March 17, 2022
2 mins read

China targets Buddhist statues to eradicate Tibetan faith

In its attempt to appropriate Tibetan Buddhism, CCP is trying to push China’s case as the originator of Tibetan Buddhism rather than India….reports Asian Lite News

China has been destroying Buddhist statues with the aim of eradicating the Tibetan faith and the right of the people to preserve their traditions, said a media report.

The Chinese government has destroyed three Buddhist statues, since the last December in Tibet, according to the Tibet press report.

It further reported that China has adopted an aggressive posture since the Dalai Lama, 86, has categorically spoken that after his demise his incarnation would be found in India, warning that any other successor named by China would not be accepted.

In its attempt to appropriate Tibetan Buddhism, CCP is trying to push China’s case as the originator of Tibetan Buddhism rather than India.

“The intent of the Chinese destroying Buddhist statues is to eradicate Tibetans’ faith and their right to preserve Tibetan traditions,” the report said, adding that the “acts of destruction signal a fresh crackdown and straight case of cultural genocide”.

In its attempt to appropriate Tibetan Buddhism, the Chinese Community Party (CCP) is trying to push China’s case as the originator of Tibetan Buddhism rather than India. However, historians have agreed that Buddhism was brought to Tibet in the late seventh century by the Tibetan Monarch Songsten Gampo invited Buddhist scholars from India, Tibet press reported.

According to the report, in the eighth century, King Trisong Detsen invited Indian scholars, Padamsambhava and Shantarakshita, the Head Monk of Nalanda University, to establish a monastic tradition, Nyingmapa, the oldest major school of Tibetan Buddhism.

ALSO READ: Protest held in London against China’s illegal occupation of Tibet

Meanwhile, on similar lines, China has been trying to play an active role in developing Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, in Nepal by way of financing USD 3 billion to the Nepalese government for the construction of an airport, highway, convention centre and a Buddhist University.

This is to develop Lumbini on the model of Bodh Gaya in India, a major Buddhist pilgrimage for the followers of Buddha all over the world, Tibet Press reported.

Chinese President makes surprise visit to Tibet (pic credit httpssavetibet.org)

China’s efforts to “Sinicize” and appropriate Tibetan Buddhism is one of the strategies to prove that Tibet is an integral part of China and legitimizes its appointment of new Dalai Lama. The demolition of statues of Buddhists scholars from India, thus, has larger implications for the Tibetan movement and India’s centuries-old Buddhism, Tibet Press reported.

Tibet was formerly an independent country that was conquered and absorbed into China by force 70 years ago.

Tibetans living in Tibet and Tibetan areas of western China frequently complain of discrimination and human rights abuses, and say they fear Beijing is pursuing ever more aggressive policies aimed at eradicating their national and cultural identity. (ANI)

ALSO READ: China’s foreign minster to attend OIC meet as ‘guest of honour’

Previous Story

SC seeks time to hear hijab appeal

Next Story

US charges 5 Chinese agents with spying and harassment

Latest from -Top News

Sisi, MBZ cement ties

UAE and Egypt bolster ties through high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and a landmark cardiac care initiative delivering lifesaving treatment to rural communities The United Arab Emirates and Egypt reaffirmed their strong

‘UAE leads global fight against plastic waste’

UAE accelerates its fight against plastic pollution with a bold single-use plastic ban and expanded environmental policies to safeguard natural ecosystems for future generations The United Arab Emirates continues to lead the

70,000 Gaza kids starve

WFP warned that any further escalation of conflict could paralyse relief operations altogether, deepening the plight of civilians—especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies, the

Prayers on the Mount

The Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, witnessed a congregation of believers from around the world As the sun blazed overhead and temperatures climbed to a sweltering 41°C,

EID MUBARAK!

UAE marks Eid Al Adha with housing support, children’s gifts, pardons, and cultural celebrations, reflecting a national spirit of compassion, unity, and shared community values Across the UAE, Eid Al Adha is
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Centre Takes U-Turn On Lateral Entry Plan

The stunning reversal was after intense opposition criticism and pressure from

China to work out arrangement with Taliban, says Biden

Biden was responding to a question about the Taliban getting