The Tibet Post International

Kalon Tripa

Seldon Among Rhodes Scholarship..

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

Trips Seven European Countries....

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Vol. 02, Issue 54, 30 November 2011

Gary Locke Urged to Act on Tibet

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B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Message to Global Buddhist Congregation Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

US Ambassador to Beijing, China nominee Gary Locke estifies on Capitol Hill in Washington Photo: AP

"In light of these realities, we urge you, in your capacity as U.S. ambassador, to visit Tibet. Speak with Tibetan people and faith leaders. Press for a fact-finding mission into the Kirti monastery which has featured prominently in the recent wave of selfimmolations," they added. Detail on Page 3...

Every Human Being Wants Happy Life

Ambassador of Czechoslovakia Miloslav Stasek.

Photo: File

Dharamshala, India: Ambassador of Czechoslovakia reached McLeodganj, Dharamshala, on Wednesday, 16th November to meet the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and was given a warm welcome.

Tibetans offered him white silk scarf (Tib: Khatas) at the Kangra airport which located near Dhramshala.

The offering of "katas" or white scarf is an auspicious Tibetan tradition for welcoming and the start of a good relationship. Ambassador Miloslav Stasek refused to disclose any information about the issues he will take up with The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

"I am here till Friday and this is not an official visit, I can't say anything about the meeting at the moment," he told reporters at the airport.

Dharamshala, India: - On 29th November 1956, on the occasion of the 2500th anniversary of the Buddha's Parinirvana, I had the opportunity to meet Indian leaders and Buddhist representatives from many countries here in New Delhi. At that time I gave a detailed account of the historical development of Buddhism in Tibet and the unique Indo-Tibetan relationship. Since then the world, including India and Tibet, has witnessed many changes and so have the Buddhist traditions in different countries.

Until the last fifty years or so, the world's diverse Buddhist communities had only a distant inkling of each other's existence and little appreciation of how much they held in common. As the Buddha's teaching took root in different places, certain variations in the style in which it was practised and upheld evolved naturally. Indeed, the Buddha himself gave different teachings according to the predispositions of his disciples at different times. What distinguishes our contemporary situation is that almost the entire array of Buddhist traditions that evolved in different lands is now accessible to anyone who is interested. What's more, those of us who study and practise these various Buddhist traditions can now meet and learn from one another.

Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya about 2600 years ago, yet I believe his teachings remain refreshing and relevant today.

Moved by a spontaneous concern to help others,

His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivering a speechin during a special ceremony being held in Dharamshala, India on 8th August 2011. Photo: TPI/file

following his enlightenment the Buddha spent the rest of his life as a homeless monk, sharing his experience with those who wished to listen.

Both his view of dependent arising and his advice not to harm anyone, but to help whoever you can, emphasize the practice of non-violence. This remains one of the most potent forces for good in the world today, for non-violence is to be of

Two More Monks Arrested in Eastern Tibet

service to our fellow beings.

Siddhartha's renunciation - his choosing to live the homeless life - symbolises the practice of the training in morality; his six-year asceticism symbolises the training in concentration; and his attainment of enlightenment through the practice of wisdom under the Bodhi tree represents the importance of the See Page 13. cultivation of wisdom.

600 Tibetans Protest Against Chinese Rule in Delhi

Exile Tibetans shout slogans against the Chinese government during a march in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011. Photo: AP

Dharamshala, India: - The solidarity and spirit of around 600 Tibetans created an atmosphere of electricity in India's capital on Wednesday.

The protestors marched through Delhi, shouting anti-China slogans and "Free Tibet!" to protest China's Full article Page 5.

Tibetan PM To Address Brussels Summit

Tibetan monks from Kirti Monastery, eastern Tibet: Gyatso, 42 year old (L) and Lobsang Gedhun, 48 year old.

Photo: TPI/File Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Palden Choetso at her nunnery in Karze county, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI (file photo)

Dharamshala/New York: - The most comprehensive footage of protests in Tibet this year, including images of Palden Choetso, a 35-year-old nun from Geden Choeling Nunnery in Tawu, eastern Tibet, who died after setting herself on fire on November 3, has been obtained from sources in Tibet.

See Page 6....

Dharamshala, India: - It has been confirmed that two more Tibetan monks from Kirti Monastery, Ngaba County, Eastern Tibet, have been arrested by the Chinese authorities.

Gyatso, aged 42, was taken into custody on November 21, and Lobsang Gedun, aged 48, in mid-October. The reasons for the arrests remain unknown, as do the monks' current whereabouts.

Gyatso is from Raktsa Tsang house in Mesip Dewa village, Trotsig town, Ngaba County.

He joined Kirti monastery as a child, engaged

in Buddhist studies there, and is currently studying in the first class for the Karmapa degree the highest monastic qualification.Gyatso taught at the monastery's school until it was shut down by the Chinese authorities, has written for various Tibetan magazines and newspapers, and is well-known for his Tibetan calligraphy and art.

Lobsang Gedun is from Sego Tsang house, Kanyak village, Trotsig town, Ngaba County.

He belongs to the Kalachakra college at Kirti monastery, and was formerly in charge of discipline there.

See Page 5......

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay meeting with members of the Tibetan Discussion Group and Foreign Affairs Committee members of the German Parliament. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - The Kalon Tripa (political leader) of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, is currently on his first European tour, which includes visits to Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Denmark, France & Great Britain.

See Page 12....

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30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI OPINIONS AND VIEWS

The Tibet Post

Tibet's Only Option: Self-immolations To Express Their Voices

By Denzi Yishe London, UK: - Since March, eleven Tibetans within Tibet, including monks, former monks and two nuns, have set themselves on fire. At least six of them have died in the act.

Tibetan protests have been taking place over the course of six decades of cultural genocide inflicted by the Chinese state.

China has never properly considered the issues of religious freedom and human rights, despite the cries of Tibetans within Tibet and across the globe.

This year, Tibetans within Tibet have come out again in protest. A human mala, or rosary, of Tibetan monks and nuns have self-immolated in order to grab international attention.

This was the only way left for them to express the reality of their feelings and situation.

Protests have taken place worldwide since the ‘flame of the souls' was lit in Tibet.

In London, UK, hundreds of people have participated in demonstrations to express sympathy for those Tibetans who have self-immolated, as well as all those others who suffer as a result of brutal Chinese policies.

The protests, which have been running for over a week, have been held mainly at Downing Street - the residence of British Prime Minister David Cameron - and outside the Chinese Embassy.

The Tibetan community, alongside supporters from Students for a Free Tibet, have played a big role in organising these activities and providing information to the media and general public. They have suggested that protests should be held on Wednesdays.

Lhakar, or ‘White Wednesday', is His Holiness the Dalai Lama's ‘soul day'.

It is also the name of a non-violent people's movement that has emerged in Tibet. Each Wednesday, a growing number of Tibetans make a special effort to wear traditional clothes, speak Tibetan, eat in Tibetan restaurants and buy from Tibetanowned businesses.

Some Tibetans in the UK, together with their supporters, have visited their local MPs to report on the situation in Tibet and to request that

Tibet Burning

Palden Choetso self-immolating to protest against Chinese rule, Karze county, eastern Tibet, where the horrible cost of ongoing oppression by the Chinese government. Photo: TPI

questions on the issue be raised in the British parliament.

It seems everybody is doing what they can, but Tibetans in the UK are concerned to know whether the selfimmolations in Tibet will achieve anything, or possibly make things even worse.

The loss of each life is tragic and, as the Karmapa Lama said, "Tibetans are few in number, so every Tibetan life is of value to the cause of Tibet."

The deaths have caused a lot of grief to friends, family and Tibetans in general, but what has been the wider world's reaction?

BBC News has broadcast two news reports from Dharamsahla - most recently on November 19 - focusing on why these tragic events have occurred.

On November 17, it reported that the exiled chief abbot of Kirti monastery, who fled to exile in 1959, had said he received information about the situation at the monastery through underground channels.

"Chinese government policies are the cause of the immolations," he said, concluding that the Chinese authorities could put an end to the protests overnight, if they changed their approach.

Editor’s Note: The views expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of The Tibet Post International (TPI).

Self-immolations Are Calling for International Intervention in Tibet

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.

By:

SUSAN HOGAN , Star Tribune

Minnesota, USA : - A Tunisian street vendor set himself on fire last year an act that many credit with sparking the Arab Spring, which led to the ousting of tyrannical leaders Moammar Gadahfi (Libya) and Hosni Mubarak (Egypt).

But in the Ngaba region of Tibet, where a dozen young monks immolated themselves, life has become even harsher. China has reportedly subjected the remaining monks at Kirti Monastery to endure torture, nearstarvation conditions and constant monitoring.

In addition, the monks have been forced to stomp on photos of His Holiness the Dalia Lama (the Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Prize Laureate who visited Minnesota in May), cut up their scriptures and listen to endless patriotism lectures designed to make them Communist Party loyalists.

This is the story told last week by Kirti Rinpoche, the head of all Kirti monasteries in and out of Tibet, in

testimony before the US Congress Commission of Human Rights. "Tibetans do not even have half the rights that ordinary Chinese do," he said.

After the hearing, he flew to Minnesota, where I met with him between his gatherings organized by the state's Tibetan American Foundation.

Speaking through an interpreter, he said the monks immolations spoke of the desperate conditions for Tibetans in China.

He wouldn't rule out immolating himself some day. But since non-violence is fundamental to Buddhism, I wanted to know how the Rinpoche reconciled the teachings with the self-immolations, a point of debate among Tibetans globally. After all, if Tibetans destroy themselves, haven't the Chinese won?

"The self-immolators sacrificed their own bodies with the purist of motives" to help the Tibetan people," he said.

They hoped that by calling attention to the human rights abuses, the world would intervene and make life better.

China invaded Tibet in 1951, which led

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and others, including the Rinpoche, to flee to India, where they established a government in exile. China claims Tibet is their land, whereas Tibetans want autonomy and religious, cultural and other freedoms.

In 2007, President Bush bestowed His Holiness with the Congressional Gold Medal - Americans highest civilian honor - calling him a "universal symbol of peace and tolerance," and adding that "Americans cannot look to the plight of the religiously oppressed and close our eyes or turn away."

Sadly, President Obama has seemed more concerned about not offending China, Americans largest creditor. He declined to meet with His Holiness in 2009 and did so this year only after international pressure.

Afterward, the ever-diplomatic Obama spoke of the importance of building a "cooperative partnership" between the US and China and preserving Tibetan culture.

But for that to happen, the human rights abuses must stop.

TPI TIBET WORLD

The Tibet Post

German Parliamentarians Meet with Tibet’s Political Leader in Berlin

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Australian MP Urges China to Respect Religious Freedom in Tibet

By Tibet Net Berlin, Germany: - Mr Hans-Ulrich Klose, the Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Parliament, expressed his great pleasure in welcoming the newly elected political leader (Kalon Tripa) of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay, at the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee conference room.

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said 8 August 2011 was a historic occasion. His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended the Kalon Tripa's inauguration ceremony in Dharamsala. In his address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had said that when he was young, Tibet's Regent Taktra Rinpoche handed over Tibet's political authority to His Holiness and today he was handing over his political authority to the democratically elected leader, the young Lobsang Sangay.Tibet's new political leader Dr Lobsang Sangay said, the statement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama makes it clear the continuity of the same leadership that started in 1642 by the 5th Dalai Lama.

Speaking on the present situation in Tibet, Kalon Tripa said, "I have nothing but sad report. We have had 11 cases of selfimmolations since March this year. I feel it is almost becoming just a number. But total 12 individual human beings and Tibetans have self-immolated due to the very desperate situation in Tibet.

He expressed his appreciation to the German Foreign Ministry and the Human Rights Commissioner and the Parliament members for the recent statements on the tragic situation in Tibet.

Kalon Tripa said any statements of solidarity will be heard inside Tibet. It will send a message of hope in this very desperate situation. He said that he wants to send the message to Tibet that there is

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay (5th from left) addressing members of the Tibetan Discussion Group and Foreign Affairs Committee members of the German Parliament.

Photo: Tibet Net

hope.

In response to a questions on the Middle Way Approach, he said, "We are seeking genuine autonomy in Tibet. That is the policy of my administration."About 15 members of Tibet Discussion Group and Foreign Affairs Committee members attended the briefing by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, which was simultaneously translated into German.

Dr Lobsang Sangay concluded his adress by appealing to the international community to support the Tibetan cause.

Dr Sangay arrived in Berlin this morning from Zurich. His first meeting in the German Parliament was with Mr Harald Leibrecht MP, a senior member of the German Parliament and a prominent supporter of the Tibetan issue.In the evening, Mrs Claudia Roth MP, the Chairwoman of the Green Party welcomed Kalon Tripa at their party head office in Berlin.

"I welcome you to the official meeting in our Party's Headquarter in Berlin," said Mrs Claudia Roth. "I feel honoured and emotionally touched that we meet. We hope for a green future for the Tibetan

people."

Dr Lobsang Sangay thanked the Green Party for their support for so many years to the Tibetan people.The Green Party's Foreign Affairs spokeswoman and the head of press office also attend the meeting along with other party senor officials.

The last programme of the day was meeting with the Tibetan community in Berlin. Members had travelled from Hamburg and other parts of Germany.

The meeting starting with the singing of the Tibetan national anthem and one minute silence in memory of the Tibetans in Tibet."Thank you for coming to meet me and expressing your confidence and support," said Kalon Tripa in his opening remark to the community members.

He talked about the recent political changes in the Tibetan administration and the very grave situation in Tibet today.Kalon Tripa called on the Tibetans to stand united and remember fellow Tibetans in Tibet and fulfill the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

US Congressmen Urge Ambassador Gary Locke to Act on Tibet

US Ambassador to China nominee Gary Locke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 26, 2011, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination/Associated Press Photo

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: -Three members of the United States Congress - Frank R Wolf, James P McGovern, and Joseph Pitts - sent a letter on November 17 to the US Ambassador to China, Gary Locke, expressing their concern over human-rights violations in Tibet, asking him to visit the country in the light of the recent self-immolations there, and to "publicly use your platform as Ambassador to make it clear to the Tibetan people that they have a

friend in the United States of America".

