Nelson Mandela
Outspoken Tibetan Writer rearrested.. Page 5 Vol. 01, Issue 36, 15 February 2011
Cremation: Holy Body in Nepal
Hospitalised....
I n t e r n a t i o n a l B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin
Bi-Monthly
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"We Have Faith in India and Democracy" Tibet's Activist
By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
On the 5th February His Eminence the Sakya Gongma Rinpoche travelled to Nepal to the main Buddhist stupa and on the morning of the 7th of February he attended the ceremony for the cremation of his tutor, Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: TPI
Kathmandu, Nepal: On the 7th February was cremated the holy body of Aped Rinpoche, senior tutor of His Eminence the Sakya Gongma Rinpoche, in the schoolyard of the National Buddhism University in Nepal. On the 5th February His Eminence the Sakya Gongma Rinpoche travelled to Nepal to the main Buddhist stupa and on the morning of the 7th of Continues on Page 8
Religious discourse in Taiwan
Rinpoche gave the teaching in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Tibet.net
Taipei: Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama based in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan organised a religious discourse on "Parting from the four attachments" by Sakya Dungsei Ratna Vajra Rinpoche on the evening of 10 and 11 February in Taipei. This is the 9th teaching series by eminent religious figures from different traditions of Tibetan Buddhism organised by the Foundation Continues on Page 7
Dharamshala: Thousands of devotees including Tibetans, Indians, nuns and monks gathered on Wednesday in a peaceful show of solidarity and support for His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Lama, making their way in procession from McLeod Ganj to the Gyuto Tantric University and Monastery, a distance of more than 20km. The Monastery, where the Karmapa was set to address the congregation of followers, also attracted several intrigued foreigners as well as participants representing the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA), the Gu Chu Sum Movement of Tibet, the National Democratic Party of Tibet, and the Students for a Free Tibet. The event on Wednesday was led by Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue, who spoke in Tibetan, Hindi and English to the many and varied supporters gathered in front of the monastery. "This is not a protest; we are not against anybody. (...) We are the devotees of the Karmapa," he explained, describing the gathering as a ‘spontaneous response of the people' to show their support, faith and love to the Karmapa and also to India. During his brief two-minute address the Karmapa showed a calm optimism as he reassured his audience of his faith in the Indian system, urging
Thousands of devotees including Tibetans, Indians, nuns and monks a peaceful show of solidarity and support for His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Lama, Dharamshala, India on 2 February 2011. Photo: TPI
them in Tibetan: "Let the investigating agencies do their work. Truth will prevail." Refuting the 'baseless' accusations against the Karmapa, Tsundue proclaimed that his supporters had "come here with the conviction that our Karmapa is not a Chinese spy, we have come here
In Tibet, Many People Don’t Eat Meat the First Day of Losar
with this conviction." In relation to the allegations he also had this encouraging message: "We should look at this not as a problem, we should look at this as a test of our love and compassion. This is the teaching of His Holiness the Karmapa." Continues on Page 6
Australia Braces for Cyclone
Cyclone Yasi's infrared satellite image. Photo: File
Dharamshala: Authorities in Cairns, located in the state of Queensland in Northern Australia, have been evacuating residents from their homes ahead of the level 5 Cyclone Yasi expected to hit at around midnight (AEST) tonight. Over 30 000 people have been relocated and the city's evacuation centres have now reached
Singer freed from Chinese Jail
See on Page 12
Egypt President Mubarak Resigns
By Ye-Rinne Park, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Tashi Dhondup, a famous singer from Amdo province in Tibet, received a hero's welcome as he arrived home after a year in a forced labour camp. Chinese authorities arrested him for the lyrics on his second album, ‘Torture without wounds', which spoke of "The pain that there is no freedom in the land of Tibet/The pain that the heritage of our ancestors has been taken away," a clear reference to China's invasion of 1950. "These songs ... contained serious provocative themes," wrote the Re-Education Through Labor Committee according to Radio Free Asia. Tashi Dhondup had already been detained in 2008, after the release of his first album, which was qualified as "counter-revolutionary" by China. During his detention, police beat him severely.
March 16th and 17th, protests by Tibetans in Tsolho, Rebkong (ch: Tongren), Amdo Tibet. Photo: TPI/file By Ye-rinne Park, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Many writers and bloggers from inside and outside Tibet criticise people from Amdho, eastern Tibet, saying that they celebrate Chinese New Year instead of Tibetan Losar (New Year). The Tibet Post International asked Kanyag Tsering, a monk from Kirti monastery (Dharamshala), about this topic. This year, Tibetan Losar wasn't celebrated as usual. According to Tibetan traditions, people sing and dance with much noise. People didn't do that this year, and neither did they visit their families, neighbours and relatives. This year, Tibetans did dance and sing, but in a quiet way, and the main reason was to keep the tradition and the Tibetan
culture alive. On the first day of Losar, people also usually burn incense in the early morning and play with firecrackers, but this didn't happen this year. Last year, one of the Lamas from Ngapa, Kirti Rinpoche, asked people not to eat meat during Losar. That's why many people from places like Ngapa, Zoige and Barkam didn't have meat at that time. Many people say that Amdho Losar is Chinese Losar... I don't know much about astrology. But I can say Amdo Losar is not Chinese Losar. Some years the dates happen to be similar, even with the Lhasa Continues on Page 5
A furious wave of protest swept Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak from power on Friday after 30 years of one-man rule, sparking jubilation on the streets and sending a warning to autocrats across the Arab world and beyond. Photo: Free Malaysia Today By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Weeks of protest in Egypt's capital city Cairo and other cities across the nation were brought to an end Friday (11 February) with the Continues on Page 9
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TPI OPINIONS AND COLUMNS
15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
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China Steals Tibet Natural Resources; Another Genocide YC. Dhardhowa E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com
Dharamshala: The one-sided policy has robbed the Tibetans of their basis for cultural identity; causing the loss of their language in their homeland and commerce in dealings with communist authority, their culture, and now they're facing a natural resource genocide. Tibetans have completely lost the right to independently practice their beloved Buddhism and adherence to their traditional way of life, they've lost their once sacred, pristine environment, and their confidence as a people, for they're truly treated as third class citizens in their own country under Han Chinese occupation.
world. So far, over 3,000 mine beds, deposits or mineralised sites with as many as 102 types of minerals were discovered in the so called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Chinese official media has reported, quoting officials from the regional bureau of land and resources. What sweetness of words for the Han Chinese? When an occupying power exploits the resources of the occupied land at the expense of the original inhabitants, it builds itself on the ruins of what it has destroyed, and such theft of resources is obvious, even when the occupier tries to hide its actions behind
A Chinese security man holding an electric baton intimidate Tibetans protesting against the government’s rampant mining in Shigatse: Tibet Net
"There is evidence the Chinese people in Tibet are increasing month by month," the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has told international communities on various occasions, calling the population shift a "form of cultural genocide"; contented and confident people causing Tibetan marginalization by mass migration, which will render his homeland's people an insignificant minority. A minority that can be basically overlooked and ignored, for the Han Chinese or authorities of the communist regime hold all the power; economic, military, financial and political. The Han Chinese "reasoning" goes, that once Tibetans no longer exist as a distinct people, and their land is settled with a majority of Han Chinese, China will have "legitimized" their illegal occupation and annexation of Tibet that has a separate National Integration in the History of
noble principles. This malfeasance is made worse by claiming that the benefits in question are a financial gain for the communist regime. When such wrongdoing is compounded even further by acts of genocide against the Tibetan people, killing thousands and dispossessing hundreds of thousands in acts of ethnic cleansing, the situation is very serious indeed. According to various news reports, the mineral resources in the Himalayan region have an estimated potential value up to 600 billion yuan (USD 100 billion). Among the variety of mineral reserves, Tibet is reported to have large chromium and cuprum (copper) far higher than other regions of mainland China. Twelve other mineral reserves rank among the top five across the whole country. Reading this has truly incensed me, because it lays bare the motivations of the Chinese government for the world to
see. Knowing about the genocide of the Tibetan people and their culture identity, how can the world do so much business with this country knowing what their government is doing? It boggles the mind. The Communist leaders are corrupt, they deplore freedom of speech, and they do not care for the people, the environment, nor the spiritual ties this land has to those who live there. Imagine the damage to the environment their 21 highway project will cause. Imagine the damage to the land with all the aqueducts and other means of stealing Tibet's natural resources, particularly mineral water, and excuses they will come up with to not have to be responsible for what they are doing in their own country. It is no wonder no date has been set for their latest scheme. It should bring international condemnation to them for their blatant attempt to ravage Tibet and other holy places of their resources particularly their water, and take the identity of their people away just for their own profit. Legal or illegal? China has invited many companies and transnational oil giants including BP and Shell to explore for oil and gas equivalents after realising that its own companies lacked the expertise known to drill in a region known for its complex geology. Regarding my past 25 years of watching this experiment on my homeland, I feel that Tibetans are unable to exercise their economic rights to determine how their resources are utilised. They live in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation where opposition to an unsuitable project such as hydrocarbon extraction would have dire consequences. Perhaps one of the most controversial Chinese plans to tap Tibetan resources to date is China's new water scheme, labelled the "big Western line". Tibetan natural resources should be considered a similar issue to "blood diamonds", the term which refers to the conflict over criminally obtained diamonds; sold to finance serious violent acts including genocide and human rights abuses. The blood diamond trade has been recognised as a global problem, with illegal organisations in a wide range of nations benefiting from the trade of these diamonds. Tibet is a case in point. China's extraordinarily repressive human rights abuses against the Tibetan people, combined with its efforts to exploit Tibet on a colonial mode include policies such as capital punishment, the one-child policy, the social status of Tibetans, and lack of protections regarding freedom of press and religion. The Tibet natural resource trade plays a similar role and is a global problem, with dictator and communist states around the world in a wide range of nations benefiting from the trade of these resources, including Tibetan water. In 1998, China signed the three covenants comprising the International Bill of Rights, but it is still far from implementing these domestically and in Tibet. Individual and collective rights abuses continue to challenge the Tibetan people in their daily lives and in the future survival of their unique cultural identity. Over 1.2 million Tibetans have been killed or have died under Chinese occupation. The communist regime systematically destroyed the many hundreds of years old culture of Tibet, with only 8 monasteries out of 6259 surviving to 1976. From 600.000 monks 110.000 have been tortured or killed, about 250.000 have been forced to renounce their faith and over 100.000 Tibetans including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama have been forced to leave their homeland.
