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Most conflicts in today’s world are man-made: Spiritual leader of Tibet Vol. 04, Issue 161, Print Issue 85, August 15, 2016 Tibetan jailed over WeChat Group discussing Tibet

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His Holiness calls for more holistic approach to inner peace

By Yeshe Choesang: August 09, 2016

Undated images of Argya Gya, from Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Yangchen Dolma: August 05, 2016

Dharamshala — A Tibetan has been arrested and imprisoned in Tibet for his mere involvement in the Chinese social media, Wechat, during the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday last year. He is the second Tibetan to be arrested for his involvement in Wechat.

Argya Gya has been taken into custody on November 18, 2015. The news of his arrest was been delayed due to the communication blockages imposed by Chinese authorities.

The Chinese forbade the celebration of His Holiness’ birthday.

However, as his birthday is one of the most important events for Tibetans, they celebrated it despite the Chinese rule.

Many social media groups, both inside and outside Tibet, have celebrated this occasion.

Gya had previously served a three year sentence in connection to the self immolation of a Tibetan monk from Kriti monastery, where he once resided.

Despite the risks, Tibetans are compelled to use Chinese Social Media as it is the only accessible communication medium between Tibetans under Chinese rule and Tibetans in exile.

In addition, Chinese authorities have detained 3 Tibetans for discussing the Tibetan’s Government in Exile elections on Chinese social media. Samdup, Lhadon and Rongsher are being held at the People’s Court in Matoe county. They were taken into custody in Chugo Desar village in Matoe, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture on March 30, 2016.

Repression on religious freedom in Tibet: US report

Leh, Ladakh, J&K — “What we need to do is take a more holistic approach to combine an education of the heart with an education of the mind,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said Monday morning, while participating in the opening ceremony of the Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama was warmly received by the Director of the Institute, Geshe Tsewang Dorje, Ganden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche, invited guests, and local people from the village of Saboo, on August 8, 2016.

In his welcoming remarks, Geshe Tsewang Dorjee reminded His Holiness that when the school was founded 11 years ago a group of 25 students was selected from families facing economic hardship. Today, the school has 49 students from all over Ladakh, including Changthang and Zanskar.

Ven Dorjee also said that the school, which aims to provide educational opportunities to the underprivileged, will continue to be guided by His Holiness’s advice. A group of 5th grade students then recited the ‘Eight Verses for Training the Mind’ In his response, His Holiness expressed appreciation of the opportunities the Director and staff of the Institute are providing the students under their care. His Holiness stressed the need for knowledge in the 21st century, said an official post on Tuesday, citing the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.

“As Buddhists,” he said, “we need to study Buddhism. We need to use our intelligence to understand what the teachings mean.

It’s not enough just to rely on rituals and recitations. As human beings, we have a wonderful intelligence, which we should use to the full. However, we must also be careful to use it effectively for the benefit of others rather than causing them problems.

“Many educationalists from the United States, Europe and India have realized that modern education, with its material goals, is not adequate. There is also a need for inner peace. What we need

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Ladakh, J&K, India on August 7, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

to do is take a more holistic approach to combine an education of the heart with an education of the mind.

“Whether we believe in religion or not, there’s no denying the importance of love and compassion. We all began our lives in the shelter of our mother’s love and affection. Today, scientists are finding evidence that basic human nature is compassionate and that giving in to negative emotions brings us harm,” The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said.

Buddhist nun hangs herself in Tibet in protest against Chinese actions

By Harish Pal: August 12, 2016

Dharamshala — The 2015 annual report of the US State Department’s International Religious Freedom , released on 10th August, documented a series of continuous cruelty on religious freedom committed by Chinese authorities in Tibet.

The report further assured the sustained and concerted effort of the US government to encourage greater religious freedom in Tibetan areas and reiterated the concerns raised repeatedly by US officials – such as the Chinese government’s refusal to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama – in public remarks and with Chinese government counterparts at multiple levels.

During the release of the report, Mr Antony J. Blinken, United States Deputy Secretary of State said: “ the purpose of this annual report is not to lecture; it is to inform, to encourage, and ultimately, to persuade.

Bigotry and intolerance can be found in every part of the world, including the United States. But every country has an obligation to respect religious liberty and freedom of conscience; we encourage every country to do so. This report, which is based on a wealth of objective research, is one of many ways we give life to that advocacy.”

The annual report also focused on the atrocities carried out in the name of religion in many parts of the world such as the societal passions associated with blasphemy and the egregious abuse of religious freedom unleashed by non-state actors such as Daesh.

Across the Tibetan Plateau there were reports of death in prison, forced disappearance, physical abuse, long detention and arrest of people due to their religious practice, and restrictions on religious gatherings, according to media reporting and human rights organizations.

Some Tibetans continued to engage in self-immolation practices as a form of protest against Chinese policies. Human rights advocates stated that authorities used intimidation tactics to force agreements with government regulations and to reduce the likelihood of antigovernment demonstrations, succeeding in projecting an image of stability and of having popular support.

Monasteries are constantly being surveyed by Chinese authorities. Police detained anyone who called for freedom, human rights, religious liberty and who expressed support for the Dalai Lama or solidarity with individuals who had committed self-immolation. Restrictions were particularly severe around politically and religiously sensitive anniversaries and events. Authorities scrutinized and sought to control monastic operations and restricted travel for religious purposes, according to human rights organizations.

Prominent Buddhist bring back lama and political prisoner, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, died in prison on July 12, after serving 13 years of a life sentence for allegedly setting off explosions and inciting separation of the state, according to CNN. Authorities denied requests from his family to return the body so that traditional Tibetan Buddhist funeral rites could be conducted.

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“Despite differences in their philosophical outlook, all the world’s major religious traditions teach the importance of love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance. It’s because of this common purpose that religious people should develop respect and admiration for each other.”

In conclusion, His Holiness reiterated the importance of education. He presented a statue of the Buddha to the school’s French sponsor, planted a sapling to commemorate his visit and posed for a photograph with the students.

His Holiness drove on to the village of Stok, where his first stop was the Siddhartha High School. He was received by the school’s founder, Khenpo Lobsang Tsetan of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.

On his way to the podium, His Holiness observed three groups of students engaged in Buddhist philosophical debate.

On behalf of all the staff and students, Director Geshe Tsewang Dorje welcomed His Holiness to the school, remarking that this was the third time they had been able to receive him. He thanked His Holiness for his continued interest and guidance.

In response, His Holiness expressed deep appreciation of all those who for years have worked tirelessly at the school, as well as those who have given the school financial support. “We need to work to create a more compassionate humanity. This is not a religious aspiration, but a question of the survival of the 7 billion human beings alive today and to some extent the very survival of our planet,” he said.

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Censorship makes very difficult to hear about Tibet: Guangchen

By Yangchen Dolma: August 12, 2016

Tibetan Buddhist nun Rigzin Dolma in an undated photo. Photo: TPI

By Barbara Machado: August 10, 2016

Dharamshala — The Buddhist nun, Rigzin Dolma, hanged herself on the 20th of July in protest against the destruction of the Larung Gar Institution by the Chinese Government in China’s Sichuan Province. This event is part of what the Chinese are calling ‘correction and rectification obligations.’

The Chinese Government had been disturbing the monastery some time before the demolition began. In June, the Government announced that by September 2017 the encampment’s population must be reduced by half.

Before the demolitions began, Larung Gar, one of the world’s largest monastic institutions, was home to over ten thousand Buddhists. The properties being demolished belong primarily to nuns and elderly people. To date, more than six hundred monks and nuns have been left homeless.

Rigzin Dolma was studying at the Institution when these events commenced. She left a suicide note where she wrote that she could not bear to watch the Chinese harassment of innocent Buddhists who were simply studying at the monastery.

She had some money, which she offered to the monastery.

This news took almost one month to reach the outside world due to Chinese repression and inexistent freedom of speech.

The United States and the Central Tibetan Administration condemned the Chinese government for the demolition of the Buddhist institution in Serta County, Eastern Tibet.

State Department spokesperson, Elizabeth Trudeau, told reporters at her daily news conference that “[they] are concerned that Chinese authorities initiated the demolition of residences at Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute without the consent of the institute’s leaders.”

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of Tibet claimed “the destruction of these buildings go against the basic religious freedom that the Chinese government alleges to protect and provide.”

Monks and nuns have watched helplessly as the Chinese demolition teams destroys their homes.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) have condemned the Chinese government-ordered destruction at Larung Gar and said that Beijing should allow the Tibetan people decide for themselves how best to practice their religion.

Washington DC — Chen Guangchen, one of the most prominent Chinese human rights activists, visited the Office of Tibet (OOT) in Washington DC on August 9, 2016.

Mr Kaydor Aukartsang, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, welcomed Mr Guangchen at the OOT. Mr Guangchen strongly emphasised the need to maintain continued outreach from the Tibetan people and administration to the Chinese public.

“When I was in China, information was strictly censored by the government, making it very difficult to hear anything about Tibet. And the little we heared were all official propaganda, spewed by the Chinese government machinery. We do not completely believe the official news provided by the government, yet we don’t verify it either. As a result, Chinese public’s knowledge on Tibet is extremely limited. Therefore, it’s really important to reach out to the Chinese public to provide factual information on Tibet,” he said.

