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Sometimes from a fight.

Sometimes from captivity.

Sometimes from politics.

Sometimes from a Government.

Sometimes from the populace.

Sometimes from the enemy.

Sometimes from the people and sometimes from yourself

You have to run away--

You have to make the Great Escape.

I was directed to leave Tibet that night!

The very same night!

This incident dates back to my childhood.

But, I still remember, I was waiting for someone that day.

Lhamo!

-Lhamo, where are you going? -I am going to Lhasa!

You're going to Lhasa, are you?

-Do you want to eat? -No, mom!

They will be here soon.

Then, you must eat your food. Lhasa is very far away.

They will be here soon!

-They are coming? -Yes!

Who is coming, Lhamo?

Do you want to see what mom has made for you?

Lhamo, come let's eat together.

Let's go.

Did you do the pujas at the monastery?

Yes father. All the pujas went very well.

Dad! I want to go to Lhasa!

- You want to go to Lhasa? -Yes!

Oh the same thing again?

Oh!

They will be here soon.

Oh! They are coming?

All right! For now, let's eat.

Okay?

He has been talking about Lhasa all day long.

Come on now! Lhamo and mom

-are going to eat now. -Take this!

Eat this.

Take a bite.

Lhamo, eat this. I'll be back in a moment.

I'll see who it is.

Please come in.

These people are on their way to Lhasa.

They want to stop here for a little while.

I told them they can stay with us tonight.

No problem. Do ask them to sit. Let me get tea.

Please, sit down.

(Buddhist chant)

This is mine!

Alright.

You can have it. First, tell me, who I am?

Sera Lama!

I don't know how I recognized Sera Lama.

Lhamo, this belongs to him! Please return it.

Let's go to sleep.

Sleep well little boy.

Sweet dreams little boy.

They placed a lot of similar looking objects before me.

I recognized a few.

This is mine.

This is mine too.

This is mine.

Everything that I picked as mine

actually belonged to the 13th Dalai Lama.

Kundun! Your Holiness!

Sera Lama had come to our village seeking Dalai Lama's 14th reincarnation.

I was pronounced the 14th Dalai Lama.

'Kundun' which means holy presence.

Tibet's tradition of Dalai Lama is almost 700 years old.

The title 'Dalai Lama'

meaning 'Ocean of Wisdom', was first accorded in the year 1578.

When Mongol King Altan Khan and his entire tribe turned Buddhist

he bestowed this title upon the 3rd Dalai Lama

Sonam Gyatso!

In exchange for Buddhist teaching

the Mongol King promised to protect Tibetan Borders in return.

Which he did. Since then, the Dalai Lama

is known as the 'Buddha of Compassion'

and is regarded as the protector of innocent souls.

The Dalai Lama is the most revered spiritual leader of Tibet.

(Buddhist chant)

(Buddhist chant)

(Buddhist chant)

(Buddhist chant)

(Buddhist chant)

(Buddhist chant)

(Buddhist chant)

(Buddhist chant)

-I bow to the Buddha. -I bow to the Buddha.

-I bow to the Sangha. -I bow to the Sangha.

-I bow to the Dharma. -I bow to the Dharma.

Those days were quite difficult for me

I missed my mother a lot

I didn't like being the Dalai Lama.

But, I loved some of the stories from Buddhism

about how Buddhism travelled from

India to Tibet 1100 years after Gautama Buddha.

Back then, Tibetans followed another religion called 'Bon'

but gradually, Buddhism seeped into the lives of almost all Tibetans.

Everyone, from the Peasants to the tribal Tibetan warriors

adopted Buddhism as a way of life.

Mongolia--

Apart from religious texts

I was also taught Geography, Philosophy, Logic

Sanskrit, Science and Astrology.

(Tibetan language)

As time passed, I started to understand my lessons

and I began to change.

This is Tibet!

And here lies China.

China.

And here is India.

India!

(Buddhist chant)

We cannot always change difficult circumstances.

But how we respond to it

can always be changed.

Positive thinking should be the order of life.

We are not here to spread unhappiness.