The Tibet Post
The Super Bowl Advert that Shouldn’t have Divided Opinion
By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
London: The Super Bowl, possibly one of the last places you would expect to see the Potala Palace or hear about Tibetan culture being at peril. Yet a 30 second advert by money saving website, Groupon, thrust Tibet into the living rooms of over 111 million Americans. On the face of it such a huge viewership attention on Tibet should be seen as an immense boost to the Tibetan cause. However, the controversial nature of the advert has not only received a backlash from Tibetans but from Chinese nationals also. The advert itself, for those who haven't seen it yet, begins akin to a Chinese propaganda film with archetypal pictures of Tibet, including Tibetan girls in traditional dress, Buddhist monks and the Potala Place. During these shots the actor, Timothy Hutton narrates saying, "Mountainous Tibet - one of the most beautiful places in the world. This is Timothy Hutton. The people of Tibet are in trouble. Their very culture is in jeopardy." The first instance I saw the advert, I thought that perhaps it was a free Tibet campaign advertisement. This illusion was swiftly shattered as the images from Tibet were juxtaposed with Hutton sat in the Himalayan Restaurant in Chicago, finishing his plea with, "But they still whip up an amazing fish curry, and since 200 of us bought at Groupon.com we're each getting $30 worth of Tibetan food for just $15." The advert was intended to be a comedic highlighting of society, Groupon itself has admitted that it failed, it's CEO stated, "We thought we were poking fun at ourselves, but clearly the execution was off and the joke didn't come through." They have since pulled the advert, but its lasting effect will linger on. People all over the world have voiced their opinions, one American blogger labeled the incident "Groupon's 2 for 1 Super Bowl Special: Offend both China and Tibet Activists". The outbursts by Chinese nationals have highlighted a defensive nature with one Chinese blogger calling Groupon, "the second Google" and another adding, "want to enter China market now? Dreaming!" Tibetan organizations have been equally appalled, Tibet Fund called the advert "highly offensive" and Students for a Free Tibet described it as in, "poor taste and struck a chord of dissonance in many people." Despite all the negative comments and the offensive undertones of the advert for this precise reason it has done great things for the free Tibet cause. As soon as the advert aired social media sites erupted with Twitter, Facebook and YouTube flooding in with mentions of Tibet and support for the Tibetan cause.
Throughout the social networking sites there has been immense debate generated, by people who are either loyal Tibet supporters or someone brand new to the cause, the debate created supporters. The advert created unprecedented media attention as all major American news outlets published articles concerning the advert, with descriptions of the Tibetan cause. Rarely does Tibet feature in Western news without police crackdowns, protests or bloodshed happening inside Tibet. The advert galvanized the Tibetan community across the West to stand up for Tibet, some supporters become idle when there is nothing mention in the media, as they forget that Tibetans are constantly in need of help, however, this debate has caused many people to once again speak out for Tibet. In the defense of the Groupon website, they have chosen to help the Tibetan community through this action which, may well have cost them the Chinese market. The advert cost an alleged $3 million for only 30 seconds of screen time and 13 seconds of the advert is solely about the Tibetan cause, so in my personal view Groupon should not be ridiculed but applauded for this advert. It is clear that Groupon was not attempting to mock the human rights violations in Tibet but to link the issues with a business that helps you save money, while still keeping it light enough for people watching the Super Bowl to enjoy. They walked a tightrope made of glass by trying to link such a serious cultural dilemma with humour and unsurprisingly they failed to please everyone, however, as the ad firm that created the advert said on Twitter, "pretend to be upset by our Groupon ad, but we got people talk about Tibet." Groupon also donates money to the Tibet Fund through offering to match any donation completed on its website to the Tibet Fund's new Business Process Outsourcing project. The advert may well have been ignorant in its creation with the Himalayan Restaurant in Chicago not actually being Tibetan and the mountain used in the advert not being in Tibet but from the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, India, but I truly believe that it had good intentions at heart. As Groupon says in its blog "we took this approach knowing that, if anything they would bring more funding and support to the highlighted cause," and it has succeeded. It may well have been an business nightmare but it was a Tibetan campaigners dream; Tibet in the spotlight for millions to see, open and public debate, huge media attention and new supporters. 30 seconds of advertisement that created a new chapter for Tibet in the West.
The Tibet Post
TPI H.H. THE DALAI LAMA
Tibet's Leader Reaffirms Commitment to Lead His People
His Holiness the Dalai Lama (c), Gaj Singh, former ruler of Jodhpur (2nd R), Chandresh Kumari, MP, Lok Sabha (2nd L) during a programme in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Photo: Tibet Net By Tibetan government official media: Tibet Net
Jaipur: Reaffirming his responsibility towards the issue of Tibet as one of his three commitments, Tibet's spiritual and political leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said as a Tibetan he cannot forsake his people and responsibility towards finding a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet. His Holiness assures Tibetans not to worry. His Holiness was addressing over 2,000 people on the ethics for the new millennium in Jaipur on Saturday. The talk was jointly organised by Santokba
Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Research Institute and Barefoot College at Clarks Ajmer hotel. His Holiness the Dalai Lama reiterated that the Tibetan side is not seeking separation from the People's Republic of China. His Holiness also denied allegations made by the Chinese leadership that the Tibetan side is seeking "Great Tibet". "We have never demanded "Greater Tibet". China calls Tibet as Xizang. The Tibetan people living in exile, out of the
total 6 million population, came from different parts of Tibet, including Kham and Amdo Provinces. But the Chinese government still calls Tibet as Xizang, which means the Western side. If Xizang is considered as the only part of Tibet, then I would ceased to be a Tibetan because Kham and Amdo are not within this region. So the Chinese government's accusations that, the Tibetan side is demanding a "Greater Tibet" with Tibetan areas in Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan, is just to gain political mileage," His Holiness said. His Holiness also encourage people at the individual, family and society levels to promote positive human values and religious harmony. "Religious harmony and ethical human values are not something to be delivered by the government, these should be build by the individuals at the family and society and spread to national and international levels. Describing most of the problems in this world as man-made, His Holiness said solutions to these problems lies with us. "The progress in science and technology has brought great benefit. On the other hand, weapons like nuclear arsenals capable of destroying the world were also developed. Even though the past century witnessed two world wars, the capability for destruction was limited and low. But it would be more destructive if wars are fought in the present 21st century," His Holiness said. The promotion of human values is not just a political issue, the values like love and compassion are extremely important parts associated to the development of our body, His Holiness said.
Tibet Issues Are Also Issues of India: His Holiness the Dalai Lama
To commemorate His Holiness the Dalai Lama's arrival to Dharamshala 50 years ago, the Central Tibetan Administration in exile today organized a ‘Thank you Himachal Pradesh' event at the main temple in Dharamshala. Photo: TPI By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: - The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, religious and political leader of Tibet and its people His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on Monday, has said that Tibet issues are also Indian's issues, his deep-rooted relationship with India would not be affected by recent developments, including that of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa controversy and also in the current political context of India's relationship with China. Since the 8th century, Tibet flourished after the introduction of Buddhism whose origin is in India." Tibet's leader said that there are six million people in Tibet who are controlled by China but 99 per cent of the population looks
towards India. His Holiness said the Tibetan population has put in a lot of trust in him. Addressing the crowd on "Ethics for the new Millennium" at the D.D. Kosambi Festival of Ideas 2011 in India's commercial city Goa on Monday, His Holiness was answering a specific question whether he was concerned about the implications of the recent controversy and about the otherwise "growing feeling of inconvenience about his relationship which existed over decades" with India. His Holiness said that the incident would in no way impede relations between India and Tibet, which he said were not
just decades old, but went down thousands of years. "The relation between India and Tibet is that of 'GuruChela', India is Tibet's guru... We have developed a special relationship. This will not be affected in any way," the spiritual leader said, adding that "Tibet's issues are also India's issues". "Our relationship is not just a matter of a few decades, but a few thousand years. I view this relationship like the 'GuruChela' relationship in the greatest Indian tradition - India our guru and we its Chelas." The Tibet's leader recalled a letter addressed to him by Morarji Desai in response to his congratulatory letter wherein he had described India and Tibet as two branches of one Buddhist tree and said, "the tree grew in India and spread its branch to Tibet. That is the basic sort of relationship with this country." The Nobel Peace Prize winner said that compared to other nations India was stable because of democracy and independent judiciary. His Holiness also asked the media to play a responsible role. "People in media have a special role to play. They can stop the wrong doings," he said and added that media should have a long nose like an elephant and should be able to smell things which are beyond the superficial reality. Media should investigate thoroughly and inform truthfully in an unbiased manner, he advised. Indian politicians should have the spirit of the freedom fighters, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Speaking about attaining happiness, Tibetan leader said that it is
15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
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Tibetan Leader Preaches 'Concept of We and Dialogue' in Rajasthan
Local Indians seek blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the latter's visit to a monastery in Doeguling Tibetan settlement in Mundgod, Karnataka, on 4 February 2011. Tibet Net By Tibetan government official media: Tibet net
Jodhpur: Interacting with students on India's precious Nalanda tradition in Jodhpur yesterday, His Holiness the Dalal Lama underlined the importance of "nurturing the concept of dialogue and understanding to resolve problems in today's world". "The 20th century was a very significant period in the human history as it brought about tremendous progress in science and technology. But, during the same century, around 200 million people were killed in two world wars," His Holiness said. Describing today's young students as the generation of 21st century, His Holiness said there would always be problems in this world as long as the humanity exists, so we must resolve these through dialogue and mutual understanding. Speaking on the concept of one world, His Holiness said the humanity has only one world. The moon, described as another good home, exists only in some beautiful poetic abstraction and it cannot sustain us. His Holiness said the concepts of "we" against "they" and "victory for us and defeat for others" are now outdated. "Now is the appropriate moment to nurture a concept and sense of "we as one" among all the people living in this single world," he said.
not mere money but sincerity, love and compassion that creates happiness and harmony, the 21st century should be known as the century of dialogue. "For thousands of years India has been a messenger of 'Ahimsa' [Peace] and religious harmony. This itself is a message to the world," said the spiritual leader. His Holiness told the Indian journalists that 17th Gyalwang Karmapa's issue was the result of "the carelessness of some attendants" and called it "a mistake and nothing serious" to have any consequences on their long-standing relationship with India and the future of the Tibetan community in India. Two officials from institute of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, last week moved a Himachal Pradesh court seeking anticipatory bail over the seizure of about Rs.7 crore in foreign and Indian currency at the Gyudto Tantric University located in Sidhpur near Dharamshala.
"The birth of European Union has reinforced this concept as the countries get benefit to live as one family rather than standing apart," he added. "Similarly, it would be in the Tibetan people's economic interest to live with the People's Republic of China," His Holiness said. His Holiness the Dalai Lama also reiterated his life-long commitments promotion of human values and religious harmony and resolution of Tibet issue. His Holiness said inner happiness can be brought only through the promotion of positive human values such as love, compassion, understanding and tolerance. India's millenia-old tradition of religious harmony and non-violence has immense relevance in today's world, he said. His Holiness said India and Tibet share a relationship of teacher and student. The Tibetans are reliable students, as in the face of ups and downs faced by Buddhism in India, they have been successfully preserving and promoting the Buddha's teachings originated from the ancient Nalanda tradition. "I feel satisfied to witness how students undertake Buddhist study in the Tibetan monasteries in southern India. There are over 10,000 monks and 1,000 nuns in India and they are putting shoulder to the wheel in studying the wisdom of Nalanda tradition," His Holiness said on his recent visit to Karnataka. His Holiness delivered the talk at the request of Aravalli Institute of Management. Maharaj Gaj Singh, the former ruler of Jodhpur, who has invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Rajasthan, also attended the talk. The day earlier, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was accorded grand welcome on his arrival in Jodhpur. Representatives of the royal family, members of Tibetan Parliament, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok and members of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Group and Tibetan shopkeeper's association received His Holiness at the airport. Hundreds of Tibetans waited outside the airport to greet him. His Holiness then proceeded towards the royal residence, where the royal couple received him. in Marwari royal traditions. At the royal residence, he was welcomed as per Marwari royal traditions before entering the palace. He was then received into the palace and was accommodated in a specially set up room, where he will be spending 3 days.
