Asia today

Back with a revenge

Last friday on CNN's breaking news, Lhasa is erupted in deadly violence as Chinese security forces used gunfire to quell the unrest after 3 days of protests by hundreds of monks in Lhasa, India and else where around the world that marked the anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

I was shocked to see the world's highest city littered with cars and motorbikes set ablaze. Black smoke billowed in the background not far from the Jokhang temple where the riot started. Barely a year ago I was with Jick walking around Barkor street and saying prayers.

My close friend, Nat, now in Dharamsala atttending the annual spring teachings, has probably witnessed the brutal truth the Tibetans have to accept when news of Lhasa riots spread across the Himalaya region.

Last October in Yangon city, the Burmese junta also crushed on the unarmed protest led by monks and many were killed as they marched in the street. A peaceful demonstration has turned uglily into a bloody massacre.

The non-violence approach adopted by Buddhist monks is always met with violent suppression by the opposed party. It was worrying to think if the monks resort to violence to fight for their freedom, there will be even more uprisings like these in near future.

Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has already appealed to the Chinese leadership not to use force and address the long-simmering resentment of the Tibetan people through sincere dialogues.

I can only hope the Chinese will drop their weapons, and come up with a win-win solution for both the Tibetans and themselves.

Violence can never curb violence. Only loving kindness and compassion can.

Angkor Wat under a stormy sky, Siam reap.