Robert Thurman on Tibetan self-immolations: “A Cry for Freedom”

An onlooker waves a khata scarf in offering as Buddhist nun Palden Choetso burns

What's happening in Tibet is daunting, complex, and hard to understand. While some might see the clash between Tibet and China as primarily a cultural one, the reality is that Tibetans have been subjected to ongoing violence and human rights abuses by the Chinese regime for years. And the situation shows no sign of improving. See for example, this CNN video report, which illustrates the latest crackdown inside Tibet. And now, it's being reported that Chinese authorities have been ordered to prepare for "a war against [Tibetan] secessionist sabotage."

Because it's important also to step back and reflect on the enormity of Tibet's ongoing crisis, and — hopefully — to turn our thoughts, our practice, and our action toward helping those who are suffering, we'd like to point you to "A Cry for Freedom," Robert Thurman's commentary on the horrifying phenomenon of Tibetans self-immolating in protest of Chinese rule, from the forthcoming Spring 2012 issue of Buddhadharma. It's available online, now, in its entirety. So please click here, read it, and pass it along.

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