Tolerance, kindness and love

are basic qualities that every human must possess.

Lord Buddha

after attaining enlightenment

preached the 4 noble truths.

Can you tell me what they are?

-The truth of suffering. -The truth of suffering

The truth of the cause of suffering. The truth of the cause of suffering.

The truth of the end of suffering. The truth of the end of suffering.

-The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.

- The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering

Therefore?

-Understand your misery. -Understand your misery.

Give up the cause of your misery.

Give up the cause of your misery.

And follow the path of truth.

Follow the path of truth.

-This is the Truth. -Yes.

Rinpoche!

Why does China claim that Tibet is a part of China?

That does not have an easy answer.

However, I will try to explain as best as I can.

After 200 years of enslavement by Manchuria

In 1911, after the Chinese revolution, China became free.

Under the leadership of Dr. Sun Yat Sen

the Republic of China was established.

That was the first government of modern China.

Since then, China has been adamant that

all the countries earlier enslaved by Manchuria

rightfully belong to China.

Mongolia might have been enslaved by Manchuria.

However, Tibet was only a protectorate of Manchuria.

Tibet has been free for thousands of years.

And China

is simply a neighbouring country, just like India.

Now, Mao Tse Tung wishes to force Tibet

to be a part of China.

But isn't that wrong, Rinpoche?

Absolutely, Kundun.

But, so long as your studies are not completed

and Tibet's throne has no leader on it

The times are a little dangerous.

Mother used to visit me every month.

I would look forward to her visits.

Now, my youngest brother

Tenzin Choegyal used to come with her too.

Kundun.

And then, one day, Phala brought some bad news.

40,000 strong army of Communist China have reached East Tibet.

We have news that they wish to advance to Lhasa.

For now, Khampa warriors are holding them off.

But for how long, Kundun?

We have written to various countries for help.

But, Britain says that India is now an independent country.

Hence, Britain no longer has any troops stationed here.

India recently became Independent.

So they can't help us.

America hasn't responded yet.

Well, at least we know already

that we will have to help ourselves.

During that time of danger, Tibet needed unity.

Kashag believed that it was time

for me to ascend the throne of the Dalai Lama.

Phala, every Dalai Lama was given at least 18 years.

I am only 15.

How can I lead Tibet?

You are ready, Kundun.

China has to be sent a message

that Tibet now has a leader.

Only you can boost the country's morale now.

-But, Phala... -No.

Look within. You have done this before.

You have come back to us to show us the way.

Phala.

What if Sera Lama was wrong about me?

No, Kundun. That's could not have happened.

The 13th Dalai Lama left us many clues

That pointed to you as the next Dalai Lama.

We trust you completely.

This is communism.

This is communism.

This is Mao Tse Tung.

Mao Tse Tung.

-Mao Tse Tung. -On the one hand, our religion

taught me about sensitivity and restraint every day

and on the other, our neighbour China.

was testing this education at our borders.

Remember, Communism is Mao Tse Tung.

As time passed, China's threat to our independence grew.

Then, one day, my eldest brother

Taktser Rinpoche- Thubten Jigme Norbu came to see me.

The Chinese want to make all of Tibet, communist.

Khampa and Amdo are in a bad shape Kundun.

In every monastery

and even in schools, communism is being taught.

They want to wipe out Buddhism, Kundun.

They wish to make you acquiesce to this.

For one and a half years

in Taktser, they forbade

me from practicing Buddhism, Kundun.

Forgive me.

I told them that--

I told them

I will obey

and will tell you to do the same.

Otherwise they wouldn't have allowed me to come see you and

you had to be informed, Kundun.

I understand

You must go away, Kundun.

You should leave.

Rinpoche was saying something of grave importance

but, we could only offer our friendship to China.

Lukhangwa.

Tashi la.

As of today, you are the prime ministers of Tibet.

Kundun.

For as long as I am out of Lhasa

and even after that

you will have the right to take decisions for Tibet.

First of all, you

must send a delegation to China with a message from me.

Tell them

that we are ready to negotiate and compromise.

On the condition that

their army shouldn't advance to Lhasa.

