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Tsepe Kyid dies after burning protest in Tibet

Kalsang Yeshe dies after burning protest in Tibet Vol. 03, Issue 123, Print Issue 47, December 31, 2014 Occupation of Tibet brought China and India face to face: Sikyong

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Bring happiness to others, if thats difficult, at least don’t do them harm By Yeshe Choesang: December 22, 2014

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay at the plenary session of the conclave. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: December 23, 2014

Dharamshala: - ‘The occupation of Tibet brought China and India, face to face for the first time in history- since then tensions remained with border incursions occurring every year,’ the elected Tibetan political leader said during a three-day India Ideas Conclave 2014 in Goa from 19-21 December. Dr Lobsang Sangay had the most engaging speech to deliver as he made the case for why resolving Tibet was crucial for peace in South Asia. Speaking at the plenary session on “Enduring Peace in South Asia” with former Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Jigme Thinley, Sri Lankan Ambassador Prasad and moderated by former Ambassador G Parthsarthy, Sikyong, Dr Lobsang Sangay, stated that Tibet is key for enduring peace in South Asia. Sikyong also made the case based on spiritual, historical, geopolitical and environmental factors. “Buddhism was introduced to Tibet by the highly acclaimed Indian masters of the Nalanda tradition. A culture of peace prevailed coinciding with the pacification of the P-3... military empire of Tibet,” Sikyong said. China detains young Tibetan blogger in Tibet on unknown charges

Dharamshala: - “Help others, bring happiness to other people. If that’s difficult, at least don’t do them harm,” said the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Tumkur University in Tumkur, Karnataka, India packed with hundreds of audiences, including monks and students, staff, and community members. His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated a conference on the theme ‘Ethics in a New Millennium; Buddhist Perspectives’, which is being held as part of the fruitful ongoing collaboration between Tumkur University and Sera Jey Monastic University. In his inaugural address to the conference, His Holiness said He has a little interest in formality and He thinks himself as just another of the 7 billion human beings. “We are social animals and we depend on each other. Due to factors like climate change, it has become urgent that we think about the welfare of humanity.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said “Material development is important, but it only provides physical comfort. Scientists are increasingly finding evidence to show that peace of mind is instrumental in good health. Families that are moved by kindness, whether they are rich or poor, are happy, whereas a family that is rich but lacking in kindness and affection is unhappy.” “The material development is all well and good, but that by itself it doesn’t make us happy. In fact it can provoke greed, jealousy, competition and stress. It can be a source of violence,” he said, adding: “This is why we need to educate people about inner values. No matter how wonderful, no single religion will satisfy all 7 billion human beings. One billion of them claim to be nonbelievers, while among believers are many who are insincere, who, lacking real conviction, only pay lip service to their faith.” “Everywhere we see corruption growing like a cancer throughout the world. Then there is the gap between rich and poor; too many people thinking only of themselves and not enough about others. All our religious traditions convey a sense of ethics, of moral principles,” he added. His Holiness said: “This country however has long adopted a

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the inauguration of a conference on Ethics in the New Millennium at Tumkur University in Tumkur, Karnataka, India on December 21, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

secular approach, secular in the sense of expressing respect for all religious traditions and even for those who adhere to none. This is an approach that is very relevant today. We need to work out how to introduce ethics into our modern secular education system.” “On a secondary level, I am a Buddhist, but I am convinced that all the major religious traditions convey a common message of love, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment and self-discipline. Yes, we have our philosophical differences, but at root they are all focussed on the same goal. We need a variety of religious traditions and this country, India, is unique in demonstrating that it is possible

Tibetan dies after setting self ablaze in protest against China’s repression

for all these traditions to exist together side by side in harmony.” The Buddhist leader mentioned that he is also a Tibetan, keenly aware of the pure Nalanda tradition introduced to Tibet in the 8th century by Shantarakshita and preserved there. His Holiness recalled that he often remarks that Tibetans regarded Indians as their gurus, considering themselves as students or chelas. But, he said, they have proved to be reliable students, because while the traditions of Nalanda University have faced ups and downs in India, they have been kept alive in Tibet. P-2... Buddhist monk arrested after staging peaceful solo protest in Tibet

Undated photo of Tibetan blogger, Meo Soepa. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: December 29, 2014

Dharamshala: - In further crackdown on Tibetan dissents, a Tibetan blogger has been arrested by Chinese authorities in Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet for his writings allegedly engaging in splittist activities. “Meo Soepa, a 21-year-old Tibetan blogger was detained by Chinese security officials from a bus on his way from Meruma township to Ngaba County, on December 28, 2014,” Kungyam, a Tibetan living in exile told The Tibet Post International. According to sources, “the locals fear that Soepa may be held for his writings. However there is no information on the reason for his arrest and no charges have been made public.” P-2...

Dharamshala: - Chinese authorities in Ngaba County of northeastern Tibet Friday have detained a Tibetan Buddhist monk for staging a peaceful solo protest by shouting slogans such as “freedom in Tibet” and “long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” “Lobsang Trinley, a 21-year-old monk from Kirti monastery was arrested while staging a solo protest in the street of Ngaba township shouting slogans— protesting against Chinese rule in Tibet,” Ven Kanyak and Lobsang Yeshi, from the India based Kirti Monastery told the Tibet Post International (TPI) on Friday evening. P-2...

Another Buddhist monk arrested after colleague’s solo protest in Tibet

Tibetan Parliament congratulates Shinzo Abe on his victory in elections

Ven Lobsang Trinley stages a solo protest in the street of Ngaba township in north-eastern Tibet, on December 26, 2014. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: December 26, 2014

By Jane Cook: December 30, 2014 Undated photo: Sangye Khar, a 33-year-old Tibetan who self-immolated in Sangchu County, Amdho Region of North-eastern Tibet, December 16, 2014. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang,: December 16, 2014

Undated photo of Ven Lobsang Lungrig, 20-year-old Tibetan from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County. Photo: TPI By Yanchen Dolma: December 27, 2014

Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out Tibet say, Chinese authorities have detained another Tibetan monk in effort to further crack-down on Buddhist monks at the Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet. “Chinese authorities detained Lobsang Lungrig, 20, from his monastic residence at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County (Ch: Aba County in Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province), on December 27, 2014,” Ven Kanyak and Lobsang Yeshe, from the India based Kirti Monastery told the Tibet Post International. P-6 ...

Dharamshala: - Sources coming out of Tibet say a Tibetan man died on Tuesday after setting himself on fire in an apparent political protest against the Chinese repression and hard-line policies in Tibet, pushing the estimated toll to 133. ‘The man, identified as Sangye Khar, a 33-year-old selfimmolated in an apparent protest against the Chinese government’s continuing repressive policies in Tibet,’ sources said. Sangye set himself ablaze around 10:00 a.m. (local time) December 16, 2014 in front of a police station in Sangchu County, Amdho Region of North-eastern Tibet (Chinese: Xiahe county in Gannan, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture). Details of the incident have yet to emerge, but, according to the sources, Chinese security forces reportedly tried to extinguish the flames but were unsuccessful. Information on the latest incident first spread throughout social media such as Facebook and wechat. According to the sources, Sangye died on the spot and his body was taken to Labrang monastery where it was traditionally cremated.

This incident brought the total verified number of selfimmolations in Tibet to 133 since February, 2009 and and of them 114 were reportedly passed-away due to their severe injuries. The Tibetan self-immolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for the Tibetan people. Most parts of Tibet have suffered severe crackdowns and been under heightened restrictions and controls. The Chinese government has blamed outside forces for the self-immolations, particularly His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration- regarded by China as a subversive. But, Tibetans have denied such accusations, saying that the main cause of self-immolation is “Beijing’s hardline policies, including political repression, economic marginalization, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation and denial of religious freedom.” Chinese government says Tibet has always been part of its territory, but Tibetans say Tibet was virtually independent for centuries until Chinese troops invaded in the 1950s.

Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe for winning the re-election in the 2014 general election of Japan. Japanese MPs have re-elected Shinzo Abe to serve another term as prime minister after his party’s landslide victory in snap elections earlier this month. “On behalf of all the Tibetan people, inside and outside Tibet, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wishes to congratulate you on your emphatic re-election win,” Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, said in a congratulatory letter. The letter said the Parliament has been “very appreciative of your support for the cause of Tibet in general and the commitment that you showed during the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Japan.” “We wish you all the success in your endeavours and appeal to you again to play a pro-active role in reducing the current grave situation inside Tibet and in finding a lasting, mutuallybeneficial solution to the issue of Tibet,” he added. The powerful lower house voted for the 60-year-old Abe with 328 votes against 73 for acting opposition leader Katsuya Okada. The vote was followed by an upper house poll that officially confirmed Abe’s reappointment as premier. Mr Abe named a largely unchanged cabinet, with the only new face Defence Minister Gen Nakatani.

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December 31, 2014

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Editorial:

Chinese government should use a humane wisdom in its policy to Tibet December 31, 2014

Dharamshala: –China’s Communist regime is a powerful one with every kind of modern weaponry—except one to counter the Tibetans who are leading a peaceful and non-violent freedom struggle, including self-immolations, in protest against the present repressive policies of the regime towards the Tibetan people. There is no weapon that can stop the nonviolent freedom struggle from flourishing and the burning fires from spreading, only the policy of peaceful dialogue, of easing up, of permitting freedom for Tibetan people. But the hubris of a powerful state and long habit prevent China from seeing the answer. At least 135 Tibetans have set fire to themselves already since 2009, with nearly 15 this year and more than 20 last year, as China has turned to compulsory indoctrination that the regime calls “patriotic education” inside monasteries. A large Chinese security presence has been installed in and around the monasteries. Hundreds of Tibetans, including writers, bloggers, singers and intellectuals were taken from their homes over the past years and detained. Most of them received a sentence of several years, including the death penalty, according to media reports. The increasingly harsh repression has been building since protests swept all parts of Tibet in 2008, and were crushed with deadly armed forces. The first peaceful act of selfimmolation protest was in 2009. After more than 60 years of violent oppression of Tibetans, the regime continues its hardline policies in Tibet, restricting freedoms and basic human rights, and has intensified Tibetan grievances and exacerbated the resentment felt across the Tibetan Plateau. With the international news media barred, the power of mass protests is limited. But, as our elders have done over the past sixty years, the younger generation of Tibetans are also committed and they must continue to stand behind the Tibetans inside Tibet and their aspirations, to ensure the respect and promotion of human rights for all. Despite continued protests and international criticism, Chinese authorities continue to commit serious human rights abuses in Tibet. The grave human rights violations in Tibet— including torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, house arrest, detention without public trial, repression of religious freedom, and arbitrary restrictions on freedom of movement are still alive and serve the legacy of former Chinese dictator, Mao Zedong, who is widely regarded as the most prolific mass murderer in human history. Wisdom is a quality the government of China has rarely applied in its dealings with Tibet. It needs to relax its repressive grip on the country, respect the religious practices of the Tibetan people by withdrawing its cadres from the monasteries, and open negotiations with the Dalai Lama and

