In the long struggle between China and Tibetans over the fate of their homeland, the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has pushed for what he calls a middle way, asking for autonomy within China, rather than full-out independence.

But increasingly the Dalai Lama has been challenged by new Tibetans, a new generation of them.

In her documentary “Buddha’s Warriors,” Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour meets the Dalai Lama and some of his unruly flock.

Tibetan Split

This is Tibet’s tradition merging with today’s politics.

In exile in Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama’s official state oracle is going into a trance.

He speaks a language only a few monks can understand.

But officials tell us he delivers an important political message, advising the Dalai Lama to continue his conciliatory approach to China.

But there are a growing number of young monks here who are no longer satisfied with the Dalai Lama’s so-called middle way.

There are a lot of young Tibetans here who feel that you have been taken advantage of, and they are so eager to get an autonomous or free Tibet, and they want direct action.

Their stand is complete independence. [Dalai Lama, Exiled Spiritual Leader]

Not only youth, but even some older people now are very critical about our approach. Yes, I understand, but then our issue cannot [be] solved by strong emotional feeling. [It’s] difficult. We have to accept it – reality.

How much we can do. Lhasang Tsering is a mentor to many young Tibetan exiles who are frustrated with the

Dalai Lama’s approach. Tibet was not and will not be a part of China.

This middle-way policy is unrealistic and unacceptable. The Chinese came to Tibet to stay for their interest, so until and unless we can throw them out, they are not going to walk away. [Lhasang Tsering, Tibetan Youth Congress]

But how asks the Dalai Lama?

What is the method to get independence? No clear answer.

Even you see using some force or some violent method. So I argue how to get weapon?

No answer, no clear answer.

To his critics, the Dalai Lama is equally unrealistic.

You’ve had these dialogues with the Chinese. They’re insulting you.

They say you want to bring back feudalism to China, so what is your way bringing for the Tibetan people?

There are a lot of new buildings, a lot of roads, an inter-railway link.

These are positive. Tibet [is a] backward country.

No Tibetan wants this backwardness. We want [a] more modernized Tibet.

Well China’s government declined CNN’s repeated requests for an interview.