"You have undoubtedly seen news reports of the recent wave of selfimmolations of Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns since March of this year in desperation at the abuses suffered by her people, just last week a second nun did the same," congressmen said.

The Congressmen are all members of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

Apprising the ambassador about the

recent testimony of Kalon Tripa (elected Tibetan political leader) Dr Lobsang Sangay and Kirti Rinpoche, a former minister to the Lantos Commission, the members said, "Their testimony was moving and deeply disturbing. They spoke of the abuses suffered by the Tibetan people which in recent months have driven these peace-loving people to desperate forms of protests."

The Congressmen urged ambassador Locke to press for a fact-finding mission to Kirti Monastery which has featured prominently in the recent wave of self-immolations.

"In light of these realities, we urge you, in your capacity as U.S. ambassador, to visit Tibet. Speak with Tibetan people and faith leaders. Press for a fact-finding mission into the Kirti monastery which has featured prominently in the recent wave of selfimmolations," they added.

"Raise the Chinese government's repressive policies in Tibet with senior party officials and publicly use your platform as Ambassador to make it clear to the Tibetan people that they have a friend in the United States of America," they said.

They also called on the ambassador to press the Chinese government to respect the peaceful religious, political, civic, and cultural expressions of the Tibetan people.

Mr. Michael Danby MP, Federal Member for Melbourne Ports (Victoria)in DharamshalaIndia. Photo: TPI/File

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - Echoing Australian government's deep concern about reports of self-immolations by Tibetan monks and nuns in Tibet, Mr Michael Danby MP in the Australian Parliament has appealed to the Chinese authorities to respect the religious rights of Tibetan monks and to cease their repressive actions against those in the Kirti Monastery.

Following is the full text of the speech of Michael Danby MP, Melbourne Ports, Australian Labor Party and also Chairman of the Australian All Party Parliamentary Group For Tibet in the Australian Parliament, on 3 November 2011: Earlier this year I visited the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In the foothills of the Himalayas, Dharamsala is the headquarters of eight Tibetan exile settlements in India. Many young Tibetans starved of their culture and facing repression make the heroic trek across the Himalayas to India to the Tibetan community that lives in freedom there.

Since March this year, 10 young Tibetans, including seven monks from the Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, have set themselves alight to protest the Chinese government's restrictions on their religious and political freedom. Chinese authorities are using extreme force in the crackdown on the Kirti Monastery, where they are enforcing a 'patriotic reeducation campaign' and have imposed an indefinite ban on religious activities at that critical monastery. The number of monks in the monastery has gone from 2,500 to around 400. Since March Ngaba has seen the presence of civilian and military personnel patrolling the area.

Yesterday the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion, Heiner Bielefeldt, said: "Intimidation of the lay and monastic community must be avoided, and the right of members of the monastic community and the wider community to freely practice their religion, should be fully respected by the Chinese Government."

The restrictive and repressive measures enforced on the monks at Kirti include security raids and surveillance with police presence inside and outside the monastery to monitor religious activities. Over 300 monks have been disappeared by the Chinese authorities for "patriotic re-education" and many of them remain missing and unheard from by their families. A recent Human Rights Watch study found that per

capita annual spending on public security in Ngaba was five times the average spent per person on public security in non-Tibetan areas of Sichuan.

The US State Department has called on China to respect human rights and the rights of Tibetans since the nine young Tibetans have set themselves on fire as a result of these restrictive Chinese practices. The US State Department said: "We urge Chinese leaders to address counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions; and to protect Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity."

The crackdown on Tibetan monks since 2008 has been brutal. Beijing continues to restrict foreign journalists from travelling to Tibetan areas, jam radio broadcasts of Voice of America and Radio Free Asia's Tibetan and Chinese language services. This is part of a strategy to eliminate the remnants of Tibetan identity and cultural heritage.

The Chinese authorities continue to repress Tibetan culture.

On 19 October 2010, a decision was made to replace Tibetan with Mandarin as the main medium of instruction in Tibetan schools in the Qinghai province. Freedom of movement of monks and nuns is extremely limited within Lhasa and Tibetan areas of Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan. Last year in the Tibetan areas of Sichuan province, the Chinese government reportedly continued to remove monks under the age of 18, unregistered monks and monks and nuns from outside the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The process of eliminating Tibetan culture and the removal of monks and nuns is a direct violation of the freedom of religion. The Australian government is deeply concerned about reports of self-immolations by monks and nuns. Australian officials last week made renewed representations in Canberra and Beijing to their Chinese counterparts about these reports. Our embassy in Beijing has raised our concerns about reports of the continuing crackdown around the monastery and the province and increased security measures in the Tibetan areas. I entreat the Chinese authorities to respect the religious rights of Tibetan monks and to cease their repressive actions against those in the Kirti Monastery.

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30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI COMPASSION AND HAPPINESS

His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Address Global Buddhist Conference YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post Dharamshala, India: - Despite strong objections from China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, left Dharamshala today to address the Global Buddhist Congregation in New Delhi on November 30.

Indian officials say a meeting between Indian and Chinese diplomats has been canceled, after China attempted to interfere in India's internal affairs.

The Buddhist Congregation is now into its second day, with religious scholars debating the finer points of Buddhist philosophy and morality.

Yesterday, China reportedly objected to His Holiness' attendance and warned India to cancel the conference, which is being attended by around 900 Buddhist scholars and others from 46 countries.

Speaking from Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said, "We oppose any country that provides a platform for his anti-China activities, in any form."

The Global Buddhist Congregation has been organized by the Asoka Mission, to commemorate the 2,600th year of Sambobdhi Prapti (the enlightenment of the Buddha).

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorjee addressed the conference's second day. Speaking on the Buddhist view of the environment and the natural world, he stressed the importance of a clear understanding of nature and the interdependence of all things.

He added that environmental problems are man-made - a result of human selfcenteredness.

Speaking at one of the conference venues, Hotel Lalit, Mr Tempa Tsering, the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Indian capital New Delhi protested against China's attempts politically colour a religious event, saying that India "has done the

right thing" by refusing to cave in.

He commented, "The conference delegates have no other motive than to bring Buddhist scholars together to discuss Buddhist philosophy and share experiences of how the Buddhist teachings can help humanity.

"India is a free, democratic society.

China is a closed society. That's why they are reacting in a paranoid manner.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been a guest of India for the last 52 years. It would have been unusual if His Holiness, who is regarded the world over as a spiritual leader and the head of Tibetan Buddhism, will not attend this conference."

The Asoka Mission has also objected to the politicization of the event by China. Its president, Lama Lobzang, said, "The world is dealing with...violence, social and economic disparity, environmental degradation and discord between and within communities and nations.

"The objective of the congregation is to stand united when it comes to sending their collective message to the world on such issues."

Among the countries represented at the conference are Taiwan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar.

According to the 2001 census report, India, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, is home to nearly eight million Buddhists.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is also scheduled to give a talk on The Power of Compassion in Delhi, as part of the Penguin Annual Lecture Series, to be held at the India Habitat Center on December 3.

He will then leave for Gyurmey Tantric monastery, in Gurupura (Hunsur), to give teachings on the Commentary on the Five Stages by Nagarjuna, written

by Panchen Lobsang Choegen, from December 5 to 7.

The Tibet Post

Every Human Being Wants Happy Life and Not Suffering: Says His Holiness Dharamshala, India: Inaugurating new hostels at Tong-len charitable trust for poor and needy Indian children and families living in Charan Khad, a slum dwelling in Dharamsala, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Saturday, 19th said every human being whether rich or poor has same capability to lead a dignified and happy life.

Tong-len was founded in 2002 by Jamyang, a Tibetan monk and is being funded by the Dalai Lama trust and other generous donors f r o m t h e w o r l d o v e r. To d a y i t provides education and health care services to over 40 impoverished children and their family members.

His Holiness said he is acquainted with Jamyang's work for the last several years and recounted how he brought a group of children to him.

"I always believe and tell people that we are same human being.

Every 7 billion human being are same, the way they are born and die. Differences of religious faith,

courage. Similarly, the poor people must think about how other people become rich. They should know that the rich people do not get wealth from the sky, but due to their effort a n d h a r d w o r k . M o r e o v e r, education and vocational training are very essential. So, both sides can make efforts to reduce the gap b e t w e e n r i c h a n d p o o r, " H i s Holiness said.

His Holiness stressed the importance of how vocational training empower the poor and needy people. "With the help of state government and the Tibetan community in Mundgod in southern India, poor and needy local children receive vocational training. We will feel happy to be able to contribute for their education. It is our duty to make donations to help the poor section."

Describing Jamyang's initiative to provide education to the poor children as "wonderful work", His Holiness said "In little ways, we fulfil [Tibetans] our moral responsibility to serve the local Indian community, particularly the needy children. I really appreciate

education to the poorer section of the society. I deeply appreciate efforts made by Jamyang."

"For everyone, it is worth getting inspiration from Jamyang and the support given by many generous sponsors," he said.

For the delight of Tong-Len family, Mr Kumar announced a donation of Rs 10 lakh from his member of parliament fund. "I am very much impressed by the work done by this institute for the poor children. I am announcing to contribute a donation of 10 lakh rupees from the member of parliament fund to Tonglen charitable trust," he said.

Mr Kumar also expressed concern over the large number of slums in India despite the nation making economic progress.

On how he conceived the idea to start the charitable trust, Tong-len director Jamyang said: "I observed that the children were begging, collecting rubbish and eating scraps when they were desperately hungry. I was filled with sadness and concern which prompted me to act and begin my journey of challenging the embedded cycle of poverty for the families of

nationality, races, rich and poor, educated or uneducated, believer or non-believer are secondary, more important is that we are same human being. Every one want happy life and not suffering. Every human being have the same right to overcome problems. As a social animal, it our part of our nature and moral responsibility to look after each other by forgetting the differences," His Holiness said.

"Poverty and the gap between rich and poor are morally wrong and practically a source of problem. We must make every effort in finding ways to reduce this gap," His Holiness said.

Nobel peace l said both the rich and poor section of society has the same potential to reduce the rich and poor gap. "The rich people can contribute for the edcation of the underprivileged section and boost their will, self-confidence and

your good work," he said.

His Holiness told the children of Tong-len charity as "young bright students, learning new things including English from a Tibetan monk born in Tibet."

He told the Tong-len trust not to hesitate to ask for donation from the Dalai Lama Trust. When there is no money in the Dalai Lama trust, then I will say no. Otherwise it is your money as long as there is fund in the Dalai Lama trust."

In his address, Mr Shanta Kumar, a former state minister and present member of Indian parliament, said: "I will always cherish the time that I today spent as the most important time in my life."

Describing Tong-len charity as the real temple of god, Mr Kumar said: "To help other human beings is to worship the god, adding, there is not greater means to worship the god than to give care and

Charankhad."

As a Tibetan refugee, Jamyang feels happy to able to give back to the Indian community for their support and hospitality to the Tibetan people in exile.

Of its major achievements, Tong-len said it has been able to save children's lives; enhance the health of young children, particularly those who were at risk of a life time of serious health; educate children, who as a result are often the first in their families to have not only attended school, but to achieve excellent academic success and change a child's life by providing a new chance of living with dignity and good health.

Apart from looking after the 40 needy children, Tong-Len has been providing health care services to people within the slum of CharanKhad and other six slum areas in and around Kangra.

By: Tibetan fficial Media. Tibet Net

Today's World Needs the Oneness of Humanity: His Holiness

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Pretoria: - In his message to participants at the Global Africa uBuntu conference held in Johannesburg from 9 - 11 November, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama underlined that "many of the world's problems, conflicts and fears arise due to lack our ability to accept the oneness of humanity".

"Today's world requires us to accept the oneness of humanity.

Many of the world's problems, conflicts and fears arise because we have lost sight of the common experience that binds us all together as a human family," His Holiness said in the message, which was read out by his representative to South Africa, Mr Sonam Tenzing.

"We tend to forget that despite the superficial differences between us, people are equal in their basic wish for peace and happiness. In the past, particular communities could afford to think of one another as fundamentally separate. Some could even exist in total isolation," he said.

A short video message of Archbishop Desmond Tutu was shown to the conference participants, while representatives from various faith groups read their messages on the importance of oneness.

More than 800 participants from different parts of the world attended the three-day conference, which was organised by Oneness Africa organisation based in Johannesburg.Tibet .

The Tibet Post

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

Tibetan Youth Congress: Drop Tibetan Losar to Fund Future Initiatives

30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

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Kalon Tripa Convenes Meeting of Top Tibetan Education Officials

Heads of major Tibetan schools and officials of the education department during a opening session of the meeting presided over by Kalon Tripa at the Kashag Secretariat.

Photo: Tibet Net

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Exile Tibetans shout slogans against the Chinese government during a march in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011. The march was to raise the issue of the recent acts of self immolations by Tibetans in Tibet and crackdown on monasteries. Photo: AP By: Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - Monday, 14th November, the largest Tibetan organization in exile, 'Tibet Youth Congress' held a press conference at their headquarters in Dharamshala, in order to issue an official statement regarding the self-immolations of 11 Buddhist monks and nuns in Eastern Tibet.

The Sichuan province has been set ablaze with these shocking acts of protest, the last self-immolation being of a 35 year old nun of the Kardze monastery on November 3, becoming the 11th in a series of self-immolations that started in March of this year. The first,was of Lobsang Phuntsok of the Kirti monastery, a 21 year old monk who set himself on fire on 16 March 2011, just six days after the 52nd anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. "An occupied country's struggle, achievements and resolve to regain ownership lies in the level of responsibility, sacrifice and determination assumed by its citizens", said, Dhundrop Lhadhar, the Vice President of the TYC. This year, dramatic serial protests have swept over the Serta, Kardze and Chamdo regions of Chinese-oppressed Eastern Tibet.

"While TYC is saddened by the loss of lives, it is also empowered by their courageous acts. They show a determination and desperation to bring international attention to the ongoing oppression suffered by a nation under colonial occupation".It has been 61 years since the aborted uprising of 1959, which lead the Dalai Lama and his faithful people to flee Tibet and arrive in Dharamshala, which has since served as their place of refuge.

