Vocabulary List for Readings on China and Tibet

Vocabulary List for Readings on China and Tibet

Suzerainty – similar to sovereignty over a state or political area

Dalai Lama – Foremost spiritual leader (in exile since 1959)

Panchen Lama – 2nd most important Tibetan cleric

Karmapa Lama – 3rd most influential lama

Patriotic Education – teaching in Tibetan Monasteries that would denounce the Dalai Lama

TAR – Tibet Autonomous Region, also known as Outer Tibet

Kham – area, also know as Inner Tibet

Lhasa – capital of Tibet

Defacto rule – being in effect though not formally recognized

Cultural Revolution – communist Chinese rule beginning in 1949 destroying Buddhist Temples

Red Guard – communist military

Hardliners – communist who are very committed to communist rule in Tibet

Moderates – want more freedom (autonomy) for Tibet and are in favor of the return of the Dalai Lama