The Tibet Post International Online Newspaper

Humility and dedication: A Tibetan thangka painter Page 2...

Vol. 02, Issue 57, 15 January, 2012 US expresses concerns over Tibet

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

Settlement rep promotes 'fighting for the common cause'

Bi-Monthly

Page 2 ... www.thetibetpost.com

Rs.5

His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins 32nd Kalachackra teachings By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

State Department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland.

Photo: Evening Post

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Dharamsala, India: A US State Department spokeswoman stated that the US governemnt is 'seriously concerned' over the self-immolations in Tibet after three monks died after self-immolating to protest repressive Chinese policies, on Monday.

They also stated that they represent the deep frustration over the curbs on religious freedom in See on Page 4 ...

Tibetan lama self-immolates in Tibet

Bodhgaya, India: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness began the Kalachakra Teaching Sunday at Kalachakra Ground at around 01.00 in the afternoon. It was his first day of the 10-day teaching and initiation of Kalachackra at the Bodhgaya, one of India's holiest site of Buddhist followers.

The preliminary initiation was started with chanting of the 'Heart Sutra' into different languages including Sanskrit, Pali and Tibetan.

Buddhism and Material world His Holiness the said that material development alone can not improve happiness in the society.

"Since the end of 2oth century, all kind of changes are going on in the world, so far people focus on the material development instead of understanding the reality- interns of material world, But people be aware that only material development can not gives real happiness. Therefore, they started to checking interest in being intention to system of mind, even among scientists, particularly neuroscientists who started some researches on the relationship between mind and neurons."

New Year Greeting from His Holiness "This particular place, Bodhgaya is considered as

Venerated spiritual figure, Sonam Wangyal from Dharlag township, Golok county, eastern Tibet.

Photo: File

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - A Tibetan monk set himself on fire in Dharlag town of Golok county, eastern Tibet on Sunday, January 8, according to sources in Tibet.

Sonam Wangyal, 42, was the third Tibetan to selfimmolate in the past four days as an act of protest against Chinese rule in Tibet.

The sources say that before the monk set himself on fire, he climbed a local hill, burned incense, prayed, and later distributed many See Page 5 ...

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the preliminary initiation seaaion at the Kalachakra prayer ground in Bodhgaya, Behar, India, on January 1. Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

a very sacred place of all followers of Buddhist traditions, who come here to worship," the Buddhist leader added. "There is a saying, if you received Kalachackra initiation in Bodhgaya, it is

'China is refusing to exercise its own law,' - The Kalon Tripa

equal to receiving Kalachackra initiation for seven times," His Holiness told the crowd.

During the teaching, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has greeted New Year 2012. "So many people See on Page 2 ...

Appeals for Tibetans Inside Tibet

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. PHoto: TPI

By Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

Bodh Gaya, India: His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee praised the 'genuine courage' of Tibetans living inside Tibet during a speech for Tibetan pilgrims on Thursday, January 5.

See Page 5 ...

Sibling teamwork in Dharamshala

TWA actions during the Kalachakra

Tabey, file photo from Woeser's blog

The Kalon Tripa, Dr Lobsang Sangay, political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration. Photo: TPI

By Viki, The Tibetpost International

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: - Situated on McLeodganj's Jogiwara Road, at a 45-degree incline, The 8 Aupicious Him View Hotel is run by brother and sister Tsering Dorjee and Sonam Yangchen.

Dorjee, aged 27, and Yangchen, aged 32, have been at the Him View for over three years. Yangchen spends most of her time running the hotel restaurant.

The siblings grew up in Mungod settlement in South India. Their parents, originally from Tibet, are farmers. Dorjee and Yangchen have never visited Tibet and say they are happy living as part of the Tibetan community in Dharmshala. "I studied See Page 6 ...

Bodh Gaya, India: The newly elected political leader of Tibet shared his concerns that racial discrimination could be the reason for China's refusal of excersising its constitutional provision.

At the request of more than a dozen foreign journalists, a press conference was organised by the exiled government on Thursday, January 5, and moderated by Ms. Dicki Chhoyang, minister of the information department and international relations.

Kalon Tripa (political leader) of the Central Tibetan Administaion, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, stated that the Chinese government's refusal to grant autonomy to Tibet proves the different treatment of Tibetans

over ethnic Chinese people.

In the press conference attended by over 100 journalists, the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile stated that the dialogue between the Tibetan and Chinese governments are 'not going well' owing to lack of reciprocation from the Chinese side.

Quoting the Chinese constitution, the 43-year-old Harvard law graduate said, "according to Article 31 of the Chinese constitution, one can start an administration region. Hong Kong's basic law was drafted in accordance with that provision."

"Constitutionally, there is provision to grant See Page 2 ...

Exiled Tibetan Women gear up for the PM Mass Mock Election in Dharamshala, India, on June 21, 2010.

Photo: TPI

By The Tibetpost International

Bodhgaya, January 2, 2012: The Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) is organizing a series of initiatives aimed at helping fellow pilgrims and the environment, during the 32nd Kalachakra initiation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya.

Members of the TWA - which is the second largest See Page 6 ...

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TPI INTERVIEWS & RECAP Tibetan Settlement Rep Promotes Humility and Dedication: A Tibetan 'Fighting For The Common Thangka Painter Cause' The Tibet Post

15 January, 2012 Dharamsala

By Saloni Aggarwal, Sangay and Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

Lobsang Tenzin, a volunteer settlement representative at the Hunsur, Rabgyal Ling settlement, near Mysore. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: A Tibetan campaigner has appealed to fellow residents of a south Indian settlement to 'fight for the common cause.' Indian born Lobsang Tenzin, 51, a volunteer settlement representative at the Hunsur, Rabgyal Ling settlement, near Mysore, told the Tibet Post: 'In our society many people fight for themselves only.

