"He is our greatest spiritual support," they said. "Only he knows how to manage the affairs of Tibetan Buddhism and of the Tibetan people." One lama took visitors into a prayer hall at the back of the temple, where a portrait of the Dalai Lama was on display. He said the Chinese authorities kept taking it down, but that every time they did so, the monks would put up another one. "After all," he said, "it only costs ten yuan," which is about one US dollar. There were several other photos of the Dalai Lama around the temple as well.

As far as these monks are concerned, there will always be hope that the Dalai Lama will return to live among his people. Even if the present Dalai Lama dies, they say, another one will arise to take his place. "Because of reincarnation, the Dalai Lama will always be with us," they say. "That is why we are still hopeful."

Labels: China, Tibet