Tibet Post International Digital-Newspaper

China wants Tibet to disappear: His Holiness Vol. 04, Issue 166, Print Issue 90, October 31, 2016

Outspoken Tibetan monk freed after 5-year term

P- 5 ...

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

B o d - K y i - Cha-Trin

Tibetan advocates protest Xi, fly ‘Free Tibet’ banner over Goa coast A Voice For Tibet Bi-monthly

P-4 ...

www.thetibetpost.com

Rs.10

Tibet’s culture of nonviolence and peace worth preserving: His Holiness

By Jane Cook: October 23, 2016

Tibetan Buddhist monk Jigme Guri, also known as Labrang Jigme released from prison after 5-year term. Photo: TPI

By Molly Lortie: October 27, 2016

Dharamshala — A respected scholar monk known as Labrang Jigme returned home Wednesday after being released two months after his five-year prison sentence expired.

Jigme Guri, a monk at Labrang monastery in Amdo, who had been previously imprisoned and severely tortured in 2008 and 2010, is well-known as a writer and intellectual who is the only known Tibetan to record on video in Tibet an account of his own imprisonment and views on Chinese policies against the Dalai Lama in which he gave his full identity. He gained tremendous popularity among Tibetans particularly for his writings and determination to bear witness.

Tibetan writer Woeser writes: “Because of this, Tibetan people everywhere recognized him as a hero of their people, naming him ‘Labrang Jigme’.” His release from prison yesterday was greeted with great relief; there have been serious fears for his welfare as he was believed to have been hospitalized while in prison.

Jigme Guri was released after dark at around 9 pm on Wednesday, October 26th from prison in Lanzhou, the provincial capital of Gansu, and taken by the prison authorities to his family home in Labrang town in Sangchu (Chinese, Xiahe) county. His relatives were not given permission to welcome him with a traditional ceremony and according to reports, and he was not allowed to wear monks’ robes. He was pictured wearing a blue jacket and trousers, and wearing glasses.

Tibetan political prisoners are generally not allowed to return to their monasteries or nunneries after release, and Jigme Guri was allegedly not allowed to go to Labrang.

P-4...

Milan, Italy — “My concern now is with keeping Tibetan culture and identity alive,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, adding that its “a culture of non-violence and peace, its worth preserving.”

The ancient city of Rho bestowed honorary citizenship on His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday, at a gathering of an audience of 12000 cheering people, inside the Rho Fiera Milano hall in Milan, Italy. Mayor of Rho, Pietro Romano conferred the freedom of that city on His Holiness and Richard Gere was called upon to introduce His Holiness.

“I’ve been here listening to His Holiness’s teachings on compassion, love and acceptance. Wherever he goes he creates an atmosphere of inclusiveness. He makes everyone feel welcome. Thinking about this reminded me of a verse from the Persian poet Rumi: ‘Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair.

Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times.

Come, yet again, come, come.”

Stepping forward to the podium, flanked by his Italian and English interpreters, the Nobel Peace Prize winner thanked the ancient city of Rho for making him an honorary citizen. “I’m extremely happy to be able to be with you. We are all human beings. We may have slightly different faces but otherwise we are physically, mentally and emotionally the same. We all want to live a happy life, but we don’t always know how it can be done,” the spiritual leader said.

“In a materialistic society we look for joy in material goals and yet they don’t seem to bring complete satisfaction. I meet a lot of affluent people who are also full of stress and anxiety. They need to pay more attention to inner values,” His Holiness stressed.

“I too could be subject to doubt, worry and anger, but I’ve learned that peace of mind is not just a matter of dullness,

Ancient Italian city of Rho, presenting His Holiness the Dalai Lama with honorary citizenship at the start of his talk in Milan, Italy on October 22, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

but of being alert and using my intelligence to the full. If we only look at problems we face close up they seem very grave, but looked at from different angles our attitude becomes more realistic. The mind remains calm, which we need if we’re going to be able to exercise our intelligence.

“When I was growing up I was enveloped in formality. When I went to China in 1954-55 and to India in 1956, formality prompted me to feel nervous. After I became a refugee, however, I left all that formality behind and feel much freer for it.

“On a more serious note, while we are enjoying being together

Monk beaten and arrested afer solo protest calling for freedom in Tibet

Mysterious ice avalanches in Tibet leave scientists puzzled

By Steve Shaw: October 27, 2016

London — Two massive ice avalanches that occurred in close proximity in Tibet’s Aru Range have left scientists struggling to understand what might have caused them, with one calling the occurrence “unprecedented”.

The first took place in July 2016 and sent glacial ice and rock tumbling down the mountain valley, killing nine people. According to NASA’s Earth Observatory, experts were puzzled by the event because the region had experienced ordinary conditions with normal temperatures and average rainfall. Adding to this, the part of the glacier that collapsed was situated on reasonably flat land.

Scientists with the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences and the International Permafrost Association were then shocked to see a second avalanche take place in September, just a few kilometres south of the first.

“Even one of these gigantic glacier avalanches is very unusual,” Andreas Kääb, a glaciologist at the University of Oslo told NASA. “Two of them within close geographical and temporal vicinity is, to our best knowledge, unprecedented.”

Research suggests that the avalanches were possibly caused by a process known as surging. It occurs when the ice in a glacier flows down from the upper section of the glacier 10 to 100 times faster than usual.

And while there have been no documented cases of surging glaciers causing a sudden collapse, data suggests that the surging on the first glacier began at the end of last year and likely caused a large pooling of water, weakening it and priming it for collapse.

Various teams of scientists are continuing to search for a conclusive explanation for both avalanches but NASA says that long term climate change has not been ruled out.

Tibet has been suffering from the consequences of climate change for a number of years and temperatures have increased higher than anywhere else in the world. It is predicted that if the melting continues at this rate, two-thirds of the 47,000 glaciers will be gone by 2050 and nearly 2 billion people across Asia will suffer water shortages as rivers slow.

Major Chinese industrial projects such as the mining of copper, gold, silver, chromium and lithium have also taken a major toll on Tibet’s environment and contributed to global warming through the destruction of vast areas of grasslands, wetlands and permafrost.

When world leaders met in Paris for critical climate change talks in December 2015 the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) released a report highlighting the importance of Tibet’s fragile environment.

Matteo Mecacci, President of ICT, said in a statement: “As talks began in Paris, both the Dalai Lama and the Beijing leadership have expressed alarm about the scale of the environmental crisis in Tibet, the ‘Roof of the World’. Known as the earth’s ‘Third Pole’, because it contains the biggest reserves of freshwater outside the Arctic and Antarctic, Tibet’s changing climate not only affects the monsoon in P-4...

Asia, but also weather in Europe.

Lobsang Tsultrim, a Buddhist monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: October 20, 2016

Dharamshala — A young Tibetan monk was brutally beaten by Chinese police in Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet when they arbitrarily arrested him after staging a peaceful protest against Chinese government repressive rule in Tibet. A source says he was hospitalised next day in critical condition.

Chinese police arrested Lobsang Tsultrim after shouting slogans while walking along a street in Ngaba county’s main town on October 17, at around 1:00 p.m. He was hospitalised because of injuries he suffered to his body after he was severely beaten by the Chinese authorities.

Tsultrim shouted slogans calling for “Long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama” and “Freedom in Tibet”. Chinese police arrived at the spot and immediately started beating him severely, a source with direct knowledge of the move told the TPI, on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“When Tsultrim arrived at the Tibetan Language Middle School he was arbitrarily disrupted by Chinese police,” the TPI’s source said, adding that the Buddhist monk is reportedly in “critical condition.” A photo of his protest received from the area also shows the monk staging a lone protest by carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with a traditional scarf.

According to the same source, Tsultrim was rushed to Ngaba Hospital the next day after he was severely beaten and tortured in police custody. A large number of security forces and police are also deployed throughout the Ngaga town streets and surrounding areas after the protest. The source also said that the local Chinese

government has currently imposed a tight control over the movement of Tibetans, including monks of the monastery.

Arbitrary arrests and detention have increased amid unusual intensification of state surveillance measures in the region.

Reports claim Beijing is isolating Tibet from the world and Tibetans face lengthy jail sentences and torture for sharing information about any protests, including the self-immolations.

Hundreds of Tibetans, including writers, bloggers, singers and environmentalists, have been arbitrarily detained or are imprisoned since 2008, after attempting to express their views or share news of the situation in Tibet with the outside world, and provides further evidence of a widespread crackdown against free expression in Tibet.

Sporadic demonstrations challenging Chinese repressive rule have continued in Tibet since widespread protests swept the region in 2008, with a verified total of 144 Tibetans have selfimmolated in protests against Beijing’s rule since 2009, calling for “freedom in Tibet” and “return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.”

Tibet was invaded by Communist China, starting in 1949, Beijing calls a “peaceful liberation”. Since that time, over 1.2 million out of 6 Tibetans have been killed, over 6000 monasteries have been destroyed— the acts of murder, rape and arbitrary imprisonment, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment were inflicted on the Tibetans inside Tibet. But, authorities in Beijing still claim that “China ‘peacefully liberated’ Tibet, and that the Tibetans are living in a “Maoist socialist paradise.”

here in peace and contentment, right now in other parts of the world people filled with fear and anger are killing each other.

Too often violence arises because of our focus on secondary differences between us. We allow ourselves to see others in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’. But, since we are all equally human beings, we have to promote a greater sense of the oneness of all human beings. On that basis we can solve whatever problems we face. We can enter into meaningful dialogue and resolve P-2... conflict in a human way.”

Two Tibetan monks disappeared after land-grab protest in Tibet

By Yangchen Dolma: October 26, 2016

Dharamshala — Two Tibetan Buddhist monks from Ngaba county of eastern Tibet have ‘disappeared’ in connection with protests of a land grab after their detention by Chinese authorities, in August 2016.

Lobsang Sherab, 35 and Gedun Dakpa, 39, from Thangkor Socktsang Monastery, were arbitrarily detained by Chinese police in Thangkor Town, Dzoege in Ngaba County of northeastern Tibet, August 24, 2016. Dakpa was the treasurer at his monastery and had no prior criminal record. Sherab was a worker at the monastery’s store. He was arbitrarily detained

by Chinese security personnel and they also threatened other monks, one of whom was severely injured.

