The Tibet Post International Online-Newspaper

Tibet’s Culture Still Relevant Today...

Ven. Lhakdor Page 02 ...

Vol. 01, Issue 48, 31 August 2011 China Detains a Tibetan Female Singer

Keep the Fire Alive....

India SFT.

I n t e r n a t i o n a l B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Meets Estonian President Ilves

By Officie of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Hortsang Lhalung Tso, a young female Tibetan singer from Sangchu county of Amdho region, eastern Tibet.

Photo: File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - A well-known and a young Tibetan female singer, Hortsang Lhalung Tso was detained

by Chinese authorities of the so called Public Security Bureau (PSB) in Tsoe-town of Sangchu county. Hortsang Lhalung from Sangchu county, Amdho region of eastern Tibet was detained on Continues on Page 8...

US Calls for Freedom in China

US Vice President Joe Biden lectures at Sichuan University during his visit to China on August 21, 2011 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China. Photo: Getty Images

By Tibetan Administration official media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - In his keynote address to hundreds of students and members of faculty at Sichuan University in Chengdu on last Sunday (21 August), US Vice President Joe Biden said greater openness and protection of human rights and freedom in China would ensure stability and prosperity in the long run.

Continues on Page 9...

Tallinn, Estonia: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness Wednesday met with the the President of Estonia Mr Toomas Hendrik Ilves at the Centre for Defence Studies in Tallinn, the Estonian capital.

The meeting with the president was followed by a brief seminar on Tibet attended by the staff of the Centre, intellectuals and writers from different institutions as well as people who are deeply interested in international affairs.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's second day of his third visit to Estonia began with interviews for Postimees, the largest newspaper in Estonia, and Estonian Television.

His Holiness then walked the short distance between the Centre for Defence Studies and the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) stopping enroute to speak to and bless Estonians and tourists.

At the Riigikogu, His Holiness met with members of the Estonian Parliamentary Group for Tibet and other members of the Estonian Parliament, and attended a lunch hosted by Mr Andres Herkel, the leader of the Estonian Parliamentary group for Tibet, in honour of His Holiness' visit. The lunch was attended by guests including the Mr Mart Laar, the Minister of Defence and the acting Prime Minister of Estonia.

Immediately following lunch, His Holiness had a meeting with Parliamentarian supporters from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, including some

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Estonian President Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves in Tallinn, Estonia, on 17 August 2011. Photo/Jarek JĂľepera/Office of Tibet, London

MEPs and key members from the Tibet support groups from the three Baltic States. Addressing the meeting, His Holiness spoke about the situation in Tibet today. The policy of the Chinese central government was leading to a situation where the Tibetans are become an insignificant minority in their own land. Commenting on the construction of the railway to Lhasa, His Holiness

Monk Self-Immolates in Tibet to Protest Abuses

informed the meeting that the Chinese leaders themselves have expressed the view that this is a political and not an economic project. The environmental situation is critical as a result of deforestation and mining. Despite these difficulties, His Holiness informed the meeting that a positive thing is the fact that Tibetan spirit and Continues on Page 4...

Outspoken Tibetan Re-Arrested

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Another Han Boss Appointed In TAR

Dharamshala: - On 19th August, a well-known as an outspoken Buddhist monk, Jigme 'Guri' was rearrested by Chinese authorities of the Public Security Bureau (PSB) from a hotel called 'Z-hong Yan' in Tsoe city, Amdho region of eastern Tibet (Ch: Hezou, Kanlho Tibetan Prefecture). This is See on Page 6...

Vigil Held for Tibetan Martyred Monk

The Communist Chinese Regime has appointed Chen Qanguo as the new han-boss in the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Photo: File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The Communist Chinese Regime has appointed another Han boss in the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Unlike the former dictator, Zhang Qingli, Chen Quanguo focused on development and stability and made no reference to the political struggle in an account of his speech published Friday in the state controlled media Tibet Daily newspaper.

"With economic development at the heart, with ethnic unity as the guarantee, with improving people's lives as our starting point, we must grasp tightly to development and stability as the two Continues on Page 8....

Tsewang Norbu, a 29-year old monk from Nyitso monastery in Kham Tawu in eastern Tibet. Photo:TPI

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: Tsewang Norbu, a 29-year old monk from Nyitso monastery in Kham Tawu in eastern Tibet, set himself on fire yesterday, August 15, after protesting for "freedom in Tibet" and "the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama."

The incident occurred at 12:30pm yesterday. After protesting and distributing leaflets in the town's market, the monk drank petrol, doused himself with the petrol, and set himself on fire. He died instantly.

According to reports by Phayul and the Tibetan Women's Association, the monk was making a statement against the restriction of religious

freedom and the increasing political indoctrination by the Chinese government.

After the incident, his fellow monks carried the body back the monastery to prepare for last rites and pujas. The Chinese government, however, had stationed troops around the monastery and surrounding streets, and soldiers attempted to forcibly take the body from the monks.

Telephone and internet access in the area were cut off by the Chinese government in efforts to stop the flow of information out of the area.

The incident occured after Tibetans in the area Continues on Page 8.......

Tibetans and supporters in London holding candlelight Vigil for Tsewang Norbu, 19th August 2011.

Photo: TPI

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London: - In response to the self immolation of Tibetan monk Tsewang Norbu, the Tibetan community in the UK on Friday (19th August) held a candlelight vigil outside the Chinese Continues on Page 4.....

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31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI ARTS & CULTURE

"Tibetan Culture Still So Relevant Today:" Library Director Geshe Lhakdor

Ven. Geshe Lhakdor, the director of LTWA at his office in Dharamshala, India on 26th August 2011. Photo: TPI

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) was founded in 1970 by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and the library began functioning in 1971. Buddhist and Tibetan scholars, students, researchers, and interested travelers come from all corners of the world to access this resource. Ms. Colleen McKown, a staff writer of The Tibet Post International (TPI) talked with Ven. Lhakdor, the director of LTWA. The institution undertakes the research and translation of various texts related to the library's activities and to Tibetan thought; offers classes in Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan language, Hindi language, and literature; and seeks to educate monks and nuns in scientific findings.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that while millions in Asia follow Buddhism, Tibet is perhaps the only place that can "carry into real practice the subtle and profound meanings of Buddhist philosophy and culture." (ltwa.net).

"The great responsibility of the preservation, dissemination and continuation of this unique culture and philosophy of Tibet has devolved upon the shoulders of the Tibetan people. It is to the partial fulfillment of this great responsibility that the establishment and functioning of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives assumes a work of utmost importance," His Holiness said.

Science initiatives One major, unique initiative the Tibetan Library has undertaken is their Science Education Program. This program was started by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2000, and it seeks to educate monks and nuns in Western science. His Holiness' vision is that one day, science will be taught at all Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

Since a young age, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has had a strong personal interest in science, and he feels passionately about the integration of science and spirituality. He believes firmly that the two often come to the same conclusions and that they are far from incompatible.

He has even written a book on the topic called The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality.

Science initiatives at the Tibetan library include translating educational scientific writing into Tibetan, offering science courses and workshops for monks with

a deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy, and bringing Western scientists to India to teach monks about physics, quantum mechanics, biology, cosmology, neuroscience, and mathematics.

The Tibetan Library has partnered with Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in this science initiative. Six monks were recently accepted for study at Emory and are currently studying there.

"They are pioneers; trail-blazers. This is historic," Library Director Ven. Geshe Lhakdor told TPI. In December, a science workshop will be organized for 20-30 monks, and a threeday conference on Buddhism and Science will take place in both the United States and India.

Next May, their World of Your Senses exhibit, already introduced last year, will make a reappearance. This unique exhibit, developed by a group of Buddhist monks, showcases the parallels between Buddhism and science.

In Tibetan Buddhism, Geshe Lhakdor told TPI, there is a large emphasis on coming to conclusions based on one's own knowledge and logical conclusions.

He said that even the Buddha taught that all teachings, even his own, should be examined carefully and discarded if they don't make sense with one's own reasoning and logic.

Buddhist monks, for this reason, spend time extensively studying other religious traditions in order to understand the viewpoints of others regarding spirituality.

Similarly, the science initiative encourages monks to look at the world from yet another point of view, seeking synthesis instead of division.

Monks have responded well to the scientific teachings. "Even if there are challenges and conflicts,they provide an opportunity to grow," said Geshe Lhadkor.

"Science and spirituality, the material reality and the mental reality-they have to meet each other," he said.

The Buddhist doctrine of non-violence, for instance, stipulates that people should refrain from harming any living thing. Violent thoughts, said Geshe Lhakdor, have been shown through scientific studies to be harmful to health.

Hence; an example of the congruence of science and spirituality.

He also cited the famous experiment in which positive phrases caused water to crystallize in beautiful shapes, while

negative phrases left the water distorted and chaotic.

"We can't say, I'm just going to take care of my own. Every small thing affects people living in other parts of the world," said Geshe Lhakdor.

Courses offered The Buddhist philosophy classes are taught by Geshes, Tibetan monks who have undergone rigorous studies and obtained advanced degrees. The classes, offered several times a week, focus on classical Tibetan and Indian Buddhist texts.

Classes cover philosophy as well as meditation, psychology, and ethics. A mix of Tibetan and foreign students attend these classes; explanations are given first in Tibetan and then translated into English.

Classes typically last about a month, and the prices range from 300 to 500 rupees for each full course. Interested travelers and locals also frequently "drop in" to a few classes.

Several Tibetan language classes at varying levels are also taught; most participants, said Geshe Lhakdor, take Tibetan because they want to get at the heart of and have direct access to Buddhist teachings.

Well-known scholars of Tibet and Buddhism such as Jeffrey Hopkins, Professor of Tibetan Buddhist Studies at the University of Virginia, USA and Allan Wallace, an American scholar who has written prolifically on Tibetan Buddhism, have studied at the Tibetan Library. Students often come with their professors.

People from around the world are drawn to studying at the Tibetan Library. Geshe Lhakdor said the most participants come from America, followed by Canada and Australia. Visitors also hail from Europe as well as from eastern countries such as Japan and Taiwan.

When asked why people from western countries have such an interest in Buddhism, Geshe Lhakdor replied that westerners "have the freedom to ask anything they want. Buddhism is logical.

It is the science of the mind. It is a way of pursuing happiness."

"Everyone should get something out of the classes. The classes are small and they have good translators and many teachers." However, he clarified, "those who drop in [for just a few classes] may not get all their questions answered."

Ruth Sonam, from England, has been living in Dharamshala and studying Buddhism since 1976. She translates for Geshe Sonam Rinchen (no relation to Ruth). Educated at Oxford in Modern Languages, Ruth originally encountered Buddhism in London.

"I felt very drawn to the teachings I heard, and later decided to come here to India to go on pilgrimage," she said. She came to India first in 1971, when the Tibetan Library had just opened in Dharamshala.

She first studied in Dharamshala from 1971-1973.

"It was very beautiful then, very real," she said.

But there were also challenges. "It used to take four days to make an international phone call because you had to book it...you know, no Skype!" she laughed.

Over the years she became more educated in Buddhist doctrine, learned to speak Tibetan, conducted translation work and dreamed of one being the translator for the classes. She thought it would be great "to be that bridge."

In 1989 there was an opening, and she realized her dream of becoming a translator for the classes. She has been translating for Geshe Sonam Rinchen ever since.

Continues on Page 10....

The Tibet Post

Peak Art: A Contemporary Tibetan Art Gallery in Dharamshala

Setting Up for July 6th Exhibition at Peak Art Gallery, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

By Maggie Knapp, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Culture is an indispensable tool in the expression of both personal and collective identity. The Tibetan culture in particular is increasingly fractured as it is suspended without geographical grounding, and the identities of Tibetans living in exile as well as those who remain in Tibet teeter on precarious footing. By keeping the practice of Tibetan art alive, contemporary artists preserve the hope that Tibetan culture will be upheld by future generations, whether living in exile or in Tibet, while building artistic and cultural bridges into the future.

Many contemporary Tibetan artists choose to explore nontraditional themes, addressing highly personal and modern issues rather than continuing the practice of Buddhist Thangka art, an art form that has until recently been the thrust of Tibetan efforts in exile as a means of preserving tradition. Yet we live in a world where culture cannot successfully survive if it is continually looking to the past for affirmation.

Contemporary Tibetan artists are engaging Tibetan society in a dialogue between the past and present, in India and in Tibet, as a powerful way explore the diverse identities of the Tibetan community. The potential of art to create spaces that don't yet exist in reality can help us to explore, shape, and define culture, and determine how we maintain our identity as the edges of our worlds move. Contemporary Tibetan art has the power to generate new images, ideas, and visions of Tibetans as well as their own changing world views, providing a crucial balance to the overwhelming influences of Chinese, Indian, and Western culture.

In order to address this confluence of factors, Sarah Mac and Tashi Gyatso collaborated in opening the Peak Art Gallery in McLeod Ganj in April 2010.

Before the Peak Art Gallery, there was no space for contemporary Tibetan art to be exhibited or for developing artists to express themselves. Rather than exporting young talent abroad to cities where contemporary art milieus already thrive, Mac and Gyatso wanted to help generate an art scene at home in McLeod Ganj, where many Tibetans now reside.

The modern, urban sensibility of the gallery and its commitment to community have provided a catalyst for young artists to showcase their aesthetic and social interests, engaging an important niche in the community. While Contemporary Tibetan Art is a global phenomenon not unique to McLeod Ganj (there have

previously been exhibitions and galleries concentrating on Contemporary Tibetan art all over the world: New York, London, Lhasa, Beijing), the Peak Art Gallery is the first and only gallery in India to be completely dedicated to Contemporary Tibetan art.

