Buddhist Academy in Tibetan Autonomous Region Demolished

Radio Free Asia has reported that demolition began on July 20, 2016 at the once thriving Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Sertar, Sichuan, China. Before the Chinese invasion of Tibet this was in a part of Asia that was culturally Tibetan and controlled politically from Lhasa. The density of settlement (see picture below) is very similar to the great monasteries which once existed in the vicinity of Lhasa, and which were brutally ransacked and destroyed by Chinese invaders decades ago. Larung Gar attracted many students, including many women.  It is reported that some were ethnic Chinese and some  came from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, who attend separate classes taught in Mandarin, while larger classes are taught in Tibetan. The closest city is Chengdu, 650 kilometers away, 13 to 15 hours to reach by vehicle. The monastery was founded in 1980 by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok (1933-2004), who is reported as having a ecumenical (non sectarian) vision. This destruction shows ongoing Chinese anxiety and control.