Sources indicate that both monks were likely detained on suspicion that they shared information with outsiders about peaceful protests staged by Tibetan nomads against government land seizures in Ka Bharma Village in Thangkor Town. It has been almost two months since the monks have been taken to an undisclosed location. Family members and relatives have no information about their whereabouts.

In August, Chinese authorities detained a Tibetan monk following his protest against an illegal land grab by Chinese authorities in Sershul County of eastern Tibet. The source said that the Tibetan monk known as Lobsang Soepa carried a large sign with writings in Tibetan and Chinese that read, “The grassland in Wonpo township’s Village No. 2, in Sershul County should be distributed in accordance with the law.” “The grassland should be returned to the locals living on the land, without any bias.”

In May, Hundreds of Tibetans in Khanya Township (Ch: Kaniang), Drakgo County (Ch: Luhuo), just signed a petition to plead with the local government to investigate the severe living condition in the township of Kham region, eastern Tibet, as apparently Tibetans who live in rural areas are still facing deepening poverty in the face of China’s so-called economic prosperity.

According to local contacts, the Chinese government has deliberately ceased poverty alleviation and construction projects in Khanya Township since 2008, which has left the township in extreme poverty ever since. Collapsing roads in the raining season and snow-sealed mountain passes in the winter have trapped villagers in the mountains for several times. Food and accommodation in the township were in serious shortage during these natural disasters, while the government remains unresponsive.

In the same month, more than 100 Tibetans have protested against Chinese mining operations at a site considered sacred by local Tibetan residents, drawing a large police force to the area and prompting fears of clashes. Sources said that “the ongoing mining has led to toxic wastes being dumped into the river resulting in the death of a large number of fish.”

“About 100 local Tibetans then gathered in Yulshok Gargye to demand an end to the project and calling for urgent action to protect environment and wildlife,” the sources added. The locals have engaged in shouting slogans “there is no rule of law for the Communist Party” and saying they lied to us, they cheated on us, they betrayed us and have broken promises.

P-4...

TALK ON TIBET 2 TPI NEWS His Holiness talks on dialogue Tibet Interest Group meets in Brussels, MEPs express strong support and solidarity in global crisis The Tibet Post International

October 31, 2016

By Yangchen Dolma: October 19, 2016.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking about dialogue and solidarity at the Kursaal Arena in Bern, Switzerland on October 13, 2016. Photo/ Manuel Bauer

By Jane Cook: October 17, 2016

Bern, Switzerland — “As social animals, all 7 billion human beings need friends—so why do we fight and kill each other? Whether we are educated or not we tend to see each other in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’, which is a basis for conflict,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet said while addressing an audience of 1400, about “dialogue and solidarity in the Global Crisis”.

“We are human beings, we all have the ability to take a longer term, more holistic view. We have this marvellous intelligence. If we look at a problem close to, it often seems very grave, but if we can see it from a wider perspective it may not look so serious.”

“In the early 20th century when nations went to war, citizens unquestioningly joined up in support. Later in the century that attitude seems to have changed. Adenauer and de Gaulle’s efforts to form what has become the European Union put an end to hostility between Germany and France. Millions across the world marched to oppose war in Iraq,’ His Holiness said in an interview to Amira Hafner-Al Jabaji for the Swiss National TV programme Sternstunde Philosophie.

“In 1996 I asked the Queen Mother of England, who had observed almost the entire 20th century in her life, whether she felt things had improved, stayed the same or got worse. She unhesitatingly said they had got better, remarking that in her youth there was no talk as there is now of human rights and self-determination.

“Elsewhere totalitarian regimes have been brought down by their own people. In China, where religion came under attack during the Cultural Revolution, 400 million Buddhists and about 200 million Christians have recently emerged.

“Certainly there are grounds to be optimistic.

Scientists’ findings that basic human nature is positive and compassionate is a source of hope. More and more people are coming to understand that peace of mind is good for the well-being of individuals and the community at large. “ In the Kursaal Arena, President of the House of Religions, Giorgio Albisetti introduced His Holiness to an audience of 1400 and asked him to speak to them about dialogue and solidarity.

“Senior respected brothers and sisters and my other brothers and sisters, as social animals all 7 billion human beings need friends—so why do we fight and kill each other? It’s because we tend to focus too much on secondary differences between us, differences of nationality, race, faith, poverty and wealth, whether we are educated or not. We tend to see each other in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’, which is a basis for conflict. On top of that we short-sightedly only look to temporary goals.

“The only remedy is to look at things on the deeper, more fundamental level of our being physically, mentally and emotionally the same. We need to see ourselves as equal human beings. Once we see ourselves as human brothers and sisters there’ll be no basis for harming or killing each other. So we need to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity.

“I want to share with you my commitment to promoting human happiness. We tend to think that happiness comes from money and power without seeing the role of the mind and that the key is inner peace. When we’re mentally distressed physical comfort brings little relief, whereas we can often withstand physical pain if we are mentally at peace.

Modern life-style is focussed on material goals which are not sufficient in and of themselves to bring about inner peace. So my first commitment is to educating people to the prospect that warm-heartedness brings inner peace and that a healthy mind supports sound physical health. We all want to live a happy life and to do so is our right, but instead of fulfilling material goals what we need is to cultivate inner values.”

“Whenever we face conflicts of interest,” he observed, “we have to think on a global level.

We are interdependent,” His Holiness said while declaring his second commitment to be the fostering

of harmony among religions and repeated his appreciation of the active contribution the House of Religions can make to this.

We need each other. In the globalised world in which we now live clinging to notions of ‘my nation, my faith, my community’ is out of date. We need instead to be much more aware of the oneness of humanity and on that basis meaningful dialogue can come about. We have acknowledgement of others rights and interests.

“I often say that since the last century was an era of such great violence we have to take the welfare of others into account and make this a century of dialogue.

Such an emphasis on dialogue requires a sense of solidarity with all human beings.

“If you feel anything I’ve said is useful, please think more about it. Discuss it with your friends. That’s the way ideas spread. It’s not a matter of praying to Jesus, the Buddha or Allah to solve our problems for us.”

Brussels — During a meeting in the European Parliament in Brussels, the Members of the European Parliament (MEP) Tibet interest group expressed renewed commitment and promise of strong support for Tibet.

The meeting was chaired by the Tibet Interest Group President Mr Thomas Mann, attended by Members of European Parliaments (MEPs) Csaba Sogor, Laszlo Tokes along with 15 Parliamentary assistants.

Representative Tashi Phuntsok and EU Advocacy Officer Rigzin Genkhang participated in the Tibet Interest Group meeting held in the European Parliament, on October 18, 2016, according to the Central Tibetan administration.

The main agenda in the meeting was to promote and present Tibet issue in the European Parliament more strongly and effectively in the future. Mr Mann gave a brief report of the meetings of MEPs with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 7th International Tibet Support Group meeting.

Mr Tokes briefly reported about his participation in the meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, which was addressed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Strasbourg.

Mr Sogor explained in detail his various involvements in Tibet related activities both in Brussels and India. “All the MEPs expressed renewed commitment and promise of strong support for Tibet,” the report said.

Earlier, the Tibetan delegation met with Mr Preda, Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Human rights to solicit his continued and active support for Tibet given his very strong commitment and promotion of Tibet in the European Parliament. He was one of the main panelists during the inauguration of the 7th International Tibet Support Group meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In addition, they also had a separate and useful meeting with Mr Thomas Mann on Monday. Mr Mann, recently said that this 7th TSG Conference provided an opportunity to send a message to China. He also said the European Parliament and the European community stand by their Tibetan friends.

Bureau du Tibet representative meets French Senate Tibet Group in Paris

By Yangchen Dolma: October 31, 2016.

Paris— The new Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Bureau du Tibet Thursday met with the French Senate Tibet Group, led by Group President at the French Senate, in Paris, the capital of France.

Tashi Phuntsok, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Bureau du Tibet, Brussels, October 27, called on Michel Raison, the President of the Tibet Group in the French Senate. The Representative was accompanied by Secretary of the Bureau du Tibet, Paris Tsering Dhondup.

Phuntsok who has worked more than 35 years in service of Tibetan community since 1977, recently appointed as the new Bureau du Tibet Representative for Brussels, by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected leader of the Tibetan people.

During an hour long meeting, the two sides discussed on the issues ranging from strengthening of collaboration in the French Parliament, future course of action and sharing of information vis-à-vis situation inside Tibet, according to the Brussels based Bureau du Tibet.

Michel Raison was joined by his Parliamentary Assistant Charlotte Braud, and Theirry Munier, the Administrative Secretary of the Tibet Group in the French upper house.

The Senate Tibet Group, officially known as International Group of Information on Tibet, was created in year 2000 and currently has 22 members representing all sections of the French political parties. Since its inception, the Group has been able to lead two delegations to Dharamshala in May 2005, and May 2013.

A four member delegation representing the Group had also visited Lhasa in August 2006, “to listen to the official position of the Chinese leadership on the question of Tibet, and to examine the economic, social and cultural situation in Tibet Autonomous region,” according to a release by the Group after the visit.

The Senate Group has been able to host, despite growing pressure, His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the French Senate, during his recent visit to Paris on September 14. He was attending an informal breakfast meeting with 30 Senators and Deputies, who lined up to greet him at the top of the stairs. Senator Michel Raison welcomed His Holiness and invited him to speak to them.

His Holiness mentioned how impressed he is by the spirit of the European Union, which shows it is possible to put the past behind us and adapt to a new reality. He expressed hope that the spirit of Europe will eventually be extended to Russia, Africa and Asia. He said this is the future of the world, because we have to live as one family and the spirit of the European Union exemplifies how this can be done.

“It’s very helpful that you are able to express concern for Tibet. When you have the opportunity, please let your Chinese counterparts know of your support. The People’s Republic of China is still run by the same party according to the same system, and yet things are changing there,” he told the French lawmakers.

“Even the hard-liners find themselves in a dilemma, they talk about harmony in unity and yet their policies have achieved neither. I sometimes wonder if these hard-liners are missing the part of the brain that governs common sense.”

“As more Chinese students and tourists come and gain experience of the free world they can learn that we are equally human beings with the freedom to think and speak as we will.

It’s in China’s interest to open up to the world and when they do their contribution will be valuable.”

