"The only way to settle questions of an ideological nature of controversial issues among the people is by the democratic method, the method of discussion, or criticism, of persuasion and education and not by the method of coercion or repression." This statement was made by Mao Tse Tung, the Communist leader of China, in February of 1957. Seven years earlier, Chinese forces had invaded and begun the destruction of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.

The Plateau of Tibet comprises nearly the entire southeastern portion of China. Wedged between the Kunlun and Himalayan Mountain Ranges it is a beautiful plateau with breathtaking views all around it. The territory itself promotes a feeling of peace, meditation, and spirituality. The plateau is also the source of five of Asia's greatest rivers, making it vital to the environment.

Centuries ago, a very unique religion, Tibetan Buddhism, grew from the settlers of this region. This religion was based on soul-searching and meditation and highly discouraged war, violence, and any forms of negativity in thought, word, or action. The religion thrived in the region and soon became the political force of the nation of Tibet.

The next story is that of fourteen Tibetan nuns who, on August 21, 1990, were arrested and tortured for taking part in a pro-independence rally in Lhasa, Tibet. This demonstration was completely peaceful, in accordance with Buddhist teaching. This protest lasted little over four minutes. They were taken to Lhasa's Drapchi Prison, which is considered one of the most notorious in the Tibet area, due to its horrible conditions. Secretly, the nuns recorded pro-independence songs along with messages to their families on a very crude tape recorded and sent them to their families. They were soon widely distributed throughout Tibet and when the Chinese found out, the nuns were charged with spreading counter-revolutionary propaganda and each had their prison sentence increased. Again, the Drapchi Prison is notorious for its horrible conditions. Political Prisoners are especially prone to torture, beating, and even shocking with

"At year's end several thousand other (political prisoners), including Bishop An Shuxin, Cai Guihua, Chen Lantao, Chen Longde, Han Chunsheng, Li Bifeng, Li Hai, Liu Jingsheng, Peng Ming, Qin Yongmin, Shen Liangqing, Wang Youcai, Pastor Xu Yongze, Xu Guoxing, Xu Wenli, Yang Qinheng, Zhang Lin, Zhang Shanguang, Zhao Changqing, Zhou Yonjun, Ngawang Choephel, Abbot Chadrel Rinpoche, Jigme Sangpo, and Ngawang Sangrol...remained imprisoned or under other forms of detention for the peaceful expression of their political, social, or religious views. Some of those who completed their sentences and were released from prison--such as Bao Tong, senior aide to former Communist Party leaders--were kept under surveillance and prevented from taking employment or otherwise resuming normal lives. There were also reports of increasing surveillance of dissidents."

Although there is much support for the cause, there has been little done by any countries to help at least better the conditions in Tibet. Persecution still rages on and tortures, abuse, and violence continue. Yet all nations remain silent.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Chinese Vomit, Tibetan Buddhism, Republic China, Panchen Lama, Tibetan Monk, People's Government, Ngawang Choephel, Instead Tibetans, Tibet Persecution, Liberation Army, panchen lama, dalai lama, central people's government, central people's, people's government, people's republic china, human rights, people's liberation, tibetan buddhism, people's republic, republic china, liberation army, people's liberation army, march 6 2000, october 28 1997,
Approximate Word count = 2958
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)