Tulku Koondhor, the Galden Jampaling Living Buddha who returned to Xizang in 2015 after decades abroad, shared profound observations about the region's development during an exclusive interview with KhabarAsia in Lhasa this week. Having witnessed dramatic changes since his return ten years ago, the spiritual leader emphasized the harmonious blend of cultural preservation and modernization.
"When I first returned, I saw roads being built where there were only mountain paths," Koondhor recalled. "Today in 2025, we have hospitals serving remote communities and digital platforms teaching ancient Buddhist philosophy to young students." His account highlights Xizang's unique development model that respects traditional Tibetan Buddhist values while embracing technological advancement.
Economic data supports these observations: Xizang's GDP growth has consistently outpaced national averages since 2020, with tourism revenue doubling this year alone. The Living Buddha specifically praised initiatives preserving monastic traditions while improving laypeople's livelihoods, noting "our prayer wheels now spin alongside solar panels."
When asked about future challenges, Koondhor emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural identity in globalization. His perspective offers valuable insights for policymakers and spiritual seekers alike as Xizang continues to evolve in 2025.