"These extreme actions indicate a renewed grassroots pledge calling for all Tibetans to stand united to collectively end Beijing's draconian rule". They further described the acts of self-immolation as "a painful cry

from across the mountains to accelerate efforts to restore Tibet's independence".

In July 2011, the People's Republic of China celebrated 60 years of their "peaceful liberation" of Tibet; the timely protests and acts of resistance mark the watersheds in Tibet's history and expose China's continual lies that they liberated Tibet from serfdom, poverty and misery.

In reference to the self-immolations, Vice President of TYC said, "This new method of resistance proves that Beijing's claims have no historical basis and that Tibetans will never bow to China's occupation. They have the unrelenting courage to continue the struggle to regain their homeland, and their actions primarily express faith and reverence for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his people's yearning to be with him in Tbet".

Beijing has often labeled His Holiness as the key to the Tibetan problem, claiming that the resistance will only last while he is alive and in power. In the recent past, China has also accused him of encouraging the selfimmolations. The issues of the spiritual leader's succession have sparked a lot of controversy. One might speculate that the Chinese are trying to claim veto over the religious office of Dalai Lama in order to gain complete control over the Tibetan people, socially and spiritually.According to the TYC, Tibetans need no "instigation" (from the Dalai Lama) to protest; they are masters of their fate and regardless of any change in the exile leadership, their determination to regain ownership of their motherland will not wane.

In their statement, they call the selfimmolations "a defiant rejection of half a century of Chinese propaganda, a victory of the human spirit against tyrannical oppression".

The Dalai Lama has repeatedly issued pleas to his people not to resort to the actof self-immolation. Only recently, the

Karmapa Lama echoed His Holiness' sentiments by urging Tibetans to preserve their lives, maintaining that although he did not endorse it, it was his sacred duty to honour and support those that sacrificed their lives for their country.

"When we think of those Tibetans who set themselves ablaze, and imagine their boies being consumed by flames, we feel their suffering and a chill penetrates or souls, said Lhadhar. "But simultaneously, a surge of optimism and pide arises when we think of their unimaginable courage".

Many of the Tibetans monks and nuns who self-immolated shouted such slogans as "Long Live his Holiness the Dalai Lama" before being engulfed by the pyres of patriotism. The TYC believes that through their daring and sacrificial actions, they are conveying their dying desire to return His Holiness to Tibet and end the Chinese occupation.

In order to honour their sacrifice, the TYC will launch a campaign that refrains them from celebrating Tibetan Losar (The Tibetan New Year) in 2012, and instead initiate a special fund for future Free Tibet initiatives.

"This is not only about a fund but demonstrating every individual Tibetans' responsibility and commitment to a future Tibet, said TYC's representatives. "Tibetans worldwide, through our regional chapters, will be asked to contribute all the expenses usually incurred in celebrating Losar to this fund".

The TYC has called on all Tibetans outside occupied Tibet to support and participate in this initiative. All proceeds will be handed over to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

Parliamentarians, Kalon Tripa was hosted for lunch by relevant officials from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over lunch, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay briefed the MFA officials on the current situation in Tibet

Dharamshala, India: - The political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (Kalon Tripa), Dr Lobsang Sangay Wednesady, 16th November presided over a meeting of heads of major Tibetan schools and education department officials to discuss how to strengthen administration, bring innovation and improve academic standards in the schools.In accordance with the present situation, the day-long meeting discussed a three-point agenda - (1) Review of schools' administration to bring improvement and innovation (2) Review of teaching methodology and curricula to improve basic education standard, quality and result (3) Review of teachers' qualification, their welfare and nurturing to bring further improvement and changes.

Kalon Tripa reiterated that education for Tibetans remains his administration's nmber one priority and said efforts would be made to generate professionals in the Tibetan community.

Dr Lobsang Sangay recounted his meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Laa during which the latter told him of his impression of Tibetan children's lack of confidence and openness as compared

to other children. "After his visit to a school in northeastern India, His Holiness was impressed with children's openness and confidence in asking and answering questions. On the contrary, he felt sad that these qualities are lacking in Tibetan students," Dr Sangay said.

"To find new ways to overcome these problems and bring changes, I convened a meeting of school principles in New Delhi earlier this year. I found out that mny of the principles are taking esponsibility to work out new methods to make further improvement. But this doesnot happen in every school due to lak of co-ordination among them," Kalon Tripa said.

He said the recommendations from both the school principles and directors would be collected in written form, which would act as a guideline for our schools. If necessary, we would invite scholars to get their opinion and expertise, he added.

Recounting how education helped him to stand on his own feet, Dr Lobsang Sangay said education is of paramount importance for both short-and long-term benefit for an individual, family and society.Education Secretary Ven Yuthok Karma Gelek and other concerned officials attended the meeting.

...More Monks Arrested in Eastern Tibet ...... Continues From Front Page Gedun also became a monk as a child, and is currently studying in the fourth class for the Karmapa degree.

Ven Lobsang Yeshe and Ven Kanyak Tsering, of Kirti monastery in Dharamshala, India, told The Tibet Post that the situation in Ngaba remains tense, with huge numbers of military in deployment, and many soldiers wearing Tibetan dress in order to spy on locals.

Increased restrictions include the banning of private vehicles from main roads.On November 20, the Ganden Ngamchoe celebration, which marks the anniversary of the death of Je Tsongkapa, was held as usual at

Ngaba Kirti monastery. During the festival, monks pledged to stay awake all night in prayer.

However, this year no electric light offerings were made in the temple.

Instead, monks and laypersons offered butter lamps and chanted freedom slogans in memory of those Tibetans who have self-immolated this year.

Police and soldiers in plain clothes infiltrated the crowd and large numbers of security forces were deployed at the monastery gates, where ten special military vehicles were also lined up. Over 200 government personnel remain stationed at the monastery, keeping watch over the monks.

6

30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI INSIDE TIBET

A 44-year-old Man ‘Disappears’ in Taktse County, Eastern Tibet

The Tibet Post

Panchen Lama's Search Cttee Chair Passes Away, Feared Poisoned By: CTA- Tibet Net

Lhaten arrested at Taktse County Primary School on November 1.

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibetpost International

Dharamsala: -The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy today reported that a 44-year-old Tibetan man from Shingtsang village in Taktse county, eastern Tibet 'disappeared' on November 1.

The man, Lhaten, received a telephone call at around 15:00 from a female Chinese teacher at Taktse County Primary School, asking him to fetch his son who was studying there.

When Lhaten reached the school, several policemen dressed as civilians were waiting for him. Answering queries from Lhaten's relatives, the

schoolgatekeeper later reportedly said the police took Lhaten away in a black car.

Lhaten was suspected of having connections with Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan film-maker who is serving a six-year prison sentence, having been charged with 'subversion' for making the documentary Leaving Fear Behind, ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Lhaten, a farmer and sole family breadwinner, lived with his wife Passang Choedon and their three children.

Currently, there is no information about his health or whereabouts.

Dharamshala, India: - Jadrel Jampa Thinley Rinpoche, the president of the 11th Panchen Lama's search committee, who remained missing after serving a sixyear imprisonment since 2002 for allegedly disclosing secrets of the case to the outside world, has died at the age of 72, according to reports coming out of Tibet.

On 17 July 1995, he was taken into custody and sentenced to 5 years in prison when he rejected the Chinese government's plan impose their own choice of the Panchen's Lama incarnation.

Jadrel Rinpoche served his jail term in Chuandong prison in China's Sichuan province from 1995 - 2002, during which e once sat on a hunger strike to protest he Chinese government's unjust verdict.

The Chinese government violated its on law by keeping Jadrel Rinpoche in secret detention even after the latter completed his prison term without committing any additional crimes. His whereabouts has remained unknown since the completion of his imprisonment in 2001/2002.

The report of Jadrel Rinpoche's death, apparently due to poisoning, was reealed in a tape by his close associate, who is a high official working in the Association of Tibetan Buddhism. The revelation has corroborated the fact of why his whereabouts remained unknown for nearly 10 years.

Jadrel Rinpoche was born in 1940 in

Footage of Nun’s Self-Immolation and Subsequent Outcry Emerges from Tibet ...... Continues From page 1.

By: Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet

One sequence shows Choetso standing upright as flames engulf her body. Other footage includes: Tibetans' response to the self-immolation, including nuns protesting and chanting, "Freedom to Tibet"; thousands of Tibetans at a candlelight vigil early on the morning of Choetso's funeral; Chinese security forces converging on Nyitso Monastery.

"This footage confirms reports that 10,000 Tibetans gathered at Tawu's Nyitso monastery in a mass outpouring of support and prayers for Palden Choetso," said Tawu Lobsang Jinpa, a former political prisoner from Tawu who escaped to India last February.

"Her ultimate act of non-violent protest galvanized the entire community to openly and publicly offer their respects and solidarity, in spite of China's military clampdown in the region.

"In Tawu, the crackdown continues although many Chinese soldiers are patrolling the town in civilian clothes to stop the world from seeing these images.

"Surveillance cameras have been installed around the monastery to monitor the monks' every move."

Tenzin Dorjee, executive director of Students for a Free Tibet, commented, "his is an extremely difficult time for Tbetans everywhere. This footage sows not only the desperation but also the determination of Tibetans to fight for their freedom at any cost.

"We fear the situation will cntinue to escalate and more Tibetan lives will be lost if the Chinese government

does not lift its repressive measures and commit to a just and lasting resolution to this spiralling crisis in Tibet."

Tibetan sources report that, following her self-immolation, Palden Choetso's body was taken to Nyitso Monastery.

Her funeral was held early on the morning on November 6.

Tawu town is located in Kardze prefecture , in the Tibetan province of Kham . It is an area long known for actively resisting Chinese rule.

"We urge world leaders to respond to the crisis in Tawu immediately with bold multilateral pressure on the Chinese government," said Tenzin Jigdal, program director of Students for a Free Tibet India.

"The Tibetans in these videos have risked everything to have their voices heard. Their actions must be a wake-up call that China's repression will only stop if the world intervenes now."

Editorial: The Tibet Post International (TPI) believes it is generally against media ethics to publish or link to any image which shows human death, especially when the deceased may be considered, for whatever reason, to have lost their human dignity.

However, given Palden Choetso's apparent motive for her selfimmolation, and the urgent need for the international community to understand and act upon the desperation of the current situation in Tibet, TPI has published the links below.

TPI believes that no human death which does not occur due to natural biological causes should be considered normal and that, therefore, images of such deaths should never become normalised.

We are aware that there are people in this world who take pleasure or satisfaction, for whatever reason, in viewing such images and disseminating them as 'entertainment' on videosharing websites.

We therefore request that, if you decide to view the footage of Choetso's death, you do so with a sense of caution, reflection and compassion.

We also request that any other media oranisation which publishes such footage considers the issues involved in doing so.

To view the footag, follow these links: Compilation, low resolution: go online.

Compilation, high resolution: go online Plden Choetso's self-immolation (short clip): go online.

Palden Choetso's slf-immolation (long clip): go online.

Protest by nuns from Geden Choeling Nunnery on the main road into Tawu town, following the self-immolation (sources in Tawu say 300 nuns joined the protest march): go online.

Candleliht vigil by an estimated 10,000 people, early in the morning Choetso's funeral: go online.

Khata offering, prayer ceremony and candlight vigil: go online.

Monks from Nyitso Monastery conducting prayers for Palden Choetso: go online.

W have also received video footage of monks preparing Palden Choetso's funeral as Chinese security forces arrive at the monastery. However, the footage contains clear images of some of the monks' faces, and we are therefore unable to link to the video, in case this were to lead to the identification and arrest of the monks by the Chinese authorities.

Jadrel Jampa Trinley Rinpoche. Photo: TPI/file

amling in Shigatse and was the director of the Democratic Management Committee of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.

Last November, another senior Tibetan official of the search committee, Jampa Cungla, succumbed to his illness sustained after being denied medical asistance during the long period of incarceration and house arrest. Jampa hungla's involvement in the search for Eleventh Panchen began in 1989 when h was appointed as the secretary-general of the committee headed by Jadrel Rinpoche. From 1990 he made great eforts in assisting Jadrel Rinpoche in the

search process.

Gehun Choekyi Nyima, the six-year-old boy identified by His Holiness the Dalai Lma as the 11th Panchen Lama, disappeared on 17 May 1995. The Cinese government later admitted to holding the boy and his family in "protective custody".

Despite repeated appeals to gain access to the boy, no international agency or human rights organisation has been granted contact with the young Panchen Lama or his family. To date, their wellbeing and whereabouts remain unconfirmed.

Tenzin Seldon Was Among Rhodes Scholarship Winners

Tenzin Seldon, an achievement for Tibetans in America

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - A Tibetan student has been awarded .one of 32 Rhodes scholarships On November 20, Tenzin Seldon (21) was granted one of the world's most prestigious scholarships to study at Oxford University in the UK, commencing October 2012.

Seldon (21) is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in comparative studies of race and ethnicity at Stanford University in the USA. The scholarships, which average around US$ 50,000 per year, cover all expenses for two or three years of study. The winners were selected from 830 applicants, endorsed by 299 colleges and universities.

"This is a historic moment for my community and my people," Seldon said after four Stanford juniors recently were named 2011 Truman Scholars. "It's beyond me and my achievements. It speaks to the achievements of how far the first generation of Tibetans in America has come. It is a testament to activists around

the world who have faced a lot of cynicism for the work they do and the danger they expose themselves to."After her award was announced, Seldon wrote on her Facebook page, "Couldn't do it without faith, conviction, friends, family, and the people of Tibet! You inspire me every single day!"

Having grown up in the hilltops of Dharamshala, northern India, she is deeply passionate about educational inequality, refugee and immigration policies, China-Tibet relations, and international affairs. Seldon is a fellow at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, and is a leader of its student group, Project Compassion.