On hearing my brother's news, it was decided

that I would be taken closer to the border of India, to Yatung.

The Dalai Lama had to be protected from all danger.

That was the Kashag's decision

and I had to obey.

Today, we declare

that we have signed an agreement with China.

This 17 point agreement accepts that Tibet is a part of China.

The honourable leadership of China will allow us full freedom.

As per this agreement

the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama's positions--

I learnt later that

before our delegation arrived in Peking

China had this agreement drafted out.

After many days of debate, and after issuing threats

our delegation was forced to sign this agreement.

The agreement also said that

the Chinese would allow the Tibetan people

to follow their religion.

And no force or coercion will be used on them.

But, we had lost our status as an independent country and our rights.

The Tibetan delegation wasn't even given the chance

to confer with me or

contact anyone in the Lhasa government.

Kundun.

Phala.

I've never met a Chinese official.

I don't know what he'll be like or what he will say.

And why is he coming here anyway?

Why can't we meet him at Lhasa?

He has specially gone out of his way

to meet you here before heading to Lhasa.

I have nothing to say to him.

Please offer him tea as soon as he arrives.

Which tea, Kundun?

Chinese or Tibetan?

Phala!

Nyi Hao! (Chinese)

Dalai Lama.

Tashi Delek!

Tashi Delek!

I'm General Tang Tin Wuh

representing Mao Tse Tung here in Lhasa.

We are here to protect you from the imperialists.

We are concerned about our people.

Thank you.

Please have some Chinese tea.

Phala.

The time has come for us to return to Lhasa.

(Tibetan language)

And here's the letter from the Chairman Mao Tse Tung

welcoming you to our mother land.

Nothing they said had any meaning now.

Because, the Chinese had reached Lhasa.

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.1 (Chinese) One Two One

1.2.3.4.5 (Tibetan) game being played.

1.2.3.4.5 (Tibetan)

1.2.3.4.5 (Tibetan)

Chinese!

Chinese!

Your people were being openly hostile towards us.

That's why we had to beat up a few.

If they persist in their resistance

we will have to take stricter action.

General Chin, have you ever considered

why they are being hostile?

You arrived six months ago.

There were 3000 of you.

You took 2000 tonnes of grain from us right away.

You said that you would bring about progress.

But what did you do?

You've appropriated land from the farmers

and are using it to create roads for the movement of your forces.

The roads are for everyone.

Not only for us.

In return

why didn't you allot other land to the farmers?

We don't have more land that can be farmed.

On top of that, 3 months ago

another 3000 people arrived.

And you asked for another 2000 tonnes of grain.

They didn't bring anything with them!

General, Lhasa can't feed itself.

We will suffer a famine.

General, why did you come to Lhasa?

To protect you!

From whom General? From whom?

We are not in any danger.

Except from the Chinese!

Your Holiness.

You've signed the 17-point agreement.

So,

don't forget that.

We're quite aware General

of how that signature was procured.

We aren't here to discuss that agreement.

It is much too late for that.

General, the other matter..

Oh yes.

And yes

Tibetans are banding together and singing anti-Chinese songs.

That has to be stopped.

Singing has to be stopped?

In a few days

even us breathing will become offensive to you, right?

Mother--

General.

I'm warning you.

Please.

Lukhangwa--

The 17 point agreement also states

that you will not force my people to do anything that's against their will.

If you expect us to keep our side of the promise

what about you?

I request you, please--

Do not disrupt the Tibetan way of life.

General.

Next time, do remember to take your shoes off outside.

-Kids, are you happy? -Yes.

Do you like Chinese being here?

Yes. But

- we don't like the new rule. - Which rule?

Whenever a Chinese official is passing by, we have to clap.

Let's go.

Our persecution at the hands of the Chinese continued.

They meddled with every aspect of Tibetan life.

Ominous. Ominous. We spit on you.

The peace loving Tibetan populace opposed this.

But to no effect.

Ominous. Ominous. We spit on you.

Phala, tell General Chin Wuh

I want to take a delegation to China.

To meet Mao Tse Tung.

