During Sacred Month, Beijing Cracks Down on Tibetan Buddhists

Chinese authorities have issued directives to Tibetan students, government workers, and retirees, instructing m to abstain from participating in religious activities in Lhasa during Buddhist holy month of Saga Dawa. This information is based on 4 sources who spoke to Rio Free Asia.

Saga Dawa, a significant festival in Tibetan Buddhism, takes place during fourth month of Tibetan lunar calendar. This year, it spans from May 9 to June 6. festival commemorates birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha.

Here is what you need to know

During this sacred period, thousands of Tibetan Buddhists undertake pilgrimages to Lhasa's temples and walk revered kora routes around Lingkhor and Barkhor streets, encircling Jokhang Temple. ritual of kora, which involves making a circumambulation around sacred sites or objects, is considered highly virtuous. Tibetan Buddhists believe that merits of such deeds are amplified during Saga Dawa based on ir location.

However, since beginning of Saga Dawa, Chinese police have ramped up security around major religious sites, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor area. 

se heightened security measures are indicative of worsening religious freedom situation in Tibet. Chinese government’s policies of suppression and Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism aim to bring religion under control of Chinese Communist Party.

A deeper look 

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has engaged in a sustained campaign to suppress Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet since People's Liberation Army entered region in 1950. 

When CCP took control of Tibet in 1950, it initially opted a relatively conciliatory approach, recognizing Dalai Lama as political leer of Tibet. However, this changed dramatically following 1959 Tibetan Uprising. revolt, which was brutally suppressed, led to flight of Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans to India.

During Cultural Revolution, Red Guards destroyed thousands of monasteries, temples, and religious artefacts. By end of this period, only a handful of monasteries remained intact out of thousands that existed before 1959. Monks and nuns were forcibly secularized, subjected to public humiliation, and often sent to labor camps.

Beijing's control over religious leership

CCP insists on approving selection of reincarnated lamas (tulkus), including Panchen Lama. most notable case is disappearance of 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was detained by Chinese authorities and replaced by a state-appointed Panchen Lama.

Monasteries are required to incorporate "patriotic education" programs, which include study of CCP ideology and Chinese laws. Monks and nuns must pledge loyalty to state over ir religious commitments. CCP imposes quotas on number of monks and nuns allowed in each monastery, limiting religious vocations. Monasteries are closely monitored by state, with surveillance cameras and informants to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Restrictions on festivals and pilgrimages

Religious festivals are eir restricted or entirely banned. For instance, major religious garings such as Kalachakra initiation are often forbidden or tightly controlled.  Travel to sacred sites both within Tibet and abro is heavily restricted. Those caught participating in unauthorized pilgrimages face harsh penalties.

Cultural and Linguistic Assimilation

CCP promotes Mandarin over Tibetan, especially in education and official settings. This undermines Tibetan as a medium of religious instruction and daily life. Tritional Tibetan customs and rituals are discouraged, and Han Chinese migration into Tibet is encouraged to dilute Tibetan cultural identity.

Crackdown on Religious Expression and Dissent

extensive surveillance network extends beyond monasteries to general populace, monitoring religious activities and expressions of dissent. Monks, nuns, and laypersons who resist CCP policies or engage in unauthorized religious practices are often arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to torture. High-profile cases include imprisonment of figures like abbot of Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Ideological Indoctrination

Schools and monasteries are required to teach CCP ideology, with a focus on portraying Party as liberator of Tibet from feudalism and superstition. State-controlled media disseminate propaganda that portrays Tibetan Buddhism in a negative light while glorifying CCP achievements in region.

  suppression has led to a significant erosion of Tibetan cultural and religious identity. Continuous repression has caused widespre psychological trauma among Tibetans, contributing to acts of self-immolation in protest.

Despite extensive suppression, Tibetan Buddhism remains resilient. Tibetan diaspora, especially in India, continues to preserve and promote Tibetan culture and religion. Dalai Lama and or Tibetan leers in exile have worked tirelessly to bring international attention to plight of Tibet.