the Tibetan government in exile. China’s leadership was once able to get its mind around the need to maintain and respect the differences in Hong Kong. It needs to approach Tibet in a similar way. Fires once set are not easily extinguished. Some nations have the calamity to vanish in a matter of weeks or months, overrun by the machinery of war; others die slowly, the victims of a thousand cuts of oppression. Tibet is one such nation to endure the latter fate. Its identity is being slowly and ruthlessly deleted by China. Although China, by a 17-point agreement in 1951, said it would respect Tibetan internal autonomy, the reality over the subsequent decades has been the reverse. Mass migration of Han Chinese to the region has changed the demographic dynamics, particularly in the bureaucracy and commerce of the region. The Tibetan government-in-exile in India has estimated that, in the 20 years from the uprising, more than 1.2 million Tibetans have been killed by the Chinese. The official records show that between 1949 and 1979, 173,221 Tibetans died after being tortured in prison, 156,758 were executed, 432,705 were killed fighting Chinese soldiers, 342,970 starved to death, and 92,731 were publicly tortured to death, whilst a further 9,002 Tibetans committed suicide. China may not be as totalitarian as it once was, but it still remains a unregenerate authoritarian regime. The freedoms that China enjoys are principally economic. The press is regulated, religion co-opted, the Internet neutered, and dissent—as the Tibet 2008 and Tiananmen Square demonstrated— suppressed with deadly force. Reporters Without Borders ranks China 175 out of 180 countries for freedom of the press, while Amnesty International, the U.S. State Department and the EU all call China an “authoritarian state.” The world today is a smaller, more interdependent place since China invaded Tibet nearly 60 years ago. We are in the 21st century, we must remind the 7 billion human beings that all are born free and equal in dignity, and rights remain the most powerful words of the whole world today. Violations have been prevented in many parts of the world. Independence and genuine autonomy have been attained in many parts of the world. Because of all these efforts by the great nations, millions of people have been able to secure freedom from torture, unjustified imprisonment, summary execution, enforced disappearance, persecution and unjust discrimination. Those important imperatives—morally coupled with incremental steps toward a more open society—undoubtedly figured in the decision to reassess China’s human rights situation. But these factors are symptomatic of an addiction of the few countries, including South Africa, to China’s cash. Which country will be next traitor of human rights?

OPINION

The Tibet Post International

Dalai Lama concedes he may be the last By BBC: December 17, 2014

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has said he realises that he may be the last to hold the title. But he told the it would be better that the centuries-old tradition ceased “at the time of a popular Dalai Lama”. The Dalai Lama suggested the UK had taken a soft line with China over Hong Kong’s recent student-led pro-democracy protests for financial reasons. He also said the international community needed to do more to encourage democracy in China. “China very much wants to join the mainstream world economy,” he said. “They should be welcome, but at the same time the free world has a moral responsibility to bring China into mainstream democracy - for China’s own interests.” ‘Moral responsibility’ The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after Chinese troops crushed an attempted uprising in Tibet. Beijing views the Nobel Peace Prize-winner as a “splittist”, though he now advocates a “middle way” with China, seeking autonomy but not independence for Tibet. In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC’s Newsnight programme, during a visit to Rome for the 14th World Summit of Nobel Laureates, the 79-year-old spiritual leader conceded that he may not have a successor. Whether another Dalai Lama came after him would depend on the circumstances after his death and was “up to the Tibetan people”, he said. He pointed out that the role no longer included political responsibilities; in 2011 the Dalai Lama handed these to an elected leader of the Tibetan

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama prays during Ganden Ngachoe, the death anniversary of 14th Century Tibetan SaintScholar Lama Tsongkhapa, in New Delhi, India, Dec. 16, 2014. Tsering Topgyal—AP

government in exile, Lobsang Sangay. The move was seen by many as a way the Dalai Lama could ensure the Tibetan community would have an elected leader in place outside the control of China. China has said repeatedly that it will choose the next Dalai Lama. “The Dalai Lama institution will cease one day. These manmade institutions will cease,” the Dalai Lama told the BBC. “There is no guarantee that some stupid Dalai Lama won’t come next, who will disgrace himself or

herself. That would be very sad. So, much better that a centuries-old tradition should cease at the time of a quite popular Dalai Lama.” Tibetan Buddhism’s second-highest figure is the Panchen Lama - a figure who is meant to play a key role in the choice of the next Dalai Lama. A young boy was named as Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama in 1995, but China rejected this and chose its own candidate. The whereabouts of the Dalai Lama’s choice are unknown.

Whether you call it an internal power politics or genuine anti-corruption drive, former member of the Politburo Standing Committee and security czar Zhou Yongkang, was finally trapped in Xi Jinping’s net. Zhou was in fact no small catch for Xi Jinping. The whole episode of Zhou was a big challenge for Xi’s administration. No wonder, as a chief of the Central Politics and Law Committee for nearly a decade, Zhou commanded internal security budget bigger than the national defense that reflected Zhou’s clout and authority over the collective leadership. Who could have imagined that Zhou Yongkang would be prosecuted? The ugly episode of Zhou unfolded with the downfall of Bo Xilai. It was a time when China prepared for the national leadership transition in late 2012. Bo’s henchman, Wang Lijun, the police chief of Chongqing, disclosed the murder of the British businessman Neil Heywood and all the crimes that he was entrusted with exploded in the open in the aftermath of his famous escape to the American consulate in Chengdu which prompted Bo’s downfall. While writing this article, not to my surprise, anti-graft busters put Ling Jihua under corruption investigation. Ling, a right hand guy of former Party boss Hu Jintao,

was the most successful among five siblings. Ling was a preferred candidate in the Politburo of the 18th Party Congress from Hu’s camp until his 23-year- old son, Ling Gu’s Ferrari scandal became exposed. At the time of the accident, Gu was found dead in his car with two Tibetan girls. They were Tashi Dolma, daughter of a deputy director of the Qinghai Provincial Public Security Department, and Yang Ji, a student at China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, reportedly the daughter of a well-known high incarnate Tibetan Lama also from Qinghai. They were both critically injured according to South China Morning Post. The same source said that despite Yang Ji’s recovery from her injuries, she was given an injection after which she fell into coma and later died. South China Morning Post also reported that the families of the two girls were paid hefty compensation to conceal the news being spread. One interesting thing in this story was the money paid to the families was made through China National Petroleum Cooperation – a sign of behind-the-scenes jockeying. Senior Ling was eventually demoted and was made in charge of the affairs of ethnic minorities as the head of United Front Work Department (UFWD). The move against Ling signifies that even incumbent senior

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officials are not secure. Now who will be the new director of the UFWD? It’s a matter of time for the Party-run court to impose lengthy sentences for Zhou and Ling. Earlier Bo was given a life imprisonment and most probably the duo will face a similar sentence or more severe – a death penalty? This writer’s observation and understanding of China’s power politics is that the party elders have possibly reached a consensus with the present leadership on corruption issue in which Zhou and Ling were a sacrifice. Apparently, Xi receives the upper hand over many issues particularly in selection of his protégé in significant positions in the forthcoming Party Congress. Over a year, Xi Jinping outruns his two predecessors, Hu and Jiang, in their visits to military command posts which many veteran China analysts predict as Xi’s strategy of winning the loyalty of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) – an important faction in China’s power politics. At the same time prosecution of General Xu Caihou, former vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission sends a strong signal to the incumbent military leaders that even “tigers” are not immune. This indicates how strong Xi has become over a couple of years and the old tradition of keeping high-level officials immune from scrutiny has broken and the subject remains no longer taboo in the public domain, but final say is still with the Party. It goes without saying that Zhou and Ling’s downfall is a big achievement for Xi and his entire anti-corruption team led by Wang Qishan. The duo’s arrest may slow down the concerted effort put up by China’s graft busters but it doesn’t imply that Xi will end the war against corruption. Perhaps it’s too early for Xi to leave the battle ground and assume victory. At the end of the day the real gamer is Xi himself. Tenzin Tseten is a research fellow at the Tibet Policy Institute.

Xi Jinping: The Real Gamer By Tenzin Tseten, CTA/DIIR: December 26, 2014

China detains young ....

Sources said that “authorities may have accused him of organising discussions and writing critical articles that — one of his articles called for freedom in Tibet, while other paid ribute to Tsepe Kyid, a 20 year old Tibetan girl who died after burning himself on 16 December in Ngaba County.” Born in Meruma township in Ngaba County of northern-eastern Tibet, Soepa is a second year student at the Northwest University for Nationalities in city of Gansu Province in Northwest China. His family ran a small shop where they sell DVDS and CDs. The Ministry of Information Industry and the State Council Information Office promulgated new rules in 2005–tightening the restrictions for freedom of expression, including a heavy control over Internet news information services, and electronic bulletin board systems and blogs. Many Tibetans, including monks have been arrested and jailed in recent years for circulating information about protests and cases of self-immolation. More than 50 Tibetan men and women, including writers, bloggers, singers and environmentalists, have been detained or are imprisoned, mostly after sharing views or information about conditions in their homeland. Reporters Without Borders ranks China 175 out of 180 countries, for freedom of the press and Amnesty International calls China an “authoritarian state” as does the U.S. State Department and the EU.

Tibetan Parliament ....

“Chinese security personnel arrived at the site of the protest after few minutes,” they said, adding “he was also severely beaten before his arrest.” “Trinley walked about for few minutes in the street (About 4:00 pm local, December 26, 2014) while raising a portrait of the Tibetan spiritual leader with a Tibetan national flag in the background, shouting slogans such as “Freedom in Tibet” and “Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” the source said citing contacts in Tibet. Photos and video clips of the event received from the area also show the monk staging a lone protest by shouting slogans against Chinese repressive rule and carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A large number of armed Chinese security forces and police are also deployed onto the streets after the protest. The sources said that his current condition and whereabouts remain unknown. The Chinese government has currently imposed a tight control over the movement of Tibetans, including monks of the monastery. Many Tibetans from streets have been disappeared or detained after staging protest to express solidarity with Trinley. Trinley became monk at a young age at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet (Ch: Aba County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan Province) where he studied Buddhist philosophy and culture, and Tibetan language. The Chinese government recently has imposed severe restrictions on internet and phone connections by increasing a wider crackdown on communications across Tibet in an attempt to prevent any news reaching the outside world.

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“The Nalanda masters left us profound explanations of the workings of the mind and emotions, an advanced psychology which could be very useful if made more widely available today. Similarly, it seems that there are close correspondences between Madhyamaka philosophy and the thinking of Quantum Physics.” The talk’s most surprising moment came during the question and answer session, when the Dalai Lama answered the question “how we can keep peace within when there is so much violence in the world?” “Help others, he responded. “Bring happiness to other people. If that’s difficult, at least don’t do them harm.” “The great affection we all experience as infants, which we tend to forget about later. He suggested that we make greater efforts to keep that sense of affection alive. Finally, invited to give a message to young people today,” he added.

