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Prominent political prisoner of Tibet dies in Chinese prison Vol. 03, Issue 136, Print Issue 60, July 15, 2015 China jails Tibetan Buddhist scholar for alleged anti-state activities
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EU urges China to resume dialogue with His Holiness
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His Holiness: Xi’s recent remarks give us hope By Angana Chakrabarti: July 03, 2015
By Yangchen Dolma: July 13, 2015
Dharamshala — A Tibetan scholar has been sentenced to eight years of imprisonment for alleged anti-Chinese government activities. “Ven Tenzin Lhundup was sentenced in May 2015 after being held in detention for nearly a year,” a Tibetan living in exile told the Tibet Post International. “Chinese government accused him of engaging in antigovernment activities, including encouraging the local opposition to Chinese mining at a sacred Mountain in the county last year.” “Ven Lhundup was arrested in Shagchu township of Driru county, in May 2014, when he was speaking at a public gathering about the preservation of Tibetan language and culture,” he said. P-2... China detains a nomad woman in Ngaba County of Tibet
Tashi Kyi, a 20-year-old Tibetan nomad woman from Meuruma Township, Ngaba County in Amdo Province of Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: July 14, 2015
Dharamshala — Chinese authorities in Ngaba county of northeastern Tibet have detained a Tibetan woman on suspicion of activities, allegedly celebrating the 80th birthday of Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Tashi Kyi, a 20-year-oldTibetan woman was detained by local Chinese police in Meuruma Township, Ngaba County in Amdo Province of Tibet,” Kanyak Tsering of the Kirti Monastery in Dharamsala told the Tibet Post International, citing a source inside Tibet. “The nomad woman was arrested by Chinese police and then forcibly taken to Ngaba (Ch: Aba County in Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province),” Ven Tsering said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Ven Tsering said that “local Tibetans believe that her arrest was made on suspicion of some activities related to the 80th birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Meuruma Township.” “She was living with her parents when she was arrested on July 2. Since her arrest, Tashi Kyi’s conditions and whereabouts remain unknown,” he further said.“She grew up with her nomad parents,” he said, adding that “she never attended formal schooling.” As an effort to impose pervasive surveillance on every streets in Tibet and further tightening of the restrictions to maintain the so called “social stability,” the government uses a mix of systematic oppressive measures to prevent the 80th birthday celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in in Ngaba County.
Dallas, Texas, US — The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that President Xi Jinping’s remarks in Paris and Delhi give us some sort of hope, saying he even publicly emphasized on the importance of Buddhism in Chinese culture. His Holiness the Dalai Lama graced SMU’s Moody Coliseum in Dallas, on July 1. The event was attended by several dignitaries including Former President George W.Bush and wife, Laura Bush. In the conversation with moderator Cokie Roberts, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was asked about his thoughts on the recent statement by Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, urging Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to initiate meaningful dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s representatives, at the 17th bilateral EU China summit in Brussels. “Some Chinese leaders realise that the oppressive policies are counterproductive. These leaders are seriously pondering on how this problem can be solved,” answered His Holiness. However he quipped that there still exists many “hardliners” who will not back down from their oppressive policies despite their impractical nature. His Holiness commented on the difference in opinion that often exists between Chinese officials hailing from the same party, which he outlined as the cause for “unpredictability of the closed communist authoritarian” regime. He said this is “shortsighted, too much emotion. Out of their weakness, I think these people are shy to admit their failure, that is silly.” “Despite the Cultural Revolution, China which has historically been a Buddhist country, has seen the revival of faiths like Buddhism and Christianity. Many are showing genuine interest in Tibetan Buddhism. President Xi Jinping even publicly emphasized on the importance of Buddhism in Chinese culture. This gives us some sort of hope.” His Holiness was ushered in by the former US Secretary of State and President of the Bush Center at SMU, Maddy Spellings who spoke of His Holiness’ prolific work over the years and the numerous laurels donned by him. In his speech addressing the thousands gathered at the event, His Holiness emphasized the need to inculcate and proliferate the values of love and compassion. “As social animals,” he said ,” we
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with event moderator Cokie Roberts during his talk at Southern Methodist University’s Moody Center in Dallas, Texas, USA on July 1, 2015. Photo: George W. Bush Presidential Center
need to harbor qualities of communal love, that bring us together. The self-centered approach,often seen in a modern materialistic world, is animalistic and disregards the community.” He added that discord between religious faiths occurs as a result of wayward individuals who are only concerned with the a secondary level of faith, one that is deluded and away from the core ideas of every religion that preach love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance. Answering a question broached about the same by Roberts, following his talk His Holiness the Dalai Lama remarked, “Due to lack of contact, we have remain isolated, each one coming to believe that her/ his religion is the single truth. But we must accept the differences and
Monk self-immolates in Tibet protesting Chinese repression
Chinese detain husband of self-immolator and three monks in Tibet
Mr Dhundup Passang addressing the gathering of South Delhi Tibetan Association members during the App Launch at Zomsa, New Delhi, India, July 5, 2015. Photo: TPI By Yangchen Dolma: July 14, 2015
New Delhi — A new android based Tibetan app is launched on the eve of 80th Birthday celebration held at the South Delhi community centre, Zomsa on July 5. The app is created by four Tibetan youth living in South Delhi from different creative fields as animator, modern artist and event designer. “The app, Tibetan kid, on it’s preliminary stage can be downloaded for any android based phones & tablets and is basically to keep our younger generation in track of our own language in this highly digitalised world,” the youth group told the Tibet Post International. “The app features Interactive learning of Tibetan language, culture and also through interesting interactive games which will help improve basic knowledge on Tibetan language and culture,” they said, adding: “Also features other subjects including mathematics, English and Tibetan.” The app developer, Mr Dhondup Passang, says that “presently the app is just the preliminary stage and will soon launch the upgraded version featuring more interesting and engaging game based Tibetan e-learning apps.”
Tibet supporters to observe ‘World Tibet Day’ on July 6
Tibet, culture and book: Photo exhibition opens in Taiwan
By Angana Chakrabarti: July 02, 2015
Dharamshala — Monday, July 6, 2015, the 80th birthday of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan people will be observed as ‘World Tibet Day’ by Tibet Support Groups and Tibet supporters all over the world. Friends of Tibet, one of the principal organisers of ‘World Tibet Day’, expects more than 40 countries to join the event with various events and related activities. This is the first time World Tibet Day is being observed after the demise of its founder, Richard Rosenkranz who passed away on October 9, 2014.A Pulitzer Prize nominee and a former correspondent from the US Senate, Rosenkranz was instrumental in making World Tibet Day one of the most important events in the Tibetan Calendar. World Tibet Day (WTD) was first initiated in Chicago in 1997 at an informal meeting between Tendzin Choegyal, the Dalai Lama’s younger brother and Richard Rosenkranz. Envisaged and proposed by Rosenkranz who intended for WTD to be an annual worldwide event, designed to help the Tibetan people regain their essential freedoms and celebrate P-2... the unique value of Tibetan culture and thought.
also accept that there are several truths and several religions; although all religions broach the same values of love and compassion. Whether we like it or not we need to live harmoniously.”
Sonam Topgyal, lying on the ground and still burning, in Kyegudo County of eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yangchen Dolma: July 10, 2015
Dharamshala — Sources coming out of Tibet say, a Tibetan monk set himself on fire in Kyeggudo County of Tibet in an apparent protest against the Chinese government’s repressive policies in Tibet. The Tibetan Buddhist monk, later identified as Sonam Topgyal, a 26-year-old from Kyegudo, set himself on fire at around 6 pm on July 9, at Gesar Square, Kyegudo in Yulshul County, Eastern Tibet,” Dakpa, a Tibetan from Kyegudo, currently living in Paris told The Tibet Post International on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Local Tibetans took him to a nearby hospital in Kyegudo (Ch: Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province). His current conditions and whereabouts remain unknown,” he added. Topgyal is the sixth Tibetan to commit self-immolation this year. “It is not known whether he survived or died,” he said,
adding “Phone and Internet communications were shut down immediately and the government deployed military, armed police, and public security forces following the protest.” This incident brought the total number of verified selfimmolations in Tibet to 141, since February, 2009 and of them 120 were reportedly passed-away while the status of the rest remains unknown or critically injured. In Tibet today, there is no freedom of speech, religion, or press and Tibetans are being arbitrarily arrested, imprisoned and tortured for merely expressing their suffering under Chinese repression The self-immolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans. However, some hardliners in Beijing still claim that “China ‘peacefully liberated’ Tibet, and that the “Tibetans are living in a Maoist socialist paradise.”
A four-day grand photo exhibition featuring over 100 photographs and collages of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan culture opened in Taipei, Taiwan, on Friday, July 3, 2015. Photo: Office of Tibet, Taiwan
By Yangchen Dolma: July 04, 2015
Taipei, Taiwan — A four-day grand photo exhibition featuring over 100 photographs and collages of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan culture opened on Friday morning, in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. The exhibition hosted by the Taiwan International Association of Tibetan Buddhist Dharma and the Taiwan Office of Tibet showcases the works of mainly three photographers, Mr Tenzin Choejor, Mr Masaya Noda and Mr Liu Yanting, who are respectively the photographers of Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Japan Office of Tibet and Taiwan Office of Tibet. P-2...