The artists represented by Peak Art Gallery paint on themes as varied as traditional Tibetan people and scenery, environmental degradation, nostalgia, religion, and portraiture. Four of the seven artists now on exhibit were trained in Thangka art by masters of the traditional Menri style, many have backgrounds in the fine arts, they have worked as muralists, illustrators, and cartoonists, and each struggles to communicate their individual style and experiences through various media.

Most recently, artist Tenzin Dakpa has explored the reality of refugee life by painting everyday objects that are poignant components of life in McLeod Ganj. Nagwang Dorjee is playful in his memory of Tibet; he paints lighthearted watercolors of monks riding bicycles, and girls at a picnic braiding flowers into each other's hair. Artist Druk Tsegyal has said "As of now I am more into where my heart is-painting modern art."

Tibetan local Yang Sham feels that Tibetans making modern art is a positive direction for the community. "It definitely speaks for us, and it is something that both Westerners and Tibetans can understand. The Tibetan relationship with Thangka art is one of veneration, we see these works not as art but as objects of worship. We don't study the form or technique. So through modern art we can really say something, people can talk to people with tools other than language, instead of the gods talking to us. It brings the message down to earth; rather than art being reserved for gods and deities, it can communicate to all of us."

The relationship with Western techniques of representation for artists who also adhere to traditional Buddhist philosophy might seem conflicted, but Yang Sham explains that "because of His Holiness, Tibetans here take Buddhism in a very modern way. In Tibet, it is all rituals and prayers, but here we try to understand the fundamental philosophy of Buddhism, we interrogate why. That is what these artist are doing as well."

In an interview in 2010, Mac said "I am intensely curious about the viability of social enterprise and I wanted to try it out, to see if it could be a sustainable way to affect change. Tashi similarly felt that it was our duty to create an enterprise Continues on Page 10...

The Tibet Post

TPI H.H THE DALAI LAMA

His Holiness Urges Youngsters to Make 21st Century a More Peaceful One

His Holiness the Dalai Lama welcomed in front of Hotel by kids playing flutes.

Photo: TPI

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

Wiesbaden, Germany: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was welcomed at the Frankfurt airport this morning by Mr Volker Bouffier, Minister President of Hessen state and the Speaker of the State Parliament.

Mr Volker Bouffier and the President of the State Parliament Mr Norbert Kartmann extended an invitation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier this year to visit Hessen State in Germany.

Over 600 Germans enthusiastically waited in the scorching summer sun for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's arrival at Seligenstadt near Frankfurt for the official luncheon. They clapped their hands and welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the motorcade arrived.

After a brief walk with Mr Volker Bouffier in the Seligenstadt Monastery's famous garden, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr Bouffier addressed the members of the media.

"I am in Germany at the invitation of the Hessen government and am indeed very happy to be here", said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

"We are very happy, honoured and proud that His Holiness the Dalai Lama visit Hessen again", said Mr Volker Bouffier. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a person who touches the hearts of people wherever he goes. He advocates non-violence methods for the religious freedom and autonomy for Tibet. He is a role model for others. We wish his efforts to find a solution to the Tibetan issue will be fulfilled."

His Holiness walked towards the waiting crowd of few hundred Germans.

He expressed his happiness to see them and his gratitude for their welcome and support.

"I always say supporting Tibet's just case is supporting pro-justices," said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

State Cabinet members, President of the Parliament and leaders of the various state political parties attended the official luncheon.

In the afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at Frankfurt's Goethe University to speak to the students and faculty members on Leadership and Values.

"It is not often we get to invite such a distinguished guest as His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We are delighted to have you here today. You are the role model for many," said the Vice-President of the University in her welcome address.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his speech by addressing the audiences as "brothers and sisters".

"Whenever I give talk or meet people, I usually start my addressing by saying brothers and sisters because fundamentally we are all same human being - mentally, physically and emotionally," he said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasised the importance of moral ethnics based on secularism that is universal. He said that the present educational system should include moral ethnics as a curriculum.

"We must find ways and means to promote moral ethnics not based on religion but on secularism. Through education we can promote moral ethnics," he said.

Secularism does not mean disrespect to religion, he said, adding, in fact, it shows respect to religions.

Speaking on democracy, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said world belongs to humanity not to kings or religious leaders but to the people. Germany belongs to the German people.

Democratic system means to rule the people by the people.

Twentieth century has been a century of blood shed. Over 200 million people were killed through violence. He said that we must build this century as a peaceful century. He told the students that this is their century.

Peaceful world does not mean absences of problems. He said we must find ways and means to solve these problems through non-violence. So 21st Century should be a century of dialogue. For dialogue to success, we must have respect for others and take their interest into consideration. This way we can achieve meaningful dialogue.

In concluding his speech, His Holiness the Dalai Lama called on the younger generations and students to think more seriously as to what they want to make of this century.

31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Concludes Two-Day Program in Finland

A packed auditorium inside Barona Arena, the venue for His Holiness' teaching and public talk on Saturday 20 August.

By Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Helsinki, Finland, 20 August 2011 The spiritual leade of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama ended his twoday program in Finland this afternoon with a public talk to an audience of 7,000 people on the subject of "The Power of Compassion."

The capacity crowd at the Barona Arena in Espoo, near Helsinki, warmly received His Holiness' address and the responses that His Holiness gave to the numerous questions that were put to him.

On being informed that a number of young Finns had been invited to join the audience for the public talk, His Holiness directly addressed them to emphasize their central role in making the 21s Century a century of peace and dialogue in contrast to the 20th Century which His Holiness described as the century of war.

His Holiness' first program on Saturday was an audience for a group of around 250 Tibetan Buddhists from Kalmykia.

The group had traveled from Russia to attend His Holiness' teachings on "Geshe Langri Thangpa's Eight Verses of Training the Mind" held in the morning of 20 August as well as the public talk in the afternoon. The morning teachings, attended by over 3,500 people, began with chants by

monks from Thailand and Vietnam who recited the heart sutra, and by Finnish monks who follow the Korean Buddhism tradition.

On Friday, His Holiness began the day with a joint audience for board members of the Finnish Tibetan Cultural Association, Songtsen, Tibetans and representatives of other Tibet related groups in Finland.

Following this audience, His Holiness traveled to the Pörssiklubi (The Helsinki Bourse Club) for a ‘Meet the Press' event with around 70 members of the Finnish media.

After an hour of detailed responses to numerous questions from the press, His Holiness was welcomed to the Bourse Club by the club's Chairman Mr Mikael Swanljung who led His Holiness upstairs to the member's dining room to address an assembled audience of over 120 members and guests of the club on the subject of ‘Ethics in Business'. The Pörssiklubi was founded almost 100 years ago and is a key institution in Finnish business and political life.

His Holiness' next program on 19 August was to deliver the keynote address at a seminar on "Non-violent Conflict Resolution: The Tibetan Case as an Example" organized by the University of Helsinki. Following the keynote address, His Holiness participated in a discussion with a panel of Tibet and conflict resolution academics and experts. His Holiness concluded a busy day's schedule with a meeting with 20 Finnish Parliamentarians at Parliament.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Finland was hosted by the Finnish Tibetan Cultural Association and Songtsen, a Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana Community in Finland.

His Holiness departs Helsinki for Hamburg, Germany, in the morning of Sunday 21 August.

His Holiness Addresses a Packed Audience at Mindfulness Congress

Kalontripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressing the 11th board meeting of the Tibetan Cooperative Federation at the staff mess of CTA, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, India, 11 August 2011. Photo: TPI

By Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Hamburg, Germany, 21 August 2011 The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed a pack audience at the International Congress Mindfulness. Mindfulness is not a religious practice and we practice it everyday in different forms, he said.

The address was webcast live on the Internet.

In the last one or two decades more and more scientist, including medical scientist have been showing greater

interest on mind or emotion. Although mind or emotion is invisible, yet it has quite an important role in our physical wellbeing, family and community he said.

The mind is both the creator of peace and trouble said His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Buddha said thorough investigation and experiment is important. Objective investigation requires a calm mind.

He said Mindfulness is watching your mind and concentrating on one particular subject. Another aspect is 24 hours watching your mind including during ones dreams and being aware of yourself, your responsibilities and duties. First step of Mindfulness is concentrating on breathing - focusing one subject. This helps to calm the mind.

During the panel discussion His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that the present educational system is materialistic oriented. This is quite understandable. About thousand years ago, when separate educational institutions started, moral education or internal values or ethnics were taken

care by the church. Today education focuses more on brain development.

He said serious research should be carried out to introduce moral ethnics based on secularism curriculum from Kindergarten up to university. This should not be based on God or sin. Then a new generation of people educated in this new system may emerge. "Please pay more attention to our inner values, inner potentials," he said. Today Newspapers, TV or radio talk only about money or economy. There is very little information or talk about inner values.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama said ultimate source of happiness is within us and not money or material things. Of course, money and material things are important but they are not the ultimate source of happiness. Ultimate source of happiness is within ourselves.

Over 30 international speakers specialist in medicine, psychology and education will address the 4 days International Congress Mindfulness.

The congress started on 18 August at the Hamburg University and concludes on 21 August.

The Congress was jointly organized by

the Tibetisches Zentrum (Tibet Centre) Hamburg and the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Hamburg University.

After lunch His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with the faculty members of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Hamburg University and their sponsors. He expressed his appreciation for their work.

While addressing the members of the media in the morning, His Holiness spoke about his first two commitments in life - promoting human values and religious harmony. He said that all religions have the same aim to bring inner peace even though there might be difference in the philosophy.

He emphasized that the media have the responsibility to promote human values and religious harmony. Therefore, media people are very important and have a special role to fulfill.

He further said that media should carry out thorough investigations. "You should have long trunks like elephants, with which you can smell from the front and back. And if you catch wind of something, then you must report on it honestly, unbiased and objectively," he

said.

Commenting on the recent events it Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said "it is very sad." In spite of desperate feelings, His Holiness praised the Tibetan people for following the nonviolence principles.

Responding to a question about His Holiness the Dalai Lama's decision to devolve his political authority to the elected Tibetan leadership, he said he was happy and proud to implement what he believed in.

He said that in 1951, he assumed the formal political leadership of the Tibetan people. In 1952, he established a reform committee in Tibet. Due to Communist Chan's interference it wasn't successful.

Since coming to India in 1959 as a refugee, the following year in January 1960 the Tibetan democracy was implemented. In 2001, the Tibetan people directly elected leadership.

Since then His Holiness the Dalai Lama lived as semi-retired. In 2011, His Holiness said he handed over the political leadership to the directly elected Tibetan leadership.

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TPI INTERNATIONAL

31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

The Tibet Post

Japanese and Tibetans Observe Special Prayer Service for late Tsewang Prayer Gathering for Tsewang Norbu Organised in Taiwan Norbu

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

Japanese and Tibetans Observe Prayer Gathering for Tsewang Norbu, Tokyo, Japan.

Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Tokyo: Tibetans and Japanese observed a prayer gathering in Tokyo today in memory of Tsewang Norbu, a Tibetan monk who committed selfimmolation on August 15 in Kham region of Tibet. The prayer gathering coincide the 14th day funeral service of the deceased monk. Tibetan community in Japan supported by Tibet Support group members organized the gathering at Joenji, a Buddhist temple in Shinjuku city of Tokyo.

Tsewang Norbu, a young monk of Nyatsa Monastery openly called for freedom in Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, and later immolated himself to draw the Government's attention. The Chinese government sent a huge military contingent and cordoned off the monastery, and severed water and electricity connection to the monastery.

The situation in the region is said to be very volatile with Beijing taking rigid stance on the dissenters.

Mr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Joint secretary of Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan & East Asia briefed the gathering on the situation in the region, and said that the Chinese government has always oppressed the Tibetans' voice for freedom and justice. The way the government handled the Kirti monastery incident last March when a young monk Phuntsok did self-immolation under similar circumstances, and this Nyatso monastery siege is a testimony to the brutality of Chinese rule in Tibet. This prayer gathering is also a message to the Chinese government that the world is watching their evil deeds, he said.

He appealed the Japanese government and the people to urge the Chinese leadership to take Tibet issue seriously and to resolve it as any responsible government would.

Rev. Kobayashi, Representative of Japanese monks federations spoke on the critical situation in Tibet with the cases of self immolation harshly dealt by the despotic regime. "The fact that the monk Tsewang Norbu choosed 15th August, the independence day of India, is implicit of what is lies deep within him, I request the people here to cogitate deeply on the Tibetan freedom struggle and voice our support to this just cause of Tibet." He said.

Tibetans and Japanese read the prayers of Praise to Tara, Heart Sutra, and recitation of Mani and Guru's mantra.

Japanese monks led the prayer of Hangyashingyo, Japanese version of

Heat Sutra, and paid respect at the alter where the photo of the deceased is placed.

With the growing Chinese military built up and increased intrusion in the Sea around Japan's Senkaku Island, when Japan is struggling hard to recover from the earthquake and tsunami disaster, Japanese people are wary of Chinese government's intention and integrity.

... Meets Estonian President Ilves .... Continues From Front Page determination remains very strong.

The culmination of the second day of His Holiness' visit to Estonia was His Holiness' public speech "A Call for Universal Responsibility" at the Liberty Square, in front of the Estonian Liberty Statue.

