He sought to retain his independence, refusing to kowtow to the authorities. In East Asian culture, the kowtow is the highest sign of reverence. However, they considered the notion that they should kowtow utterly ludicrous. Chinese sources emphasize the submission of kneeling; Tibetan sources emphasize the lack of the kowtow. When approaching the Imperial throne, one was expected to kowtow before the Emperor. In general, dogeza is translated into English as "prostration" or "kowtow". In Imperial Chinese protocol, the kowtow was performed before the Emperor of China. Depending on the solemnity of the situation different grades of kowtow would be used. In many situations, the standing bow has replaced the kowtow. Tonkinese villagers, for example, were expected to kowtow if a French column passed by. Korean protesters carried out a "kowtow procession". For example, Chinese martial arts schools often require a student to kowtow to a master. The kowtow was often performed in intra-Asian diplomatic relations as well. Today, only vestiges of the traditional usage of the kowtow remain. Likewise, traditional performing arts often also require the kowtow.