'They say many good things, speaking the words of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and then go out and do the opposite. 'They fight for themselves, not for the common cause and I don't think this is good. The common cause of Tibet is very important.'

Lobsang Tenzin, along with eight fellow members of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) of Hunsur, Rabgyal Ling, made a name for himself in March, 1992, when the group attempted to enter the Chinese Embassy in Delhi, during the NGO's Save Tibet Yatra rally.

The case has become famous as the TYC's longest running legal battle.

Almost 20 years on, still no verdict has been reached. Lobsang, who gave up his career in trade a year ago to take up his voluntary post, said: 'My main responsibility is to liaise between people living in the settlement, and the settlement chiefs.

'I am happy to have given up my trade for a year to do this work. Many people want to become rich, but they will never be satisfied because there is no limit to anything. His Holiness says that if we can't control our mind, we will never be satisfied by money.

'My request for the people is to please consider the common cause of Tibet as important as your own. We are all from Tibet. We are all as one. There is no difference between us.

'My main ambition is to promote the cause of Tibet.'

By Viki Rey Eagle, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: On a hilltop nearby the north Indian town of Dharamasala sits a unique art studio that works to preserve the Tibetan art of thangka painting.

The Tan Gul Gatso studio's mission statement is to "preserve the tradition of thangka painting by training a new generation of painters, and to bring greater awareness and understanding of this art form to people around the world."

Almost ten years ago, Lobsang, age 24, came to apprentice at Tan Gul Gatso under thangka master Lobsang Choegyal.

Lobsang, whose mother and brother remain in Tibet, came to Dharamasala as a refugee in 1994, to study at Masuvie Tibetan school. However, he was not hugely interested in his studies and, through family connections, came to Tan Gul Gatso at the age of 15, where the master asked him to stay.

"It was extremely difficult at first to draw," he said. "I never had interest in art - I wanted to play with my friends and my hobbies were in sports.

"In the art of thankga, it is not contemporary art where you can draw whatever you please. Instead this art has specific measurements depending on the different deities and a very specific way you must draw them."

For their first three months, students learn to draw the Buddha's face until their skills reach a level of consistency.

Next, if they win the master's approval, they spend two to three years learning to sketch the bodies of the various deities in pencil. Having acquired this skill, they are finally allowed to apply paint.

"Thankga is a life-long dedication to the art and I want to pursuit it," said Lobsang. "[It] is very important because it is part of Tibetan culture. It is mental training to paint each day with consistency."

He spends about seven hours a day painting and is tasked mainly with detailing buildings, grass, flowers, clouds and sky. He also prepares

canvases for the master.

The master usually draws the sketches, which are then painted by three other artists.

"Thangka painting requires extended concentration, attention to detail, and knowledge of Buddhist philosophy," said Lobsang, "and must be carried out in a peaceful environment. "[It] is a very humble art, in a sense that you never sign the art work."

Lobsang, who last spoke to his family on the phone seven years ago, said, "If Tibet is free, it would be easier to go back...I would like to go back to Tibet.

"In the future I want to make more painting. Now I am still learning and developing skills."

...Begins 10-Day Teachings of China Is Refusing To Exercise Its Own Law...

32nd Kalachackra .... Continues From Front Page gathered here, all came here by passing all difficulties, for your efforts and hardwork , I would like to greet you all, then coincidentally, today is 1st January of 2012, I would like to wish you a happy new year."

Main Kalachackra Disciplines For Tibetans from Tibet Over eight thousand Tibetans from Tibet are attending the teachings, please raise your hand people who came from Tibet, His Holiness asked. "There are quite many of you," he said. "Ofcourse we do not meet often and have this kind of interaction, specially inside Tibet. Tibetan Buddhism is lockout by Chinese authorities, they feel rather uncomfortable over Tibetan religion and language. However, you all came through the most difficulty and challenge, therefore, you are the main disciplines for this Kalachackra initiation.

On Saturday His Holiness Dalai Lama told reporters that people coming from Tibet would have "time to study and reflect" during the religious festival. His Holiness added that he and Tibet represented truth and the truth would always prevail.

World Peace and Buddhism Preliminary session of the 32nd Kalachakra began with His Holiness praying for world peace and urging Buddhists who have assembled here from across nations to "use your 10 days to study Lord Buddha and understand Buddhism. We are blessed to be at his land."

First day of the teaching witnesses an unexpected rain whole day. Despite that, thousands of monks and common people braved the wet weather, and had crowded the ground since morning to attend His Holiness' teaching. The devotion and the spirit of masses are at peak.

During the teaching, His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeted New Year 2012. His Holiness will give Kalachakra Initiation from January 01-09, 2012, which will be concluded with a Long Life Empowerment for public and a Long Life Ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama the following day.

Kalachakra Organizing Committee arranged simultaneous translation of 16 different languages. This is the 32nd Kalachakra Initiation conducted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. For schedules and information on the current Kalachakra Initiation, visit www.kalachakra2012.org.

.... Continues From Front Page autonomy," he stated and said, "Despite that, when one raises a question about Tibet being granted genuine autonomy, the government is quick to respond stating the fact that Hong Kong already had a British commercial system and a rule of law so it was possible to grant them autonomy."

He also stated the fact that when Macau was granted autonomy it wasn't on the basis of pre-existing laws following which he questioned the race discrimination in the Chinese bureaucracy.

Making his point about there being no constitutional or institutional problem for China in granting autonomy to Tibet, he asked why Tibet wasn't granted autonomy when Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan were granted the same.

"They are essentially telling the Tibetans that they cannot get autonomy because they aren't Chinese. There is no other reason for the Chinese to grant autonomy to Tibetans," he stated.

On being asked about the change in administration, the new Prime Minister stated that the his administration enjoyed both legacy and authority of the previous government along with

change.

"I am not a monk. I haven't taken the vows and hence I enjoy fewer restrictions," he said. " We are the result of the efforts and contributions of the previous governments. There is definitely a generation difference in the administration but fact is, we enjoy both change as well as continuation of the previous administrators' efforts," he stressed.