Opening the meeting under the Estonian and Tibetan flags, the main organisers of the visit Mr Sven Gr端nberg, the Director of Estonian Institute of Buddhism and Mr. Andres Herkel spoke about the historic value of this visit, the meetings with the Estonian officials - The President, the parliamentarians, the acting Prime Minister and other ministers.

Mr Gr端nberg added that people attending the meeting as well as watching the media coverage are here not only to get something but also to give - we have to make sure that the Tibetan civilization and culture will not vanish. He gave a present to His Holiness from the Estonian People flags of both Estonia and Tibet (both made in Estonia).

In his speech His Holiness remembered with warm words his visits to Estonia some years ago, mentioning that he loved Estonia and Estonian people for their courage and the bravery during complicated times 20 and more years ago. His Holiness spoke of the respect which he held for the Estonian people for the strength and determination that they have shown in their struggle for freedom and in their establishing democracy following a long period of authoritarian Communist rule.

His Holiness told the large gathering of about 10,000 people that it was good to base our life on hope because no one can predict the future. Estonia has achieved many of her aspirations and she has done it respecting moral ethics.

Taipei, Taiwan: - The Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Taiwan-Tibetan Welfare Association jointly organised a special prayer service on 21 August in memory of late Tsewang Norbu, a monk of Nyatso Monastery in eastern Tibet who self immolated while calling for freedom of Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet on 15 August.

The Office of Tibet requested His Eminence Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche who is at present in Taiwan to lead the prayer service. The prayer service was held at the Foundation's prayer hall from 11 am to 1 pm. Prayers were also offered for late Phuntsok, a young monk from Kirti Monastery in Tibet, and late Thupten Ngodup, who sacrificed their lives for the just cause of Tibet.

Mr Dawa Tsering, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, introduced H.E Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche to a congregation of more than 100 Tibetans and Taiwanese at the service.

He also gave a brief account of late Tsewang Norbu's self immolation and called on the Chinese government to cease its use of force against Tibetans and to end the suppression of Tibetans' fundamental human rights.

A prayer ceremony in memory of Buddhist monk who set on fire himself to protest Chinese rule over Tibet. Photo: Tibet Net

Before leading the prayer service Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche appealed to the Tibetans to keep their spirit strong and united in order to fulfill the aspirations of Tibetan people inside Tibet.

He then started the prayer by lighting of 108 candle lamps and recitation of prayers in both Tibetan and Chinese.

In remembrance of Tibetan martyrs, Mr Tashi Tsering, one of the most active Tibetan members in Taiwan, initiated a bicycle ride campaign for Tibet which

he kick-started in July this year. His mission is to draw the attention of Taiwanese public in general and thousands of Chinese tourists in particular towards understanding the worsening plight of Tibetan people in Tibet.

On 17 and 19 August, Mr Tashi Tsering along with 4 other human rights activists, had covered almost 150 kilometers on their cycle ride around Taipei city.

Candle-Vigil in Memory of the Deceased Tibetan Monk in Germany

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Candlelight-Vigil in Memory of the Deceased Tibetan Mon, Ven Tsewang Norbu, Saturday, 2oth August 2011, in Germany. Photo: TPI

Berlin: - On Saturday August 20th, a candlelight vigil was observed by Tibetans and Tibet supporters in the German capital, Berlin to pay their homage to the late Tsewang Norbu, a 29-year old monk from Nyitso monastery in Kham Tawu in eastern Tibet set himself on fire in this month, after protesting for "freedom in Tibet" and "the return of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama."

The event was organized by Tibet Support Group Germany (Tibet Initiative Deutschland e.V.) in memory of the deceased monk Tsewang Norbu. The event was held in front of the Chinese Embassy in Berlin and was attended by Following the public talk, the Tibetan Nobel Peace Laureate also answered a series of questions put by the audience, ranging from his visits to different countries, the present situation in the world, his recent resignation from political leadership, and how people from different countries can help the Tibetans.

Leaving the Liberty Square, His Holiness consecrated a sandala mandala created close to the where the public talk was held by monks from Namgyal Monastery.

50 people.

"In Buddhist philosophy human life enjoys the utmost respect", said TID Executive Director Nadine Baumann.

"Tibetans protesting in Chineseoccupied Tibet know that they are sure to face arrest and torture. Tsewang's selfimmolation highlights the desperation of Tibetans living under Chinese rule."

The 29-year old monk self-immolated last Monday in the Tibetan prefecture of Garze (Sichuan Province) to protest

China's policies in Tibet. He died as a result of his burns that same day. This is the second incident of a self-immolation in the region this year alone. In March a monk from nearby Aba prefecture burned himself to death. Large-scale protests by monks and laypeople followed.

The Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID), founded in 1989, advocates for the Tibetan people's right to self-determination and the protection of human rights in occupied Tibet. With 60 regional groups and nearly 2,000 members throughout Germany, the TID is a strong voice for Tibet.

Vigil Held in London for Tibetan Martyred Monk .... Continues From Front Page embassy in London to mark the death of the martyred monk, and to highlight the growing human rights abuses in the region.

Tsewang Norbu; a 29 year old Buddhist monk from Tawu, Kardze county, eastern Tibet (Sichuan province), immolated himself in protest to China's oppressive policies in Tibet, at Nyatso Monastery (Eastern Tibet). He conducted the act of defiance on Monday 15th of August. His death has since been met with hostility

by Chinese authorities, who have flooded the area with troops, as well as cutting all phone and internet lines.

Additionally, Nyitsu Monastery is under lock-down, and close scrutiny from Chinese officials.

The peaceful vigil, which was held in pouring rain outside the Chinese Embassy on Portland Place road, London, was held by around fifty members of the community. It was hosted and attended by 'The Tibetan Community in Britain', 'Tibet Society',

'Students for a Free Tibet' and 'Tibetan Youth UK'. Members of the group held aloft candles to remember the actions of Norbu, and to show support and unity for Tibetans in Tibet.

According to Tibet Society, sources said Tsewang Norbu: 'shouted slogans including "We Tibetan people want freedom", "Long live the Dalai Lama" and "Let the Dalai Lama Return to Tibet". He also distributed leaflets before pouring kerosene over his body and setting himself on fire. He then continued to shout slogans for about 15 minutes before he died at the scene'.

London has also recently witnessed protests against China with the visit of Wen Jiabo in June. The Chinese Premier was greeted by peaceful Tibetan supporters throughout his three day tour of Britain.

The official news agency of China; Xinhua, has confirmed the incident took place. However it stated that it was 'unclear' as to why the death of Tsewang Norbu occurred.

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

The Tibet Post

H.H. the Dalai Lama Home in McLeod Ganj, Set to Teach Next Week

To streets lined with local devotees, well-wishers, and tourists from all parts of the world, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived back to his Himalayan home in McLeod Ganj, India this morning, 25th August 2011. Photo: TPI/Sangay Dorjee

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - To streets lined with local devotees, well-wishers, and tourists from all parts of the world, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived back to his Himalayan mountainside home of McLeod Ganj in Himachal State of India this morning.

His Holiness returns from Europe, where he spoke to thousands in Switzerland, France, Estonia, Finland, and Germany. During the trip he gave in-depth Buddhist teachings, spoke publicly about universal secular ethics, and met with several political leaders.

His Holiness left Dharamshala on August 9, and his first stop was Geneva, Switzerland, where he spoke with government officials from various countries as well as representatives from Tibet support groups.

During his time in Toulouse, France, he spoke on Kamalashila's Middle States of Meditation as well as "The Art of Happiness." He also met with French parliamentarians.

In Tallinn, Estonia, His Holiness taught

on "Buddhism and Science," "A Call to Universal Responsibility" and met with government officials, including unofficially with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik.

While in Espoo, Finland, he taught on Geshe Langri Thangpa's Eight Verses in Training the Mind, gave a public talk on "The Power of Compassion," and met with several Finnish Members of Parliament.

He concluded the trip in Germany, where he spoke at the International Mindfulness Conference and met with politicians.

Back home in McLeod Ganj, His Holiness will give public teachings for three days next week. From August 30September 1, he will speak at the main temple on Shantideva's "A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" (chodjug) at the request of a group of Southeast Asians.

Shortly thereafter, His Holiness will continue his busy schedule by traveling to Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil to give teachings.

Students for a Free Tibet Seeks to Keep the Fire Alive

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Ms. Colleen McKown, TPI staff writer speaking with Mr. Dorjee Tseten, director of SFT India, TPI Office, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, 19th August 2011.

Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) is an international organization of young people who support the Tibetan movement. "Through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, we campaign for Tibetans' fundamental right to political freedom," their website asserts.

The Tibet Post International recently spoke with Dorjee Tseten, the Campaign Director of SFT India, about the vision and future plans of the organization.

Background SFT India started in 2002, and their main office is located in Dharamshala. The organization has chapters, or branches,

in several major Indian cities such as Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.

The organization was founded in 1994 in the United States, and their international headquarters is located in New York City.

Besides India and the US, SFT has national offices in the UK and Canada as well as branches in 30 countries worldwide.

As Dharamshala is a hub for the Tibetan community, the office here serves an important role for SFT. Branches from within India and worldwide as well as instrumental figures like His Holiness the Dalai Lama have visited, spoken at, and worked with the Dharamshala chapter.

SFT India is divided about evenly between Tibetan and Indian students, Tseten said. The organization is comprised of full-time staff, members, and volunteers. The India office stays in close touch with international offices through Skype and social networking tools; similarly, members can follow SFT's activities closely online.

Approaches used SFT conducts campaigns in 3-4 week segments, and campaigns focus on four

By Tibetan Administration Official Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - The democratically elected leader of Tibetans, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay Friday, 26th August gave a key note address to the participants of the 5th conference on the importance of Tibetan cultural studies at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, near Himayan town of Dharamshala.

Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay's address to the participants stressed on the future of Tibetan democracy and politics in the exile community.

He stated that the vibrant democracy that we have in our political system is the result of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's vision and efforts. He added that His Holiness has always strive from an early period of our exile years for a democratic system of polity.

He also said that Tibetan democracy has come a long way since 2nd September 1960 when His Holiness introduced democracy in the Tibetan society. The flourishing democracy that we have in our political system is derived from the prevailing democratic values and principles in the world, he added.

The conference also discussed about the Bhoe Shung Gadren Phodrang since its inception in the year 1642 as well as

31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

5

Kalon Tripa Speaks on Future of Tibetan Democracy and Politics

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the elected head ot the Central Tibetan Administration, speaking to the members of the Federation of Tibetan Co-Operatives in India during the 1st-day of their three-day conference being held in Dharamshala, India 11 August 2011.

Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

on Tibetan medicine, politics, environmental and financial aspects of the various monasteries and religious institutes.

The 4-day conference on the importance of Tibetan cultural studies was organised by the Sarah Regional

Tibetan Youth Congress.

The conference was attended by over 300 Tibetan students and monks from all over India including college students from Bangalore, Delhi and Central University for Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi.

Parliament: Self-Immolation Result of Repressive Policies in Tibet

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: The Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile has issued a statement expressing great sadness over the selfimmolation of Tswang Norbu. The 29year old monk burned himself to death Monday, 15 August, in Nyatso Monastery in Tawu, Eastern Tibet.

The statement claimed that these incidents happen because of the Tibetan people's extreme dissatisfaction with their lives under Chinese rule.

Such incidents, according to the Parliament, are "a clear indication of the Tibetan people's deep-seated

resentment against the Chinese government's wrong policy on Tibet."

The statement asserted that rather than striving to uphold the Tibetan people's freedom and human rights, the Chinese government suppressed those rights.

Their policy, it said, "stands in complete violation of the international covenants on basic human rights."

Parliament urged the Chinese government to take a sincere approach at engaging with Tibetans instead of constant crackdowns on the Tibetan community. "The Chinese government should provide them rights enshrined in the constitution and stop its policy of destroying equality and harmony among the ethnic nationalities," the statement read.

"We also demand the authorities to lift the restrictions on travel in and out of Tawu county...and to immediately seek ways to resolve the critical situation prevailing in Ngaba in northeastern Tibet and Kardze in eastern Tibet," it added.

major areas: politics, human rights, the environment, and the economy.

Political campaigns are directed to the Chinese leaders. Last year, for example, when Chinese premier Wen Jiabao visited Delhi, SFT conducted a banner hanging campaign near the conference center. "It was a major news story internationally," Tseten said. "When China lies to the media, to the international community, we make sure that people know the truth about Tibet."

Human rights campaigns focus on getting information out about human rights violations in Tibet. Speaking of the three separate self-immolation incidents in Tibet, Tseten stressed Tibetans' dire situation.

"These are serious cases. Life as precious. In Buddhism, we consider if a person kills, burns himself, this is a kind of sin, this is not respecting your life.

And now we have reach a stage where people kill themselves because...there is

no other way to pass the message about what is going on inside Tibet."

Tibetans also routinely get imprisoned for up to five years for simply expressing their opinions; there are currently 800 political prisoners in detention in Tibet.

SFT focuses on getting information out about such abuses; "the human rights campaigns really come out in the international media. Some international leaders even speak out, say it shouldn't be this way," Tseten said.

Economic and environmental campaigns strive to make China ashamed of their actions; for example, SFT raises awareness in India and internationally about issues such as China's mining and dam-building activities in Tibet.

Upcoming plans Tseten is making preparations to travel through India on an SFT chapter visit.

During the trip, he will visit several major Indian cities in an effort to strengthen existing chapters of SFT as well as to

make connections with those interested in starting new chapters. He will be gone for a little over a month, and during that time he will visit colleges, schools, youth organizations, environmental organizations, and various other societies.

