Tibetan culture faces extinction, young Buddhist leader says

By LYNSEY ADDARIO

DHARMSALA, India (February 19, 2000 9:17 a.m. EST

http://www.nandotimes.com) - A teenage Buddhist leader who recently fled

Chinese-controlled Tibet said Saturday that the rich traditions and

culture of Tibet are facing extinction.

"Tibet, where great religions and cultures have flourished in the past,

is facing a great threat of extinction. ... It is scaryand frightening,"

the lama said in his speech to more than 100 followers in the northern

town of Dharmsala, the headquarters of the Dalai Lama.

The 14-year-old Karmapa said some other parts of the world also were

facing conflicts and sufferings like Tibet.

He fled from Tibet across the Himalayas a month ago by road, horseback

and foot. India has not yet made any decision on the teen-age lama's

status.

The Karmapa's flight from his monastery is considered a setback to the

Chinese contention that it respects Tibetan culture and religion.

Early this month, the Karmapa said that freedom is necessary to practice

Tibetan Buddhism's most important teaching - compassion.

On Friday, he participated in the celebrations of the 60th anniversary

of the Dalai Lama's enthronement at age 4.

"I pray for a better future for Tibet," the Karmapa said on Saturday and

paid rich tributes to the leadership of the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama has broken his personal retreat to hold five meetings

with the Karmapa since his arrival.

The selection of Karmapa as the reincarnation of his predecessor was

approved by both the Dalai Lama and Chinese authorities and he traveled

widely in China, but was not allowed to leave or have his teachers

brought to him.