What This World Could Do.

It is probably no surprise to the majority of the population that there are difficult situations between the Chinese government and the citizens of many nations, amongst them Tibet. The 2008 Beijing Olympics, due to start in less than two weeks, are pushing the events between China and nations suffering under its law into the focus of the world as a whole. Some people do not care enough to concern themselves about other people’s problems. Other people do care, but do not wish to get themselves involved in dangerous, and perhaps violent, protests.

For the past month, I have become increasingly involved in the CFT campaign, a peaceful activity aimed at highlighting to the Chinese rulers that people across our entire planet care about the situation in Tibet. China have claimed that they support peace and friendliness worldwide in their Olympic campaign, yet Tibetans, moon bears, and even some citizens of China itself do not live amidst the freedom and safety that much of the planet takes for granted, due to Chinese laws.

Candle 4 Tibet is a group of people who sincerely care about these situations, and are aiming to take peaceful protest actions to show support for those troubled by Chinese regulations. The main focus is currently on the “World”s Greatest Light Protest’, due to occur from 9pm on August 7th, worldwide. People all across the planet will at this hour light a candle in order to show their sympathy for the Tibetan population, suffering under Chinese dictations.

Other actions that members may participate in include shining a light at the Olympic opening ceremony during special Chinese moments, or driving with car lights shining all day through on the 7th August. These simple and peaceful moves can be made by anyone wishing to show that they care about the Tibetans, suffering for over 50 years under the Chinese, since their invasions in the 1950s. What could be more peaceful than lighting a candle?

Since July 29th, HH The Dalai Lama has shown his support for the CFT campaign, recognizing these acts of peaceful protest as preferable to either extreme of violence or ignoring the situation. With this official support, CFT now only needs to spread the word to the entire world. Many people are already involved, but many more do not yet know of the peaceful protest actions planned. Those already involved are busy contacting candle sellers, light stores, and their local TV, radio and press.

I might never have become involved myself, had I not developed an affiliation with Tibet, as I do not generally have much interest in the Olympics. Around two years ago, I read a few books by HH The Dalai Lama. Since then, I have developed an ever growing awareness of Tibetan Buddhism, and have become a Buddhist practitioner and student. Recognizing the changes that have occurred, I am indebted to Tibetan Buddhism for turning me into a calmer and more compassionate person, for once I was very angry, hateful, inconsiderate and rebellious.

Even those with no interest in Buddhism are participating in the CFT campaign. Some are appalled at the recent events in Tibet, where imprisonment of the innocent and bouts of violence have occurred; others seek to offer the Tibetan people their right to freedom to practice their chosen faith. Some people have recognized the deforestation and farming alterations implemented by the Chinese in Tibet as wrongful, realizing how destructive in the long term these actions will be. Animal lovers are upset by Chinese treatment of moon bears, and freedom fighters by the Chinese treatment of their own population, and whilst not directly involving Tibet, these people also join in our peaceful protest to China, demonstrating their feelings.

There are two main websites where full details of the CFT campaign can be located. If you are interested in becoming involved, whether just to light a candle on the 7th or to help spread the word – the main site is located at: http://www.candle4tibet.org/en/ and the community website for those wanting to promote the events, and continue with the peaceful campaign afterwards can be found at http://candle4tibet.ning.com/