Day 14 - The Tibetans of Nepal 

Located in refugee settlement camps throughout Nepal 

In March of 1959, 100,000 Tibetans fled from Tibet due to the Communist Chinese occupation, into the bordering countries of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Today, over 35 years later, many Tibetan refugees still remain in these nations. 

Tibetans are generally very proud of their culture and heritage and have not assimilated culturally into the nations where they have . In exile, they have maintained much of their traditional culture, though there is a definite influence and draw to the west, especially among the youth. Wherever Tibetans are located, one will see prayer flags, stupas, prayer beads and prayer wheels. Some of their common foods are steamed noodles stuffed with ground meat, noodle and vegetable or meat soups, and fried pastries. They are also known for their "butter tea" a tea made with butter, and salt. 

The primary occupations of Tibetans are related to the carpet industry. The majority of Tibetans either own a carpet factory, manage one, or work in one. In recent years, the demand for Tibetan carpets has declined and with it has come rising unemployment amongst this group. 

The culture of Tibetans in Nepal is dominated by their religion of Tibetan Buddhism and the worship of their "god-king" the Dalai Lama. He serves as both their spiritual and political leader. From early childhood, the teachings of Buddha or "Dharma" are ingrained into the Tibetan mind. Practicing these teachings, such as the purification of the mind of all desire, etc. as well as the continual effort to build up enough merit to achieve a higher rebirth in the next life, creates incredible bondage, fear, and spiritual blindness in the hearts of Tibetans. The demonic or occultic side of Tibetan Buddhism is very real and needs to be battled through intercession and prayer for this group. 

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