Buddha’s Not Smiling

In the past two decades, Buddhism has seen a surge in popularity and millions around the globe consider Tibetan Buddhism to be the most authentic and pure form of religion. However, the Tibetan Buddhist world is facing a political conflict between Tibetan lamas that threatens its integrity and the thousand-year-old teachings. Rumtek monastery was attacked on August 2, 1993. The monks of Rumtek were expelled, and the cloister was handed over to the supporters of a group of boy-lamas who had been appointed by the Chinese government. Rumtek wasn’t in China, and the attackers weren’t Communist troops. Rumtek was in India where most Tibetan exiles are safe. The siege was led by Tibetan monks and lamas. Evidence shows that Chinese agents supported the attack on Rumtek monastery by Tibetan monks and lamas. Although the media has focused on celebrities of international Buddhist faith, the full picture of the controversy is blurred. Buddha’s smile challenges readers to assess the current state of Tibetan Buddhism.