(6) The Dalai Lama & Democracy : Words v.s. Deeds

The Dalai Lama & Democracy:

Words v.s. Deeds

Selective Quotes of the Dalai Lama on Democracy :


" Although none of our Buddhist societies developed any-thing like democracy in their systems of government, I personally have great admiration for secular democracy. " "Although the Tibetans outside Tibet have been reduced to the status of refugees, we have the freedom to exercise our rights. Our brothers and sisters in Tibet, despite being in their own country do not even have the right to life. Therefore, those of us in exile have had a responsibility to contemplate and plan for a future Tibet. Over the years, therefore, we have tried through various means to achieve a model of true democracy. The familiarity of all Tibetan exiles with the word 'democracy' shows this."



"No system of government is perfect, but democracy is closest to our essential human nature. It is also the only stable foundation upon which a just and free global political structure can be built. So it is in all our interests that those of us who already enjoy democracy should actively support everybody's right to do so."




"The peaceful revolutions in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe have taught us many great lessons. One is the value of truth. People do not like to be bullied, cheated or lied to by either an individual or a system. Such acts are contrary to the essential human spirit. Therefore, those who practice deception and use force may achieve considerable short-term success, but eventually they will be overthrown."

" Truth is the best guarantor
and
the real foundation
of
freedom and democracy."

~ Dalai Lama ~

Source:

URL: http://www.dalailama.com/page.164.htm

Buddhism and Democracy, by the Dalai Lama, Washington, D.C., April 1993

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The Dalai Lama's "Family Business" - The Tibetan Government-in-Exile

"Like many Asian politicians, the Dalai Lama has been remarkably nepotistic, appointing members of his family to many positions of prominence. In recent years, three of the six members of the Kashag, or cabinet, the highest executive branch of the Tibetan government-in-exile, have been close relatives of the Dalai Lama.

An older brother served as chairman of the Kashag and as the minister of security. He also headed the CIA-backed Tibetan contra movement in the 1960s.

A sister-in-law served as head of the government-in-exile's planning council and its Department of Health.

A younger sister served as health and education minister and her husband served as head of the government-in-exile's Department of Information and International Relations.

Their daughter was made a member of the Tibetan parliament in exile. A younger brother has served as a senior member of the private office of the Dalai Lama and his wife has served as education minister.

The second wife of a brother-in-law serves as the representative of the Tibetan government-in-exile for northern Europe and head of international relations for the government-in-exile. All these positions give the Dalai Lama's family access to millions of dollars collected on behalf of the government-in-exile."

(Source: The Role of the CIA:

Behind the Dalai Lama's Holy Cloak,

by Michael Backman,

URL: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=8426)