The Dalai Lama thinks in eons, and not necessarily in days, months or years. Faced with the reality of Chinese occupation he has been contemplating revising prior claims for Tibetan independence in favor of democratic autonomy. His
sacrifice is himelf, or his title as spiritual/political leader in exile:
New Delhi, June 20 - Will there ever be another Dalai Lama? Traditionally, the spiritual leadership of the Tibetan people passes from one Dalai Lama to his reincarnation. But the current Dalai Lama has raised questions about whether the institution should continue. He may, he says, be the last Dalai Lama.
more below
In 2001, the Dalai Lama declared that if the Tibetan people had an elected political leadership, then the institution of the Dalai Lama would no longer be relevant. He would be happy, he said, to live in semi-retirement, and let the institution die with him.
Now, that position has been refined slightly. "If I was to die in the next few months or before we were able to return to Tibet," the Dalai Lama told the Hindustan Times, "there will be a new Dalai Lama."
"But," he added, "if we cease to be a refugee community and can live in democratic Tibet, then I don't think there should be a successor to me after I die."
Political pundits may call it strategy, religious leaders may call it capitulation. But in Buddhism (especially Tibetan), it is called the
Bodhicitta, the altruistic intention of the awakening mind. In the hopes that this will foster dialogue, especially with Bush administration and/or China, I merely point this out to show that there are some in the world who are actively seeking Democracy, and reconciling it with their faith, for the greater good of all.