Responding to a question on his relationship with Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, he said that they all accept and respect his administration.

"I have never been to Tibet, but the Tibetans who have come here from Tibet, know my name and greet me whenever they meet me on the streets," he said enthusastically.

Addressing the environmental issues inside Tibet, Dr. Sangay said"Both Indus river on which civilisations in India and Pakistan were based and the Yellow river on which China claims to base its civilization originate from Tibet."

"Nowadays, people have to buy water for drinking but we provide fresh water for free. Beijing has to recognise that," he said. He also stressed that Tibet being the primary source of water to

most Asian countries, any change in Tibet's ecology will have an large scale effect on the populace.

"We are ready for negotiations anywhere, anytime if the Beijing government is willing," he said.

"We want to solve the Tibet issue peacefully. The Central Tibetan Administration hence stands for the middle way approach, i.e. Autonomy.

We want an earnest dialogue with China," Dr. Sangay added.

Stating that fact that the Tibetan envoys have had 9 dialogues with China till 2010, he announced that the Tibetans are always open to a dialogue but there is a lack of reciprocation from the Chinese side.

The last round of the dialogue process which began in 2002 was held in January 2010.

Dr. Sangay is in Bodh Gaya for the 10day of 32nd Kalachakra teachings for world peace by His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet.

His visit also co-incides with the arrival and gathering of large number of Tibetans from across the globe and 8000 Tibetans from within Tibet in Bodh Gaya.

This 10-day event is set to conclude on 10th of January.

TPI DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post

India's Ahimsa is Unique; Tibet's Spiritual Leader

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arriving at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, Behar state of India, 31st December 2011. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Bodhgaya, India: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Bodhgaya amid tight security Saturday, December 31st to a traditional welcome by more than two hundred thousand devotees from all over the world.

Tibetan spiritual leader arrived one of holiest site of Buddhists from Himachal Pradesh to participate in the 10-day long Kalachackra initiation of religious importance in Buddha's teachings. His Holiness arrived at the Bodhgaya international airport here amid tight security arrangements. Thousands of devotees from across the world offered

prayers as the Tibetan Nobel Peace laureate went to the famous Mahabodhi temple here to offer prayers.

Later talking to reporters in front of the Mahabodhi temple, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that action is more important than prayer to develop peace and happy life, "peace must come through actions, not only prayers," he said, "India has the traditional Ahimsa and religious harmony for thousands years, this is almost unique of this whole planet, all of teachings of Buddha flourished from here Bodhgaya, therefore, I think India has more responsibility to develop world peace

and religious harmony."

"I am a teacher of people having beliefs in Buddhism and the objective of the Dharma is to spread the message of peace and non-violence across the world."

His Holiness also described "Lord Gautam Buddha as ancient ideologue and scientist of the religion and I am following the path of Buddha as a teacher for the maintenance of world peace."

Responding to the issue of Tibet, 'Tibetan side has the truth' His Holiness the Dalai Lama told reporters. "I am a Tibetan, we are passing through a difficult period, but we have the truth "the entire world knows that we are following the path of truth."

The Kalachackra teachings and prayers started Sunday morning at Kalachackra ground. Over two hundred thousands devotees from different countries including 10,000 Buddhists from India will attend the 32nd Kalachackra of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to participate in the closing ceremony on January 10. Tight security arrangements have been made at Mahabodhi temple and Kalachakra ground with more than 2000 security personnel deployed in the area.

According to media reports, the Tibetan government in exile receives of China having send over 1000 Chinese spies to the Kalachackra event.

Ultimate Source of Inner Peace Is Warmheartedness; His Holiness

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet in Bodhgaya, Bihar State of India on 10th January 2012. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Bodhgaya, India: - The humanity needs more warmheartedness. This was the message of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to thousands of Buddhist devotees from all over the world at the conclusion of his teachings at Bodhgaya, Bihar state of India, where he was conferring the 32nd Kalachakra initiation for world peace over the past ten days.

An individual, a family, a community and the whole of humanity need more warmheartedness and more of a

consideration for the well-being of others. Through that our world becomes a very warm, peaceful, His Holiness said. "The ultimate source of inner peace is Warmheartedness," said the Tibetan Nobel peace laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness also told the the crowd of thousand devotees at Bodhgaya that a long term happiness, joyfulness must come through inner peace and compassion.

"Calm-mind entirely based on compassion, when you have sense of

concern over other human beings, you will get happiness everywhere, if you keep suspicious and distrust, then you will feel insecure everywhere, therefore, the ultimate source of innerpeace is warmheartedness," said His Holiness.

"Now according to scientists' point of view, people who are more warmhearted, less stress, also more cam and much happier, physical health is much better," said His Holiness.

Anger, fear, hatred are bad for our health, actually sometimes to say , the fear and anger are eating our immune system," he added.

The Buddhist leader successfully finished his 32nd Kalachakra initiation for world peace in Bodhgaya Tuesday. During the last ten days, over 200,000 people were attended the Buddhist teachings including, including 20,000 monks and nuns, and more than 50,000 devotees from Himalayan regions, over 8000 Tibetan pilgrims from within Tibet and 1000 Chinese nationals from mainland China.

For the first time in Bodgaya city, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment, His Holiness' teachings of Kalachakra for peace were streamed live on the webTV and thousand others watched the teachings and over 300 journalists from all over world covered the events.

15 January, 2012 Dharamsala

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Material and Spiritual Dev't Must Go Hand in Hand; His Holiness

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the preliminary initiation seaaion at the prayer ground of Kalachackra in Bodhgaya, Behar State, India, 01st January 2012.

Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Bodhgaya-India: - To have a happy and peaceful life, the material development and inner-spiritual practice must goo hand in hand, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet on Wednesday told foreign devotees who are attending the 32nd Kalachakra Initiation for world peace at Bodhgaya.

