China and Tibet

Om mani padme hum

• ‘O jewel of the lotus’• Sanskrit mantra sung daily by Tibetans and

held in very high regard by followers of the Dalai Lama. Viewing the words and hearing the words is spiritually beneficial according to Tibetan belief.

Who are the Tibetans?

Who are the Tibetans?

• Historically a mysterious Buddhist Kingdom hidden in the Himalayan mountains.

• Capital Lhasa.• Language: Tibetan and

Chinese• Religion: Tibetan.

Dalai Lama.• The Dalai Lama is the

spiritual head of the Tibet. • Not recognised by China.• Cosidered by Tibetans to

be the reincarnation of the Avalokiteśvara- The Buddha of Compassion.

• The Dalai Lama is identified shortly after birth.

• The current Dalai Lama is the 14th Dalai Lama –Tenzin Gyatso

Tibetan Culture

• Influenced by Buddhism – Teaching of Impermanence.

Art

Flag of Tibet

Flag of Tibet3 sided border showing opening mindedness to other cultures

6 rays from the run showing the six tribes of Tibet.

White triangle represents a snow capped mountain

Lions holding Ying/yang represent fearlessness and balance

Sun represents equality and freedom; three jews are ‘Dharma, Buddha and Sangha

Chinese Emancipation/Invasion of Tibet.

Task1:In your books draw a table above and consider the following sources.Source 1: http://freetibet.org/about/facts-about-tibetSource 2: Clip from the Movie ‘7 years in Tibet’ based on a true story.Source 3: Clip from a Chinese Government documentary on the Liberation of Tibet.

What reason might the Chinese have for annexing Tibet?

What outcomes are mentioned.