Seldon's other accomplishements include serving as regional coordinator for Students for a Free Tibet in three US states, and serving as San Francisco Team Tibet Executive during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Tibet Post

TPI TIBETAN CULTURE

30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

7

Danish and Norwegian Politicians Meet A Glorious Celebration of Tibetan Culture with Tibet’s Political Leader

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post International

By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - Twelve young Tibetans have self-immolated in eastern Tibet since 2009, in acts of protest against Chinese repression and to demand the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and religious freedom in Tibet. The current situation still remains tense in eastern Tibet as some recent reports tell of pamphlets distributed and posted in Ngaba, eastern Tibet.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the newly elected Tibetan political leader is making an emergency visit to European states. In Norway and Denmark, he met with several politicians to seek a solution to the current Tibetan problem. Mr Raymond Johansen, General Secretary of the Norwegian Labour Party, on 24 November, welcomed Dr. Sangay at the party's head office in Oslo, the Norwegian capital. Mr Johansen said he was very glad to meet with the Tibetan leader, according to a report from the official media of the Central Tibetan Administration.

During their one-hour meeting, Kalon Tripa briefed him on the Central Tibetan Administration and the current situation in Tibet. Mr Raymond Johansen, who visited China last year, informed the Kalon Tripa that he has been closely following the Tibet issue and will

continue his support for the dialogue between the Tibetans and the Chinese government to find a negotiated settlement on the Tibetan issue.

Dr. Sangay also met with Mr Olemic Thommesen, the leader of the Norwegian Parliamentary Group for Tibet and Mr Ulf Erik Knudsen, a member of the Parliamentary Group for Tibet, as well as the Foreign Affairs Committee. Kalon Tripa was respectfully welcomed by the two MPs in the Parliament's meeting hall used for receiving dignitaries.

Due to the ongoing Parliamentary budget session, the many other MPs who had wanted to meet the elected Tibetan leader could not attend the meeting.

Mr Thommesen and Mr Knudsen informed the Kalon Tripa of Parliament's strong support and sympathy for the Tibetan struggle and praised the nonviolent path the Tibetans have taken.

They assured the Kalon Tripa that they would raise the Tibetan question with parliament.

Following the meeting with the Parliamentarians, Kalon Tripa was hosted for lunch by relevant officials from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over lunch, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay briefed the MFA

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay (C) with Mr Olemic Thommesen, the leader of Norwegian Parliamentary Group for Tibet and MP Mr Ulf Erik Knudsen in Oslo, Norway, on 24 November 2011.

officials on the current situation in Tibet and the changes within the CTA. Kalon Tripa also thanked the Norwegian government for their sincere support for the Tibetans.

On the morning of 25 November, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he and his delegation were received by supporters and representatives from the Tibetan Community and The Tibet Support Committee of Denmark. Kalon Tripa's first engagement for the day was with organisations that fund educational projects of the Central Tibetan Administration. Officials from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also participated in this meeting.

At the conclusion of this meeting, Kalon Tripa and his delegation traveled the short distance to the Danish Parliament for a meeting with four Parliamentarians who are members of either the Foreign Policy Committee or the Foreign Affairs Committee.Kalon Tripa informed the Parliamentarians about the democratic system of the Central Tibetan Administration and also briefed them about the selfimmolation cases in Tibet. Kalon Tripa informed the Parliamentarians that the problem of Tibet will not disappear.

Tibetans will keep standing up for their rights.

Ms Sara Olsvig, a member of Parliament from the Inuit Ataqatigiit party in Greenland, expressed concern about the news she had read about Tibet recently. Greenland has had good experiences with self-government and they always try to communicate this internationally. She said that "we want to lend our support to Tibet".

Kalon Tripa's penultimate appointment of the day was a meeting with the board and members of the Danish Tibet Support Committee. The Danish participants then discussed how they could work for government statements regarding the self-immolations in Tibet.

Kalon Tripa emphasised the urgency of this question as a reason why he had decided to embark on his present tour of the US and Europe.

Chinese Scholar Disapproves Regime's Repressive Policies on Tibet

By Tibet Net

Dharamshala: - Expressing her support and solidarity with the people of Tibet, a prominent Chinese research scholar living in Sydney has strongly criticised the Chinese government's repressive policies on Tibet for the last six decades.

In an article, Dr Chen Hongxin, a research scholar of Chinese contemporary politics, described the recent self-immolations by Tibetans since March as a way of protest against the Chinese government's wrong policy on Tibetans and their religious belief.

"At least six Tibetans have died as a result of self-immolation, and they have called for religious freedom, the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom in Tibet," noted the article, parts of which were translated into Tibetan by an Australia-based Tibetan named Lhadhey Namloyag.

Dr Chen also wrote about critical questions that people might raised why "happy and prosperous Tibetans" are

24 hour hunger strike in Sydney7th March 2006‌ Dr Chen Hongxin(centre), prominent Chinese dissident and Law Professor Yuan Hongbin(left)and former Chinese diplomat Mr Chen Yonglin(right). Photo: (Epoch Times)

ending their lives through selfimmolations. Why the Tibetan monks who respect life and practice Buddhism for millenia by renouncing ill-feelings, are now burning themselves to death

one after the another?

"The answers underlying these questions lies in the truth of past 60 years which will bring tears in the eyes of the international community.

Festival of Tibet 2012 sponsored by Perfect Potion at the Brisbane Powerhouse next February the 1st to the 5th, 2012. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - On Feb 1, 2012, the fourth annual Festival of Tibet kicks off in Brisbane, with a jam-packed 5 day extravaganza of music, film, concerts, panel discussions, workshops on art meditation, healing and dance.

Festival of Tibet sets to create a spiritual atmosphere of cultural learning and unique hands-on experiences, where one will benefit from a first-hand, intimate experience of the Tibetan culture, through a variety of mediums.

The Festival, sponsored by Perfect Potion, will take place at Brisbane Powerhouse from February 1-5, 9 am - 9 pm daily, in order to raise funds for the Tibetan Children's Villages in India.

The line-up features Tibet2Timbuk2, a popular Tibetan music group, Geshe Jamyang, a Buddhist psychologist, the Tashi Lhunpo Monks of Tibet, and well known Tibetan artists and healers. In addition, there will be a performance of "Mystical Tibet" by the Camerta of St. John's choir from Brisbane and Salvatore Battaglia, the owner and founder of Perfect Potion, will conduct an informative panel discussion with a Tibetan doctor and qualified aromatherapist on "Remedies for Happiness".

Workshops will be conducted on mandala art, chakra healing, Tibetan healing, calligraphy, ritual dance and hand mudras along with a Morning Mantra Meditation class with Tibetan monks.

The festival guarantees a myriad of

activities and entertainment for everyone.

Buddhist psychologist Geshe Jamyang will impart wisdom on the art of happiness in a public talk titled "Compassionate Mind: Path to Happiness".

One will be inspired by an intimate glimpse into the experiences of a young Tibetan family struggling to reconcile their traditional way of life with a modernising world n the feature film 'Summer Pasture', which will screen on the opening night.

Festival creator Tenzin Choegyal has said the event is designed to celebrate Tibetan culture, whilst considering and discussing important issues being faced by the Tibetan people.

"The festival is not only entertaining and educational it is a great cause as proceeds from the event go towards the Tibetan Children's Village in India, which is a non-profit institution for the care and education of orphaned and destitute Tibetan children in exile," Mr Choegyal said.

"With an extra two days for this year's festival we have been able to add some more special workshops and events which are sure to cater for everyone".

Perfect Potion's managing director Sal Battaglia said sponsoring the Festival of Tibet was a wonderful opportunity as Perfect Potion supports the efforts of Tenzin Choegyal to create awareness of the unique Tibetan culture and discuss current trends and issues.

In fact, through successive generations, the Tibetans have not only etched their history, but also exposed the Chinese government's propaganda through peaceful protests," she wrote.

The article contained criticism of China's draconian measures towards the Tibetan monastic community.

"Despite reconstruction of Tibetan monasteries in 1980s, the authorities imposed restrictions on the admission of Tibetans into monasteries, made "patriotic education", which involves denouncing His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a compulsory subject for monks to study. In their White Papers, the Chinese government has claimed of various freedom and happy life enjoyed by the Tibetan people."

"But in reality, in the so-called "happy life in Tibet", there was a long period of repression and unlawful measures of imprisonment of Tibetans," the article noted.

Dr Chen further wrote about her

impression of Mr Xi Jinping's visit to Lhasa this year. "During his visit to Lhasa, the future Chinese president, Xi Jinping, not only did not meet Tibetans, but did not even visit a monastery. On the contrary, he met with officials from the police, army, political and judicial authorities. This act has exposed the Chinese government's intention of brutal and repressive policy on Tibet," she wrote.

"Since they rose against the force and oppression of the communist Chinese government in 1950s, the Tibetan people have persistently kept their struggle for their distinct land and faith, and to keep alive their thousands-year-old culture and identity. The Tibetans will continuously keep alive their struggle through many generations to come," the article noted.

"As 2011 is nearing its end, the sacrifices made by the Tibetans this year will be etched in Tibet's remarkable history," Dr Chen wrote.

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30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI BUDDHISM

The Tibet Post

East Meets West: An American’s Perspective on Buddhism

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

North Carolina, US: - One does not see many foreigners at Drepung Loseling Monastery, located at Mundgod Tibetan settlement in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It is a remote place, populated by thousands of maroon-robed monks monks debating, monks chanting, monks eating chowmein and fried rice, monks drinking chai, and young monks going to school.

While the occasional tourist comes for a day trip to snap photos, the place has a considerably different feel to, say, Dharamshala in northern India. Being the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala draws an international crowd comprising everyone from dreadlocked hippie backpackers to school group volunteers and families with young children. Mundgod, on the other hand, feels truly authentic. In fact, the area is sometimes dubbed ‘Little Tibet’. This authenticity sometimes proves challenging for the foreign traveler, especially in the monastery area. While attempting to buy a bottle of water or asking how much something cost, for example, this correspondent often berated herself for not learning some Tibetan beyond the common greeting ‘Tashi Delek’.

Imagine my surprise, then, when a Westerner dressed in shorts and a polo shirt walked out of the room next to mine. “You’re American!” he exclaimed. “It’s been a long time since I heard an American accent.”

Eric Traub leaves his home in California to travel to India several times a year, spending five-week sessions studying Tibetan Buddhist philosophy at Drepung Loseling.

He agreed to speak with me about his thoughts on Buddhism, what Buddhist teachings can offer the West, and the Tibetan political situation.

Traub commented that once, while looking at an online world map, he calculated that his two homes are on almost exactly opposite sides of the world. This is fitting, he explained, because the life he lives in California couldn’t be more different than the life he lives in Mundgod. Traub, an entrepreneur, lives with his wife and three daughters in Marin County, a wealthy suburb of San Francisco. He has founded and run successful companies in healthcare, technology, and education.

A committed Tibetan Buddhist, he gladly puts aside his suits, whitetablecloth dinners with influential writers and businesspeople, highspeed internet and beautiful home to live in a small, simple room in Mundgod, rigorously studying Buddhist philosophy and living within the monastic community.

His teacher, Geshe Namgyal Wangchen, is a high lama who is also the teacher of the next Dalai Lama’s tutor. “I am very fortunate,” said Traub.

Traub has been engaged, as he put it, in “an aggressive pursuit of truth” since age 17. Early in his career, he worked for a large organization that promised answers to fundamental human questions. He eventually found, however, that the organization was “more corrupting than beneficial

Mr. Eric Traub, the Buddhist from San Francisco, US with Tibetans monk friends, Tenzin (left) and Choejor at Drepung Monastery, South India. Photo: TPI

to human values”.

“I am well-read and well-studied in many fields,” he told me. “While it has some value, I abhor most selfhelp. Most of it is counterproductive.

The gains people make are often short-term and then direct them offtrack towards still more unhappiness in the end.”

“I felt like there was something that was not being said - the giant missing piece right in the middle of it all.”

He found that something in Tibetan Buddhism. He had always had an interest, but in 2003 he attended one of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s public talks in San Francisco and made a commitment to become a student of His Holiness.

Traub said the vows he took at the teaching were vows he was already living by and that, to him, the teachings of the Gelug tradition of Buddhism seemed like teachings he already believed. “It felt like something that was already there - it just had to be uncovered. Taking vows brings something implicit in each of us and makes it explicit in the form of a pledge to live it. Vows aren’t restrictions - they’re a gift of freedom.”

“I’m a bit of a spiritual elitist, I suppose. I only want the real, the true teachings,” laughed Traub. He takes issue with big sweeping programs that promise huge self-transformation in a short space of time. He sees Buddhism, rather, as a “documented science with specific formats” that leads to true and lasting transformation of human nature itself.

“The Buddha said to test the teachings lie a scientist, and I do test them, one b one, as I learn. They are reliable without fail. Buddhism is about liberation from the most central affliction - the habit of ‘self’."Traub’s wife and children are also Buddhist, and he told me his family integrate the principles of Buddhism into their everyday lives.

“Our family is committed to each other.

We need each other,” he said, explaining that, in Western psychology, people are often taught that they should not need anyone else - that needing others can be seen as a weakness in American society, where individualism is excessively valued.

Traub believes that people are fundamentally dependent on one another, and his family bases their lives on this interdependence and on totally open communication.

“We have also redefined our approach to resources, looking at what we need in a month or a year, and what we can give. Instead of money being the key to sustainability, we leverage resourcefulness and community interdependence.”

Traub’s youngest daughter attends a school run by a former Buddhist nun. When deciding whether to send her there, he and his wife Clare felt the tuition fees were much too high.

“We decided to do a value-for-value exchange,” he said. Clare, a Waldorftrained teacher, offered to help out at the school in exchange for part of their daughter’s tuition. The tradeoff was favorable to both parties, as Clare’s work there greatly enhanced the quality of education for all the children.

Traub believes that a transformation is occurring in America - a sweeping shift that will permanently change people’s relationship to value and resources.

The current structure of American society, he said, is based on institutions and corporations, not human beings. “The corporate system is designed so that no one person is held accountable for their actions. People are not willing to live this way anymore.”

The rule of institutions and corporations has rendered most people powerless, he continued, which is something people will not stand for.

“Humans can stand a lot. But if you

take away their personal efficacy, their power to influence the course of their own lives, they will find a way to fight back.”

Traub cited the recent revolutions in Libya and Egypt, and the Occupy movement (an international protest mvement, primarily directed against economic and social inequality), as narguable evidence of people’s unwillingness to remain powerless.

Speaking of recent cases in which law school graduates have sued their law schools due to their inability to find jobs afer graduation, he said Americans have already started voicing their discontent. While he finds this particular example ridiculous, he believes it is the beginning of a greater trend. “There will be riots in America by next summer,” he said.