"Everybody has desire to have happy life, and less problem, His Holiness the Dalai Lama told foreign devotees from 63 countries. "The 7 billion people, each and everyone has every right to achieve happy and successful life, less problem, this is our fundamental right," His Holiness added.

"It is difficulty to meet often, as today you are quite big number here, so I would like to say hello to all of you. I already met with brothers and sisters from mainland China, Himalayan regions, and of-course people who newly from Tibet yesterday."

"Tibetan spiritual leader said that the seven billion human beings, mentally, emotionally, and physically, we are same, the simple reason is, the way we born and die, no differences to all, whether easterner or westerner.

His Holiness said that people concerned more about material facility in the past times, because of the physical level; the hunger and decease are immensely effected, more concerned, so we concentrate more on material development and technology as well as education, it is right and

important.

Later part of the 20th century, more and more people began to realize the real happiness and sensation, which very much depended on mental level.

Obviously those People who have material facilities seem very comfortable life, but, life remained fear and some kind of frustration due to lack of inner spirit, these create anger, hatred and loneliness, also among the rich people such billionaires."

There are two factors in the later part of 20th century, one is more materialized life, instead of solving the problem, sometimes it is increasing and become unhappy. Another is the scientific research work, some top scientists who are really sharp minded now became to realize emotions and mind, I think this is something very important factor for happy life of any individual, family or a community, there is no differences to all; whether rich or poor and educated or uneducated once, unless the peace of mind."

"According to ancient Indian traditions including Buddhism, where there is practice of single pointed mind and penetrating-inside, initially there is more information about emotion and mind," Buddhist explained.

His Holiness expressed that scientists should research more on world of emotion and mind. He pointed-out that these days medical scientists began to take interest; how to develop cammind. So, I think it is very important, His Holiness added.

His Holiness concluded the final day of teachings by finishing the 32nd Kalachakra initiation including giving a Tara's empowerment to public. He then led the Buddhist followers through the Bodhisattva vows and encouraged people to repeat the vow as part of their daily practice.

Hollywood star Richard Gere, the most celebrated participant of the event, made his maiden appearance on the podium along with the Tibetan spiritual leader and Bihar chief minister, Sri. Nitish Kumar. Mr. Gere briefly played anchor to the book release programme at the Kalachakra venue. His Holiness released the book titled, 'Ethics For Whole World', just before the conclusion of the spiritual event. Introducing himself to the

participants as, "My name is Richard Gere', the Hollywood actor said that there was a tradition in India to get books released on such occasions and he wanted the convention to be followed.

A 'long life prayer' was also held for the long life and health of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other participants of the event. After the long life prayer ceremony, Nitish said: "Dalai Lama has made a prophecy that His Holiness will live up to 113 years while I want him to live longer than that." The Ecumenical International Organisation of the Tibetan Buddhist Traditions (EIOTBT) is presented an award with His His Holiness for his outstanding contribution to world peace, religious harmony and humanity.

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TPI KALACHAKRA

15 January, 2012 Dharamsala

The Tibet Post

His Holiness Speaks Mahatma's Granddaughter Confers Dalai Lama with the Gandhi Award About Independent and Self in Bodhgaya

By Rajeshwari K,, The Tibet Post

His Holiness Dalai Lama Begins 10-Day Teachings of 32nd Kalachackra. Photo: TPI

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Bodh Gaya, India: His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet initiated the 32nd Kalachakra teaching on January 1 amidst a series of unexpected changes and events.

The initiation ceremony which was supposed to commence on 31st of December 2011 was postponed to the next day and was conducted despite untimely downpour.

Bodh Gaya, the city where Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment is now chock-full with nearly 3,000,00 visitors consisting of Buddhist pilgrims, Buddhism enthusiasts, tourists, followers of the Dalai Lama and journalists with barely any space to move about.

Among the pilgrims are 8000 Tibetan pilgrims from within Tibet and 1000 Chinese nationals from mainland China.

The first of the ten-day-teaching took place on Sunday at the Kalachakra Ground at 1pm and began with the chanting of the 'Heart Sutra' in various languages that included Sanskrit, Pali and Tibetan.

The teaching was briefly interrupted by unexpected downpour, but the pilgrims displayed their devotion and positive spirit by braving the unkind weather throughout the initiation.

Greeting the New Year, the Dalai Lama went on to explain some parts of the Buddhist philosophy which were simultaneosly translated in 16 different languages.

"There are different religious traditions with a philosophical background. All of them unanimously accept ourselves as independent irrespective of whether they admit it in philosophical terms or not, they speak of an eternal independent substantial self of 'I'," said the Dalai Lama.

He then spoke about the belief in the concept of a past life and the concept of moving on to the next life in various religions. " Many explain 'I' in terms of its racing to metaphysical aggregates but that is not what it means in Buddhism.

Buddhism says that a certain 'I' which is independent does not exist but that does not mean that the self as an entity does not exist, " he said.

Speaking of the 'I' that is the possessor of the psychophysical element, the Dalai Lama concluded by saying that the meaning of 'I' is different from the

meaning of 'Existance.'

One can catch the live telecast of the teachings during the scheduled timings on Tibetonline.tv and www.dalailama.com.

For schedules and informations on the current Kalachakra Initiation, visit www.kalachakra2012.org.

US Expresses Concerns over Self Immolations in Tibet .... Continues From Front Page the Chinese-occupied Tibetan plateau.

State Department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland stated that Washington has consistently raised the issue with Beijing and said, "We're seriously concerned by reports that three more Tibetans have self-immolated over the past few days."

These recent acts of protest have raised the number of self-immolations to 15 such cases in the past one year.

"These actions clearly represent enormous anger, enormous frustration with regard to the severe restrictions on human rights, including religious freedom, inside China," stated Nuland and added, "We have called the Chinese government policies counterproductive."

