Tibet's Change
by William Liu, 2018
Every year I return to Tibet, I get surprised by the unfathomable amount the region develops in such a short time span...
There were now bridges, tunnels, and properly built roads. The journey became a bit smoother and the individual villages had nice hotels and restaurants too. There was even a constant 3G internet connection. Although I was a bit saddened by this change (it would be a shame for this pastoral countryside to evolve into a bustling, Chinese metropolis), I was glad to hear that many people rallied to help bring Tibetans out of poverty.
However, upon approaching the Tade Temple, the roads once again transformed into pure dirt and gravel and electricity became nonexistent. Unlike last time, I felt joy when I saw the beautiful lakes and rivers as well as the green mountainsides which had cemented themselves into my memories of Tibet. I was glad that I was returning once again, and I was glad that I was fulfilling my promises to the wonderful children of the Tade Temple. At this point, I wondered what changes the lamas of the Tade Temple made to the village on their mountain top.
Unlike the roads leading up to it, the Tade Temple’s change surprised me just as much as the change I saw in the other Tibetan villages. The lamas, through hard toil and religious dedication, had constructed a gleaming temple with a golden roof. The way the sunlight striked the building during sunset created a sort of glow that seemed reminiscent of paradise. Around this temple, the lamas also helped constructed a school, better housing, a rudimentary basketball court, and even managed to harness solar energy into electricity. I was very pleased with such positive change for these Tibetans.
Once again, I delivered the supplies, necessities, and gifts to the children. Not only did they all remember me, but some of them even greeted me in English. I spent the day once again with them; I taught some English, showed them how to operate and film with a drone (they thought it was a flying car even to today), and played with them. At one point, I even joined them in a Tibetan ceremony led by a high-ranking tulku. I truly enjoyed myself and this trip became an extremely memorable moment in my life. Before I left, I once again promised to return and I also promised to myself to spread awareness.
Hopefully, after browsing this website, you too may want to join to help benefit the Tibetans. Anything you do can help. Perhaps documenting your travels there or even telling your friends about this overlooked region can bring vast benefits. I hope you take these stories to heart and will one day see the beautiful region of Tibet.