He also expressed his good fortune to have met His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2012 and demonstrated a willingness to visit the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala in the future.

He further explained the importance of clarifying the positions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people, whom the Chinese government labels ‘separatists’.

He said the Chinese government’s lies should be exposed to the Chinese public.

Mr Kunga Tashi, the Chinese liaison officer, explained the Middle Way Approach of the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve the Tibet issue.

Chen Guangchen is a Chinese civil rights activist who came into international attention for organising a landmark class-action lawsuit against authorities in Linyi, Shandong province, for the excessive enforcement of the one-child policy.

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August 15, 2016

TPI NEWS

OPINION

The Tibet Post International

US State Dept documents China’s sustained repression on religious freedom in Tibet

Deputy Secretary of State Antony “Tony” Blinken releases the 2015 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on August 10, 2016. [State Department Photo/ Public Domain]

By US State Department: August 10, 2016.

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor: International Religious Freedom Report for 2015, released on August 10, 2016.

Executive Summary The United States recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and Tibetan autonomous prefectures and counties in other provinces to be a part of the People’s Republic of China. The constitution of the People’s Republic of China states citizens “enjoy freedom of religious belief” but limits protections for religious practice to “normal religious activities” without defining “normal.”

In the TAR and other Tibetan areas, authorities engaged in widespread interference in religious practices, especially in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries. There were reports of death in prison, forced disappearance, physical abuse, prolonged detention without trial, and arrests of individuals due to their religious practices. Travel restrictions also hindered traditional religious practices.

Repression increased around politically sensitive events, religious anniversaries, and the Dalai Lama’s birthday, according to numerous sources. According to reports by journalists and nongovernmental organizations, seven Tibetans, including monks, nuns, and laypersons, selfimmolated. The government routinely denigrated the Dalai Lama, whom most Tibetan Buddhists revere as their most important spiritual leader, and restricted the rights of Tibetans to venerate him and other religious leaders at temples and monasteries. The government blamed the “Dalai [Lama] Clique” or other outside forces and foreign media reporting for instigating the self-immolations and other protests against government practices. Authorities often justified their interference with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries by attributing to them separatist and proindependence activities.

Some Tibetans encountered societal discrimination when seeking employment, engaging in business, or when traveling, according to multiple sources.

The U.S. government repeatedly pressed Chinese authorities at multiple levels to respect religious freedom for all faiths and to allow Tibetans to preserve, practice, teach, and develop their religious traditions. In his meetings with TAR government officials in May, the U.S. Ambassador emphasized the importance of individual expression of religious beliefs. In September at a joint press conference during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Obama called on “Chinese authorities to preserve the religious and cultural identity of the Tibetan people, and to engage the Dalai Lama or his representatives.” In meetings with visiting senior Chinese officials in Washington, DC, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues raised U.S. government concerns about religious freedom in Tibet and urged China to comply with the freedoms guaranteed in China’s constitution. The U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom raised religious freedom concerns in Tibet directly with central government officials during a visit to China in August.

The Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor raised Tibet issues during a visit to Beijing in October.

The U.S. government regularly raised individual cases and incidents with the Chinese government. Embassy and other U.S. officials urged the Chinese government to reexamine the policies that threaten Tibet’s distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity. While diplomatic access to the TAR remained tightly controlled, U.S. officials did see increased, although still tightly managed, access during the year, with authorities granting one visit by the U.S. Ambassador in May, a U.S. consular visit in November, and a separate congressional delegation visit in November.

Section I. Religious Demography According to official data from China’s most recent census in November 2010, 2,716,400 Tibetans make up 91 percent of the TAR’s total population. Some experts, however, believe the number of ethnic Han Chinese and other non-Tibetans living there is significantly underreported. Overall, official census data show Tibetans constitute 24.4 percent of the total population in Qinghai Province, 2.1 percent in Sichuan Province, 1.8 percent in Gansu Province, and 0.3 percent in Yunnan Province, although the percentage of Tibetans is much higher within jurisdictions of these provinces

designated as autonomous for Tibetans.

Most Tibetans practice Tibetan Buddhism, although a sizeable minority practices Bon, a pre-Buddhist indigenous religion, and very small minorities practice Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Some scholars estimate there are as many as 400,000 Bon followers across the Tibetan Plateau. Scholars also estimate there are up to 5,000 Tibetan Muslims and 700 Tibetan Catholics in the TAR. Other residents of traditionally Tibetan areas include ethnic Chinese, many of whom practice Buddhism (including Tibetan Buddhism), Daoism, Confucianism, traditional folk religions, or profess atheism; Hui Muslims; and non-Tibetan Catholics and Protestants.

Section II. Status of Government Respect forReligious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution states citizens enjoy “freedom of religious belief,” but limits protections for religious practice to “normal religious activities” without defining “normal.”

The constitution bans the state, public organizations, and individuals from compelling citizens to believe in, or not believe in, any religion. The constitution states religious bodies and affairs are not to be “subject to any foreign control.” The constitution also stipulates the right of citizens to believe in or not believe in any religion. Only religious groups belonging to one of the five state-sanctioned “patriotic religious associations” (Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Protestant), however, are permitted to register with the government and legally hold worship services or other religious ceremonies and activities.

The government’s April white paper titled Tibet’s Path of Development Is Driven by an Irresistible Historical Tide states “the freedom of religious belief of various ethnic groups is respected and protected by the Constitution and the laws, with all religions and sects being treated equally,” and “no state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or disbelieve in, any religion.”

The government’s September white paper titled On Successful Practice of Regional Ethnic Autonomy in Tibet states “the central government and the local government of Tibet Autonomous Region have fully respected citizens’ right to freedom of religious belief, and given equal attention and protection to all religions and sects to ensure normal religious activities and religious beliefs are protected according to law.”

Regulations issued by the State Administration of Religious Affairs (SARA) codify government control over the selection of Tibetan religious leaders, including reincarnate lamas.

These regulations stipulate city governments and higher-level administrative entities may deny permission for a lama to be recognized as a reincarnate. Provincial or higher-level governments must approve reincarnations, and the State Council has the right to deny the recognition of reincarnations of high lamas of “especially great influence.” The regulations also state no foreign organization or individual may interfere in the selection of reincarnate lamas, and all reincarnate lamas must be reborn within China. The government maintains a registry of officially recognized reincarnate lamas.

Within the TAR, regulations issued by SARA assert state control over all aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, including religious venues, groups, and personnel. Through local regulations issued under the framework of the national-level Management Regulation of Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries, governments of the TAR and other Tibetan areas control the registration of monasteries, nunneries, and other Tibetan Buddhist religious centers. The TAR government has the right to deny any individual’s application to take up religious orders. The regulations also require monks and nuns to obtain permission from officials in both the originating and receiving counties before traveling to other prefectures or county-level cities within the TAR to “practice their religion,” engage in religious activities, study, or teach. Tibetan autonomous prefectures outside of the TAR have formulated similar regulations. TAR regulations also give the government formal control over the building and management of religious structures and require monasteries to obtain official permission to hold large-scale religious events or gatherings.

At the national level, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee’s Central Tibet Work Coordination Group, the CCP’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), and the SARA are responsible for developing religious management policies, which are carried out with support from the “patriotic religious associations.”

At local levels, party leaders and branches of the UFWD, SARA, and the Buddhist Association of China are required to coordinate implementation of religious policies in monasteries, and many have stationed party cadres and government officials, including public security agents, in monasteries in Tibetan areas.

CCP members, including ethnic Tibetans, are required to be atheists and are forbidden from engaging in religious practices. CCP members who belong to religious organizations are subject to expulsion, although these rules are not universally enforced.

Government Practices Across the Tibetan Plateau there were reports of death in prison, forced disappearance, physical abuse, prolonged detention and arbitrary arrest of people due to their religious practice, and restrictions on religious gatherings, according to media reporting and human rights organizations. Some Tibetans continued to engage in self-immolation as a protest against government policies. Human rights advocates stated that authorities used intimidation to compel acquiescence with government regulations and to attempt to reduce the likelihood of antigovernment demonstrations, thereby projecting an image of stability and the appearance of popular support. At various times monasteries were surrounded by security forces and security forces maintained a permanent presence at some monasteries. Police detained students, monks, laypersons, and others in many Tibetan areas who called for freedom, human rights, and religious liberty, or who expressed support for the Dalai Lama or solidarity with individuals who had self-immolated. Restrictions were particularly severe around politically and religiously sensitive anniversaries and events. Authorities scrutinized and sought to control monastic operations and restricted travel for religious purposes, according to human rights organizations.

Prominent Buddhist reincarnate lama and political prisoner Tenzin Delek Rinpoche died in prison July 12, after serving 13 years of a life sentence for allegedly setting off explosions and inciting separation of the state, according to CNN. Authorities denied requests from his family to return the body so traditional Tibetan Buddhist funeral rites could be conducted. Authorities allowed relatives and religious leaders to witness the cremation of his body but later forced family members to return his ashes, according to a Tibetan media report.