The Tibetan leader also told them of the Chinese ecologist who established that the climate impact of the Tibetan plateau is as great as the North and South Poles, so he referred to Tibet as the Third Pole. He expressed his concern about the deforestation that has taken place and the way local Tibetans’ objections to mining have been overruled. Adding that he often recommends that parliamentary groups go to Tibet to see for themselves what’s happening to the environment.

Representative Tashi Phuntsok and Bureau secretary Tsering Dhondup with Michel Raison, the President of the Tibet Group in the French Senate, Parliamentary Assistant Charlotte Braud and Theirry Munier, the Administrative Secretary of the Tibet Group in the French upper house, Paris, France, October 27, 2016. Photo: Bureau du Tibet

All these meetings in due course would facilitate in implementation of calendar of activities in the European Parliament.

Tibet Interest Group (TIG) started in 1989 and become a strong voice for the interests of the Tibetan people

and a constructive dialogue between the Tibetan Government in Exile and the People’s Republic of China. TIG meets each month in Brussels to discuss and spread knowledge of recent developments in Tibet and China.

Tibet Interest Group meeting held in the European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium, on October 18, 2016. Photo: CTA/DIIR

TYC Free Tibet activists protest Chinese leaders arrival in India

By Molly Lortie: October 17, 2016.

On the arrival of Chinese Communist leader, Xi Jinping’s, in India for the BRICS conference, TYC activists gathered at Margao Circle in Goa shouting slogans of ‘Free Tibet,’ and ‘Stop the demolition of Larung Gar,’ in Goa State of India, on October 15, 2016. Photo: TPI

across the globe. However, the Chinese government has issued an order to reduce the population of the institute to 5,000 residents when there are well over 10,000 monks and nuns alone. The government also announced the planned demolition of living quarters, which would leave residential space for only five thousand members. News and photos of the demolition work have been circulating widely on social media sites.

Over a 140 Tibetans have self-immolated inside Tibet since 2009 protesting China’s illegal occupation and their hardline policies.

Protests are taking place randomly across the plateau, demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, freedom for Tibet and Independence for Tibet. It is clear that the Tibetans in Tibet are not satisfied with the rule of the current communist government. Tibet today faces a life-and-death situation. Tibet continues to burn.

“As Tibetans living in exile we have a duty and responsibility to stand up for our brothers and sisters inside Tibet. The oppressed will always protest the oppressor until justice is served – we will not remain silent”, said TYC President Tenzing Jigme.

All the protestors have been detained by Goa Police.

Tibetan Youth Congress organizers of this protest are the largest Tibetan NGO based in Dharamshala, working for the freedom and independence of the Tibetan people.

TYC has expressed serious concern on the current critical situation in Tibet and demands that Chinese President Xi Jinping who is currently in Goa attending the Brics summit to end the illegal occupation of Tibet. Over 1.2 million Tibetans have died as a result of this invasion since 1949.

The Nobel Peace prize laureate outlined his three commitments; promoting human happiness, and the oneness of humanity, concerning interreligious harmony on the basis that, despite differences of approach, all religious traditions share common goals of love and compassion, and keeping Tibetan culture and identity alive— a culture of non-violence and peace, he always says it’s worth preserving.

“These days,” he remarked, “whenever a terrorist attack takes place there is a tendency in the media to refer to it as an act of Muslim terrorists, or, as recently happened in Burma, Buddhist terrorists. This is a mistake because a terrorist is just a terrorist. By committing bloodshed these people cease to follow the appropriate Muslim or Buddhist conduct that would qualify them as proper Buddhists or Muslims.”

“I am a Tibetan, but since I retired I no longer have any responsibility for political affairs. What’s more, I’ve put an end to any future political role for the Dalai Lamas. My concern now is with keeping Tibetan culture and identity alive. A culture of non-violence and peace, it’s worth preserving,” His Holiness told the crowd.

“Our rich tradition of Buddhism includes thorough knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions that is of interest to scientists today.

In addition I’m concerned to protect the fragile environment of Tibet, the source of many of Asia’s great rivers, on which more than a billion people depend,” the Tibetan added.

He invited questions from the audience which touched on topics as diverse as consciousness,

dreams and how to raise happy children. He urged his listeners to think about what had been discussed and, if it seemed practical, to put it into effect.

“Change in the world,” he said, “doesn’t take place because of government directives, but because of the actions individuals adopt.”

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is known throughout the world as a leading advocate for world peace and non-violence. His message is one of kindness and compassion to all sentient beings.

Over the past 50 years, he has travelled around the world spreading a message of Peace and Universal Responsibility. He believes that the common aim of all religions, an aim that everyone must try to find, is to foster tolerance, altruism and love. He retired from politics in 2011. But, as one among six million Tibetans, His Holiness said he will continue to serve the cause of Tibet.

In 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama along with thousands of others escaped to India, where he was given political asylum. The spiritual leader has set up a government and rebuilt monasteries where masters pass on their teachings to young monks. Tibetans in exile have succeeded in gradually rebuilding their monasteries, preserving their culture, restructuring their society and keeping it alive, in spite of the extremely difficult circumstances.

Tibet was invaded by Communist China in 1949.

Since that time, over 1.2 million out of 6 million Tibetans have been killed, over 6000 monasteries have been destroyed— the acts of murder, rape and arbitrary imprisonment, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment were inflicted on the Tibetans inside Tibet, Beijing calls a “peaceful liberation”.

Goa, India — Protesting the arrival of Chinese Communist leader, Xi Jinping, in India for the BRICS conference, over one hundred Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) activists gathered at Margao Circle in Goa shouting slogans of ‘Free Tibet,’ and ‘Stop the demolition of Larung Gar.’ President of TYC, Tenzing Jigme announced, “Today we are here to demand Xi Jinping to end the illegal occupation of Tibet and we also want to highlight the current demolition of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy where thousands of Tibetan monks and nuns are being displaced against their will. The world needs to hear this.”

Choeje Yishin Norbu Khenpo Jigme Phuntshok founded the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, which is probably the world’s largest Buddhist monastic community. The academy, as framed by the late Khenpo, has been serving as the wellspring of knowledge. It is also the home for many Buddhist practitioners and the source of happiness for people

Tibet’s culture of nonviolence ...

(continued from front page)

TPI NEWS

The Tibet Post International

Tibet & Exile News

October 31, 2016

3

Sikyong praises older generations for Washington DC representative meets US Special Coordinator for Tibet their lifelong contribution to Tibet

By Yangchen Dolma: October 27, 2016

Over 43 Tibetan Settlement Officers across India, Nepal and Bhutan participating in the four-day meeting cum workshop. Photo: CTA

By Yeshe Choesang: October 21, 2016

Dharamshala – Expressing in-depth gratitude and respect for their lifelong contribution to the Tibetan cause, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Lobsang Sangay avowed that the elder generations are the pillars of Tibetan community.

His comments came during the closing ceremony of the 11th annual Tibetan settlement officers meeting cum workshop in Dharamshala, on Thursday. Over 43 settlement officers across India, Nepal and Bhutan participated in the four-day meeting, which was held from 17 – 20 October, 2016.

Unveiling improved schemes and support for older section of Tibetan community, Sikyong said that “The elder people of our community are the pioneer generation who spearheaded the Tibetan movement in its most difficult phase and led us on a path of development which has transformed the lives of the exile Tibetan population.”

The democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan People said that older generations are the pioneer generation who experienced first hand, the brutal occupation of Tibet and fought real battles against the Chinese army.”

Speaking at the meeting, Sikyong also observed that the shared sense of progress and vision encapsulated in the four-day discussion laid a foundation for renewed efforts in serving the overall welfare of the community.

He particularly stressed that both the central and local administration need a renewed focus on radically addressing the grievances of the poorer section in Tibetan community and improving care for elder people who are more vulnerable to poverty.

There are 46 Tibetan Settlement Offices, 71 Settlements and Cluster Units, 12 Major Agricultural Settlements, 21 Small Agricultural Settlements, 20 Co-operative Societies, 20 Handicraft Centres and 20 Cluster Units in India, Nepal and Bhutan, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

Some of the key discussions in the fourday meeting includes proposals to set out improvement in elderly-care; revamped schemes to provide a vital safety net for the poorer section of our community including immediate financial and medical support; formulation of an all-round sustainable development projects; registration and acquisition of official status for the Tibetan settlements at its respective district

administration; establishment of a complete database information system for Central Tibetan Administrationand its offices.

By Molly Lortie: October 24, 2016

Dharamshala — Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV), the Tibetan school system in exile, celebrated its 56th anniversary on Sunday, October 23rd with a ceremony at the upper TCV campus.

More than a thousand Tibetans gathered at the football grounds of the school to celebrate the occasion, which was graced by chief guest, His Eminance Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje and several other notable guests including Kalon of Department of Religion and Culture Venerable Karma Gelek Yuthok, as Officiating Sikyong, Speaker of 16th Tibetan Parliament Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, members of the Kashag, Secretaries and officials of Central Tibetan Administration, representatives of various NGOs, TCV 20 Years Service Award Recipients, TCV Alumni class of 1991 and long time supporters and donors of TCV. Welcoming sponsors and guests, the President of TCV, Mr Thupten Dorjee, began by saying, “This is a moment of celebration in the last 56 years for the care and education of our children. While we celebrate, we also take a moment to reflect back on these last 56 years to express gratitude and thanks to you all. We hope you have a nice day, and thank you for coming.”

Reflecting on the day’s theme of unity among the three Tibetan provinces, the next speaker, officiating Sikyong, Kalon Ven Karma Gelek said, “It is undeniably the lifeline of the Tibetan movement.

Unity is required by all units that constitute our society, which includes the educational institutions, cultural and religious centres and all organisations.

The Tibetan movement can only be driven with the collective thoughts and actions of all of us, and its imperative that we do away with our personal and regional biases to move forward.”

In his inaugural speech, His Eminence Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche asserted strong concern on endurance of Tibetan identity and cultural nourishment of young Tibetan children. “Inevitably the most important duty of each Tibetan, in the face of the ever changing time and events, is to be mindful that one’s action contribute in ensuring the survival of Tibetan identity and dignity, and not otherwise.

