Published: Boulder Planet, June 4 - 10, 1997

If you had one day to spend in Tibet, what would you do?

"One day? Enjoy fresh air, and look at the sky, all blue. That's all."

How do you feel about the support of celebrities such as Richard Gere?

"Whether artists, celebrities, believers, non-believers, homeless people ... are the same. They all have the same potential. Anyone who has a warm heart and a smile, a big smile, I always welcome as a friend."

Should we boycott Chinese products?

"That is a tricky question. It is sticky, it has glues. I'm not seeking independence of Tibet, although Tibet is historically an independent nation. Today the situation in Tibet is very serious. Whether intentionally or unintentionally some kind of cultural genocide is taking place. Tibet's complete form of Buddhism is now dying. My task: save, protect Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism. Best is to talk with Chinese government to solve problem. Therefore the boycott, from my side, I am not much in favor about that.

"Indirectly, I'm helping China. The most important is stability and unity. Stability and unity must come through satisfaction, not through the barrel of a gun. The appearance of stability (in Tibet) does not come from satisfaction ... but from fear. Eventually the situation will work out, and the Chinese government will have to find a more constructive policy.

"Do you have any advice for parents?

"You should create an atmosphere of affection. Divorce should be seen as a last resort. Marriage should not be taken hurriedly. Know each other.

Develop respect for the other partner. Otherwise, I think you know better. I don't know".

What can I do to make it possible for you to return home?

"I'm willing to talk anywhere, anytime, with no conditions. I'm seeking genuine self-rule, not independence. We have made maximum concessions. Eventually, some agreement will be reached."

In addition to a free Tibet, what's your personal quest in this lifetime?

"That's my secret (laughs). I am a Buddhist monk. It's my wish to spend more time in meditation. To spend time in a remote area, like a wounded wild animal. That is my wish."

On hopelessness:

"Sometimes people feel I'm just useless, there is no hope. I think that is absolutely wrong. So wrong. We have these marvelous brains and warm hearts. We can overcome all problems - particularly man-made problems. Man-made problems are the result of our own intelligence, so logically, we should have the capacity to overcome that problem."

On nuclear disarmament:

"Some people say this is too far, too idealistic. It looks impractical, but it is worthwhile to have this ideal, because it takes effort. Once an idea settles in our minds and we make an effort through education, media and religion, there is a real possibility to achieve it."

On himself:

"Some of you may say, 'Oh, the Dalai Lama. Someone who is from far away, a mysterious land.' That may be the impression, but in reality we are all the same human being. Everyone has the same potential to become a happy person, and everyone has the potential to have a meaningful life."