The Chinese government did not disclose the location of the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Tibetan Buddhism’s second-most prominent teacher after the Dalai Lama. Chinese authorities detained him in 1995 when he was six years old. His whereabouts remained unknown. In September a Chinese government official publicly stated that the now 26-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was “living a normal life, growing up healthily, and does not wish to be disturbed.” Authorities ignored requests by international observers to visit Gedun Choekyi Nyima.

The government continued to insist Gyaltsen Norbu, whom it selected in 1995, was the Panchen Lama’s true reincarnation. Gyaltsen Norbu has been appointed to two political positions, as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. According to numerous Tibetan Buddhist monks and scholars in the country, UFWD, and Religious Affairs Bureau officials frequently pressured monks and laypeople, including government officials, to attend sessions presided over

by Gyaltsen Norbu. When Gyaltsen Norbu visited Tibetan areas in Yunnan Province in late May, officials reportedly ordered monks and villagers to greet him.

Some Tibetans continued to engage in self-immolation as a protest against government policies. At least seven Tibetans, four women and three men, reportedly self-immolated, as compared to the 11 self-immolations reported in 2014 and the 26 self-immolations reported in 2013. Among the group were a monk and a nun. Yeshi Kandro, a nun, called for the long life of the Dalai Lama, for the Dalai Lama to be invited to Tibet, and for freedom for Tibet as she set herself on fire in April, according to a report by the International Campaign for Tibet. Some experts said the declining number of reported self-immolations was due to tightened controls by authorities. Local authorities prosecuted and imprisoned an unknown number of Tibetans whom authorities said had aided or instigated self-immolations, including family members and friends of the self-immolators, according to press reports. Authorities also reportedly took measures to limit news of self-immolations and other protests from spreading within Tibetan communities and beyond. In numerous cases, officials shut down or restricted local access to the internet and cellular phone services for this purpose, according to reports.

There were reports of authorities physically abusing individuals during detention or arrest. In June police in the TAR’s Changdu (Chamdo) Prefecture detained monk Tashi Gyaltsen in a government building where he was “severely beaten up,” according to media reports. Authorities later released Tashi Gyaltsen after questioning.

There were reports of the arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention of religious figures without criminal charges. In June Chinese authorities in Gansu Province arrested four monks from Labrang Monastery on unspecified charges, according to an RFA report. Their whereabouts remained unknown as of the end of the year. In addition, according to the International Campaign for Tibet, in November a court sentenced Lobsang Kelsang, a monk from Kirti Monastery, to three and a half years in prison. Public security officials

detained him in March for carrying an image of the Dalai Lama through the main street of Sichuan’s Aba (Ngaba) County and calling for freedom in Tibet.

Authorities arrested and sentenced to prison some individuals for possessing pictures of the Dalai Lama on their cell phones. Tsering Dhondup was arrested in Qinghai Province’s Tongren (Rebkong) County for allegedly posting images of the Tibetan flag and the Dalai Lama to mark the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday on his account on WeChat, a popular Chinese messaging application, according to a June Tibet Post International report.

Limited access to information about prisoners made it difficult to ascertain the exact number of Tibetan prisoners of religious conscience, determine the charges brought against them, or assess the extent and severity of abuses they suffered. The U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China’s Political Prisoner Database included records of 646 Tibetan political prisoners who had been detained by September 1, and who were presumed to remain detained or imprisoned. Of the 646 political prisoners, 635 were detained on or after March 10, 2008, the start of a wave of political protests that spread across the Tibetan areas of China. Tibetan Buddhist monks, nuns, and teachers made up 43 percent, or 275 cases, of the 635.

Although authorities permitted some traditional religious ceremonies and practices, including public manifestations of religious belief, they confined many religious activities to officially designated places of worship, often restricted or canceled religious festivals, at times forbade monks from traveling to villages to conduct religious ceremonies, and maintained tight control over the activities of religious leaders and religious gatherings of laypeople. The government suppressed religious activities it viewed as vehicles for political dissent. During the month of July, when Tibetans celebrated the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, local authorities told many monasteries and lay people not to celebrate or organize any public gatherings. According to media reports, Chinese authorities restricted celebrations of the Dalai Lama’s birthday across the Tibetan Plateau.

Chinese authorities prohibited a June horse race in Gansu Province because participants in the race were required to save the life of at least one animal and dedicate the act to the Dalai Lama’s long life, according to a news report.

Authorities permitted some major religious gatherings at other times, however. For example, in June over 110,000 people attended a large religious gathering near Gansu Province’s Labrang Monastery, according to a report by Gansu Economic Daily News, a state-controlled media outlet. In September tens of thousands of people were allowed to celebrate the Kalachakra ceremony, a Tibetan Buddhist ritual, at Qinghai Province’s Kumbum Monastery.

Multiple sources reported open veneration of the Dalai Lama, including the display of his photograph, remained prohibited in almost all areas and officials, many of whom considered the images to be symbols of opposition to the CCP and local officials, had removed pictures of the Dalai Lama from monasteries and private homes during visits by senior officials. Despite the ban on images of the Dalai Lama, many Tibetans continued to own and privately display photos of the Dalai Lama in their homes, in lockets, and on cellular telephones.

The ability of Tibetans to display the Dalai Lama’s picture varied regionally and with the political climate.

In Tibetan areas outside the TAR, visitors saw pictures of the Dalai Lama prominently displayed in private homes, shops, and monasteries, although monks reported they would temporarily remove such photos during inspections by officials from the local Religious Affairs Bureau or other agencies.

The government also continued to ban pictures of Gedun Choekyi Nyima, whom the Dalai Lama and the overwhelming majority of Tibetan Buddhists recognize as the 11th Panchen Lama.

The TAR government also continued to maintain tight control over the use of Tibetan Buddhist religious relics and declared the relics, as well as religious buildings and institutions themselves, to be state property.

The government continued to exercise its authority over the approval of reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhist lamas and the supervision of their religious education.

In addition, authorities closely supervised the education of many key young reincarnate lamas. In a deviation from traditional custom, government officials, rather than religious leaders, managed the selection of the reincarnate lamas’ religious and lay tutors in the TAR and some other Tibetan areas. According to a June report by state-controlled media, 25 newly recognized reincarnate lamas attended a UFWD-organized “TAR Training Class for New Reincarnate Lamas” in Lhasa.

International media reported authorities attempted to exercise significant control over religious institutions. The government restricted the number of monks and nuns at many monasteries and nunneries and expelled monks and nuns from some monasteries and nunneries, according to media reports. According to an April white paper, there were 1,787 sites for religious activities, over 46,000 resident monks and nuns, and 358 “Living Buddhas” in Tibet. Government officials in Qinghai Province’s Chenduo (Tridu) County expelled monks not officially registered at the Nyatso Zilkar Monastery, according to a June RFA report. Local authorities expelled 106 Tibetan Buddhist nuns from Jada Ganden Khachoeling convent in the TAR’s Biru (Driru) County and demolished several residential buildings at the nunnery. Authorities stated the nuns did not

possess the proper documents and exceeded the number of nuns that authorities permitted to live at the nunnery, according to an RFA report. In many areas, monks and nuns under the age of 18 were forced to leave their monasteries.

In January Sichuan Province’s Ganzi (Kardze) Prefecture issued regulations mandating the removal of all monks under the age of 18 from monasteries and Buddhist schools and required that all such monks receive “patriotic education.”

Monasteries and nunneries in some areas outside of the TAR routinely accepted minors and unregistered monks and nuns, including from distant areas. Tibet scholars stated the Chinese government’s ban on minors entering monasteries and nunneries and restrictions on travel of monks and nuns threatened the traditional transmission and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.

Authorities often justified interference with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries by associating the monasteries with “separatism” and pro-independence activities, as reported in state media.

General affairs in TAR monasteries, which traditionally were managed by monks, were overseen by Monastery Management Committees and Monastic Government Working Groups, both of which were composed primarily of government officials and CCP members, together with a few government-approved monks. Since 2011, China has established such groups in all monasteries in the TAR and in many major monasteries in other Tibetan areas.

In accordance with official guidelines for monastery management, leadership of and membership in the various committees and working groups remained restricted to “politically reliable, patriotic, and devoted monks, nuns, and party and government officials.” The TAR government also required all monasteries to fly the Chinese national flag. In April state media reported TAR Party Secretary Chen Quanguo reiterating that Tibetan monasteries and nunneries were required to display prominently the national flag and the portraits of the five CCP leaders from Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping.

Provincial, prefectural, county, and local governments stationed CCP cadres in, and established police stations or security offices on the premises of, or adjacent to, many monasteries. For example, the TAR had more than 7,000 government cadres working in 1,787 monasteries, according to an August report on a government website. Security forces continued to block access to and from important monasteries during politically sensitive events and religious anniversaries. Heavy police presence within and surrounding some monasteries restricted the movement of monks ahead of the March anniversary of the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising, as well as the July birthday of the Dalai Lama. Additionally, observers reported police set up overt camera surveillance inside many monasteries.