Secondly, the school administrators, teachers and parents as the guardians of Tibetan culture, must assert the traditional Tibetan knowledge and values to the young and new generations of Tibet.”

n

t e r

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

n

a

t i

o

n

a

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

Editor in Chief Yeshe Choesang Chinese Editor Keary Huang Tibetan Editor Choneyi Sangpo Project Manager Molly Lortie Taipei Photographer Artemas Liu Layout & Design Choneyi Sangpo Circulation Tsering Samdhup

Contributors to this editon Jane Cook UK Yeshe Choesang India Keary Huang Taiwan Molly Lortie USA Steve Shaw UK Artemas Liu Taiwan Yangchen Dolma India Himalayan Literacy Trust Room #, Top Floor, New Varuni House Temple Road, McLeod Ganj: 176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P., India

expressing his hope to work closely with the State Department and gather their continued support.

Tsering who was recently appointed as the new OOT Representative for Washington DC, by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected leader of

His Eminence advised the young students to imbibe the ethical, traditional and cultural values advocated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to remember the old generation of Tibetans whose sacrifices and hard work has preserved the true essence of the Tibetan movement.

Following the speeches, the day was marked by a cultural presentation and march by TCV students.

While the older students displayed a Tibetan traditional dance, the junior and infant students also participated in the day, singing and dancing to a song about gratitude.

For the finale, 500 upper level students participated in a grand display, spelling out phrases including, ‘Unity is strength,’ ‘We bow in gratitude,’ and

forming the Olympic rings using their bodies.

Following the opening ceremony, an inter-house athletics tournament is to be held on Monday.

TCV is the largest residential school of the exiled Tibetan community. It was founded in 1960 as a nursery with 51 children. TCV has become an integrated educational community for Tibetan children in exile, as well as for hundreds of those escaping from Tibet each year. With established branches in India extending from Ladakh in the North to Bylakuppe in the South, TCV has over 15,000 children under its care. It is a registered, nonprofit charitable organisation with headquarter based at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, North India.

Representative Penpa Tsering with US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Undersecretary Sarah Sewall. Photo: OOT

Tibetan Children’s Village celebrates 56th anniversary

I Adviser Adviser Adviser Adviser

Washington DC — The new Representative for the Office of Tibet met with Under Secretary of the State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and the Special Coordinator for Tibet and discussed the current situation inside Tibet.

Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Penpa Tsering was warmly received by Under Secretary Dr Sarah Sewall at the US State Department building on October 21, 2016, according to the Office of Tibet, Washington DC. The report also stated that “they discussed ways to strategically strengthen Tibet movement in coming days.”

‘During the meeting, they shared their views on current Tibet issues pertaining to the Sino-Tibet negotiation status, CTA’s policies and programs relating to the gender issues, different approaches to reach out to the United States and its continued support for Tibet, especially during and after the US election,’ it said.

‘Tsering also highlighted the current situation inside Tibet and shared his views the three core commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They also discussed upcoming visits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the United States in 2017,’ the report stated.

He expressed his gratitude to Sewall and US government for their long-standing support for Tibet,

E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com Skype: dhardhophonya1959 Mobile: +91-9882423566 www.thetibetpost.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/tpinews

l

the Tibetan people. At his acceptance press conference, he thanked the “Kashag for the opportunity given to me to serve as a Representative of one of the largest Tibetan communities in exile.” “I accept the Kashag’s appointment with dedication and strong belief in the power of united efforts.”

As a US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Dr Sewall visited Dharamshala in January, and met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elected Tibetan leadership, to discuss issues of importance to the Tibetan community.

Dr Sewall, in her remarks at Lockdown in Tibet panel at UN in Geneva, in June, 2015 said, “Tibetans have an inalienable right to be stewards of their unique cultural, religious and linguistic heritage’ and urged members of the UN Human Rights Council “to join the United States in encouraging the Chinese government to live up to its international obligations to respect Tibetans’ distinct culture, identity, and fundamental human rights, as well as respect international protocols on diplomatic relations and reciprocal access among states.”

International protests on Global Day of Action for Tibet’s Larung Gar

Solidarity event for Save Larung Gar, in Dharamshala, India, on October 19, 2016. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo

By Yangchen Dolma: October 19, 2016

Dharamshala — Protests took place in cities around the world to campaign against alleged illegal demolitions and forced evictions carried out systematically

by Chinese government in the Tibetan Buddhist community of Larung Gar, in eastern Tibet.

Larung Gar is one of the largest centers of Tibetan Buddhist learning in Tibet, mostly inhabited by monks and nuns. Founded in 1980, the community is primarily focused on the study of Tibetan Buddhism – one of the largest such communities in the world. Demolition of the Larung Gar academy began in July as part of a multiyear plan aiming to downsize the academy by 50 percent and evict at least half of its more than 10,000 residents, according to the organization Students for a Free Tibet. Three nuns from the region have committed suicide in protest.

Demonstrations took place in cities in European countries, Australia, the US and others, alongside the Dharamshala protest, on October 19, 2016. Tibetan Exile community in Dharamshala, organised solidarity event for Larung Gar and strongly condemn Chinese Communist Government’s demolition of Larung Gar in Tibet.

Part of “Save Larung Gar event in Dharamshala, Tibetans and supporters also held a candle light vigil to show solidarity with the Larung Gar residence.

The event was jointly organised by five Tibetan organisation; Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Tibetan Women Association (TWA), Gu Chu Sum, National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT) and Students for a Free Tibet-India (SFT).

In a joint statement, the five Tibetan organisations said that “Serta Ngarig Buddhist Academy is such an example. It is currently the largest and most influential centre for the study of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet which

hosts monks, nuns and laymen practitioners from every province of Tibet. It’s been a strong hold of Buddhist dialectics and secular philosophy which has attracted followers from the around the world.”

“Larung Gar has been able to conserve and promote Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture as well as produce many renowned scholars. This is considered invaluable by the Tibetan community how a prick in the eye of the Chinese government which resulted in “reformation policy” where ongoing monastic classes have ceased and limitation on the number of practitioners has began,” it said.

“Our generation of the Tibetan has witnessed the unjust occupation of Tibet by Red Chinese Armies and its cruel repression to an extent of attempting to eras our identity through its hard-line policies. In 1950s in the name of so called ‘democratic reform movement’, nonsectarian monasteries, important temples and sacred stupas were mercilessly destroyed,” they stressed, adding that “the impact of Cultural Revolution could be felt strongly 1966 when monks and nuns were banished from practicing simple Buddhist rituals and chantings.

“The onset of 80’s after Mao Zedong’s death with the relative relaxation in the policies under new leadership of Chinese government, His Holiness the Dalai Lama began to make efforts to initiate dialogue with the opposition to resolve the Tibet issue with an aim of mutual beneficial result. However on the contrary from Chinese part, we’ve continuously witnessed false accusation and name calling like “separatist” against His Holiness. In the mid 90’s Chinese Government has re-activated its stringent policy of religious repression.

“Since 2001 local authorities started to actively engage in expelling monks and nuns from the academy, destroy their quarters and control their religious activities which sparked suicide of peaceful practitioners as a mark of

protest and further death caused by grief of figure like Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok,” they stated.

According to the order on demolition of Larung Gar, Chinese government plans to reduce the number of Buddhist laymen, monks and nuns. By end of 2016, it plans or terminating 2200 practitioners out of which 1029 would be laymen and about 1200 monks and nuns which consist of 600 practitioners from other provinces. The order also plans to remove quarters and cut the numbers of monks and nuns down to 5000 by September 30, 2017.

The list of monks and nuns who would be suspended had to be submitted on June 15, 2016 and the required actions have to be taken by October 30, 2016. The order necessitated the Academy to submit a list of 5000 monks and nuns who will be allowed to stay back from which number of individuals belonging to other provinces should not cross 1000.

This project is undertaken by Zhang Ping Sheng, Dan Ni Ke, and Cai Ya Fang under the State United Front Work Department, State Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission, State Department of Education, State Public Security Department, State Department of Civil Affairs and County government.

Supporters in over 20 cities around the world came out to show their support for Larung Gar, which is currently being systematically destroyed by China. As part of the day of action, 180 Tibet support groups from Tibet, Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australasia and Europe, also released a joint statement saying they are “gravely concerned” with the situation in Larung Gar – asking the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to “call on China to halt the ongoing demolitions and removals at Larung Gar” and push for a visit to China including “unfettered access to Tibet”.

“We are gravely concerned by the damage and destruction being caused by the Chinese authorities at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, one of the largest and most respected Buddhist institutions in the world, and home to at least 10,000 monks, nuns and visiting students,” The Tibet support groups said that “This situation represents an intolerable imposition of state control at Larung Gar, and is representative of a far wider pattern of interference by the Chinese government in Tibet’s religious affairs that is in direct contravention of the Chinese Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both of which guarantee freedom of religious belief, with no discrimination or compulsion,” the Tibetans and Tibet campaigners said.

“We urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to call on China to halt the ongoing demolitions and removals at Larung Gar, and allow local Tibetan religious leaders to make the decisions concerning the management of monasteries. We also urge the High Commissioner continue pushing for a visit to China with a specific request for unfettered access to Tibet, and to Larung Gar,” the statement further added.

4

TPI NEWS

October 31, 2016

C OM PU T ERISED EYE TESTING

EXILE BROTHERS V E G ON

A collection of selected desserts Time - 10 : 00am to 7 : 00pm Our specialty

* Fresh beans coffee * Handmade cappuccino * Chocolate Vegen cake * Gluten free cake * Fresh breakfast * Chocolate Chilli Lollipop

Located below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Road, McLeodganj.

Closed on Monday

S A V E

JJI JAMYANG

E A R T H

ALL

JIGME INGSEL

K I N D

JJI’S SPECIAL • • • • • •

SPECIAL CHOCOLATE VEGAN CAKE AND COOKIES SPECIAL WHOLE WHEAT, MOMOS & THEN THUK. GOOD MUSIC AND GOOD FOOD

Come and try our Tibetan style!

Located on Bhagsunag Road, McLeodganj, Dharamshala Phone: +91-1892-221649 Mobile: 09418221659 E-mail: jjiexilebrothers@hotmail.com neemaphenthok@gmail.com www.jjiexilebrothers.com

Tibetan advocates protest Xi, fly ‘Free Tibet’ banner over Goa coast

By Molly Lortie: October 17, 2016

Goa, India — In accordance with the arrival of Chinese communist leader Xi Jinping in India, Tibetan activists in Goa staged a protest by flying the Tibetan national flag and a six-foot Free Tibet banner over the popular western sea coast.