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15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
TPI INTERNATIONAL
New Zealand Found ChineseTibetan Friendship Association
From left) Ms Dadon, the Chinese liaison officer at the Office of Tibet in Australia, at the inauguration of the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association in Auckland, New Zealand, on 6 January 2011. Photo: Tibet Information Office Australia By James Dunn, The Tibet Post Europe
London: New Zealand, this week, joined the growing number of countries establishing ChineseTibetan Friendship Associations. The organisation hopes to bridge the gap between China and Tibet to strengthen better understanding between the two communities and to promote peace and stability in China and Tibet. Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association began in July 2008, with the launch of the Australian branch. His Holiness the Dalai Lama suggested during his visit to Australia
suggested the formation of a Friendship Association between the Han Chinese and the Tibetans, to promote harmonious society. Based on this suggestion, Mr Tenzin Atisha, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia, announced formation of the Friendship Association of Han Chinese and Tibetans on 6 July, during the celebration of the 73rd birthday of His Holiness. Since the Australian association many other countries, including Japan and Europe have also followed suit and
U.S. Official to Visit Tibetan Refugee Settlements
formed additional Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Associations. The newly formed association intends to uphold similar objectives as Ms Dadon, the Chinese liaison officer at the Office of Tibet in Canberra explained, " The newly formed association would help to strengthen efforts to bring a mutually beneficial solution to the issue of Tibet through the Middle-Way policy, and to clear doubts and misunderstandings between the Chinese and Tibetan peoples." The New Zealand branch of the growing phenomena was formed voluntarily by a group of educated Chinese and Tibetans living in Auckland. It was officially launched at their first event on February 6th. Around 30 people, consisting of members of the local Chinese and Tibetan communities, Tibet supporters, Chinese liaison officer of the Office of Tibet in Australia, editor of a Chinese newspaper in Auckland and journalists, attended the function. Chen Weijian, the association's vicepresident and a long time Chinese supporter of Tibet, said: "The ChineseTibetan Friendship Association in New Zealand has been instituted in accordance to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's advice on the need for such an association to foster friendship and trust between the two communities. The association would make efforts to facilitate better understanding amongst the Chinese people about the issue of Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visions." Mr Rinchen, president of the association, addressed the gathering on the association's objectives and its future plan of action. "The Chinese government is making different deceitful schemes and propaganda to sow discord and obstacles between the Chinese and Tibetan peoples. We need to make efforts to clear our doubts and misunderstandings through the MiddleWay policy envisioned and endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people respectively." Mr. Rinchen concluded by adding that both countries events would be commemorated and celebrated together, including His Holiness' birthday, Tibetan National Uprising Day and Chinese democracy movement day.
The Tibet Post
China Activist Chen Guangcheng 'Under House Arrest'
Chen Guangcheng. photo: File By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: High-profile human rights activist Chen Guangcheng has spoken out against the Chinese government in a secret video released by US-based campaign group 'China Aid', claiming to be under house arrest. The hour-long video shows security guards outside Chen's home looking in at he and his wife, as Chen claims to have been confined to his home since his release from prison in September, with his phones cut off and any visitors threatened and blocked from entering. The activist then reveals "I cannot take even half a step out of my house. My wife is not allowed to leave either. Only my mother can go out and buy food to keep us going." China Aid says it received the video from an "anonymous government friend within China". The Chinese government has not yet confirmed the state of house arrest and it is unlikely that they will do so, as such a detention would be illegal. Chen, a blind lawyer, was imprisoned for four years on charges of damaging property and disrupting traffic after accusing authorities of carrying out over 7,000 forced abortions and sterilisations, and also offering legal aid to the victims. He had been arbitrarily detained in 2005
after his investigative findings into family planning abuses were published on the internet and by the foreign press. He and his family was surrounded in their home and he received threats from authorities about the consequences he would face if he did not stop his activism. Chen however refused, and soon afterwards 'disappeared' from his Shandong province home. Authorities waited three months to admit to having him in custody, during which time it is alleged by Chen that he was mistreated and threatened in prison. Legal representatives and other experts were also warned against being involved with his case. His lawyer Li Jinsong has been questioned and harassed numerous times by police and has received anonymous phone calls warning that he was "seeking death" in choosing to represent Mr. Chen. Reports have arisen of various other lawyers and individuals being beaten following attempts to visit Mr. Chen and villagers were also imprisoned for peacefully supporting him. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last month called for Mr. Chen's release along with that of imprisoned Nobel Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.
Liberian War Crimes Trial Loses Defence By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
Valerie Jarrett, one of President Barack Obama's top advisers, second left, talks to U.S. Under Secretary of State Maria Otero, third left, after receiving ceremonial scarves during a visit to the Tibetan Children's Village School in Dharmsala, India, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. Photo: File photo By James Dunn, The Tibet Post Europe
London: US Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero, is set to visit the Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe, Tuesday (08 February), to discuss bilateral issues and look into the situation of refugees in the region. Maria Otero, who started her tour of India, Bhutan and Nepal, Tuesday, also serves as the Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues. This is her visit to Bylakuppehe, however, she last visited Dharamshala in August 2009 shortly after her appointment to the role in June of that year. During her confirmation hearing she stated that the Obama administration was "disappointed by the lack of progress during eight rounds of talks between
the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama's representatives," adding that "substantive dialogue...holds out the best hope for progress in addressing the legitimate, longstanding, concerns of Tibetans, which have been a key factor in recent unrest." The State Department's spokesman made the following announcement on 7 February concerning the upcoming visit, "Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero will travel to India, Bhutan and Nepal from 8 - 14 February 2011. She'll will travel to southern India and New Delhi discuss bilateral coordination on global issues, visit Tibetan refugee settlements, explore cooperation to strengthen election organizations in
Dharamshala: Liberia's former president Charles Taylor has lost his defence lawyer while in the closing stages of his war crimes trial in the Hague. Mr. Taylor faces 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He is accused of arming and controlling the vicious Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in neighbouring Sierra Leone, notorious for the mutilation of thousands of civilians in the 1990s, and of selling 'blood diamonds' which he received from the rebels as payment for providing them with weapons. More than 100 witnesses have been heard during the trial, including actress Mia Farrow and supermodel Naomi Campbell, who allegedly received several uncut diamonds as a gift in 1997.
The trial began in June 2007 and is the first international trial of a former African Head of State to take place. If convicted,
Mr. Taylor will face a prison sentence in the U.K. The trial is expected to draw to a close later this year.
third countries, and consult on regional disaster management. In Nepal, Otera will hold meetings with senior Nepalese officials and civil
society representatives and engage on Tibetan refugee and trafficking in persons issues." Following her visit to India, Otero will
visit Bhutan Feb 11-12 to discuss the protracted situation of the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. She will then visit Kathmandu Feb 12-14.
Liberia's former president Charles Taylor. Photo: File
TPI TIBET
The Tibet Post
Dozens Beaten, Arrested in Protests Over China's Mining in Tibet
Chinese military trucks in Shethongmon in Shigatse, TIbet, where Tibetan residents protest against the government's rampant mining
But the general public did not give into the cunning tricks and they continued to express their opposition to the mining work from 22 November till 18 December. The local government of Shethongmon sent riot police to disrupt the demonstrations, which led to verbal confrontation between the police and the protesters. The police, who were outnumbered by the protesters, tried in vain to be gentle to disperse them. "Later, a large contingent of public security bureau and armed personnel were sent from Shigatse to crackdown on the protesters. As a result, many Tibetans were severely beaten up and arrested," said the report of the exile Tibetan government-run media. Khenpo Kelsang, aged 49; Jamyang Tsering, 38; Tsewang Dorje, 37; Rigzin
Many People Don’t Eat Meat the First Day of Losar Losar. But sometimes, Chinese Losar, Amdo Losar, and also Lhssa Losar are not celebrated at the same time. This year, Chinese Losar and Amdho Losar took place on the same date, that's why people say that Amdo Losar is in fact the Chinese New Year. But it depends only on astrology, not on what people say. This summer, many people from Tibet said we should celebrate Losar altogether, on the same date. If monasteries take this kind of decision, then people follow it without any question. But this year we didn't wait for the Lhasa Losar because we would have had to celebrate it after one more month and the traditional prayers and teachings given after Losar would have overlapped with he Uprising Day celebration. If so, Chinese would then control the gatherings and make the prayers and teachings difficult to attend. This is what happened last year. According to some people, Chinese expressed their preference for a Losar celebration based on the Amdho calendar, but I don't know if this is true or not. In Tibet, many regional channels and also the Chinese Qinghai channel keep broadcasting lots of celebrations where people seem to enjoy the festivities... I didn't watch channels from the Tibetan
autonomous region, but I watched Qinghai channel. I think that they don't only dance out of joy and happiness, but also to keep their traditions and culture. We can see many children on the television dancing and singing in a traditional way, just like elder people. If people express their admiration to those children, this will encourage them and develop their interest toward Tibetan culture and traditions. Losar is a very important time to keep our culture alive. This year, presenters from those T.V. programs also recalled the memory of people who died in Tibet because of natural disasters. They said that 2010 was an unfortunate year but that we have to go forward and celebrate a new and lucky year. From that, we can also see how Tibetan people are united. Are people dancing and singing because of Chinese government pressure? I don't think it's 100% due to the Chinese government's orders. But if Tibetans don't celebrate Losar on time, I think they might have some problems. This year, if people are not celebrating Losar, it is not because of a political matter. But the Chinese are probably thinking that this is a movement of solidarity to the victims of last summer's earthquake, and this can lead to some problems for the Tibetans.
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Outspoken Tibetan Writer Gyitsang Takmig Arrested Again By The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Kalsang Tsultrim, an outspoken Tibetan author and activist better known by his pseudonym Gyitsang Takmig arrested again on 16 December 2010, from Sang-chu County, Kanlho "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture" (‘TAP'), Gansu Province. The Public Security Bereau (PSB), of Tsoe City called him for questioning and after that they did not release him. They (PSB) continue to keep him in detention center of Tsoe city PSB, according to a report of the Dharamshala-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD). Kalsang Tsultrim was frist arrested on 27 July 2010 from Dzoge County in Sichuan Province on the basis of committing political error. He composed and distributed 2,500 VCDs discussing
By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Buddhist monks from Lingka Monastery and general public in Tamo township, Shigatse, central Tibet protested as officials and workers from a government-owned mining department approach a rich mining site near Lingka Monastery on 22 November 2010. A Tibet.net report on Friday said that the Chinese government has deployed a large number of riot police and security forces to clampdown on Tibetans who are protesting against its rampant exploitation of mineral resources in Shethongmon county in Shigatse, central Tibet. As the protesters tried to stop the mining work, the officials of the mining department and local government attempted to cajole them to continue the extraction work.
15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
Pema, 35 and Jamyang Rigsang, 34, were among the monks of Lingka Monastery arrested following the crackdown. Around 12 Tibetans from the lay community were also arrested, out of which two were released. The rest are still in detention centres near Shigatse and in Shethongmon county. Such cases of forcible mineral extraction by the Chinese government against the will of the Tibetan people is not new in Shigatse. On 5 June 2010, Tibetan residents of Sogchen village in Namling county strongly protested the exploitation of their region's rich mineral resources. The police and army used force to crush the peaceful protest of Tibetans, many were severely beaten up and around 30 detained. The whereabouts of the detainees still remain unknown."