Nuland also stated that the US has 'urged the Chinese government to have a productive dialogue, to loosen up in Tibet and allow journalists, diplomats and other observers to report accurately, and to respect the human rights of all of their citizens.'

This is not the first instance of US expressing concern over the Tibetan issue. A similar statement was issued by them in October 2011. US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton in her Asia-Pacific summit in November 2011 expressed her apprehension over the series of selfimmolations.

The July 2011 dialogue between the Dalai Lama and US President Barack Obama did not go well with China.

Bodh Gaya, India: Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi awarded the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with the 'Gandhi Award' today.

The Tibetan Nobel Peacce laureate, whose efforts towards peace building have been lauded world over is currently in the city for the annual Kalachakra teachings.

The Gandhi Award for International Reconciliation and Peace which was supposed to be conferred upon the Dalai Lama in South Africa, last year could not happen owing to the visa issue which had made the latter cancel his South Africa trip.

Ela Gandhi, grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and trustee of Gandhi Development Trust hence presented the award in India during the Kalachakra preaching. Also present for the ceremony were Kalon Tripa (Political Leader) Dr. Lobsang Sangay and the representative of the Central Tibetan Administration from Delhi, Mr. Tenpa Tsering.

Ms Gandhi, in her speech expressed her disasppointment over the whole South African visa fiasco regarding the Dalai Lama and said "There is no justification for such disrespectful treatment."

"Peace and the survival of life on earth as we know it are threaten by human activities which lack a commitment to humanitarian values. This lack of respect extends even to earth's human descendants, the future generations who will inherit a vastly degraded planet if world peace does not become a reality, and destruction of the natural environment continues at the present rate," she said, quoting the spiritual leader from his speech from 5 June 1986.

Referring to the 'shocking testimony of environmental degradation' presented at CoP 17 in Durban, SA, last year, she also stated that the Dalai Lama's statement in 1986 is highly relevant in today;s world.

"You demonstrate the power of nonviolence and show the world how the way of truth n love can overcome darkness n depsair," she added as she

The Tibetan government-in-exile based in India has maintained that it does not encourage self-immolations but understands the frustrations behind them.

OVERVIEW Two former monks Tsultrim and Tennyi, both aged around 20 years, selfimmolated near Kirti monastery in Tibet on 6 January. Tennyi succumbed to his injuries the same day and Tsultrim, the next day.

The third self-immolation was carried out by a monk named Lama Soepa on 8 January. He too succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

It was the first time the Tibetan-inhabited province has been hit by such a death.

Most self-immolations have taken place in neighbouring Sichuan province, mostly protesting religious repression and Chinese repressive policies.

This amounts to a total of fifteen such cases in the past one year where monks self-immolated protesting Chinese repressive policies.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is presented with the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace during the Kalachakra for World Peace in Bodh Gaya, On 4th January 2012. Photo: TPI

handed over the award to the Tibetan spiritual leader.

The Dalai Lama in his characteristic jovial mood accepted the award with a smile and a joke and said, "I highly appreciate the fact that I am being awarded the award for peace and reconciliation from the Mahatma's granddaughter in the land where Buddha attained enlightenment."

Speaking highly of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, the 76-year-old spiritual leader

spoke about his advocacy of nonviolence.

"In order to acheive genuine non violence, we need disarmament. Peace can be achieved once the world becomes a de-militarised planet," he stated."Mental peace results in nonviolent actions and mental unrest causest he opposite. The real path to a happy life is not through money n power but through honesty and compassion," he concluded.

Kalachakra Campers Face Problems; Organizing Comittee Adviser

By Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

Bodh Gaya, India: The Kalachakra pilgrims facing the biggest problems are those living in tents, according to an advisor for the event's organizing committee.

Guru Rinpoche, the abbot Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh, said that the tens of thousands of pilgrims camping under canvass during the ten day teaching have inadequate electricity and toilet facilities, whilst recent heavy rain has meant that many people are getting wet, even inside their tents.

The campsites are also a very long trudge from the teachings.

He said: 'This time, the audience is so huge, and the support from local Indians during this critical time has been quite poor.

'Many electricians and plumbers haven't come on time, and of those who did, many went home early.'

At least 200,000 pilgrims are estimated to be attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 32nd Kalachakra initiation, including 20,000 monks and nuns, and over 8,000 Tibetans from Tibet, as well as devotees from 63 countries including China, Taiwan and India.

The organizing committee, including the event's sponsor, Arunachal Pradesh tourism minister, Pema Khandu, have met with the chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, several times to discuss the event's infrastructure.

'Some of the workers have not done as their higher leaders have told them to do, which is the cause of many of our problems,' said Guru Rinpoche.

'Another worry is food. We still have many days to go.

'But the organisers have done as much

Guru Rinpoche, from Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, The adviser of Kalachakra organizing comittee. Photo: TPI

as they can properly do.'

Pema Khandu - son ofthe late Arunachal Pradesh chief minister, Dorjee Khandu, who requested that His Holiness perform the initiation before he was killed in a helicopter crash in April - also sent some officials from Arunachal Pradesh to help provide services.

Guru Rinpoche described the security of His Holiness, which is being overseen by the Central Tibetan Administration's Department of Security, as 'our biggest responsibility,' adding that it is the responsibility of all the pilgrims to help keep their spiritual leader safe.

He expressed his wish for pilgrims to not only enjoy being in the presence of His Holiness, but to receive and practice his teachings, adding: 'His Holiness says that to think that just being in his presence will bring you blessings, is a mistake.

'He has also sent a message to Tibetans inside Tibet who are not able to come here, that if they can pray that they are present, they will receive blessings.'

The teachings will culminate with a long life offering for His Holiness, to be attended by Nitish Kumar, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister, Nabam Tuki, and the Kalon Tripa, Lobsang Sangay, on Tuesday, January 10.