Xi Jinping arrived in India for the BRICS conference which is being held in Goa from October 15th to the 16th.

Dhasal, the 20-year-old Tibetan activist raised the flag and banner said, “I did this action to protest Xi Jinping who is responsible of all the Human Rights violations in Tibet. Over 144 Tibetans have self immolated to protest against the Chinese Rule in Tibet and called for Freedom and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetan Non Violence movement will continue until we end the illegal occupation of Tibet by China.”

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) staged a protest shortly after the Chinese leader arrived on the Dambolin Airport Road, raising slogans of ‘Tibet’s independence - India’s security,’ ‘Stop demolition of Tibetan monastery Larung Gar.’ These were to highlight the plights of Tibetans inside Tibet under the Chinese colonial occupation.

The BRICS Summit comes on the heels of unprecedented environmental crisis in Tibet due to China’s construction of mega dams on Tibet’s rivers and illegal mining activities which have caused a major threat to India and other downstream countries whose survival depends on Tibet’s rivers. Additionally, the human rights situation in Tibet has worsened dramatically in recent years, as fundamental rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, religion and privacy have been severely restricted. In July 2016, large-scale demolition of monks’ and nuns’ homes at one of the world’s largest monastic institutions, Larung Gar in eastern Tibet (Ch: Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province), commenced under Chinese government orders. The demolitions at Larung Gar have caused distress among the residents of Larung Gar and the wider population of Tibet.

National Director of SFT, Tenzin Tselha, said, “Prime Minister Modi should hold a strong

Classified

position now and bring the issue of Tibet into discussion to raise our voice and concerns during his meeting with (Chinese President) Xi Jinping at the BRICS conference. There cannot be lasting peace in the region without addressing the issue of Tibet. Tibet’s independence is the only way to ensure India’s security.”

Indian advocate of SFT, Pranav, expressed his solidarity with the Tibetan struggle by raising a banner that read, ‘Xi you are a Criminal, You are not welcome to India,’ and said, “India got it’s independence 70 years ago from British rule, and the freedom I enjoy today is due to the sacrifice of our Indian freedom fighters. Therefore, I joined the Tibetan nonviolent resistance for freedom, which is their birthright, and India should stand with them in their fight for truth and justice.

“As an Indian I am also very concerned about China’s systematic damming of Tibet’s rivers and extensive water diversion projects which will have devastating consequences for India. I call PM Modi to take a strong stand and raise the Tibet issue with Xi Jinping. Only Tibet’s freedom can ensure lasting peace in the region.”

Students for a Free Tibet works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. It is a chapter-based network of young people and activists around the world.

Through education, grassroots organizing and nonviolent direct action, they campaign for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom.

Tibetan activists in Goa staged a protest by flying the Tibetan national flag and a six-foot Free Tibet banner over the popular western sea coast, Goa State of India, on October 15, 2016. Photo: TPI

BHARAT OPTICALS Dealers in branded frames, sunglasses and contact lenses.

DEALS IN: • LENSES:Crizal Lenses Zeiss Lenses Ao Lenses Suprol Lenses

Computerised Eye Testing

• CONTACT LENSES:-

• Hearing Aids.

Bausch & Lomb Lenses Colour Contact Lenses Johnson & Johnson lenses

Specialization in progressive spects.

The only genuine and professional opticians in Dharamshala and McLeodganj.

Special discount for all Tibetan students and senior citizens Special discount in Diwali Festival

A GR OU P OF O PTICIANS DHARAMSHALA DEHRA MCLEODGANJ DISTT. KANGRA. (H.P.) 176215

Tel: 01892-224629; 94180-17245 E-mail: mkangharia@gmail.com

WE YOUREYES EYES WECARE CAREFOR FOR YOUR

Tibetan Thangka Paiting Manoj Lama

Hand Painted Best Quality Thangka ccccccaaaaaa Visit Manoj Lama’s workshop in the remote hill station of McLeod Ganj.Manoj is interested in the possibilities the net brings for him to connect with collectors of authentic thangka paintings.

Located near Japanese Restaurant, Jogiwara Road, McLeodganj, opp My Cafe, Dharamshala E-mail: manojmoktanlama@gmail.com Mobile: 98821-16173 75440-62513

Outspoken Tibetan monk ...

(continued from front page)

Soucres said that he received a hero’s welcome when he arrived home. Many people festooned him with khata, ceremonial white scarves traditionally given as a blessing or welcome in Tibet.

According to sources Ven Jigme qualified for a release last year, under regulations that state that according to work results and good behavior, a prisoner can be released earlier. But because he refused to sign an official document, he was kept in prison for longer and was released two months after his five-year sentence expired on August 20th 2016 following his detention in 2011.

Jigme Guri, who is in his mid-forties, was detained when he was in Tso (Chinese: Hezuo) city, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu province in August, 2011. Two Chinese lawyers appointed by Jigme Guri’s family travelled to Tsoe, the prefectural seat, to take up the case, but were told that the hearings had already taken place six months previously, handled by two local attorneys. The court informed them that Jigme’s Guri’s crime was “’Suspicion of instigating anti-nationalist separatism’”.

Jigme Guri was arrested for the first time upon his return to Tibet in April 2006 after he attended teachings by the Dalai Lama in India; he was detained for 40 days, released and returned to Labrang monastery. His second period in detention began on March 22, 2008, following protests at Labrang monastery on March 14 and 15, 2008. Although Labrang Jigme did not take part in the protests, the authorities suspected him of being a ring-leader. He was detained and tortured for over a month, ending up in hospital.

In the video about this experience, Labrang Jigme talks to the camera for 22 minutes, giving a calm and clear account of his detention and interrogation and his views on broader Chinese policies and state hostility towards the Dalai Lama.

In his video he states: “I, as a witness to truth, am telling through the media the story of Tibetans killed, who have suffered torture in prisons, and about the countless people who have been forced to flee to the mountains and who are too afraid to return to their own homes, so that the media can truthfully report on these situations.”

Mysterious ice avalanches ...

(continued from front page)

The Tibet Post needs your help!

We are always looking for volunteers, specifically: • web developers/designers • news editing • translating • graphic design • proposal writing • video editing • advertising methods • print & online sales promotions • fundraising • social media development • website and computer security

If you are interested in helping to promote freedom of press among the Tibetan community or just want to help distribute our paper, please contact us on the following addresses: Tibet Post International, Room No. 1, Top Floor, New Varuni House, Temple Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra, H.P Pincode: 176219 INDIA E-mail: news@thetibetpost.com Mobile: +91-9882423566 Website: www.thetibetpost.com

“As the source of most of Asia’s major rivers, including the Yangtze, the Mekong and the Brahmaputra, Tibet’s fragile ecology is of critical importance to hundreds of millions of people in the water-dependent societies downstream.”

In August 2015 the political leader of Tibet’s exiled government, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, also spoke of the importance of Tibet’s environment and warned that ignoring issues in Tibet now could have serious geopolitical consequences in the future, including war over water in Asia.

“Tibet, known as the world’s Third Pole, has over 47, 000 glaciers which provide water to rivers on which survive 1.3 billion in Asia for freshwater.

NASA predicts that 60% of Tibet’s glaciers will melt in the next 40 years. What will happen for these billion people if the glaciers melt at this rate? That is the biggest challenge facing us today,” he said.

One of the finest Indian, Chinese,Continental,Thai Speciality in Mutton; • Rogan Josh, • Mutton Saagwala, • Mutton Rahra, • Mutton Do Pyaza, • Mutton Kadhai, • Mutton Seekh, • Babri Seekh Kabab, • Gulati Seekh Kabab.

The Tibet Post International

BELLA HEIGHTS Temple Road, Mcleod Ganj

Please order 2 hours in advance Hotel Fine-Dine Restaurant Coffee Shop Call: +91-9857-555333 +91-9857-666333

www.bellaheights.com

CARPE DIEM RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA

NEED A DENTIST??? Then visit...

PERFECT 32 DENTAL CLINIC

“Your Health is our Happiness” MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, CONTINENTAL & THAI FOOD • Healthy and hygienic - no MSG • Everything washed with sterilized water • Homemade muesli • Western Food as well • Large variety of fresh juices • Wood-fired pizza oven and clay Tandoori oven • Relaxed atmosphere including roof-top tables and Japanese style seating area • American, Italy, Thai food • Live music every Tuesday Located on Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, across from the Tibetan Reception Centre (down from Post Office) CONT - NO - 9882503058

On Jogiwara Road, McLeodganj, near the Post Office Dr Natasha Mehra specialises in COSMETIC DENTISTRY: Veneers, Metal-free Crowns, Smile Designing

LATEST TRENDS IN GENERAL

DENTISTRY: Painless Extractions, Root

Canal Treatments, Fillings, Dental Implants (Metal/Mercury-free), Crowns and Bridges, Dentures, Gum Treatments & Oral Hygience Procedures ALL YOUR DENTAL SOLUTIONS UNDER ONE ROOF COME AND VISIT US FOR A CHAT INFECTION AND CROSS-INFECTION CONTROL

COMPETITIVE RATES

E-mail: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com

TEL - 01892-220012

Contact Us: +91-9218742046

In 2013, Dozens of Tibetans were arrested by the Chinese authorities in protest against rampant land grabbing in Kyegudho, Kham region of eastern Tibet, where the devastating earthquake that hit the area in 2010 killed thousands of people. Locals were disappointed as the natural disasters not only affected the people in the area, but reportedly Chinese failed policies indirectly also affected the remaining family members during recovery. Over 21 Tibetans were arrested after hundreds of locals in Kyegudho, protested against these Chinese government policies. A Tibetan woman had set herself on fire in 2012,

reportedly protesting against illegal land grabbing

by Chinese authorities.

Tibet was invaded by Communist China, starting in 1949, Beijing calls a “peaceful liberation”. Since that time, over 1.2 million out of 6 Tibetans have been killed, over 6000 monasteries have been destroyed— the acts of murder, rape and arbitrary imprisonment, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment were inflicted on the Tibetans inside Tibet. But, authorities in Beijing still claim that “China ‘peacefully liberated’ Tibet, and that the Tibetans are living in a “Maoist socialist paradise.”

Two Tibetan monks disappeared ...