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TPI NEWS
July 15, 2015
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China is guilty of mass genocide against 1.2 million people of Tibet July 15, 2015
The current dilemma and future path of Chinese regime is not that of a son is continuing the legacy of his father. But following a “dead man’s dead legacy”. Dharamshala — The Chinese government is guilty of mass genocide against the Tibetan people and we must urge the international community, governments and individuals to openly stand by Tibet and its people. We are not saying all Chinese are bad, or guilty of killing 1.2 million Tibetans, just their current government. We must know that China is still a regime both authoritarian and totalitarian that violates not only the rights of Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhists and Muslim Uighur, but also its own Chinese citizens— increasing the sense of terror among the people and repressing any dissent. Some very heartbreaking attention-grabbing facts: · 1.2 million Tibetans have been slaughtered since the Chinese occupation. · Over six thousand monasteries and temples and historical structures looted and destroyed beyond repair. · Tibet’s ecosystem has been severely damaged: vast regions of forest have been removed whilst numerous wildlife species decimated just for food by the Chinese. · Tibet’s substantial mineral resources have been pillaged and continues to this date. · One quarter of China’s nuclear missiles are stationed in Tibet. · China is using Tibet as a dumping ground for nuclear waste. · Some four hundred thousand Chinese troops are based in Tibet. · Over 8 million Chinese colonists have moved into Tibet in a step to dominate the Tibetans. · A secret Chinese document in 1992 revealed plans to swamp the Tibetan population with even more Chinese. · Forced abortions, many in late pregnancy, and sterilization of Tibetan women is not uncommon. · Hundreds of Tibetan political prisoners are being held including the Panchen Lama. · Over 150,000 Tibetans are in exile worldwide, including India and Nepal. · In 1959, the international Commission of Jurists found that genocide had been committed in Tibet. · Nomads are forced to end their traditional way of life. · Chairman Mao wanted to blow-up the Potala - as they did with the Chakpori - to break the Tibetan spiritual spirit. · Forced to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama, their own spiritual and temporal leader, his chosen Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima; Tibetans must pledge their allegiance to the Chinese government. Failure to do so can result in imprisonment or other forms of severe punishment. Celebrating birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, commemorating anniversaries or festivals, and possessing an image of His Holiness the Dalai Lama or Tibetan flag is still illegal in Tibet today. · More than 80% of Tibetans in Tibet still live below the poverty line. We must fight for our fundamental rights that Tibet will rise again one day as the spiritual center of the world, but our struggle must be more practical and vigilant to the end. The regime in Beijing permits no individual freedom and also seeks to subordinate all aspects of the individual’s life to the authority of the government. Chinese dictator Mao Zedong coined the term totalitario between the late 1940s and the early 50s to describe the new fascist state of China, which he further described as: “CCP” and its’s “control system.” He drew almost everything from Soviet and other totalitarian states. After World War II, China’s “totalitarian” regime had become synonymous with absolute and oppressive single-party government. Unfortunately, as the governments of many countries today, when they focus on power, commerce, and self gain, without any further sense of concern towards the fundamental principles of democratic governance, Human Rights and freedom of expression— whether intentionally or negligently, they ignore millions of people who sacrifice their individual liberty for these principles, who inspired millions and millions of these free nations and societies. At same time, as Tibetans, we must appreciate the love, friendship and supports we have received from the international community, including governments and individuals and remember their the long expressions of solidarity
toward Tibet and its freedom cause. But we must continue to widen our freedom struggle that justice must one day prevail for the thousands of Tibetan people who have sacrificed their lives, to realise the dream of Tibet. Many defense analysts argue that there is fears that China is using its rising military and economic might to threatening neighbors with might, as it repeatedly exerts its influence, including the South China Sea. China is often distinguished from dictatorship, despotism, or tyranny by its supplementing of all political institutions with new ones and its sweeping away of all legal, social, and political traditions. The media in China is highly and strictly censored by a system in which the state holds total control over society and seeks to control all opinions of public. Therefore, there won’t be official reports about unpleasant happenings and unsanitised views of events. Tibetans, Uighurs and Mongolians are now the minority groups in their own countries, a very sad fact indeed. But we must be practical and recognize that merely expressing within ourselves is not enough and we will never succeed. If we fail, much of our purpose in living in exile is lost. Of course our struggle against Chinese repression and occupation must go hand in hand with Mahatma Gandhi’s method of nonviolent resistance. We should always be ready for one goal that is in all reality practical and thus achievable — to show how peaceful solutions can work. While meeting with Chinese scholars, students, and various representatives of organisations in the past decades, His Holiness the Dalai Lama repeatedly expressed that there is a growing understanding of the Tibetan issue and a growing interest in Tibetan Buddhism among the mainland Chinese. China has a population of more than 1.3 billion people. There are around three million Buddhists in China and that the number is still increasing, that the understanding of the Tibetan issue as well as sympathy towards Tibetans among Chinese in mainland China is growing. The 1.3 billion people, including Chinese, Tibetans, Uighurs and Mongolians must fight together against the totalitarian regime to liberate themselves from the backward-stricken system and society, in an effort to create real reform, openness, social policy and to join the free loving world. So that almost a quarter of world population one day will be able to enjoy social life of human rights, including the economy, education, art, science, private life, and morals of citizens. However the general public in China knows their life is uncertainty and their future is unknown. Many leading scholars and activists, including writers, journalists, lawyers, educators, artists and rights advocates have expressed their disapproval over all the promises of government, regarding openness and political reform in China, saying “all are nothing but empty words.” They also have expressed their passion for what they are doing. Without that passion, they think it will be like a fish on dry sand. We also know news and opinions spread in the Chinese internet swiftly in late 2008 and earlier 2010, despite their life-threatening risks involved, specially many censored post in different forums new posts appeared. So we also must remember those freedom-loving Chinese people who sacrifice for the sake of freedom of expression and democracy. The world must remember the history that China is still a nation whose collective destiny is tied to the fate of former dictators, including Stalin and Mao— who perpetrated crimes against humanity and mass murder in the last 100 years. The current dilemma and future path of Chinese regime is not that of a son is continuing the legacy of his father. But following a dead man’s dead legacy— Stalin and his Soviet Communism; who’s collapse was hailed by the free world as a great victory for freedom. The Soviet’s failure to become a world power proves a point that China must take notice to: without justice, freedom, morality, dignity and equality, the dream of all those hardliners in Beijing, who dare to seek the world’s superpower status, will surely never come true. In our struggle for freedom we must remember this history and realize that China’s authoritarian and totalitarian practices have an expiration date, just like the Soviet Union, it’s a ticking time bomb waiting for collapse. As history tells us, a state cannot thrive while denying the rights of its citizens. So while we cannot allow China to get away with the mass genocide of 1.2 million Tibetans, and we must continue to push the free world to stand for the values they flaunt, only time will speak the truth.
OPINION
The Tibet Post International
UN rights chief says China’s new security law is too broad, too vague
Geneva (7 July 2015) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Tuesday expressed deep concern about the human rights implications of a new Law on National Security adopted by China on 1 July. The new security law covers a large spectrum of issues, including environment, defence, finance, information technology, culture, ideology, education and religion. It also defines the meaning of national security extremely broadly: it is described as the condition in which the country’s government, sovereignty, unification, territorial integrity, well-being of its people, sustainable development of its economy and society and other major interests are relatively safe and not subject to internal and external threats. “This law raises many concerns due to its extraordinarily broad scope coupled with the vagueness of its terminology and definitions,” High Commissioner Zeid said. “As a result, it leaves the door wide open to further restrictions of the rights and freedoms of Chinese citizens, and to even tighter control of civil society by the Chinese authorities than there is already.” National security laws need to be sufficiently precise to enable individuals to foresee the consequences of their conduct as well as to safeguard against arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement by authorities. “The law should clearly and narrowly define what constitutes a threat to national security, and identify proper mechanisms to address such threats in a proportionate manner,” Zeid said. For instance, according to unofficial translations, articles in the law envisage the mobilisation of citizens to guard against and report on security threats to the authorities, but the type of conduct that is considered to be a danger to national security is not defined, conferring broad discretion and leaving potential for abuse. The law also states that individuals and organizations must not act to endanger national security and must not provide any kind of support or assistance to individuals or organizations endangering national
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“Chinese officials did not notify Lhundup’s family of his whereabouts and condition,” according to the sources in the region. “Authorities only informed Lhundup’s family that he had been sentenced,” he said, adding “there was no indication that a trial had ever been held.” “Lhundup was severely beaten and tortured by Chinese police, almost a year during his detention in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet” the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He had earned much respect from the local Tibetans as he is known for advocating the need to preserve Tibetan, Buddhism, culture and identity. He regularly encourages the local Tibetans to protect their sacred mountain from Chinese miners, said the source. Tenzin Lhundrup is a resident of Geney Village in Shagchu Town and was ordained a monk at a young age at Gom Gonsar Monastery in Driru County. He is an accomplished Buddhist scholar, and had extensively studied Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, literature and culture. He underwent meditation retreat for three years since 2002 at Drikung Thil Monastery, the main seat of the Drikung Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism which is located some 120-km to the north-east of Lhasa. After his return to Gom Gonsar - his home monastery, he served as the head of the prayer sessions and taught Buddhist philosophy to the monks.
