Contemplating the Dalai Lama

Re “The Dalai Lama as dupe,” Opinion, April 3

Although immediately offended by the headline, I read Elliot Sperling’s Op-Ed article but failed to find coherence or clarity. His assertion that “since the early 1970s, the Dalai Lama has had no desire to see Tibet independent” is, to use his words, sadly ludicrous.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader (in exile) of the Tibetan people. Pragmatically, he has down-scaled his expectations, saying he would accept less than complete independence, but spiritually, he remains deeply wounded by the decimation of Tibetan culture and religion following the Chinese invasion decades ago.

The casual reader might also be confused by Sperling’s assertion that China will eventually “select a new Dalai Lama.”

The Chinese government might claim that it has done so, as with the Panchen Lama, but with no more credibility or legitimacy than an attempt by the prime minister of Italy to select the next pope.

Also of interest is Sperling’s affiliation at Indiana University, where the Dalai Lama’s older brother once taught.

Dennis M. Davidson

Indian Wells

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Whether the Dalai Lama or his advisors are being duped or not, I don’t know.

However, I feel that the Dalai Lama should firmly demand genuine autonomy within the realm of a democratic China rather than under a tyrannical communist China.

To communists, an agreement is a “paper tiger,” which they can easily tear up if and when it doesn’t suit them, and which they can use, in a predatory manner, when it does.

Tsoltim N. Shakabpa

Chino Hills