The Man Who Might Lead Tibet

Ogyen Drodul Trinley Dorje holds a special place among Tibetans: both Beijing and the Dalai Lama recognize his legitimacy as the Karmapa, Tibetan Buddhism's third highest leader. He spoke to NEWSWEEK's Sudip Mazumdar in Dharamsala. Excerpts:

Mazumdar: How do you view the Tibet protests?
Dorje: The main thing is that Tibetans in Tibet should have a good future. The protests have made the lives of Tibetans more difficult.

What about a boycott of the Games?
[The] Olympics are a chance for the Chinese people to show [their growth]. I am not for any boycott.

Can Tibetans live under Chinese rule?
It's difficult to say. [Here] we always talk negatively about the Chinese. We need to think about the positive for the future.

Do you think you could be a bridge to Beijing?
Not that I want it, but if they give me a chance then I hope [so].

What have you learned from the Dalai Lama?
I hope I get some of his immense patience.