(continued from front page)

Tibet Museum exhibition documents destruction of Cultural Revolution

By Molly Lortie: October 17, 2016

Dharamshala — The Tibet Museum, next to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s temple in Mcleod Ganj, inaugurated a new photo exhibition on October 28, revisiting the destruction of the Cultural Revolution in Tibet.

The new photo exhibition, documenting the cultural revolution in Tibet, consists of six phases: the start of the revolution; Destruction of Jokhang Temple; the Struggle Session; Name Change; Creation of New God and Destruction of Monasteries.

In accordance with the exhibition’s opening, the director of the museum, Tashi Phuntsok, released a four-page tri-fold revisiting the history, claiming “During the ten-year-long Cultural Revolution in Tibet from 1966 to 1976, the attack on Tibetan religion, culture, identity and traditional way of life was further intensified. Mani walls, prayer flags, incense burning, circumambulation and prostration were all banned, and monks and nuns were forced to marry or sent to labor camps. Religious texts and books were labeled as ‘poisonous weeds’ and burned, thrown in the river or mixed with dung.

The only book with authorized circulation at that time was the Little Red Book containing quotations from Chairman Mao. The number of Moa’s little red books in a home exceed the number of family members.

“Most of the schools were shut down and Tibetan and Chinese students formed Red Guard brigades and attacked the ‘four olds’ – old thoughts, old customs, old habits and old cultures. The Jokhang temple, Tibetan Buddhists’ most sacred site, was plundered, destroyed and desecrated beyond repair.

“Although the Cultural Revolution in China was unleashed by Mao to eliminate his enemies and reshape relations within the party, in Tibet, the Cultural Revolution was aimed to destroy Tibet’s religion, culture and identity. When it ended with Mao’s death in September 1976, more than 6,000 monasteries and religious institutions in Tibet laid in

ruins. Millions of ancient and priceless manuscripts were burnt. Statues made of gold, silver, or bronze were removed from the temples and shipped to China. The physical torture and psychological traumas endured by Tibetans during public ‘struggle sessions’ and imprisonment were beyond human comprehension. At least 92,000 Tibetans who were subjected to ‘struggle sessions’ died or committed suicide and around 173,000 Tibetans died in prison, or in ‘Reform Through Labor Camps’.”

Tashi Phuntsok continues to suggest that the Cultural Revolution in Tibet has never truly come to an end, claiming, “Even forty years after the end of the Cultural Revolution, the attack on Tibetan religion, culture, language and way of life continues.

The remnants of the Cultural Revolution are present even today in the form of various policies and campaigns launched one after another by the Chinese government.

“Through campaigns such as ‘Strike Hard’ and ‘Patriotic Re-education’ the government maintains a chokehold on religious institutions; requiring recognition of all reincarnate tulkus or lamas to be apprised by Beijing, and forcing Tibetans to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Even today, decades after the Cultural Revolution, Beijing’s hardline policies have led to executions, destruction of religious institutions, political indoctrination, expulsion of monks and nuns, imprisonment, banning of religious ceremonies, restricting the number of monks in monasteries and enforcing loyalty to the party.”

The inauguration of the exhibition was graced by chief guest Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok of the Department of Religion and Culture, and other guests including Mr Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Secretary, DIIR, Mr Thubten Samphel, Director of Tibet Policy Institute, Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary of DIIR, Central Tibetan Administration.

5 TPI NEWS HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA Leader of Tibet meets Czech Sen- China wants Tibet to disappear: His Holiness ate, awarded citizenship of Milan The Tibet Post International

October 31, 2016

By Molly Lortie: October 22, 2016

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with members of the Czech Republic Parliament in the Senate Hall in Prague, Czech Republic on October 19, 2016. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

By Molly Lortie: October 21, 2016

Milan, Italy — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama ended his time in the Czech Republic with a meeting in the Czech Senate on October 20th. He was welcomed on arrival by Miluse Horska, Vice-Chair of the Senate, who escorted him into a meeting with 14 Senators and 34 Deputies.

His Holiness addressed the dignitaries, saying, “After the collapse of communism, this country was among the first to institute democracy under President Havel’s leadership. What I always tell people is that we are all the same as human beings, physically, mentally and emotionally. We all have the potential to do damage, just as we all have the potential to do good. Irrespective of whether we have any religious faith or not, we are all human beings. Using our intelligence we can assess the extent to which anger, jealousy and self-centeredness detract from our interests, while compassion and concern for others serve them. This is something I always talk about when I meet with other people and I’m not talking as a Buddhist or as the Dalai Lama, I’m talking about our common experience as human beings.”

Thus wrapping up his time in the capital of the Czech Republic, he departed for Milan the next day, where he was welcomed by Mayor Guiseppe

Sala and met the Cardinal of Milan, Angelo Scola.

His Holiness began, “Respected spiritual leaders, my spiritual brothers, I’m extremely happy to be here with you. On my first visit to Europe in 1973, during the time of His Holiness Pope Paul VI, who I think of as the Italian Pope, my first stop was in Italy. Now on this visit to Italy, my first engagement is to meet here with you.

In the afternoon, His Holiness was welcomed onto the stage of the University of Milan-Bicocca by members of the faculty who introduced him to the audience of 2400 staff and students. Chairman of the Council of Milan, Lamberto Bertolè presented the Honorary Citizenship of the City of Milan to His Holiness, who accepted and teasingly enquired what his rights and duties would be.

After accepting his honorary citizenship, His Holiness addressed the students, saying, “I’m very happy to meet particularly with young people like you. I belong to the generation of the 20th century—our time is over. But you, who belong to the generation of the 21st century, have both the opportunity and responsibility to create a better world for the future.”

His Holiness is scheduled to do a public teaching in Milan beginning the 21st and will officially end his five-country tour of Europe on the 23rd.

Milan, Italy — The Chinese leadership wants ‘Tibet to disappear as a unique culture and as a language’ and ‘a meeting is impossible at the moment,’ the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, speaking of relations with the Chinese government.

During one of his final mornings in Milan, Italy on on October 21, 2106, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave an interview to an old friend, Pio d’Emilia for SkyTG 24, a prominent Italian news agency.

Beginning the interview, d’Emilia opened his questions with an inquiry about whether His Holiness’s health is still good. “Yes,” he told him, “but I’m getting older and sometimes late in the day I feel tired. However, I regularly get 8-9 hours’ sleep a night, so I wake fresh every morning.”

Regarding Chinese accusations that he is a splittist, His Holiness remarked, “Historically, Chinese documents show, there were three empires, Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan. After 1951 as we tried to come to an arrangement, we signed the 17 Point Agreement, a precedent followed by no other Chinese province. In the 60s we raised the issue of Tibet at the UN to little effect.

“In the 70s we realized that ultimately we would have to enter talks with the Chinese government and in 1974 formally declared we were not seeking outright independence, but the implementation of rights for minorities guaranteed in the Chinese constitution.”

There is a number of Chinese people, particularly Chinese Buddhists very eager to see me and receive teachings. However, the government level, the concerned officials are still hardliners.

“The Chinese leadership still consider me as a troublemaker and splittist and sometimes they even described me as a demon. According to hardliners’ hope, they wants Tibet to disappear as a unique culture and as a language, but it is very very difficult to eliminate Tibet,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said, adding that “a meeting is impossible at the moment”.

“In ancient nations, Han Chinese brothers and sisters are pride people, similarly we Tibetans also quite are people,” His Holiness said, adding: “Many Chinese

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and and Pio d’Emilia enjoying a light moment before their interview in Milan, Italy on October 21, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

people realised the richness of Tibetan Buddhism.”

Regarding his traveling to Tibet or China, His Holiness stated that since 1954 he has expressed a wish to go to Wu Taishan on pilgrimage, which he would still like to do. d’Emilia asked if the world should be worried about China and His Holiness told him that China is an ancient country, a Buddhist country, but it is also presently a totalitarian state where many people are isolated from reality. Some of its leaders are realistic, whereas others continue to take a hard line. About Xi Jinping His Holiness remarked that it is hard to say. His family is Buddhist. His father, who His Holiness knew, was friends with the late Panchen Rinpoche. His Holiness admires his efforts to tackle corruption.

Prompted to comment on not being invited to the recent reprise of the inter-religious meeting in Assisi, His Holiness made clear that he feels meeting the general public is more important and can be more effective than meeting leaders. d’Emilia pressed him about his successor and after establishing once again that it will be up to the Tibetan people to decide whether they want to recognize another Dalai Lama, he mentioned several options for this to be done. One is for him to nominate someone already alive to be his reincarnation, another is for his successor to

be elected, or for a senior lama to take on the responsibility on the basis of seniority, much in the way the Ganden Tripa is chosen. Conceding that he has been urging women to take more leading roles in promoting love and compassion, he remarked that if a likely young girl were to declare she was the Dalai Lama, “Then, why not?”

Noting that the Japanese Emperor has suggested he might abdicate and one Pope has already resigned, His Holiness was asked if he considered doing so too. He replied, “I’ve already retired from political responsibility. I suppose I could resign from being a monk, but I don’t think I could ever resign from being Dalai Lama.”

Regarding whether His Holiness plans to meet with the Pope, His Holiness replied, “Yes. I have already contacted him for a meeting, but it’s not yet fixed.

It is just a question of time, when we will meet, but yes. It is my duty, to all very important, special religious leaders.”

His Holiness ended his time in Milan, where he was given honorary citizenship by the mayor, with a public talk and teaching to over 8000. His Holiness’s time in Milan marked the end of his fivecountry teaching tour of Europe. He is scheduled to return to his residence in Dharamshala, India on Monday, following a five-nation teaching tour of Europe 8 – 24 October 2016.

Thousands welcome spiritual leader of Tibet with Tibetan flags in Prague “Long life depends on bond between Lama

and disciple” -His Holiness

By Molly Lortie: October 19, 2016

Prague — His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama reached Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, early morning of October 18, where he was received on arrival at the airport by old friends, Jakub Klepal, Karel Schwarzenberg and Sasa Neumann.

More than 2500 people braved the cold and packed into the Hradcanske Square adjacent to Prague Castle, on the far side of which His Holiness first addressed the Czech public from a balcony of the Archbishop’s Palace in 1990. He was received warmly by the crowd, many waving Tibetan flags, holding signs in support of Tibet or simply photographs of His Holiness.