The traditional monastic system also suffered because many top Buddhist teachers remained in exile in India and elsewhere, and some of those who returned from India were not allowed to teach or lead their institutions. The heads of most major schools of Tibetan Buddhism – including the Dalai Lama, Karmapa, Sakya Trizin, and Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, as well as Bon leader Gyalwa Menri Trizin – all resided in exile. Authorities often hindered Tibetan Buddhist monasteries from delivering religious, educational, and medical services.

Authorities also hindered Tibetan Buddhist monasteries from carrying out environmental protection, a traditional element of both religious and conservation practice. For example, in January authorities forced a monastery in Qinghai’s Yushu (Yulshul) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to cancel a workshop that taught Tibetan grammar, logic, and traditional sciences to local children. Authorities reportedly feared the workshop would create a sense of pride among the Tibetan children and an awareness of their distinctness from Chinese culture, according to Phayul, an exile-run online news portal. According to government policy, newly constructed government-subsidized housing units in Tibetan areas were located near county government seats or along major roads, with no nearby monasteries where resettled villagers could worship. Traditionally, Tibetan villages were clustered around monasteries, which provided religious and other services to members of the community. Many Tibetans viewed such measures as CCP and government efforts to dilute religious belief and weaken the ties between monasteries and communities.

In addition to restricting foreign travel, authorities also continued to restrict travel by Tibetans inside China, particularly for Tibetans living outside the TAR who wished to visit the TAR during sensitive times, such as for religious pilgrimages in March and July. Buddhist clergy said the restrictions on movement hindered a key component of religious education within Tibetan Buddhism calling for nuns and monks to visit different monasteries and religious sites to receive specialized training from experts in Buddhist traditions. Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns stated these restrictions have damaged and fragmented the quality of monastic education. Many monks expelled from their TAR monasteries after the 2008 Lhasa riots still had not returned, and some reported they had been prevented from joining new monasteries.

Tibetans continued to encounter difficulties in traveling to India for religious purposes. Many Tibetans, including monks, nuns, and laypersons, sought to travel to India for religious purposes, including to seek audiences with the Dalai Lama, or to continue their studies with key Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders and teachers. In many cases, Public Security Bureau officials refused to approve the passport applications of Tibetans.

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August 15, 2016 Tibet & Exile News 3 Salman Khan and Dalai Lama appear to be Another Tibetan Buddhist monk jailed after calling for freedom in Tibet exceptionally Happy to meet each other

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

By Yeshe Choesang: August 04, 2016

By Ankit Kumar, Dekh News: August 13, 2016

Salman Khan and Dalai Lama appear to be exceptionally Happy to meet each other : Salman Khan’s has now become the brand in the Bollywood industry ,which guarantee successful Bollywood project. “ S u l t a n ” s h o w s w h a t S a l m a n K h a n ’s potential is as Salman crossed a landmark of 300 crores in India.

Also, Salman has now signed Bigg Boss w i t h t h e 3 0 % p r i c e h i k e . A n d n o w, he is doing shooting in the Ladakh for his upcoming flick Tube light which is directed by the Kabir Khan.

Meanwhile, in between all these Salman still find the time to meet the legendary spiritual leader, Dalai Lama! Meeting Dalai Lama is a big thing in one’s life as he is Known for his spiritual way of living and leading people, he is very much respected in the world.

Although, meeting Dalai Lama is considered to be a prestigious thing in

this world and Salman has achieved this feat in his life. Salman who is shooting in Ladakh took the special break from his schedule and meet the Legendary Dalai Lama.

A social online news portal posted the picture of both these legend, in which they are seen sharing a moment of a laugh. It looks like even Dalai Lama is also enjoying the company of Salman Khan as Salmans has given him the few moments of laughing with his comic jokes.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan is shooting for Tube light in Ladakh with her co-star Zhu Zhu, who is making her Bollywood debut with her debut in the Bollywood industry with Tubelight movie.

Also, Salman Khan and Kabir Khan are coming together for the third time after Ek Tha Tiger and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

Salman will now wrap up the shooting from Ladakh as he has now to start shooting for Bigg Boss 10.

Dharamshala — Chinese authorities have secretly sentenced another Kirti monastery monk in Amdo region of north-eastern Tibet to three years in prison.

20 year old Adak wents to the streets of Ngaba town, on September 10, 2015 and shouted slogans calling for “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet” and “freedom in Tibet”.

An exile Tibetan who has close contacts in the area, has learned that the hearing took place recently, possibly sometime in early August, at the Aba County People’s Intermediate Court in Ngawa prefecture, where the Kirti monk was secretly sentenced.

Another monk, Lobsang, 22, also from Kirti Monastery, was arrested by Chinese police on the Ngaba County’s main street after a lone protest around 6:0 pm on September 10, 2015. Alike Adak, he marched into the streets of the County, calling for “freedom in Tibet”, and “the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.”

Chinese police arrived at the scene and arrested them in separate incidents of solo protests in the restive Tibetan town on the same day.

The verdict news came a few days after a Tibetan monk identified as Jampal Gyatso was sentenced to

Undated images of Adak, a Buddhist monk of Kirit Monastery, Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

three years for the same offence.

According to a TPI source, Adak is now being held in Mianyang prison, located in Wujia Township in Mianyang Prefecture around 100km northeast of Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Kirti Monastery has been the scene of repeated self-

immolations and other protests by monks, former monks, and nuns opposed to Chinese rule.

The Ngaba area has been under military lock-down since major protests were held in the area following the spread of protests across the Tibetan plateau beginning in March, 2008.

Ex-Minister takes charge as new representative of Tibet Bureau in New Delhi

By Harish Pal: August 10, 2016

Dharamshala — Kasur Mr Dongchung Ngodup took charge as the new Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from the outgoing Representative, Kasur Tempa Tsering. A brief ceremonial session was held at Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi.

The handing over ceremony was attended by Representatives and staff of His Holiness’ Bureau on August 10, 2016.

“Kasur Tempa Tsering, the outgoing Representative, introduced his successor Kasur Ngodup Dongchung and then thanked his staff for their dedication and commitment for the service of the Tibetan people,” the report said.

The New Representative, Mr Ngodup appreciated his predecessor for his elaborate guidelines in handling the Bureau affairs. He assures his commitment to do the best for the service of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetans.

Mr Dagpo thanked Kasur Tsering for his mentorship and the successful accomplishment of his lifelong services in the Central Tibetan Administration. He also wished the new Representative great success and good health.

Later, the staff of Bureau greeted in line by offering Khatag to both the outgoing and the new Representatives.

According to the report, Mr Ngodup is a senior bureaucrat who served more than 40 years in Central Tibetan Administration. Since September 2006, he remained as the Kalon of Department of Security until his recent retirement from the post on April 6, 2016.

Mr Tempa Tsering greeting Mr Ngodup Dongchung, the new Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the ceremony in New Delhi, 10 August 2016. Photo: CTA/DIIR

All Party Indian parliamentary forum reaffirms its support for Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with actor Salman Khan after the conclusion of his teachings in Thiksey, Ladakh, J&K, India on August 11, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Central Tibetan Administration receives award from USAID

By Yeshe Choesang: August 04, 2016

New Delhi — Reaffirming their strong support for the Tibetan cause, the ‘All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum For Tibet”

Mr Jonathan Addleston, Mission Director of USAID, presenting a certificate of appreciation to Health Kalon in recognition of CTA’s exemplary work. Photo: CTA/DIIR

By Barbara Machado: August 10 , 2016

Dharamshala — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to the Department of Health of the Central Tibetan Administration for its effective and efficient management of funds and implementation of health projects.

The certificate was presented by Mr Jonathan Addleton, Mission Director of USAID to India, at a ceremony held at the Nyatri hall to launch the assessment report of the Tibetan Health System Capacity Strengthening Project.

In his remarks, Mr Addleton said that this certificate is recognition of the quality health service being provided by the health department, and reaffirmed USAID’s deep commitment to help the Tibetan community to improve their education, economy, and health status.

He also lauded the Tibetan Medicare System (TMS), a community based health insurance scheme, initiated by the department to serve the healthcare needs of the public by creating a more sustainable financing source.

“Tibetans certainly deserve the healthcare they need at

the right time without struggling to pay medical bills that they cannot afford,” he said, referring to TMS. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, in his address, thanked the USAID for their continued assistance and expressed that the certificate of appreciation would further inspire the staff to work harder.

“This Certificate of Appreciation is a reaffirmation of the fact that the staff of the Central Tibetan Administration, particularly the health department, has been doing good work,” he said.

“This is a first such letter of appreciation that the Central Tibetan Administration has received from a foreign organisation.” He added.

The Health Kalon, Mr Choekyong Wangchuk, spoke a bit of the health department and its various projects. He emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare initiatives to enhance the overall Tibetan public health.

USAID is a US governmental aid organistaion that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realise their potential.

It is also one of the primary donors of CTA’s health and education projects.

has urged the Chinese Government to resume dialogue with the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

As resolved during the standing committee meeting of the Tibetan Parliament, a three-member delegation of the

I Adviser Adviser Adviser Adviser

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

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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 Assistant Editor Dawa Phurbu 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 Dawa Phurbu India Tahhira Somal India Tenzin Yeshe USA Barbara Machado Brazil Harish Pal India Yangchen Dolma India Himalayan Literacy Trust Room #, Top Floor, New Varuni House Temple Road, McLeod Ganj: 176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P., India

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

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Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, led by Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, have been meeting leaders of the Indian government and members of the Indian parliament in New Delhi from 25 July 2016, according to a report by the Tibetan administration media.