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Tibetan woman dies after burning protest in Tibet

The charred remains of Tsepe Kyid’s body after her self-immolation at Meuruma, Ngaba on 22 December 2014. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: December 22, 2014

The report contains graphic image you may find disturbing, so viewer discretion is advised. Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out of Tibet say a Tibetan woman died on Monday after setting herself on fire in an apparent political protest against the Chinese repressive policies in Tibet, pushing the estimated toll to 134. ‘The woman, identified as Tsepe Kyid, a 20-yearold self-immolated in an apparent protest against

the Chinese government’s continuing repressive policies in Tibet,’ sources said. “Tsepe Kyid set himself ablaze around 4:00 p.m. (local time) December 22, 2014 in Meruma township in Ngaba County, Amdho Region of North-eastern Tibet (Chinese: Aba county in of Sichuan Province, China),” Meo Kungyam, a Tibetan man living in exile told The Tibet Post International. According to the sources, Chinese police arrived at the scene shortly after the self-immolation protest

and forcibly removed her body. “She is a 19-year old Tibetan woman and had not received a formal education but grew up working as a herder with her parents. According to the same sources, her 60 year old father and 50 year old mother have reportedly been taken away by police, but it is not clear whether they have been detained,” another source said later. This incident brought the total verified number of self-immolations in Tibet to 134 since February, 2009 and and of them 115 were reportedly passedaway due to their severe injuries. The Tibetan self-immolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for the Tibetan people. Most parts of Tibet have suffered severe crackdowns and been under heightened restrictions and controls. The Chinese government has blamed outside forces for the self-immolations, particularly His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration- regarded by China as a subversive. But, Tibetans have denied such accusations, saying that the main cause of self-immolation is “Beijing’s hard-line policies, including political repression, economic marginalization, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation and denial of religious freedom.” Chinese government says Tibet has always been part of its territory, but Tibetans say Tibet was virtually independent for centuries until Chinese troops invaded in the 1950s.

December 31, 2014

Tibetans and supporters condemn China’s brutal shooting of unarmed Tibetans By TPI News: 25, 2014

Dharamshala: - Tibetans and supporters in Dharamshala organize a special event today at the Tibetan Martyr Pillar at the Tsuklakhang Temple to offer khataks and candles for the self immolation of Kelsang Yeshi, 38, a monk at Tawu Nyatso Monastery and a social activist. Just 24 hours after a Tibetan woman self immolated in Ngaba, Kelsang Yeshi set himself on fire in front of the gate of a police station inside the compound of Nyatso Monastery in the traditional Tibetan area of Kham Tawu, located today in Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Before his self immolation, he called for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet and for freedom in Tibet. Kalsang Yeshe died on the spot. Local police immediately removed his body and brought it to Tawu County detention center, prompting about one thousand Tibetans to gather at the Tawu County police station and demand the release of his body for proper cremation. Police indiscriminately opened fire on monks who attempted to prevent the removal of the body, injuring several people. According to exile media reports, the police cremated the body in an electric crematorium and forced two family members to throw the remains into a river at gunpoint.

Kelsang Yeshi, son of Dorjee and Jampa, was born in Thewa Township in Tawu. Kalsang was highly respected within his community for his social welfare work. After studying at Gaden Jangtse Monastery in south India, he returned to Tibet and worked with religious leaders to establish programs to eradicate illiteracy among rural Tibetans in Tawu, Drango, and other areas in Kardze. He had also founded a social welfare organization with one hundred members in his hometown. We call on governments to publicly condemn China’s use of force against unarmed Tibetans and the turning of TIbet into a military zone. It is because of these actions by the Chinese government that we see the continuation of self immolation protests. This incident demonstrates that the situation in Tibet remains critical. Without urgent action to challenge China’s increasingly repressive policies, the situation in Tibet will continue to deteriorate. Kalsang Yeshe is the 135th Tibetan inside Tibet to resort to self immolation as a form of protest against the Chinese government and the 116th to die after self immolation protest. This event is organized by Students for a Free Tibet India, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association.

A two-week dental workshop for Tibetan nurses held in Bir Town By Yanchen Dolma: December 22, 2014

Dharamshala: - A two-week dental training workshop for health workers of school clinics and settlement health centers was held at a Tibetan settlement near Dharamshala. The workshop was held from December 1 to 17 at the primary health center in Bir Tibetan settlement, state of Himachal Pradesh, India and organised by the Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). According to the CTA media report, the workshop was a continuation of a similar theoretical workshop on basic dental care and procedures, which was carried out earlier in July with support from Taiwan Dental Association, Cathy’s hospital and Taiwan

School and Tibetan settlement nurses with the dental scaling and extraction machines donated by the Taiwanese groups. Photo: CTA/DIIR

Health Co-Op organization. ‘The practical training for the 14 trainees which include school nurses, dental

therapists and staff nurses from remote Tibetan settlements was carried out at the dental clinic of Suja TCV School and Bir primary healthcare center,’ it said. The trainees were taught clinical part of basic dental procedures like scaling and extraction. Five scaling machines donated by the training group from Taiwan and were distributed along with certificates at the concluding session of the workshop. The machines were presented by the Bir Tibetan Settlement Officer. The report said that “the machines were given to school clinics of CST Mussorie, CST Shimla, Petoen School-Dharamsala; Phende Hospital Hunsur and Tenzingang Primary health center in Arunachal Pradesh.”

Exiled MPs call upon Indian lawmakers to revive Forum for Tibet

the statement reads. This massive support for Tibet culminated in the formation of the forum in the 1970s under the leadership of Shri M.C. Chagla. Since then besides raising the issue of Tibet in various international forums as well as organising and participating in World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet. APPFT had also successfully facilitated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s address to the Indian Parliamentarians in the Parliament House Annexe. APPFT is revived every five years following the Lok Sabha elections and new members inducted in the Forum as required. The current lobbying campaign was jointly coordinated and supported by the Delhi based Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre and India Tibet Co-ordination Office.

Occupation of Tibet ... Tibetan Parliamentary delegation meeting with members of Indian parliament in New Delhi on 10 Dec 2014. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: December 18, 2014

New Delhi: - In a move to strengthening Indian lawmakers and officials supporting the issue of Tibet across the world, a Tibetan delegation has held a week-long lobby campaign in New Delhi to highlight the critical situation in Tibet. A ten-member delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-In-Exile led by Mr Pema Jungney following its “week-long Tibet advocacy campaign” in the capital of India, New Delhi revived the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APPFT), the delegation said in a press statement. The campaign began from 7th to 15th of December, saw the Tibetan delegations calling upon 100 Indian lawmakers from 31 major political parties including a former Prime Minister, Union ministers, Speakers, a Chief Minister, and several Party leaders. A dinner reception was organised at the Shangrila Hotel on December 15, “in order to honor the Indian political leaders and the

formal revival of APPFT being initiated” with the united approval of Shri Shanta Kumar, a former Union Minister and a former Chief Minister of HP as the Convener of the Forum. ‘Speaker Mr Penpa Tsering spoke to the Indian lawmakers on the situation of Tibet and the history of APPFT,’ the delegation said. ‘The Speaker also urged the Indian leaders to bolster their Tibet advocacy in the Indian Parliament and various international platforms through a revitalised the Forum for Tibet,’ the group further said. Skyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Tibetan delegates held extensive discussions and discourse with the Indian leaders on Tibetan issue and the revival of the APPFT during the meeting. Since the time of great Indian leaders, including parliamentarians have vehemently raised their voice in the Indian Parliament and outside against the Chinese aggression of Tibet and its illegal occupation by China,

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“Historically Tibet maintained a neutral status, and at times followed an isolationist and hermetic policy,” he said, adding: “Tibet however was caught in the geopolitics of the Great Game and was occupied by China in 1950.” “The occupation brought China and India, the two largest populated countries of the world, face to face for the first time in history. In 1962 India-China war broke out. Since then tensions remained between the two countries with border incursions occurring every year,” he added. “Environmentally, Tibet also known as the third pole is the main source of ten major rivers of Asia and the plateau affects the climate and monsoon patterns in South and South-east Asia,” he stressed while speaking on the critical environmental situation in Tibet. Reiterating his commitment to the Middle WayApproach for resolving the Tibet issue with China, Sikyong said that “the Middle WayApproach of the Central TibetanAdministration is a win-win proposition for both China and Tibet.” The conclave, organised by the state government of Goa and India Foundation, was attended by over 250 eminent participants from around the world with parliamentarians, diplomats, journalists, educationists, security experts, former heads of government of Jordan, Netherlands, Slovenia, and Lithuania.

A Tibetan girl offering prayers to expresss her solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators, including Kalsang Yeshe during a candlelight vigil held in Dharamshala, India, on December 25, 2014. Photo: TPI

Tibetans hold solidarity vigil for self-immolators By Yanchen Dolma: 23, 2014

Dharamshala: - Tibetans and supporters held a candlelight vigil to express solidarity with Tibetans self-immolators, including Tsepe Kyid, a 20-year-old Tibetan woman who died after setting herself on fire to protest China’s rule. The vigil was held in McLeod Ganj town of Dharamshala, India, on December 23, 2014 and jointly organised by the Dharamshala based three Tibetan NGOs, namely the Students for free Tibet India, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress,and Regional Tibetan Woman’ Association. In a statement, the NGOs said: Tibetans and supporters in Dharamshala organise a special event today, “Light a Candle for Tsepe Kyid,” with Buddhist prayer to pay their homage to the recent self-immolation by 19-yearold Tibetan woman, Tsepe Kyid. Over hundred Tibetans and supporters attented the vigil. Ven Kanyak Tsering from Kirti Monastery based in Dharamshala, India briefed the gathering about the teenage girl who recently died of self-immolation protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. He said, “Tsepe had received no formal education and became a nomad.” “The main causes of the self immolations by Tibetans is the Chinese hard-line policies towards Tibetan people,” he said, adding: “We join together here today to express our solidarity with Tsepe Kyid

and her family members.” He said that the Tibet issue will not solve if China did not change the repressive policies in Tibet. “Freedom struggle for the Tibet will be continue through nonviolence,” he added. “The news of yet another immolation and the loss of the Tsepe Kyid’s life comes at a very difficult time but this is the reality that Tibetans are paying the cost of their lives for the basic freedom and human rights”the group said. “The act of self immolation protest by Tibetans highlights for suffering of Tibetans people under the Chinese colonial rule for the past 55 years.Tibetans inside and exile are continued to fight for their freedom through non-violent means, but increasing repression and oppressive policies in Tibet have forced many Tibetans to resort to self immolation protest.” the statement reads. Sudeep, a SFT member from Mumbai, also spoke about Indian youth’s support of Tibetan freedom movement. A video footage showing Tsepe Kyid’s self-immolation protest was screened at the end of the event. The event was jointly organised by the Dharamshala based three Tibetan NGOs, namely the Students for free Tibet India, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress,and Regional Tibetan Woman’ Association. This incident brought the total verified number of selfimmolations in Tibet to 134 since February, 2009 and of them 115 were reportedly passed-away from their severe injuries.