Traub is in constant dialogue with other tinkers in many fields, and believes that a fundamental shift is occurring in the way people live.

People are talking about developing local currencies, he said, engaging in cooperative buying, and sharing one car between several families.

When asked whether he thinks America is moving towards a communal society, he replied, “No, but I do think we are moving towards a society of closer-knit communities.”

People may also start living in communities with people who share the same values, he continued. For example, that could be Christian neighborhoods, Buddhist neighborhoods, New-Age neighborhoods, neighborhoods full of people who enjoy watching football together.eco-sustainable neighborhoods, he thinks, will become increasingly widespread.

“Interdependence isn’t just a Buddhist concept or New Age philosophy - it’s becoming an economic necessity.”

During this time of transition and extraordinary inter-connectedness, Traub feels Buddhist teachings will benefit others in the West. He plans to start an enterprise that familiarizes

Americans with the teachings, lifted out of the Buddhist framework and expressed in a secular context which is applicable to their lives.

Traub does not feel that Americans need to actually convert to Buddhism to access teachings that can help transform their lives. “Even His Holiness, who speaks worldwide on Buddhist principles like compassion and peace, does not advocate for people with different belief systems to become Buddhist. I want to distill out what can be of benefit to people’s everyday concerns and living situations.”

Traub wants to focus on practical teachings that relate to people’s inner lives and outer needs. He feels that, as an American who understands the way Westerners think, he can help people comprehend often-misunderstood Buddhist concepts.

“I want to transmit the meaning of the teachings through people’s cultural ear,” he said, adding that Buddhism teaches us to “renounce attachments,” for example, but that people often misinterpret this concept. Traub believes people assume this means they cannot have what they want, but that this is a wrong understanding. People can have whatever they want, he explained, but they should not believe that attaining these wants will make them complete - it is attachment to their desires that causes pain.

In Traub’s view, the fundamental teachings of Buddhism - choosing happiness, abandoning mental and emotional obscurations, and freeing oneself from affliction - can greatly benefit those who feel lost in the midst of economic and societal transformation.

Tibetan Situation Traub has immense respect for and devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has had the opportunity to meet the spiritual leader four times. “There is no other human being like him in memorable history. No one is more universally trusted, loved, and respected. No one has met with more world leaders.”

As to the Tibetan political situation, he has hope that things will change.

While he doesn’t see Tibet being a completely independent entity immediately, he said, “There is no doubt that Tibet will be open again. The Tibetans will be able to go home.”

“There is something in us, a moral good,” he said. He believes that it will take an event that really lights the fuse internationally - something even more atrocious than what is already occurring.

“Boycotting China is not possible, but it will take some sort of international pressure, some form of economic demand,” he said. He thinks more people will have to pressure their political leaders, and a president - most likely an American president - will have to take stand, to make a stronger statement. “There is no chance that Tibet will not be open again to Tibetans, and that His Holiness will be allowed to return. The only question is, when, how long? How many more injustices?”

Traub believes the Tibetan people could not have a better spiritual leader to guide them through their time of exile.

“His Holiness is living proof of everything the Buddha taught. He is now the Living Buddha and, personally, I believe, the 14th Dalai Lama is the greatest of all the Dalai Lamas.”

TPI OUTSIDE TIBET 9 Tibetans Must fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Wishes: Dr. Sangay

The Tibet Post

30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the Tibetan community in Zurich. Photo: Swiss Tibetan community

By Tibetan Official Media. Tibet Net

Zurich: We must keep in mind the interest of fellow Tibetans in Tibet, said the political leader (Kalon Tripa) of the Tibetan government in exile, Dr

Lobsang Sangay, during his address to the Tibetan community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. He also said that Tibetan people must fulfil His Holiness the Dalai Lama's wishes.Over

600 Tibetans attended the address by their new political leader yesterday morning (Sunday) in Zurich.

He spoke at length with sadness of the self-immolation by 11 Tibetans in Tibet

Japanese Security Firm: Tibet Not Part Of China

This is not the actual photo of the map, only an archive photo of Tibet Map: File

Dharamshala, India: A Japanese firm, Daiwa Securities Group, recently created presDharamshala, India: A Japanese firm, Daiwa Securities Group, recently created presumable confusion and embarassment among Chinese authorities as the firm presented a map on which Tibet was shown to belong to India, as did the nonTibetan part of China's Yunnan province.

The map was part of a business proposal to the People Insurance Company of

China (PICC) who only found the error after the actual interview. Subsequently, PICC officials have asked Daiwa to remake the map and to offer a formal appology.

According to newssite www.wantchinatimes.com the matter was also reported to the China Securities Regulatory Commission as well as the China Insurance Regulatory Commission who are now considering their next move

in this politically sensitive issue.

The Japanese company itself put the error down to "negligence", but several security experts have expressed doubts that the alternative map could be excused as merely "unprofessional".umable confusion and embarassment among Chinese authorities as the firm presented a map on which Tibet was shown to belong to India, as did the non-Tibetan part of China's Yunnan province.

The map was part of a business proposal to the People Insurance Company of China (PICC) who only found the error after the actual interview. Subsequently, PICC officials have asked Daiwa to remake the map and to offer a formal appology.

According to newssite www.wantchinatimes.com the matter was also reported to the China Securities Regulatory Commission as well as the China Insurance Regulatory Commission who are now considering their next move in this politically sensitive issue.

The Japanese company itself put the error down to "negligence", but several security experts have expressed doubts that the alternative map could be excused as merely "unprofessional".

- their individual sacrifice to highlight the struggle for the survival of Tibetan culture and identity under China's brutal rule. The present political leadership by the Kalon Tripa is the continuity of the historic and legitimate political leadership of the Tibetan people, said Dr Sangay.

The unanimous support by the Tibetan Parliament members in approving the nomination of the six Kalons sent a good message to the Tibetan people in Tibet that both the Kashag and Parliament can work together for the common interest of Tibet, he said.

Before the start of Kalon Tripa's address, the Tibetan community's cultural group sung the Tibetan national anthem. This was immediately followed by one minute silence in memory of the Tibetans who selfimmolated in Tibet to highlight the present desperate situation in Tibet.

During the two and half hour address followed by questions and answers, Kalon Tripa said, "We are most grateful to India. We must never forget India's kindness."

The Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association hosted a lunch in honour of Kalon Tripa. In his brief address to the group's board members and section leaders he extended Kashag's "heart felt gratitude and appreciation for their support."

In the afternoon, the Tibetan Youth Association of Switzerland organised a town-house-style-meeting. The meeting hall was completely packed with many Tibetans waiting outside the hall.

The recent change in the Tibetan community witnessed the hand-over

of responsibility by the older Tibetan generation to the younger generation.

"We must fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama's wishes and ensure that the hard work done by the older generation is accomplished," he said.

Kalon Tripa said all young Tibetans should feel proud to be a Tibetan and must endeavor to serve the Tibetan community.

He once again emphasized his key message of better education for the younger generation.

"We need to improve the foundation and environment in our schools," he said.

His education policy and the recent meetings with Tibetan school principles and administrators have started a debate on this important issue.

He told the Tibetan youth in Switzerland that they must endeavor to become more professional in their educational studies. While elaborating his Tibet Core program, he encouraged the youth to volunteer their service to the Central Tibetan Administration as well as join the Swiss government services.

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived early Sunday morning at Zurich airport from New Delhi. Rikon Tibetan Monastery's Abbot, Mr Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's representative, vice president of the Tibetan community, presidents of the Tibetan Women's Association and Tibetan Youth Association in Europe and 50 Tibetans welcomed Kalon Tripa during his first European tour.

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30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI PRESS FREEDOM

Kashag Congratulates New Speaker of Australian Parliament

The Tibet Post

Wife of Jailed Tibetan Filmmaker Seeks Support of World Community

Mr Peter Slipper with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Dharamshala. (file photo)

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - The Kashag (cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration last Friday, November sent its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Peter Slipper on becoming the 27th Speaker of the Australian Parliament.

"We would like to express our heartfelt congratulations on your elevation to the post of Speaker of the Australian Parliament's House of Representatives," the Kashag said in its congratulatory message.

"The Central Tibetan Administration appreciate the fact that you, in your capacity as Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, co-hosted a visit by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama to the

Australian Parliament in June 2009.

The Central Tibetan Administration fondly remembers your visit to the Dharamshala as part of the first Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet to visit Dharamshala in July 2009", the Kashag said.

"Tibet today is under martial law all but in name as been evidenced by the 11 Tibetans who self-immolated in the recent months. In this regard, we appeal to you to use your unique position for the speedy resolution of the issue of Tibet" the Kashag said.

Mr Peter Slipper became the 27th Speaker of the Australian Parliament House of Representatives on 24 November 2011.

New Book Documents Life and Culture on the Plateau of Tibet

CULTURE ON THE EDGE

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - A new book Tibet: Culture on the Edge, by awardwinning American photographer Phil Borges, documents the environmental, developmental and cultural issues of the Tibetan Plateau.

Known as the 'water tower of Asia', the Tibetan Plateau is heating up twice as fast as the global average. Its glaciers are the source of the major rivers that supply the water needs of some two billion people in India, Pakistan, China and Indo-China.

Today these glaciers are rapidly disappearing. This climatic change along with recent unprecedented development on the plateau roads, railways, airports, dams and communication technology - is rapidly changing the lives of the deeply devotional nomads, monks and farmers who have lived there

for centuries.

Borges brings his readers face-to-face with some of these remarkable people, who live in one of the most fragile environments on earth and face a rapid induction into the 21st century, whilst trying to retain that which they hold most dear - their Tibetan Buddhist practice and culture.

For over 30 years, Borges has been documenting indigenous and tribal cultures, striving to create an understanding of the challenges they face. His work is exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide and his award-winning books, which have been published in four languages, include Tibetan Portrait, Enduring Spirit, and Women Empowered.

He has also hosted television documentaries on indigenous cultures for Discovery and National Geographic channels.

Mr. Tsering Pasang with Lhamo Tso, wife of imprisoned Tibetan filmaker, Dhondup Wangchen in London, UK during a talk organised

by UK Tibet Society. Photo: TPI/Tsering Pasang

by Tsering Passang, The Tibet Post

London, UK: Lhamo Tso, wife of Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wa n g c h e n , c a m p a i g n s f o r h e r husband's release in UK and Europe. Lhamo Tso, a mother of four, lives in Dharamshala whilst her husband is serving a six-year sentence in Chinese prison in Xining, north eastern Tibet. They have not had the chance to speak or meet face to face for four years.

Her young children are studying in Tibetan refugee schools in northern India and they all badly miss him. Whilst looking after Dhondup's parents in Dharamshala, Lhamo Tso supports her family through baking and selling Tibetan bread.

Last month, Lhamo Tso travelled to Switzerland where she attended the third anniversary of the Tibetan Film Festival. The festival organisers have dedicated their annual event to Dhondup Wangchen and his work with the intention of encouraging the emergence of more Tibetan filmmakers in the years ahead. After speaking to the delegates during the Regional Meeting of European Tibet Support Groups in Nice, in the south of France, convened by International Tibet Network earlier this month, Lhamo Tso flew into London on 6th November where she was greeted

by Frederick Hyde-Chambers and Philippa Carrick, Tibet Society's Chairman and Chief Executive.

At Tibet Society's invitation, L h a m o Ts o m e t w i t h B r i t i s h Foreign Office and government officials in London. She also had meetings with a number of Members of Parliament (MPs) at Westminster as well as Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in Edinburgh. Lhamo Tso has called for their urgent support for the release of her husband and his medical treatment.

Dhondup was arrested on 26th March 2008 in eastern Tibet, and was subsequently tortured and

imprisoned for making a Tibetan documentary film. He contracted Hepatitis B whilst in prison. On 28 December 2009, the Chinese authorities charged the Tibetan filmmaker with ‘inciting separatism' and ‘subversion of state power.' In his film, Dhondup travelled across the Tibetan plateau seeking ordinary Tibetans' views on the then 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Chinese policies in Tibet and the Tibetan people's devotion in His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

During her 16-day UK speakingtour, Lhamo Tso spoke to over five hundred school children and teachers, Tibet supporters, defenders of human rights, independent filmmakers, businessmen and lawyer working for Ministry of Justice. She also met with nearly a hundred Tibetans living in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Bristol and London.

Lhamo Tso said that the Tibetans in Tibet do not enjoy freedoms of expression and thought. She said that her husband did not commit any crime that deserves a six-year sentence from the Chinese authorities in Tibet. The family's main concern is the health condition of Dhondup Wangchen.

She said that the family's main wish is to secure proper medical treatment for Dhondup and his early release from prison.

After the film screening at a primary school in London, an eight-year old child remarked that the Chinese authorities' treatment o f D h o n d u p Wa n g c h e n w a s ‘unfair' and ‘evil.'

On the eve of her departure to Switzerland for further e n g a g e m e n t s , L h a m o Ts o w a s given a farewell dinner at the recently opened Kailash Momo Tibetan eatery in Woolwich after her final meeting with some forty Tibetans in the London Borough of Greenwich. The Borough is a major venue for London's 2012 Olympic Games, where 12 sporting

events will be held including the basketball, artistic gymnastics, equestrian, shooting, trampolining and Paralympic archery.

Tenzin Dakpa, a local Tibetan in Wo o l w i c h , w h o c o - h o s t e d t h e final meeting with Lhamo Tso, paid a moving tribute to her. He said, ‘Lhamo Tso and Dhondup Wangchen's family have made a significant contribution to the Tibetan people's struggle.

D h o n d u p Wa n g c h e n d o e s n ' t deserve to be in Chinese prison for simply making a documentary film that we have seen today. I have seen Dhondup's film many times now. Lhamo Tso is a real messenger of the Tibetan political prisoners in Tibet and we all should support her call for help.'

The local Tibetans assured Lhamo Tso that they would write to the Chinese Ambassador in the UK as well as the British Foreign Secretary with the further pledge to support the campaign of Dhondup Wangchen's release on medical parole.