Dharamshala: Despite international criticism, the communist regime of China is planning to develop three major mineral bases in Tibet in the coming five years amid claims that 102 types of deposits with an estimated value of USD 100 billion have been discovered in the Himalayan region. So called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) will step up the exploration of copper, lead, zinc, chromium and gold in its central areas, including the regional capital city of Lhasa and Shannan Prefecture, to form a major mineral base for non-ferrous metals and chromes, the state-controlled news agency 'Xinhua' reported. A non-ferrous metal base will be established in Chamdho region (Ch: Qamdo Prefecture) in the east of Tibet, an area with 15 million tonnes of proven copper, lead and zinc reserves in the new five year plan starting from this year. In addition, a salt lake area in the northwest of Tibet is expected to become a major base for saline minerals and lithium, the report claimed. Last December, Chinese official media reported that geologists discovered 102 types of mineral deposits in over 3000 mine beds with an estimated value of about 600 billion Yuan, (USD 100 billion). Among the variety of mineral reserves, Tibet is reported to have large chromium and cuprum far higher than other regions of mainland China. Twelve other
Kalsang Tsultrim, an outspoken Tibetan author and activist better known by his pseudonym Gyitsang Takmig arrested again on 16 December 2010, from Sang-chu County, Kanlho “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture” (‘TAP’), Gansu Province. Photo: TPI/file
Tibetan history and recordings of the current desires, aspirations, concerns, and dreams of Tibetan people in Tibet. He also wrote Miyul La Phul Ve Sempa (summarized as Sharing the Inner Thoughts in My Heart) a book which illustrates the concerns of the Tibetan people. Though enquiries have been made by family members, no response or reasons have been given by the officials for his arrest. In September 2010 around 40 friends and family members went to ask about his whereabouts to the local officials, to which they were told to go back and that they would ask the leaders and
inform them. He has been taken to different prisons since his arrest and was released from Kanlho Prefecture prison. On 15 October 2010, Kalsang Tsultrim was released on the condition that he would not participate in any politics related work. Kalsang Tsultrim is from Sang-chu county, Kanlho "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture" (‘TAP'), Gansu Province. Born in 1980, he went to school at the age of 9 and when he was 13 he joined Gi-tsang Gaden Chochor Ling Monastery. In 2005 he joined the Gansu Province's Buddhist Institute and graduated in 2009.
China Planning to Develop 3 Major Mineral Bases in Tibet
Chinese military trucks in Shethongmon in Shigatse, TIbet, where Tibetan residents protest against the government's rampant mining By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
mineral reserves rank among the top five across the whole country. Chinese aluminium and copper giant Aluminum Corp of China, or Chinalco has already set up its unit there, besides Chinese miners Western Mining Co and Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd which already started production at the Yulong copper deposit, in southeastern Tibet. Access to the remote Tibetan areas is no longer a problem as China has already built enormous amount of rail, road and air infrastructure connecting so called TAR with the mainland. The rapid exploration of natural resources and development of infrastructure evoked criticism from the
Tibetan say this would benefit the main land more as it fuels influx from the outside the region besides harming the plateau's fragile environment. Not only are Tibetans subject to economic discrimination and the invasion was followed by wide-spread environmental destruction in Tibet, resulting in deforestation, overgrazing, uncontrolled mining, nuclear waste dumping, soil erosion, landslides and other perils. The government of China continues to extract various minerals without any environmental safeguards, and as a result, Tibet is facing an environmental crisis, which will be felt far beyond its borders and its current generation.
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15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
TPI TIBET IN EXILE
Allegations Against 17th Karmapa are Totally Baseless
Members of Standing committee of Tibetan parliament in exile holding a press conference on 29 January 2011, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Addressing the press conference which held on Saturday (29 January), the speaker of the Tibetan parliament in exile Mr. Penpa Tsering to clarify, saying that "as some of the Indian journalists raise serious doubts about the money's source, we got the opportunity to clarify them. We clearly stated that the allegations of Gyalwang Karmapa as an "agent of Chinese government" and "possessing money through illegal deals" are totally baseless." The following is transcript of Tibetan Parliament's Statement on Gyalwang Karmapa. "We would like to thank journalists from the Tibetan radio services and other media organisations for attending today's press conference at such a short notice. There seems to be different speculations in the Tibetan society on the issue of related with Gyuto Monastery of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. More importantly, we can not say what kind of news has spread inside Tibet. So in order to convey clear information to Tibet, we have organised this press conference particularly with reporters from the Tibetan media organisations. On hearing about the issue yesterday, the Standing Committee of the Parliament had expressed deep concern as the members met in the afternoon of 28 January. As we discuss how the issue has originated, it was agreed to seek an audience with Gyalwang Karmapa. If it was not convenient to meet him, we thought it would be helpful to get a clear information by meeting with other leading officials of the monastery. Accordingly, Speaker Penpa Tsering accompanied by Geshe Thubten Phelgye, Geshe Monlam Tharchin and Lopon Sonam Tenphel of the Standing Committee visited the monastery at 3:30 PM. Many journalists were present at the monastery. We first met the monastic officials. Later, during our audience with Gyalwang Karmapa, we found him completely at ease, which clearly shows that he has nothing to do with any wrongdoing. We, the Standing Committee, conveyed our deep concern to him and to extend whatever cooperation if needed be to avert the occurrence of such issues which bring disrepute to Gyalwang Karmapa. The main objective of our visit was to show our solidarity with Gyalwang Karmapa. During the audience, Gyalwang Karmapa said he has no knowledge
about the issue since he does not interfere in such matters. His statement reinforces the confirmation of our belief that he has no personal connection with the issue. This has been our firm belief. We have a system in our monastery based on which we can explain the source of the current amount of money. We firmly belief and we can say in definite terms that these come as religious offerings from the follower and devotees. As the Indian journalists raise serious doubts about the money's source, we got the opportunity to clarify them. We clearly stated that the allegations of Gyalwang Karmapa as an "agent of Chinese government" and "possessing money through illegal deals" are totally baseless. Through this press conference, we want to convey this information to the Tibetan people living inside Tibet. As far as Gyalwang Karmapa is concerned, he put his life at risk by coming into exile from Tibet at a tender age. During his stay at Gyuto Monastery in India, he has to live under the control of the Indian security officials and he has no freedom to move freely as he wishes to. This is the fact that we all know. All his programmes are being made under the supervision of the Indian government. Those who are seeking his audience have to obtain prior permission from the Indian police authorities. For instance, we were also frisked before our meeting with him yesterday. There is no reason to protest since the security officials are carrying out their duty. So the police have knowledge about every detail of the offerings made to Gyalwang Karmapa and it is not that they know nothing about the matter. Owing to the remarkable deeds of the Karmapa lineage, it enjoys the trust and faith of followers and devotees from across the world such as Singapore, Thailand, and western countries and in Tibet who make offerings. In our society, he is one of the spiritual head of schools of Tibetan Buddhism, highly revered and respected by the Tibetan people. Personally, he has been concentrating on his study, promotion of Buddhism and world peace and protection of environment, thereby making great service to Tibet's political and spiritual cause. Hence there is absolutely no
The Tibet Post
Tibet's Leader to Speak of SpiritualityGlobal Peace in Rajasthan
By Tibetan Government Media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: On the occasion of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to the western Indian state of Rajasthan, the Tibet Museum will be organising a photo exhibition on Tibet in Jodhpur from 7 10 February. The exhibition titled "50 Years in Exile: Tibet Experience" will showcase pictures of efforts made by Tibetans in exile to preserve their unique identity, culture, language and religion. The event will exhibit biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet. There will be screening of documentary films on Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will deliver lectures on topics ranging from spiritualism to education and global peace in Jodhpur from 9 - 10 February.
At the invitation of Aravalli Institute of Management, His Holiness will give a lecture on the "Nalanda University system, existed in ancient times," at Hotel Taj Mahal on the morning of 9 February. Also present at the programme will be Maharaja Gaj Singh of Marwar, the former ruler of Jodhpur, who has invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Jodhpur. Later in the afternoon, His Holiness will also be attending a programme in the Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls School, run by the trust constituted by Gaj Singh, where he will also be interacting with the students. On 10 February, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will address a gathering of Tibetans and local Indians at Taj Mahal Hotel. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Raja Gaj Singh will attend the
programme. This programme has been organised by the Indo-Tibet Friendship Group and the "Tibet Uni Vastra Vyapar Sangh" constituted by the Tibetans, who come to sell the winter wears every year. His Holiness will grace a programme at Barefoot College in the state capital Jaipur on 12 February. Meanwhile, the Tibet Museum's travelling exhibition to head towards New Delhi following its programme in Rajasthan. The museum will exhibit "Tibet's journey into exile and Long look homeward" during a two-day Tibet Festival to be held at Tagore auditorium of Delhi University. The festival will bring some of the experts on Tibet for panel discussions. Other highlights of the festival include competition on Tibetan tradition costumes and games.
"We Have Faith in India and Democracy" Tibet's Activist In acknowledging the hospitality of the Indian people, Tsundue noted that since the arrival of the first 600 Tibetans more than fifty years ago, the population of Tibetans in Himachal Pradesh has ballooned to 27 000: "We want to thank the people and the government of Himachal Pradesh who have been very kind and generous in hosting us. (...) They really loved and took care of us, and once we go back to our own country we will remember Dharamshala forever in our hearts." Tsundue thanked the Indian people for their generosity in the face of a growing Tibetan population requiring more land and resources such as hospitals and refugee camps, adding that it was "because of that all these problems have been coming about. (However) we have faith in the Indian system and in democracy." His statements were warmly welcomed by the crowd as an affirmation of the
loyalty and gratitude of the Karmapa and the Tibetan people to India. The Karmapa has been entrenched in controversy since police raids of his residence uncovered a large quantity of unaccounted foreign currency, including 1.1 million Chinese Yuan, sparking speculation that he might in fact be a spy for the Chinese. The Karmapa, who is the third highest lama in Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu School, has been questioned twice by authorities and his representatives have maintained that the cash was the result of donations from his many devotees from around the world. In a statement posted on its official website, the office of the Karmapa said that "We can confirm that Rs.5 crore ($1 million) was taken by the (Indian) authorities from the monastery. "This sum represents unsolicited donations... Our administration has
sought to acquire clearance since 2002 to deposit cash donations under the Foreign Exchange Maintenance Act. "As for the Chinese currency, we would like to stress that His Holiness the Karmapa has a large and devoted following of Tibetans from Tibet and of Buddhists from the Chinese mainland. The yuan found constitutes less than 10 percent of the cash in question, which included currency from over 20 countries. "Moreover, the yuan seized by police include notes ranging from 1 yuan to larger denominations, clearly indicating that they come from multiple, individual sources," the statement said. A representative of the Karmapa's office on Wednesday advised people to exercise patience and not rush to conclusions: "let the process run its course. The investigations are underway, let us not disrupt the local people during this time."