He took a seat as representatives of the various organizations who had cooperated to arrange the event stepped forward to pay tribute to President Havel and welcome His Holiness. They included: Czechs Support Tibet, Post Bellum, Potala, Lungta, Politics and Conscience and the International Community Dzogchen Kunkyabling.

Among the speakers were Dana Nemcova, an original signatory of Charter 77, Jiri Fajt, director of the National Gallery, Ladislav Heryan, priest and musician, Martin Bursik, former Minister for the Environment, Simon Panek, former activist and now director of People in Need and Zuzana Ondomisiova, of Potala Foundation. Everyone enjoyed Aneta Langerova’s and Lenka Dusilova’s spirited singing.

His Holiness began his address saying, “brothers and sisters, I’m extremely happy to be here with you. I very much appreciate your warm feelings and your support for justice and truth. “I’m an admirer of President Vaclav Havel and although, as happens to us human beings, he has physically passed away, his spirit lives on. Many of you, like me, will be determined to continue what he started, to carry his vision forward, not only in this country but in other parts of the world.

“I am fully committed to promoting human values such as compassion. Irrespective of whether we are religious or not, we all need compassion because we all want to be happy. Scientists have observed that constant anger, fear and suspicion undermine our immune system, so warm-heartedness is in our own interest for our physical and mental well-being.

“A calm mind brings physical well-being. Many of you young women spend money on cosmetics to make yourselves look beautiful, but since no one likes an angry face, it’s clear that the real beauty is inner beauty. The ultimate source of happiness is love and

By Molly Lortie: October 17, 2016

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Prague, Czech Republic on October 17, 2016. Photo/Ondrej Besperat

compassion—warm-heartedness.

“Thirdly,” he declared, “I’m a Tibetan, and someone in whom the majority of the Tibetan people have placed their trust and hope. Although since 2011 I have completely retired from political responsibility, because of that trust and hope I retain a moral responsibility. So, I’d like to thank all of you, on behalf of the 6 million Tibetan people, for your support.

“I am deeply concerned about protecting Tibet’s natural environment and for the preservation of our rich Buddhist knowledge. Conversation with other Buddhists has convinced me that the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, derived from the Nalanda tradition, is the most comprehensive presentation of the teachings of the Buddha. Keeping it alive is really worthwhile and of interest not only to Tibetans, but also to many among the 400 million Buddhists in China. Since Tibet’s is a culture of peace and compassion, it is well worth preserving.

“In general I believe it’s better to stick with the religion you are born with and Europe is by and large a JudeoChristian region, so I am a little reluctant to give strictly Buddhist teachings here. However, there are also aspects of Buddhist science focused on the workings of the mind and emotions and aspects of Buddhist philosophy that correspond to the thinking of quantum physics that can be profitably studied in an academic way. We can all benefit from learning how to tackle our destructive emotions. From that point of view I’d like

to accept the request Zuzana Ondomisiova has made to teach, perhaps on a visit next year. What do you feel?”

The audience responded with cheers. His Holiness went on to explain how Chinese documents reveal that historically, in the 7th, 8th and 9th centuries Tibet was a separated, powerful nation. However, in a similar spirit to that of the European Union Tibetans don’t now seek separation from China so long as they are free to preserve their language and culture. They seek a mutually agreeable solution.

“By the way, many of you here are carrying the Tibetan national flag. Nowadays, of course, hardliners in China regard it as a separatist symbol. However, I’d like you to know that in 1954-55 I met Chairman Mao on several occasions in China. On one of them he asked me if we had a national flag. I hesitated and answered that we did. He said it was important to keep it and fly it alongside the red flag. So, you can tell any Chinese who complain that I received permission from Chairman Mao himself to fly our flag.

“Finally, let us keep the late President Havel’s vision alive across the world to ensure equality, freedom and compassion for all. Thank you.”

As the event came to a close, the crowd responded with warm applause and joined the band Zrni in singing John Lennon’s anthem ‘Imagine.’

His Holiness is visiting the Czech Republic as part of a five country tour of Europe, he will travel to Italy for a public talk in Milan on October 21st.

Zurich, Switzerland — After his arrival in Switzerland, His Holiness the Dalai Lama graced Zurich Hallenstadion on October 14th, where he was greeted by a long line of beaming Tibetan children, some with flowers in their hands.

Entering the hall seating 9000 eager audience members, His Holiness began, “Today, Tibetans living in Switzerland have organized this Long Life Offering with faith and devotion. I’d like to thank you all. Whether the Lama lives long is not dependent on the ritual so much as on the strength of the spiritual bond between the Lama and the disciples.

“We Tibetans have a culture rooted in the Nalanda tradition that emphasizes study, reflection and meditation. We’ve preserved it for more than 1000 years. In Tibet, Tibetans have kept their spirit alive. We in exile are their representatives.”

His Holiness mentioned that Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions and within it the Tibetan tradition is the most comprehensive, including as it does the works on logic and epistemology by Dignaga and Dharmakirti, which are found nowhere else. Tibetan language, with its own mode of writing, was evolved to express Buddhist ideas. The words of the Buddha and commentaries to them were translated into Tibetan in order that others could understand their wisdom. And yet the Buddha himself advised his followers to examine what he said as a goldsmith examines gold and not to simply accept it on the basis of faith. Therefore, study is crucial.

“I thought I would teach the first chapter of Nagarjuna’s ‘Precious Garland’ which explains how to attain the high status of good rebirth.

Then I’d like to read volume two of ‘Stages of Meditation’ composed by Shantarakshita’s disciple Kamalashila in Tibet.”

“Nagarjuna’s ‘Fundamental Wisdom’ focusses on what was taught in the Perfection of Wisdom teachings. I teach it and study it myself and find it helpful. This ‘Precious Garland’ was written for a patron of Nagarjuna’s who was a king.”

“Finally, I will read ‘37 Practices of a Bodhisattva’

by Ngulchu Thogme Sangpo, a contemporary of Buton Rinchen Drub, who was thought to be a real Bodhisattva. I won’t be able to read all these

texts in their entirety, I’ll read selections. You each have your own copy, keep it at home and read it as often as you can. I received the ‘Precious Garland’ from Serkhong Tsenshab Rinpoche and the ‘37 Practices’ from Khunnu Lama Tenzin Gyaltsen.”

After lunch with members of the Swiss Parliamentarian Group for Tibet, the President of the Zurich Canton, the President of the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association and elected Tibetan representatives, His Holiness resumed his teaching.

His Holiness began to read ‘Stages of Meditation’ which explains what the mind is, developing equanimity, the two kinds of bodhichitta and so on. He paused to pay attention to children playing in front of the stage and offered them sweets saying, “These children are our hope for the future”.

His Holiness noted the strong links Tibetans have had with Switzerland—the first country after India to allow Tibetans to settle. He also gratefully recalled the great help Tibetans had received early on from the Swiss Red Cross. His final advice to his listeners was that they should be 21st century Buddhists, not relying on blind faith alone, but developing an understanding of the profundity of what the Buddha taught.

His Holiness is scheduled to leave Switzerland for Slovakia on the 16th where he will continue his five-country tour of Europe.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Zurich, Switzerland on October 14, 2016. Photo/Manuel Bauer

6

TPI NEWS

The Tibet Post International Back Page Focus His Holiness meets Slovak President, calls for happier world British MPs urge China to halt demoOctober 31, 2016

lition of Buddhist Institutes in Tibet

By Yeshe Choesang: October 17, 2016

Bratislava, Slovakia — Describing affection and compassion as the source of inner peace, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said on Monday that all 7 billion human beings have a real responsibility to work to create a happier more peaceful world.

Apart from offering a public lecture at the National Tennis Centre venue in Bratislava on October 16, 2016, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with Slovak President Andrej Kiska. “I had the privilege of once again meeting with the Dalai Lama on this day, but for the first time as a president,” Kiska wrote on Facebook after the meeting.

“We talked about the need for understanding among people; about the fact that all religions are similar if they’re founded on love, forgiveness and empathy.”

Kiska said that Buddhism is a philosophy of how we should all live.

“We also discussed the issues of today’s world.

Sometimes it seems that today’s term is more complicated, the world is smaller. But some problems are only in our mind. As someone wise once said - the happiest people are those who have regard for the happiness of others.

And the unhappiest are those who have regard for their own happiness,” Slovak President added.

Speaking about his meeting with Slovak President, His Holiness said: “I’ve just had lunch with your marvellous President. We talked about how politics can often become dirty, but he told me that what he really wants is to serve the people. We found we have a lot in common. We talked about how existing education systems focus on material goals with too little attention to inner values. There needs to be a more holistic approach. I mentioned to him that a curriculum to enable young people to learn more about universal values is being prepared.”

“Look, I’m a normal human being. One nose, two eyes, a mouth in a smile. I’m very happy to be here. This morning I met students and teachers at the University and now I’m happy to be able to talk to you,” His Holiness told an audience of 4000 people at the National Tennis Centre in the afternoon.

“We may have different faiths and beliefs, but we are all equally human beings. Scientists have found that constant anger, fear and anxiety undermine our immune systems, so it’s in our own interest to cultivate peace of mind. Affection and compassion are the source of inner peace. They are qualities necessary for social animals like us,” he said.

“In the early part of the 20th century, when the first and second world wars broke out, people proudly and unhesitatingly joined up to serve the war effort. I feel this has changed, that people have got fed up with war.

Also, in the early 20th century, no one talked about the environment or taking steps to protect it, nor were there the inter-faith meetings that we see today. After so much violence and conflict, these are all positive developments.

“My number one commitment, simply as one of the 7 billion human beings, is to encourage other people to understand that we all have a real responsibility to work to create a happier more peaceful world. My second commitment, as a Buddhist monk, is to encourage people to see that despite different philosophical points of view, different customs and different history and all the world’s major religious traditions convey a common message

By Steve Shaw: October 28, 2016

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with His Excellency, Andrej Kiska, President of Slovakia, over lunch at the Altitude Restaurant in Bratislava, Slovakia on October 16, 2016. Photo: TPI

of the importance of warm-heartedness, contentment, forgiveness and tolerance.

He said he would like to point out how in India all the world’s major religions have flourished side by side for centuries. This is an example we can all learn from. “My third commitment concerns my being a Tibetan. Since 2011, I have completely retired from any political responsibility and have ended any such role for Dalai Lamas in the future.

However, I remain deeply committed to the welfare of the Tibetan people and encouraging the protection of Tibet’s language, culture and natural environment.”

