By Beth Murphy
Ball State professor Larry Gerstein has been a student of Buddhism and Asian culture since the 1960s. He co-founded the International Tibet Independence Movement, which helps Tibetans relocate to the Indianapolis area by finding jobs, housing and educational opportunities. ITIM also works for the release of Tibetan political prisoners and advocates boycotts of China’s goods. ITIM will sponsor its fifth Walk for Tibet March 6-10 from Bloomington to Indianapolis. For more information, visit www.rangzen.com or email rangzen@aol.com.
How did you become interested in the Tibetan independence movement?
In the mid-1980s, I was introduced to the work of the Dalai Lama by a friend in Indianapolis. Soon after, I attended a lecture and slide show at the Central Library by Thubten Jigme Norbu (also known as Taktster Rinpoche), the Dalai Lama’s oldest brother, founder of the Tibetan Cultural Center (in Bloomington), and retired IU professor. His presentation greatly disturbed me and activated a strong, deep motivation to help Tibetans regain their country. About a year later, Rinpoche asked me to lead what was then called the Indiana Tibet Committee.
Why is Tibet important?
Tibetans have an ancient, rich culture built on the principles, for example, of compassion, wisdom, justice, nonviolence, spirituality and altruism. Tibetans honor their land, environment, animals and other sentient beings. Since China’s invasion in 1949, there has been massive suffering in Tibet. Some call China’s actions in Tibet genocide. China has many nuclear weapons in Tibet pointed at India and Europe. To stop the destruction in Tibet, to preserve the Tibetan culture, and to assure that Tibet is a peace zone between China and India, it is absolutely essential that Tibetans rule their own country.
What’s the state of human rights in Tibet?
Tibetans have no human or religious rights in Tibet.
What hope is there for Tibet?
Ultimately, Tibet will be independent. Tibetans and Tibet supporters are dedicated, motivated and highly skilled, and they will persist until this outcome is achieved . . . . There is growing support for Tibet among world leaders and governments. Finally, the overwhelming majority of Chinese citizens yearn for democracy, and there is compelling evidence to indicate that the current Communist system is very fragile and likely to collapse in the near future.