A candlelight vigil held in Dharamshala, India, on December 23, 2014 to express solidarity with Tsepe Kyid and her family. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo

December 31, 2014

TPI NEWS

H.H THE DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post International

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet concludes teachings in Mundgod

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is presented an award to commemorate his first teaching in exile at Tawang 55 years ago at a ceremony at Ganden Jangtse Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka, India on December 26, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL By Jane Cook: December 30, 2014

Mundgod, Karnataka: - The week long teaching session conducted by the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama concludes at the Gaden Jangtse University in Mundgod, Karnataka State of South India, December 29, 2014. Events include public talks, discussion, meetings, symposium, long life prayers, a special souvenir function, and inauguration of new hostel building for Mongolian students. After inaugurating Conference on Ethics in the New Millennium at Tumkur University in Bangalore, South India, on 22 December 2014 His Holiness visited Gaden Jangtse Monastery where he was received by thousands of devotees, icnluding Gaden Tri Rinpoche, Rizong Rinpoche, along with the Sharpa and Jangtse Chöjey’s, the Gelugpa hierarchs, and Ling Rinpoche, who requested this series of teachings. “Tri Rinpoche, Abbots and former Abbots and everyone gathered here, my greetings to you all. Thank you for receiving me here today. Since I’ll have a lot to talk about from tomorrow, I don’t have much to say today. His Holiness asked how many people are here in Mundgod for the teachings and was told 30,000 are expected. He inquired about facilities for translation into various languages and it was confirmed that these would be made available over FM radio. He ended with smile and a wave: “That’s all for today; see you tomorrow.” More than 25,000 people, including more than 2000 foreigners from 43 countries, eagerly awaited His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Ganden Jangtse Monastery on 23 December 2014. His Holiness remarked that many of the monks in the audience came from the Three Seats - as well as Tashi Lhunpo and Namdroling. He said that in their six hundred years the Three Seats’ influence had extended right across Tibet and into Mongolia. By studying the classic texts, which deal with the awakening mind of bodhichitta and understanding emptiness, their monks serve the Dharma. Nagarjuna and other masters followed this advice to distinguish which of the Buddha’s teachings were definitive and could be accepted literally and which were provisional and subject to interpretation. Second day of the Stages of the Path teachings at Gaden Jangtse Monastery, on 24 December 2014, His Holiness said that material development alone is not a path to happiness. “We need to know the source of suffering and the disturbances that afflict us and how to put a stop to it. His Holiness added that while it is good to recite the Heart Sutra, as had just been done, it is more important to know what it means.” As it says, all the Buddhas of the three times have depended on the perfection of wisdom. Moreover, love and compassion are effective at countering anger, but are ineffective in countering ignorance. “I make no claim to have realised emptiness,” His Holiness declared, “but I think I can say I’m on the verge of doing so. Although things lack inherent existence, we can’t deny that they exist at all.” With His Holiness’s encouragement Tibetan Buddhist nuns have been studying hard. Consequently there are now nuns about to earn their Geshema degrees. People have asked if that is possible and His Holiness said

he has replied that if there are Gelongs there can be Gelongmas and since there are Geshes, Geshemas are possible too. “We have to ask why so few students from the Tibetan exile community are joining the monasteries these days. There are some from Tibet and many from the Trans-Himalayan region. Meanwhile I have been encouraging students in secular schools to study logic and debate, which I hope will encourage them and give them something to be proud of. Don’t be like the Jokhang caretaker who sat back while someone ate the offerings and a fire broke out in one of the chapels.” During the third day of Lam Rim teachings at Gaden Jangtse Monastery, His Holiness has inaugurated the new hostel for Mongolian Students’ studying at the Drepung Gomang Monastery, on 25 December 2014. At the new hostel for Mongolian students His Holiness unveiled a commemorative plaque and took his seat on the veranda. There are currently nearly 400 students at Gomang from the various Mongolian regions, including Inner Mongolia, and the hostel is expected to accommodate nearly 200 of them. Addressing the assembly of monks and laypeople, His Holiness said: “We Tibetans became refugees, while you Mongolians regained your independence. Since we had re-established learning institutions in our refugee settlements, once you were free to do so, you were able to come here to study. Like Tibet, yours is a traditionally Buddhist country and during the Communist era you maintained your faith, so you were able to revive it again after your independence was restored. In the presence of the Mongolian Ambassador, the sponsors and parents of the monks, I am happy to be able to inaugurate this new hostel. My greetings to you all.” “Among the world’s religious traditions, Buddhism is distinct for its use of logical investigation,” His Holiness said. “The Nalanda tradition seems to be the most comprehensive presentation of the Buddha’s teachings available today. It incorporates knowledge of the mind and emotions that is not only of use to Mongolians and Tibetans, but is of potential benefit to all humanity, which is why many scientists are taking interest in it. However, the only way to preserve this tradition is through study and practice.” Addressing a gathering of thousands of devotees, the elected Tibetan leader, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said that in the 55 years since, he has worked tirelessly, travelling all over the world spreading a message of peace and sharing the ideas of the Nalanda tradition. Sikyong described “His Holiness as a beacon of hope, the heart and soul of the Tibetan people.” He took the opportunity once again to thank the government and people of India and especially the government and people of Karnataka for the support they have shown Tibetans. The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, quoted His Holiness’s often saying that Indians were the gurus while Tibetans were the chelas or disciples. “But,” he said, “His Holiness is the world’s guru. We need his blessings.” Returning after lunch, looking in the direction of

the Westerners, His Holiness beamed and wished them a ‘Merry Christmas’ teasing them that they must be missing their big dinner. He continued to read from ‘Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand’. He said that to imagine that there is a magical instruction apart from what is contained in the classic texts is an error. Je Tsongkhapa says there is no other instruction. What we have to do is study what the classic texts say and implement that into the path. That is the real magic that moves the heart. The Tendhon Culture Preservation Society of Tawang monastery on December 26 conducted a programme during the fourth day of Lam Rim teachings at Gaden Jangtse Monastery at Mundgod in Karnataka, to commemorate the 55th year of the arrival and first preaching of Tibetan spiritual His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Tawang Monastery in 1959. The function was attended by a large number of dignitaries, monks and nun and devotees from across the world. The AP team was headed by UD and Tourism Minister Pema Khandu which included Chairman DoKA Jambey Wangdi, deputy speaker T N Thongdok, parliamentary secretaries Jambey Tashi, Phurpa Tsering, Kumsi Sidisow, MLAs Tsering Tashi and P D Sona, a press release informed. The legislators of Tawang and West Kameng districts led by Abbot of Tawang monastery Guru Rinpoche presented a souvenir to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to mark the historic occasion. Guru Rinpoche read out in Tibetan language the citation presented while PS Tashi read out its English version to the gathering. Guru Rinpoche said that after His Holiness left Tibet in 1959, His Holiness gave his first teaching in exile at Tawang 55 years ago. The people of Tawang had decided to present an award to him to mark the event. The trophy, made of silver, is formed of a lotus to represent His Holiness’s compassion, a globe to represent his worldwide activities, and topped by a Dharma wheel. Pema while addressing the gathering said that the people of Mon region of Arunachal Pradesh were fortunate to have been blessed by the Dalai Lama with his first ever preaching in exile at Tawang monastery 55 years ago in 1959. He sincerely thanked the Tibetan spiritual leader for accepting the humble souvenir from the people in commemoration of the unique historic occasion and also for his forthcoming visit to the state in 2015. Addressing the ceremony to mark 55th anniversary of His first teaching in exile, His Holiness said: “Today, we have Gaden Tri Rinpoche and Sharpa and Jangtse Chöjeys, two Ministers from Karnataka, and esteemed representatives from Arunachal Pradesh here among us. The Mön people have close spiritual links with Tibet. The Arunachal government wants to commemorate the 55th anniversary of my first teaching in Tawang. I’d like to thank them.” His Holiness remembered that he had been suffering from dysentery, but was beginning to recover when he reached Memang. He spoke of his relief at meeting PN Menon who he first met in Beijing and who had served at Dekyi Lingka, the British and subsequently Indian

mission in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Menon told him he was welcoming him on behalf of the Indian Government. Later, Nehru asked the States of the Indian Union if any of them could provide land on which to accommodate the tens of thousands of Tibetan refugees who had followed His Holiness into exile. The most positive response came from S. Nijalingappa, Chief Minister of what was then the Mysore Presidency and is now Karnataka. His Holiness again expressed his thanks. He remarked that that initial support has now matured into cooperative ventures like the understanding between Tumkur University and Sera Jey Monastic University. Returning to continue Lamrim teachings after a short break, His Holiness told the audience that Dagyab Rinpoche, who he had known since he was a small boy, had asked to be allowed to offer a Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness. His Holiness said: “Like me, he used to propitiate Dolgyal, but he listened to what I had to say and understood it and gave the practice up. He trusted the investigations I had done. When someone shows trust in me, it’s right that I should return that trust. So, when he asked to offer a Prayer for my Long Life, I consented.” The Chant-Master led the prayers up to the point where the Lama makes a citation and request. Dagyab Rinpoche, flanked by Dagyabpa and Member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Gang Lhamo, declared the following. “His Holiness is impartial in his love and compassion for all, he is a champion of peace and honoured as such. We people of the Dagyab region of Tibet, with faith and devotion to you, and out of gratitude, offer this prayer for your long life. We are fortunate to have your consent to this. “You took responsibility for Tibet as previous Dalai Lamas have done and became Tibet’s sole hope and refuge. You have given teachings and empowerments and encouraged a strong sense of confidence and conviction in your disciples. You have made clear that Tibetan Buddhism belongs to the pure tradition of Nalanda. Not taking Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings on faith, you analysed and investigated them as the Buddha recommended. You are an incomparable master for today’s world. “You have revealed the scientific character of much of Buddhist teaching and suggested that Buddhist science and philosophy should be accessible to all. This is a new approach to Buddhism. You travel around the world, participating in meetings and gatherings for peace and religious harmony. Continuing the fifth day of the Stages of the Path teachings in south India, thousands of monks, nuns and lay-people were ready to listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In the context of enlightenment, His Holiness said that “If you don’t know what enlightenment is,” he asked, “how can you develop the awakening mind of bodhichitta. With wisdom Bodhisattvas focus on enlightenment, while they focus on sentient beings through bodhichitta. “To train the mind we need to investigate subtle impermanence and suffering among the four characteristics of each of the Four Noble Truths. I analyse these 16 characteristics every day. I also think about bodhichitta and in my reflective meditation I pay attention to the 37 harmonies of enlightenment.” “Practising Dharma doesn’t mean setting up a small room in your house and sitting up straight in it. It’s about keeping a watch on your mind wherever you are. Having an awareness like this is important because then wherever you are you’ll know what is to be done or not done. Dharma doesn’t mean

going anywhere else, it’s about watching your mind right where you are.” For those whose minds are distracted, the power of analysis can induce the mind to remain on the object because it is interested in it. This helps focus the scattered mind. Some people find training in single-pointedness difficult, because the mind feels unnecessarily constricted. For them analysis can help. “We need to be far-sighted from the outset. As I said before, compassion is directed at sentient beings, while wisdom is directed towards Buddhahood. If you feel constricted it can lead to stress and depression. It’s better to rest and relax. Dharma practice is about tackling your disturbing emotions. Among the hardest things to abandon, among the eight worldly concerns, is a desire for a good reputation. You want to be known as a good meditator and adept. This is one of the drawbacks of not being mindful of death.” People of Tibetan settlement and Dzachukha have jointly offered a long life prayer to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the final day of Lam Rim teachings at Gaden Jangtse Monastery, on December 28, 2014. “Today, the people of Mundgod settlement have gathered together to perform a long life prayer on my behalf,” announced His Holiness the Dalai Lama this morning. “They are joined by people from Dzachukha, the native place of Dza Patrul Rinpoche. They represent the people in Tibet. I’ve read the mandala prayer and request, so you can abbreviate it if you like. I’ve read the letter from the Dzachukha people too. “In the years since this settlement was set up, it has developed and improved. I can see this in the looks on people’s faces and the fact that their complexions have improved.” The letter from the Dzachukha people mentioned His Holiness’s previous lives, including the 36 manifestations of Avalokiteshvara in India. It said: ‘you have shown kindness to the people of Tibet by leading us. We would like to repay a pinch of that kindness through this offering. His Holiness responded: “It is the people back in Tibet who are the real owners of the land. I am only a spokesman for them. As I say, the land of Tibet belongs to the people who live there, and it’s because of the persistent strength of spirit of the people of Tibet that we are able to work on their behalf in exile.” His Holiness addressed a group who had come from Tibet during the last day in Mundgod, south India, on December 29, 2014. His Holiness told them: “We used to live in three provinces united as one, now there are different administrative divisions, but we all still speak Tibetan. What’s more, Tibetans are the real owners of Tibet. And your patriotism and courage are excellent. I thank you. “At this time we need to emphasise education. We need education in our own language about Buddhism and Buddhist psychology. This is something that even scientists in the West are becoming interested in. We need to learn how to transform the mind. The key thing is understanding. If you can say 21 Mani mantras with understanding, they will be far more powerful than saying 1000s without understanding. “Since Deng Xiao Ping’s economic reforms a lot more people became rich. We need wealthy people. However, what’s important is not to waste your wealth on drinking and gambling, but to put it to good use. Set up schools and hospitals. Support the education of poorer children. If you can, use your resources for social benefit.”