By focusing on Indian institutions during the chapter visit, he hopes that the visit will increase the already strong Indian support for the Tibetan cause.

Through screening Tibetan documentaries, speaking with members of Indian student unions, and soliciting input from existing members and chapters, he hopes to recruit more members and to brainstorm ideas about future SFT projects.

Another big upcoming project for SFT is their Free Tibet Action Camp, which takes place each year in India, Germany, and the US. The camp in India seeks to train future Tibetan and Indian activists Continues on Page 4.....

Tibetan parliament in exile in Dharamshala, India. Photo/ TPI

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31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

Beijing Seizes 3 Monks in Phuntsok Immolation Inquiry, 3 More Arrested

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

China Continues Crackdown on Monks of Kirti Monastery

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Phuntsok's Funeral at Kirti Monastery on 19 March 2011, Ngaba region of eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: The Chinese government has distributed a new document to the monks living at Kirti Monastery, Amdho Ngaba region of eastern Tibet.

According to the document, any monk who has been to India, committed political crimes, or who refuses to attend Chinese patriotic re-education classes can be forced to leave the monastery.

Furthermore, the Chinese government has said that it will make a "rights book" for each monk. Monks at Kirti monastery, however, are protesting against the book by putting up posters in the streets around the monastery.

They have said that they would not

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London- Chinese authorities have arrested three Tibetan Buddhist monks claimed to have links with the selfimmolation of Phuntsok, who burned himself to death last March in protest at the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

Beijing accuses the three monks of the ‘intentional killing' of Phuntsok. The authorities also arrested another three monks in Tawu county of Kham, eastern Tibet, according to the Tibetan Human Rights group.

Authorities in Beijing claim that two of the monks are to be charged for "plotting, instigating and assisting in the self-immolation of Phuntsok". The third is accused of moving and hiding the monk for 11 hours, which authorities claim prevented him from receiving medical treatment and led to his eventual death.

According to Chinese state controlled agency Xinhua, the three monks; Tsering, Tengyam and Dhondup will stand trial on Monday 29th August and Tuesday 30th, 2011.

However, there is no confirmed report from Tibet's side, whether the arrested monks were related to the case of late

Phuntsok, a 20-year old monk from Kirti Monastery Ngaba county of Amdho, eastern Tibet, self-immolated to protest against Chinese rule. "We do not have a confirmed report right now. But, we're currently investigating the new reports, whether it was related to the late Lobsang Phuntsok's self-immolation," Ven. Kanyak Tsering, India based Kirti Monastery told The Tibet Post International.

Because of the prohibition of foreign journalists in Tibet, conflicting reports have arisen since the immolation of Phuntsok on Wednesday 16th of March, 2011. While authorities in China maintain that monks forcibly moved the monk out of a nearby hospital and into Kirti Monastery, Tibetan rights groups highlight that Chinese police put out the flames, then beat the monk to death.

The death of Phuntsok, who was in his early 20s, and a Buddhist monk of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba province, Eastern Tibet, sparked a wave of human rights abuses in the region against Tibetans, and led to an international outcry on the worsening human rights situation in the region. Eastern Tibet, and

particularly Kirti Monastery, witnessed unprecedented military crackdowns, including a ‘re-education programme' for the inhabitants of the monastery.

The disturbing news of the three arrested monks comes amid growing concern for the human rights of Tibetans in Tibet. Last week, 29 year old Tsewang Norbu self-immolated in a nearby region of Kham Provence, eastern Tibet. The situation at Kirti Monastery remains tense and is under a heavy military presence from Chinese authorities.

Chinese authorities arrested another three Tibetans just days after a 29 year old Buddhist monk Tsewang Norbu of Nyatso Monastery in Kham Tawo, eastern Tibet, self-immolated to protest against Chinese rule, according to a report of the Dharamshala based Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy. "The three Tibetans – Norbu, Gyaltsen and another unidentified man - were arrested separately by officials of Public Security Bureau in Tawu County in Kardze county of eastern Tibet (Ch: Sichuan Province)," it said.

Outspoken Buddhist Monk, Jigme Guri Re-Arrested: Says Rights Group .... Continues From Front Page the third time Ven. Jigme has been arrested.

Sources say that before his arrest police and security personnel 'raided' his room, thoroughly checking his belongings including his computer system. CD's were also seized in the raid. There were around ten monks and few others present during Jigme's arrest. They asked the police the reason for his arrest but the police did not answer, said the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD).

Jigme also known as Jigme Guri of Labrang Monastery was first arrested on 28 March 2008 while returning to his monastery from market. He was detained and tortured for two months in detention center for his suspected role in 2008 Mass Uprising.

The second arrest came when on 3 September 2008 (the same year), the Voice of America's Tibetan News service aired a video in which Jigme testified and gave detail accounts of Tibetan people's aspiration, hopes and also torture and inhuman treatment meted out to Labrang monks who were

detained during 2008's March Protest.

After spending almost two months in hiding, on 4 November 2008 huge number of People's Armed Police (PAP) and PSB officials in several military trucks arrested him from a Tibetan home.

He was released on 3 May 2009, according to TCHRD. Jigme, a 44 year old monk was born to a farmers family in Lhutang Village, Juicha Township, Sangchu County (Ch: Sangchu Xian) Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (TAP) Gansu Province. He was a former head of the Labrang Monastery's vocational training centre and was even a ViceChairman of the Democratic Management Committee (DMC) of Labrang Monastery.

On 19 August, Jigme was invited to Tsoe city for a festival where other popular Tibetans, like singer Sherten, were also invited. When he did not turn up for the event, his two students went in search of their teacher. On reaching the hotel, around 7 o'clock in the evening (Tibet local time), there were many police officials who did not allow the two monks

to enter the room in which monk Jigme was staying. The police told them that Jigme is not inside. However, the two heard their teacher's voice from the room, as he told them both to leave before any more problems are created. Jigme's student also saw him lying on his bed through the windows of his room.

In the evening of 20 August (around 5 o'clock- Tibet local time) nearly 40 policemen came to monk Jigme's monastery to raid his room. 30 portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (10 big, 20 small) were seized along with two computer systems and two laptops from his room. They searched his students' room and the storage room also. The authorities even made a relative of Jigme to take them to his meditation room in Phukthee town located below Jigme's monastery where four more pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama were confiscated.

Since his arrest on 19th of this month, there is no any official report from the Chinese government, the reasons for his arrest, news about his situation and whereabouts are still not known.

16 March 2011, People's Armed Police march on Ying Shong Avenue near the main market in Ngaba Town around 5pm, just after protests took place following the self-immolation of Phuntsok. Photo: TPI.

accept the book unless all monks were allowed to stay at Kirti.

According to Ven. Kanyak Tsering from India based Kirti Monastery, this new development is another incident in many involving Chinese government crackdown on Tibetans. Following the recent self-immolation death of Tsewang Norbu in Tawu on August 15, the Chinese government cut off all Internet and telephone communication in the area.

Similarly, after another monk, Phuntsok, died of self-immolation earlier this year in Ngaba County, all cyber cafes were closed and text messaging disabled. The situation has remained so since March 10, when the incident occurred.

A Prisoner Dies of Torture, Three Other Arrested in Tibet

Tibet Pictures depict tension in Kardze, June 2011. Photo: File

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Trinley, a 25-year-old Tibetan political prisoner, died on Wednesday, (10th August) due to a serious illness as a result of severe torture during his imprisonment in Karze county, eastern Tibet and three young Tibetans also arrested in the same region of Tibet earlier July, accoding to a Tibetan Human Right group based in-Exile.

"Trinly was arrested in April 2009 for protesting and distributing pamphlets, calling for ' Freedom in Tibet ' in Karze County with few other friends. He remained in Kandze Detention Center for seven months after his arrest," the report said.

Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) based in Dharamshala, India reported that during this period he was tortured and beaten severely that it not only caused him serious head injury but also psychological disturbances which he suffered from long after his release until his last day. His family took him to different hospitals for treatment but all in vain. Doctors told them that his head injury is severe and failed to treat him completely. Hence, he stayed home where his family looked after him. He passed away on 10th of this month at

his home.

Around 25 years old, Trinlay was born in Biri Serkhar village, Karze County (Ch: Ganzi) to mother Rinchen Dolma and father Lhobum (late). He is one of the four children of the family.

"On 10 July 2011, in the evening around 4 o'clock local time, the Chinese authorities arrested three young Tibeta boys in the Karze County Market, eastern Tibet and the so called Karze County Public Security Bureau (PSB) police arrived immediately and severely beat the boys at the spot before arresting them all," said TCHRD report.

Three young men arrested by Chinese authorities in connection with political protests; Lobsang Phuntsok, Samphel and Lobsang Lhundup who shouted slogans and distributed pamphlets that contained the phrases 'Freedom in Tibet', 'Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama', 'Return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama' and 'May His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all Tibetans unite soon.'

All three boys are from Karze County, Lobsang Phuntsok is belongs to Dhargye Ringo Village, Samphel is from Lona Village, and Lobsang Lhundup is from Norzin Village. It is confirmed that Lobsang Phuntsok is 17 years old. They are all believed to be around same age group and were students of a famous school in Dhargye Ringo Village.

Currently, there is no news or information on the whereabouts and conditions of these three youths.

"TCHRD mourns the unfortunate loss of a fellow Tibetan. The Center is very much concerned about the well-being of the many other Tibetan political prisoners, their conditions and treatment at the hand of Chinese Authorities," said TCHRD in the statement.

Tsewang Norbu ........ .... Continues From Front Page were prohibited from celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama's birthday on July 6. Following attempts by monks and nuns to defy the government and hold birthday celebrations in the area, the Chinese government cut off water and electricity supplies to the monastery and nunnery. The water and electricity have remained cut off since July 6.

The self-immolation also follows the death of Thinley from Beri Serkha, Kham Kardeze, Eastern Tibet. He died a few days ago after months of torture

in prison at the hands of the Chinese government.

In response, NGOs in Dharamshala organized a candlelight vigil last night, August 15, at 6:30pm. At the vigil, which took place at the main temple in McLeod Ganj, Tibetans and supporters remembered Tsewang Norbu and his call for freedom. The Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, the Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, the Tibetan Women's Association, and Students for a Free Tibet-India organized the vigil.

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

The Tibet Post

31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

7

Encouraging Non-violence, Tibetans Hold Celebration of Indian CTA Responds to Monk's Independence Day Death with Sadness

By Maggie Knapp, The Tibet Post

The new building of the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala, India.photo: TPI/Sangay

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

The Central Tibetan Administration has released a report responding to the death of Tsewang Norbu, a 29-year old monk from Nyatso Monastery in eastern Tibet.

Yesterday, August 15, the monk selfimmolated in the county of Tawu in Kham.

The CTA said it is "deeply saddened by the death of Tsewang Norbu who died because he had set himself on fire to draw the international community's attention to the worsening crisis in Tibet."

The report notes that as India was celebrating its Independence Day, the monk "called the world's attention to the lack of freedom to the Tibetan people."

"This act of desperation is another indication of the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet," the CTA added.

Sources in Tibet say that armed Chinese police are currently surrounding Nyatso Monastery, and

that the police demand Tsewang Norbu's body.

The CTA "urges the Chinese authorities to act with restraint and caution...any disproportionate reaction to someone who sacrificed himself for his conviction will only inflame an already tense situation."

In the report, the CTA also alluded to China's recent white papers on the situation in Tibet and their claims that Tibetans are living happily and prospering under Chinese rule.

"Instead of issuing white papers that distort the grim reality in Tibet," the CTA urged, Chinese authorities should "review its current disastrous Tibet policy and opt for a policy based on the aspiration of the Tibetan people."

Concluding the report, the CTA sent condolences to Tsewang Norbu's family. "We strongly urge all Tibetans and especially those in Tawu to follow His Holiness the Dalai Lama's advice and teachings on the importance of non-violence," the CTA advised.

Dharamshala: - At 10 o'clock this morning at the McLeod Ganj Tibetan dayschool, five Tibetan NGOs jointly held a celebration in honor of the Indian Independence Day, 15 August (known as "pandra August" in Hindi). The event was attended by Mr. Ajay Singh Mankotia, the president of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, and Mr. Prim Saker, the Secretary of the Friendship Society, as well as Tibetans, local Indians, and foreigners, who numbered in total around 500 people.

The first order of business was the singing of the Indian national anthem by all attendants, followed by the main guest's speech. Mr. Mankotia said that Tibetans have a very special leader in His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is a notable figure not only for Tibetans but for the entirety of the globe, and that he is respected worldwide.

"This time," Mr Mankotia said, "I would like to say that many Tibetans and Indians are living together here and many have grown up here, so they harbor a personal love for the beauty of Dharamsala. This love is vitally important to the protection of the environment and the maintainenace of the beauty and cleanliness of the region of Himachal Pradesh." Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke as well on the state of the environment in his annual Red Fort speech, declaring that "preserving our environment even as we develop rapidly is a huge challenge for us. Climate change poses a threat to both our development processes and our natural resources."

Mr. Mankotia also spoke about the relationship of Tibetans and Indians living together in Dharamsala. "For Tibetans, it is important to follow the rule of local Indian institutions and the Indian government. If Tibetans follow the rule of the Indian government, they will not have problems; living together peacefully will benefit the happiness of all." Mr. Mankotia said that he believed in the hope of the

Tibetan students performing during Indian Independent Day, Dharamshala, India on 15th August 2011. Photo: TPI

nation of Tibet one day acheiving its freedom, and that after Tibetan freedom, such a celebration as today could convene in Lhasa.