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Two More Self-immolation Protests in Tibet to Demand Freedom

Date unknown, but these photos clearly show recent Chinese suppression in Tibet, near Dhartsedho, eastern Tibet. Photo: file

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - Two Tibetans set themselves on fire near the restive Kirti monastery in eastern Tibet on Friday, January 6, according to sources in Tibet, the 13th such act to hit the occupied areas Amdo region of Tibet in less than a year and both self-immolation Tibetans feared dead. ?

The central Tibetan administration (CTA) has remembered the latest incident and expressed its suddenness to learn of reports of two more cases of selfimmolation in Ngaba, eastern Tibet. "The latest incidents, which occurred on January 6, 2012, involve one monk and one layperson,with the latter reportedly having succumbed to his injuries," said in a statement issued on Saturday afternoon.

"The Kashag (cabinet) wishes to reiterate His Holiness the Dalai Lama's statement that as Buddhist, life is precious and thus, he has never encouraged drastic actions inside and outside of Tibet, as he did during the peaceful protests in 2008 and several unto-death hunger strikes in exile," said Dr. Lobsang Sangay's administration. ?The latest self-immolation incidents happened in Ngaba town, eastern Tibet (Ch: Sichuan province's Aba county), to protest against the Chinese government's harsh policy on Tibetans inside Tibet.? ?Nine monks and two nuns have set themselves on fire over the past year in eastern Tibet to protest against the perceived religious repression of Tibetan Buddhists, and that at least seven have died. Another former monk selfimmolated in the central Tibet (Ch: Tibet Autonomous Region). ? ?A man - believed to be a lay person -set himself on fire near Kirti monastery and called for the 'return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama' and shouted slogans such as 'long life His Holiness the Dalai lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet.' The source also said armed Chinese forces extinguished the flames and took him away to an undisclosed location, and his condition is unknown. ? ?The source also said that a second person also set themselves on fire nearby at around the same time on Friday afternoon, and died. ? ?His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said recently that Tibetans faced "cultural genocide" under hardline Chinese policy that forced Tibetans to self-immolate. ?

"The People's Republic of China government is solely to be blamed for

these incidents of self-immolation," the Tibetan government stated. "It must take full responsibility and immediately take measures to end these unfortunate incidents by adopting liberal policies for Tibet and Tibetan people," kashag stated.

"Furthermore, the Tibetan administration does not encourage any protests inside Tibet due to the harsh consequences in the hands of the Chinese authorities," CTA added. So far, personal details of both individuals and whereabouts remain unknown. In the last twelve months, there have now been 14 cases of self-immolation.

Karmapa Appeals for Tibetans Inside Tibet to Remain Remain United .... Continues From Front Page Addressing over 8,000 Tibetans at His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 32nd Kalachakra initiation in Bodhgaya, the 26-year-old Karmapa paid tribute to the 'strong minds and truth' of Tibetans living inside Tibet, and appealed to them to remain united.

'When I was in Tibet, every Tibetan was like me, but after I fled to India in 2000, I realized that Tibetans living inside Tibet have very strong minds and truth,' he said.

'Their courage is very genuine. They are true to themselves. Tibetans come together and help each other when they face a problem.

'I have great admiration for them.'

Referring to Tibet's days of empire in the 6th and 7th centuries, when the country was one of Asia's most powerful , at which time Buddhism was first brought to Tibet, the Karmapa said: 'At that time, Tibet's economy, astrology and Buddhism were among the most developed of any country.

'We have been practicing Buddhism for well over 1,000 years, and now in the 21st century, thanks to the hard work of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we can again take pride in our religion. We have faced so many difficulties, but now Tibetans have reunited under His Holiness and we are able to maintain our traditions and culture as we did in the past.'He continued: 'The main essence of Tibetan Buddhism is altruism, compassion, and

By The Tibet Post International

Bodhgaya, India: - In an exclusive talk to a gathering of over 10,000 Tibetan pilgrims from Tibet at Bodh Gaya, Kalon Tripa or political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay said Tibetans inside should keep alive their indomitable spirit and courage, and the day of reunion in Tibet would come.

Kalon Tripa spoke in detail about steps taken by the exile Tibetan administration to democratise the polity as per the visions and long cherished desire of His Holiness the Dalai Lama since he assumed the spiritual and temporal leadership of Tibet.

Speaking on the recent handing over of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's political and administrative authority to the elected leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay said the democratic transition signifies the continuation of the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate governing body and representative of the whole Tibetan people.

Kalon Tripa emphasised that education of Tibetans both inside and outside remains the present Kashag's top priority.

He urged the Tibetans inside to focus on education and said he hope to see 100,000 professionals from Tibet, as envisioned by the new Kashag, within the next two decades.

Kalon Tripa also briefed them about the remarkable efforts made by the elder generation of Tibetans to rebuild the Tibetan community in exile under trying circumstances. "What we are now is because of our elders who have taken on immense hardship to rebuild the Tibetan community in exile. The Tibetan administration in exile has become one of the most successful and efficient establishment among the refugee communities of the world," Kalon Tripa said.

Kalon Tripa introduced to the gathering all the members of the Kashag, and explained the activities carried out by their departments to keep alive the Tibetan identity and movement.

He said the Kashag is deeply concerned about the tragic cases of self-immolation in Tibet for the past twelve months, and said the international community empathies with the Tibetan people in Tibet. "We are doing everything to mitigate the suffering of Tibetans in Tibet.

The international community, including the United States government, have expressed their strong concern and support for the Tibetan people suffering repression under the Chinese rule in Tibet," Dr Sangay said. non violence.

'I think it's very important that every Tibetan should be united. I have heard that sometimes some Tibetans kill each other for just small reasons. This is no time to do that. My request is that you please don't do this, and live in harmony.

'If we have the same Tibetan cause on our minds we can face any obstacle. ' He added: 'We all have the same main objective; that His Holiness will be invited to Tibet, and that Tibetans living inside and outside Tibet can gather together.