During the first week of the visit, from 25 – 29 July, the delegation met with five Union Cabinet Ministers, 29 parliamentarians from eight different political parties, top police officers of the city and eminent scholars. The delegation apprised the Indian dignitaries on the current situation inside Tibet, the wave of Tibetan self-immolation protests and the state-sponsored environmental destruction taking place inside Tibet.

In the second week, the delegation met with three Union Cabinet Ministers and 24 parliamentarians from 11 different political parties, including members of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet.

During the various meetings, the leaders and lawmakers of the Indian government expressed deep respect and appreciation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his exemplary leadership of the Tibetan people and his contribution to promotion of non-violence, democracy, religious tolerance and environmental protection.

Expressing concern over the environmental destruction in Tibet among many other issues, the leaders called for an increased awareness and expert discussions on the current situation of Tibet. They also expressed their cooperation and goodwill in facilitating future meetings between members of the two parliament.

On 2 August, a meeting of All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum For Tibet was held under the convenorship of Shri Shanta Kumar, former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh and a current member of the Indian Parliament at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.

After the conclusive meeting, the Forum passed eight resolutions in support of the Middle Way Approach urging the Chinese Government to resume dialogue with the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration and reaffirmed their support for the Tibetan cause.

The meeting was attended by 16 Indian parliamentarians from eight different political parties, a delegation of the standing committee led by Deputy speaker of the Tibetan parliament Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Representative Kasur Tempa Tsering of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Coordinator of ITCO Mr Jigmey Tsultrim.

This is the second APPFT meeting convened by the former chief minister Shri Shanta Kumar. However it is the first APPFT meeting attended and facilitated by members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

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TPI NEWS

August 15, 2016

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view” of ethnicity, going on pilgrimage to India, and sending one’s children to study with Tibetans in exile. Twenty Tibetan officials in the TAR were punished during the first eight months of the year for violations of “political discipline,” according to Chen.

Government officials continued to denigrate the Dalai Lama publicly and accused the “Dalai Clique” and other outside forces of instigating Tibetan self-immolations and public protests, stating such acts were attempts to split China. Authorities in the TAR continued to prohibit the registration of children’s names that included parts of the Dalai Lama’s name or names included on a list blessed by the Dalai Lama.

“Patriotic education” campaigns, in which authorities forced monks and nuns to participate in “legal education,” denounce the Dalai Lama, study materials praising the leadership of the CCP and the socialist system, and express allegiance to the government-recognized Panchen Lama, were carried out at many monasteries and nunneries across the Tibetan Plateau, according to reports. Many monks and nuns continued to report that political activities mandated by the party and government, including “patriotic education” campaigns and “legal education” campaigns, detracted from their religious studies.

According to many observers, the continued requirement for implementation of “patriotic education,” coupled with continued controls over religious practice, including the permanent installation at many monasteries and nunneries of CCP and public security officials, were primary sources of grievance among Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns, and the impetus behind some of the self-immolations and protests.

Senior monks at some monasteries continued to report informal agreements reached with local officials that resident monks would not stage protests or commit self-immolation as long as the government adopted a hands-off approach to the management of their monasteries.

The government permitted a U.S. congressional delegation to visit the TAR in November.

Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom

His Holiness calls for more ...

“We can no longer be short-sighted, thinking only of temporary rewards. We all want to live a happy life and seek to avoid suffering, but unfortunately, a great deal of our suffering is our own creation,” he said.

“The violence we see and hear about in many parts of the world today is rooted in our seeing people in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’. If we don’t overcome this way of thinking, it’s possible the 21st century will be an era of violence like the century before it. It is time for us to change this.” the Tibetan leader said.

“The realistic way to create more peaceful human beings is not through prayer and religious teaching, but through education. We must use common sense to understand the destructive consequences of anger and stress. A sense of concern for others is what compassion means. It’s not something sacred; it’s a simple sense of concern for the well-being of others, including animals and insects.”

His Holiness urged the students to study hard. He commended them for learning about logic and debate, suggesting it would help them in their academic careers. He told them they were the hope for the future and completing a full education would enable them to build a happier world.

At Stok Monastery His Holiness was received by the young reincarnation of the late Bakula Rinpoche, who had earned a Geshe Lharampa degree from Drepung Loseling College before 1959 and later was of great support to Tibetan exiles in India. His Holiness advised the young monk to engage well in his study of the classics.

Entering the main temple, His Holiness paid his respects and took his seat. He asked about the origin of the monastery and what was studied there. The monks replied that it was founded by a direct disciple of Khedrup Gelek Palsang (1385-1438), one of the

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This was particularly true for Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns. In other cases, prospective travelers were able to obtain passports only after paying bribes to local officials, or after promising not to travel to India or to criticize Chinese policies in Tibetan areas while overseas. Numerous Tibetans in Qinghai and Sichuan provinces waited for up to five years before being allowed a passport, apparently without any explanation being given for the delay, according to Human Rights Watch. Some Tibetans attributed the passport restrictions to an official effort to hinder travel for religious purposes. There were instances in which authorities confiscated and cancelled passports previously issued to Tibetans.

Sources reported security personnel targeted individuals in religious attire, particularly those from Naqu (Nagchu) and Changdu (Chamdo) Prefectures in the TAR and Tibetan areas outside of the TAR, for arbitrary questioning on the streets of Lhasa and other cities and towns. Many Tibetan monks and nuns reportedly chose to wear nonreligious garb to avoid such harassment when traveling outside of their monasteries and around the country.

In some cases, authorities enforced special restrictions on Tibetans staying at hotels inside and outside of the TAR. Police regulations forbade some hotels and guesthouses in the TAR from accepting Tibetan guests, and required other hotels to notify police departments when Tibetan guests checked in, according to an exile media report.

The CCP continued to forbid its members from participating in religious activities despite reports that many Tibetan government officials and CCP members held religious beliefs. TAR Party Secretary Chen Quanguo stated in November the Party would investigate government officials thought to violate party discipline, including by following the “Dalai Clique.” Chen said such violations would include following the Dalai Lama, renouncing religion in public while embracing it in private, failing to be faithful to the rhetoric and decisions of the CCP Central Committee, participating in “illegal organizations,” having an “incorrect

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principal disciples of Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), the founder of the Gelug tradition.

They also explained that the monks learn to perform the Preliminary Practices, study the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, and follow the practice of Vajrabhairava. The fifteen resident monks of Stok Monastery join their mother monastery of Spituk for the bi-monthly monastic Confession Ceremony and when entering the Rainy Season Retreat.

His Holiness advised the monks to study the classic scriptures, as is done in the Tibetan Monastic Institutions re-established in South India, to which Spituk Monastery is sending its monks.

“In the meantime,” he continued, “you should start by studying and discussing the Four Noble Truths and the view of emptiness as explained in Tsongkhapa’s ‘Great Stages of the Path’. Bakula Rinpoche too should study well and not just be content with having the name of a Lama.”

The entire populace of Stok had assembled around a newly constructed statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. This construction was mainly funded by Ladakhi ex-servicemen, who proudly saluted His Holiness as he arrived. His Holiness advised the gathering to regard the statue as a reminder of the Buddha’s principal teaching: to treat others with love and compassion and keep in mind the interdependent nature of things.

His Holiness also said the first part of that advice is held in common with all other major religions, but the second is unique to Buddhism.

He said that as Buddhists training our minds, understanding the dependent nature of things helps us counter our disturbing emotions as we work to achieve the goal of enlightenment.

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WE YOUREYES EYES WECARE CAREFOR FOR YOUR Since ethnicity and religion are tightly intertwined for many Tibetan Buddhists, it was sometimes difficult to categorize incidents solely as ethnic or religious intolerance. Tibetans, particularly those who wore traditional and religious attire, regularly reported incidents in which they were denied hotel rooms, avoided by taxis, and/or discriminated against in employment opportunities or business transactions.

Many ethnic Han Buddhists were interested in Tibetan Buddhism and donated money to Tibetan monasteries and nunneries. Tibetan Buddhist monks frequently visited Chinese cities to provide religious instruction to ethnic Han Buddhists. In addition, a growing number of ethnic Han Buddhists visited Tibetan monasteries, although officials sometimes imposed restrictions that made it difficult for ethnic Han Buddhists to conduct long-term study at many monasteries in Tibetan areas.

Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. government officials, including the President, the Secretary of State, the U.S. Ambassador in Beijing, and the U.S. Consul General in Chengdu, continued the sustained and concerted effort to encourage greater religious freedom in Tibetan areas. The U.S. Ambassador and other U.S. officials at the most senior levels urged China to ease restrictions on religious freedom, including repressive policies in Tibetan areas. The U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom raised religious freedom concerns in Tibet directly with central government officials during a visit to China in August. U.S. officials repeatedly raised Tibetan religious freedom issues – such as the Chinese government’s refusal to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama – in public remarks and with Chinese government counterparts at multiple levels. In addition to raising systemic issues, such as passport issuance to Tibetans, U.S. officials expressed concern and sought further information about individual cases and incidents of religious persecution and discrimination.