Following in the footsteps of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who crossed the border in 1959, more than 150,000 Tibetan refugees have fled to India during the past 50 years. The government of India has built special schools for Tibetans that provide free education, health care, and scholarships for those students who excel in school. Tibetan refugeess are allowed to live in India with a stay permit, which must be renewed every year, or every six months in some regions.

Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan independence activist from the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamshala, also spoke at the event, saying that during the twentieth century the British government occupied many foreign nations with greater power and longer duration than China does today. At that time, many Indians felt that it would require a long and difficult struggle to gain their independence. Yet after 200 years of occupation, their freedom was eventually acheived. "Today the economic situation of India is stronger than that of Britain. Now Tibetans live

under Chinese occupation, but one day we also may have our freedom. Many Asian countries gained their freedom from colonialism when it once seemed impossible."

Mr. Tsundue continued, "The Chinese government occupies Tibet with both a military presence and rule of law, but they cannot occupy our minds. Even the Tibetan people who live in the prisons of the Chinese government have the power to control their own minds. We can make peace within ourselves. So, the Chinese government may have occupied Tibet, but we have not lost the freedom of our minds."

Today marks the 65th anniversary of Indian independence from British colonial rule, which took place on the 15th of August in 1947. The NGOs which organized today's events in Dharamsala were the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, the Regional Tibetan Women's Association, the Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, the Tibetan Center for Conflict Resolution, and Students For Free Tibet-India. Thang Dhong Luger, the Yong Ling School, and the Jaipur Women's Indian Association performed at the festivities with singing and dancing.

Students for a Free Tibet Seeks .................. .... Continues From Page 5 in how to effectively move forward with the Tibetan movement. During the oneweek training, attendees are taught constructive ways to fight for their freedom, approaches to take when speaking with the media, creative ways to cultivate grassroots movements, and skills for using technology securely and effectively.

Tseten said that the Action Camp mobilizes and energizes the young activists. "It makes them more determined, more focused on our cause.

Our struggle has been for 52 years.

Many of us, born here, have never seen Tibet but we still have that vision that tomorrow, we will free Tibet...they have not only patience and courage but also smarts, strategy, and the knowledge of how to work in the best way with our limited resources."

Political outlook In terms of SFT's political outlook, Tseten alluded to the recent self-immolation incident to make his point. In a place where people feel compelled to burn themselves to death in protest of the atrocities occurring inside Tibet, Tseten said, "we believe there is no point where

we can ever live with the Chinese communist regime."

"We don't believe what China is doing.

We have been having dialogue since 2001, but nothing concrete is coming out."

He spoke of the large-scale protests that occurred in Tibet in 2008, when more than 200 Tibetans were killed by the Chinese government.

Since 2008, he said, it has been clear what Tibetans want; what Tibetans fight for.

The White Wednesday movement, "Lhakar," exemplifies the desire of Tibetans to reassert their identity. Each Wednesday, Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet make an effort to eat Tibetan food, wear Tibetan traditional clothing, and to speak Tibetan.

"It sends a clear message that we are not Chinese. It's very strong," he said. He added that since 2008, "the direct protests have gradually changed into non-cooperation and civil disobedience, which is really strong."

"Our vision is very clear. We fight for freedom no matter how much it takes, time or resources. I personally believe that now we are stronger. When people

say that China is strong, they have to understand how much we have grown also. Now we have people, Tibetan youth, activists, and supporters everywhere. We have more skills and knowledge and in that way we have the strength to fight," he asserted.

Strengthening SFT India When asked about his vision for strengthening SFT India, Tseten emphasized the importance of focusing on communicating more effectively with Tibetans inside Tibet. Through their Tibet Action Institute project, SFT trains their leaders in exile in staying secure when using technology, as China spends vast sums of money every year on Internet censorship and security in an effort to stop information flow that does not support their agenda.

"Now we are focusing on how to give these technological skills inside Tibet," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of reaching out to the Indian community, encouraging them to realize that Tibet is a key issue for India and to speak up to their leaders.

He said that India and Tibet have a long

historical relationship and that Tibet looks to India as a source of knowledge about Buddhism and spiritual principles. "We know Indians. Indians know us," he said.

"The human relation is so strong between India and the Tibetans...we have a culture that we share."

When Indians realize the truth of the situation, they are completely supportive of the Tibetan people. Tseten said that initiatives like the Little Lhasa trip, during which Indian students and professionals come to Dharamshala to spend time with government officials and NGOs, help educated Indians on the Tibetan issue.

"We don't need much effort [to convince them]," he said. "Only they need to come and see and they can support fully."

Speaking about the importance of youth participation in the Tibetan struggle, he stressed that during the 2008 protests in Tibet, more than 70% of the participants were youth.

Before the 2008 protests, he said, many Tibetans didn't have much knowledge about independent Tibet or the Tibetan issue.

"They knew about Buddhism, about His Holiness the Dalai Lama, but not about

history. Even without knowing anything, though, they realized that this type of injustice was wrong."

He said that after 2008, Tibetan youth has a strong sense of being Tibetan. "We are still Tibetan. All of the policies that China has tried to do, they cannot change us."

The work of activists Staying in exile is a challenge, Tseten said.

Living outside of one's homeland in another culture can cause some people to be disheartened.

There is no Tibetan that does not dream of returning to a free Tibet, he said, but making that a reality takes work; it is something Tibetans must earn.

Stressing that activists now have the advantage of education, he said that Tibetans "are now at a stage where we can hit back. Be more offensive."

"For us, it doesn't matter how much sacrifice. It doesn't matter what payment you get. The older generation has worked hard, and now it is our responsibility."

"In that way, being a leader, being an activist, it's our work to bring the hope alive, to bring the fire alive that we can one day go back, that our country will be free one day."

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31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET

Tibetans Condemn Chinese Military Lock-down of Tawu Monastery

Tibetans Condemn Chinese Military Lock-down of Tawu Monastery says a group Tibetan NGOs in South India on 23rd August 2011. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Tibetans and supporters across the world are strongly concerned over the current tense situation at the Nyatso Monastery of Tawu county in eastern Tibet. China deployed thousands of armed forces with military tanks and locked down the entire areas of the county after a 29-year old Buddhist monk's self immolation to protest against China's rule over Tibet.

Five regional Tibetan NGOs in Bylakuppe, Karnataka state of South India Tuesday, 23 August held a joint press conference to pay their homage to the late Tsewang Norbu, a 29-year old monk from Nyatso Monastery who self immolated to protest against Chinese rule in Tibet and its severe repression of the peaceful Tibetan people.

"Following the event, the Chinese authorities deployed thousands of armed Chinese troops with military tanks in the areas of the monastery, locking down the entire monastery," said Tibet sources.

"The Himalyan town of Tawo was locked down with blocking the roads, closing down the schools, restaurants and cafes

etc. Restrictions on the movements of the local Tibetans and communications via telephone and internet have been severely tightened," said the NGOs at the press conference.

"This is the third self-immolation by a Tibetan monk; the self-immolation of 20year old Kirti monk Phuntsok on March 16, who also called for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his protest, was followed by a violent crackdown in the Amdo Ngaba region of eastern Tibet," the group said.

"Since 6 July, there have been severe restrictions and strict vigilance of the area after the local Tibetans defied the government orders and headed by nuns of Gaden Jangchup Choeling Nunnery, they gathered in a nearby hill to celebrate the 76th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Chinese authorities have cut down water and electricity supply to Gaden Choeling Nunnery and Nyatso Monastery since the celebration last month," it added.

The 29 yrs old Buddhist monk Tsewang Norbu of Nyatso Monastery in Kham

Another Han Boss Appointed in Tibet Autonomous Region .... Continues From Front Page major issues," Chen said in Thursday's speech following his appointment.

The former Han-Boss and communist party chief in the Himalayan region, Zhang, commented on the 2008 peaceful national mass protests in Tibet.

He has said that dealing with alleged separatist forces in Tibet is more complicated than fighting the Uighurs in Eastern Turkistan and required a different strategy. "China is locked in a "life-and-death battle" with Tibetans and their supporters," he added.

During his six years of dictatorship power in the region, the region's outgoing highest-ranking Han-official, Zhang, made verbal attacks on the Nobel Peace Laureate, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Nearly 300 Tibetans were killed across Tibet as military crackdown escalated. Many people were given harsh prison sentences for their slogans like; "Long Live the Dalai Lama," "We want Freedom in Tibet," "Return the Dalai Lama to Tibet," and "Ensure human rights in Tibet." Many of those who protested were executed.

China has a system without democratic elections at the 21st century, eight more

top officials will be appointed with the current Vice-President and Vice-Premier to be the highest next leaders of Red China. Despite the early change in tone, there is no reason to believe the move will herald any major change in China's policies for Tibet, which are set at the highest government levels in Beijing.

Still, observers say Chen is an economist who is unlikely to display Zhang's level of ideological zeal.

Zhang, 60, is being moved to another position that official reports did not identify. No reason was given for the move, although Zhang has served five years in the position, roughly a standard term for provincial officials.

Chen is a longtime party official in the eastern province of Henan who last served as governor of Hebei province surrounding Beijing. Like all of Tibet's previous party chiefs, Chen is not Tibetan but another member of China's majority Han ethnic group.

For the Tibetan people, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the pure spiritual leader after handing over his "legitimate political authority" to their democratically elected leader, Dr. Lobsang Sangay.

Tawo, eastern Tibet self immolated to protest against Chinese ilegall occupation over Tibet and its severe repression of the Tibetans. For 10 minutes he raised slogans like 'We want Freedom in Tibet' and "Please invite my spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to my own country Tibet" and We want Human Rights in Tibet," while scattering leaflets with similar messages at Chume Bridge in the center of Tawo town. Later he doused himself in petrol and also drank some petrol before blazing himself up in a rare and powerful display of protest against the Chinese Government. He died soon after, according to Ven. Yama Dorjee, a friend and neighbor of the deceased monk.

"The monks of the monastery were stopped from performing the last rites and rituals for the deceased monk. The Chinese authorities of the regime even ordered the swift cremation of Ven Tsewang Norbu's body barring the local populations from attending the funeral ceremony and pay their last respect to the deceased." said Ven. Yama Dorjee, who also is a member, Tawo Tibetan Association, South India.

"I am deeply distraught by the death of my friend and countrymen and also seriously fear about the possible severe crackdown on the 270 monks of the Nyatso monastery following this incident. The situation is still tense in Tawo town," stressed Ven Yama Dorjee.

"The ongoing widespread protests in the entire Tibet besides underscoring the critical nature of the situation in Tibet also signals the desperation Tibetans are feeling under the current political and security crackdown. It also demonstrates Chinese government's failure to impose its will on the Tibetans and it will continue to fail until it responds to their legitimate grievances," it added.

"We therefore express serious concern at the plights of Tibetans in Tibet especially Kham Tawu and Amdo Ngaba etc. We also urge the international community to pressurize the Chinese Government into restoring normalcy in the region and intervene in order to improve the human rights situation of Tibet under China."

The five members of the NGOs who attended were Mr. Tenzin Lodoe, Vice President, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Bylakuppe, Ven. Lobsang Choedup, President, Regional National Democratic Party of Tibet, Bylakuppe, Mrs, Tenzin Wangmo, President, Regional Tibetan Women's Association,

The Tibet Post

Tibetan Youth Meeting Reconnects to Historic Independent Tibet

Tibetan Youth Congress Working Committee Meeting Reconnects to Historic Independent Tibet, Darjeeling West Begal, 22nd August 2011. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Darjeeling: - Approximately 115 members of the largest Tibetan NGO, Tibetan Youth Congress met in Darjeeling, West Bengal on 22 August 2011 to convene a four-day Working Committee Meeting (WCM) which will be followed by a one-day training programme. Attending delegates represent 39 regional Tibetan Youth Congress Chapters.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Shingza Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin. And other special guests include; Tsewang Tashi, Settlement Officer, Gonpo, former member of Tibetan Parliament, Tashi Dhondup Principal of CST Darjeeling and Dorjee Tseten Head of Tibetan Handicraft Centre.

The Opening Ceremony started with the recital of Tibetan National Anthem and a one-minute observance of silence to mourn the Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Tibet.

This was followed by the recital of TYC song by the band of Central School for Tibetan, Darjeeling. TYC President, Mr Tsewang Rigzin highlighted the significance of holding this meeting in Darjeeling, because historically His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama had spent a few years in the 1910 when he came into exile.

He brought attention to the recent acts of self-immolation by Phuntsok and Tsewang Norbu in Tibet who despite

Bylakuppe, Ven. Lobsang Palden, President, Tibetan Rights and Freedom Restoration Committee, Bylakuppe and Ven. Yama Dorjee, Member, Tawo Tibetan Association, South India.

the fact that they were born post occupation and had never experienced a free Tibet, yet gave up their lives for their country at such a tender age. He therefore stressed that we must continue this fight on our own and not depend on big nations such as the US and Europe to bring about change.

These countries and more are the supporters who will support the cause but ultimately it is the fight of the Tibetans. "Independent is not a question of whether we will get it or not but whether we are ready to take it or not" he added.

He further emphasized that in the 42 years since its inception, TYC has assumed major roles and taken firm stances wherever and whenever necessary. This year was significant because of the historic change in the exile Tibetan world when His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced his decision to devolve his political authority. During this time, TYC while supporting the decision made it clear that we will work harder for the cause and more than ever before will remain resolute in our commitment to serving our country.