Kundun, this is a newly built road.

If the Chinese hadn't made this road

perhaps, this journey would have taken months.

Kundun, our people have certainly benefitted.

However, perhaps our people never wished to travel to China.

They were never asked what sort of progress they wished for.

These roads are for the movement of the Chinese army.

So, they can travel in to and out of Tibet.

Moreover, a road is a convenience.

Not necessarily development.

When the people are so unhappy

what good is this sort of development ?

Welcome to the Motherland, Dalai Lama.

Tashi Delek!

May there be nothing but peace between our people.

My generals in Lhasa, I hope they have not caused you

any inconvenience Dalai Lama.

My people in Lhasa hope

that you will be fair to them.

Do you know anything about communism, Dalai Lama?

-Yes, we initiated some reforms-- -It means equality.

It means sameness.

It means to be fair.

It means to kill everything that is imperialist.

If I had my way people would not have names.

Only numbers.

I even proposed it.

Dalai Lama, please have your tea.

Dalai Lama, make sure that you see China properly.

We will develop Tibet just like we did China.

We want to show you what real progress is.

We don't have too many needs, you see..

Dalai Lama, don't get me wrong.

My mother was also Buddhist.

So I can understand you.

But I strongly believe that

religion is poison.

It undermines the race and retards the progress of the country.

Dalai Lama, Tibet and Mongolia have been poisoned.

They have to be cleaned.

Goodbye, Dalai Lama.

The Motherland will take care of you.

Our religion wasn't poison.

It was the basis of our lives.

The basis of our thinking and of our non-violence.

Its what gave meaning to our lives.

What did development mean? The development of what?

Buildings, roads.. But what about the mind? Of thinking and perception?

I could sense what was to come in the future of Tibet.

Non violent Tibetans were changing.

Simple folk were leaving their homes

and joining the Khampa warriors up in the mountains.

The Khampas were the only people

who had been fighting China for years.

Monlam festival .

The most important religious festival in Tibet.

In that March of 1959,

I was taking my spiritual studies exams.

We wish to meet the Dalai Lama. It's urgent.

What is it? Please tell me.

How do you define emptiness?

There are many fields of existence.

The earth and universe work on the principle of cause and effect.

That's the ultimate truth.

This rule causes anguish to humans.

Some people immerse themselves in sorrow and some don't

and that is also the truth.

Would you say that to the General?

Please have him come out.

I have an urgent message for him.

Give me the message.

The message will be delivered only to who it is meant for.

Go in and tell him that.

Phala.

Please come this way.

General Chin Wu and General Tan would like

you to attend a theatre performance at the Chinese camp.

Kundun, for such a small matter!

They want to know when you can come.

Please convey my apologies to them.

And tell them that until my exams conclude

I cannot give an answer.

But, we were told to bring back a date.

You will have to wait for a few more days.

This has grown well.

Please do continue to look after them.

Tashi Delek!

Prayers for Tara Devi

Prayers for Tara Devi

Prayers for Tara Devi

Yes, That's me. Tashi Delek!

Let me find out.

I'll tell you right away.

Compassion, the most sacred heart...

Tenth.

The tenth of March.

The plan is simple. - CHINESE

Here is Dalai Lama's residence, Norbulingka

in this area.

And this is the stone bridge

over the Lhasa river.

Here across the river is the military camp.

And here is the theatre setup.

Dapon has come.

Bodyguard Dapon.

The Dalai Lama will be coming here for a Chinese performance tomorrow.

When he arrives

he should have any guards with him.

No guards?

That's impossible, General.

Whenever Kundun steps out

he is escorted by at least 20 guards.

Really?

But, tomorrow, he can have only three.

That too unarmed.

But why?

The bastard doesn't get it.

Explain to him.

If someone from the camp sees armed guards and fires

who will be responsible?

We don't want any problems.

Do you understand?

(Chinese language)

Buddhist Prayer.

Buddhist Prayer.

Kundun!

Kundun!

You must not attend the event at the Chinese camp tomorrow.

The Chinese plan to kidnap you.

Buddhist Prayer.