Bachelor Thesis Peace and Development Views on violence in the Tibetan diaspora On the homeland conflict and the Buddhism- violence nexus Writer: Amanda Mindus Tutor: Manuela Nilsson Examiner: Chris High Course: 2FU32E Autumn 2016 Amanda Mindus Bachelor Thesis Peace and Development Abstract The academic interest in diasporas has mushroomed in recent decades. More specifically, a debate about the role of diasporas in violence/peace and whether these groups should be seen as spurring violence from afar or acting as agents of peace. This thesis contributes to this debate by investigating the Tibetan diaspora in Sweden. The Tibetan diaspora has not yet to featured in this debate, and their role has in general been undertheorized. As this diaspora is traditionally considered a Buddhist diaspora, the work also relates to and draws on a second academic debate, ie. the Buddhism-violence nexus. The research questions addressed were: (1) In what way has the conflict in Tibet had an impact of the lives of the members of the Tibetan diaspora in Sweden, and how, if at all, do they respond to it? and (2) Do members of the Tibetan diaspora in Sweden believe that there is room within Tibetan Buddhism to legitimize violence, and if yes; how and under what circumstances? These questions were answered through semi-structured interviews with fourteen adult members of the Tibetan diaspora in Sweden. Two analytical frames were adopted, one being the Triadic Relationship of diasporas and the second Igor Kopytoff’s Frontier Model. The findings suggest that the conflict in Tibet has influenced the interviewees both practically and emotionally. The interviewees shared a view of Buddhism as utterly non- violent but saw Buddhists as human beings, and as such; capable of violence. Buddhism is perceived as something distant and as posing ideals that cannot be achieved. Besides what the Frontier Model suggests two other potential explanatory models presented themselves. Firstly, that the answers were influenced by the particular-ness of the diaspora setting as detached from the homeland conflict, hence enabling diaspora members to keep an idealized stance. Secondly, that Tibetan Buddhism is a particularly peaceful branch of Buddhism and that a more nuanced understanding of the religion is needed when discussing the Buddhism- violence nexus. Keywords Diaspora, Tibet, Sweden, Integration, Buddhism, Violence, Nonviolence 1 Amanda Mindus Bachelor Thesis Peace and Development Acknowledgements As with all things, this work is dependent on causes and conditions; without the help and support from others it could not have been achieved. First and foremost, my heart’s deepest gratitude goes to all Tibetans I have met, who have given me of their time and experiences and patiently answered my questions. You have all showed me great hospitality, generosity, and joy. Most notably, Jamyang’s great perseverance and guidance must be mentioned. Her contacts have been irreplaceable as well as her openness. Furthermore, a heartfelt thanks goes out to my tutor Manuela Nilsson at Linneaus University who with her great expertise and cosy office has guided me through the newness of conducting research and my examiner Christopher High. Thank you Ylva for letting me go on for hours about the windy roads of the writing process, Patrik for your constant source of insight and laughter, and Kiwi for your endless support. Lastly, my deepest, sincerest gratitude to Lama Yeshe, may your wishes come true immediately! 2 Amanda Mindus Bachelor Thesis Peace and Development Contents ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................ 1 KEYWORDS .............................................................................................................................. 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................... 2 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS....................................................................................................... 4 LIST OF APPENDIXES ............................................................................................................. 4 LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................................... 4 1 INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH PROBLEM .............................................................. 5 1.1 RELEVANCE ................................................................................................................. 8 1.2 OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ................................................................................................ 9 1.4 METHODOLOGICAL AND ANALYTICAL APPROACH ........................................................... 9 1.5 DISPOSITION .............................................................................................................. 10 2 LITERATURE REVIEW AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION ................................... 10 2.1 PRIMARY ACADEMIC DEBATE: THE ROLE OF DIASPORAS ON VIOLENCE/PEACE .............. 10 2.2 SECONDARY ACADEMIC DEBATE: THE BUDDHISM-VIOLENCE NEXUS .............................. 13 2.3 A SHORT HISTORY OF TIBET AND TIBETAN BUDDHISM ................................................. 14 2.3.1 Some central points on modern Tibetan history .................................................. 16 3 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 18 3.1 INTERVIEWEES AND INTERVIEWS ................................................................................ 18 3.2 LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS ................................................................................ 20 3.3 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................... 20 4 ANALYTICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMES ............................................................... 21 4.1 TWO ANALYTICAL FRAMES .......................................................................................... 21 4.2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMES ................................................................................................ 23 5 FINDINGS ........................................................................................................................ 24 5.1 LIFE IN THE TIBETAN DIASPORA IN SWEDEN ................................................................ 24 5.1.2 Background and integration ................................................................................. 24 5.1.3 Identity, community, and ”Tibetan-ness”.............................................................. 25 5.1.4 Research question one ........................................................................................ 26 5.2 THE BUDDHISM – VIOLENCE NEXUS ........................................................................... 28 5.2.2 Three common responsens ................................................................................. 28 5.2.3 Some points on the future situation in Tibet ........................................................ 30 6 ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................................... 32 6.1 LIFE IN THE TIBETAN DIASPORA IN SWEDEN ................................................................ 32 6.2 THE BUDDHISM – VIOLENCE NEXUS ............................................................................ 35 7 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................. 36 8 BIBLIOGRAPHY .............................................................................................................. 38 APPENDIXES .......................................................................................................................... 50 APPENDIX I: ACADEMIC DEBATE ON BUDDHISM AND VIOLENCE ................................................ 50 APPENDIX II: HISTORY OF TIBET AND TIBETAN BUDDHISM ....................................................... 54 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES USED IN THE APPENDIX ................................................................. 59 APPENDIX II: INTERVIEW GUIDE .............................................................................................. 61 3 Amanda Mindus Bachelor Thesis Peace and Development List of Abbreviations IRA Irish Republican Army KLA Kosovo Liberation Army LTTE Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam PRC People’s Republic of China PLA People’s Liberation Army SFI Swedish For Immigrants UN United Nations US United States USD United States dollar List of Appendixes APPENDIXES........................................................................................................................... 50 APPENDIX I: ACADEMIC DEBATE ON BUDDHISM AND VIOLENCE ................................................ 50 APPENDIX II: HISTORY OF TIBET AND TIBETAN BUDDHISM ....................................................... 54 Additional References used in the Appendix ................................................................... 59 APPENDIX II: INTERVIEW GUIDE .............................................................................................. 61 List of Figures FIGURE 1: THE TRIADIC RELATIONSHIP OF DIASPORAS .............................................................. 22 FIGURE