Therefore, in view of this pledge and in order to accomplish this commitment, the unity between the Centrex and regional chapters is highly important.

The speech by the President was followed by Shingza Rinpoche who said he will cherish this opportunity to be at this important meeting of TYC. He expressed delight at the fact that more than 30 chapters have congregated at this 42nd WCM. This exemplifies the strength of TYC, which China gravely fears. For China, TYC is the industry from where all the prominent members Continues on Page 9...

Chinese Authorities Detain Tibetan Female Singer Lhalung Tso .... Continues From Front Page the same day as an outspoken Buddhist monk, Jigme 'Guri' was arrested for fourth time by the authorities.

Phuntsok, a Buddhist monk from Drepung monastery based in South India told The Tibet Post International that she was detained by the Chinese authorities just before attending a Tibetan culture show with other popular Tibetans as well as singers and musicians who were invited to perform the show. "She could not perform her song, because she was detained before the show," said Phuntsok.

"Lhalung was invited to a culture show

held on Saturday, 20th August, in a public hall called 'Gangri Lhugar-ling' in Tsoe-town of Sangchu county. Most of the interested Tibetan musicians and singers were invited by the show organizer to a culture festival. She was supposed to perform the Night Concert Opening Song," he added.

"She never had any political activity to cause them to arrest her," he further added. According to Tibet sources, No warrants have been shown by the Chinese authorities for either arrest, amily members currently seek the reasons for her arrest and they are also

not informed where she is currently being detained.

Lhalung from Sangchu county, Amdho region of eastern Tibet is currently studying at a music school in Chengdu city, Chinese Sichuan Province.

"Lhalung being a Tibetan singer was not yet involved in any politcal activity," said Phuntsok.

Since her arrest, there is no any official report from the Chinese government.

The reason of the young female singer's arrest, news about her current situation and whereabouts are still not known.

TPI INTERNATIONAL

The Tibet Post

31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

9

Support for Tibet Shown at Hungary Illegally Banned Pro-Tibet Sydney Marathon Demonstrations, Critics Say

By Dennis Barbion,The Tibet Post

Melbourne: A group of 26 Tibetans and Australians have banded together to represent Tibet on Sunday morning (August 14th) in Sydney, Australia at the city's annual 'City2Surf' marathon. Photo: TPI

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Melbourne: A group of 26 Tibetans and Australians have banded together to represent Tibet on Sunday morning (August 14th) in Sydney, Australia at the city's annual 'City2Surf' marathon.

The 14 kilometre City2Surf attracted 85,000 people this year, and the 'I WALK FOR TIBET' team's conspicuous banners, portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and matching black t-shirts were noticed by a great many people near the finish line.

Brisbane-based Tibetan musician and

City2Surf participant Tenzin Choegyal has said the team consisted of Tibet supporters from around the country, including two from England. He also proudly stated that many people had wanted to chat to him along the way and ask questions about what the team was representing.

Altogether the group managed to raise over $3,000 to support campaign efforts of the Australia Tibet Council (ATC) and fund Australia's first Tibetan Film and Arts Festival to be held later this year.

The LMP party in Hungary is calling for a prosecutor's inquiry into the recent banning of pro-Tibet protests in Budapest. The Hungarian government acted against demonstrators during a visit by Wen Jiabao, the Chinese prime minister, on the 24th and 25th of July.

According to a press release by Hajnalka Gatai and Dennis Barbion, Mr. Andras Schiffer, leader of the LMP party fraction, has declared that the banning violated the demonstrators' rights and was therefore illegal.

Hungarian police insulted the activists, forbade demonstration, and, in an effort to prevent demonstration, required Tibetan refugees to report to the immigration office without reason on the day of Wen Jiabo's visit.

Police claimed that the demonstration was banned to prevent traffic problems and to ensure security and the smooth transport of the Chinese delegation.

Later in Parliament, however, Prime Minister Mr. Viktor Orban alluded to Hungary's foreign policy interests as the reason. Schiffer has claimed that banning the protests because of foreign policy interests is absolutely illegal.

The LMP has criticized the Fidesz party, to which Prime Minister Orban belongs, for hypocritically doing the same as previous socialist governments whom they criticize. The Medgyessy and GyurcsĂĄny governments, for example, have been widely spoken against by the

US Vice President Calls for Greater Openness and Freedom in China .... Continues From Front Page "I recognize that many of you in this auditorium see our advocacy of human rights as at best an intrusion, and at worst an assault on your sovereignty. I want to tell you directly that this is not our intention. Yes, for Americans there is a significant moral component to our advocacy," Mr Biden said.

"But President Obama and I see protecting human rights and freedoms, we see it in a larger context, as well.

Protecting freedoms such as those enshrined in China's international commitments and in China's own constitution -- we see them as a key aspect of China's successful emergence and the key continued growth and prosperity. I know that some in China

.... Continues From Page 8 in the Tibetan community have been produced. This is the reason why TYC is a thorn in the eyes of China.

Tibetan people in Tibet place so much aspiration on TYC because it has retained the importance and legacy of Independent. People in Tibet often advice fleeing Tibetans, "When you go into exile, you must fight for independent, because if it is autonomy you will fight then you might as well come back. We in Tibet do all that we can inside here; your responsibility being outside is to keep the fight alive".

Being a monk, my association has to be

believe that greater freedom could threaten economic progress by undermining social stability.

I do not pretend to have the answer, but I believe history has shown the opposite to be true, that in the long run, greater openness is a source of stability and a sign of strength, that prosperity peaks when governments foster both free enterprise and free exchange of ideas, that liberty unlocks a people's full potential. And in its absence, unrest festers.

"Openness, free exchange of ideas, free enterprise and liberty are among the reasons why the United States, in my view, is at this moment the wealthiest nation in the history of the world.

It's why our workers are among the most productive, why our inventors and entrepreneurs hold more patents than any other country in the world, why we are reinvesting in the fundamental sources of our strength -- education, infrastructure, innovation, and why President Obama and I are so confident that America will weather the current economic storm and emerge even stronger, just as we always have in past economic crises, and why there's no reason why China cannot tap into the same source of strength," Mr Biden said.

The US vice president was in China from 17 - 21 August as part of his Asia tour, which also took him to Mongolia and Japan.

with a religious institution, so I have no real affiliation to any political organization however, if I join any organization, it will be TYC. TYC should strengthen the might and vigor of Rangzen advocacy. TYC should keep one eye, one leg and one arm in Tibet at all times.

Finally, the Vice President Dhondup Lhadar while proposing the vote of thanks applauded the attending students of CST Darjeeling their Tibetan song performance and noted the importance of retaining the Tibetan language and identity. The Vice President reminded the gathering that

HH the 13th Dalai Lama worked for the restoration of Tibetan Independence while in exile in Darjeeling and was able to return to Tibet by the end of 1912.

Subsequently, upon his return he made the historic declaration of Independence of Tibet. Likewise in this gathering we must strategise to bring our leader HH the 14th Dalai Lama back to Tibet.

In the afternoon session, the Centrex presented it Annual Report and Accounts and received queries from its regional chapters. While the Centrex members examined Regional Chapter's reports and accounts.

Peaceful protests by Tibet supporters, the Hungarian Falun Dafa Association and human rights organizations were planned during Wen Jiabao’s visit. Photo: TPI

Fidesz party for preventing demonstrations.

Schiffer published that on the 24th and 25th of July, during Wen Jiabao's visit,

"the policy acted against persons who were expressing their own opinion with Tibet flags and criticizing the policy of the People's Republic of China."

German Supporters Hope for a New Sino-Tibetan Dialogue

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Berlin, March 10th, 2011 - The Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID) remembered the victims of the Tibetan Uprising in 1959 with a demonstration of solidarity in front of the Chinese embassy in Berlin.

Photo: TPI

Berlin: - Tibet support group based in German capital Berlin has urged authorities of the Chinese government to solve the Tibet problems through a new start of Sino-Tibetan dialogue with Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of Tibet and Tibetan people.

The new Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay will take up his office in Dharamshala (India) On Monday, August 8. The Harvard academic will present his cabinet at the next parliamentary session in September.

"China did not make use of the opportunity to solve the Tibet issue with the Dalai Lama", said Wolfgang Grader, chairman of the Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID).

The German Tibet support group, "Tibet Initiative Deutschland" (TID) issued a statement two days before Dr. Lobsang Sangay's Swearing-inceremony of new political leader of Tibetans. "Now the Chinese government is getting a further opportunity to improve its international standing and to meet the requirements of a global power in the 21st century, said the TID statement dated August 5, 2011.

The Chinese leadership has refused to enter into any dialogue with the new Prime Minister so far, leading Grader to warn against too great expectations: "As with the Dalai Lama, Lobsang Sangay is not demanding independence, just complete

autonomy for Tibet within the Chinese borders." However, there has been no progress in Sino-Tibetan negotiations over the past years.

Sangay's predecessor, Samdhong Rinpoche and the Dalai Lama will be among those present at the inauguration ceremony in the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang temple. The latter had already announced his intention to devolve his political authority in March 2011 before the exile elections had begun.

"By withdrawing, the Dalai Lama wanted to strengthen the democratization process, initiated by him within the Tibetan exile community", Grader explained.

"No Tibetan Prime Minister to date has had so much formal power as Lobsang Sangay." With immediate effect, the elected political leadership will take over all political and administrative duties. For this reason, TID hopes that the German government will now also agree to build relations with the democratically elected representative of the Tibetan people.

His Holiness "the Dalai Lama's withdrawal from politics went hand in hand with a change to the constitution, ratified by the Tibetan Parliament during a special session at the end of May. In article 1 of the exile constitution, the Dalai Lama is now referred to as "the protector and symbol of Tibet and the Tibetan people". Moreover, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people is to act as advisor to the exile government," it noted.

The Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID), founded in 1989, advocates for the Tibetan people's right to selfdetermination and the protection of human rights in occupied Tibet. With 60 regional groups and nearly 2,000 members throughout Germany, the TID is a strong voice for Tibet. Primary funding for the TID comes from membership dues and private, individual donations.

10

31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

Tibetan Co-Operative Federation Concludes Conference

Tibetan Co-Operative Movement Holds Meeting in Dharamshala on 11th August 2011.

Photo: TPI

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: On August 13, The Federation of Tibetan Co-Operatives in India concluded their three-day conference, held in the Staff Mess of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala. The Tibet Post International spoke with Mr. Tashi Wangdu, the CEO of the Federation, about this year's meeting and the future goals of the Federation.

The Federation is the body that unites the 15 Tibetan co-operative societies in India; the cooperatives produce a variety of goods such as carpet, incense, noodles, and agricultural products.

Wangdu said that the co-operative societies help, directly or indirectly, 60 percent of Tibetans living in India.

Wangdu said that this year's meeting was the first that the Federation solely took the responsibility of organizing.

Before the Federation was formed as an independent body in 2005, the Department of Home of the Central Tibetan Administration was responsible

for the cooperative societies.

He added, "We luckily had the new Kalon Tripa [Dr. Lobsang Sangay] as the chief guest. It was his first official meeting as Kalon Tripa."

During the three-day event, four new resolutions were passed. One seeks to initiate a new business unit in each cooperative this year and to improve and strengthen the administrations of the cooperatives by increasing staff salaries; secretaries' salaries will increase by up to 35 percent this year.

Wangdu said that currently, administrative staff are getting very low salaries.

Consequently, staff competency suffers.

"This is one of the main reasons why some of the societies have failed," he said. "Since we are a business unit, we need a very competitive staff who can explore new initiatives and who can find a new market."

The second resolution deals with the sustainability of Tibetan settlements.

The 12th Kashag (cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration, about ten years ago, prohibited farmers from irrigating.

Without irrigation, Wangdu said, the farmers can only cultivate once of year as opposed to twice or thrice with irrigation. The Federation therefore plans to appeal the new Kashag to reverse this decision and allow irrigation.

The Federation's next resolution is to request help and support from the Kashag and to find additional ways that the CTA can support the co-operative societies. Currently, the CTA supports the societies through giving low interest loans and by conducting workshops and trainings for staff.

The final resolution is to have the next annual conference in Kollegal in south India.

This year, Wangdu said, 12 of the 15 cooperative societies were profitable. The co-operatives in south India tend to do best, as the settlements there are quite large. The settlements in Sikkim and West Bengal have much smaller communities and are suffering most.

Co-operatives have a variety of buyers.

In south India, poultry farmers and big businesses buy the agricultural crops, such as maize. As far as handicrafts, these are often purchased in shops by both local and foreign tourists. Monasteries often buy carpets, and co-operative members themselves buy such goods as incense and noodles.

The Federation supports the cooperative societies by taking care of the salaries of each co-operative's CEO, giving scholarships to 15 staff members' children, and giving shareholders scholarships for professional undergraduate studies.

"This is according to His Holiness' advice in the last couple of years that Tibetans have to be professional," he said.

The organization also supports workshops within the co-operative societies to bring awareness to members about their benefits.

Tibetan Culture Still So Relevant Today...... .... Continues From Page 2 She describes a powerful experience she had during her first time in India in 1971.

While attending an empowerment ceremony at a nunnery near Trilokpur, "there was this lovely incident where a monk lit a stick of incense during the empowerment. Somehow the smoke went up his nose and he started spluttering and coughing...everyone just laughed.

And I thought, this has got to be good.

This is so different from the Poe-faced, mournful experiences of religion that I have had. If people can laugh then there is something good about this."

