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A Resilient Mother Starts A Hunger Strike In Dharamsala.

Gu Chu Sum Interviews: “There were two types of torture in prison-physical and mental”

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A Message For The Voiceless

Vol. 02, Issue 66, 31 May 2012

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Artist Adha Arrested For Weapon Possession

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Honoured With Templeton Prize By: Tibetan Official Website: tibet.net

By: Angela Kim, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: In February 2012, Chinese police officials arrested the performing artist Adha for accusations of weapon possession. Atruk Tseten, a member of the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies in Tibet's India-based exile government, confirmed his arrest.Litang County police officials explained toAdha's family that his arrest was summoned by higher authorities in China.

On April 29, 2012, Adha's family received an official letter from the Intermediate Court of Litang County in Ganzi Prefecture to confirm the arrest. The letter explained his three year sentence for weapon possession. Details of the weapons are unknown. Adha's family was granted permission to visit him in the Litang County prison, where he explained to his family that he possessed no weapons but under extreme torture he forcibly admitted and signed to charges of weapon possession.His current health is under serious condition due to torture and poor living conditions.

Prisoner Meeting Barred in Central Tibet

6th General Confernce of the NDPT begins

By: Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, 24, May: Today the 6th general meeting of the National Democratic party of Tibet started in the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) hall, McLeod Ganj. The conference, which will be for the duration of three days, began today with invited guests: Kiti Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin and also attending was a representative from the president of TYC; Penpa Tsering. Also attending were representatives of other See Page 2...

Tibetan Singer Phul Chong In Hiding

Dharamsala: His Holiness's first engagement of the day was an interview with Sarah Montague of the BBC which will be broadcast later today and tomorrow. Among the topics they discussed were what His Holiness felt when he heard he'd won the Templeton Prize and what he was going to do with it. When asked whether he still thought Tibet might be free in his lifetime he replied "Yes", explaining that China has already seen great changes and that the spread of human values like democracy, freedom of thought and freedom of the individual were changes that cannot be stopped. He remarked that when people, including Chinese, understand the reality in Tibet, they are very sympathetic. To a question about whether he feels angry towards the Chinese authorities, he replied, "No, no use!" He clarified, "If I get angry it doesn't hurt them, but it upsets me." Instead he says he applies the Buddhist practice of giving and taking in which he visualises taking their anger and ruthlessness to himself and giving them his compassion and goodwill. In an aside His Holiness expressed his affection for the BBC, explaining that it is his prime source of information and that if he sometimes misses listening to it, there's something missing from his whole day.

His Holiness drove to St Paul's Cathedral where he was received by the Rt. Rev. Michael Colcough, Canon Pastor of St Paul's. As they walked up the old steps together and through the pillared crypt to the Vestry, His Holiness said it reminded him of the steps and corridors in the Potala Palace; indeed both buildings date from the late 17th century. During a short meeting in the Vestry with Dr & Mrs Jack Templeton and their daughter, Dr Templeton told His Holiness that his father, John Templeton, who founded the Templeton Prize and who would have been 100 this year, would have been very pleased by this year's award.

His Holiness recalled his own father, who he said was quite short tempered, and his mother from whom he had his first lessons in kindness and generosity. He also talked about how the source of a calm mind is within ourselves, our warmheartedness, while education equips us to take a broader, more realistic view of our situation. Dr Templeton places great store by gratitude and asked how we can train to develop gratitude and compassion. His Holiness suggested that when people come

Dr John M Templeton Jr presents the 2012 Templeton Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 14 May 2012/ Photo/Clifford Shirley

to appreciate that cultivating such inner values has a positive effect on our physical health and well-being, while anger is bad for our health, people are much more ready to try to develop them.

After being joined by Jonathan Dimbleby, who was to moderate a Meeting with the Press, the conversation turned to Tibetan medicine in which Dr & Mrs Templeton, as physicians, were interested. His Holiness explained that as a result of the Tibetan Emperor convening an international medical conference in the 8th century CE, Tibetan medicine had incorporated many See Page 3 ...

Europe Shows Support For Tibet At Europe Solidarity Rally, Vienna

“Now Lobsang Sangay Is My Boss”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with members of the press in vienna, Austra, on May 25, 2012 Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL Photo: TPI/Paul Eggers

Vienna, Austria, 25 May, 2012 - Yesterday, when His Holiness arrived in Vienna, he drove to his hotel where Prof. Heinz Nussbaumer met him and immediately escorted him to a meeting with the press. They were joined by the Kalon Tripa, Dr Lobsang Sangay, who has been invited to Vienna to address the European Solidarity Rally for Tibet and His Holiness introduced him to the assembled journalists humorously, "This young man was born in India, but completed his education at Harvard University.

Since the Tibetan leader was first elected in 2001, I have been See Page 5 ...

