by Tsoltim N. Shakabpa

Being Tibetan means
Loving Tibet
Being an activist
Dreaming Lhasa
Living charitably
Learning Tibetan
Teaching children
Seeking sanctuary
Upholding the truth
Finding forgiveness
Realizing democracy
Spreading happiness
Defeating maleficence
Practicing compassion
Sacrificing for freedom
Seeking independence
Striving for inner peace
Praying for world peace
Saluting Tibetan martyrs
Fighting for human rights
Cherishing one's heritage
Tolerating pain and abuse
Appreciating adopted homes
Recognizing one's own faults
Understanding human nature
Fostering our youth's courage
Honoring the wisdom of elders
Acknowledging impermanence
Having faith in the Dalai Lama

In short
Being Tibetan means
Living usefully
Dying peacefully
Achieving a better rebirth

Copyright: Tsoltim N. Shakabpa - 2009