Role of Tibetan Women in the Preservation and Perpetuation of the Tibetan Culture in Exile
By Phurbu Tso
Suja TCV (X 'B')
(Following is a translation of the original text in Chinese.
Attempts have been made to maintain originality and structure of
the language. However, complex sentences with varying ideas have
been broken into simpler sentences for clarity. )
Introduction
Tibet is a country encompassing all three regions and has history dating back thousands of years. In the land surrounded by ranges of high snow mountains, an extraordinary people and its culture has flourished.
In the twenty first century, Tibetan culture is not only admired and practiced by Tibetans; it is also highly respected by scientist all over the world. Unfortunately Tibet has been under Chinese occupation for close to fifty years and Tibetan identity and culture is under attack by the chauvinistic Chinese. There is an increasing evidence of moral corruption and diminishing value attached to the ancient culture and wisdom of Tibet.
Now we must strengthen our vigor and stand up to preserve and advance our Tibetan culture. We must carry this responsibility, as we are the sole heir to our traditional culture and religion. On the cultural front, what sort of imprint women of Tibet will leave for the future? This is yet to be seen.
Tibetan Culture
There are different ways to understand physical realms, as there are various ways to comprehend the mental realm. Tibetan culture as we understand at the present moment is a traditional culture that had been developed gradually by the people of Tibet for generations. It is a culture that had been influenced by different social customs and orders, first of which was the ancient Bon religion. Than there the influence of the Tibetan Buddhism that originated from Tibet. Since Buddhism was introduced to Tibet, Tibetan not only became devote Buddhist, it also became an integral part of Tibetan daily lives. In this essay, my reference to Buddhism should be understood as Tibetan Buddhism.
His Holiness has said that Tibetan Buddhism is not only for controlling people's mind, it is also for world peace.
Even though Tibetan culture is flourishing around the world, Tibet is suffering from Chinese occupation and population transfer. In that way, Tibetan culture and language have been experiencing degradation to the point of extinction. Therefore all Tibetans, regardless of their gender should heed to the call of preserving our culture and protecting our father's land.
Tibetans are a unique race, and development of its traditional culture has not kept pace with the world that is modernizing. So it is particularly important for Tibetan women to work for the preservation of our culture.
The Important Nature of Tibetan Culture
For a good Tibetan woman, it is important to understand the Tibetan culture. Love for the culture will originate from practicing and experiencing it. Therefore Tibetans should study the culture in order to understand and build interest in it.
As I see it, Tibetan spoken and written languages are two aspects of the Tibetan culture. Though Tibet is under China, we are still Tibetans, so it is more evident that we have to preserve our languages, as it is the essence of our culture. We must learn to adapt to the situation and evolve so to continue the development of our ancient culture. Each one of us must build Tibetan identity and closeness to the Tibetan culture. Having Tibetan appearance is not enough; we must be patriotic and taken action.
One's love for the race is the foundation for any action and we must have respect for our activities. As we are exile on political ground, regaining our country and preserving our culture are responsibilities we cannot hide from. Tibetans in exile are representatives of six million Tibetans in Tibet and it is our duty to promulgate our religion, language and culture in the world.
How to Preserve the Tibetan Culture
Tibetan should know and live its culture well and by doing that we will be able to advance our culture and pass it on. On this matter, Tibetan women have greater responsibility.
Tibetan women play an important part in promulgating the Tibetan culture. In order to pass our culture to the next generation, it is important to raise a pure Tibetans. For that one must love Tibetan.
Women should not be relegated to the confinement of their small houses, nor should they involve themselves only with household chores. Women should diligently study both traditional and modern education to further their understanding and knowledge. That is way to contribute to the preservation and advancement of the Tibetan culture.
There is a campaign to allow nuns to become doctor of divinity, which is laudable. Highly accomplished woman like Ama Jetsun Pema, the head of Tibetan Children's Village and Gyari Rinpochi's mother, who have contributed handsomely to the Tibetan cultural heritage, must be acknowledged. On similar note, women working for the Tibetan government or non-governmental organization must all strive to preserve and advance the Tibetan culture.
In today's society, culture and costume represents modernity and because of that advancing one's traditional costume is vital. For Tibetan mothers to wear traditional dress and wear traditional apron to signify marriage is a beginning gesture.
Moreover, it is very important to develop the mental discipline. For example, just like Chinese women have four vows and three things to respect that serve as a guiding principle, Tibetan women should revere white Tara and from that develop the unique Tibetan quality of putting others before self. That should be passed on to the future generations. A Tibetan mother should get actively involve in political activities and encourage taking Tibetan traditional heritage as direction for any projects. These two are mutually dependent on one another.
Conclusion:
The vast Tibetan culture has suffered much destruction in half a century that Tibet had been under China. Tibetan culture had been dishonored to a point where it now faces danger of extinction. The Tibetan government in exile has worked hard to preserve Tibetan culture and we individuals must support that endeavor. The danger facing Tibetan culture is grave but if all Tibetans (Tsampa eater) work together and diligently, our culture can be saved and revived. Each individual can exert such measure.
There is a Chinese saying that goes, 'if one has will, one can achieve anything'. Like wise, exiled Tibetan should strive hard towards a common goal in reviving our great culture, culture that includes our ancestral values and language. In fact, all Tibetan should work together to that end. In summery, Tibetans everywhere must support one another and fight for our rights. We must work to set a path for our future happiness.