Two Men Resort To Self Immolation in Lhasa

By: Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Phul Chong, a famous Tibetan singer, recently fled his home following news of the Chinese Government's pursuit to arrest him. The singer, popular amongst his home crowd, recently sang about His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the Kalon Tripa.

In his song- which can be translated as " Our Good Lama"- he described His Holiness the Dalai Lama sitting on golden throne and called him a Tibetan saviour. He went on to describe Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetans' political leader, sitting on silver throne. He also sang about the Tibetran's people's happiness and sadness. The song was mainly about the feelings and experiences of Tibetans.

The Chinese Governemnet alleges that, through his song, he broke national unity and then wanted to arrest him. When Phul Chong got wind of his arrest, he took to his heels and is now in hiding.

Phul Chong is born inAmchok village in the Marthang district (Chinese: Hongyuan) of Amdo. He comes from a nomad family and is educated at the middle school level. He is said to have trained himself while grazing yaks. He has five albums to his name and a recurrent theme in his albums is Tibetan national pride. Popular amongst the nomads as he expresses their sentiments, many Tibetan people are said to call him "Pride Singer".The Chinese Government, has strictly followed a "One Child Policy" (Tibet, with a population of 4.5 million, is regarded as a "minority nationality" and is therefore, in theory, exempt from the provisions of family planning legislation. In practice, however, "voluntary" birth control has been actively promoted in Tibetan towns since the early-1980s). When Phul Chong was concieved, it is said that the Chinese authorities tried to unsuccessfully abort him and as a result, he was born without four fingers on his left hand. song

By: Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Around 10,000 people who attended the European Solidarity Rally for Tibet at the Vienna Heldenplatz in Vienna, Austria, on 26 May 2012. Photo: TPI

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Vienna: Tibetans and Europeans jointly turned out in a massive rally for Tibet movement where His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan prime minister Lobsang Sangay and local and European politicians and Tibet friends joined in Vienna's Heldenplatz Square. Around 10,000 people are said to have attended the rally.The main aim of the rally was to urge member states of the European Union to organize high political level of discourse

between the EU and China regarding greater autonomy of Tibet or Tibet in general, the formation of a EU delegation to visit Tibetan areas and even make the position of ‘European Union Special Coordinator' for issues that deal with Tibet.

The Dalai Lama addressed the gatherinh talking about various issues that surrounded Tibet. He said, "Our culture is under See Page 4 ...

Dharamsala: In another set of self-immolations in Lhasa, two young Tibetan men set fire to themselves in front of the Tsuglagkang Temple, in the late afternoon of 27th May. 19 year old Dorjee Tseten (from Belong village in Amdo Bora) and Dhargye who was around 25 years old (from Sorima village in Ngapa County) set themselves on fire in a wellknown market street, Pargor Street, around 3.00 pm.

Tseten’s family consisted of his father, Pande Kar, his mother, Dolkar Kyi and two brothers; Tsendhu Gyatso and Kunchukg Tashi. He attended Bora village school during his childhood and then he went to Lhasa to work at Nyimi Ling café as a chef. Dhargye served as an accountant at the same café.

Before the immolations, the both of them quit their jobs and lived at a hotel for a few days. It is reported that the café Nyimi Ling has been shut down and all the workers have See Page 6...

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TPI NEWS

CTA Expresses Concern Over Recent Self-Immolations

EXILE: THE PROTESTS CONTINUE

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

Kalon Tripa Visits Tibetan Settlements in Northern India

By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: The Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamsala, India, expressed its concern over the self-immolation of two Tibetans in Lhasa, on Sunday, 27 May. These are the first such incidents taking place in the capital of Tibet. The two selfimmolators have been identified as Dhargye and Dorjee Tseten from the northeastern Tibet's Ngaba and Labrang area respectively. It is reported that Dorjee Tseten died and Dhargye survived with injuries.

The situation in Lhasa remains tense with the deployment of huge number of police and paramilitary forces in the area. With these two latest incidents, 37 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet. All have unanimously called for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland.

"No matter how the Chinese government attempts to present the cycle of self-immolations to the international community, such explanation will be met with deep skepticism so long as access to Tibetan areas, particularly where self-immolations took place, is denied to impartial observers such as members of the press, and representatives of international bodies such as the United Nations," said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Department of Information & International Relations/ A few days ago, on 24 May, the US Government

released its 2011 annual report on the human rights situation in Tibet. The report documents in detail the Chinese government's policies which are pushing Tibetans to set themselves on fire.

It states that "repressive measures such as forcing Tibetans to denounce the Dalai Lama through patriotic and legal education campaigns, occupation of monasteries by security forces, provoked acts of resistance among the Tibetan population, who saw it as a threat to the foundations of Tibet's distinct religious, linguistic, and cultural identity. These acts of resistance, in turn, led to enhanced attempts by PRC authorities to maintain control, thus creating cycles of repression that resulted in increasingly desperate acts by Tibetans, such as a series of selfimmolations by Tibetans."