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Listening to the Dalai Lama, a new book published by the Taiwan Office of Tibet was also released at the opening ceremony of the exhibition by Ven Geshe Jampa Gyatso, the .former religious teacher at the Taiwan Office of Tibet, the Tibetan administration media reported. According to the report, “the exhibition also features photographs of Woeser, the award-winning Tibetan writer, poet and blogger based in Beijing.” The exhibition is one of the several events planned this week to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. While the Taiwan Office of Tibet will officially mark the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 5 July, the Taiwan International Association of Tibetan Buddhist Dharma will host a grand prayer festival for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 4 July. Earlier, on 21 June, over 3,500 people attended the 2015 Blessing Concert for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Taiwan International Convention Center. Similarly, the Students for Free Tibet Taiwan held the First Tibetan Literary Awards at the Deng Liberty Foundation, the memorial museum of the Taiwanese selfimmolator Nylon Deng.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein. Photo: Media file By Yangchen Dolma: July 09, 2015
security, without specifying the precise scope of any of these terms. Zeid welcomed the fact that the new security law makes specific references to the Constitution, to the rule of law and to the respect and protection of human rights, but said he is concerned about the lack of independent oversight. “States have an obligation to protect persons under their jurisdiction – but they also have an obligation to guarantee respect for their human rights. Restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly need to serve a legitimate aim, be necessary and proportionate, and there should be independent oversight of the Executive,”
the High Commissioner said. Zeid also noted that China’s National People’s Congress will in the near future also consider laws on the regulation of foreign NGOs operating in China and on counter-terrorism. “I regret that more and more Governments around the world are using national security measures to restrict the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and also as a tool to target human rights defenders and silence critics,” Zeid said. “Security and human rights do not contradict each other. On the contrary they are complementary and mutually reinforcing. Respect for human rights and public participation are key to ensuring rule of law and national security.”
Tibet supporters to observe ...
Upon the encouragement and suggestion of Tendzin Choegyal, it was decided that WTD be held on July 6th, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday, which he believed would gain more support from Tibetans. The idea was then broached to to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama who was ecstatic about an event of this order. He remarked, “The World Tibet Day has helped greatly in raising awareness and support for the Tibetan cause and opened many hearts to the essential rights of the Tibetan people to preserve their culture and to practice their religion freely.” Sethu Das, Director, World Tibet Day Foundation, said “One positive action each of us can take, no matter which country we live in, is to urge our government and our elected representatives to approach the Chinese Government on behalf of the Tibetan people in order to restore its lost religious, social and political freedom. One of our goals with World Tibet Day is to put pressure on decision makers in China to agree to negotiations with the Tibetan government in exile in India without any preconditions.” The event apart from helping Tibetans in Tibet to strive for emancipation and showcasing the diaspora of Tibetan culture, also highlights the genocidal threats that Tibetan people and culture face today. According to the World Tibet Day Foundation,
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the way the WTD events are celebrated in each country is unique and different, with local organisers showing a great deal of independence in the campaigns they pursue on behalf of Tibet. An example is the worldwide boycott of goods produced in mainland China. Many Tibetan Associations encourage participants at their WTD events to support this campaign in order to help pressure the Chinese government into ending human rights abuses aimed at the Tibetan people. Meanwhile, Chinese Authorities have clamped down on celebrations of the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday by patrolling the area, blocking public gatherings and limiting the use of social media thereby forcing Tibetan families to engage in private celebrations inside their homes. The authorities are also preventing people from entering monasteries for recitals or prayers. On June 20, 2015, police arrested Tsering Dondrub, a young Tibetan for possessing an image of the Tibetan flag and a photo of HH the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The whereabouts of Tsering Dondrub remain unknown to this day. Demonstrations, challenging the communist regime that has encumbered Tibet, continue since 2008 when widespread protests swept the region. More that 141 Tibetans partook in self immolation, demanding independence and calling for the return of the Dalai Lama.
US House urges China to improve human rights situation in Tibet By Molly Lortie: July 09, 2015
Washington DC – United States Democrats and Republicans came together on Wednesday to praise His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and pass a bipartisan resolution urging China to improve the human rights situation in Tibet. The non-binding resolution called for substantive dialogue, without preconditions, in order to address Tibetan grievances and secure a negotiated agreement for the Tibetan people. Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, long term Tibetan supporter called the Tibetan issue a test of the United States conscience. “If freedom loving people don’t speak out against repression in Tibet, then we have lost all morale authority to speak out on behalf of human rights anywhere in the world,” she said. Other Congressional leaders also called on the Chinese government to respect Tibetan culture and religion and to release all political prisoners. Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher said, “the people of Tibet are not Chinese people who have just reunited by the Communist Chinese with the motherland in China; it’s been a distinct culture for centuries.” The resolution calls for the Chinese government to resume dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai
Lama, and, “calling for substantive dialogue, without preconditions, in order to address Tibetan grievances and secure a negotiated agreement for the Tibetan people.” The resolution also calls on the U.S. government to establish an office in Lhasa, Tibet, to monitor political, economic and cultural developments in Tibet, and to provide consular protection and citizen services. Additionally, it urges the U.S. government to raise concerns over Tibetan human rights and political and religious freedom at the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic dialogues and other high level bilateral meetings, including such the immediate release of all political prisoners. Finally the resolution “calls on the United States Government to underscore that government interference in the Tibetan reincarnation process is a violation of the internationally recognized right to religious freedom,” highlighting that the Chinese government has no right or say in the process. The Dalai Lama and the Chinese government last held talks in 2010. The Dalai Lama has said he is optimistic that Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2012, could resume the negotiations.
Tibet News July 15, 2015 3 Prominent political prisoner of Tibet dies in Chinese prison Sikyong: Dialogue is the only
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During his trial he was never provided legal counsel and no court documents regarding his case have since been released. Following an international campaign, his death sentence was reduced to life imprisonment and later to 20 years in 2005. In recent years, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s family made multiple official requests for medical parole, in addition to multiple international campaigns calling for his release on medical parole, as the Rinpoche’s health was
notoriously deteriorating and he was plagued with a serious heart condition. Authorities never responded to the family’s requests, though under Chinese law, Tenzin Delek is entitled to medical parole. Geshe Nyima, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s cousin, in Dharamsala, India, has said, “I am heartbroken at the loss of my dear cousin and our beloved Buddhist teacher. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was an innocent monk who suffered over 13 years of unjust imprisonment, torture and abuse in a Chinese prison for simply advocating for the rights and well-being of his people and for expressing his devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government must immediately release his body so that our family and community may perform the last Buddhist religious rites.” Additionally Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay released a statement, saying, “It is sad to learn about the death of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. We knew he was gravely ill and his followers made numerous appeals for a medical parole. The fact that he was not even allowed medical parole and last wish of followers to see him reflects continuing hard line policies of the Chinese government. Such mistreatment will only generate more resentment among Tibetans.” Local Tibetans have widely believed that he was wrongfully arrested and convicted in 2002 primarily because he was becoming a respected and popular champion of Tibetan interests which the local Chinese Communist Party saw as a challenge to its authority.
rights abuses in Tibet. The Tibetan delegation consists of seven Tibetan players, their coach Gompo Dorjee, and Cassie Childers from the United States. Childers currently kickstarted Tibet Women’s Football in 2011, and now serves as the program manager. The players are Phuntsok Dolma (team captain), Sherab Dolma, Yandan Lhamo, Tenzin Norzom, Tenzin Dasel, Sonam Palyang, and Tenzin Yangzom. Due to tight Chinese control of Tibet, Tibet Women’s Football bases itself in the India-based Tibetan refugee community, through which it recruits its players. The Discover Football Festival also marks the first time in known history that female Tibetan athletes have traveled abroad to represent Tibet at a sporting event, sources report. In
order to prepare for the occasion, the team has worked both on and off the pitch. The seven women have trained in public speaking and communication, in order to maximize this opportunity for sports diplomacy. The Tibet Women’s Football mission – even though only a few years old – is one which seeks “to inspire in the girls and women of the Tibetan refugee community a new sense of pride in themselves and hope for their futures.” The organization recognizes football is a means to something more: “Soccer (football) is simply the tool by which we frame and deliver lessons and experience focused on these themes.” The players, coach, and manager are all available for press comments via email: teamtibet(at)hotmail(dot)com.
Undated photo of Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Photo: TPI
By Angana Chakrabarti: June 24 , 2015
Dharamshala -- Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a highly respected Tibetan spiritual teacher and one of the most prominent Tibetan political prisoners, reportedly died on July 12, 2015 during his twenty year incarceration in a Chinese prison, according to his family. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was first incarcerated in 2002, and sentenced to death on charges of “crimes of terror and incitement of separatism.”
