted. The alteration of their farming system is another cause for concern. Prior to the Chinese invasions of the 1950’s, Tibetan farming was a system that worked well. Crops were chosen and grain was harvested in such a way that there was enough surplus to provide for an off year, ensuring no hunger amongst the Tibetan people prior to the Chinese dictations upon land use and farming control. A third factor of concern to many of the Tibetan race is the overcrowding of their land by Chinese immigrants. Many Chinese are fed up of the ruling to allow only one child per family in China, and have therefore chosen to migrate to Tibet in order to be allowed a larger family. The education system is now preventing the teaching of the Tibetan culture within many schools. There are many factors in play.
These are not China’s only faults. The cruel persecution of certain cultures and beliefs within their own country makes many people question the validity of choosing China as host for the Olympics. China’s maltreatment of moonbears is another matter that many people feel strongly about. The cruel way they can be milked for bile can be upsetting to animal and bear lovers alike.
Some Buddhists and others who care about the situation in Tibet have chosen to boycott the purchase of Chinese products until after the Olympics, or until China releases its hold over Tibet. They are choosing to not support a country which maltreats humanity. From the viewpoint of Buddhism, peace is better than violence. This may be a peaceful way of showing support for Tibet, though if continued long term, it could harm the everyday innocent citizen of China as much as the Chinese government.
The way many who are opposed to China’s dealings with Tibet and other places within the world under its control are going to be showing their support is to participate in The World's Greatest Light Protest. Estimates are that 100 million people will be joining in. All one needs to do is to light a candle at 9pm on August 7th and then look out of your window, and see how many other people CARE!
If you are interested in becoming involved, further details concerning participation are available at http://www.candle4tibet.org/
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