In September at a joint press conference during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Obama called on “Chinese authorities to preserve the religious and cultural identity of the Tibetan people, and to engage the Dalai Lama or his representatives.”

U.S. diplomats maintained contact with a wide range of religious leaders and practitioners in Tibetan areas to monitor the status of religious freedom, although travel and other restrictions made it difficult to visit and communicate with these individuals. Although diplomatic access to the TAR remained tightly controlled, U.S. officials did see increased access during the year, with authorities granting one visit by the U.S. Ambassador in May, a U.S. consular visit in November, and a separate congressional delegation visit in November. Officials from the Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Chengdu made several trips throughout the year to visit Tibetan monasteries and nunneries in Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Yunnan Provinces.

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Horoscopes for the Month of August, 2016 Source: Always Astrology

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be careful not to overexert yourself. Don’t expect anything for nothing and you won’t be disappointed. Do not yield to children or relatives when they really don’t deserve it. You can make a difference if you offer your help at functions that involve children.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) You can make gains if you look at long-term investments. Be diplomatic but stem. You may want to get involved in financial investments presented to you. You may need to lend an ear to an old friend.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Try not to at tempt to do something unless you are fully intent on following through with the plans. Don’t overspend to impress others.

Travel if it’s needed to start the ball rolling. Lay your cards on the table regarding your personal direction.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Get out and, about. You will be on the rampage this month. Don’t second guess yourself, just go to it. Your position may be in question if you haven’t been pulling your weight.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don’t let any small misunderstandings get in the way. Don’t turn down offers that include sports activities or children. Get domestic chores out of the way early. You can ask for favors but don’t take them for granted.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Try not to be so demonstrative. Refuse to let others make unrealistic demands of you. You may have a hard time relating to children this month. Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance this month.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) It’s time to reevaluate your motives.

Communication will be your strong point and you should be able to persuade others to see things your way. You will have a childlike approach this month, big hearted and full of spunk. It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries this month.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You’ll feel much better when your slate is clean again. You may be tired of working for someone else. You could easily lose your temper at work. Don’t push your opinions or ideas on others. A day at the beach may satisfy the whole family.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don’t rely on others to handle the workload.

You are best to deal with those outside your family. You may win favors if you present your ideas and include your family. Use discretion in your dealings and refrain from making verbal promises of any kind.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Direct your energy wisely. Your partner may blame you for everything. Offer good conversation and a nice soothing lunch. Avoid overloading your plate.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) New emotional connections can be made through business contacts. You’ll feel much better when your slate is clean again. Don’t be too quick to react. You’ll find love and you’ll get into tiptop shape at the same time.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your dramatic nature may be too much to handle.

Disharmony in your relationship may cause minor ailments. Offers of joint ventures are likely. Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

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His Holiness speaks about Buddhism and faith in Ladakh

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing members of the public gathered outside the new assembly hall at Ngagyur Dragthok Monastery in Ladakh, J&K, India on August 5, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

By Barbara Machado: August 06, 2016

Leh, Ladakh, J&K – His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke about Buddhism and faith at his public speech at the Dakthog Monastery in Ladakh.

The spiritual leader of Tibet encouraged his audience to start practising the Buddhist faith by analysing the Buddha’s teachings through study, reflection and meditation.

After the greetings, mantras, consecrations and offerings, His Holiness spoke to a large number of locals and westerners, who had gathered at monastery. He began by introducing the Guru Dorje Doloe statue, built by the late Taklung Tsetul Rinpoche, the previous head of the Nyingma Buddhist tradition of Tibet. He said, “The Dorje Doloe statue here in Ladakh was built to help the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Tibetan cause.

We have commissioned similar statues in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and somewhere in a border area.”

His Holiness revealed to the public that he had just finished his week long retreat at Dorje Doloe and, as the concluding practice, he came to Dakthok for a Ritual Feast Offering. His Holiness had no plans to meet the public but decided otherwise because, as he mentioned, “so many of you have come here so I wished to say hello to you.”

“Your faith has brought you here. But in Buddhism mere faith is not sufficient. It emphasizes a faith born of critical discerning faculty of intelligence!”

His Holiness went on to say that the Buddha himself emphasized the need for critical analysis of his teaching: Oh Bhikshus and wise people, just as a gold is tested by burning, cutting and rubbing, you should check my teaching thoroughly and then accept it.

But not because of your devotion to me!

His Holiness pointed out that, in contrast to all the founders of the many religions in the world, the Buddha is the only one who asks his followers to examine his teachings, rather than accepting it out of mere faith and devotion.

When talking about the importance of using reason and logic to delve into the depths of the Buddha’s teachings, His Holiness spoke about the three aspects of phenomena — the obvious/ manifest, the slightly hidden and the very hidden objects of knowledge — and said that the inferential logic, which is used to gain insight into the slightly hidden phenomena, such as emptiness, needs to be based on the empirical experience of the obvious phenomena, such as the coarse level of cause and effect, which is recognised by our sensory perception. He adds that, by verifying the truth of the Buddha’s teachings pertaining to these two aspects of knowledge, we can infer the truth and the infallible nature of his teachings on the hidden phenomena, such as the law of cause and effect or karma.

In connection with the idea of using reason and experiment to find the truth of the Buddha’s teachings, His Holiness referred to his fruitful discussions with modern scientists, who even though are not religious, use rigorous methods of investigation to understand reality. Contrary to the opinion of many of his western friends, who warned him against such interactions, he initiated debates with western scientists and today states, “after holding dialogues with modern scientists for over 30 years, I feel I have come out the winner!”

In his speech, His Holiness focused on the threefold understanding and wisdom gained through study,

reflection and meditation, activities that work together in progression. He told the audience that the 300 or more volumes of Kagyur and Tengyur literature are meant for our pursuit of knowledge, aiding us, through inferential logic, to build our convictions of the Buddha’s teachings. Further on, through meditation, this reflection is then transformed into experience. Our faith in the Buddha’s teachings is grounded on the correct knowledge of Buddhist philosophy through critical examination and reason.

To conclude, His Holiness told the audience, “I have reached 81 but I still study and contemplate on texts from the Kagyur and Tengyur and others whenever I have spare time”. His Holiness stated “It goes without saying that the younger generation must study and learn the teachings of the Buddha.

Even the older people must study the teachings, as Sakya Pandita says: You must learn knowledge even if you were to die tomorrow.

You may not become a scholar in this very life But as if taking your own wealth deposited [in a bank] You would be drawing on it in the next life.

He said he will be giving more detailed teachings in the weeks to come and said goodbye to the gathering. After shaking hands with eager members of audience, he returned to his residential palace in Shewatsal Phodrang.

H IS H OLINESS T HE D ALAI L AMA

August 15, 2016

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Tibetans have no freedom inside Tibet, says His Holiness

By Jane Cook: August 08, 2016

Leh, Ladakh, J&K — His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that Tibetans have no freedom inside Tibet with some hardline Chinese officials see our Tibetan identity as a threat to separate Tibet from China. Therefore, they have tried to eliminate Tibetan culture and language.

The spiritual leader of Tibet also encouraged Tibetans to be united as one community, to speak to the world on the basis of our own traditions. “Our Tibetan culture is a culture of peace, of non-violence and of compassion,” said an official post on Monday, citing His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Zangdok Palri on Sunday morning, not far from his residence. His Holiness was welcomed by representatives of the Himalayan Buddhist Association, organizers of a conference celebrating Thonmi Sambhota, who created literary Tibetan 1372 years ago.

In their introductory remarks Tashi Rabgye and Tsering Dorjee noted the importance of Thonmi Sambhota’s achievement to the translation of Buddhist literature into Tibetan. The Kangyur and Tengyur collections created as a result have for centuries been crucial to the culture of Tibet and the trans-Himalayan region. The speakers also expressed gratitude to His Holiness for encouraging the development of Ladakh and its culture since he came into exile.

In his address, His Holiness referred to the historic cultural and spiritual ties between Ladakh and Tibet and expressed his appreciation of the convening of the conference.

“Although Thonmi Sambhota is known to have composed eight texts on Tibetan language and grammar”, he remarked, “only two, dealing with grammar, the Sumchupa and Takyi Jugpa, survive. Whether you call it Bhoti or Tibetan, this written language is important because it preserves the profound Buddhist culture we share. In today’s rational world the epistemological texts of Dignaga and Dharmakirti, only available in Tibetan, provide us with tools for analyzing the nature of reality.

“We should not regard Buddhism only as a religion, but also as a source of knowledge and education. As a science of mind it can teach us how to deal with disturbing emotions such as anger, jealousy and greed. This can bring peace of mind that is of benefit to the individual, his or her family and community, and the world at large. If the idea of pratityasamutpada, interdependence, were more widely understood, there would be no room for violence among our human brothers and sisters.”

His Holiness explained that the content of the Kangyur and Tengyur can be classified as dealing with science, philosophy and religion. He referred to the ongoing project to make the scientific and philosophical material more widely available. A Compendium of Science has already been compiled in Tibetan and is being translated into English, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, German, Mongolian, Russian, and Vietnamese.