A special offering during the Long Life prayer ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Ganden Jangtse Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka, India on December 28, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

December 31, 2014 EXILE NEWS 5 Tibetan Parliament congratulates Atal Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay visits Mundgod Tibetan settlement Bihari Vajpayee on Bharat Ratna

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

By Yanchen Dolma: December 28, 2014

Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo By Yanchen Dolma: December 27, 2014

Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Friday congratulated Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India and late Shri Madan Mohan Malviya, on being awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. “The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, on behalf of all the Tibetans, expresses our heartfelt congratulations

to you on being awarded India’s highest civilian award – The Bharat Ratna,” the Tibetan parliament said in statement issued on December 26, 2014. “Moreover, the announcement of this prestigious award coincides with your birthday where the government of India declared the day as ‘Good Governance Day’,” it said. “You are one of India’s most outstanding Prime Minister and are one of the charismatic leaders of all times. We thank you for your kind support extended towards our Tibetan cause,” it contiuned. The exiled Parliament also congratulated Shri Satya Prakash Malaviya, son of late Shri Madan Mohan Malviya, in a separate letter. “While appreciating the Government of India for this gesture towards your illustrious father, I take this opportunity to thank you for your valuable support for the cause of Tibet,” Speaker Mr. Penpa Tsering wrote in the Tibetan Parliament’s congratulatory message.

CTA organises prayer service for self-immolators

Mundgod, Karnataka: - Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived at the Tibetan Settlement in Mundgod, Karnataka state on December 25, where he was received by the staff and officials from the local settlement office as well as Chief Representative’s office based in Bangalore, South India. Sikyong participated in the special ceremony held the next day to commemorate the first teaching His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave in exile at Tawang monastery 55 years ago. “In the 55 years since His Holiness gave his first teaching at Tawang monastery, he has worked tirelessly, Sikyong said, adding: “travelling all over the world spreading a message of peace and sharing the ideas of the Nalanda tradition.” Describing “His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a beacon of hope,” Sikyong said “His Holines is the heart and soul of the Tibetan people.” On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Sikyong once again expressed his gratitude to the government and people of India and especially the government and people of Karnataka for the support they have shown to the Tibetan people in exile. On Friday evening, at around 4.00 pm, Sikyong presided over a meeting at the local Tibetan settlement office, according to a report by the CTA media. Ven Atruk Tseten, member of Tibetan

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing students of CST school, Mundgod on 27 December 2014. Photo/Ngawang Thogmey/DIIR

Parliament, members of the local Tibetan assembly, the settlement officer, hospital administrators, representatives from the monasteries, and members of various organization and committees of the settlement attended the meeting. During the meeting, Sikyong spoke about the official policies of the CTA and the initiatives of the 14th Kashag towards the welfare of the Tibetan community in exile. It was followed by a question

and answer session. The next day, accompanying by Mr Karma Singe, the Chief Representative of the Southern Tibetan settlements, Sikyong visited the Central School for Tibetans, where he spoke about the CTA. Sikyong explained the challenges faced by his administration in appointing new staff and officials. However, he assured that the CTA is doing their best to resolve these issues.

Tibetan writer thinks Facebook deleted her post to cozy up to China By Lucas Jackson/Reuters: December 29, 2014

Kalon Pema Chhinjor of the Department of Religion and Culture, addressing the prayer service on 26 December 2014. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR By CTA/DIIR: December 26, 2014

Dharamshsala: The Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration today organised a prayer service for the Tibetan selfimmolators including Tsephe Kyi and Ven. Kelsang Yeshi, who died after setting themselves on fire on 22 and 23 December respectively. Hundreds of local Tibetans, staff and senior officials of the Tibetan administration including members of the Kashag, members of the Tibetan Parliament and Tibetan Justice Commissioners, attended the prayer service. The prayer service was presided over by Ven. Ngawang Tashi, former spiritual teacher of Namgyal monastery. Addressing the gathering, Officiating Sikyong, Kalon Pema Chhinjor, expressed his deep sadness and solidarity with the suffering of the Tibetan people inside Tibet. He said: ” Not one, not two, not even one hundred, but at least 135 Tibetans have set themselves on fire protesting the Chinese government’s repressive policies in Tibet. The Tibetan self-immolators have set themselves on fire not for

their personal benefits or to fulfill their individual aspirations. They sacrificed their lives for the greater cause of Tibet and we should respect them.” ” The Chinese government continues to propagate that they have created a harmonious socialist paradise in Tibet. However, the reality is far from it. The Tibetan people are continually discriminated against and subjected to all kinds of repressive measures. Therefore, out of desperation, Tibetans resort to self-immolation. However, not even one out of the 135 Tibetan selfimmolators have hurt or tried to hurt anyone else in their self-immolations. This is a testament of their commitment towards non-violence,” he said. Despite the Central Tibetan Administration’s repeated appeals, 135 Tibetans have set themselves ablaze in Tibet since 2009. Most of the selfimmolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans. Several of the self-immolators have also left testimonials expressing apprehension towards restrictions imposed on Tibetan language and culture by Chinese authorities in Tibet.

When a 38-year-old Tibetan monk named Kalsang Yeshe died after setting himself on fire in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan last week, writer and activist Tsering Woeser did what she always does: She posted details about the incident online, including on her Facebook page. But Facebook deleted it, citing concerns about the graphic nature of the video Woeser linked to in the post. She says it was first time Facebook has censored her work in six years — and she contends it wasn’t about protecting people from a disturbing video. “I was really surprised. I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Woeser told the New York Times after getting a notice from Facebook about the deletion. “I thought, ‘How is it that this has become like a Chinese website?’ ” Facebook did not respond to our requests for comment, but in a statement provided to the Times, the company wrote this about the deletion: “Facebook has long been a place where people share things and experiences. Sometimes, those experiences involve violence and graphic videos. We work hard to balance expression and safety. However, since some people object to graphic videos, we are working to give people additional control over the content they see. This may include warning them in advance that the image they are about to see contains graphic content. We do not currently have these tools available and as a result we have removed this content.” Woeser was born in Tibet, and she lives in Beijing with her Chinese husband. In recent years, she has written a lot, usually in Chinese,

Tibetan National Congress urges China to end its repressive rule in Tibet By Yanchen Dolma: December 28, 2014

New York, December 27, 2014: - Tibetans and Supporters Saturday gathered at the United Nations Headquarter in New York, calling on “China to Stop Killing Tibetans in Tibet.” “Until now, 142 Tibetans have self-immolated to oppose Chinese repressive rule in Tibet. Last week Sangye Khar, Tsepe Kyid and Kalsang Yeshe burned themselves to death between Dec 16 -23, 2014,” the Tibetan National Congress (TNC) said in a press release. As 37 year old monk Kalsang Yeshe burned himself in Tawu on Dec 23, 2014, a group of monks trying to protect his body were mercilessly shot by the Chinese police. Thousands of locals then gathered at the police station demanding the body returned to the family; the police send ashes the next day. Tibetans in Tawu there are now risking arrests and bullets participating in civil disobedience, blocking the roads and continuously performing prayers, which is strictly forbidden by the Chinese. A 21 year old monk Lobsang Trinley on Saturday peacefully paraded a photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama calling for his return and for freedom in Tibet, in front of a Chinese police station in Ngaba. He was severely beaten and immediately arrested. “It inspired numerous Tibetans around the area to

Tsering Woeser, a Tibetan activist, blogger, poet and essayist in China. Photo: Aftenbladet

about the human rights situation in Tibetan parts of China, focused especially on the dozens of self-immolation protests that have taken place, mostly since 2009. Chinese state security officials have called and visited her many times, and she has been put under house arrest on occasion. But Woeser has also been left alone to publish her writings, albeit to an audience that is largely based outside of the Chinese mainland. Her blog is blocked inside China, and so are Facebook and Twitter. When I interviewed Woeser for a story early this year, guys in a black car were waiting across the street as I showed up to meet her on the west side of Beijing. One of them was pointing a video camera at us. I mentioned this to Woeser, but she told me not to worry. “If they wanted to stop our meeting today, they would have done it already,” she said. Facebook’s decision to remove material related

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to Tibet, which Beijing considers a politically sensitive subject and scrubs from Chinese Internet sites, is seen as part of the company’s push for more access to the Chinese market. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO, made a high-profile visit to China that included him showing off some of his new Chinese language skills. He also recently hosted China’s Internet tsar, Lu Wei, at Facebook headquarters. A quick Facebook search from outside of China’s “Great Firewall,” however, reveals all kinds of material on the social media site that would never get past Chinese Internet censors. That includes pages dedicated to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama — China considers him an enemy of the state — human rights in Tibet and the student-led protests in Hong Kong. Still, there are questions about what this one incident might portend for the future of a powerhouse like Facebook.

t i

Dr Franz Pahl Mr Thomas Kemeil Mr Shalinder Kumar Ven Thupten Yarphel

Former speaker of South Tyrol, Italy A software engineer, Austria A professional graphic designer, India A Tibetan writer, India

Editor in Chief Yeshe Choesang Chinese Editor Keary Huang Tibetan Editor Choneyi Sangpo Project Manager Matthew Singh Toor Reporter Dawa Phurbu Photographer Artemas Liu Layout & Design Choneyi Sangpo Circulation Jigme Gyatso

Contributors to this editon Tibetans and supporters gathered at the UN Headquarter in New York, calling on “China to Stop Killing Tibetans in Tibet.” Photo: TPI

protest in solidarity. Ngaba is under lock-down as numerous protest continue and several Tibetans are being arrested,” the TNC said. “In spite of China’s escalating repressive measures Tibetan resistance inside Tibet is stronger and more diverse than ever. The Chinese government is discovering that a display of force is unable to prevent self-immolations, mass gatherings or other diverse forms of resistance, including displaying

posters and banners, recording video messages, communicating through music, literature and expressions of national identity,” TNC added. The protest organiser TNC, an independent Tibetan political group said it “appeals for a coordinated action by world governments and the United Nations to help bring about an end to the current crisis in Tibet and to urge the Chinese government to end its repressive policies in Tibet.”