Tibet and China to meet on Women’s Football Pitch By Cameron Hickert: July 02 , 2015
Berlin — In the first known meeting of Tibetan and Chinese athletes since 1959, women from the two countries will gather alongside football teams from a variety of nations in the Discover Football International Women’s Football Cultural Festival, in Berlin, Germany. However, due to the festival’s format, the two contingents could find themselves playing alongside each other, rather than on opposing teams. The Discover Football Festival is a late June 28th through July 5th event that seeks to be more than an athletic competition. On its website, the host organization (Discover Football) bills itself as “the world’s leading network that use football as a tool to advocate for a world in which girls and women can do sports without being discriminated against for any reason.” It strives to reach across the board on issues related to international women’s athletic competitions. Thus, Discover Football simultaneously “challenges gender roles by increasing diverse images of strong women in the media,” while it also “creates a powerful international network” of women football players and leaders. As one manifestation of the official theme, “Beyond Borders,” the Festival adopts a unique approach to the competition itself: the players from each nation are divided, and new teams assemble. The result is a tournament in which players find themselves working together with women from myriad international backgrounds in their on-field efforts. This represents a shift from the traditional relationship between Tibet and China, which has remained extremely contentious over more than 50 years. Indeed, governments and international organizations from around the globe continue to denounce the Chinese Government for its ongoing human
Buddhist monk reportedly self-Immolates in Kyegudo County, Tibet By Yangchen Dolma: July 09 , 2015
A graphic image of burning body of a monk, believed to be the latest self-immolation protest in Tibet. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala — A Buddhist monk reportedly set himself alight on Thursday, July 9, in the Kyegudo county of eastern Tibet, according to exile sources. The monk set himself on fire near Gesar Square in Kyegudo County, Kham Province of Eatern Tibet, around 5pm (local time) protesting against China’s repressive policies in Tibet, sources said. But it cannot be confirmed, due to severe restrictions on communications in the area. According to Sonam, a Tibetan living in exile, a large number of armed police forces were also deployed in the area following the selfimmolation protest. A graphic image of burning body of a monk, believed to be the latest self-immolation protest in Tibet, is circulated on social media. However, his name and other details of the incident are not available immediately.
way to resolve Tibet issue
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay at the celebration of the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in Dharamshala, India, on July 6, 2015. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu By Yeshe Choesang: July 06, 2015
Dharamshala — Celebrating the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday morning, the political leader of Tibet Dr Lobsang Sangay stressed his hope that “the Chinese leadership will soon understand the Middle Way Approach as a mutually beneficial solution and continue the dialogue process with the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” His comments came as thousands of Tibetans and their supporters gathered at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj, on July 6, to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “This global stature of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has provided a firm and steady support for the Tibet issue,” Dr Sangay expressed, “we pray for his long life and reaffirm our unwavering loyalty and devotion to him “It is our hope that the Chinese leadership will soon understand and accept the middle-way approach to a mutually beneficial solution and continue the dialogue process with the envoys of the Dalai Lama as the only way to resolve the issue of Tibet,” Dr Sangay said in a statement about the spiritual leader’s 80th birthday. Sikyong added that “Tibetans inside Tibet sustain infinite hope and courage. They stand strong with patriotic fervor and look to His Holiness the Dalai Lama with utmost reverence and faith. The 140 Tibetans who self immolated have made the universal demand for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for freedom for Tibetans.” “By the grace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and support and solidarity of Tibetans in and outside Tibet, the 14th Kashag (cabinet) has largely been able to carry out its responsibilities,” Tibetan political leader said, adding that his cabinet “would like to compliment and thank all those who participated in observing 2014 as the “Year of the Great 14th Dalai Lama.” “Throughout this past year, many Tibetanmanaged institutions and organizations based in India, Europe, USA and around the world voluntarily initiated numerous activities to express their deepest gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” the statement said. “The Central Tibetan Administration celebrated the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday as per Tibetan calendar on June 21. Despite restrictions, Tibetans inside Tibet also enthusiastically participated in celebrating the 80th birthday of the Dalai Lama through prayers and recitations.” Praying for the long life of the Dalai Lama, the global face of the Tibetan movement in exile, Sikyong said “for Tibetans, His Holiness is the life and soul of Tibet and the Tibetan people”. “Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet, as well as millions of others touched by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message of peace and nonviolence, observe this special occasion with immense delight,” he added. “Tibetan unity and harmony under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has never been greater,” he added saying, “It is comparable only to Tibet under the reign of the three great dharma kings, more than a More than 140 confirmed self-immolation protests have taken place inside Tibet. They have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans. In Tibet today, Tibetans are being arbitrarily arrested, imprisoned and tortured for merely expressing their suffering under Chinese rule. However, authorities in Beijing still claim that “China ‘peacefully liberated’ Tibet, and that the “Tibetans are living in a Maoist socialist paradise.”
thousand years ago.” It is also of great joy that the Central Tibetan Administration celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday as per Tibetan calendar on 21st June, along with Dhomay Association and International Gelug Association in Dharamshala. He said that “Despite restrictions, Tibetans inside Tibet enthusiastically participated in celebrating the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama through prayers, recitations, and the rescue of live animals, among other meritorious acts which will undoubtedly help in the accumulation of good karma and unity of the Tibetan people.” The statement also articulated the significant events in His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s life. With a focus on the preservation and promotion of the unique religion and culture of the Tibetan people, Sikyong stated that “the monastic centres of the four religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and of Bon were reestablished and revived in exile.” Since then the different traditions have thrived in mutual respect and harmony,” he added. “Similarly, His Holiness also established separate Tibetan settlements to ensure stable livelihoods within compact communities of Tibetan refugees,” said the statement. His Holiness’ efforts to introduce a democratic system in exile is of great importance,” he noted; “His Holiness the Dalai Lama reformed and developed the exile Tibetan Administration, the legitimate and natural successor of the government established by the Great 5th Dalai Lama, into a full-fledged democratic entity capable of representing and uniting all Tibetans.” “Our gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his supreme sacrifices and tireless endeavors in these 56 years of wise and able leadership knows no bounds.” “Among the people of the entire Himalayan region,” Sikyong said “His Holiness the Dalai Lama has inspired new confidence to take greater pride in our common cultural and religious heritage.” “In an even wider sphere, for millions of Buddhists around the world, he is the human manifestation of the Bodhisattva of compassion, the beacon of hope and light for all human kind.” “Throughout the world, regardless of nationality, race or religion, millions of citizens consider His Holiness to be a beacon of peace and justice,” praised him by saying that “His Holiness has exerted tireless efforts to fulfill his three commitments in life: promotion of human values, promotion of religious harmony and increased awareness and preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture. Because of his unflagging devotion to these goals, millions of people around the globe admire and love him.” The statement also urges “all Tibetans to engage in acts that are consistent with the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and at the same time endeavor ceaselessly in preserving, promoting and acting upon traditional Tibetan values.” The cabinet statement also remembered His Holiness’ late parents and said, “We take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s loving parents, Choekyong Tsering and Dekyi Tsering, for blessing us with their precious son, Lhamo Dhondup.” “On this most special occasion, we are happy to have the chance to express our gratitude to the central government and state governments of India, and to all peace-loving people around the world who support the cause of Tibet in countless ways for these many years.”
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Birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibet Despite severe restrictions, Tibetans inside Tibet have covertly celebrated the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This celebraiton includes Dawuin and Lithang Kham region. Photo credit: TPI
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Nancy Pelosi and Richard Gere say Tibet still suffers
His Holiness the Dalai Lama (L) talks with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (R) as actor Richard Gere listens during an event in front of the U.S. Capitol October 17, 2007 in Washington DC. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images By Yangchen Dolma: July 08 , 2015
Washington, DC — House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi teamed up with Hollywood-Star and Tibet activist Richard Gere to praise the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet for his 80th birthday, saying the Tibetan leader teaches harmony, but China tries to banish his influence. “On July 6 the Dalai Lama, whose spiritual wisdom and friendship have been touchstones for both of our lives, is turning 80 years old,” Pelosi (Calif.) and Gere said. “Since his harrowing escape from Chineseoccupied Tibet into exile on horseback through the high Himalayas into India in 1959, the Dalai Lama has become a towering figure on the world stage. He is a religious leader and a man whose message of peace and the universal values of love, compassion and respect has never mattered more,” the two wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, on Monday, July 6. “Reaching one’s 80th birthday is a significant milestone in any culture, none more so than in Tibet. It is a moment to celebrate,” the two legends expressed. “It is also a moment for reflection. In the Dalai Lama’s homeland, more than 140 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009, giving their lives to protest oppression by the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party’s vitriolic campaign against the exiled Tibetan religious leader,” they added. “Two years ago Chinese troops opened fire on Tibetans peacefully gathered to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s birthday. News has emerged recently of tightened restrictions in advance
of his birthday this year, with a ban on celebrations to mark the occasion.” Perhaps one of the most remarkable achievements of the leader known to his people as “Kundun,” meaning “presence,” is his profound and unbreakable connection with the people of Tibet. They sometimes offer a simple greeting to visitors: “Listen to him.” It is too dangerous to say his name, but they mean the Dalai Lama. Many young Tibetans use a phrase in Chinese on their social-media profiles that means “I learn to be strong in waiting for the great teacher to return from afar.” “Chinese people are also increasingly drawn to the Dalai Lama’s teachings, Tibetan culture and especially its Buddhist religion. Making it absolutely clear that he is not anti-Chinese, the Dalai Lama has always distinguished between the Chinese government’s policies and the Chinese people,” they wrote. “Wherever he travels, he engages in dialogue with the Chinese he encounters, from state media journalists sent to monitor his news conferences to Buddhist devotees from across China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, many of whom have traveled on pilgrimage to Tibet and witnessed the hardships, including the constant threat of arrest and torture, imposed on Tibetans.” “The quest by many Chinese for a new understanding of Tibet, inspired mainly by the Dalai Lama, is a development of great significance for China’s future. For many of these Chinese, it is not an empty attempt to reach a mythical Shangri-La on the roof of the world,” they added. “Often it is a painstaking and intellectually rigorous inner journey in