Lhamo Tso was very appreciative of the support and solidarity that her family has received since Dhondup Wangchen's arrest from people around the world, who still continue to show their concerns about his health condition. She was also very touched by fellow Tibetans in the UK for showing their solidarity with her family and also giving her monetary gifts. She assured her compatriots that the gifts she received would be fully given to the families of Tibetan political prisoners in Tibet.

Whilst paying her gratitude to all those individuals and groups who hosted her during speaking-tour in England and Scotland, Lhamo Tso said, "I thank on behalf of my whole family to Tibet Society and their members for enabling a very motivating visit. Dhondup would be very inspired if he learned about the level of support for him in UK." Lhamo Tso left for Zurich on 23rd November 2011.

Peace and Freedom Through Music, Poem and Documentaries

The Tibet Post

TPI PEACE EVENT

30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

11

Peace and Freedom Through Music, Poem and Documentaries

By Nitesh Mohanty, The Tibet Post

Mumbai, India: -Nitesh Mohanty of The Root - a company that platforms artistic expression with a social agenda - reports on 2 Days for Tibet, a cultural evening he organized in association with Friends of Tibet, which ran from November 9 to 10 at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai The Hippy The evening kicked off on a musical note with Billy Salisbury - AKA Undercover Hippy - who sends messages of love, peace, equality, justice and freedom through his music.

Billy dedicated a couple of his songs to Tibet (and to the mindless world of war and hatred that we live in).

His songs provoked us to look within rather than blaming the world outside for the wrongs around us.The Reading The stage was set for Tenzin Tsundue to take us into the pages of Kora - the seventh edition of his hand-stitched book of poetry.

Tsundue began with stories of the Chinese nationalists who escaped the wrath of the communists before settling down as the noodle sellers of Kalimpong.

He spoke about the Tibetan refugees, who would often camp in Bombay, selling woolen sweaters during the winters.

He remembered the Bombay of his college days, when his decision to move to this etropolis was "an act of rebellion".

Tsundue attributed his interest in

Event organised by the organisation in association with Friends of Tibet at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and at Kitab Khana, Mumbai from November 9-10, 2011. Photo: TPI

poetry to the literary greats like Adil Jussawalla, Nissim Ezikiel, Arun Kolatkar, Ranjit Hoskote, Dom Moraes, Jerry Pinto and Dilip Chitre, who inspired and shaped the writer in him.Tsundue read out three poems reflective of life as a Tibetan refugee.

He closed the session with an unpublished poem about the Tibetan new year - Losar - recollecting the feelings of agony and ecstasy that come around every year.

The poem conveyed hopes and

expectations, trials and defeats, the mundane and the memorable.

During the post-reading Q&A, Tsundue eloquently answered questions about the Tibetan struggle for freedom, and spoke on the new prime minister's stand within the democratic community of Tibetans living in exile, how news trickles out of the heavily guarded walls of the ‘roof of the world', and the vital role India could play in securing its future with Tibet as its

neighbor, as opposed to China.

The evening could have easily stretched into the night, but we had to draw curtains across the venue's wide red walls, on which was written, "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep."

There couldn't have been a better metaphor for Tsundue and the Tibetan struggle for freedom.

We wrapped up the session by selling copies of Tsundue's Kora and

Undercover Hippie's album Why We Fight.Screening Of The Sun Behind The Clouds By the time we were ready to start our film screening on the second of our 2 Days for Tibet, we had a packed room with no place to move. I read out the director's note, written by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam.

The letter raised concerns about the current situation in Tibet, and requested that everyone come together in support of Tibet's struggle for freedom.

The viewers - students from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences - were generally not very aware of the Tibet issue, hence the film was a revelation to many. They watched it with surprise, shock and disbelief.

After the screening, everyone was eagerly awaiting to hear from Tenzin Tsundue, who spoke about the Tibetan struggle from the time the film was made - in 2008 - to the present day.

He recounted the recent acts of selfimmolation by young Tibetan monks and nuns, and the desperate call for international help and attention from the ‘roof of the world'.

Tsundue also spoke on the path of non-violence as a method of wearing China down.

To conclude the event, Friends of Tibet and The Root campaigners distributed reading materials on Tibet, to help the students understand the realities of the country's social, cultural, environmental and historical significance.

China Offers Aid to Monks in the Wake of Self-Immolation Fiasco

Armed Chinese paramilitary force deployed in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 19th October 2011. Photo: TPI By -Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - According to Chinese state control news reports, China announced its plans to give Tibetan monks welfare benefits in an attempt to improve "stability" at a convention of the Tibetan branch of the Chinese Communist Party.

Tibetans monks will apparently be granted pensions, medical insurance and living allowances from the Chinese government in Tibet.

The announcement made by Communist Party Chief in Tibet, Chen Quanguo, Monday, 14th November comes after a flood of self-immolations all over the severely oppressed Ngaba and Karze counties of Eastern Tibetacts that haved divulged the discontent of peace-loving Tibetans to the world.

It is claimed that "the government will take great pains to ensure that public services such as electricity, water,

telecommunications, radio and TV stations are provided to the local monasteries," Quanguo was quoted as saying by the Global Times newspaper.

He added that there would also be personal help, including allowances, for monks and nuns living in Eastern Tibet.

Reports claim that maintaining stability is the primary motive of the plan, which could help nearly 50,000 people, especially monks and nuns who

previously had to depend on public donations from monasteries to fund their daily expenses.

According to Chinese officials, the plan will also ensure that more information is disseminated through books, magazines and TV, published in the Tibetan language.

Xinhua, China's state-run news agency has claimed that a compensation scheme is in the works, to help preserve wildlife by reimbursing herders for livestock eaten by wolves, thus preventing the wild animals from getting killed.

Lobsang Sangay, the newly-elected Prime Minister of Tibet's governmentin-exile, recently told the the Washington Post: "It is clear that the root of the self-immolations is the continuing occupation of Tibet."

Protests and demonstrations have sprouted up all over the globe in support of Tibet.

The international community has awakened towards the injustices being committed under Chinese rule in Eastern Tibet, further attested by the desperate actions of its native monks.

Recently, at the APEC in Honolulu, US Secretary of State severely criticized Beijing's policies towards Tibet, urging them to immediately make amends.

The announcement of the Chinese Communist Party Chief comes at an opportune time; now more than ever, China is confronted with the urgency to repair its image in the world-view.

In the meanwhile, Chinese officials continue to throw accusations at Tibet's spiritual leader, His Holiness the

Dalai Lama. Over the weekend, Chen Quanguo was reported to have said, "His plot of Tibet independence and separatism has never changed".

According to the international media.

China also announced that "one or two special agents" will be sent by the local government even to temples with less than 20 monks.

Since 1989, China has launched several water diversion projects in Tibet, the world's largest water reservoir and the origin of Asia's 10 major river systems.

In November 2010, they started construction work to divert the Tsangpo, along with the Sutlej. There are reports that China's state-owned electric power companies signed contracts to develop hydro-power on the rivers in Tibet.

It has been reported that there is a twopronged motive behind these water projects: internal economic compulsions and the desire to acquire external dominance.

So far, China has avoided signing any bilateral treaty to do with the utilisation of water resources and has been barraged by 263 NGOs in opposition to its dams and diversion projects on the Mekong river. These NGOs believe that China is using water resources in Tibet as a political tool, moreover- the delicate ecology of Tibet, Nepal and India would suffer greatly from such invasive industrialization of the water sources.

Nevertheless, China continues to ply occupied Tibet with its insidious strategems in an effort to gain political, economic and cultural dominion under the guise of so called "stability for Tibet".

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30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Sangay Meets With Swiss Senior Foreign Officials ?

Burning Desire For Freedom:

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay with Swiss MP Maya Graf in Bern. Photo: Tibet Net

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Zurich: The Swiss foreign ministry has said that the spate of selfimmolations in Tibet this year and the desperation they express are “very worrying”.

The statement, which was issued on Monday during a visit by Dr Lobsang Sangay - Kalon Tripa (political leader) of the Central Tibetan Administration - stressed that the human rights situation in China, and especially in Tibet, is a regular subject of discussion between Switzerland and the Chinese authorities.

Dr Sangay briefed foreign ministry officials in Bern on the 12 selfimmolations in Tibet since 16 March, saying, “Human beings, if given a choice, would choose to live, but the very desperate situation in Tibet under the Chinese rule has led to the tragic situation in Tibet today.”

He expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of Switzerland, and to the Red Cross, for their support of the Tibetan people since the 1960s.

Switzerland was the first country outside Asia to officially accept Tibetan refugees. Today it has the largest Tibetan community in Europe.

Dr Sangay commented that the Tibetan people have once again endorsed the ‘middle way’ approach by electing him.

He said that, during his 16 years at Harvard University in the USA, he

had organized five conferences with scholars from China, two of which were attended by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

He added that such dialogue “requires endurance, patience and compassion,” but that, “Over time people change - we need to create an environment for this change.”

Dr Sangay had a separate meeting with Mrs Maya Graf, vice-president of the Swiss parliament’s Tibet Group.

Addressing the media, Mrs Graf said that any free trade agreement between Switzerland and China must include the issues of human rights and the environment.

Dr Sangay added that those countries which trade with China have seen few benefits and that, rather, they now face trade deficits. He called on those countries to speak up on human rights more forcefully.

He did, however, emphasize that the Tibetan people have nothing against the Chinese people or China as a nation.

“We are against the hard-line repressive policies by the Chinese government,” he said. Tibetan people deserve freedom – religious, human rights and expression.”

Tomorrow, Dr Sangay will leave for the German capital, Berlin, where he has a series of appointments with the members of the German parliament. He will also address the Tibetan community there.

The Tibet Post

Times' Tibet Story

Dharamshala, India: - Despite strong objections from China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, left Dharamshala today to address the Global Buddhist Congregation in New Delhi on November 30.

Indian officials say a meeting between Indian and Chinese diplomats has been canceled, after China attempted to interfere in India's internal affairs.

The Buddhist Congregation is now into its second day, with religious scholars debating the finer points of Buddhist philosophy and morality.

Yesterday, China reportedly objected to His Holiness' attendance and warned India to cancel the conference, which is being attended by around 900 Buddhist scholars and others from 46 countries.

Speaking from Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said, "We oppose any country that provides a platform for his anti-China activities, in any form."

The Global Buddhist Congregation has been organized by the Asoka Mission, to commemorate the 2,600th year of Sambobdhi Prapti (the enlightenment of the Buddha).

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorjee addressed the conference's second day. Speaking on the Buddhist view of the environment and the natural world, he stressed the importance of a clear understanding of nature and the interdependence of all things.He added that environmental problems are man-made - a result of human self-centeredness.Speaking at one of the conference venues, Hotel Lalit, Mr Tempa Tsering, the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Indian capital New Delhi protested against China's attempts politically colour a religious event, saying that India "has done the right thing" by refusing to cave in.

He commented, "The conference delegates have no other motive than to bring Buddhist scholars together to discuss Buddhist philosophy and share experiences of how the Buddhist teachings can help humanity.

"India is a free, democratic society.

China is a closed society. That's why they are reacting in a paranoid manner.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet addressing during a special event being held at the main Tibetan temple in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, 8th August 2011. Photo: TPI/file

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been a guest of India for the last 52 years. It would have been unusual if His Holiness, who is regarded the world over as a spiritual leader and the head of Tibetan Buddhism, will not attend this conference."

The Asoka Mission has also objected to the politicization of the event by China. Its president, Lama Lobzang, said, "The world is dealing with...violence, social and economic disparity, environmental degradation and discord between and within communities and nations.

Among the countries represented at the conference are Taiwan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia,

Laos, Thailand, Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar.

According to the 2001 census report, India, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, is home to nearly eight million Buddhists.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is also scheduled to give a talk on The Power of Compassion in Delhi, as part of the Penguin Annual Lecture Series, to be held at the India Habitat Center on December 3.

He will then leave for Gyurmey Tantric monastery, in Gurupura (Hunsur), to give teachings on the Commentary on the Five Stages by Nagarjuna, written

by Panchen Lobsang Choegen, from December 5 to 7.

Tibetan Political Leader Leaves for 12-day Visit to Europe Dharamshala, India: - The political leader of (Kalon Tripa) Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Dr Lobsang Sangay left Dharamsala Sunday, 20th November for a 12-day visit to Europe from 21 November - 2 December, the Tibetan official media 'Tibet Net' said.

Prior to leaving Delhi for Europe, Dr Sangay will attend a conference of Asian youth leaders in New Delhi on

19 November.

Kalon Tripa will visit seven European countries including Switzerland, during which he will meet members of parliament, political analysts, support groups and the media. He will also meet and speak to members of the Tibetan communities based in these countries.

Kalon Tripa will return to Dharamsala on 5 December.

Tibet's Political Leader To Address Brussels Summit On Tibetan Autonomy ...... Continues From Fond Page

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By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

According to Ms Rigzin Choedon Genkhang, special assistant at the Office of Tibet in Brussels, Belgium, Dr Sangay will visit the city from November 27 to 29, "on the invitation of the European Parliament's Tibet Intergroup, where he will be the keynote speaker at the Tibet conference on Genuine Autonomy."

During this visit, Dr Sangay, who will be joined by Mr Penpa Tsering, the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, is scheduled to meet leading politicians.

He will address the Foreign Affairs Committee at an extraordinary meeting, senior research fellows of a major think tank, representatives of a key media group, and members of the Tibetan community.

On November 28, he will be received at the Brussels Press Club, where he will brief journalists on the situation in Tibet A Harvard scholar, Dr Sangay assumed office at the Central Tibetan Administration in August this year,

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Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Ms. Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Mr. Sangay Dorjee Ms. Pema Tso Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Sonam Sangay Mr. James Dunn Mr. Sangay Dorjee

Contributors for this Editon

Kalong Tripa is on seven day tour in Europe. Photo: TPI

following the devolution of political authority by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama last May.Before departing for Europe himself,Speaker Penpa Tsering attended both a conference on water management in Delhi and the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile's internal conclave. He also held a meeting with members of the All Party Indian

Parliamentarians Forum for Tibet (APIPFT).

From November 23 to 25, he visited Vienna, where he met parliamentarians, foreign office officials, members of the media, and pro-Tibetan activists.

On November 26, Mr Tsering will meet members of the Tibetan community in Holland.

Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Carly Selby-James Cornelius Lundsgaard Samuel Ivo Brionie Pereira Colleen McKown Tsering Passang Susan Hogan Tashi Tsering YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso Nitesh Mohanty The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

Kangra H.P 176219 India

Taiwan India Australia Denmark UK India US UK US UK India India India India

Tele: 0091-1892-224641 Moble:+91-9882423566 E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com www.thetibetpost.com

The Tibet Post

TPI H.H. THE DALAI LAMA

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Message......

Contined from Frontpage......

The role of these threefold trainings in the Buddha's life highlights their importance in our daily practice. To be able to carry out these practices, we have to study the Buddha's teachings contained in the Tripitaka.

In an increasingly interdependent world our own welfare and happiness depend on many other people. Other human beings have a right to peace and happiness that is equal to our own; therefore we have a responsibility to help those in need.

Today, in a new millennium, our world requires us to accept the oneness of humanity. Many of our world's problems and conflicts arise because we have lost sight of the basic humanity that binds us all together as a human family. We forget that despite the superficial differences between us, people are equal in their basic wish for peace and happiness. Part of Buddhist practice involves training our minds through meditation. But if our training in calming our minds, developing qualities like love, compassion, generosity and patience, is to be effective, we must put them into practice in our day-to-day life.Even as our world continues to develop materially, there is increasing need for similar progress in our sense of inner values. The 20th century was a century of war and violence; now we all need to work to see that the 21st is a century of peace and dialogue. We Buddhists can contribute to this by learning from the world's other religious traditions and sharing with them the ditinctive qualities of our own tradition.

There is great emphasis on the practice of love and compassion in the Buddha's teaching, as in the teachings of other spiritual traditions, but it is important to recognise that compassion and love are fundamental to relations between sentient beings in general and human beings in particular. I believe that we should no longer talk about Buddhist ethics, Hindu, Christian or Muslim ethics, because these values are universal.

Buddhism does not explain the virtue of values such as honesty and integrity in a way that is different from how Christianity or Islam or any other religious tradition explains them.

Therefore, in recent years, I have found it more appropriate to talk about the need to fster what I call secular ethics.

I refer to these values as secular ethics because believing in one religion or another or notbelieving in one at all does not affect our need for them. The basic foundation f umanity is compassion and love. This is why, if even a few individuals simply try to create mental peace and appiness within themselves and act responsibly and kind-heartedly towards others, they will have a positive influencein their community.I believe Buddhism does have a special role to play in our modern world. This is because, unlike other religious traditions, Buddhism uniquely propounds the concept of interdependence, which accords closely with fundamental notions of modern science. We can think of Buddhism in terms of three main categories - philosophy, science and religion. The religious part involves principles and practices that are of concern to Buddhists alone, but the Buddhist philosophy of interdependence as well as the Buddhist science of mind and human emotions are of great benefit to everyone. As we know, modern science has developed a highly sophisticated understanding of the physical world, including the subtle workings of the body and the brain.

Buddhist science on the other hand, has devoted itself to developing a detailed, first-person understanding of many aspects of the mind and emotions, areas still relatively new to modern science. Each therefore has crucial knowledge with which to complement the other. I believe that a synthesis of these two approaches has great potential to lead to discoveries that will enrich our physical, emotional and social well-being.

Although Buddhist contemplative tradition and modern science have evolved from different historical, intellectual and cultural roots, I believe that at heart they share significant interests in common, especially in their basic philosophical outlook and methodology. On the philosophical level, both Buddhism and modern science share the same view on the

Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Dharamshala, India: - In a letter to the Prime Minister of Thailand, Her Excellency Yingluck Shinawatra, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness and concern about loss of many lives and damage to property caused by the recent unprecedented floods in and around Bangkok. His Holiness offered his condolences to the families that have lost loved ones and prayers for the deceased and others affected by the devastating floods.

As a token of sympathy and concern, a donation is being made from The Dalai Lama Trust to support relief work.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering prayers in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/File

absence of absolutes, whether described as a transcendent being, as an eternal, unchanging entity, or as a fundamental substratum of reality.

Both Buddhism and science prefer to account for the evolution and emergence of the cosmos and life in terms of the complex interrelations of the natural laws of cause and effect.

From the methodological perspective, both traditions emphasize the role of empiricism.

For example, in the Buddhist investigative tradition, among the three recognized sources of knowledge experience, reason and testimony - it is the evidence of the experience that takes precedence, with reason coming second and testimony last. This means that in the Buddhist investigation of reality, at least in principle, empirical evidence should triumph over scriptural authority, no matter how deeply venerated a scripture may be.

Even in the case of knowledge derived through reason or inference, its validity must derive ultimately from some observed facts of experience.The primary motive underlying the Buddhist investigation of reality is the quest to overcome suffering and perfect the human condition; therefore the Buddhist investigative tradition has been primarily directed towards understanding the human mind and its

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivering a speechin during a special ceremony being held in Dharamshala, India on 8th August 2011. Photo: TPI/file

to discuss necessary arrangements and security measures to ensure his visit goes smoothly.

Banners, hoardings and advertisements were put up to create

13

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Expresses Concern Over Flooding in Bangkok

His Holiness Visits Buddhist Sites in Jammu and Kashmir Dharamshala, India: - Tibet's spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be arriving in Jammu and Kashmir today, in order to visit a few Buddhist landmarks on the outskirts of the city.

His Holiness will first visit Amabaran, an ancient Buddhist place in the Akhnoor border belt. "We expect him to address an expected gathering of 50,000 people at Ambran," Health Minister ham Lal told reporters on Tuesday.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate will also impart wisdom to a group of school children in Akhnoor, and inaugurate a photo exhibition in Kala Kendra on the Amabaran Buddhist site.

In view of His Holiness' visit, Director of Tourism, R S Mehta convened a meeting with the representatives of Travel, Trade and Hotel Associations

30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

an atmosphere of utmost welcome for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The Buddhist leader's visit will give a muchneeded boost to pilgrim tourism in the Jammu division.

various functions. Our aim in seeking ways of transforming our thoughts, emotions and their underlying propensities is to find a more wholesome and fulfilling way of living.

So a genuine exchange between the cumulative knowledge and experience of Buddhism and modern science can be deeply interesting and potentially beneficial as well.

In my own experience, I have felt deeply enriched by engaging in conversations with neuroscientists and psychologists on such questions as the nature and role of positive and negative emotions, attention, imagery, as well the plasticity of the brain. I am grateful to the numerous eminent scientists with whom I have had the privilege of engaging in dialogues that have continued over the years through the auspices of the Mind and Life Institute, which initiated annual conferences that began in 1987 at my residence in Dharamsala, India.

Of course, most people feel their own form of religious practice is the best. I mself feel that Buddhism is best for me. But this does not mean that Buddhism is best for everyone. What is important is wat is suitable for a particular person or group of people.

Religion, for most of us, depends on our family background and where we were born and grew up. I tink it is usually better not to change that.

However, the more we understand eah other's ways, the more we can learn from each other.

By declaring my rspect for all religious faiths, I do not advocate attempting to unify our various traditions. I firmly elieve we need different religious traitions to meet the needs and mental dispositions of the great variety of uman beings. All the major religious traditions make the betterment of humanity their main concern and all of them carry a similar message. When we view them as essential instruments for developing good human qualities such as compassion, tolerance, forgiveness and self-discipline, we can appreciate what they have in common.

I am convinced that the most significant obstacle to inter-religious harmony is the lack of contact between different faith communities and consequently, the lack of appreciation of their mutual value. However, in today's increasingly complex and interdependent world, we have to acknowledge the existence of other cultures, different ethnic groups, and,

of course, other religious faiths.

Whether we like it or not, most of us now experience this diversity on a daily basis.

Even amongst the various Buddhist traditions that have come about in different times and places, there are those who look to the collection of scriptures preserved in Pali as their source and those who look to the Sanskrit tradition. I believe that time has now come to communicate freely with one another, those in the Pali tradition engaging in dialogue with those in the Sanskrit tradition. After all, all our different branches come from the same common trunk and roots. As a Tibetan Buddhist monk, even today I consider myself a student of the Nalanda tradition. The way Buddhism was taught and studied at Nalanda University represents the zenith of its development in India. If we are to be 21st century Buddhists it is important that we engage in the study and analysis of the Buddha's teachings, as so many did then, instead of simply relying on faith.

Therefore, the study and practice of the Buddha's teachings is necessary to preserve and promote them. The Sangha played a pivotal role in this during the Buddha's time, and I am happy that the tradition continues to this day. Consequently, it is important for members of the monastic community to abide by their vows to sustain the purity of the Buddha Dharma.

In the past, given the nature of the different backgrounds under which the Buddha Dharma flourished in our different societies, there have not been many opportunities for Buddhists to come together and to discuss issues of common concern.

This congregation has provided a much needed crucial opportunity.

Now and in the future we need to encourage and foster an exchange of knowledge and experience among our different traditions and improve communications amongst us. I hope this will be the first of many such ocasions that will enable us to foster better understanding and contribute mre effectively to human happiness and peace of mind throughout the world. On the occasion of the 2600th anniversary of the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment in Bodhgaya, I offer my gretings to this eminent Global Buddhist Congregation.

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30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI HUMAN RIGHTS

The Tibet Post

Australian Politicians Condemn Human Rights Violations in Tibet

Ms Melissa Parke MP, (C) Mr Micheal Danby MP (L) and Mr Laurie Ferguson MP, (R). Photo: TPI/File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - Three Australian politicians - Mr Micheal Danby, Mr Laurie Ferguson MP and Ms Melissa Parke MP - have expressed their strong concern over the ongoing human rights violations in Tibet. They have called on the Chinese government to end its repressive policies, which restrict the basic freedom of Tibetans to practice their religion.

On November 21, Ms Melissa Parke became the third Australian parliamentarian in the last month to draw attention to the crisis in eastern

Tibet, expressing her deep concern over the recent spate of self-immolations by young Tibetans.

Ms Parke said she hopes the Australian government will continue to call on China, via bilateral human rights dialogue, to enter into meaningful negotiations with Tibetan representatives and address the underlying causes of ethnic tensions in Tibet.

She noted that economic development must accommodate the protection of the unique linguistic, cultural and religious identity of the Tibetan people.

"I am saddened and deeply concerned about the recent instances of selfimmolation by young Tibetans in eastern Tibet," said Ms Parke.

"Ten Tibetans have set themselves on fire since March, in a desperate bid to bring attention to the severe repression of Tibetan religion and culture.

"Five young Tibetans, including one nun, have died as a result of their injuries. The condition and whereabouts of the remaining four are unknown.

"Seven of the Tibetans are linked to Kirti monastery - an important Tibetan

China Urged to Ease Situation in Tibet, Warns of More Self-immolations

See Page 7...

Tibetan students for Delhi, the capital of India with banners and flags gathering to show their strong solidarities with Tibetans inside Tibet. Photo: TPI/File By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - The current situation still remains tense in eastern Tibet as some reports tell of pamphlets distributed and posted around the Kirti Monastery and the market place in Ngaba town of eastern Tibet, which

state that if Chinese policies at the monastery and in the town continue, "many more people will be prepared to give up their lives in protest." Exiled Tibetans in India strongly urged the Chinese government to end its repressive policies that restrict the basic freedom of Tibetans to practice their

religion.

We are "deeply saddened and moved by the recent tragic acts of selfimmolation by Tibetans in Tibet. Since March 2011, there has been 11 cases of self immolation in Tibet. The Kirti monastery in Ngaba County in eastern Tibet has been the site of eight self-

religious institution which was active during the uprisings of 2008.

"The first immolation took place on March 16 - the third anniversary of a protest at Kirti monastery during which Chinese forces shot and killed 13 Tibetan monks.

"China reacted by further increasing security, stepping up ‘patriotic education' campaigns and restricting the religious activities of the monks.

"This has resulted in an escalating cycle of protest and crackdown, and the ongoing level of repression has driven these young Tibetans to a final desperate act.

"We have already seen the first selfimmolation outside the Ngaba area, in the Tibetan town of Kardze. Unless the issue is addressed, there is a danger of these fatal protests spreading further.

"I hope the government continues to call on China, including through the bilateral human rights dialogue, to enter into meaningful negotiations with the Tibetan representatives to address the underlying causes of ethnic tensions in Tibet, noting that economic development must be accompanied by the protection of the unique linguistic, cultural and religious identity of the Tibetan people."

On November 14, Mr Micheal Danby MP - chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade - and Mr Laurie Ferguson MP - Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee - called on the Chinese government to cease its heightened repressive measures against the monks at Kirti monastery.

Mr Danby spoke in parliament last week, saying, "The crackdown on Tibetan monks since the 2008 uprising has been brutal and repressive.

"The Chinese authorities are using extreme force in a crackdown at Kirti monastery, enforcing the ‘patriotic education' campaigns and placing an indefinite ban on religious activities at the monastery.

"Earlier this year, 300 monks from the monastery were taken away for ‘legal education', for taking part in a demonstration.

"The crackdown on the monks at Kirti monastery exemplifies the wider crackdown across Tibet against any expression of Tibetan identity through their religious practice.

"This process of eliminating Tibetan cultural heritage and the removal of monks from the monasteries is in direct violation of the freedom of religion and beliefs."

On October 19, the Australian government raised its concerns with the Chinese government in both Beijing and Canberra over the self-immolations and called on China to address the underlying causes of tension in Tibet.

"This situation requires urgent attention in order to prevent these fatal protests from spreading further," continued Mr Danby.

"At the same time, China must address the underlying resentment towards the Chinese government's policies, which the Tibetans believe to threaten the survival of their distinct culture. A resolution of the situation will not only benefit the Tibetans, but also the longterm stability of China."

immolations this year. There has been three cases of self-immolation in Karze, Sichuan Province- two in Tawo Monastery and one in Karze Monastery," said Delhi Tibetan People's Solidarity Movement.

The current situation in Ngaba has been extremely tense since the first selfimmolation in March this year: local sources report that there are still high numbers of armed security personnel in the town and increased numbers of soldiers deployed outside the town.

Locals describe the town as being "completely under military control".