need to doubt and there exist no ground for that to happen. We wish to make this clear. Regarding the monastery's financial management, Gyalwang Karmapa does not make detail inquiry about what and how much offerings are being presented to him on the throne by the devotees. "I do not interfere in these matters", he told us yesterday. All the financial matters are managed by the
administrative staff. Their lack of knowledge about legal procedures has led to the negligence in maintaining proper account of the money. On the matter which is not in line with the country's law, we have to respect the result of the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Indian government. Otherwise, issues arising out of this matter to denigrate the reputation of Gyalwang Karmapa are
completely baseless. The Central Tibetan Administration and the Kashag are making efforts on its part to extend whatever necessary help and cooperation to Gyalwang Karmapa. Similarly, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile firmly support the truth of the matter and we are ready to offer whatever necessary guidance and co-operation until the issues become clear"
TPI INTERNATIONAL
The Tibet Post
15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
7
Nelson Mandela Hospitalised in Johannesburg China's Leading Journalist forced Out for Being Outspoken Dharamshala: 92 year old South African liberation hero and former About Tibet President Nelson Mandela has spent By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
Chang Pen, leading Chinese writer. Photo: File By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala, India: Leading Chinese journalist Zhang Ping says he has been forced out of his job this week amid tightened restrictions on the media; the latest sign of China's tightening grip on press freedoms. Chang was reportedly fired from his job and lost his status with his work unit because he continued to post a variety of articles related to Tibet and later about corruption. Zhang, who is better known as Chang Ping, is an influential editor and columnist who had worked at the Southern Media Group - one of the country's best respected news organisations - for many years. The Chinese communist regime is set to strengthen media censorship; In China, the communist government blocks Tibet, corruption and other political contents, while in fact it is censoring any oppositional views toward the regime. China's censors routinely scrub domestic news and online content of material they consider destabilising or threatening to the communist leadership, but the Internet is so vast and porous that forbidden information increasingly gets through to the public. This has emboldened many Chinese journalists and publications to push the boundaries in their reporting, a trend the government is trying to contain. Chang's employer confirmed he had been let go but wouldn't say why. "Chang Ping's contract expired and it was not renewed," said a woman surnamed Deng who answered the phone at the Southern Metropolis Daily, one of the papers Chang used to write for. She said editors were too busy to be interviewed and that the paper had nothing more to add about the situation. Chang, 42, drew fire from authorities and other domestic columnists in 2008 when he wrote an editorial saying that foreign media should be allowed to report first-hand on 2008's bloody crackdowns on Tibetans in all parts of Tibet and advocating dialogue between the Chinese government and Tibet's spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has also written about corruption and China's need for greater political and personal freedoms. "Things have got a lot tighter in recent weeks." Among the issues flagged by concerned journalists are new restrictions on financial reporting, the recent sacking of a reporter at the
Chengdu Commercial Daily, and the decision to place an editor at Time Weekly on involuntary leave. He had published a list of 100 influential people which included a jailed activist and several dissidents. Southern Media Group's two main publications, Southern Metropolis Daily and Southern Weekend, stopped publishing his commentaries six months ago, he said. The Guangzhoubased writer said that he thought his dismissal was part of a Chinese campaign against free speech and press freedom that has intensified since jailed democracy activist Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in November. "I am very angry that I've been punished for my words," Chang said. "The bigger picture, the background is that I am not the only one. There have been other editors recently with other papers that have been dealt with as well." He cited two recent incidents documented by the Hong Kong-based China Media Project, which keeps track of media reform trends in mainland China. The first was the firing of Long Can, a journalist with the Chengdu Commercial Daily in Sichuan who was dismissed last week after writing about official negligence and influence peddling related to the botched rescue of a group of university students in a remote scenic area. Because of mishandling, a police officer died in the rescue. He also pointed to a separate China Media Project report about Peng Xiaoyun, an editor with Time Weekly, who was forced into involuntary leave after his publication came out with a list of influential people that included a jailed Chinese food activist and several people who had signed Charter '08, a bold call for political reform co-authored by Liu, the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
his second night in Milpark hospital, Johannesburg, suffering from an unknown illness that officials say is not life-threatening. In a statement on Thursday, the South African presidency said it wanted to "assure the nation and the world that the former president is in high spirits", suffering from an "ailment common to people of his age", adding that he had previously suffered tuberculosis and respiratory problems during his 19641982 incarceration. Mandela, also known affectionately by his clan name 'Madiba', was the 1993 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his struggle as an apartheid fighter and political prisoner. Local schoolchildren have hung messages of support outside the hospital, and US President Barack
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was president of South Africa 1994 to 1999 and was the first African president to be elected in fully representative democratic elections. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist and leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). Mandela has received more than 250 awards over four decades, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. Photo: File
Obama said he wished the international
icon a speedy recovery.
CIRCaP wIll Carry-out Internet Survey of the Exile Tibet's Population By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Centre for the Study of Political Change (CIRCaP) at the University of Siena in Italy is carrying out, in coordination with the National Democratic Party of Tibet and with the support of the Province of Siena (Italy), an internet survey of the Tibetan population in exile. The survey will be conducted between February and March 2011 and aims to explore the orientations of Tibetans in the diaspora in relation to the next election of the Government-in-Exile, their attitudes towards autonomy, independence, decolonisation and other major issues concerning the political future of Tibet. Since the most effective way to contact and interview a wide and fairly representative sample of the Tibetan population in exile is by using the internet and CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) technology, LAPS is in the process of collecting as many e-mail addresses as possible of the Tibetan members or affiliates of associations, foundations, organisations, societies, and cultural centers dealing with the Tibetan issue. To this purpose, we would be very grateful if you could help us in creating such a database, kindly forwarding to us the e-mail list of the Tibetan members of your association or organisation. To guarantee full anonymity, at this stage we do not need any further information on those persons listed, beside their email. We will use these
Tibetan email survey photo: TPI
addresses to invite them to join in our study, submitting to them an electronic version of our questionnaire. Participation in the survey will be completely anonymous and on a voluntary basis. There will be no way to identify the respondents and the results will be used only for the purposes of the study. If for any reason you do not feel comfortable in providing your affiliates' e-mail addresses to us, we would appreciate it if you could spread this invitation letter directly to your affiliates, kindly asking those among them who are interested in participating to this survey to contact us at this email address: laps@unisi.it This e-mail
address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will later return to you with the list of emails of those who have accepted to participate, to double-check their effective membership and affiliation. We thank you in advance for your collaboration and we strongly hope you will help us in this important and challenging research project. Yours Sincerely, Prof. Luca Verzichelli (Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, University of Siena) Prof. Pierangelo Isernia (Director of the Laboratory for Political and Social Analysis - LAPS)
Office of Tibet in Taipei Organises Discourse on Buddhism By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
since 2003. About 300 Taiwanese devotees attended the first day of the teaching, said a report released by a Tibetan official media, Tibet.net. Mr Dawa Tsering, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Taiwan, extended his gratitude to Rinpoche for giving the time and
bestowing this important teaching. He also gave a brief introduction of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the history of Sakya lineage. Rinpoche also mentioned that the primary objective to organise such religious event is to serve the Buddhist devotees in Taiwan and also to
preserve the unique and rare oral religious transmission of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche gave the teaching in Tibetan, while Geshe Jampal Chozin, the religious teacher of the Foundation, translated it into Chinese. The religious foundation already has
held nine other discussion after Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama asked the foundation to organise more religious discussions that will help give Taiwanese Buddhists a better understand of Tibetan Buddhism and improve their religious study.
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TPI TIBET IN EXILE His Holiness the Dalai Lama Karmapa is Innocent, Say Tibetans in Bangalore Leaves for South India 15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
The Tibet Post
By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net
Tibetans in Bangalore, Karnataka State, South India showing theri strong support for Karmapa on 2 February 2011. Photo: TPI By Tendar Tsering, The Tibet Post
Bangalore (Feb.3)-Around 500 Tibetans held a candle light vigil in the city, yesterday evening to protest against the media speculation, and hurting the sentiments of all the Buddhists. His Holiness Karmapa has followers all over the world including Tibet, and china, and he can't be accused of being Chinese spy just because Chinese currency was found at his residential monastery, said Ishu Dolker, a doctor in the city who was spokesperson for the day. "Last week, the police raid found a few million rupees in the form of dollar, Yuan and two other dozens of currencies from the transit residence of Ugyen Trinley Dorje the 17th Karmapa, at Sidharpur in Dharamashala, and the Indian government is suspecting him as a Chinese spy, and even the national media reported Karmapa, a link to
China, without any ground work research," Said Yungdrung Tenzin, vice president of Tibetan Regional Youth Congress, Bangalore. "At most, it might be a bad accountancy by his staff at the monastery, but we must know that his devotees used to offer him money as a token of love and respect, and His Holiness is using this money for charity purposes, not for himself. He has many Chinese devotees also," said Dolker. The Tibetan students and residents in the city who took part in the protest used slogans like "Karmapa is innocent, and media, please no conclusion without final investigation." The candle light vigil was inaugurated with a speech by Sonam Paljor, president of the regional youth congress and concluded with Tibetan and Indian National Anthem at Gandhi Square.
Dharamshala: Tibet's spiritual and political leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Dharamsala today for a visit to the south Indian state of Karnataka from 30 January - 6 February 2011. The highlights of the visit include the inauguration of memorial of late Shri S Nijalingappa, the first chief minister of Karnataka, who helped in the rehabilitation of the first batch of Tibetan refugees in south India; interaction with students at St Josephs College and a public talk on 'Finding Happiness in Troubled Times' in Bangalore. On Saturday, His Holiness will inaugurate S Nijalingappa's newlybuilt memorial on the outskirts of Chitradurga, which is located some 500 km from Bangalore. Late Nijalingappa, who was the Karnataka state's first chief minister from 1956 1958 extended support to rehabilitate the first batch of around 3,000 Tibetan refugees at Lugsung Samdupling Tibetan Settlement at Bylakuppe. Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and leader of opposition Siddaramaiah will attend the function. The trust formed after his demise on 8 August 2000 has been striving to build a befitting memorial at the tome of the great soul for guiding the future generation. "The existing buildings beside the tome include a library, computer room, class rooms, conference hall, audiovisual room, prayer room and others. A research centre attached with a workshop, hostel blocks for both men and women have also been planned
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Leaves for South India on 28 Jaunary 2011, at main Tibetan temple, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI
as part of the existing buildings," S Sivashankarappa, chairman and founder trustee, told the Times of India. His Holiness will visit St Joseph College of Arts and Science on Sunday morning. Following his address, there will be an questions and answers session and a 30 minute cultural programme with Tibetans, North-East and other dances. Speaking on the visit, the college principal Dr Ambrose Pinto said: "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the symbol of love and peace and a universal leader. Supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama means denouncing oppression and suppression, and as well as announcing hope, determination, and brotherhood." There are 116 Tibetan students in the college." In the afternoon, His Holiness will give
a public talk on 'Finding Happiness in Troubled Times' organised by the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) and Choe Khor Sum Ling at the National College Grounds, Basanavagudi. Watch live webcast of the talk on dalailama.com from 2:30pm - 4:00pm Indian Standard Time. His Holiness will then leave for Doeguling Tibetan settlement in Mundgod, where he will inaugurate Rato monastery on 31 January and give religious discourse at Drepung Lachi Monastery and Gaden Shartse Monastery from 1 - 5 February. On 6 February His Holiness will confer a Buddha Maitreya Blessing Empowerment (jampa gonpo jenang) followed by a long life offering ceremony at Gaden Shartse Monastery.
