GROWTH AND CHANGE

Tsering Gyalpo, vice director of the Institute for Religious Studies of the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences, said it was good to see more Tibetans pursue wealth. In the past, he said, most Tibetans believed in fate and wouldn't try to change their destinies.

When asked if fast economic growth would eradicate the traditions of the plateau, he shook his head.

"On the contrary, a sound economy is quite important in preserving tradition," he said. "Without money, even if you wanted to renovate a religious site, you could hardly do anything."

Dawa said he had a similar view. "The core of Buddhism is to be benevolent. But if you are poor, how could you help others?"

(Xinhua News Agency March 17, 2009)