China’s Assimilation Policies in Tibet: Young Monks Removed from Taktsang Lhamo Monastic School
In a concerning development, Chinese authorities have forcibly removed young monks from the Taktsang Lhamo Monastic School in Dzoge County, Sichuan. This action is part of a broader effort to assimilate Tibetans into Chinese culture by placing them in state-run boarding schools. The school, a center for Tibetan culture and Buddhist education for over two decades, faces an uncertain future under President Xi Jinping’s administration.
Over 500 young monks were enrolled at the school before the forced transfer to state-controlled institutions. The International Tibet Council has condemned these actions, viewing them as an attempt to eradicate Tibetan culture and suppress religious freedoms. China’s policies, including the 2006 amendment to the compulsory education law, mandate state school attendance, disproportionately affecting Tibetans by restricting their language and culture.
Parents wishing to educate their children in Tibetan culture face legal pressure and state surveillance. Resistance to these policies has led to harsh repression, with instances of young monks being detained for “political re-education” and forcibly placed in state institutions. The psychological toll on these students is severe, with reports of imprisonment feelings and suicidal ideation.
Incidents of forced transfers and harsh conditions in state-run schools have been reported, including a video showing a young monk being forcibly taken from Muge Monastic School. In another case, three young monks attempted suicide to escape abusive conditions. These actions are part of a trend where young monks are separated from their communities and sent to government-run schools described as “prison-like.”
Tibetan monasteries have traditionally been centers of education, providing cultural and language education alongside religious teachings. The Taktsang Lhamo Monastic School, established in the 1990s, has faced multiple closures but remained resilient until the latest crackdown in July 2024. The suppression of Tibetan educational institutions is drawing international concern, with advocacy groups denouncing China’s actions as cultural genocide.
The international community’s response will be crucial in determining whether Tibetans can preserve their cultural heritage amid Beijing’s relentless policies.
Doubts Revealed
Assimilation Policies -: Assimilation policies are actions taken by a government to make a group of people adopt the culture and language of the dominant group. In this case, China wants Tibetan people to adopt Chinese culture.
Tibet -: Tibet is a region in Asia, located to the north of India. It has its own unique culture and traditions, which are different from those of China.
Monks -: Monks are people who dedicate their lives to religious practices. In Tibet, many monks follow Buddhism, which is a major religion there.
Taktsang Lhamo Monastic School -: This is a school in Tibet where young monks learn about their religion and culture. It is a place for religious education and spiritual growth.
State-run schools -: State-run schools are schools that are controlled and funded by the government. In this context, China is sending Tibetan monks to these schools to teach them Chinese culture.
Cultural Genocide -: Cultural genocide refers to actions that aim to destroy the culture of a group of people. It means erasing their traditions, language, and identity.
International Tibet Council -: The International Tibet Council is a group that works to protect the rights and culture of Tibetan people. They speak out against actions that harm Tibet’s culture.
Psychological distress -: Psychological distress means feeling very upset or stressed. The young monks are feeling this way because they are forced to leave their school and culture.