Tibet Envoy Briefs the PM Candidates Holy Body of Ape Rinpoche on China-Tibet Dialigue cremated in Nepal By Ye-Rinne Park, The Tibet Post
February he attended the ceremony for the cremation of his tutor. On this morning, monks and lay people gathered to welcome his body on its short journey from his dormitory to the schoolyard where it was placed inside a funerary pyre erected for his cremation. His Eminence sat to the east of the pyre to pray while his eldest princess Rina Rinpoche sat to the south. To the west was Lodeng Khen Rinpoche, and to the north Jamyang Chen Tse Rinpoche. Princess Asanga Rinpoche, Tartse Khen Rinpoche and Gar Shob Drong Rinpoche were also present at the ceremony, as well as around two hundred monks and one thousand lay people. The eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar is a very special time due to the high Lamas Sakya Pandit Kunga Gyaltsen, Dorgon Choegyal Puk Pa and Ajam Rinpoche, tutor of Aped Rinpoche, all passing away during this calendar month. It is during this time that Aped
Rinpoche made prayers and offerings, and he declared the 22nd day to be a day of remembrance during which all devotees should refer to His Eminence Sakya Gongma Rinpoche. He added on the 23rd that if he were to pass away it should be kept secret and his body and dormitory should not be touched for three days. He left behind a letter detailing what should be done in the event of his death. Two years ago, when he began experiencing discomfort, he was told to seek medical attention from foreign doctors, and had been uncomfortable in his health ever since. He previously spent five years in reclusion and prayer in Yanglashoe, holy place within Buddhism, and at the request of his students he founded Nepal's National Buddhism University in 2001, and began teaching there. He passed away at the age of eighty four. Report by Jamyang Tenzin, The Tibet Post International
By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Tibet's spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama's envoy Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen on Wednesday (02 February) briefed the three official candidates for the post of Kalon Tripa (Tibetan prime minister) on the ongoing dialogue process with the Chinese leadership, said a report released by the Tibetan official media. This briefing was initiated by the Envoys in consultation with Kalon Tripa and with approval of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In a three-hour briefing, the Envoy updated the three candidates, Kalon Trisur Tethong Tenzin Namgyal, Kasur Tashi Wangdi and Dr Lobsang Sangay on the status of the dialogue process. He began his briefing by recounting the genesis of the dialogue process between Dharamsala and Beijing in 1979 when China's paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping, stated that except for the issue of Tibetan independence, everything else could be discussed
Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen (3rd L briefs the three official candidates for the post of Kalon Tripa, Kalon Trisur Tethong Tenzin Namgyal (3rd R), Kasur Tashi Wangdi (2nd R) and Dr Lobsang Sangay (1st R) at the Kashag Secretariat in Dharamsala on 2 February 2011. Photo: Tibet Net
and resolved. Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen summarised the content of the discussions between the Tibetan team and the representatives of the Chinese government which comprises 623 pages of meeting minutes and 200 pages of written notes, clarifications
and statements given by the Tibetan delegation to the Chinese side. Since 2002 Special Envoy Kasur Lodi Gyari led the Tibetan team in nine rounds of talks with the representatives of the Chinese government. The last meeting with the Chinese side was in January 2010.
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The Tibet Post
No Chinese SIMs Found- Italian MP Visits Gyalwa Karmapa
15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
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Unlike China, India is a Free Country, Based on the Rule of Law: Karmapa By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
Thousands of spupporters showing their supports and solidarities to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, near main Tibetan temple, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India on 2nd February 2011. Photo: TPI By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Karmapa Office of Administration has released a statement on Monday (7 February) expressing its immense gratitude to those who have shown their unwavering support for the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche both within India and from around the world. The statement comes after Matteo Mecacci, a member of the Italian Parliament, paid a personal visit to the Karmapa yesterday at his residence in Dharamshala to show his support. The Italian MP, who serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, came with the goals of showing his solidarity with the Karmapa amid the current controversy and requesting spiritual solidarity in return, while at the same time expressing unaltered faith in the Indian judicial system. The Office's statement also condemned what it labelled 'libelous press reports' over the weekend which claimed that Chinese SIM cards had been found on the premises, firmly denying the reports which it says constitute 'libel and outright defamation of character'. The Karmapa's Office
claims that no SIM cards were seized from the Karmapa's residence and that Inspector Ramesh Rama of the Kangra police, who was involved in conducting the raids, has backed up this claim. In refuting the allegations, the Office says it condemns the publishing of 'fictitious' reports by media outlets, naming Times of India as a culprit, and says that journalists should confirm their facts before reporting them and damaging the reputation of such an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The Office made it clear that "the fact that such fictitious reports are published without contacting the accused party's spokespersons for comments indicates that these members of the press are are not objective reporters", calling on the press to "rise to the standards of responsible journalism". The statement concludes that the Karmapa Office of Administration has "issued letters to the editors of the relevant publications seeking an immediate retraction and apology", adding that the Office welcomes any contact from members of the press wishing to check their facts or seek comment.
London: For the first time since the Himachal Police raided the monastery of the Karmapa Lama last Thursday (27th January), the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness 17th Karmapa himself spoke publically about the incident and to reassure his followers of his innocence. His Holiness the Karmapa addressed a huge gathering of supporters this afternoon, acknowledging the difficult situation and stating that he trusts that the matter will be cleared in time. His Holiness further contrasted the rule of law in India to the system of communist China, calling India a second homeland for Tibetans. In a show of solidarity with His Holiness, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Dolma Gyari and seven other members of the Tibetan government shared the stage with His Holiness while he spoke. The comments marked the first time that His Holiness the Karmapa has spoken publicly since the investigation began. His Holiness was speaking at the behest of several thousand Tibetan supporters who had staged a march from the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj to His Holiness the Karmapa’s residence in the Kangra valley, a march of several hours. Shops were closed in McLeod Ganj, as virtually the entire Tibetan town joined the 20km march to support His Holiness the Karmapa. The organizers of the march, leaders of the Free Tibet movement, specified that it was not a protest, explaining that they were not opposing anyone, but merely showing their unequivocal confidence and trust in His Holiness the Karmapa. “We usually hold public audiences on Wednesdays and Saturdays,” said His Holiness the Karmapa. “Today, so many people have gathered to show their love, sincere intentions and support, and I want to especially thank you and express my heartfelt gratitude. We are now facing such a situation, which has arisen due to misunderstandings and
His Holiness 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee addressing his followers at the Gyudto Monastery, Dharamshala, India on 2nd February 2011. Photo: TPI
mistakes, that it has even caused concern to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “India has become a second homeland to Tibetans. We all have taken refuge and settled here. India, in contrast to communist China, is a free country, a democratic country that is based on the rule of law. Therefore I trust that things will improve and the truth will become clear in time. So please be at ease. There is no need to worry. “You have all borne hardship to come here under this hot sun, and I thank you for that too. It seems there are too many people here today to receive you individually. You can see me from there and I can see you, so perhaps there is
no need to give individual blessings.” Along with the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Dolma Gyari, sharing the stage in a show of their support for His Holiness the Karmapa were the following members of the Parliament of the Tibetan government-in-exile: Geshe Monlam Tharsi, Sonam Damdul, Sherab Tharchin, Tsering Youdon, Nawang Lhamo and Dawa Tsering. His Holiness was confident and serene at all times while speaking. Since the investigation began, His Holiness has continued to receive visitors and participate in a major annual ritual cycle taking place, while also offering his full cooperation to the investigation.
“Every Single Rupee is Accounted for” Says Karmapa Spokesman
Egypt President Mubarak Resigns: Military Takes Over resignation of president Hosni Mubarak. His resignation marks the end of a 30 year dictatorship rule, during which dissent and protest were oppressed and opponents were imprisioned. The state is now in the control of the military and future plans for political transition remain unclear. As the streets of Cairo erupted in celebration, leaders and officials around the world greeted the departure of President Hosni Mubarak on the special day with fullthroated expressions of support for the people of Egypt along with some measured words of caution ahead for an uncertain period of political transition. US president Barack Obama hailed the move and said that Egypt must now move toward civilian and democratic rule, adding that "the people of Egypt have spoken, their voices have been heard. They have made it clear that nothing less than genuine democracy
will carry the day." In a statement in New York on Friday, he also stressed the need for genuine dialogue between the interim government and Egypt's stakeholders on the future of Egypt. European Union leaders have also reacted positively to the exit of Mubarak who ruled the the most populated Arab country for three decade silencing all dissents. Jerzy Buzek, the president of the European Union parliament, went further, suggesting that the shift in power was not enough to judge the protests' success. "Europe will measure the next steps in the fulfillment of the people's demand by repealing the emergency laws and by ending all intimidation of journalists, human rights defenders or political dissidents," he said. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has renewed his call for a "transparent, peaceful and orderly" transition in Egypt and holding of free,
fair and credible elections to establish an early civilian rule in that north African country. "Egypt's people, and particularly the youth, have been heard and it is for them to determine their future of their country," he said hailing the people of Egypt for the "peaceful, courageous, and orderly manner in which they exercised their rights." He said the U.N. was ready to assist the Egyptian people in the democratic process. Mubarak's resignation was announced by Vice President Omar Suleiman and was met by celebration in Cairo's main Tahrir Square, where thousands of people had gathered to hear the news. More than a thousand Yemeni antigovernment protesters on friday took to the streets of the capital to support the ouster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. "Yesterday Tunisia, today Egypt, tomorrow Yemen will open the prison," some protester chanted at the end of the 30-year regime of Mubarak.
The advisor to Karmapa office and Former Indian Ambassador to Mangolia, the Finance Minister, Tsering Dhondup, Indian high court lawyer Naresh Mathur, several members of Tibetan parliament in exile and representatives of five Tibetan NGOs attending the press meeting on 30 January 2011, Dharamshala, india. Photo: TPI By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
London: The Indian high court lawyer and spokesperson of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness 17th Karmapa Rinpoche, Naresh Mathur told Tibetans and Indian journalists that, "every single rupee is accounted for" in an attempt to quell the rumors following the seizure of money at His Holiness' residence at Gyudto monastery. At the press conference at Gyudto Tantric University, Dharamshala on January 30th, Naresh Mathur answered direct questions from the collected media concerning the confiscation of foreign currencies worth Rs 6 crore from the offices of a Trust backed by the Karmapa and within his monastery.