China severely restricts passports for Tibetans: rights group By Yangchen Dolma: July 13 , 2015
Dharamshala — The communist regime in Beijing effectively bans Tibetans and other ethnic minorities from obtaining passports, Human Rights Watch said Monday, amid a surge in Chinese tourists travelling abroad. Chinese authorities’ use of a two-track system for issuing passports has severely restricted the freedom of movement for virtually all residents of areas populated mainly by religious minorities, the Rights group said in a new report Monday. China’s discriminatory double-tiered passport system requires residents of those areas to provide far more extensive documentation than other citizens. “Additional restrictions in place in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) since 2012 have led to a near-total ban on any foreign travel by residents of that region, except those on government business,” the report said. “Chinese authorities should move swiftly to dismantle this blatantly discriminatory passport system,” said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch. “The restrictions also violate freedom of belief by denying or limiting religious minorities’ ability to participate in pilgrimages outside China.” The 53 page report, “One Passport, Two Systems: China’s Restrictions on Foreign Travel by Tibetans and Others,” shows the evolution of a discriminatory two-track system for passports applications: a fasttrack system is available in areas that are largely populated by the country’s ethnic Chinese majority, but only a slow-track system is allowed for those in most ethnic and religious minority areas. As of October 2014, less than 10 percent of prefecture-level administrations were still required to use the slow-track passport application system; with one exception, all were areas with substantial Tibetan or Muslim populations. Human Rights Watch’s findings are based on analyses of internal regulations and interviews with Tibetans and others. The report documents cases where residents
of areas with slow-track processing who were members of religious minorities faced delays of up to five years in getting a passport or were refused a passport outright, without being given any legally recognized reason. The report also examines the TAR authorities’ related 2012 decision to recall all ordinary passports in the TAR. When the Chinese government began a national shift to “ePassports” in early 2012, the TAR authorities issued an internal instruction known as Notice No. 22 which announced that “all still-valid ordinary passports in our region shall be withdrawn without exception.” The TAR government then required all residents of the region to hand in ordinary passports, even if these had years to run before expiration, supposedly to be replaced by ePassports. The demand was never made public – only communicated orally through visits by local officials to individual passport-holders. Old-style passports that were not handed over after such a visit were cancelled. Since that time, the TAR authorities are not known to have issued any replacement passports or new passports except for travelers on official business and a small number of cases that appear to have been overlooked. According to the TAR government’s main internet portal, only two passports were issued in all of 2012 in one of its seven prefecture-level administrations. Human Rights Watch’s research found that the government’s apparent reason for retaining restrictive passport policies for some minority areas after 2002 was partly to prevent travel for certain forms of religious study and pilgrimage. When additional regulations restricting foreign travel were introduced in the TAR in 2012, it was made clear that these were linked to religious practice by Tibetan Buddhists. The new regulations declared that attending a religious event abroad, namely teachings by the Dalai Lama, the long-exiled spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, was considered to be a subversive political activity. Chinese officials have denied that there is a ban on
5 Tibet support group calls to honour the wishes of Tenzin Delek
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
which the realization of a shared struggle becomes apparent. At this critical moment, Tibetans and Chinese share a yearning for freedom and a determination for their voices to be heard beyond the darkness imposed by an authoritarian state.” “The nonviolent nature of the Tibetan struggle should serve as an inspiration for a world riven by conflict and shattering acts of violence. Inside Tibet today, a younger generation now leads the nonviolent struggle to protect Tibetan freedom, religion and culture. Schoolchildren link hands and march to government education offices to protest when textbooks use Chinese and not Tibetan language,” the two said, adding “Teenagers write poetry in their own language in literary journals, expressing pride in their Tibetan identity. Young monks study the precepts of their religion in monasteries rigidly controlled by Chinese government cadres, even though the monks know that if they fail to denounce the Dalai Lama, they could be dragged away in the middle of the night and imprisoned.” “At a time when China has increasing diplomatic heft, other nations grant too much accommodation to a government that imprisons its artists, free thinkers, lawyers, poets and human-rights activists. Indulging such a government undermines the values and interests of all democracies. We need to develop a more honest and clearheaded relationship with the current Chinese leadership—one that encourages China to become a better and more responsible global citizen.” “During his long life, the Dalai Lama has shown that harmony between peoples is based on freedom of expression, the ability to speak the truth and mutual respect. Realizing the bold vision and goals of the Dalai Lama would not only make China more stable but also more genuinely secure, allowing greater strides toward modernization and responsible leadership in the world,” they expressed, saying “There is no better way to honor the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday than by standing with him and the Tibetan people, vowing to keep their cause alive.” Mr. Gere, an actor, is chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet. Mrs. Pelosi is the Democratic leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. TAR residents’access to passports, and assert that the process is simply slower because it is more complex. There are increasing reports of similar restrictions on foreign travel by Uighurs and other predominantly Muslim residents of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). At least two Hui autonomous areas have also been denied access to the fast-track system. The International Campaign for Tibet is also releasing a report today on the discriminatory policies facing Tibetans seeking to obtain passports. The report, “A Policy Alienating Tibetans,” gives the context for the Chinese authorities’ political agenda of undermining the Dalai Lama and seeking to assert their control over Tibetan people, and features new insights from discussions on social media. China’s passport system in the TAR falls far short of international standards protecting the right to freedom of movement. The regulations are designed in a manner that discriminates on the basis of religion or ethnicity. The evidence available indicates that the regulations have an apparent discriminatory purpose, and that they are implemented in a manner that has an unlawful discriminatory effect. The Chinese government should ensure the criteria and procedures for issuing passports are the same for all citizens, immediately implement fast-track processing in the TAR, XUAR, and other regions, and cease treating attendance at religious events or teachings abroad as unlawful activities, Human Rights Watch said. “Chinese authorities seem to believe that systematically denying Tibetans’ rights to travel brings greater stability to the Tibet Autonomous Region,” Richardson said. “But it’s respect for human rights – including equal access to passports – that might begin to reduce Tibetans’ distrust of the government.” “Border entry and exit administration structures within Public Security agencies should issue ordinary passports within 15 days of receiving the application materials. When a passport is not issued due to noncompliance, a formal written explanation should be provided, and the applicant should be informed of their right to pursue an administrative review of the application or to file a civil suit.” – Regulations on passport processing in Shunyi (Beijing) “Getting a passport is harder for a Tibetan than getting into heaven. This is one of those ‘preferential policies’ given to us Tibetans by [China’s] central government.” – Post by a Tibetan blogger on a Chinese-language website, October 2012
By Steve Shaw: July 13, 2015
London — Tibetan prisoner and Buddhist teacher Tenzin Delek Rinpoche has died in Chinese custody, according to family members who were informed by the police in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on 12 July. He had been serving a 20-year sentence in Chuandong Prison in Chengdu and had repeatedly been denied medical parole despite calls by his family, human rights groups and governments because of his ill health. He was arrested in April 2002 for his alleged involvement in bombings in Chengdu, and in December of that year, he was sentenced to death for charges of “terrorism and inciting separatism”. During his trial Chinese authorities did not allow him access to the lawyer his family appointed for him and no court documents about his case have been released. The death sentence was reduced to life imprisonment and later to 20 years in 2005, following an international campaign. Tenzin Delek maintained his innocence throughout. His family had not been allowed to see him since November 2013. Last week they were informed that they would finally be permitted to visit. However, after his two sisters travelled to the prison their visit was repeatedly postponed. On 12 July, prison authorities told them of his death. Geshe Nyima, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s cousin, based in Dharamshala, India commented on the death to Students for a Free Tibet: “I am heartbroken at the loss of my dear cousin and our beloved Buddhist teacher. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was an innocent monk who suffered over 13 years of unjust imprisonment, torture and abuse in a Chinese prison for simply advocating for the rights and well-being of his people and for expressing his devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government must immediately release his body so that our family and community may perform the last Buddhist religious rites.” Tenzin Delek’s family and monks from his monastery in Nyagchu County are demanding that the prison authorities release his body for final Buddhist ceremonies. However, these requests have been rejected by the prison. According to a report by
June 30, 2015
Free Tibet, authorities have said he will be cremated in prison and his ashes returned to the family. The family members and monks have been warned to return to their homes “without making a disturbance”. The Chinese authorities have also deployed security forces in Nyagchu County, where thousands of locals are gathering near the local government office to call for the release of the body. F r e e Ti b e t d i r e c t o r E l e a n o r B y r n e Rosengren said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Wrongfully convicted in the first place, his deteriorating health while in prison has been well documented and concerns have been repeatedly raised about his health by governments and campaign groups alike. China has ignored the world, as it so often does, and is now ignoring the pleas of local Tibetans who wish to give him proper funeral services. The developing situation in Nyagchu is deeply concerning and we call on the authorities to show restraint and to honour the wishes of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s family and community. “It is always very difficult to get reliable information about individuals once they disappear into the Chinese prison system. But today we know one thing – an innocent man has died and the Chinese government is responsible.” Tibetan Youth Congress demands the Chinese government to: - “Officially confirm Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s death and demand an enquiry into the circumstances of his death. He was a political prisoner at the top of the priority listing for a number of countries; his passing must be officially acknowledged and the causes investigated.” TYC President Tenzing Jigme said in a statement that, “todays unfortunate news clearly reaffirms TYC’s long standing view that the Chinese communist government cannot be trusted and therefore we have to step up and intensify our campaigns for the freedom of our nation and our people.” “The death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche should serve as a reminder for all of us that the Chinese government will never hand us our freedom effortlessly but that we have to fight to win back our freedom,” he added.