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Classified 6 TPI NEWS Martsang Kagyu tradition launches BHARAT OPTICALS website to promote Buddhism

The Tibet Post International

December 31, 2014

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Mr Penpa tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (C), Drogon Gangri Karma Rinpoche (R) and Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile (L) at the website launch in Dharamshala, India, on December 26, 2014. Photo: Sonam Tsering/ LTWA By Yeshe Choesang: December 26, 2014

Dharamshala: - The Martsang Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism has launched a trilingual (Tibetan, Chinese and English) website that provides an insight into Tibetan society and focuses on the preservation of the rich traditions and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. The new website, martsangkagyuofficial.org, has been opened by Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile at a ceremony held in Dharamshala, India, on December 26, 2014. The website offers special features, including history of Tibetan Buddhism, the important political and religious figures in Tibet, history of Tibet and Tibetan culture and customs amongst others.

Addressing at the launch of his website, Drogon Gangri Karma Rinpoche who is a spiritual teacher of the Martsang Kagyud tradition of Tibetan Buddhism spoke about the important part of the newly launched website. He said that the revival of the tradition is in tune with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice to preserve the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism. Other guests include Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Geshe Monlam Tharchin, a member of the Tibetan Parliament. The Martsang Kagyu tradition was founded by His Holiness Chöjé Marpa Sherab Yeshe (1134-1203) around 848 years ago. However, the tradition has diminished over the years. Born in Markham in East Tibet, 1964, the 12th Gangri Karma Rinpoche is the current lineage holder of this Kagyu tradition. He was recognised by His Eminences the Sakya Trizin and His Holiness the Dalai Lama on December 15, 1987. Rinpoche is spearheading the revival of the tradition, has conducted six years of intensive research on the tradition and has established many centres around the world to revive the tradition and exploring the interface of Buddhism with modern science. Rinpoche has established a Scientific Buddhist Institute in Markham county of eastern Tibet, a School for orphans and semi-orphans to train to be the Tibetan medical practitioners, according to his website.

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Dharamshala: - A book on the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai lama and the emergency situation in Tibet was launched in Dharamshala, India. The Tibetan book whose title roughly translates “The main cause of instability in Tibet” is in Chinese language first written by a higher deceased Tibetan officer Dhargye in Tibet and later translated into Tibetan language. It was launched by Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, at a press conference which was held in Dharamshala, India, on December 24. The event was also attended by some Tibetan parliamentarians and writers in exile. According to the event organisers, the book is accumulation of articles on assorted subjects by the

Another Buddhist ...

... continued from front page

Lungrig’s arrest came just hours after “Lobsang Trinley, a 21-year-old monk from Kirti monastery was arrested while staging a solo protest in the street of Ngaba township shouting slogans such as “freedom in Tibet” and “long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” Trinley and Lungrig were born and raised in nomadic Meuruma Township in Ngaba County and both became monks at Kirti Monastery at a young age. According to the sources, Chinese authorities have used intimidation to arrest the Tibetan blogger before forcibly taking away all his belongings. The authorities however have not given any specific reasons for his arrest. His current whereabouts and condition also remain unknown. Confirming the facts is extremely difficult. A large number of armed Chinese security forces and police are also deployed onto the streets after the solo protest against China’s repressive policies. Security forces have also blocked all major roads leading to Ngaba County and extreme restrictions are placed on movement of local Tibetans. The Chinese government recently has imposed severe restrictions on internet and phone connections by increasing a wider crackdown on communications across Tibet in an attempt to prevent any news reaching the outside world.

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deceased writer, in which including his writings on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his opinions on the unrest in Tibet as well as an application to Xi Jinping, the Chinese President, highlighting the emergency situation in Tibet. Dhargye was born in 1941 in Ngaba County, Amdho Region of north-eastern Tibet and died in 2013. He had witnessed the drastic change in Tibet.

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ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don’t bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view. Try not to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options. Catch up on your reading and correspondence. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Get on with business. Avoid extravagance or risky financial schemes. Do things with your children and avoid situations that make you feel as if you’ve neglected the ones you love. Be careful of disclosing personal information. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Set your goals and stick to your guns. Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Be creative in your pursuits. Don’t expect new acquaintances to be completely honest about themselves. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. Check your project over carefully if you were not the only one contributing to the end result. You can make extra cash by moonlighting. Don’t let situations get out of hand. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Do not expect too much from others. This may not be your day if you are overly melodramatic and unnerving everyone around you. You should be traveling to that exotic destination you’ve been dreaming about. Don’t push your mate if you want to keep this union going. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don’t let situations get out of control. Try not to be too emotional with those around you. You’re best to avoid disputes. You should look into a healthier diet. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don’t give in too quickly. Home improvement projects will run smoothly. You will reach the most people if you speak out at an organizational function. Do things because you want to, not because someone else thinks you should. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Uncertainties regarding your love life will surface if you have neglected your mate. New partnerships will develop if you join investment groups. Unforeseen changes in your location are apparent. You can make new friends and experience new things if you do a bit of traveling. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don’t gossip. Don’t be afraid to speak in defense of others. You may have some difficulties with someone you live with. Residential moves will be hectic and may be unsatisfactory. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your lack of interest in your partner is a problem. Don’t lend or borrow money or belongings. Opportunities to get involved in investment groups will payoff. Don’t let your partner put you down. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) This is a great day to get out and enjoy an entertaining evening with friends or lovers. You’re intuitive this month; however, this attribute could get you in trouble if you tactlessly say what you think. You will be uncertain of your feelings. Your outgoing nature will win hearts. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Romance will be on your mind, and chances for ideal connections are in the works. Don’t overload your plate. You should be doing something special with children. New romantic ties can be made; however, you must make sure that your motives are not selfish before you make your move. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

TPI NEWS

The Tibet Post International

SELF-IMMOLATION

December 31, 2014

Since 2009, a verified total of 135 Tibetans self-immolated in Tibet to protest against China’s repressive policy, of them 116 reportedly passed-away due to their burn injuries List of selfimmolations inside Tibet since 2009. Verified total: 135, of them 116 reportedly died, while the status of the rest remains unknown. No.

Name

Age

Place

Father

Tapey (M)

20s

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Phuntsok Jarutsang (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Tsering Tashi

Tsewang Norbu/ (M)

Tawu County, Kham, Tibet

Tsokye

Lobsang Kalsang (M)

18-19

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Tsering Tashi

Lobsang Konchok (M)

18-19

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Kalsang Wangchuk (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Choephel (M)

Khaying/Lhungyang (M)

Mother

Protest Date

Status

Zungdue Kyab (M)

Bora, Labrang, Amdho, Tibet

Tsepa

Bende Tso

02.12.12

Unknown

Lobsang Gedun (M)

Golog, Pema Dzong, Amdho, Tibet

Golog Lokho

Sago Dewang

03.12.12

Died: 03.12.12

27.02.2009

Unknown

Konchok Phelgye

Dzoege, Ngaba, Amdho, Tibet

Konchok Kyab

Dolma Tso

08.12.12

Died: 08.12.12

Dzongkar

16.03.2011

Died 17.03.2011

Pema Dorjee (M)

Luchu, Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

08.12.12

Died: 08.12.12

Choklek

15.08.2011

Died 15.08.2011

Benchen Kyid (F)

Tsekhok, Rebgong, Amdho, Tibet

Sonam Tsering

Sermo

09.12.12

Died: 09.12.12

26.09.2011

Unknown

Tsering Tashi (M)

Sangchu, Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

Dukar Kyab

Dolma Tsering

12.01.13

Died: 12.01.13

26.09.2011

Unknown

Pasang Lhamo (F)

Beijing, China

13.09.12

Unknown

03.10.2011

Unknown

100

Dupchok (M)

Khyungchu, Ngaba, Amdho

Kyokpo

Yangtso

18.01.13

Died: 18.01.13

former monk of Kirti monastery

07.10.2011

Died 11.10.2011

101

Konchok Kyab (M)

Bora, Labrang, Amdho, Tibet

Dorjee

Rinchen Tso

22.01.13

Died: 22.01.13

former monk of Kirti monastery

07.10.2011

Died 08.10.2011

102

Lobsang Namgyal (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

Karkho

Karkyi

03.02.13

Died: 03.02.13

Norbu Dramdul (M)

former monk of Kirti monastery

15.10.2011

Died 05.01.2012

103

Drukpa Khar (M)

Amchok, Sangchu County, Amdho

Tamdin Tsering

Tamdin Tso

13.02.13

Died: 13.02.13

Tenzin Wangmo (F)

Dechen Choekhorling Nunnery

Nyitse

17.10.2011

Died 17.10.2011

104

Namlha Tsering (M)

Sangchu, Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

17.02.13

Died: 17.02.13

Dawa Tsering (M)

Karze County, Kham, Tibet

Delek

Dontso

25.10.2011

Unknown

105

Rinchen (M)

Kyangtsa, Dzoge, Ngaba, Amdho

Dhondup Tsering

Adon

19.02.13

Died: 19.02.13

Palden/Choetso (F)

Tawu County, Kham, Tibet

Joney

Kolen

03.11.2011

Died 03.11.2011

106

Sonam Dhargyal (M)

Kyangtsa, Dzoge, Ngaba, Amdho

Tsering Dhondup

Takho

Tenzin Phuntsok (M)

ChAmdho County, Kham, Tibet

01.12.2011

Died 06.12.2011

107

Sangdhak (M)

Ten-nyi (M)

Kirti monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

06.01.2012

Died 06.01.2012

108

Tsezung Kyab (M)

Tsultrim (M)

Amdho Ngaba,

06.01.2012

Died 07.01.2012

109

Ven. Sonam Wangyal (M)

Dharlag county, Golok

08.01.2012

Died 08.01.2012

110

Lobsang Jamyang (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Gyatso

Lhachung

14.01.2012

Died: 14.01.2012

Rikdzin Dorje (M)

Meuruma township, Ngaba

Garpa Tsongko

Dungkar

08.02.1012

Sonam Rabyang (M)

Yulshul County, Kham, Tibet

Late Phuntsok Kyab

Kunkyab

09.02.2012

Tenzin Choedon (F)

Mame Dechen Choekhorling

Lobsang Gyatso (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

Badzri

Dhamchoe Sangpo (M)

Tsongon County, Amdho, Tibet

Late Takla

Nangdrol (M)

Amdho Ngaba Zamthang

Chenzig

Tsering Kyid (F)

Machu County, Amdho

Rinchen (M)

Dorjee Tseten (M)

Tsurdri

Dechok

19.02.13

Died: 19.02.13

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

25.02.13

Unknown

20s

Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

25.02.13

Died: 25.02,13

Phakmo Dhondup (M)

20s

Bayan Khar, Tso-ngon, Amdho

Konchok Wangmo (F)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

111

Lobsang Thogmey (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

Died: 21.02.2012

112

Kalkyi (F)