'I have a strong belief that His Holiness will be invited to Tibet within his lifetime.

'I came to India almost 11 years ago and studied as hard as I could, but I still haven't forgotten you, and pray that I can serve Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet.

'From your side, I ask that you protect your lives, and preserve our religion and culture.'

15 January, 2012 Dharamsala

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We will Be Reunited, Political Leader Tells New Arrivals from Tibet

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay speaking to reporters in Bodhgaya, 8th Januart 2012.

Photo: TPI

Kalon Tripa said the day of reunion of both the Tibetan people will definitely dawn. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama will live for another 20 to 30 years as per the

prophecies of guardian deities of Tibet.

Unity and pure bond among the Tibetan people would be the guiding force to achieve our common aspiration," he said.

A Venerated Monk Self-immolated and Died in Eastern Tibet .... Continues From Front Page leaflets in which he wrote that he was going to perform a deadly act for Tibet and the happiness of Tibetan people.

He also said he was doing so to commemorate all the Tibetans who have died since 2009 for the restoration of freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

"-Wangyal, a venerated spiritual figure set himself on fire and succumbed to his injuries. A man in his 40s, is said to have self immolated to protest the lack of religious freedom in his homeland," said the central Tibetan administration in a statement issued on Sunday.

"People of Tibet should not lose their hopes and faith. The happiness day definitely will come. For the spiritual lead of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama to live long, the Tibetans should not lose track of their path" Wangyal wrote.

Due to his position as a local spiritual leader approximately 2,000 local Tibetans are said to have held a candlelight vigil urging the local Chinese authorities to release his body, Tibetan

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officials added.

China's state controlled news agency Xinhua confirmed Sunday that a former Tibetan monk has died after he and another man set themselves on fire Friday near the restive Kirti monastery in Ngaba county of eastern Tibet.

At least 15 Tibetan Buddhists are believed to have set themselves on fire in the past year since a young monk, Phuntsok protesting Chinese rule died after self-immolating outside the restive Kirti monastery in March. That death sparked months of protests by monks and nuns and triggered a major Chinese crackdown that included the arrests and disappearances of hundreds of Tibetans.

The Obama administration recently urged Chinese government to address its "counter-productive policies" in eastern Tibet. An official said China's policies have created tensions which threaten the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people.

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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 Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Sophie Jay

Carly Selby-James Samuel Ivo Colleen McKown Dennis Barbion Rajeshwari K YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

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15 January, 2012 Dharamsala

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The Tibet Post

Tibet's Problems will Definitely His Holiness' Message at Vaclav Havel's Be Solved One Day Soon; His Memorial Tribute Holiness

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

His Holiness Dalai Lama speaking to newly arrived Tibetans from Tibet at Bodhgaya, Behar, India, 3rd January 2012. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Bodhgaya, India: - Many problems exist in the world including those which are essentially man-made problems, however solutions to these problems lies with human beings, said the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Tuesday, January 3rd in Bodhgaya, during a special audience with the people from Tibet, China and the Himalayan region on the third day of his 32nd Kalachakra teaching in Bodhgaya.

During a special audience with over 8,000 people from Tibet, China and the Himalayan region on the third day of his 32nd Kalachakra teaching in Bodhgaya, on Tuesday, January 3, His Holiness asserted that many of the world's problems, including Tibet's, are man made.

Adding that Tibet's problems are not caused by natural disasters, but by a lack of understanding among Chinese authorities on aspects such Tibet's history and rich cultural heritage, he said: 'Tibet has the truth and the truth will definitely prevail one day soon.

'The reality cannot be concealed for long. Therefore, be happy and keep strong.'

His Holiness said that Tibetans in exile live in freedom, following fair and truthful democratic systems, but expressed his concern for Tibetans living under repression in Tibet, stating: 'Everybody wants Happiness, no one wants problems, and ignorance is the root of all suffering.'

The Tibetan spiritual leader told the crowd that people in Tibet have suffered

TWA actions during the 32nd Kalachakra prayers for world peace .... Continues From Front Page Tibetan NGO in exile, boasting 16,000 members worldwide - are holding talks to help improve the lives of women from Tibet, running a hard-hitting environmental awareness and action campaign, and working in security as well as helping to keep the huge campsites clean and pleasant throughout the 10 day teaching.

The talks will include: Women's Reproductive Health, by Dr Konchuk Dorjee from Deleck Hospital, Parenting and Child Care, by Dr Lhadon from the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, and Women and HIV/AIDS, by nurse Tsering Paldon and Phuntsok Choemphel, from HIV/AIDS awareness NGO, CHOICE. The TWA is also distributing books and films documenting the status of women both within and outside Tibet, plasticfree bags and flower seeds blessed by His Holiness to Tibetan pilgrims.

As part of its global climate change campaign, Save Tibet the Third Pole, the TWA is also gathering signatures for a petition, Nomads for Planetary Third Pole, urging the Chinese leadership to halt the forced eviction of nomads from the Tibetan plateau ensuring environmental balance for Tibet's fragile ecosystem - at its booth at the main Kalachakra venue. The

petition will be submitted to the Environment Ministries of the 'Ten Downstream Nations,' expected to experience the worst effects of climate change in Tibet, and to the Environment Ministry of the People's Republic of China. A climate change conference entitled: Tibet the Third Pole and its Impact on Asia's Future, organized by the TWA's Women's Environment and Development Desk, will take place on Monday, January 9.

The panel of experts will include travel writer and filmmaker, Michael Buckley, Indian writer and journalist, Vijay Kranti, head of the Central Tibetan Administration's (CTA's) Environment and Development office, Tenzin Norbu, and Tenzin Dorjee, executive director of Students for a Free Tibet.

Seventy five TWA members from 30 regional chapters across India and Nepal have also been recruited by the CTA's Department of Security at the teachings, whilst others are taking part in a cleanliness drive at the Reception Centre and at the make shift camp sites, which are a temporary home to a huge concentration of women and children from Tibet.