China condemned as Tibetan community leader dies in prison
Trulku Tenzin Delek was visiting his school in Nyagchu county eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yangchen Dolma: July 14 , 2015
Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Tibet says “China has his blood on its hands” London — Tibet Society is greatly saddened and outraged by the news of the death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche who died in a Chinese prison on 12 July. “Tibet Society condemns the Chinese government for not releasing Tenzin Delek Rinpoche on medical parole after an application was submitted by his family in 2014 and subsequent requests were made by numerous governments, including the UK during the April UK-China Human Rights Dialogue,” the Tibet Society of the UK said in a statement on Monday. “The death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche exposes the true nature of the Chinese government’s attitude towards Tibet,” said Fabian Hamilton MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet. Mr Hamilton, who raised Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s case during a parliamentary debate on 18 June 2015, added, “China has disregarded the concerns of the international community over Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, flouted universally-accepted norms on legal processes during his case and refused medical parole despite his serious illness. Now China has his blood on its hands.” Philippa Carrick, CEO of Tibet Society said,
“Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was an influential community leader whom the Communist Party could not control. Rather than work with him to bring progress and raise standards within local society, the authorities framed him for a crime he did not commit and then left him to die in prison. To China, enforcing its oppressive ideology and silencing the Tibetan population is of greater concern than human rights or individual lives.” A much respected and popular Tibetan community leader, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche had been serving a life prison sentence. Arrested in 2002 on false charges, he was initially sentenced to death after a trial that Human Rights Watch described as, “procedurally flawed”. In 2002, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. He was known to be in seriously ill health for a number of years, with a heart condition and high blood pressure. Despite numerous international requests for medical parole over the last 18 months, the Chinese government failed to respond, with tragic consequences. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche died on 12 July 2015 in Chuandong prison in Sichuan province. His family were informed of the 65 yearold’s worsening condition but arrived after he had died. According to Radio Free Asia, the authorities have not released Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s body to his family. Tibet Society calls on the Chinese government to officially confirm the death in prison of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and release his body to his family to allow traditional funeral rites. Tibet Society also demands that the Chinese government conducts an official enquiry into Tenzin Delek’s death and make the findings public. Tibet Society has passed on the information to the UK Foreign Office and requested a statement from the UK government condemning the death.
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ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Caustic language may cause you to want to get out of the house. Be discreet about your personal life or whereabouts. Be mysterious. You will be entertained and intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Delays are evident. You can enjoy the company of others and come in contact with an ideal mate, if you get out and mingle. Take things slowly, especially for the sake of those you love. Take time to relax. Stress and pressure at home may have worn you ragged.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don’t let other people meddle in your private affairs. Family outings should include visiting friends or relatives. You will be prone to carelessness that could result in accidents. Romance may be better than you ever thought possible.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You may need the space, but you need the extra cash more. Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. Don’t be a pest or a troublemaker this month. You can discuss your findings behind closed doors with your boss.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Try not to jump to conclusions. Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. Concentrate on your career and on making money. Overindulgent people will cause disruptions in your life.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will do well in social settings, and new and interesting individuals may spark a romantic curiosity. Look into alternatives that would better suit both your needs. Your emotional life may be up in the air if your mate has been going through a change of heart. You will both have to bend if you want this union to work. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn’t been well. Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable. If you’re single, get out there and you’ll meet someone new. You will find that friends or relatives may not understand your needs.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) A little overtime may help you reduce the workload. You may have problems with those you live with. Cultural activities open your eyes to new ways of doing things. An older member of your family may have left you with a pressing situation.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can make favorable changes in your home environment. Remain calm and you’ll shine. Passion should be your goal. Opportunities for romance are present. You may feel that someone at work is holding you back.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can make moves, but they won’t be settling. Don’t overspend to impress someone who interests you. You must not let others talk you into doing things that will probably limit you financially at a later date. Your attitudes at work will open new avenues for you.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Take time to reevaluate your motives regarding friendships. Deception regarding joint finances or investments will cause upsets between family members. Don’t prejudge. You may get drawn into a personal situation that will not be to your liking. You can ask for favors or run your ideas by those who will be able to support your objectives.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Risky ventures may turn in your favor. You could meet an interesting individual you’ll want to get to know better. Stress coupled with diet will add to stomach problems. You may find your self in a romantic situation.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.
TPI NEWS
7 are capable of good things: Tibet’s spiritual leader
H.H THE DALAI LAMA His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet: Censorship in China is wrong Our unique brains The Tibet Post International
His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivering his speech on the second day of his birthday celebration, organised by Domey Association at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on June 24, 2015. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu By Yeshe Choesang: July 04 , 2015
Dallas, Texas, USA — In an interview with Edgardo Del Villar, who is a news anchor for Telemundo, the largest Spanish TV channel in the USA, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet said, the ongoing censorship system in China is “wrong” and “the 1.3 billion Chinese people have a right to receive reliable information.” Del Villar recalled that in 1987 His Holiness released a “Five Point Peace Plan” and he wanted to know what had happened to that plan. “The Zone of Peace was an idea for the longer term, what we need to do now is preserve Tibetan culture and language, which remains
the best medium for explaining the Nalanda tradition of Buddhist understanding. Ecology too is important,” His Holiness said, adding: “We opened a dialogue, but hardliners brought it to a halt.” “Xi Jinping seems to be a more realistic leader, but he is currently absorbed with tackling corruption, taking a courageous stand that I admire,” His Holiness reiterated. As for what might change in China, the Tibetan leader said that “the 1.3 billion Chinese people have a right to receive reliable information and that censorship is wrong. Meanwhile students abroad will learn about reality and take that knowledge home with them, therefore, he
Nobel laureates and celebrities greet spiritual leader of Tibet By Molly Lortie: July 08, 2015
California, US — His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama celebrated his birthday on Monday, July 6th with a crowd of 18,000 well-wishers at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The birthday party kicked off a three day Global Compassion Summit held at the University of California. In his address to the crowd, His Holiness said, “I’m overwhelmed that so many speakers have expressed the importance of loving kindness. They have given me encouragement and hope. I have generally thought that I would not see a compassionate world emerge in my lifetime. However, there seems to be real enthusiasm for the idea that the source of peace is within ourselves and that to change the world we all have to develop inner peace. Since scientists and educators are also showing interest in this, maybe we can achieve a peaceful world sooner than I thought. As my friend Jodi Williams says, ‘We have to take action’ and there is a Tibetan saying that if you fail nine times, nine times you should try again.” On the occasion of His Holiness’s 80th birthday, many notable well-wishers took the opportunity to wish him a happy birthday. Celebrities, friends and admirers of His Holiness compiled a video of their birthday sentiments, spreading the twitter hastag #WithCompassion, as a tribute to His Holiness. The video includes the voices of Larry King, Randy Jackson, Ariana Huffington, Common, Russell Simmons, Venerable Tenzin Dondhen and others, who come together to send this message to His Holiness: “Welcome to the 80-plus club Your Holiness. It’s a joy and an honor to celebrate your birthday and thank you for all the gifts you have given us. You have dedicated your life to peace, kindness, and compassion. I would like to show you gratitude
and love and say thank you for your kindness, your compassion and your commitment in touching the hearts and minds and souls of so many people. You have shown us the utmost compassion and humility for all mankind. May you continue to be a beacon of compassion, peace, love and joy for our planet. In honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has dedicated his life to peace and kindness, my gift to you is that I will give compassion wherever it is needed, to the world, to my neighbor, to myself; a hand or a kind word for someone who needs it. And we all need it. Happy birthday Your Holiness. You are 80 years young, and you will have many more years on this planet and beyond. We love you.” Additionally, other Nobel laureates honored His Holiness, including Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian Nobel Peace prize winner who said, “whenever I get tired or I lose hope I remember you. For 60 years you have been fighting for the rights of the people of Tibet without becoming tired and without losing hope.” Anti-landmines campaigner Jodi Williams, who won the Nobel Peace prize in 1997, said, “he always says he is just a simple Buddhist monk. He may be a simple Buddhist monk, but he is the most rocking, compassionate simple Buddhist monk I know.” The hastag #withcompassion was requested by His Holiness as a way to spread our daily acts of compassion, and attracted hundreds of thousands of tweets from people across the world wishing His Holiness a happy birthday and sharing how they spread compassion every day. The birthday video ends with a young boy, who proclaims, “well compassion makes you a better person. And love is like the most important thing in your life.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking on Awakening Compassion at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, USA on July 5, 2015. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
repeated, censorship should stop.” “It’s also important that the Chinese judicial system be raised to international levels. Xi Jinping has spoken about this, but hardliners in the system continue to ignore reality,” he added. In the meantime, Chinese Buddhists who come to see him regularly weep and plead with His Holiness not to forget them. Regarding his retirement from political responsibilities in 2011 and the response to it from Tibetans in Tibet, His Holiness stated that by and large they trust him, so they understood why he’d done it. He mentioned that some Tibetan religious conventions are linked to the earlier feudal system and the time has come to change them. The custom of Dalai Lamas being political as well as spiritual leaders, he said, is out of date. Villar asked what His Holiness would have wanted to study if he hadn’t undertaken a spiritual training and he replied, “Science.” He added that although he had made a hobby of dismantling watches and so on in the past, these days when he has time he prefers to read religious texts and revise what he has studied before. Asked who he admires, he answered, “Humanity”, noting that if you believe in God, then God’s greatest gift has been the human brain. The important thing to do, however, is to learn to use it properly. Before closing the interview, Villar asked about what he most likes doing, he replied: “Talking”, adding that his favorite topic is human values. “When I open my mouth, I always talk about humane values, science and Buddhist philosophy.” Asked what is the most important of those humane values, he unhesitatingly replied by saying “Concern for others.”