Naresh stated that the money was, "to establish an abode for the Karmapa, so that he could carrying on his functioning. Out here he is a guest, now you can see that us being here, this little conference, is disturbing the monks. These monks are very serious tantric practitioners, so it is in his mind to find his own little place where he can do his own thing. So, the monastery was negotiating for land, when the deal was made it was valued at 2.5 crore." The Karmapa's spokesman continued by explaining that the money had originated from the Kagyu Monlam event held in December where the Continues on Page 12
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TPI PEACE AND BUDDHISM India's Religious Tolerance a I am an Indian by Rice and Dal: Model for World, says His His Holiness the Dalai Lama Holiness 15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
The Tibet Post
By Tendar
His Holiness the Dalai Lama (C) at St. Joseph's College's Josephite Summit. His Holiness is flanked by Dr Fr Ambrose Pinto SJ, Principal, Dr Fr Vijaykumar Prabhu SJ, Rector and Sri Laxminarayan IAS, President - Alumni. Photo: TPI By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net
Bangalore: Tibet's spiritual and polical leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama called India an example for the rest of the world as all major religious traditions have been kept alive here for thousands of years. His Holiness also urged the country to more actively promote its two treasures, which he said were religious harmony and ahimsa. Addressing more than 7,000 people in a public talk on "Finding Happiness in Troubled Times," on Sunday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama called on people to utilise their human intelligence in a more holistic way. "Through this, many of the problems we face today can be tackled, ensuring a more peaceful, equal and prosperous world," he said at the talk, which was organized by Choe Khor Sum Ling (CKSL), a Bangalore-based Buddhist meditation and study group. India's "treasures" -- both ahimsa and religious harmony -- are much needed in today's world, and as such, religious leaders must actively preserve, promote and realise its relevance to the present time, His Holiness said, at the event organised by CKSL, which was founded in Bangalore in 2003 by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. In order to develop religious harmony, one must study and observe the values of other traditions and have mutual respect for their teachings and practices, His Holiness said. "Different religions adopt various ways of approach but what is of utmost importance is the main purpose or goal that they seek to achieve. In the end, all religious traditions have the same potential for enhancing compassion," he said to the gathering, which included hundreds of dignitaries, including Former Indian Foreign Secretary AP Venkateswaran. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who warmly greeted His old friend in the former Indian Foreign Secretary, said India -which has been home to him and to many of his people for over half a century -was the "guru" and that Tibetans were the "chelas." "Over the course of years, we have proved that we are reliable chelas," His Holiness said, referring to the way Tibetans have preserved and promoted Buddhism that was brought to Tibet by scholars from India's Nalanda University. He, however, hinted that India should do more to help the Tibetan cause, saying "Logically when chelas suffer, the guru should take a more active role." This is the second time the Buddhist leader has addressed Bangaloreans in a
public talk organised by CKSL. The first was in 2004. Mr Abdul Aziz, the group co-ordinator for CKSL, said "We count ourselves fortunate to have been given this opportunity to create a platform where Indians and specifically Bangaloreans will get to interact with such a magnificent personality." Finding Happiness From Inner Peace His Holiness the Dalai Lama advised the crowd to not seek satisfaction from material values as these have limitations despite their necessity. "Due to science and technology, material development is taking place rapidly but in the more affluent societies you will find that inner peace is not necessarily high," the spiritual leader said. "Those people, who can think of inner values and not rely only on sensory pleasures, get the greatest satisfaction from analysing and thinking on reality more holistically," he added. Speaking to the gathering, which was a mix of Tibetans, Indians and foreigners, the His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that "We all have the seed of Buddha." Explaining this further, His Holiness said that according to the Buddhist viewpoint, everyone has the same potential to become a Buddha, and consequently, the ability to overcome one's ignorance and have knowledge of different realms of reality and ultimately of reality." Ignorance, which causes destructive emotions, can be eliminated, not through prayer, but by developing an awareness of reality, His Holiness said. "One must seek to become a more calm person as calmness is the basis of satisfaction and is also good for physical well-being. A calm state of mind can be achieved by training one's mind through awareness, not through prayer," His Holiness added. He stressed on the importance of "desire" and "ego," saying these must be cultivated as one must have selfconfidence and a strong sense of self to have a limitless will power. Negative desire should, however, be shunned, His Holiness added. A Century of Dialogue Calling the 20th century a period of bloodshed, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the 21st century should be a century of dialogue, as dialogue must be employed as a means to resolve the differences in this world. "Our ultimate aim should be to demilitarise the world and with such a vision, effort must be made on various levels starting from that of an individual
Tsering , The Tibet Post
Bangalore, (January, 31)-I am an Indian by rice and dal; said Tibet's spiritual and political leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama while he was addressing oddly 3,000 people at St. Joseph college of Arts and Science, yesterday in the morning. "India is our teacher, and we are just her students. Our Tibetan Buddhism is not our native religion. It came from India, and what we practice now is the philosophy of ancient Nalanda University." Said the Buddhist leader. Audiences were full of applause for his hilarious but open and mind blowing philosophical teachings. He appreciated the Christian brothers and sisters for their contribution in the field of education, and he urged them to keep up the good and holistic job. "Whether it is in the west or in the east, you Christians have built lots of academic institutions, especially for the poor and needy ones. That's really good." His Holiness said "but then, convention of people into another religion by intension is not good, just a source of problem."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the principal of St Joseph’s college, on 31 January 2011. Photo: TPI
Being asked how he manage his private and public life, his holiness said "my wake up at 3:30 in the morning begins with a meditation, and prayer and then, a heavy breakfast, and then, lunch, and no dinner. I don't take dinner." "Even we have banned meat food in the monasteries, officially. So, no meat in monasteries." Added His Holiness.
After His Holiness the Dalai Lama's lecture was followed up by a cultural show including a Tibetan dance by the Tibetan students in Bangalore. About the author; Tendar Tsering is a post graduate trainee journalist at Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore. He can be reached tendar.t@iijnm.org
Reason for War is Power or Economic Interest, not Religion By Y C. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The religious and political leader of Tibet His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on Monday (07 February) told a crowd that the 21st century is the century of dialogue and called for a worldwide campaign to resolve conflicts and problems through this dialogue. His Holiness said wars are fought to gain political power or out of economic interest, but also stressed that those in political power use religion to manipulate people. Delivering a lecture on "Ethics for the new millennium" at D.D. Kosambi Festival of Ideas 2011 at the Kala Academy, Panaji, capital of India's Goa state, the Tibetan Nobel Laureate enthralled the audience with his spiritual discourse spanning over two hours. His message of love and compassion was laced with charm and humour. He referred to himself as India's ambassador, giving the world the message of 'ahimsa' [nonviolence] and religious harmony. In reply to a question of whether it would be wiser to discard all religions as they had today become a cause of discord and wars, His Holiness believes that the reason for wars all over the world is either power or economic interest and not religion, "War is fought either to gain more power or for economic interests. But, those in power use religion to manipulate people as it is an emotional issue." The Tibetan spiritual leader said while delivering a lecture on the topic ‘Ethics in New Millennium' on the third
day of the 4th D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas, 2011 which is being held at the Kala Academy, Panaji, capital of Goa. Analysing the problem of communal discord in societies, he referred to the growing situations where people developed attachments to religion without knowing the meaning of religious practices. His Holiness said: "When I develop attachment, my mind is biased. With a biased mind I can't see reality. This is the problem of any religious follower who sees his religion with attachment without understanding the meaning behind its practice." His Holiness said as far as socioeconomic theory was concerned, he was a Marxist. He criticised the Chinese Communist Party for forgetting the basic principle of self-criticism and accepting criticism. "The Chinese Communist Party is without communist ideology, and in reality, more capitalist than communist," he said. The Tibetan leader said that
transformation of India would not take place by mere pujas [prayers]. It would happen when people worked hard, and the rich provided the poor, especially those in rural areas, education and technological skills.His Holiness also said the gap between the rich and the poor was wide and to make India's economic growth more healthy, efforts should be made to reduce this gap. On the state of affairs in India and China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama categorically stated that lack of democracy and free press were the biggest handicaps of China, and comparatively, India was much more stable because of democracy, an independent judiciary and a free media. On the concept of ethics, he said compassion was the basis of ethics. "Never bring harm to others. That is the way to develop a kind attitude towards others. Through kindness, sincerity and honesty, you slowly build loyalty which is the basis to lead to some-level of ethics," His Holiness said. Other speakers will include another great scientist and former President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Indianborn British economist and intellectual Lord Meghnad Desai, Human Rights activist and former Judge of South Africa's Constitutional Court Justice Albie Sachs and Rajya Sabha MP, and Hindu leader and President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Dr Karan Singh.
level," His Holiness the Dalai Lama said. In a separate event held earlier that day at the St. Joseph's College in Bangalore, His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed over 3,000 attendees at the Josephite Summit. The spiritual leader told the 1500-odd students who were amongst the gathering that they were the people of the 21st century, and that they were
responsible for whether this century became a more compassionate, constructive and peaceful one, instead of one that sees more poverty, killing and suffering. "The transformation of this century into a happier society is your responsibility," he said. His Holiness sent the crowd into peals of laughter and resounding applause after he told them that he was a son of
India as "...every particle of my brain is filled with Nalanda thought, and this mental thought is sustained by Indian dal and rice." Praising His Holiness the Dalai Lama's non-violent struggle for the Tibetan cause, Dr (Fr) Ambrose Pinto, Principal of St. Joseph's College, said "Like the Mahatma Gandhi of India, you are also a Mahatma for what you stand for."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Photo: TPI
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The Tibet Post
His Holiness Meets With Mongolian Foreign Minister in Unique Bound
15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
Tibet's Political and Spiritual Leader Among World's Top Icons: Time By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is greeted by members of the family of Mongolian monks studying at Drepung Monastery in Mundgod, India, on 3 February 2011. Photo: Tibet Net By The Tibet Post International
Mundgod: Tibet's spiritual and political leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama conveyed his greetings to over 300 Mongolians who have traveled to Doeguling Tibetan settlement in Mundgod to attend his teachings. "I express my warm greetings to ministers from Mongolia, foreign minister Mr Voroshilov Enkhbold, monks and lay people on the New Year. Tibet and Mongolia have a unique relationship dating back to more than a hundred years. That relationship had widened as both Tibet and Mongolia faced great difficulties under communism, particularly immense destruction caused to Buddhism," His Holiness said. Remembering the centuries old unique bound between Tibet and Mongolia, His Holiness the Dalai Lama extended his greetings to Mongolian students and devotees at Drepung Gomang Monastery on their New Year on Friday (04 January 2011), according the Tibetan official media "Tibet.net." "However, the contacts gradually revived as Mongolia sends its monks and nuns to study in great Tibetan monasteries which were re-established by the Tibetans in exile. As for me, I visited Mongolia for the first time in 1979. Not only Tibet and Mongolia are same followers of the Nalanda tradition, but they are the only two who are carrying forward the pure form of that tradition among the world's hundreds of millions of Buddhists," His Holiness added. His Holiness underlined the importance of applying the Buddhist science of logic in teaching methodology in schools. "Nowadays, Western scientists are taking special interest in Buddhism and many of my friends among them have told me about the usefulness of using dialectics in teaching different subjects in schools. In the Tibetan schools in exile, we are preparing to teach subjects like science and mathematics using dialectics. If this becomes successful, then it would be very beneficial to introduce such method in schools in Mongolia. I have a good experience that the process of learning through analysis by using one's mind and logic is more meaningful." His Holiness said the diligence of the Mongolian students studying in Drepung Monastery would definitely make a valuable contribution to the education system in their country. Speaking on Dolgyal propitiation, His
Holiness said "over 99 percent of Tibetans have believed in me and they do that with reason. But a small section of Tibetans do not think about reason and remain in blind faith. It is my responsibility to explain, but to listen to it is ones' own freedom." There are around 230 Mongolian monks at Doeguling Tibetan settlement in Mundgod, of which the majority are at Drepung Gomang Monastery in a separate unit called Samlo Khangtsen.
Dharamshala: Tibet's Political and spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been named by Time magazine among the world's top 25 political icons. Nobel peace prize winner and spiritual leader the magazine said is not only the greatest and most public advocate for Tibetan rights and the virtues of Tibetan Buddhism, but for interfaith tolerance and peace as well to people around the world." "To countless Tibetans, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and a head of state in absentia. But to people around the world, Tenzin Gyatso is not only the greatest and most public advocate for Tibetan rights and the virtues of Tibetan Buddhism, but for interfaith tolerance and peace as well. For decades - and from exile since 1959 - he has worked to resolve tensions between Tibet and the People's Republic of China. And like Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. before him, the Dalai Lama done so in a manner defined by nonviolence and tolerance. In 1989, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. Tibetan leader His Holiness "The Dalai Lama's humility has endeared him to presidents and religious leaders of several countries, affording him the
His Holiness to Take Part in Irish Forum "Possibilities 2011"
scale. His 1998 book, The Art of Happiness, sold more than 1.5 million copies in the U.S. and made him a New York Times bestselling author for nearly two years..." TIME's top 25 political icons are: Mohandas Gandhi, Alexander the Great, Mao Zedong, Winston Churchill, Genghis Khan, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Adolf Hitler, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, Ronald Reagan, Cleopatra, Franklin Roosevelt, Dalai Lama, Queen Victoria, Benito Mussolini, Akbar the Great, Lenin, Margaret Thatcher, Simón Bolívar, Qin Shi Huang, Kim Il-Sung, Charles de Gaulle, Louis XIV, Haile Selassie, King Richard the Lionheart & Saladin.