"We represent the free voice of the desperate yet bold non-violent calls by young Tibetans inside Tibet to alert the world to the ongoing atrocities being committed by the People's Republic of China. We are gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation inside Tibet, which is leading Tibetans to feel so desperate and frustrated that they are taking to such extreme acts. Posters appearing around Kirti Monastery and Ngaba County have warned that if the present situation continued, many more people are prepared to give their lives in protest," they said, in a statement issued Monday.

The People's Solidarity Movement will hold demonstrations every Wednesday starting from 16th November 2011 in solidarity with the plight of the Tibetan people inside Tibet and "particularly those who have sacrificed their lives as an act of protest against the oppressive Chinese regime."

"In the aftermath of the Tibetan people's mass uprising in 2008, Chinese government has increased its military

presence and reintroduced its patriotic re-education campaign particularly in the monasteries in Tibet,' it said. The Solidarity Movement Tibetans are being forced to denounce their most revered leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and are being denied their basic right to freedom of religion, assembly and expression.

The statement said "More than 500 Tibetans and supporters from all over Delhi will assemble at the Teen Murti Circle in Chanakyapuri on November 16, 2011 to appeal to the Chinese leadership and take out a protest march close to the Chinese Embassy. The venue and the time of the protest will remain the same every Wednesday."

Delhi Tibetan People's Solidarity Movement's Call for Action: --Strongly urge the People's Republic of China to respect the fundamental right of the Tibetans to freely practice their religion.

--Strongly urge the People's Republic of China to review its existing policies on the Tibetans in order to have a truly harmonious society.

--Strongly urge the People's Republic of China to end the "Patriotic Reeducation" campaign in Tibet.

--Appeals to international governments and the UN to call on China to genuinely uphold international human rights standards and norms.

--Calls on China to allow international independent fact-finding delegations and media to visit the affected areas and in particular Kirti Monastery in Ngaba region.--Seek complete withdrawal of Chinese military and security personnel from the Kirti Monastery.

TPI ENVIRONMENT

The Tibet Post

30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

15

Tibetan Political Leader Addresses Tibet Support Groups in Belgium

Mountan Cleaners' collections photos in Dharamshala around, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI By: Matthew Singh-Toor, The, The Tibet Post

Brussels, Belgium: - On the first day of his three day visit to the European Capital of the Kalon Tripa since assuming office of the Central Tibetan Administration was joined by top Tibetan officials and members of the Tibetan Parliament in exile. The day began with a lunch hosted by the Tibetan Community in honour of the Kalon Tripa where all the ex-board members since the

founding of the Tibetan Community in Belgium in 1995 were also present.

In the after-noon, Kalon Tripa met with the representatives of the Benelux Tibet Support Groups and Belgium based Buddhist centers to express them his appreciation for their consistent support to the Tibetan cause and to inform them of the policy priority of his administration. He also briefed them on the recent crisis in Tibet and on the devolution

of political authority by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the elected leadership this year whereby their support was now even more appreciated.

According to Ms Rigzin Choedon Genkhang, special assistant at the Office of Tibet in Brussels, Belgium, Dr. Lobsang Sangay was joined by Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile Mr. Penpa Tsering, Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Department of

Information & International Relations and Venerable Thupten Wangchen & Ms. Chungdak Koren, member of the Tibetan Parliament in exile representing Europe.

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang la also took the opportunity to address the delegates present in her fluent French and thanked them for having chosen to support the Tibetan cause rather than any other cause and that it very much touched her. In the meantime, she reminded them of the importance of unifying their strengths and coordinating their actions in order to get the expected impact and visibility. She also stressed the importance of involving and working together with the Tibetan Community present in their regions.

In the evening Kalon Tripa and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament met with the Belgium Tibetan Community and representatives of the Netherlands Tibetan Community. Over 1000 Tibetans from across Belgium commuted to hotel Radisson in Antwerpen to listen to their democratically elected leaders. The event started with the singing of Tibetan National anthem followed by one minute silence in memory of the Tibetans who self-immolated recently.

Speaker Penpa Tsering la spoke at length on the amendments made to the charter following the devolution of political authority by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the elected leadership, its consequences,

implication of Chinese policies in Tibet and the recent wave of self-immolations in Tibet.

Dr. Sangay informed the audience of his recent visit to the US and other European countries where the respective governments and Parliamentarians had shown strong sense of concern on the recent crisis in Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama handed over the political authority to the elected leadership with a certain level of trust and we must strive hard and live up to the expectations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, said Kalon Tripa.

Dr. Sangay further said, the present political leadership by him is the continuity of the legitimate political leadership of the Tibetan people and that he along with his cabinet is dedicated to work hard in preserving and taking forward the legacies of the older generation.

Kalon Tripa also emphasized the importance of education of the younger Tibetans which is also the priority policy of his office. The day ended with a dinner hosted hosted by the Belgium Tibetan Community.

Kalon Tripa arrived to Brussels on the 26th evening from Paris where he was received

by Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen, Ms. Rigzin Choedon, OOT, Brussels, President & VicePresident of the Tibetan Community and Represenatives of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Chushi Gangdruk and ChineseTibetan Friendship Society.

Mountain Cleaners Call for Tibetans’ Support in Environmental Works By: Matthew Singh-Toor, The, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - Mountain Cleaners are a group of dedicated environmentalists who are committed to cleaning up India, little by little, through a combination of direct action, liaison and awareness raising.

Founded in 2009, in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, their first project at the mountain plateau of Triund, above Dharamshala, proved that having a waste system in place is affordable and massively beneficial for the environment, local residents and tourists.

Mountain Cleaners are now extending their operations to other mountain camps, trekking routes, pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations, including Bhagsu and McLeodganj - the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Jodie Underhill, the group's founder, came to Dharamshala in 2009, to work volunteer at the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) school. She now sponsors two children at TCV Chauntra.

Ms Underhill told TPI, "We believe our model is simple and complete.

We are not just about picking up rubbish and cleaning an area temporarily. Instead we work alongside local people, government organisations, NGOs, businesses, tourists and schools, to provide sustainable solutions, ensuring rubbish is disposed of correctly and as much of it as possible is reused or recycled."

Mountain Clearners' volunteers are international - including local

Indians, and Indian and foreign tourists.

In a series of special reports to mark World Environment Day in June this year, Thinley Namgyal, the Mountain Cleaners' only Tibetan employee to date, told TPI, "When my friends ask me what I do, I make a point of explaining that we need more volunteers. Every day I talk about this. I don't know why they haven't come yet - I am trying all I can."

Ms Under-hill echoed this, saying, "Volunteering is a great way to get experience, gain new skills and boost your confidence, whilst meeting interesting and inspiring people.

"The number of Indian volunteers has rocketed this year but we are still struggling to involve the Tibetan Community. " We are all living here together in Dharamshala...[His Holiness the Dalai Lama] often speaks of the environment and I'm sure he appreciates our initiatives to keep this area clean."

Mountain Cleaners currently face a crucial challenge - to raise sufficient funds to continue their work.

The group employs three members of staff, who empty the dustbins in Bhagsu, collect waste from around 60 businesses and households and maintain the children's playgrounds.

Money is also needed to pay for the mules that bring waste back from their weekly collection hikes, and to fund their ‘Childrens Days' education programme and community clean-ups.

In order to achieve this, they are competing in Spark the Rise - a

Mountan Cleaners' collections photos in Dharamshala around, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

platform initiated by the Indian multinational Mahindra Group to propel innovation, entrepreneurship, and positive change in India.

Mahindra is giving a total of 52 awards, ranging from monthly grants of Rs 4 lakh to a top prize of

Rs 40 lakh. The awards are decided by a public voting system, through Spark the Rise's website.

"We have an amazing opportunity," said Ms Underhill, "and all we need is for people to support us by voting and spreading the word.

"We're doing this because we love

Himachal, but unless the people get behind us and show us their support we can't help."

To vote for Mountain Cleaners' Spark the Rise bid, go online.

For further information on Mountain Cleaners and how to get involved, go online.

16

30 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI CHINA-TIBET TALKS

The Tibet Post

China Lacks “Political Will” to Resolve the Tibet issue: Envoy

By: Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - Kelsang Gyaltsen, The Dalai Lama’s envoy at the Tibet Inter-Group Conference on Genuine Autonomy in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday issued a statement entitled The Sino-Tibetan Dialogue: State of Play and Perspectives, in which he accused China of lacking the political will to resolve the Tibet issue through negotiation.

During the conference, which was hosted by the European Parliament, Mr Gyaltsen said Tibet has become a prison, overseen by a totalitarian regime.

Citing Sino-Tibetan dialogue since 2002, he said the Tibetan leadershipin-exile has sought genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people under a single self-governing organ, within the framework of the constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

However, he continued, China has consistently maintained an attitude of no recognition, no reciprocity, no commitment, no concession and no compromise.

Mr Gyaltsen emphasized the importance of an international presence in China, in order to have a restraining influence on the Chinese authorities and security forces, and to provide some form of protection to Tibetans inside Tibet.

He then outlined the Tibetan leadership’s instructions to the Tibetan delegation: - To create the necessary conducive atmosphere and conditions for maintaining and deepening contact.

- To use every opportunity to dispel misunderstanding and misconceptions about the position and views of the exiled Tibetan leadership.

- To reiterate and explain the fact that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan leadership-in-exile do not seek separation and independence for Tibet.

- To state clearly our demand for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the PRC. - To propose confidence-building measures in areas of mutual interest.

- To stabilize the dialogue process by increasing the number of the meetings with an agreed-upon agenda and timeframe.

Mr Gyaltsen quoted China’s labeling of the eighth round of discussions in November 2008 as a demand for “disguised independence”, and its stand that the Dalai Lama does not have the right to speak in the name of Tibetan people.

He said these pronouncements were unfortunate, and that Tibetans do not have, as of yet, a sincere and willing partner for an honest dialogue.

He continued that none of the Tibet leadership-in-exiles' requests including their pleas to lift the ban on possession of His Holiness Dalai Lama’s image and to allow exiled Tibetan to visit those living within Tibet - have been considered.

Speaking on the current situation in Tibet, and with reference to the eleven self-immolations there in the

Copyright Photo European Parliament

past few months, Mr Gyaltsen disclosed that the Tibetan leadership-in-exile have been urging their Chinese counterparts to meet and discuss ways to calm the state of despair.

However, he said, they are still waiting for a positive response from Beijing.

He continued, “The policies of the European Union towards the cause of Tibet and China have just as much a bearing on the outcome of this tragedy.

“The Chinese leadership must be

made to realize that the issue of Tibet cannot be suppressed and silenced unless it is properly addressed and resolved.”

Referring to the modern world as “highly interdependent”, Mr Gyaltsen emphasized the importance that a “strong and unified message” should come from members of the international community.

In today’s heavily interdependent world, he said, it is not in the hands of Chinese leaders alone whether the Tibetan people will in the future be able to enjoy a life of freedom and

dignity, or be compelled to live under continued brutal repression.

Since direct contact with the PRC was re-established in 2002, Special Envoy Gyari Lodi and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen have had nine official rounds of discussions and one informal meeting with Chinese representatives.

The last meeting was held in Beijing in 2010. Since then, and despite the Tibetan leadership-in-exile’s repeated requests to hold another meeting, there has been no positive response.

UN Experts Voice Grave Concern Over Severe Restrictions on Monasteries in Tibet

Tibetan Official Media: Tibet.net

GENEVA: A group of UN experts has voiced grave concern over heavy security measures on the Tibetan monasteries in and around Kirti monastery in north-eastern Tibet's Ngaba county, stressing that the Tibetan people's religious freedom should be respected and guaranteed by the Chinese government.

“Intimidation of the lay and monastic community must be avoided, and the right of members

of the monastic community, and the wider community to freely practice their religion, should be fully respected and guaranteed by the Chinese Government,” stressed the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Mr Heiner Bielefeldt, noting that the recent deployment of security forces is reported to include officers in riot gear, soldiers with automatic rifles, and trucks and armed personnel on the streets leading to the monastery.

Further measures are reported to

include security raids and surveillance within monasteries, with police presence inside and outside monasteries to monitor religious activities. “Such restrictive measures not only curtail the right to freedom of religion or belief, but further exacerbate the existing tensions, and are counter-productive,” Mr Heiner Bielefeldt said.

His comments were echoed by the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mr Maina Kiai, who warned that “such measures seriously impede the exercise of the right to association of members of the monastic community.”

The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr Frank La Rue, added his voice expressing his “deep concern about allegations of restrictions to Internet access and mobile messaging services within N g a b a c o u n t y, a s w e l l a s journalists’ lack of access to the region.” In his view, “rather than taking such measures, the Government should instead listen to and address the legitimate grievances of the monastic community.”

The heavy security measures adopted have resulted in increased tensions between the Chinese authorities and members of the monastic community, in particular since March 2011, a period which has seen an escalation of protests by both lay persons and members of the monastic community, calling for religious freedom. The severe restrictions on freedoms of religion, expression and association, have led to hundreds of monks reportedly leaving the m o n a s t e r y, w i t h m a n y b e i n g arrested or subjected to enforced disappearance.

T h e U N Wo r k i n g G r o u p o n Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances reiterated its deep concern over the whereabouts of all those who have been subject to enforced disappearances in China, including a group of over 300 monks of Kirti Monastery whose fate or whereabouts still remain unknown.

“Any enforced disappearance is unacceptable and such practices are in violation of international law,” said the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Mr Jeremy Sarkin, expressing concern that a proposed revision to the

Chinese Criminal Procedure Law will legalise enforced disappearances in the country.

“This heinous practice is not permitted under any circumstances. No exceptional circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to justify an enforced disappearance,” Mr Sarkin added.

Another UN expert panel, the Wo r k i n g G r o u p o n A r b i t r a r y Detention, expressed concern about the recurring practice of arbitrary arrests and detention of monks in the area of Sichuan province. “No individual can be arrested on the ground of peacefully exercising the rights and freedoms guaranteed under international human rights law,” stressed Mr El Hadji Malick Sow, the Group’s Chair-Rapporteur.

The Independent Expert on minority issues, Ms Rita Izsák, also called on the Chinese authorities to fully respect and uphold the rights of minorities including their rights to freely practice their religion and culture. “Allegations suggest that this is far from the case in this region and I urge the Government to cease any restrictive practices and refrain from any use of violence or intimidation,” she said.