About the teachings, she said that Geshe Sonam Rinchen advised visitors to "take from it what will enrich your life. If you want to become a Buddhist that's great, but even if you are a practicing Christian and you hear something that's useful [you can take that]."

Mary, a participant from California, USA, has been studying Buddhism for years but says that she "still gets a tremendous amount out of the classes."

"They make it so personal," she said.

Another particpant, Emilia, from England, said that she is returning to the Tibetan Library after first coming in the beginning of the 1990s.

"I'm reconnecting, revising the Indian Buddhist masters," she said.

She feels that the setup and content of the classes is much the same as it was on her first trip. She is also thankful that the classes have been "set up with a

nominal price. They're meant for people who can come and study for a long time.

It's great that the cost is affordable, I hope it stays that way."

Translation projects Translation projects involve both Tibetan-English and English-Tibetan translations. The library offers threemonth translation classes, during which a mix of monks, Tibetans, and select foreigners learn the art of translation from Library Director Geshe Lhakdor. Geshe Lhakdor has years of experience in translation, as he has served as the official translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Most participants have university degrees and some prior experience are translating, but some are "just talented," Geshe Lhakdor said.

"Much of the purpose is to activate young boys and girls, to help them understand through translating people's thoughts," he said.

Geshe Lhakdor believes that translation can serve to develop "holistic knowledge and awareness. We want to put the energy within, to put fire in the soul and mind. This creates sensible people," he said.

His main goal in this project is to create in people a desire to serve the greater community rather than just themselves.

Speaking about the importance of having complete awareness about situations, he used the Tibetan

situation as an example. Many Tibetans have been killed, he said. While the environment and the culture are being destroyed, he said, "you cannot be a spectator."

Upcoming projects Other upcoming projects at the Tibetan Library include a two-week workshop on oral history, taught by Prof. Amia Lieblich from Israel, and the archiving of the teachings of all past Dalai Lamas.

Part of the Oral History workshop will be about preserving the knowledge and memories of elderly Tibetan people.

The project involving the past Dalai Lama's teachings has made good headway, as the translations of the 1st, 2nd, and 5th Dalai Lamas is complete.

Library's mission When asked to articulate the vision of the Tibetan Library, Geshe Lhakdor said first of all that "vision without action is a nightmare."

"Our reality is a shortage of funding," he said, so the library must work now with a "small vision." The library seeks to "ensure that Tibetan culture and religion is preserved and disseminated for the many who are interested," he said. "We preserve Tibetan culture not because it belongs to Tibetans, but because it is still so relevant today and because so many are interested and so many benefit...our aim is not to convert, but to help and support those who are interested."

The Tibet Post

New Political Leader of Tibet Outlines Plans and Political Policy

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Newly elected political leader of Tibetans, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay Friday (19th August) addressed the entire officials of the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamsala, outlining his policies and plans to strengthen the Tibetan struggle, and to make the exile community and administration more sustainable and robust.

Attributing the existence of a sustainable and vibrant administration and community in exile to the efforts made by the previous generation of Tibetans, Dr Sangay said commitment, sincerity and efforts on part of the present CTA officials would shape the future sustainability of the administration. He called on the staff members to forge a united effort to realise both the short- and long-term goals of the Tibetan people.

Describing the current situation as very critical and grim, Kalon Tripa said Tibetans inside Tibet are sacrificing their precious lives in protest against the wrong policies of the Chinese government. We must also reinvigorate our commitment and redouble our efforts to fulfill the aspirations of our compatriots living under repression, he added.

Kalon Tripa said the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and restoration of freedom to Tibetans would remain his principle objective.

He briefly outlines his policies and plans to be carried out in the next five

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Kalongtripa or the political leader of TIbetan Administration.

Photo: TPI

years, which include the formation of Tibet Policy Institute, Tibet Corps and trainings to professionalize the bureaucrats.

He reiterated that education would remain his leadership's top priority.

Special efforts would be made to reach 10,000 professionals in exile and hope for 100,000 among Tibetans inside Tibet in the next two decades, he said.

He said special efforts would also be made to retain bureaucrats to work for longer duration in the administration.

"We will gradually review and try to assign staff members to departments in accordance with their expertise and educational background," he said.

He also spoke about plans to convene meetings of CTA officials to brainstorm how to make our administration more efficient.

Brimming with great optimism, Kalon Tripa said he is a pragmatist by nature and the Tibetan struggle both in and outside Tibet would remain alive with support and unity of all six million Tibetans.

........Art Gallery in Dharamshala .... Continues From Page 2 that went beyond being responsible; we wanted to make a positive contribution to our local society, so we created a unique business plan that weds a traditional for-profit business model with that of an NGO. Negotiating the two disparate models is a bit of a balancing act, but it is a valuable experience that we hope will someday become applicable on a greater scale."

Gyatso explained the impact that the pair hopes the gallery will have on the Tibetan community in Mcleod Ganj, saying, "Ultimately the gallery is designed to serve as a launching pad for artists early in their career, one which can benefit the community of McLeod Ganj by supplying meaningful employment and being a vehicle through which artistic voice can be explored and heard." Mac added, "Our goal is to support young artists so they can achieve the careers of which they have dreamed. I believe in my core that people must have voice to have agency; that is what the gallery is about, and it is the root of all selfdetermination."

The symbiotic relationship between art and society doesn't necessarily happen through or rely solely on the direct viewing of art, but also through its influences on the work of writers, filmmakers, musicians, and other storytellers. The work of artists engaged in producing art as a self-determining process cannot help but impact the whole of society, becoming a catalyst

for cultural renewal. The Peak Art Gallery has previously hosted temporary exhibitions that bring together different artistic components of the community, such as the Art + Poetry exhibition earlier this year, which featured the work of six Tibetan contemporary painters and five Tibetan poets in an evening event.

The Peak Art Gallery will host another exhibition entitled FRINGE: Art From the Edge of Tibet from August 26 to September 20, 2011.The paintings featured in the exhibition range in theme from landscape to character study; Tenzin Chokling's scenes of traditional Tibet capture the spirituality of the land and the character of its nomadic inhabitants, while Tenzin Dorjee's portraits convey the conflicted personalities of Tibetan exiles living in India. There are poignant scenes of Tibetan life which could belong to either "here" or "there," accentuating the preservation of culture and a strong collective nostalgia for it. The emotional register of the exhibition skips from buoyant, joyful, and proud, to filled with longing and frustration, reflecting the incalculable variety of emotional responses that in turn make up the human register.

The opening reception for FRINGE will take place on August 26th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The reception is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.

TPI WORLD PEACE

The Tibet Post

31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

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His Holiness Arrives as Guest His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in of the German Hesse State Finland Government

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama (R) waves next to Hesse's state Prime Minister Volker Bouffier during a visit to the monastery in Seligenstadt near Frankfurt August 22, 2011.His Holiness the Dalai Lama is on a three-day visit to the German federal state of Hesse. REUTERS photo

By Tibetan Administration official media: Tibet Net

Wiesbaden, Germany: -The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday visited Frankfurt and Wiesbaden as guest of the Hesse State Government in Germany.

In a press release issued on 9 June, the Hessen Secretary of State Mr Michael Busse announced that His Holiness the Dalai Lama was visiting the Hesse at the invitation of Minister President Mr Volker Bouffier

and the President of the State Parliament Mr Norbert Kartmann.

The State Government will host a luncheon in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Seligenstadt on 22 August. The Hessian Cabinet and the President of the Parliament will be present at the lunch, said the press release.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will address students and faculty members of Goethe University,

Frankfurt's oldest university in the afternoon. His Holiness will speak on Leadership and Values at the request of the University.

On Wednesday 23 August, at the invitation of Mr Norbert Kartmann, the President of the Hesse Parliament, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will address members of the Parliament. This address is before the start of the parliament's plenary session after the summer break.

Both His Holiness the Dalai Lama's address to the Parliament and Goethe University will be webcast live.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will then attend a reception organised by Friends of a Friend. Over 300 especially invited guest will be present at the reception.

On 24 August morning His Holiness will visit Johann-Peter Shepherd School (school for the blind and visually impaired) in Friedberg. One of the student's father requested His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2009 to visit this special school.

The former Minister President Mr Roland Koch started the special relationship between the Hesse people and, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people. Mr Koch from his university days was involved with the Tibetan issue. He is a close friend and supporter of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness to Speak On Universal Responsibility in Canada

His Holiness The Dalai Lama addressing during a historical event being held at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India on 8th August 2011. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - On September 7, 2011, at Montreal's Uniprix Stadium, Canada, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will speak on Global citizenship through universal responsibility. Earlier that same day, His Holiness will open the Second Global Conference on World's Religions after 9/11 in Montreal.

"The Canada Tibet Committee is proud to announce that it will host a Public Talk by His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama on Wednesday, 7 September at Montreal's Uniprix Stadium, said Mr. Dermod Travis, CTC Executive

Director, in a statement.

"His Holiness will speak on ‘Global Citizenship through Universal Responsibility,' a theme chosen to honour last year's decision by the Canadian government to welcome 1,000 displaced-Tibetans living in Arunachal Pradesh, India to Canada over the next five years, the statement noted.

The "Canada Tibet Committee is an independent, non-governmental organization of Tibetans and nonTibetans living in Canada, strongly concerned with the continuing human rights violations and lack of democratic

freedom in Tibet," according to its official website.

The French societies in Montreal (Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal) will welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama September 7, as he opens the Second Global Conference on World's Religions After 9/11, according to a press release from the organisers.

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, will be joined by Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi, world-famous author Deepak Chopra, Professors Tariq Ramadan, Robert Thurman, Steven T. Katz and Gregory Baum and Swami Dayananda Saraswati who will speak on the theme "Peace Through Religion".

The conference aims to bring together 5,000 participants from the various religions of the world in an ecumenical spirit to address the many issues facing the world today. "Most people remember where they were and what they were doing when they first heard the news of the aerial assault on the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001," said conference convenor, Arvind Sharma, Birks Professor of Comparative Religion, McGill University.

This international peace conference is organised by the Palais des congrès de Montréal and it's mission is to attract and host conventions, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events to promote world peace and harmony.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet with the Rector of the University of Tartu Professor Alar Karis after being presented with the Honorary Doctorate of the university/Photos by Jarek Jõepera/Office of Tibet, London

By Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Helsinki: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Helsinki, capital of Finland, Thursday afternoon following a successful two-day visit to Estonia.

His Holiness' main programme for the day was to address a meeting this morning at the Estonian Academy of Sciences. The programme at the academy began with the presentation of the Honorary Doctorate of the University of Tartu to His Holiness

by Prof. Alar Karis, the Rector of the University of Tartu.

The Honorary Doctorate was awarded to His Holiness in 2005 and this has been the first opportunity for the University of Tartu, based in southern Estonia, to present the award to His Holiness. Following the presentation, His Holiness spoke to the assembled audience of scientists, politicians including 5 Ministers from the Estonian government, and other prominent Estonians on the theme of "Buddhism and Science".

His Holiness then responded to questions from the audience as well as taking part in a discussion on the theme of the meeting with

contributions from the President of the Academy of Sciences, Professor Richard Villems.

His Holiness then attended a lunch hosted by the Estonian Institute of Buddhism. His Holiness bid farewell to Director of the Estonian Institute of Buddhism Mr. Sven Grünberg and the leader of the Estonian Parliamentary group for Tibet MP Mr Andres Herkel, the two hosts for the visit to Estonia prior to his departure for Finland in the early afternoon.

Upon arriving in Helsinki, His Holiness responded to a Finnish reporter's question on the purpose of his visit by saying that he had come to see his many old friends in the country again, to meet new friends, and for the promotion of universal values such as compassion and tolerance, as well as for the promotion of religious harmony and understanding among the world's major religious traditions.

His Holiness' two-day programme in Finland begins tomorrow morning and the visit is hosted by the Finnish Tibetan Cultural Association and Songtsen, a Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana Community in Finland.

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31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET & CYBER

The Tibet Post

Addressing Thousands in France, His His Holiness Impressed by New Holiness Speaks on Ethics Policy on Tibetan Education

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, left, receives from french member of Parliament Muriel Marland Militello, right, a statue representing a bull in protest of corridas bull fighting, in Toulouse, southwestern France, Monday, Aug. 15, 2011/AP Photo

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama gave a public talk Monday, August 15, in Toulouse, France.

According to Tibet.net, His Holiness spoke to an audience of over ten thousand about the importance of ethics.

Speaking from a secular perspective in order to reach a wide audience, His Holiness said that it is wrong to do wrong at others' expense.

He emphasized that actual physical wellbeing can be harmed by fear and stress,

and that inner peace and calm are essential for both a healthy body and a healthy mind.

Secular ethics can be understood by everyone, His Holiness said. While no religion is applicable to everyone, everyone can appreciate and be trained in warm-heartedness.

The next century, according to His Holiness, should be a century of dialogue instead of a century of violence. Change comes through action, he said, urging the audience

to work on changing corruptions such as bloodshed and the unequal distribution of wealth.

In meetings Monday morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with several mayors from different areas in France. The mayors had each adopted Tibetan villages in an effort to preserve Tibetan language and culture.

Expressing his thanks, His Holiness asked the mayors to expand their campaign to include the whole European Union.

His Holiness also met with French parliamentarians and held an audience with representatives of the Danielle Mitterand Foundation.

While meeting with the parliamentarians, His Holiness briefed them on the current political and ecological situation inside Chineseruled Tibet.