opportunity to raise awareness and drum up support for Tibet on a global
Buddhist Monks from Tibet Up for Grammy Nomination
All together now ... music producer Kamal Engels with the Grammy-nominated Gyuto monks at his recording studio in Mullumbimby. Photo: The Sydney Morning By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Richard Moore (L), the founder of the charity Photo: TPI By James Dunn, The Tibet Post Europe
London: The Tibetan spiritual and political leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is to make his sixth visit to the Republic of Ireland from the 13th to the 14th of April. The Nobel Peace Laureate will take part in a series of events for the social change initiative "Possibilities 2011", which is run by three Irish-based non-governmental organizations, Children in Crossfire, Afri and SpunOut.ie. On April 13th, he will deliver a talk on universal responsibility during the Social Forum at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, which will also be attended by former president Mary Robinson. The following day, he will visit the Solas Bhríde Centre in Kildare where he will speak on spirituality. He will conclude his visit on the following day at the University of Limerick, where he will deliver a talk on the power of forgiveness. Speaking ahead of his visit, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he believes individuals can make a difference in society. "It is up to each of us to make the best use of our time to
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help create a happier and fairer world," he said. "It will be especially important to visit at a time when Ireland is facing serious turmoil, as is the world as a whole, grappling as it is with economic upheaval, climate change, and great and growing chasms between rich and poor." His Holiness the Dalai Lama has made three separate visits to Northern Ireland, in 2000, 2005 and 2007. This visit comes after a personal invitation from Children in Crossfire founder, Richard Moore. The Dalai Lama is patron of Children in Crossfire, which works to protect and promote the rights of some of the world's most vulnerable children. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a deep wisdom to help us better understand and address the urgent and interconnected range of economic, social, political and environmental problems facing us today. He is someone respected by people from all walks of life, someone who can help us realise the real possibilities for change that exist in amongst all the tough times," Moore said. The Tibetan leader has made three separate visits to Northern Ireland, in 2000, 2005 and 2007. He paid a one-day visit to the Republic on October 11th, 1973, when he was received at Áras an Uachtaráin by then-president, the late Erskine Childers. On a subsequent visit in March, 1991, two years after he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, His Holiness the Dalai Lama informally met thenpresident Mary Robinson, but was not officially received by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
album for Grammy consideration, and although his work did not receive a nomination the monks' album, 'Pure Sounds', was a big hit. Engels says 'Pure Sounds' was an 'accident', because it was nobody had ever expected it to receive such international attention, but adds that "it turned out so well that I suggested they try to get it released by my American record company." The Grammy ceremony will be held in Los Angeles, and so unfortnately if 'Pure Sounds' does win the award nobody will be able to receive it in person, because it will be too expensive for them to travel to the United States and only the artists are permitted to collect the trophy.
Dharamsala: Four Buddhist monks from Tibet have received a Grammy nomination in this year's 'Best Traditional World Music Album' category, to be held in Los Angeles. The four Gyuto monks were discovered by German producermusician Kamal Engels, who first encountered them performing traditional chants on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Engels helped them to record an album of their favourite chants after including some of their music on another project he was working on, so they would be able to sell copies. Engels had his star-studded project 'Beyond' submitted with a copy of the
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Contributors for this Editon Ye-rinne Park James Dunne Carly Selby-James YC. Dhardhowa Keary Huang Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) C/O Exile House, Temple Road Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt. Kangra H.P 176219 India
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15 February, 2011 Dharamsala
TPI TIBET IN EXILE
Korean Art Students Visit Dharamshala for a Cultural Exchange
The Koreans and Tibetan musician visiting The Tibet Post International, Dharamshala, India on 01 February 2011. Photo: TPI By Ye-Rinne Park, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Seven Korean students arrived with Tibetan musician Kharag Penpa last week in Dharamshala. "They are here for a cultural exchange, in order to learn more about Tibetan arts", says M. Penpa, who currently lives in Seoul. Since their arrival, the students are teaching music at College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS), Sarah and, at the same time, lead some research
M. Penpa studied at TCV School before to join TIPA, where he studied Tibetan songs, music and dance for three years. He then went back to TCV as a teacher for 8 years. At the end of April 2007, he decided to South Korea, to learn traditional music at the University. According to him, Tibetan music level remains low and it can only benefit from learning from other countries' musical knowledge. How did you start learning music and dance? Since I was small, I enjoyed dancing and singing. The more I learned about it, the more I was interested and attracted. I have released five albums so far. One of them contains my concerts in Korea, where I also had the opportunity to join the national orchestra three times.\ In Tibet, musicians pinpoint political or education issues, for example, through their lyrics. In exile, they rather sing about love and light topics. What do you
Koreans with the Tibetan musician Kharag Penpa at Tibetan Childrens Village, Dharamshala, India on 28 January 2011. Photo: TPI
concerning Tibetan traditional arts. They also grabb the occasion to give concerts in different places of Mcleod Ganj. Talking about their experience inside the Tibetan community, the Koreans expressed their compassion toward Tibetan people living in exile, far away from their own family. They also underlined the similarities between the two countries' people and culture, which make them feel comfortable among Tibetans. As teachers, they highlighted the children's skills and passion to learn more. During they stay in Dharamsala, Pema Tso from The Tibet Post interviewed Kharag Penpa about his experience as a Tibetan musician living in South Korea.
think about that? Tibetan tradition is very important. But it is like a fundament on which we have to build new things. We need to create, to innovate. At TCV, students learn a lot about traditional music, but then it is only limited to the Tibetan society. If you learn music from all over the world, you can use other musical standards and spread your music outside strict national boundaries. How can music and dance have an impact on societies? They cannot benefit all the Tibetan people, but when I was in Korea, I always kept explaining about Tibetan songs and music. Korean people think that Tibetan music is very quiet, in a way that reminds
Five Reasons on Seeking Refuge in India: His Holiness Karmapa By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Addressing the press conference, held at Gyuto monastery in Dharamshala on Sunday (30 January), Tibetan spiritual leader, the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee explained that there were five reasons why His Holiness came to India to seek refugee status. The advisor to Karmapa office and Former Indian Ambassador to Mangolia, the Tibetan Finance Minister, Tsering Dhondup, Indian high court lawyer Naresh Mathur, several members of Tibetan parliament in exile and representatives of five Tibetan NGOs were attended the press meeting. The statement of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, which was delivered by Karma Topden, Spokesperson of Karmapa Reception Committee in Sikkim was aimed at quelling the groundless allegations leveled against the Karmapa. The press conference, which was attended by major Indian and Tibetan media networks addressed the speculation that the Karmapa is a "Chinese spy" and "possessed money through illegal deals" which have appeared in the Indian media. "The first reason was that the Chinese are beginning to put pressure on him to go against the Dalai Lama and to support the Panchen Lama selected by them [Chinese government]. The Karmapa did not want to be put in this position of going against the Dalai Lama. So he decided to leave Tibet," Karma Topden explained. "The second reason for coming to India was that he wanted to complete his spiritual studies. For the completion of
of some meditation songs. They are always surprised to see that in fact it is dynamic and lively. I try to introduce Tibetan music to people and to increase their knowledge about it. What do Korean like the more about Tibet? They know Tibetan buddhism, but they don't only focus on religion. They also appreciate Tibetan people in general. You gave many concerts those past years. What is your most popular song? When His Holiness the Dalai Lama got 70 years old, I wrote a song called Kundun, on a text written by a monk named Peru Jigme Wanggyal. This song got the best award in a music contest and I think that in the Tibetan society, everybody knows and likes that song.
Australia Braces for Deadly Cyclone By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
capacity, with authorities advising that ‘‘travelling by vehicle or on foot is unsafe. All evacuation centres are full and residents are urged to stay where they are now for the next 24 hours.'' Emergency services are warning that they will not be on the road during the cyclone and residents will have to fend for themselves. Queensland Police are having difficulties communicating with confused tourists in the area who don't understand the danger that is coming, and were accepting help earlier today
from volunteers to translate their Facebook page into German and Japanese to help tourists comprehend what is happening. Coaches were transporting people from the coast during the day as police tried to empty the city CBD. All hospitals and retirement homes in the area have also been evacuated with the aid of the military. The 500km-wide cyclone will be the worst of its kind to occur in Australia in living memory, and comes in the wake of devastating floods in the state which
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have already caused $1.5 billion worth of damage, killing more than 20 people and destroying countless homes and buildings. In preparation for the cyclone's aftermath, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is ready to dispatch Navy transport ships to help with the cleanup, and small aircraft to conduct searchand-rescue. The damage bill for the impending Cyclone Yasi has yet to be determined, with many worried residents who have fled not knowing what they will be returning to once the storm has passed.
The advisor to Karmapa office and Former Indian Ambassador to Mangolia, the Finance Minister, Tsering Dhondup, Indian high court lawyer Naresh Mathur, several members of Tibetan parliament in exile and representatives of five Tibetan NGOs attending the press meeting on 30 January 2011, Dharamshala, india. Photo: TPI
his spiritual studies, he has to receive the oral teachings according to Karma Kagyu tradition from the gurus of his lineage who had also received them directly from the 16th Karmapa directly, his predecessor. All these gurus were in India. And since they could not come to Tibet to give these teachings, he decided to come to India so that he could receive the teachings and complete his spiritual education," he continued. "The third reason was that he wanted to see the Dalai Lama and to receive His Holiness' blessings." "The fourth reason was that he had heard a lot about the activities of his illustrious predecessor, the 16th Karmapa, all his activities in India and in Sikkim where he settled in Rumtek Monastery which became his headquarter in India. As he heard a lot about this, he wanted to come to India to visit and see these places. Also he had heard a lot about the activities of his predecessor in India from where traveled to other countries and spread the words of Dharma and set up various Karma Kagyu centres all around the world. So the 17th Karmapa wanted to follow the footsteps of the 16th Karmapa. Believing and knowing that India is a free country unlike Tibet, where there is suppression and religious
freedom is not allowed, he had come to India so that he could freely gain spiritual knowledge from his gurus and freely practice and preach Dharma in India and in the rest of the world. That was the main reason for his coming to India." "Fifthly, when he came to India he was given refuge in India. He is very grateful for the refuge given to him by the government and people of India and for all the courtesies and hospitalities shown to him throughout his stay in India. He continuous to be very grateful and shall remain grateful always to the people and government of India. Throughout his stay in India, he has been conscious of his obligations to India and he has prayed for the welfare of the people of India and he continues to do that even now." In concluding the press statement from the Karmapa he added, "he assures me that he has not done anything while in India in any way to undermine and harm the interest of India. India is his second home and he is happy here. He looks forward to India becoming a powerful and prosperous nation. He has no intention in any way of undermining anything against the interest of India. This is what he has asked me to convey."
Every Single Rupee is Accounted for money was donated by many people from numerous countries. He added that there was tangible evidence for these donations "receipts were issued by the office of administration, which is the Labrang [Karmapa Institue]". "The Labrang collected this money and when the money was demanded by the seller [of the land], then since this cash was not available at the Trust, but he said ‘I want it only in cash, I will not take a cheque', so then the Labrang made this payment of one crore, to the seller's representatives in Delhi, who've been arrested, by way of cash. Under section 10, I can do this. I did it. You see, now it is the lookout of the seller as to how he explains this to the tax authorities, but I was within my rights and I have up until now paid 75 lakhs out of 2.5 crores by cheque, and I can demonstrate that the funds are available to the Trust, and I have paid the office of the administration of the Karmapa
which is the Labrang has paid one crore, in cash, and we have the receipt for that," he added. Addressing the large amount of foreign currencies found in the police raid, Naresh admitted that there were flaws in how the monastery and the trust deals with donations, "we could just put a board there: ‘don't offer currency', but now we do not know what we receive, only when we segregate do we find out it's foreign currency. So, you know, these things they generally result in fines". He added that unlike the rupees donated, foreign currency couldn't be paid into the Labrang Trust bank account, resulting in the amounting of the foreign money found during the raid. However, he confessed that the Labrang Trust are likely to face reprimands from the Indian police for the failures in accounting, "think we may face prosecution, from the income tax and the enforcement directorate."