Song by Samtse; Words by Tatse
The bright yellow sun has
Set behind the Freedom Hill
Now I cannot put my faith in
This dark and violent storm …
The bright youthful moon is
Suddenly covered by clouds
Now I cannot put my faith on this
Fake moon-like image in water …
My peace-loving lama
Was forced to go into exile
But until I see him again
I won’t die even when death comes …
Our ancient culture and tradition
I will maintain, promote and renew
In so doing I will sacrifice my life
And I will have no regrets …
When I heard a sky of tales about
How our fathers were murdered
Those enemies I will never forget
Even when I attain the Buddhahood …
Notes
This is a song by Samtse, a young Tibetan singer in the Chinese-occupied Tibet.
Translated from Tibetan by Bhuchung D. Sonam.
Dear Bhuchung,
I am Arpita Chatterjee and I live in Kolkata. I have lived for long in Nepal and Gangtok as a result of which I have a special love for Tibetan Language, Culture and Religion. I know Tibetan though not very well. I just read your translation of “I Will Not Die” and I was overwhelmed. However I want to read the original Tibetan poem. I would be grateful if you send it to me and also let me know how I can get other Tibetan poems along with their translations.
Thanking you,
Arpita Chatterjee