subject: Tibetan Jewelry As Expressions of Empathy To Tibet Situation [print this page] Tibetan Jewelry As Expressions of Empathy To Tibet Situation
Tibetan jewelry may soon be considered artifacts, if the current situation of the Tibetan people is prolonged. Let's go back in time a bit to find out how a peace-loving country has been thrown in the midst of chaos.
Tibet has always been known as the home of the Holy Dalai Lama, a Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader who governs his people with peace, love and wisdom. All Dalai Lamas have always used diplomacy and non-violent activism in dealing with threats, such as the present occupation of Chinese armed forces in the country.
The History of Tibet
For centuries, Tibet was a unified empire, composed of self-governing states, vassal-ruled territories and provinces. People turned to His Holiness Dalai Lama, and his descendents, as their spiritual leader. When the communist party overthrew China in 1949, however, the country began forcing its power on Tibet, saying that it should be part of Chinese territory. In 1950, the People's Liberation Army started infiltrating Tibet silently, thereby forcing the Dalai Lama and other government officials to leave the capital. They were persuaded to come back to Lhasa, but on September, 1951, Chinese "liberation forces" stormed into the capital.
As years went by, the country began to experience rampant famine because of the presence of thousands of members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The country's agricultural system simply could not provide food for such a large number of people. Non-violent revolts were rampant, with Tibetan citizens protesting against the Chinese occupation. After strong resistance from rebels, though, the PLA started to become violent and more militant, bombing and pillaging monasteries in the country and even torturing and executing monks and guerilla leaders.
The Chinese occupation, which continues to this day, has wreaked havoc in the simple and once-peaceful country. Human rights of Tibetan citizens have been violated, thousands of lives were lost, people are tortured and hundreds more were taken as political prisoners. Knowing this, should we just turn a blind eye and let all these happen? It's time to make a stand and do our part to help free Tibet from this oppression.
Tibetan Jewelry for Peace and Unity
People have shown support for the Tibetan cause by patronizing Tibetan jewelry. By wearing a Tibetan ring or pendant, for instance, one can show the world that he is willing to fight for the cause of Tibet and for the Tibetan people's freedom to practice their beliefs. The popularity of Tibetan jewelry is also a sign of the rise of believers of Tibetan Buddhism in the western world, especially in the United States and Europe.
Cosmic jewelry artist David Weitzman has created special Tibetan jewelry, based on several sacred symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. The artist uses the Tibetan knot, the word Ohm, the Lotus and other symbols to create beautiful pendants, rings and bracelets that reminds wearers of the cycle of life and death and that freedom from attachment can lead to enlightenment.
Some can also choose to wear an Ohm pendant or a Lotus ring to signify their stand against the Chinese oppression for Tibet. One example of Tibetan jewelry that can be worn to show your support for Tibet is the Tibetan ring. Shaped in the form of the Tibetan knot, this ring symbolizes death and rebirththe cycle of life. It can also mean the way the world revolves around karmic consequences and connections.
Tibet is a sacred country rich in history and tradition. But all these are threatened by the ongoing Chinese occupation. Help Tibet preserve their natural resources, their culture and their freedom. By wearing Tibetan jewelry, you can give hope to this beautiful nation.
Whichever way you choose to wear Tibetan jewelry, you instill in yourself the power of Buddhist beliefs and achieve inner peace.