On January 10, TWA members will also offer Tenshug prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Dharamsala:The National Endowment for Democracy, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, Washington, DC and the Vaclav Havel Library, Prague, Czech Republic, held a Memorial Tribute honoring the life and work of Vaclav Havel today in Washington, D.C. NED Carl Gershman read His Holiness the Dalai Lama's message (see text below) while Secretary Madeleine Albright read a statement from President Obama. There was a video message from Aung San Suu Kyi, too.

With the death of my dear friend Vaclav Havel, the world has lost a great leader, whose steadfast and unflinching determination played a

under Chinese occupation for nearly six decades, but that their spirit and strength remained unshakeable and very strong. He said: 'The real owners of Tibet are the Tibetan people inside Tibet. You are part of it.'Tibetan people from all three provinces have suffered immensely under Chinese control for nearly 60 years, ever since I took the political responsibility of Tibet.'

His Holiness underlined the need to understand Buddhism in order to develop a higher faith. 'I always say that study and practice are very important, but they must go hand in hand,' he said.

'Faith alone is not sufficient. Faith needs to be supported by reason. Whatever we learn from study we need to apply sincerely in our daily lives.'

He added that the nearly 300 volumes of Gautam Buddha's teachings should not only be objects of prayer and prostration, but that we must engage in the study and analysis of the Buddha's teachings.

'Some documents say that there are around three million Buddhist followers in China, and that number is increasing,' said His Holiness. 'The 1.3 billion Chinese people have every right to know the reality and with our ancient tradition and wisdom, every Chinese person has the capacity to judge what is wrong and what is right.'

According to Tibetan officials, devotees from 63 countries, including 35,000 Buddhists from the Himalayan region, 1,000 Taiwanese, over 1,000 Indians, over 1,000 Chinese, 8,000 Tibetans from Tibet, and more than 20,000 Buddhist monks and nuns are attending the 10-day Kalachakra initiation.

HH-Dalai-lama-bodhgaya-7th-jan-2012. Photo: TPI

key role in establishing freedom and democracy in what was then Czechoslovakia.

Gentle, honest, humble and full of humour, he was motivated by the idea that truth must ultimately prevail. It was this insistence on the truth that got him into trouble with the authorities when he was young. The same quality inspired his people to choose him to be the President when they threw off totalitarianism during the Velvet Revolution, which Havel led with an extraordinary display of people power.

His abiding concern for human rights meant that once in a position of authority himself he did not indulge in rancour or vengeance, but instead worked to bring about reconciliation.

He was also a strong advocate of the Tibetan people's right to justice and freedom. Not content with articulating his support in words, he also marched to show solidarity with Tibetans.

Charter 77, the Human Rights charter he co-authored, had far-reaching ramifications in his homeland and even further afield, inspiring, more recently, Charter 08 in China. Like a true friend he went to great lengths to defend its author, Chinese human rights activist, Liu Xiaobo. Indeed, I am told that 6th January marks the anniversary of his launch of the successful campaign to give Liu Xiaobo the Nobel Peace Prize.

When he established Forum 2000, it was on the principle that it would be good if informed and concerned people, from different continents, different cultures, from different religious circles, but also from different disciplines of human knowledge could come together to talk calmly with each other. This, it

seems to me, is the most appropriate way to promote democracy in nondemocratic countries and to support respect for human rights and religious, culture and ethnic tolerance in young democracies. I have assured the Forum 2000 foundation that I shall be very happy to do whatever I can to contribute to its work and keep alive the spirit of freedom that Vaclav Havel made such efforts to promote.

President Havel honoured me with an invitation to visit Czechoslovakia in February 1990, apparently his first foreign guest, soon after he became president of the country. I will never forget the emotional crowd who greeted me, men and women jubilant in their new-found freedom. President Havel himself impressed me as being utterly free of pretence and on the many occasions that we met overt the years, he remained a true champion of human rights and freedom everywhere. On that first evening of our meeting, he told me how much he identified with one of my predecessors, the Sixth Dalai Lama, who had a reputation for worldliness and literary flair. Most recently, I was touched that he made time for us to meet once more, in spite of his failing health, on International Human Rights Day, a week before he died. Since this time I seem to have been his last foreign visitor, I cannot help thinking that from a spiritual point of view there was a strong connection between us.

On the occasion of this service of remembrance in Washington, I would like to recall with admiration President Vaclav Havel's fundamental humanity and integrity and reflect that, in his consistent concern for the welfare of others, this was a man who lived a truly meaningful life.

Sibling Teamwork: A Tibetan Hotel in Dharamsala .... Continues From Front Page computer science but then I ended up working in the hotel business in Bangalore" said Tsering. "I have worked in the hotel business for more than six years now.

We carry ourselves very well and always want to treat the guests with patience and respect." Yangchen has a BA in commerce and her first job was at the Norbulingka cultural institute's restaurant, near Dharamsala, where she learned finance. When she moved to the Him View, she asked her brother to follow.

Yangchen is the mother of two boys, aged three and five. "I only wish for my children to become a good person and be educated,"she said.

"I believe that when they grow older, children will have their own vision and the best I can do is to offer advice and love to them." Both siblings find it easier to maintain Tibetan customs in Dharamsala than elsewhere. "I wanted to move out of Bangalore because there was no Tibetan community," said Dorjee. "Here it is comfortable. I also wanted the opportunity to see the Dalai

Lama." Dorjee hopes to build the hotel up to become more successful and professional. Outside work, he enjoys sport, including soccer, skating, and cricket.

"I enjoy serving people," he said. "We want to treat our guest like gods and make sure they are happy with us."

"I enjoy the different foreigners that come to stay with us, added Yangchen.

"They are very nice. In fact, I would feel embarrassed if I put my opinions above other guests. We want them to feel comfortable."