BEIJING: A Latvian media observer has slammed accusations that religious activities are restricted in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.
As a specially invited foreign observer by Ifeng news, Anzelika Smirnova, also called Angela, visited the Tibetan Buddhist Institute – the first institute of higher education in Xizang. Established in 2011, the institute is devoted to comprehensive research on Tibetan Buddhism.
Ngawang Tsering, who left his monastery and chooses to be at the institute, told Angela that the five religious sects gather together at the institute so they can learn from each other.
Asked whether religious activities are restricted in Xizang, Drukhang Thubten Khedrup, head of the Tibetan Buddhist Institute, said that’s “absolutely nonsense” and cited various religious activities that take place on a regular basis.
On the 8th, 15th or 30th of any month on the Tibetan calendar, if one makes a visit, one will see that the outer ring roads in Lhasa are all packed with religious people, said Drukhang Thubten Khedrup, adding that they even have to elbow their way forward.
“That’s what they do for their religious belief. They simply enjoy it.”
Sonam Dorje has his own personal experience about regular religious activities. “I usually visit folks at their home to chant sutras. And I also organize religious activities, big and small, within my monastery in Shigatse.”
Acknowledging talents are needed in passing on Tibetan Buddhist traditions, Drukhang Thubten Khedrup spoke highly of the institute, saying that it helps the talents become more erudite.
Over the past 12 years, the institute has trained over 2,640 monks and nuns. Among them, 1,580 outstanding graduates are among the next generation of high-level talents to serve and enrich the religious community in monasteries across Xizang.
Tenzin Tsomo felt her efforts paid off when she passed the test and became one of the 158 nuns at the Nunnery, an independent convent within the institute.
Recalling that she used to study until 2 a.m. to prepare for the test, Tenzin Tsomo told Angela that she really appreciated the chance of studying at the institute and decided to spend most of the time learning there.
As to why she chose to be at the institute, Tenzin Tsomo said the nuns or monks studying there told her that they spent some of the happiest moments of their lives at the institute. “So, I want to be here.” Besides curriculums and activities related to Tibetan Buddhism, the institute also holds sports events including running, basketball and yoga.
Remembering there used to be a living Buddha who often plays basketball with teachers or students at the institute, Balok Tenzin Dorje, a living Buddha and also one of the first batch of 13 scripture teachers at the institute, said that under the lead of a living Buddha, Buddhists of a younger age would feel that playing basketball is acceptable.
As for Buddhists, they can play basketball despite the Kasaya, Balok Tenzin Dorje said. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