By Jane Cook: July 02, 2015
Dallas, Texas, US. “Human’s unique brains are capable of many good things, including compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, love,” the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama said “some of the biggest challenges we face are our own creation.” Describing himself as a simple Buddhist monk His Holiness made a special appearance in Dallas city in Texas, US, on Wednesday. He spoke as part of a forum at the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University. “Wearing an SMU ball cap, he spoke on a number of topics, but his speech was predominantly about love, acceptance and the importance of happiness,” the ABC reported. “He did not stop smiling even once during his hour-and-a-half appearance on stage,” the ABC report said. Nearly 2,500 people attended the soldout event. Among the crowd was former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura. The Tibetan leader said the problems of the world can be solved if people keep this in mind: “We all have the right to achieve a happy life. Because everybody, even insects, even animals also want a happy life. I am just one human being, one out of seven billion human beings, no differences,” he said. “We are the same. We all have the same right to achieve a happy life.” “It is indeed a great honour to meet with my old friend once more and to see his new Institute and the programmes being implemented here to promote democracy and liberty. I don’t necessarily admire America for its
EU urges China to resume dialogue with His Holiness
From left: EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and EU Council President Donald Tusk at the start of the 17th bilateral EU China summit at the EU Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 29 June 2015. . EPA/JULIEN By Yeshe Choesang: June 30, 2015
Brussels — President of the European Council Donald Tusk has urged Prime Minister of China Li Keqiang to initiate meaningful talks with the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at the 17th bilateral EU China summit in Brussels. Speaking at a joint press conference with the Chinese leader on Monday evening, President of the European Council Tusk praised “China’s ambitious reform process,” but expressed that this could be expanded to other spheres. “Today, we decided to reinforce our EUChina 2020 Strategic Agenda, which frames our relationship. We have also agreed with Premier Li the priorities for the up-coming year. This is an impressive list,” Tust said. “It ranges from trade and investment to human rights and migration; from security and defence to climate change and development. And beyond,” he added “On many of these issues, we have moved forward today. Because we share strategic interests. But also because of our commitment to address global challenges together.” “We support China’s ambitious reform process and have no doubt that it will be a success. We also discussed how we could further improve cooperation on human rights at the bilateral and international level,” he said. “I expressed our concerns on freedom of expression and association in China,
July 15, 2015
including the situation of the persons belonging to minorities such as Tibetans and Uighurs,” “In that context, I have encouraged China to resume a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representatives.” President Tusk told members of the media at the joint press conference. “Finally, I am glad we could agree that the next round of our human rights dialogue and the second visit of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to China will both take place, separately, in November this year,” the EC leader said. “Our agenda also includes global challenges, which we need to face together, such as climate change and development. We discussed how to promote low carbon and climate-friendly investments bilaterally and internationally,” he added. “We agreed to aim for a fair and ambitious deal at the climate conference in Paris in December. One shared goal should be to keep global average temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius compared to preindustrial levels,” Tusk further said. The European Commission (EC) is the executive body of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU. Commissioners swear an oath at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, pledging to respect the treaties and to be completely independent in carrying out their duties during their mandate.
A view of Southern Methodist University’s Moody Center during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s talk in Dallas, Texas, USA on July 1, 2015. Photo: George W. Bush Presidential Center
military strength; I admire it for upholding the principles of democracy and liberty. America leads the free world. Although you have retired I’m glad to see you’re still dedicated to democracy and freedom. “Now, we Tibetans and Burmese have linguistic roots in common and like Tibet, Burma is a Buddhist country. Within Buddhism we have the Pali and Sanskrit traditions. The Pali tradition is the fundamental tradition, while the Sanskrit tradition deals with further elaborations of, for example, the theory of selflessness. We have the monastic code in common and I’ve noticed that the monastic organization is essentially democratic in principle. “For people to fulfill their rights they need education. Since the government in Burma remains totalitarian, you should take full advantage of this opportunity to study and learn and not become too distracted by the materialistic attractions to be found here.” He urged the crowd to “pay close attention to the principles of freedom and democracy. Examine how to combine modern ideas with traditional values. Our struggle is between the power of truth and the power of the gun. The gun may seem more decisive in the short term, but in the long term the power of truth is stronger. It’s important to be confident about this.” The Tibetan spiritual leader reiterated that the people in power now depend on the use of force, but they can’t keep that up forever. In the long run, truth will prevail. He quoted a Tibetan saying that if you fail nine times, nine times you should try again. The nobel peace prize laureate was asked how to unite diverse peoples under the common banner of freedom and replied that we need to have a sense of the oneness of all humanity. In a country like Burma there will be religious and ethnic differences, but what is more important is the common Burmese interest. Questioned about how to reconcile such compromise with freedom, His Holiness responded that the European Union is an example of the kind of realistic thinking he has in mind. His Holiness said that Tibetans have historically been an independent nation, linguistically and geographically distinct. “There are Chinese documents that refer to Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian empires in the 7-9th centuries. Still they can be part of a larger, more economically developed state, so long as they have the opportunity to preserve their language, culture and environment.” He said that human beings are the same and equal in their right to live a happy life. He remarked that the marvelous human brain that can cultivate love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance, is also capable of giving in to anger, hatred and fear. Consequently, many of the problems we face are our own creation. He stressed the need for modern education to incorporate moral principles based on the simple value of warmheartedness. Since we all depend on one another, our wish for happiness requires that we cultivate concern for one another too. If we do that there will be trust between us and where there is trust, there is friendship; something essential to social animals like us. Changing the world, His Holiness said, making it a more peaceful, compassionate place can only begin on an individual level. It’s not something we can leave to the government or the UN. He ended with an appeal that if what he had said made sense, people should think about it more, discuss it and put it into effect. The event, which was moderated by ABC News political correspondent Cokie Roberts, was hosted by the George W. Bush Presidential Center and SMU in conjunction with the World Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth.
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July 15, 2015
TPI NEWS
His Holiness the Dalai Lama praises Bush’s commitment to freedom
The Tibet Post International Back Page Focus “This is how Shugden Society started having direct connection with China” –Lama Tseta By Molly Lortie: July 14, 2015 ... continued from last issue
Last week, Lama Tseta Rinpoche, a former member and appointed official of the Shugden Society came forth to expose the alleged connection between the society and the Chinese government, which he claims has been intact since 1996.
By Yeshe Choesang: July 02, 2015
Dharamshala — Expressing his hope, that the United States will continue to lead the free world, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet praised the former US President George W. Bush for his lifelong commitment to freedom, liberty and democracy. The Wednesday event was moderated by ABC News political correspondent Cokie Roberts and it was hosted by the George W. Bush Presidential Center and SMU in conjunction with the World Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth. At a luncheon with Bush Center friends and supporters Margaret Spelling, President of the George W Bush Presidential Center welcomed His Holiness as a leader of our time. She said: “We celebrate you and the principles of peace and compassion you represent. We are honored that you are beginning your current visit to the USA here in Dallas. Thank you for coming.” Over 5000 people attended the sold-out event. Among the crowd was former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura. In his remark, Bush said: “Sadly, Chinese leaders are more concerned that their country will break up, but I told them this is the best guy for you to deal with, but they don’t listen.” “I am the only US President who has stood up with His Holiness in public. He is dealing with forces that seek to undermine his basic sense that everyone should be free. It’s an honor to have you here.” “Thanks for the cake and thank you all for coming. You know, sometimes in politics you meet someone who tells you something and doesn’t really mean it. His Holiness is someone who looks you in the eye and means just what he says. China makes things hard for him and yet he’s joyful, because his heart is so sweet and full of love. His Holiness said he admired George W. Bush’s lifelong commitment to freedom, liberty and democracy. He also said that US is responsible not only for 350 million Americans, but as the leader for the wider free world. “My dream is that the 21st century will lead to a better world, a more peaceful, more compassionate world based on a sense of the oneness of humanity,” he added.
Bishop McKee offered prayers before the meal. Afterwards in her brief remarks Mrs Laura Bush reminded the gathering that it will be His Holiness’s 80th birthday on July 6, a birthday he shares with her husband. A cake was brought out, everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ and the two friends blew out the candles together. His Holiness came face-to-face with his portrait during a visit to The Bush Center in Dallas, Texas, on his 80th birthday. Beaming, he said he was impressed and flattered - but joked that his right eye could use a little work, a staff member told Daily Mail Online on Wednesday. In a gesture of thanks, His Holiness also presented Bush and Laura Bush with white traditional scarves which embodies purity and good fortune. The Nobel laureate was one of the leaders Bush visited and hosted most during his tenure in the White House. The pair struck up a close relationship, and in 2012 His Holiness told Piers Morgan on CNN: ‘I love President Bush.’ Morgan replied: ‘Really?’ His Holiness the Dalai Lama responded: ‘Yes, really. As a human being. Not as a president of America. Sometimes his policy may not be very, very successful. But as a person, as a human being, very nice person. I love him.’ He added: ‘After he sort of began the Iraq sort of crisis ... I expressed to him: “I love you, but your policies concerned, I have some reservations” I told him.’. George W. Bush has been a close friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for years. Bush met several times with the Tibetan spiritual leader at the White House when he was the 43rd president of the United States. In 2007, in a hugely symbolic moment, Bush met publicly with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, personally presenting him with the Congressional Gold Medal in an elaborate ceremony. In front of TV cameras and Washington’s most powerful lawmakers, the two leaders warmly greeted each other. President Bush urged the Chinese government to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama for talks; the authorities in Beijing were enraged.