Barba, Zamthang, Ngaba, Amdho

Unknown

113

Lhamo Kyab (M)

Sangchu, Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

11.02.2012

Died: 13.02.12

114

Konchok Tenzin (M)

Luchu county, Kanlho, Amdho

Lhakho

13.02.2012

Unknown

115

Jugtso (F)

Zamthang, Ngaba, Amdho, Tibet

Tenkho

17.02.12

Died: 17.02.12

116

Lobsang Dawa (M)

Dzoege, Ngaba, Amdho, Tibet

Dorjee Khado

19.02.12

Died: 19.02.12

117

Konchok Woeser (M)

Dzoege, Ngaba, Amdho, Tibet

Tsering Norbu

03.03.12

Died: 03.03.12

118

Tenzin Sherab (M)

Yushul County, Kham, Tibet

Dhondup

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

04.03.12

Died: 04.03.12

119

Wangchen Dolma (F)

Minyak, Tawu, Kham, Tibet

Tenzin

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

05.03.12

Died: 05.03.12

120

Konchok Sonam (M)

Dzoege County, Ngaba, Amdho

Gepe (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

10.03.12

Died: 10.03.12

121

Shichung (M)

40s

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Jamyang Palden (M)

Rongbo Monastery, Rebkong

14.03.12

Died: 29.09.12

122

Tsering Gyal (M)

Pema County, Amdho, Tibet

Sherphun Tashi

Lobsang Tsultrim (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

16.03.12

Died: 19.03.12

123

Konchok Tseten (M)

Marchu County, Amdho, Tibet

Samkho

Sonam Dhargye (M)

Sharlang, Nyen-tu-hu

17.03.12

Died: 17.03.12

124

Tsultrim Gyatso (M)

Sangchu County, Amdho, Tibet

Sherab (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

28.03.12

Died: 28.03.12

125

Phagmo Samdup (M)

Tsekhok County, Malho, Amdho

Tenpa Dhargyal (M)

Gyalrong County, easetn Tibet

Kalden

Paltso

30.03.12

Died: 07.04.12

126

Lobsang Dorjee (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

Sherab

Chime Palden (M)

Gyalrong County, easetn Tibet

Rabgyal

Machik Tso

30.03.12

Died: 30.03.12

127

Lobsang Palden (M)

20s

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdho

Thubten Nyandak (M)

Minyak County, Kham. Tibet

06.04.12

Died: 06.04.12

128

Jigme Tenzin (M)

20s

Tsekhok, Malho, Amdho, Tibet

Atse (F)

Minyak County, Kham. Tibet

06.04.12

Died: 06.04.12

129

Dolma (F)

Bathang County, eastern Tibet

Sonam (M)

20s

Zamthang, Ngaba, Amdho

19.04.12

Died: 19.04.12

130

Trinley Namgyal (M)

Tawu County, Kham, Tibet

Dulho

Choephak Kyab (M)

20s

Zamthang, Ngaba, Amdho

19.04.12

Died: 19.04.12

131

Lhamo Tashi (M)

Tsoe County, Amdo, Tibet

Choepa Tsering

Dhargye (M)

20s

Lhasa, Central Tibet

27.05.12

Died: 07.07.12

132

Konchok (M)

Gade County, Golok, Amdho

Dorjee Tseten (M)

Lhasa, Central Tibet

27.05.12

Died: 27.05.12

133

Sangye Khar (M)

Sangchu County, Amdho, Tibet

Wangpo

Yudon

Rikyo (M)

Zamthang, Ngaba, Amdho

30.05.12

Died: 30.05.12

134

Tsepe Kyid (F)

19-20

Meruma, Ngaba County, Amdho

Chime Dorjee

Tamding Thar (M)

50s

Chentsa County, Amdo, Tibet

135

Kalsang Yeshe (M)

Tawu County, Kham, Tibet

Dorjee Jampa

Ngawang Norphel (M)

Tenzin Khedup (M)

Pelkar Nyingmo

Chakdor

Chaklo

Yeshe

Tsedron

24.02.13

Died: unknown

Depo

13.03.13

Died: 13.03.13

Rogtrug

Depo

16.03.13

Died: 16.03.13

Choden

Pari

24.03.13

Died: 24.03.13

25.03.13

Died: 25.03.13

Lhamo Tso

26.03.13

Died: 26.03.13

Donkyi

16.04.13

Died: 16.04.13

24.04.13

Died: 24.03.13

Samdup Dolma

24.04.13

Died: 24.03.13

Choemey

27.05.13

Died: 27.05.13

Yudon

11.06.13

Died: 14.06.13

20.07.13

Died: 20.07.13

28.09.13

Died: 28.09.13

Rindon

11.11.13

Died: 11.11.13

Oga

03.12.13

Died: 03.02.13

19.12.13

Died: 19.12.13

Drukmo

05.02.14

Died: 05.02.14

Namkho

13.02.14

Died: 16.02.14

Sherab

Namkho

16.03.14

Died: 21.03.14

Lakyab Gyal

Yangkho

16.03.14

Died: 16.03.14

29.03.14

Unknown

Pelha

15.04.14

Died: 15.04.14

Dugkar Tso

17.09.14

Died: unknown

16.09.14

Severely injured

16.12.14

Died: 16.12.14

Lhamo

22.12.14

Died: 22.12.14

Lhamo

23.12.14

Died: 23.12.14

Chuklo

Rinlha

15.06.12

Died: 15.06.12

Dzatoe, (Trindu, Jyekundo)

Lhakpa Dhondup

Tsering Yangchen

20.06.12

Died: 01.08.12

Dzatoe, (Trindu, Jyekundo)

Lekdup

Kyidzom

20.06.12

Died: 20.06.12

Dekyi Choezom (F)

40s

Yushul County, Kham, Tibet

27.06.12

Unknown

No.

Tsewang Dorjee (M)

Damshung, near Lhasa

07.07.12

Died: 10.07.12

Thupten Ngoedup

New Delhi, India

27.04.1998

Died: 29.04.98

Lobsang Lozin (M)

Gyalrong County, easetn Tibet

Jorgye

Tsepopo

17.07.12

Died: 17.07.12

Lhakpa Tsering

Bangalore City, India

23.11.06

survived

Lobsang Tsultrim (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdo

Tsewang

Donkar Kyid

06.08.12

Died: 06.08.12

Sherab Tsedor

New Delhi, India

04.11.11

survived

Dolkar Tso (F)

Tsoe County, Amdho, Tibet

Druk Gyalkhar

Sangye Tso

07.08.12

Died: 07.08.12

Bod Truk

Kathmandu, Nepal

10.11.11

survived

Choepa (M)

Meuruma, Ngaba, Amdho, Tibet

Palho

Madon

10.08.12

Died: 10.08.12

Jamphel Yeshe

New Delhi, India

Late

26.03.12

Died: 28.03.13

Lungtok (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba

Richung

Lumo

13.08.12

Died: 13.08.12

Drupchen Tsering

Kathmandu, Nepal

Sangngak Tezin

Tselha

13.02.13

Died: 13.02.13

Tashi (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Ngapo

13.08.12

Died: 14.08.12

Ngedhon Gyatso

Kathmandu, Nepal

Jamyang Tashi

Ugyen

06.08.13

Died: 06.08.13

Lobsang Kalsang (M)

Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, Amdo

Tsekho Dorjee

Sangaydon

27.08.12

Died: 27.08.12

Dhamchoe (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Doshi Lobe

Tsepo

27.08.12

Died: 27.08.12

Yungdrung (M)

Chamdho, Kham, eastern Tibet

29.09.12

Unknown

Gudrup (M)

Driru, Nagchu, Kham, Tibet

04.10.12

Died: 04.10.12

Sangay Gyatso (M)

Tsoe County, Kanlho, Amdho

06.10.12

Died: 06.10.12

Tamdin Dorjee (M)

Tsoe, Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

13.10.12

Died: 13.10.12

Lhamo Kyab (M)

Bhora, Sangchu, Amdho

20.10.12

Died: 20.10.12

Dhondup (M)

n/a

Labrang, Sangchu, Amdho

22.10.12

Died: 22.10.12

Dorjee Rinchen (M)

Sangchu County, Amdho

23.10.12

Died: 23.10.12

Lhamo Tseten (M)

Amchok, Sangchu, Amdho

Sungdue Tso

26.10.12

Died: 26.10.12

Tsepak Kyab (M)

Sangkhok County, Amdho

Lumo Jam

26.10.12

Died: 26.10.12

Tsepo (M)

Driru, Kham, eastern Tibet

Bhuchung

Gaga

25.10.12

Died: 25.10.12

Tenzin (M)

Driru, Kham, eastern Tibet

Nyima

Lugge

25.10.12

Unknown

Dorjee Lhundup (M)

Rebgong, Amdo, Tibet

Drukthar Gyal

Shawo Yakmo

04.11.12

Died: 04.11.12

Dorjee (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Tsering

Ghangkar

07.11.12

Died: 07.11.12

Samdub (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Sothar

Pasang

07.11.12

Unknown

Dorjee Kyab (M)

Ngaba County, Amdho, Tibet

Tsering Dhondup

07.11.12

Unknown

Tamdin Tso (F)

Rebgong, Amdo, Tibet

Tamdin Kyab

Konchok Tso

07.11.12

Died: 07.11.12

Tsegyal (M)

Bekar town, Driru, Kham

07.11.12

Died: 18.11.12

Kalsang Jinpa (M)

Rebgong County, Amdho, Tibet

Choepa

Dechok Kyid

08.11.12

Died: 08.11.12

Gonpo Tsering (M)

Tsoe County, Amdo, Tibet

Tashi Sonam

Nyinglo

10.11.12

Died: 10.11.12

Nyingkar Tashi (M)

Rebgong County, Amdo, Tibet

12.11.12

Died: 12.11.12

Nyinchak Bum (M)

Dowo, Rebgong, Amdho, Tibet

12.11.12

Died: 12.11.12

Khabum Gyal (M)

Gyalwo, Rebgong, Amdho

Tadin Gyal

Dolkar Tso

15.11.12

Died: 15.11.12

Tenzin Dolma (F)

Goge, Tsenmo, Rebgong

Bhulo

Tashi Dolma

15.11.12

Died: 15.11.12

Chakmo Kyid (F)

Rebgong County, Amdho, Tibet

17.11.12

Died: 17.11.12

Sangdhak Tsering (M)

Dokar township, Rebgong

Choeying

Menlha Tso

17.11.12

Died: 17.11.12

Wangchen Norbu (M)

Tsoshar, Amdo, Tibet

Tenzin

Khando Tso

19.11.12

Died: 19.11.12

Tsering Dhondup (M)

Amchok County, Amdho, Tibet

Lubum Gyal

Drukmo Tso

20.11.12

Died: 20.11.12

Lhubum Gyal (M)

Dowa, Rebgong, Amdho, Tibet

Tsego

22.11.12

Died: 22.12.12

Tamdin Kyab (M)

Luchu, Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

Tsering Tashi (late)

22.11.12

Died: 22.11.12

Tamdin Dorjee (M)

Tsekhok, Malho, Amdho

23.11.12

Died: 23.11.12

Wangyal (M)