“This Conference should not be merely a celebration of Thonmi Sambhota,” His Holiness concluded, “but an opportunity to teach school children and their parents the significance of the language in which Kangyur and

Tengyur are written.”

At the SOS TCV Choglamsar football ground, His Holiness was received by the local elected Chief Representative of Ladakh along with local Tibetan officials and the Director of SOS TCV Choglamsar. He was given a traditional Tibetan welcome. On the stage, he was greeted by Ganden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche.

Addressing close to 5000 Tibetans, His Holiness spoke about the common identity of people from the Land of Snow and their efforts to preserve their unique culture, language and religion. He said that just as the Chinese people have their own ancient cultural heritage of which they are proud, Tibetans too are proud to be Tibetans and make efforts to protect their rich heritage and identity.

“Unfortunately, some hard-line Chinese officials see our Tibetan identity as a threat to separate Tibet from China.

Therefore, they have tried to eliminate our Tibetan culture and language. Tibetans are compelled to learn Chinese in schools. Without knowledge of Chinese, Tibetans in Tibet are unable to find good jobs.”

In the 7th century, he said, the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo commissioned Thonmi Sambhota to create a written form of Tibetan. Later, Emperor Trisong Detsen turned to India rather than China and invited the Nalanda master Shantarakshita to establish Buddhism in Tibet. Consequently, Tibetan Buddhism, which incorporates the Nalanda tradition,

takes a rational scientific approach to investigation. Today, many people, including scientists and educated young Indians, are showing an interest in Buddhism and Tibetan is the language in which it is most accurately conveyed.

Turning to the Ladakhis in the audience, His Holiness said: “We are very grateful to have been able to establish our schools and settlements here [Ladakh] and I would like to thank you.”

“Since the time of Nehru, the Indian Government has been extremely kind and helpful to the Tibetan people. Here in Ladakh Bakula Rinpoche and Sonam Norbu fostered a special friendship between Tibetans and Ladakhis,” he added.

“Tibetans have no freedom inside Tibet, where Tibetan culture and religion are endangered. However, here in India, Tibetans as well as the people of the Himalayan regions, from Ladakh up to Mön, have the freedom and opportunity to preserve our Buddhist traditions and their related culture.”

His Holiness concluded by saying: “It is very important for Tibetans to be united as one community. We must all make efforts in this regard. History will remember our efforts, so we must constantly rededicate ourselves with courage and see the present circumstances as an opportunity to fulfil our potential. Our Tibetan culture is a culture of peace, of nonviolence and of compassion. This is the kind of culture the world’s entire 7 billion people need. Therefore, I believe we Tibetans have a significant contribution to make to the world on the basis of our own traditions.”

Repression religious freedom

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(continued from frontpage)

Authorities allowed relatives and religious leaders to witness the cremation of his body but later forced family members to return his ashes, according to a exile Tibetan media report.

The Chinese government did not disclose the location of the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Tibetan Buddhism’s second-most prominent teacher after the Dalai Lama. Chinese authorities detained him in 1995 when he was six years old. His whereabouts remained unknown.

In September a Chinese government official publicly stated that the now 26-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was “living a normal life, growing up healthily, and does not wish to be disturbed.”

Authorities ignored requests by international observers to visit Gedun Choekyi Nyima.

The government continued to insist Gyaltsen Norbu, whom it selected in 1995, was the Panchen Lama’s true reincarnation. Gyaltsen Norbu has been appointed to two political positions, as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

According to numerous Tibetan Buddhist monks and scholars in the country, UFWD, and Religious Affairs Bureau officials frequently pressured monks and laypeople, including government officials, to attend sessions presided over by Gyaltsen Norbu. When

Gyaltsen Norbu visited Tibetan areas in Yunnan Province in late May, officials reportedly ordered monks and villagers to greet him.

Some Tibetans continued to engage in selfimmolation as a protest against government policies. At least seven Tibetans, four women and three men, reportedly self-immolated, as compared to the 11 self-immolations reported in 2014 and the 26 self-immolations reported in 2013. Among the group were a monk and a nun. Yeshi Kandro, a nun, called for the long life of the Dalai Lama, for the Dalai Lama to be invited to Tibet, and for freedom for Tibet as she set herself on fire in April, according to a report by the International Campaign for Tibet. Some experts said the declining number of reported self-immolations was due to tightened controls by authorities.

Local authorities prosecuted and imprisoned an unknown number of Tibetans whom authorities said had aided or instigated self-immolations, including family members and friends of the self-immolators, according to press reports. Authorities also reportedly took measures to limit news of self-immolations and other protests from spreading within Tibetan communities and beyond. In numerous cases, officials shut down or restricted local access to the internet and cellular phone services for this purpose, according to reports.

Conventional bodhichitta must compliment our understanding of emptiness if we are to reach Buddhahood. Without the altruistic heart of bodhichitta we may be able to enter the path of Hearers, but not path of a Bodhisattva.

Having completed his reading of ‘Commentary on the Awakening Mind,’ His Holiness turned to the ‘Lamp for the Path’. He narrated the hardships endured by the later descendants of the ancient Tibetan Emperors, Lha Lama Yeshi Ö and his nephew Lha Lama Jangchub Ö, who were instrumental in inviting Atisha to restore Buddhism in Tibet in 11th century CE. When Jangchub Ö requested a teaching which would benefit all Tibetans, Atisha composed the ‘Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment’.

Subsequently, all Tibetan Buddhist traditions have composed texts that follow the pattern of the stages of the path. In the Nyingma tradition

there is Longchen Rabjampa’s ‘Resting in the Nature of Mind’; in the Kagyu tradition there is the Gampopa’s ‘Jewel Ornament of Liberation’ ; and in the Sakya tradition, the ‘Three Visions’, and so forth. Je Tsongkhapa’s ‘Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment’ and its shorter editions follow Atisha’s style except in that he elaborated the Special Insight Section in both the Great and Medium Treatises.

His Holiness encouraged his listeners to study Tsongkhapa’s five major texts on the Middle Way view of emptiness thoroughly: the two Special Insight sections of his ‘Stages of the Path’ texts; the ‘Ocean of Reasoning: A Great Commentary on (Nagarjuna’s)’ ‘Fundamental Wisdom’; ‘Elucidation of Thought: An Extensive Commentary on ‘Entering into the Middle Way’ and ‘A Treatise Differentiating the Interpretable and Definitive Meanings of Sutra’.

Most conflicts in today’s world are man-made: His Holiness the Dalai Lama

By Yeshe Choesang: August 12, 2016

Thiksey, Ladakh, J&K, India — Addressing a massive gathering of devotees in Ladakh, on Tuesday, August 9, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “most of the conflicts in today’s world are man-made. Discrimination on a basis of caste, creed, region, religion, literate, illiterate, rich, poor, etc. has been its major cause”. “Even the ecological imbalance and the consequences being faced by people are the results of ego and negligence”, he added.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate stressed on the need to think on an individual level, keeping human as base and urged upon everyone to keep cordial relationship with others starting right from one’s family, then neighbours, society, country and world at last.

Since we all want to be happy and avoid suffering we need to know what needs to be abandoned and what needs to be cultivated in order to fulfill these aspirations. To bring about a transformation we need to apply the teaching within ourselves and in order to do that we need to listen and learn what’s involved.

His Holiness went on to stress that Buddhists today need to be 21st century Buddhists: understanding the Buddha’s teachings even in the context of rapid material development.

He reiterated that 21st century Buddhist should base their religion on study, understanding, discipline, knowledge, experimentation and implementation.

“Buddhism will not survive long if it remains dependent on blind faith and devotion but if it’s made study based then Buddhism has a very long way to go,” quipped His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

He said that compassion, respect and kindness are the foundations of every religion and our thoughts and actions should focus on the welfare of all sentient beings. “Today most of the conflicts are religion based which is a matter of great concern and my commitment is to promote religious harmony in the world”, he added.

The spiritual leader of Tibet consecrated the

inaugural ceremony of the new temple hall and Thiksay Yarchos Chenmo at Thiksey monastery in Ladakh, J&K, India, 10 August 2016.

It is for the third consecutive year that Yarchos Chenmo, summer festival of Dharma debate, is being held in Leh, first by Likir monastery followed by Spituk monastery last year and Thiksey monastery this year. The festival has been initiated on the suggestion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to inculcate a habit of debate and discussion on Buddha Dharma among monks, nuns and school students for scientific understanding of Buddhist religion and its experimented implementation.

On Wednesday morning, August 10, His Holiness greeted the local people of Ladakh and told them that they should understand the word ‘Dharma’ refers to making a spiritual transformation within ourselves by putting the teaching into practice.

“Since you’ve gathered here to listen to a Buddhist discourse, you should understand that the word ‘Dharma’ refers to making a spiritual transformation within ourselves by putting the teaching into practice.

You can’t expect to make such transformation just on the basis of wishes or prayers. It will only come about by integrating the teaching within ourselves.

The source of our problems is our disturbing emotions.

