Tibetans in Exile
Excerpted from www.tibet.com
POPULATION
Approx: 111,170 in exile. India 85,000; Nepal 14,000; Bhutan 1,600; Switzerland 1,540; Rest of Europe 640; Scandinavia 110; USA and Canada 7,000; Japan 60; Taiwan 1,000; Australia and New Zealand 220; (Based on Tibetan Demographic Survey of 1998, Planning Council, Dharamsala)
Buddhism flourished in Tibet in the seventh century. Receiving royal patronage, it spread throughout Tibet. With the assumption of power by the Dalai Lamas from 1642 onwards, the era of "harmonious blend of religion and politics" was established in Tibet. Since then, for three-and-a-half centuries, ten successive Dalai Lamas have been the spiritual and temporal rulers of Tibet.
In the words of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Buddhism thus caused the "metamorphosis that changed the entire course of Tibet's history. Generations of Tibetan intellectuals studied and developed a profound culture that closely accorded with the original principles and philosophy of the Dharma. Down through the centuries their dedicated services brought about extraordinary developments which are unique among the literary and cultural achievements of the nations of the world."
Monasteries, temples, and hermitages were founded in every village and town throughout Tibet, together with resident monks and, as the case may be, nuns. Every Tibetan Buddhist home had its altar. Huge monasteries, which were more like monastic cities, such as Drepung, Sera, and Gaden in Lhasa, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Sakya Monastery in Sakya, Tsurphu in central Tibet, Mindroling in central Tibet, Tashi-kyil in Amdo Labrang, Gaden Jampaling in Chamdo, Lithang Gonchen, etc, became high seats of learning.
After the Chinese invasion of Tibet and the 1959 popular uprising, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and one hundred thousand Tibetans fled to India and Nepal. Many monasteries were re-established in India, where the authentic artistic and intellectual traditions are being preserved and continued today.
In addition to the intensive program of study, students debate and are instructed in the creation of sand mandalas, butter sculpture, ritual performance, music, chanting, dance and basic literary skills in Tibetan and English. The programs take thirteen years to complete, at which time a degree is bestowed upon those who successfully pass the final examinations. Each monk must also complete a two to three month meditation retreat for each of the principal deities and protectors, in order to qualify to perform their rituals. The cycle of required retreats might take up to six years to complete.
Historically, the creation of sacred sand mandalas was always carried out in secret but the Dalai Lama has now given permission for the public to witness these sacred arts. Since then Tibetan Buddhist monks have created sand mandalas at public and private institutions, museums, galleries and other venues all over the United States.