The Tibet Connection

For anyone who found the film 'Kundun' interesting, or who is thinking about writing about that question, here are a couple of related links.

First, an article from 'The Australian', which gives a nice overview of the situation. This is the article which reports that the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs has said that the reincarnation of a Buddha 'without government approval is illegal and invalid'.

Secondly, do take a look at Michael Palin's excellent website, and the pages on The Himalaya. You can actually read the whole book and see all the photos from Michael's tv series here.

Finally, a very interesting podcast - a 25-minute radio programme from 'The Tibet Connection'. This would be good listening practice apart from anything else, and the programme is well worth listening to. Details and link to the podcast below.

The Tibet Connection for March 2009

OUR MARCH 09 PROGRAM FEATURES: FROM THE NEWS DESK: WHAT'S ON THE DALAI LAMA'S MIND? Acclaimed travel writer and essayist PICO IYER speaks with Christal Smith about how the Tibetan leader is thinking at this critical historical juncture...WITNESS TO HISTORY: Dolma was just giving birth to a baby girl. Pema Dhondup brings this report about what Dolma saw on those fateful days in March 1959...THE SERF QUESTION: We speak with DR. JOHN POWERS a professor of Asian Studies and Histories at Australian National University, did China liberate Tibetans from the yoke of feudalism as Beijing claims?...TIBET UPDATE REPORT: Executive Producer and Asian Correspondent Rebecca Novick speaks with reporter LHAKPA KYIZOM about what Tibetans in Tibet are feeling and why they continue to protest even in the face of China's severe crackdown...NEWS ROUND UP: Chinese government announces 50th anniversary celebrations of "democratic reform" in Tibet; Tibetans boycott New Year; Tibetan youth dies in custody; clashes with police and monks in Eastern Tibet, and more...

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