“Usually, when I teach the Dharma, I do so in two steps. First, I give a general introduction and then I explain how to do the practice. Today, I have chosen to teach the exalted Nagarijuna’s text ‘A Commentary on the Awakening Mind’ (Skt: Bodhichittavivarana) by way of introduction, followed by Jowo Atisha Dipamkara Shrijnana’s ‘A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment’ (Skt: Bodhipathapradipa).”

His Holiness remarked that the main theme of the text is the generation of conventional and ultimate bodhichitta. He stressed their cultivation on a daily basis, for without them, our Dharma practice and deity yoga practice mean nothing.

If bodhichitta is our principal practice, all obstacles will be eliminated and all virtues accrued.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama waving to the crowd on his arrival to the teaching ground at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh, India on August 9, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

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August 15, 2016

TPI NEWS

Back Page Focus

Tibetan monk jailed after solo protest calling for Freedom in Tibet

By Yeshe Choesang: August 01, 2016

Dharamshala — A Tibetan monk has been sentenced to three years of imprisonment for staging a lone protest against the Chinese government last year.

Jampal Gyatso, 21, was sentenced recently by People’s Intermediate Court in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan Province, a Tibetan living in exile told the Tibet Post International (TPI).

“Family members and relatives were not allowed to attend the trial and denied to hire legal representation for him. There is no information about his current health conditions,” TPI source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Ven Jampal Gyatso who was arrested by Chinese police on September 9, 2015 after being held in detention for nearly a year,” the source said, adding that “His current conditions remain unknown.”

TPI had previously reported the Chinese police arrest of Ven Gyatso, a 21-year old Tibetan monk, who took to the main street of Ngaba town, carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” and shouted slogans calling for “freedom for Tibetans.”

In a brief video footage received by the TPI from inside Tibet, Gyatso is seen walking along the streets of Ngaba County town, holding aloft a huge portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, hurled prayer flags into the air

and raising slogans for “freedom in Tibet”.

Gyatso, a native of village no. 3 of Meruma town, Ngaba County in Amdho Region of north-eastern Tibet Tibet.

Kirti Monastery has been the scene of repeated selfimmolations and other protests by monks, former monks, and nuns opposed to Chinese rule.

The Ngaba area has been under military lock-down

since major protests were held in the area following the spread of protests across the Tibetan plateau beginning in March, 2008.

The Chinese authorities are clamping down on the contents of popular social media, and particularly on the posting of photos, videos, and text that could be considered to be anti-China.

efforts were to no avail and he couldn’t go to the hospital because he had no money.

While six of the monks were released on Jan 19, three were still being held, with one named Khenrab Tharchin being treated especially harshly,’ the sources said, adding that he was first detained at a facility in Shigatse but later moved to Chushul prison

on the outskirts of Lhasa.

Lobsang Jinpa, one of the released monks, was expelled from the monastery, while the other two were allowed to remain, but under stringent conditions against engaging in political activities.

The monastery itself was also reported to have been placed under severe restrictions.

Political prisoner who opposed “re-education” campaign in Tibet dies

By Yeshe Choesang: August 10, 2016

Dharamshala — A Tibetan political prisoner, died on Monday, August 7, in central Tibet.

“The monk, Khenrab Tharchin, died as a result of intense mistreatment by the Chinese authorities while in prison,” a source told the Tibet Post International (TPI).

“His condition never improved after he was released, and he remained bedridden until he took his last breath on Monday,” a local source told TPI on Tuesday, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Tharchin was 40 years old at the time of his death. He was arrested in 2008 because he refused to participate in what the Chinese called “patriotic reeducation campaign,” a campaign whose aims were to control the Buddhist religious practices and eventually eradicate it completely, to suppress support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and to eliminate the notion of an autonomous and free Tibet.

Tharchin was jailed by Chinese authorities for five years for protesting against the Chinese “patriotic education” campaign. He was a Buddhist monk of Shelkar Monastery in Dingri County of Cenrtal Tibet.

Tharchin stood up against this campaign and several monks followed him. In response, the Chinese authorities raided their monastery (Dingri Shelkar), arrested 13 monks, and took them to unknown locations.

Tharchin was released in 2013 but was gravely ill from the torturing and beatings by the Chinese authorities. He tried all sorts of medicines but his

Dharamshala — The United States has condemned the Chinese government for the demolition of Larung Gar, one of biggest Buddhist institutions at Serta County in Eastern Tibet.

“We are concerned that Chinese authorities initiated the demolition of residences at Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute without the consent of the institute’s leaders,” State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters at her daily news conference yesterday.

“We urge authorities 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,” she said in response to a question.

Larung Gar is said to be one of the biggest Tibetan Buddhist institutions in the world. Chinese officials began demolishing many of the monastic homes last month.

Dr Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong or the democratically elected political leader of Tibet also condemned China for the demolition of Serta Larung Gar, saying its an “unfortunate” act by China, which is against the basic religious freedom.

Speaking to ANI, Sangay said, “It is clearly a double standard by the Chinese Government, which says something and does something else. On the one hand, China says there is a religious freedom and showcase some kind of teachings by some Lama, while on the other hand, it destroys buildings where monks and nuns reside in Larung Gar complex.”

“Serta Larung Gar is one of the largest Buddhist complexes and to see the destruction of those buildings, where these monks and nuns and lay people, including Chinese displace reside, is very unfortunate and against the basic religious freedom that the Chinese government claims to protect and provide,” he added.

Monks and nuns have watched helplessly as Chinese demolition teams have rolled into Serta, Karze County

Dharamshala — Speaking at a gathering of Tibetan officials and staff, in Dharamshala, India, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay Monday said “Tibetans inside Tibet have shown immense strength and unity in protecting the religion, culture and environment of Tibet.”

O ff i c i a l s a n d s t a ff o f t h e C e n t r a l Ti b e t a n Administration (CTA) gathered at Nyatri hall, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, India, on August 8, to listen Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of Tibet.

Sikyong spoke about the status of Tibet and of Central Tibetan Administration in the light of recent global events and the political dynamics. “ Ti b e t a n s i n s i d e Ti b e t a r e s a c r i f i c i n g t h e i r precious lives to protest the wrong policies of the Chinese government. In spite of Chinese repression and control over their daily lives,” the political leader said.

“Tibetans inside Tibet have shown immense strength and unity in protecting the religion, culture and environment of Tibet,” Dr Sangay said,

adding: “We must also reinforce our commitment and efforts as a responsible member of the Central Tibetan Administration.”

Sikyong strongly called on the entire staff and officials of the CTA, to forge a united effort to realise both the short and long term goals of the Tibetan people, said an official post on Monday, citing the elected political leader of Tibetan people.

“The five-fifty strategy calls for a renewed effort in the Tibetan people’s struggle to seek genuine autonomy in the next five years while strategising to strengthen and sustain the Tibetan movement over the next fifty years,” Sikyong said while reiterating the strategy of five-fifty and outlining the policies and plans of the 15th Kashag.

“If Tibetans are able to survive, strengthen and sustain the Tibetan administration in the next 50 years, it will be able to restore basic freedom of the Tibetan people,” he added, while providing the prospects of changes in China.

Sikyong also spoke about the political developments in China, developments in the international political scenario, prospective changes in the coming years and its possible impact on the Tibetan movement.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the officials and staff of Central Tibetan Administration on the policies of 15th Kashag, at Nyatri hall, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, India, on August 8, 2016. Photo: CTA/DIIR

Tibetan Buddhist mon Khenrab Tharchin in an undated photo. Photo: TPI

US condemns China over demolition of a Buddhist institute in Tibet

By Yangchen Dolma: August 09, 2016

Current situation inside Tibet is extremely critical, says Sikyong

By Yeshe Choesang: August 09, 2016

Jampal Gyatso walking along the streets of Ngaba County town, holding aloft a huge portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – and raising slogans for “freedom in Tibet”, September 9, 2015. Photo: TPI

The Tibet Post International

and begun tearing down their homes at the Larung Gar institution, one of the world’s largest monastic institutions with a population of over ten thousand Buddhist practitioners.

The demolitions come after an initial government order was issued in June demanding that “by September 30, 2017 the population of the encampment must be limited to 5,000 persons”. The local authorities have marked up a map which indicates areas where homes are permitted and areas where they will be demolished.

Around 1,400 houses are set to be demolished in the first wave and they are primarily nuns’ homes and hostels belonging to elderly people.

No explanation for the demolitions was given in the order other than saying it is part of ‘correction and rectification

obligations’. It further states: “Residences of those expelled since 2013, illegal new residences, residences that have become old age homes and nuns’ hostels, a total of 1,500, will be demolished at one go”.

A similar crackdown at Serta Larung Gar was reported in 2001 and thousands of homes were dismantled by over 500 armed police and military personnel. Witnesses at the time said that huts were demolished with possessions and shrines still inside and demolition teams were seen to drag elderly and disabled residents out of their homes before destroying their homes, in some cases demolitions began while the owners were still inside. This crackdown is believed to have led to the expulsion of 8,000 practitioners and the demolition of 1,874 monastic residences and 2,000 meditation huts.

Director of the Office of Press Relations Elizabeth Trudeau leads the Daily Press Briefing at the Department of State. Photo: U.S. Department of State