Kerry praises spiritual leader of Tibet for his dedication to humanity
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Photo: Media Fil By Yeshe Choesang: July 08, 2015
Washington, DC — US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday greeted His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 80th birthday, saying People around the world are inspired by his messages of peace, compassion, and non-violence. “I am pleased to extend warm wishes to His
Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 80th birthday on July 6,” John Kerry said in a statement, on Monday. The statement reads: “People of diverse faith and non-faith traditions around the world are inspired by his messages of peace, compassion, and non-violence.” “I have always appreciated His Holiness’ humour, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to his people and to humanity,” he added saying, “I wish His Holiness the very best on this auspicious occasion.” “In many ways, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has profoundly touched not only the lives of the Tibetan people, but also countless others throughout the world,” said Tashi Namgyal, North American Representative to the Tibetan Parliament and co-chair of the Gratitude Events Organising Committee. “This birthday celebration honours the Tibetan leader for the wisdom and spiritual guidance he has provided to both Buddhists and non-Buddhist; and for his unwavering efforts to alleviate the sufferings of all sentient beings,” Tashi said.
The continuation of Lama Tseta’s testimony can be found below: … Whatever CPC is saying, some evil people in the Dolgyal society have sold out all the Dolgyal propitiators to China. The Dolgyal society has been undertaking activities that create dissension within the Tibetan community and pose a threat to the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, since their enemy is the same. We must all watch carefully as they are currently undertaking activities in various foreign countries on behalf of the Chinese Communists that harm the Tibetan people and Tibetan nation. Otherwise, at this point for Tibetans, it’s life or death. It is only because of the efforts solely by His Holiness the Dalai Lama that we are able to keep our heads held high. Every Tibetan should be aware of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s tireless work from the age of 16 until now. Every Tibetan must be aware that his life in danger wherever he goes. If peace is to prevail throughout the world, everyone has a duty to protect his life. We must be careful and watchful of such harmful people. They will make contact and create discord within Tibetan society. At this time, while His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not undertaking any political activities, devoting himself solely to religious activities, if we are not careful, China will get an opportunity. They have already got the resources for creating discord. Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama has resigned from politics, they have the best time. Those Dolgyal practitioners who demonstrate on international platforms vilifying His Holiness beyond limits are a threat to his very life. They are undertaking all this on behalf of the Chinese Communists to harm the Tibetan politics and religion. Thus one point I want to make us that we must be careful. Secondly, while I was working for Shugden, one day Kunchok Gyaltsen, Chatreng Yeshi, Nga Lama and others came down to Ganden in 1999, and I were summoned to Ganden from Sera. At this time I was acting as chairman. Tri Rinpoche and his connections had held a Geluk general assembly where they have drawn up a plan to completely divide the tradition. If we were to threaten them, they perhaps would not be able to accomplish this. As a way of threatening, some of us met Ganden Tri Rinpoche and asked him a few questions. They appointed me as the main questioner. Whether they were testing whether to trust me or not, I was sent with Athar Tsering, Kunchok Gyaltsen’s cousin Choezay, and the chairman of the Ganden Shugden Society, named Choezay Sherab. Seven or eight of us went before Ganden Tri Rinpoche. As I had never met Tri Rinpoche, I asked whether Tri Rinpoche was there or not, however the person I asked was Tri Rinpoche himself. The person told me he was there, went inside and sat on the throne. I offered three prostrations before him, though Athar Tsering told me not to prostrate. I then told him I am the chairman of the Shugden society, and we were sent by the Delhi Shugden society to ask about the Geluk general assembly division. We needed clear answers. What is the reason for separating within the Geluk community. After saying both good things and bad things, saying many different things, Tri Rinpoche said that those who do not abide by the rules of Geluk are you, Shudgen society. You have written baseless books and it is not a good thing. Especially, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is like the sun for our whole world and producing these books crosses a limit. I have been thinking of meeting you, and you people came here on the right time today, he said. If you people are practicing the Geluk doctrine, if you practice only what His Holiness said, you won’t need more than that. When you undertake these various activities it harms the whole Geluk doctrine. You must avoid doing these bad things. In one of the books you have falsely written that Ganden Tri Rinpoche practices Shugden. You should never do that, he said. As far as I am concerned, Kyabje Trichang RInpoche is my root guru, and I had completely given up practicing Shugden in front of him. I had not made any prior life commitments. After the advice of the Dalai Lama, I did observation and approached Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche in Varanasi and made this clear. I do not have any connection at all, he said. When you say such things, you are all going against the wishes of Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche. If you really heed the wishes of Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche, then you must know that he has said that His Holiness’s deeds are admirable and grand, something that has not happened with the various other reincarnations of Dalai Lama, whose work
benefits Buddhism. Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche’s real advice is to serve the Dalai Lama, he said. Tri Rinpoche also said that establishing your society and doing these various deeds is not a good thing. Athar Tsering threatened that if you do not revoke those resolutions, we won’t let you off easily. And Tri Rinpoche replied that whatever you do we will never withdraw them, these resolutions are passed by lama and former lamas considering the broader welfare of the Geluk tradition and not by a person like me who can take back or keep what I like. He clearly mentioned that this would not be withdrawn. Now, while going inside, they had arranged for a video and tape recorder to record everything. They recorded everything and came down. Afterwards, when the tape was played in front of Nga Lama, Kunchok Gyaltsen, Chatreng Yeshi, Gen Chime and others, nothing was recorded nor was there video recording. They were all astonished. They had plans of using the recording of the conversation with Tri Rinpoche, and now since nothing was there they could not use it. In 1996, in Sera Pomra Khangsten, those who had connection with Geshe Kelsang and Nga Lama launched a movement against keeping His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s picture, but many of the monks coming from Tibet insisted the portrait should not be removed. During this time, an old monk said that the Dalai Lama’s portrait should not be taken away no matter what. He mentioned that before Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche’s death, they were all summoned to the upper floor of Sera mey and were told that if in the future, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives advice about the Shugden issue, you must heed that advice. If you ever lose faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama, you will all go to hell, Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche told them all. What Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche told the old monks then, was retold to us during our meeting. From this it is clear. They are the ones who do not follow the advice of Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche, do not pay attention or heed the advice, but rather are interested in personal gain without any thoughts of practicing the Geluk tradition for the propagation of the doctrine. They do not have the slightest dedication to Tibet or Tibetan people. In Tibet, we do not have freedom, and there are lots of political restrictions. Outside Tibet we are only about a hundred thousand Tibetans, but have faced such problems. At a time when we act on behalf of the Tibetans in Tibet, and get good coverage throughout the world, they are acting on behalf of China and are required to condemn Sikyong and Tibetan parliament. They confront
everyone who works for the CTA and vilify the courageous heroes of Tibet. They misrepresent when a Tibetan self-immolates for the cause of Tibet. Joining the Chinese Communists they are given tasks and get money. It is important we be alert and watchful of the people who I have already mentioned. Since I have seen and also went with them, it is a clear truth that they have connection with Communist China and receive money. Likewise, around two hundred of their people from Nepal, Ganden and Sera pom monastery got together and said they wanted to destroy all offices of the CTA, like the arrival of Chinese occupation. It was Indian intelligence who stopped them, or they might have succeeded in destroying many offices. Even though they have already killed people they need to kill, they also sent over 200 people to Dharamshala. It is only thanks to the Indian Intelligence that they were stopped before reaching. If they had reached there, how many problems would we have faced? How saddened would His Holiness have been? Someone who has worked since the young age of 16 until 80. Whether we accept the religion or not, we have such a kind leader. But they had the will to raise their hand against the CTA, which is close to him. So, if we Tibetans are not cautious or alert, I know for sure that these people’s aim is to work for China’s politics and destroy religion and culture of Tibet, in order to befriend China and secure their position and the positions of few subordinates. Generally, there are lots of issues here. Since 1996 until 2008 or 2009, I have full experience of how Dolgyal society came in contact with China, the connections and relationships from working and traveling with them. I have friends within the society and I clearly know what they have done. In the end, in a nutshell what I want to say is they are joining hands with China to create obstacles in the glorious activities of His Holiness the Dalai Lama throughout the world, to pose a threat to his life, to destroy the Tibetan people and the Tibetan administration, to create disunity amongst the three provinces of Tibet; attempting to infiltrate and do these various activities are their main focuses. I want to say that they are being paid by the CPC and work as representatives of the CPC. Lastly my prayers and wishes to the six million Tibetan people, for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who is our eyes and heart, for refuge for this life and the next. I pray that we all six million Tibetans unite and heed his advice and may the just cause of Tibet see a solution. End.