Dalai Lama Says: 'Tibetan Protests are Suicidal'

NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The 60 year struggle of the Tibetan people to be free of Chinese rule and domination has reached a turning point says Robert Thurman, scholar, former Tibetan Buddhist monk, co-founder with Richard Gere of Tibet House US in New York City www.tibethouse.org and close personal friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Thurman's recently published book Why the Dalai Lama Matters (Atria Books/Beyond Words, $24.00) www.bobthurman.com explores the Dalai Lama's blueprint for a free and autonomous Tibet and provides realistic, detailed programs of reconciliation at the very moment Tibetan protests have become, according to the Dalai Lama, a "Death Sentence."

"The Tibetans are fed up with demographic oppression and their non-violent protests are suicidal," says Thurman who stresses that the Dalai Lama Matters More Now Than Ever: "It was clear from the Dalai Lama's visit to New York City this month that the situation in Tibet is urgent. It is also clear that the time is ripe for change because China has become a world power and has more self-confidence so it is in China's best interest to gain the respect of the world by embracing the Dalai Lama and his Middle-Way Approach for a free Tibet."

Why the Dalai Lama Matters focuses on the Dalai Lama's Middle-Way Approach, a path between outright independence and Chinese occupation. The Middle-Way Approach (which has gathered accolades for the Dalai Lama from the Nobel Peace Prize to the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal) will achieve meaningful autonomy within the Chinese union rather than accepting the status quo. Thurman's book also explores just why the Dalai Lama has earned the world's love and respect, and how restoring Tibet's autonomy within China is not only possible, but highly reasonable, and absolutely necessary for China, Tibet, and all of us to have a peaceful future.

Dalai Lama's Middle-Way Approach is a Win-Win

Free Tibetan Economy Means Economic and Environmental Benefits for China Including:

Environmentally beneficial agricultural products.

Sustainable forest management.

Sustainable herbal tea and medicine harvesting.

Non-polluting mining.

Increased, high value tourism.

Switzerland-like global finance and banking industry.

Five Step Plan for China:

Unite Tibetan provinces.

Establish one-country, two-system governance like Hong Kong.

Mend relations with the world's beloved Dalai Lama.

Support environmental restoration of Tibet.

Instill peace of mind.

Five Step Response From the Dalai Lama:

Tour Tibet to make Tibetans happy.

Reward Chinese leadership - restore Chinese spirituality.

Promote unity and spiritual wellbeing.

Lead Tibetans to join China voluntarily.

Become China's goodwill ambassador.

Why the Dalai Lama Matters is not merely a book about Tibet or the Dalai Lama. It is a revealing, provocative solution for a world in conflict, dealing with the very fundamentals of human rights and freedoms and illuminates a worldwide call-to-action NOW while spotlighting a humble monk who inspires optimism for all people in conflict.

A substantial portion of the proceeds from the sale of Why the Dalai Lama Matters further the work of Tibet House US to preserve the culture of Tibet.

Note About Robert Thurman:

Scholar, author, co-founder with Richard Gere of Tibet House US.

Former Tibetan Buddhist monk (first American ordained monk, 1964).

Professor Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies, Columbia University.

Dubbed "The Dalai Lama's man in America" (NY Times Magazine).

Named one of the "25 Most Influential Americans" (Time magazine).

Lectures all over the world about a free Tibet, his charisma and enthusiasm drawing packed audiences.

Contact:

Robert Thurman www.bobthurman.com

Tibet House US www.tibethouse.org (212) 807-0563

SOURCE Robert Thurman

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