During the audience, he told representatives of the foundation that the new generation has a great responsibility and opportunity to shape the future in a positive way.

His Holiness, now in Estonia, will hold a free public talk on A Call for Universal Responsibility at Liberty Square in Tallin. The talk is organized by the Estonian Institute of Buddhism. He also plans to meet with government officials during his time in Tallin.

Exiled Tibetans Battle Chinese "Cyber-Warfare" Exchange of information has to be done discreetly, though, because China keeps a close watch on communication between Dharamshala and Tibet.

US-China War cyberspace. Photo: TPI/ file

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Tibetans frequently use technology such as the Internet, phones, and radios to keep informed about events inside Tibet as well as to keep in touch with friends and relatives.

Increasingly, according to a report from Voice of America, China is increasingly conducting "cyber-warfare" to prevent such communication.

Kanyak Tsering, an exiled monk, belongs to a Kirti Monastery based in Dharamshala. The main branch of Kirti Monastery in Tibet has been under tight security for months, and Kanyak acts as an advocate for the monks there by maintaining close contact with those inside.

Drawing on information from contacts at Kirti, Kanyak said that monks there are forced to attend classes on "patriotic re-education." Refusal to attend results in expulsion from the monastery.

Kanyak gets his information mainly from the Internet; from Skype, e-mails, and chat rooms. He also uses mobile phones to obtain information.

Greg Walton, a researcher who advises the Tibetan administration on security, said that China uses technology usually reserved for cracking major defense or financial information to keep track of Tibetan exiles.

"What is intriguing is that often we'll see that the same command-andcontrol servers which are going after the big defense contractors, and stealing details of stealth bombers, or going after the big financial houses in New York - the same command-andcontrol servers are going after monks in Dharamshala," Walton told VOA. Kanyak told The Tibet Post that a friend of his recently received an email from his address with a strange attachment.

His email was used three times; tracing revealed that users were located in Beijing and other areas of China.

This was the first incident of his account being used, he said.

While there is a good indication that the Chinese government was involved, there has not been 100% confirmation on the identity or the intention of the users.

In response to the incident, he has changed his e-mail address and his password. Though he thought his Google account was safe and reliable, he said, it was not.

As a precaution, he also deletes all unknown emails. He does not

understand English, so if he gets an email in English he assumes it is not for him.

The Tibet Post also receives many false e-mails. Especially around the time of Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay's inauguration last week, The Tibet Post's email account was full of socalled "urgent" messages from the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, representatives of Central Tibetan Administration departments, and Tibetan NGOs. The editor of The Tibet Post said he never opens these emails; if it were truly an urgent matter from an administration official, they would call the office.

Cyber attacks seek to lure the recipient into clicking on a link or opening an attachment; the attachment or link will then implant malware onto the recipient's computer.

Trusted people such as Kanyak are often targeted; the Chinese government uses e-mail accounts of trusted sources so that their friends and contacts open the attachments without concern.

Many exiles are starting to train Tibeans about cyber-security.

Lobsang Gyatso teaches Tibetans about Tor, "a network of volunteer routers that helps users hide their location and identity from repressive governments," says VOA. TOR can be stored on a pen drive and can be used easily to get around the Chinese firewall; however, China's efforts in cyber security mean that no one is completely safe.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay (L) the new political leader of Tibet, stands next to Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama as His Holiness greets the crowd at his swearing-in ceremony at the Tsuglakhang, the main Tibetan Temple in Dharmsala, India, 8th August 2011.

Photo: TPI

By Official website: www.dalailama.com

Toulouse, France, 14 August 2011 The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said he has been impressed with Kalon Tripa, the new political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay's views on education, praising his policy to generate 10,000 professionally trained Tibetans within the next decade.

Speaking to representatives of French TV during lunch break on the second day of teaching in Toulouse, His Holiness said that he had been very impressed by the new Prime Minister and was especially appreciative of his views on education. His Holiness praised highly the new policy, which aims to have, within the next decade, 10,000 professionally trained Tibetans.

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay has underscored that education would be the administration's number one priority. "It is the beacon that will light the future of Tibet. We will strive to reach 10,000 professionals among 150,000 in exile and appeal to Tibetans inside Tibet to reach 100,000 in the next two decades," Dr Sangay has said in his inaugural speech on assuming the political leadership.

When asked if he had noticed any difference in the functioning of the Tibetan administration since the change, His Holiness replied that it was too soon to say. He said that the Tibetan policy towards the PRC remains essentially the same: "We are always ready for dialogue."

In answer to the question whether any new political steps were planned for the near future, His Holiness said that he did not know: everything depends on China. "The whole world knows," His Holiness said, "that there is a Tibetan problem. The Chinese officials simply deny this, but they are hiding from the truth. Discontent is everywhere, not only in Tibet but also among the other cultural minorities."

His Holiness went on to say that at the recent celebrations in Lhasa to mark the Chinese annexation of Tibet, a high official from the Chinese government was present. But the police and secret services were everywhere; all tourists were made to leave the country; and the Tibetan people, apart from the selected "Tibetan public", were told to remain in their homes.

His Holiness also pointed out that, at the recent National People's Congress meeting in China, it had emerged that the budget for internal security was actually higher than the defence budget. "Of all the member states of

the United Nations," His Holiness said, "this is surely a unique case."

The Chinese officials, he said, are masters in the art of hypocrisy, and yet this cannot last forever.

Back in 1980, the then Chinese Party Secretary Hu Yaobang admitted in Lhasa that Chinese policy in Tibet had been a mistake and that the Tibetans should enjoy a meaningful autonomy.

"So there is room for hope," His Holiness said, referring to the recent suggestion by the Chinese Prime Minister that the PRC should gradually move towards a more western style democracy.

His Holiness was asked whether his withdrawal from political power would impact negatively on world support for the Tibetan cause. His Holiness replied that he did not think so. Many people, he said, support the unique Tibetan cultural heritage and nonviolent struggle of the Tibetan people.

On being asked for his feelings about his handing over of political power, he said that he was relaxed and happy and glad to be able to implement what he had always believed: that political power and religious authority should be kept separate. He said that the night after his announcement, he had slept particularly well!

"And thanks to the separation of the political and religious powers," His Holiness said, "I believe I have made things easier and given greater liberty to the next Dalai Lama."

His Holiness went on to say that he has three fundamental commitments.

The first is the promotion of basic human values and the achievement of full human potential. From this point of view, he said, he regards himself as a simple human being and believes strongly in the equality of all humanity. This is the truth, he said.

The problem is that we get stuck with secondary notions of nationality or religious adherence, which can lead to division and distrust and consequently to violence.

His second commitment, as a Buddhist practitioner, is to religious harmony. All the great religious traditions, His Holiness said, teach the same basic human values of kindness, forgiveness, patience and so on.

These are things that we must all work for.

His Holiness' third commitment is to the Tibetan people. Hitherto, he said, this had involved political authority.

But now that this had been completely handed over to the elected government, he said, he has more time for his first two commitments.

His Holiness started the day with his teaching on the Middle Stages of Meditation. In his introduction, he traced the origins of all the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism back to the great Indian university of Nalanda and emphasised the importance in Buddhism of study and deep understanding as a means of transforming the mind. His Holiness concluded the morning's teaching by bestowing the Bodhisattva vows.

His Holiness concluded the teaching around 1600 hrs amidst heartfelt applause preceded by a thanksgiving mandala offering. The event was extensively covered by French press and media.

31 August, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI BUDDHISM

The Tibet Post

Tibetans Not Trying to Break Down China: His Holiness

By: Evelin Nommiste, The Tibet Post

Tallinn: - From August 16-18, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama visited the Estonian capital, Tallinn. This was His Holiness’ third visit to this small Northern European country; he visited as well in 2001 and 1991.

During these three days he met with Tibet support groups, some members of the Parliament, and unofficially with the Estonian President. The highlight of his trip was his public talk, “A Call for Universal Responsibility,” held at Freedom Square.

Thousands of people gathered at

my freedom, when I was 24 I lost my country. For 50 years I have heard bad news from Tibet but my mind is still in peace”.

His Holiness said that many of our contemporary problems are caused by lack of compassion and understanding.

The reasons for the economic crises today are also greed, ignorance and speculations.

At the same time His Holiness is optimistic about the future of the humankind. He said that people have become more mature during the 20th century. While at the beginning of the 20th century people were proud to go to war, they are now protesting against war. Furthermore, totalitarian systems that started in Moscow in 1917 fell in Europe in less than a century not because of external pressure but because of people themselves; internal pressure.

His Holiness said that the same is happening in Cuba and will also happen in China and North Korea.

After his talks, His Holiness answered some questions from the audience. At first he was asked why he came for the third time to a small and politically insignificant country like Estonia. His Holiness answered: “The reason is simple, I was invited and I came. I have old friends and supporters here, I wanted to meet them. I already told the President, members of Parliament and media that sometimes small countries like the Baltic States and Estonia can be more moral and upright than the big countries.

Small states can more firmly stand for their moral principles. Big countries are more concerned about economics and that is sad.”

His Holiness said that he likes Tallinn because it is not too big. “At 5 o ´clock in the morning I saw from my hotel window only a few cars, a few buses and one pedestrian, otherwise the city was empty. Not like New Delhi, New York and Washington where there is traffic and people 24 hours a day”.

At the end of his Talk His Holiness thanked all the people who listened to him patiently despite the hot sun and promised to visit Estonia again whenever he is invited.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, left, receives from french member of Parliament Muriel Marland Militello, right, a statue representing a bull in protest of corridas bull fighting, in Toulouse, southwestern France, Monday, Aug. 15, 2011/AP Photo

Freedom Square to meet his Holiness and his delegation during the public talk on August 17.

The talks began with a greeting from Director of the Buddist Institute Sven Grünberg. He gave His Holiness a gift package with Estonian and Tibetan flags, stressing that these flags were not “Made in China.” Many people in the audience also had Tibetan flags with them. When talking about the role of the flag, His Holiness said that the Tibetan flag is very important both in Tibet and outside. In 1954, when he met with the leader of the People’s Republic

of China, Mao Zedong, the leader had asked if His Holiness has his own flag.

His Holiness answered, “yes, I have.”

Mao Zedong said that yes, His Holiness could keep the flag. His Holiness said jokingly that if you have any problems because of the flag and someone says that carrying it supports separatism, you can say that you have permission from Mao Zedong.

His Holiness said also that the purpose of Tibetans actions is not to break down China but to keep practicing Tibetan culture. He also said that he is no longer the political leader of Tibet but a cultural

and religious symbol as he broke the 400-year old tradition by giving his political responsibilities to the democratically elected leaders.

In his talks about universal responsibility, His Holiness stressed the importance of compassion, saying that through compassion people can achieve peace of mind. If our mind is in peace we can be happy and live a good life even if we have problems. As an example, he told the audience that despite what is going on in Tibet, he has been able to keep his peace of mind.

His Holiness said “when I was 16 I lost

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Lobsang Sangay is the Right Person: His Holiness the Dalai Lama

By: Y.C. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said Thursday that the present situation in Tibet is very urgent, however he was confident that a change for the better would definitely take place. He also said that the elected leader, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, is the right person for the Tibetan community.

Tibetans and supporters welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the hotel in Geneva Thursday morning with auspicious offerings. The visit's main program is to inaugurate and consecrate the newly constructed Tibetan Buddhist Centre - Sherdurb Choekorling

His Holiness the Dalai Lama interviewing by TSR Swiss TV French language channel, Geneva, Switzerland, 11 August 2011. Photo: Tibet Bureay Geneva

at Mont SalĂŠve, France Friday morning, according to a report of the office of Tibet Bureau - Geneva.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke about his decision to devolve his formal authority to the elected Tibetan leadership for the long-term benefit of the Tibetan people in a short interview with "TSR" Swiss TV French language channel. He also thanked the people and government of Switzerland for providing refuge to over 4000 Tibetan refugees.

His Holiness said that after coming to India as a refugee in 1959, he began the democratization process. From 2001 "we already achieved elected political

leadership, since then my position was semi-retirement, 10 years already had passed, now it must be complete retirement."

His Holiness added that he was always for Tibet's reform and impressed with the democratic system from the early 1950s. "Democracy is the best system to govern people."

"The world belongs to nearly seven billion human beings of the world and not to kings or religious heads, and not to a few Lamas." "Similarly, each and every county belongs to the people, likewise Tibet also belongs to the Tibetan people," His Holiness told "TSR".

While addressing the leaders, the 76year old Buddhist leader extended his greetings to the Tibetan community in Switzerland. He said that Switzerland is the first Tibetan settlement (outside India). His Holiness complimented the Tibetans in Switzerland for their dedication to the Tibetan issue as well as integration into the Swiss Community.

His Holiness told the "TSR" channel that newly elected political leader "Lobsang Sangay is thoroughly educated, and Tibetan community has chosen the right person. I really feel now is the right time for the elected leadership to carry full responsibility."

The Nobel Peace Laureate said that he has full conviction that Tibetans can carry all their responsibilities.

"Therefore I voluntarily and proudly decided that this four-century-old tradition should end, However, the Dalai Lama institution will remain as a spiritual role," he added.

On arrival in Zurich airport from the Indian capital New Delhi, Mr. Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad, Counsellor from Indian Embassy and Mr. Raefel Gimalov, member of the Russian Parliament and a businessman host of the visit along with Abbot of Tibetan Institute Rikon, Presidents of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and Tibetan Women Association, representatives from the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe and Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

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31 August, 2011 Dharamsala