Tibet
For so long Tibet was an isolated, forbidden, mystical land, shrouded by the unknown and protected from strangers by its terrain and people. Presently it is a land where many statistics can be quoted to suit a writer’s particular point of view. But I feel it is better to focus on the 'Heart of Tibet', the essence of the land.
Tibet is a huge land covering vast tracts of wilderness, with some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Everest, the worlds highest mountain, rises on the border of Tibet and Nepal, and the term 'Roof of the World' given to Tibet certainly is appropriate. Everywhere you travel in Tibet there is a backdrop of mountains, some green and forested, others stark, snow covered and majestic. The land is punctuated with exquisite clear lakes, some turquoise and others indigo. As the snow melts in the spring, rivers flow abundantly, even through barren areas, on their way to adjoining lands.
For centuries Tibet has been populated by nomads and traders, and this way of life still exists today. However, the Chinese influence has brought new modern cities, commercialism, and a rapidly changing way of life.
Spirituality is integral to the Tibetans and is deeply ingrained in their souls. Many teachers and aspirants have spent time meditating in isolation in the Himalayas as a way of life. The greatest respect is not given to the wealthy and successful but kept for those who spend their lives striving for enlightenment. Buddhism is practised throughout Tibet and is based on the principals of compassion for all sentient beings and loving kindness, and their philosophical teachings are vast. They believe in re-birth and in not killing. Even a fly will not be killed mindlessly if it lands in a cup of tea but gently lifted out and sent on its way! As one arrives at the top of a mountain pass, many prayer flags will be flying, carrying universal prayers on the wind, and giving thanks for safe delivery over the pass and blessing those that walk behind.
The present area of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) covers less than half the approximately 2.5 million square kilometres of historical Tibet and has an average altitude of between 13,000 and 14,000 feet. There are approximately 6 million ethnic Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, but only about 2.6 million in the TAR, with a huge increase in migration from China. Countries that border the TAR and have influenced Tibet over centuries and vice versa are India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and of course China. Ancient Tibetan history was passed by word of mouth and only in the reign of King Songtsengampo (620-650 AD) was a Tibetan written language formulated. When the 5th Dalai Lama was in power he united the religious and secular aspects of government and subsequent Dalai Lamas have held all of these powers. Presently China governs Tibet with the current Dalai Lama in exile in India.
The people of Tibet are resourceful and resilient. Whilst generally being pragmatists, they have a great sense of humour and fun. Their culture is very old and their buildings and monasteries date back many centuries. Tibetan medicine dating back 13 centuries has a body of knowledge that we are only now recognising in the west. Their spiritual teachings are currently spreading throughout the world and their love of philosophy and peace reaches out to us all.