________________
Christian Sannyasa
L.M.: But nonverbally?
W.T.: Nonverbally, and very clearly. Now every time we are in each other's presence, we are aware of what each is thinking and feeling. There is just this total acceptance, and this incredible depth of love and affection, and of joy and humor between us. So that friendship is very, very deep; and we are collaborating together in the spirit. It is building the foundation for the next millennium and beyond. It's way beyond us as individuals, do you know what I mean?
L.M.: You have proposed a hunger strike to support Tibet?
W.T.: Well, the hunger strike is aimed really at the Vatican--and its policy of silence on Tibet. Though I realize that the Vatican has legitimate interests in China.
L.M.: The Chinese occupation and genocide in Tibet has been going on there for almost fifty years.
W.T.: Right, for almost fifty years. I think that the gospel and its call to justice has a higher priority—in the mind of the Christ and the spirit, the Trinity--than in the church's interests in China. The church has got to be willing to stick its neck out for justice. This is what is lacking, this is what Christ demands. The silence of the Vatican is therefore intrinsically immoral, because it is a denial of the truth of the gospel. We may have to try something dramatic; we may have to put our lives on the line for the Vatican to wake up from its slumber.
L.M.: So a hunger strike, fasting, is the wake up call?
W.T.: Fasting, a fast.
L.M.: Would that be a large outpouring of people from around the world?
W.T.: Well, I hope so.
L.M.: Interreligious?
152
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