At the meeting at the Comenius University’s Faculty of Philosophy His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that the 21st century should be a century of dialogue. The meeting, called Moral Aspects of Education and Science to the Benefit of Humanism, was full of ideas stressing the need for respecting each other, for unity and solidarity. People should learn to be empathetic and develop compassion, His Holiness said, as quoted by the university press statement.

“Too often we think in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’, a division that contains the seed of conflict. The use of force to solve problems is the wrong approach. After the bloodshed of the 20th century, it is important that we make this 21st century an era of dialogue instead, which involves solutions of mutual benefit,” His Holiness said while addressing students and faculty at Comenius University.

“I am honoured to have this opportunity to speak to people involved in education as you are. Wherever I go I consider whoever I meet to be another human being like me. We all want to live a happy life. We all respond to smiles, so wherever I go, I smile. Scientists are finding evidence that basic human nature is compassionate.

Therefore, even if we don’t share a language, we can communicate our friendship by smiling. If we consider everyone as a human brother or sister, differences of faith, nationality, social status and so on will fade in significance. We need instead to focus on the oneness of 7 billion human beings.

“Too often we think in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’, a division that contains the seed of conflict. The use of force to solve problems is the wrong approach. After the bloodshed of the 20th century, it is important that we make this 21st century an era of dialogue instead, which

involves solutions of mutual benefit.”

The Buddhist leader mentioned his commitments to promoting human happiness and encouraging interreligious understanding before inviting questions from the floor. In answering these he reiterated his view that real happiness comes from warm-heartedness. He explained that in addition to a limited instinctive biological sense of compassion we can develop a more extensive impartial sense of compassion through training and education.

Describing such compassion can even be extended towards our enemies, the Nobel Peace Laureate explained that to compensate for the inadequacies of modern education it is possible to cultivate universal values on the basis of our common experience as human beings, our common sense and scientific findings.

The visit, organised for the third time by Suzanne and Csaba Kiss of the At Home Gallery in Šamorín, also included meeting with students and representatives of the academic sector from Comenius University in Bratislava.

In the evening, His Holiness met briefly with 240 Tibetans who had mostly come to see him from Austria.

He reminded them that as refugees they represent the 6 million Tibetans in Tibet. He encouraged them to be 21st century Buddhists, not only to recite the 21 Tara prayers but to study what the Buddha’s teachings mean.

This includes coming to understand the workings of the mind and emotions. He asked them to ensure that their children learn Tibetan.

The Tibetan leader also observed that there are now estimated to be 400 million Buddhists in China, many of them recognising the importance of Tibetan Buddhism and wanting to know more about it. He also looked forward to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China that will be held in Beijing next year and his hopes that it will result in change for the better.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama also met with an official Slovakian Parliamentary delegation, including Ms Lucia Nicholson, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; Mr Frantisek Sebej, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Mr Martin Poliacik, MP and member of the Tibet Group and Mr Pal Csaky, MEP and former Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia. He has visited Slovakia three times (2000, 2009 and 2016).

institutions,” the letter said.

“Beginning in July, government workers began demolishing buildings; as of September, an estimated 2,000 dwellings had been removed. Demolitions are expected to continue next year. Those who inhabited the destroyed residences now face eviction from the community. According to one report, 2,000 nuns have already been required to leave Larung Gar and return to their hometowns in other provinces.”

The letter says “Some reports have suggested that the local government directive was prompted by concerns with overcrowding and fire risks. But if such concerns exist, they do not justify a drastic strategy of demolition and expulsion. Instead, authorities should negotiate any needed structural or other improvements with Larung Gar leaders, or allow the building of more monasteries.”

“At Yachen Gar, another major monastic community in Pelyul county in Sichuan, since last April as many as 1,000 nuns have been compelled to leave the institution and return to their homes in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). These evictions were not carried out by local authorities, but by officials of the TAR, who reportedly pressured the families of the nuns with severe punishments. According to an informed source, the nuns who returned to their family homes in the TAR have been told that they may not join any monastery or nunnery there, or carry out public religious rituals or practices.

Mr Ambassador, the right to freedom of religious belief in recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and under article 36 of the Chinese constitution.

In keeping with these provisions, we strongly urge the central government to investigate the actions of the authorities who have demolished religious buildings, expelled practitioners, and imposed restrictions on religious belief and practice; order the reversal of these misguided policies; provide reparations for the damage

caused to date; and simply allow people to practice their faith in peace.”

The letter concluded, “As Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission we will continue to closely monitor both the situation at these monasteries and the respect of religious freedom for the Tibetan and Chinese peoples, as this is a value deeply cherished

by US citizens and institutions.”

Established in 2008, with the unanimous consent of the United States House of Representatives, the Commission is charged with promoting, defending and advocating for international human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights instruments. The Commission also undertakes public education activities, provides expert human rights advice and encourages members of Congress to actively engage in human rights matters.

Larung Gar is one of the largest centers of Tibetan Buddhist learning in Tibet. The academy and monastery, founded in 1980, sprawls over a mountainside in Serthar county, Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Region (incorporated into China’s Sichuan Province) in eastern Tibet, and attracts thousands of Buddhist monks and nuns who wish to study there. However, it has been facing a demolition drive from the Chinese government following an order in July this year to cut the number of Larung Gar residents by half to 5,000.

Tibet was invaded by Communist China, starting in 1949, Beijing calls a “peaceful liberation”. Since that time, over 1.2 million out of 6 Tibetans have been killed, over 6000 monasteries have been destroyed— the acts of murder, rape and arbitrary imprisonment, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment were inflicted on the Tibetans inside Tibet. But, authorities in Beijing still claim that “China ‘peacefully liberated’ Tibet, and that the Tibetans are living in a “Maoist socialist paradise.”

US human rights Commission: End demolitions of Larung Gar in Tibet

By Yangchen Dolma: October 21, 2016

Washington, D.C. — US Congress’ Human Rights Commission expressed ‘deep concern’ over the forced eviction and mass demolition carried out systematically

by Chinese authorities at the Larung Gar Buddhist Institute in Serthar County in Eastern Tibet.

The United State Congress’ Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission has, on Wednesday, written to the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, expressing their deep concern over the demolition of buildings belonging to the Tibetan Buddhist Institute at Larung Gar, and troubling reports of the forced eviction of religious adherents there and at Yachen Gar. The letter, dated and released Oct. 19, was signed by the Co-Chairs of the United State Congress’ Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, James P McGovern and Joseph R Pitts. It said, “As Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, we write to express our deep concern over the demolition of buildings belonging to the Tibetan Buddhist Institute at Larung Gar, and very troubling reports of the forced eviction of at least a thousand religious adherents there and at Yachen Gar.” “We believe these actions by Chinese authorities clearly violate the religious freedom of the persons affected and the Tibetan community at large. We strongly urge your government to reverse course, stop the demolitions and evictions, rebuild and restore the affected infrastructure, and permit all those people under Chinese jurisdiction who wish to pursue their Buddhist faith to do so without government interference or “guidance,” it said.

“Earlier this year, in Serta county of Sichuan province, a local government directive was issued ordering a drastic reduction – from at least 10,000 people to no more than 5,000 — of the population of the historic Tibetan Buddhist Institute of Larung Gar, one of the world’s largest and most prominent monastic

London — Members of Parliament in the UK are calling on China to halt its crackdown on Buddhist institutes in eastern Tibet and have urged the British government to raise these concerns directly.

The statement issued by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet on 27 October to coincide with International Religious Freedom Day, expresses particular concern about the demolitions at Larung Gar and Yachen Gar, two of the largest monastic institutes in the world.

Chinese authorities want to halve the population of monks and nuns at the institutes by September 2017. In the case of Larung Gar, this means limiting the population to 5,000.

The homes of nuns and the elderly were reportedly the first to be torn down and resulted in the suicide of three nuns who protested against “the endless Chinese harassment of innocent Buddhists”.

Local authorities dismissed criticisms of the demolition and called reports “totally untrue and irresponsible”.

The Secretary of Serta County’s United Front Work Department, Palkho, said the project’s goal is: “to build a more orderly, beautiful, secure and peaceful land where people can practice peace of mind, study more precisely, and allow the elderly to live more comfortably, and at the same time accelerate the pace of urbanisation and development in Lo-Nor town.”

But a document issued by the local government and translated by Human Rights Watch describes how authorities plan to reduce the population and exert greater control through surveillance and management committees led by a majority of government officials.

Tim Loughton, MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, wrote in the statement: “We urge the Chinese authorities to permit all those evicted to return, for affected infrastructure to be rebuilt

and for Buddhist leaders and residents to be able to run the affairs of their institutes without government intrusion.

“In addition, we call on the UK Government to raise these matters directly with China; to ask for an immediate diplomatic visit with unrestricted access to Tibet, including Larung Gar and Yachen Gar; to remind the Chinese Government of its duty to respect religious freedom as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in its own constitution; and, to make a public statement expressing serious concern over the situation at Larung Gar and Yachen Gar and the repression of religious activities in Tibet.”

The US State Department also expressed concern in August, calling on the Chinese government “to cease actions that may escalate tensions and to pursue forthright consultations with the institute’s leaders to address any safety concerns in a way that does not infringe on the right of Tibetans to practice their religion freely.”

It would signal a significant change in policy for the UK government to publicly raise concerns about the demolitions. In June a parliamentary human rights commission heavily criticised the country’s relationship with China and said that since 2013 policy had shifted to place economic interests above other important concerns, including as human rights.

The commission said in a statement: “While we recognise the strategic and economic significance of China, we do not believe that it is in anyone’s interests for the United Kingdom government to be almost silent, publicly, on human rights, in light of such a grave deterioration.”

While it was former Prime Minister David Cameron who led the policy the commission highlights, his successor Prime Minister Theresa May is under intense pressure to build economic ties and trade deals with countries such as China after a referendum resulted in a vote for Britain to leave the European Union.

All-Party Parliamentary Groups for Tibet; Chair: Tim Loughton (Con, East Worthing & Shoreham) Vice-Chairs: LordAlton of Liverpool (Crossbench), Nic Dakin (Lab, Scunthorpe), Kate Hoey (Lab, Vauxhall), Mark Pritchard (Con, The Wrekin), Lord Steel of Aikwood (Lib Dem). Photo: TPI/file