20s

Serta County, eastern Tibet

26.11.12

Unknown

Sangay Dolma (F)

Tsekhok, Malho, Amdho, Tibet

Sonam Gyal

Dhondup Tso

25.11.12

Died: 25.11.12

Konchok Tsering (M)

Achok, Labrang, Amdho, Tibet

Tsephag Kyab

Gonpo Tso

26.11.12

Died: 26.11.12

Gonpo Tsering (M)

Luchu, Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

Wangyal

Namlolo

26.11.12

Died: 26.11.12

Kalsang Kyab (M)

Kyangtsa, Dzoege, Amdho

Trogyal

Achoe

27.11.12

Died: 27.11.12

Sangay Tashi (M)

Sangchu, Labrang, Amdho

Namkho

27.11.12

Died: 27.11.12

Bendey Khar (M)

Kanlho, Amdho, Tibet

Tsering Thar

Kunsang Dolma

28.11.12

Died: 28.11.12

Tsering Namgyal (M)

Luchu, Kanlho, Amdho

Choero

Tamding Tso

29.11.12

Died: 29.11.12

Konchok Kyab (M)

Zoegey, Ngaba, Amdho

Phuntsok

Lobsang Dolma

30.11.12

Died: 01.12.12

Zungdue Kyab (M)

Bora, Labrang, Amdho, Tibet

Tsepa

Bende Tso

02.12.12

Unknown

Gompo Dhondrup

Namchuk Tsering

Gompo Tso

Dolma Tso

Updated: 25 /12 /2014, TPI News List of selfimmolations in Exile, India and Nepal since 1998. Total 7, of them 4 died. Name

Age

Place

Father

Mother

Protest Date

Status

Updated: 14 August 2013, TPI News

Parliament-in-exile strongly urges China to address grievances in Tibet

Undated photos: Sangye Khar, Kalsang Yeshe, and Tsepe Kyid. Photo: TPI By Jane Cook 24, 2014

Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile based in India Northern hill town, Dharamshala Wednesday expressed solidarity with self-immolators, including three within this month alone and highlighted the grievances of the Tibetan people inside Tibet. The Parliament in exile condoled and expressed solidarity with Sangye Khar, 34, Tsepe Kyid, 20, and Ven Kelsang Yeshe, 38, who set themselves on fire in protest against the unjust policies of the Chinese government on December 16, 22 and 23 respectively. The Parliament has strongly condemned the abusive Chinese policies and further urged the Chinese government to investigate the real causes of the self-immolation protests and address the grievances of the Tibetan people. “The Chinese government constantly criticises and intimidates the friends and families of the Tibetan self-immolators. They accuse the self-immolators of being of unsound mind, who commits selfimmolation under instigation from others,” the exiled parliament said. The Chinese authorities “also explain that the self-immolations were a

result of domestic problems. These allegations are totally outrageous and undermines the conviction of the Tibetan people and the brutality of their sufferings,” the statement reads. “Instead of addressing the grievances of the Tibetan people, the Chinese government resorts to intimidation to clampdown on the Tibetan people’s basic human rights. They threaten the families of the self-immolators, depriving them of basic necessities and accuse them of murder,” it said. The Parliament appealed to the international community to urge the Chinese government to end its repressive policies in Tibet. It also called on countries and parliaments across the world to pass resolutions denouncing the repressive policies of the Chinese authorities. This incident brought the total verified number of self-immolations in Tibet to 135 since February, 2009 and and of them 116 have reportedly died from their severe burn injuries while the status of the rest remains unknown.

TPI NEWS

The Tibet Post International Back Page Focus Buddhist monk dies in self-Immolation protest in Eastern Tibet prayer service held in solidarity with self-immolators

December 31, 2014

Undated photo of Kalsang Yeshe, a 38-year-old Tibetan monk who died in self-immolation protest in Kham Tawo region of eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: December 23, 2014

The report contains graphic image you may find disturbing, so viewer discretion is advised. Dharamshala: - Sources coming out of Tibet say a Tibetan Buddhist monk reportedly died on Tuesday after setting himself on fire in protest against Chinese hard-line policies toward Tibetan people. “Kalsang Yeshe, a 38-year-old Tibetan Buddhist monk set himself on fire in front of a police station in Kham Tawo, eastern Tibet at around 11:30 am local time,” Yama Tsering, an exiled Tibetan monk living in South India told the Tibet Post International.

“Yeshe self-immolated in protest against China’s repressive policies and shouted slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet,” he said, citing anonymous local sources. The current condition of the monk remains unconfirmed, but it is believed that he is severely injured and may not survive. Chinese security forces have locked down most parts of the Tibetan plateau because of the wave of self-immolations and protests against Chinese hardline policies. According to the sources, Chinese security forces

arrived at the scene shortly after the protest. He died at the scene and his body was taken away by Chinese authorities. “The Chinese authorities immediately blocked the Internet, mobile phone, and other communications immediately after the protest,” he added. Yeshe was a monk of Nyitso Monastery in Tawo County, Kham, eastern Tibet (Ch: Daofu county, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, Sichuan province.) This incident brought the total verified number of self-immolations in Tibet to 135 since February, 2009 and and of them 116 were reportedly passedaway due to their severe injuries. The Tibetan self-immolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for the Tibetan people. Most parts of Tibet have suffered severe crackdowns and been under heightened restrictions and controls. The Chinese government has blamed outside forces for the self-immolations, particularly His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration- regarded by China as a subversive. But, Tibetans have denied such accusations, saying that the main cause of self-immolation is “Beijing’s hard-line policies, including political repression, economic marginalization, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation and denial of religious freedom.” Chinese government says Tibet has always been part of its territory, but Tibetans say Tibet was virtually independent for centuries until Chinese troops invaded in the 1950s.

4,000 km in five states and about three months: A cycle rally for Tibet By Yanchen Dolma: December 17 , 2014

Dharamshala: - A long time Tibet supporter has set off on an almost 4,000 km cycle rally to highlight the critical situation in Tibet and to bring awareness about self-immolations in Tibet. Mr Sandesh Meshram started his campaign “Save Tibet Cycle Campaign “from Nagpur, the second capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra, on December 10, International Human Rights Day. According to a press statement, “the solitary campaign cover almost 4,000 km and five different states of India and take around three months. Tibetan Youth Congress regional chapters said they will warmly receive him whenever he reach their places.” When the campaign begins, well wishers and Tibetans in the area holding a large banner showing their strong supports that reads “First Indian solitary cycle campaign covering 4000 km in five states of India to highlight the critical situation in Tibet and to bring awareness about

Tibetans and supporters offering their strong support for Mr Sandesh Meshram’s efforts to highlight the Tibet issue through his cycling rally, on December 10, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Photo: TPI

self-immolations in Tibet.” Mr Sandesh Meshram is the General Secretary of

India-Tibet Friendship Society, Nagpur, India and a long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause.

a delegation of five Tibetan parliamentarians have successfully held a week-long lobby campaign in Thailand to highlight the critical situation inside Tibet. The delegation met with, and discussed with social

activists, writers, democracy activists and long time Tibet supporters including Mr Arjan Sulak Sivaraksa during its visit to Thailand, following their successful lobbying campaign in Taiwan. The delegation comprising of Mr Gyari Bhutuk, Mr Karma Yeshi, Ven Mogru Tempa and Mr Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen was led by Ven Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. During their visit, the delegation met social activists, writers, democracy activists and long time Tibet supporters including Mr Arjan Sulak Sivaraksa. The delegation apprised them of the critical situation prevailing inside Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s initiatives around the world. The group also met Ven Win Mektropop, an influential Buddhist monk and Ven Phra Sangkom, a leading Buddhist teacher in Thailand and explained to them the repressive measures imposed by China on the religious freedom of the Tibetan people. He urged that Thailand, as a Buddhist nation, should support the Tibetan people in their struggle. According to the delegation, they also explained His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s three commitments in life, the Middle Way Approach of the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve the issue of Tibet and the wave of self-immolation protests that have swept Tibet since 2009. On 16 December, the delegation participated in an informal meeting to discuss the Tibet situation with local Chinese residents of Bangkok. Over 20 Chinese including professors, former judges, former journalists, businessmen, Christian priests, took part in the meeting , presided over by Mr Kelsang Gyaltsen and Mr Cheng Weimin. The Chinese participants conveyed their strong support to the Middle Way Approach of the Central Tibetan Administration and expressed their solidarity with the sufferings of the Tibetan people.

Exiled parliamentarian delegation on Tibet lobbying tour in Thailand By Yeshe Choesang: December 22; 2014

Bangkok:– In a move to strengthening groups and individuals supporting the Tibet issue across the world,

Photo captions: (1) Tibetan delegation with Mr Sulak Sivaraksa. (2) with local Chinese residents and Tibet supporters in Bangkok and (3) with a group of Thai Buddhist monks. Photo: TPI

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Tibetans offering prayers during the prayer service at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on December 18, 2014. Photo: TPI/Chonyei Sangpo By Yeshe Choesang: 19, 2014

Dharamshala: - A prayer service was held at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on December 16, for self-immolators who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet. Sangye Khar, a 34-year-old Tibetan who died in front of a police station in north-eastern Tibet on December 16, in the latest self-immolation protests against Chinese rule. Hundreds of exiled Tibetans, including members of the Kashag, Tibetan justice commissioners and Tibetan parliamentarians, largely led by monks and nuns gathered at the main Tibetan temple to express solidarity with the self-immolators and political prisoners suffering continued repression in Tibet. The special prayer service, organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) was presided over by Ven Ngawang Tashi, a former spiritual teacher of Namgyal monastery. Sangye Khar, a 34-year-old was remembered at the prayer service, just like all other selfimmolators who sacrificed their their valuable lives for the cause of freedom and for the reunification of the Tibetan people. Sangye Khar self-immolated on December 16, in Amchok town, Sangchu county in Kanlho, northeastern Tibet. He died on after setting himself on fire in an apparent political protest against the Chinese repression and hard-line policies in Tibet, pushing the estimated toll to 133. On behalf of Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Tsering Dhondup expressed his deep condolences to those who have died in the self immolation protests

that have taken place inside Tibet since 2009. “Despite repeated appeals by the Central Tibetan Administration not to resort to drastic actions like self-immolation, at least 133 Tibetans including Sangye Khar have set themselves on fire in protest against the repressive policies of the Chinese government since 2009,” Mr Tsering said, adding: “Of these 133, 114 have died while the status or the physical condition of the rest remains unknown or critical.” “There are also hundreds of Tibetan political prisoners who are suffering untold brutalities in Chinese prisons. Therefore, we are gathered here today to pray for all those who have selfimmolated or continues to suffer in Chinese prisons,” he added. The CTA last year released a White Paper titled “Why Tibet is Burning...” last year explaining the fundamental reasons behind the ongoing wave of self-immolations inside Tibet. This report examines the underlying causes of the increasing number of self-mmolations that are currently engulfing Tibet. ‘The principle reasons listed in the report for Tibet’s fiery protests are political repression, and cultural assimilation, destruction of Tibetan Buddhism,” CTA said, adding: “Besides, social discrimination, strangling the Tibetan language, environment destruction, Tibetan Nomads and ending their way of life and economic marginalisation, population transfer and western China Development Programme are the other reasons given in the report.”