"The report accurately depicts the circumstances leading to the current tense situation in Tibet. This information is further supported by video footage from smuggled out of Tibet. It shows Chinese police night raids into monastic living quarters, a monk being arrested for possession of photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and State security forces' seal-off of Drepung Monastery in Lhasa. Although the footage dates back to 2008, it remains relevant to this day as it illustrates repressive policies that continue to be enforced across the Tibetan plateau and thus leading Tibetans to self-immolate," states Kalon Dicki Chhoyang.

Dharamshala, May 23: Kalon Tripa, Dr Lobsang Sangay, has visited the Tibetan settlements of Tso Pema, Bir, Tashi Jong, and Chauntra in the Mandi district Jurisdiction as part of his official tour as acting Prime Minister in recent days.

Dr Sangay, who became Kalon Tripa in April 2011, spoke to various audiences in all the Tibetan settlements and stressed that the 14th Kashag, the cabinet of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), is placing a strong and continuing emphasis on the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan peoples struggle. Furthermore, he stated that the Kashag, through various means and channels, is working proactively to highlight the current situation in Tibet in relation to grave human rights abuses, with international media organizations and world governments.

The Kalon Tripa also addressed the life of the Tibetan settlements themselves and acknowledged the hard work and commitment of many older Tibetan people who have been in the settlements for many decades, some reaching back to the 1960's. In addition, he looked to the future and urged Tibetans in the settlements to work hard and stand on their own two feet, the Kalon Tripa also added that new ways of thinking, unity, self-determination and innovative ideas were crucial for the future success of Tibetan communities.

Dr Sangay in particular emphasized the importance of modern education and implored people to take their

responsibilities seriously in encouraging the young to take an interest in their studies in a mutually loving and caring way.The Kalon Tripa informed his audiences that resolutions had been successfully passed in various European parliaments and also in Japan, and moreover,

that a resolution had been introduced in congress in Washington in February of this year asking China to suspend its control on religious freedom, and furthermore to immediately start a dialogue with his holiness the Dalai Lama.

Welcoming Ceremony Held For His Holiness At Dharamsala

Call for Solidarity with Peace Marcher Tseten Dorjee

By

Dharamsala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Mcleodganj around 10.45 am on the morning of 28th May and the Union of Organizations and Associations held a welcoming ceremony to the honour his reception of the Templeton prize.

A few thousand people including Tibetan parliament members, members of The Union of Associations and Organizations, monks, nuns, local Tibetans, Indians, the advisor of the Indo-Tibet Friendship Association, Ram Swaroop and the secretaryBharat Tibet SahyogManch, Sunil Manocha, all met him this morning at the

By

Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, May 23: Tseten Dorjee, the peace marcher, who began his walk to Tibet on the 10th of March from Dharamshala along with his sister and mother, is, according to reports, currently being detained by Nepalese police after managing to walk for eight days across Nepal.

Dorjee, who has stated that he will not use the march to express anti-Nepalese sentiments while in Nepal, has vowed to continue his peace march until his death, furthermore he also told reporters that he will not stop the struggle for peace in Tibet.

Dorjee originally set off with his mother, Dhumpo Kyi, and sister, Lhamo Kyi, on the peace march.

Both mother and sister have, at least as of now, discontinued the walk after being turned back at the Nepalese border. However, Dhumpo Kyi has reportedly said that she will carry on even if she has to crawl despite, she claims, being beaten up at the border post in Nepal and having to receive medical attention for her injuries.

There are now real fears that Dorjee could be

deported back to India, or perhaps even jailed in Nepal for his activities. As of today, the 23rd of May, it is thought that he is currently being detained

by Nepalese police in the town of Thumpo Rin close to the capital city of Kathmandu.

Human rights groups and NGO's both in Nepal and in Dharamshala are watching developments closely and are increasingly concerned for the exiled Tibetan. Penpa Tsering, the speaker of the Tibetan parliament in exile, has expressed support for Dorjee and has urged concerned Tibetan groups and the Central Tibetan Administration to show solidarity and support for Dorjee's peace march to Tibet.

The exiled family began their peace march as a show of solidarity with the plight of Tibetans inside Tibet, and the repressive conditions that they currently find themselves in under Chinese rule. Dorjee stated as he began his walk: '' Tibetans in Tibet keep burning themselves demanding freedom in Tibet, it is our responsibility to be united and stand together for Tibet''.

..... Continues From Front Page concerned NGO's and members of both centre and regional sections of the NDPT. In total approximately fifty people attended the opening ceremony.

At the beginning of the ceremony the president of the NDPT, Mister Chime Yougdoung, addressed the crowd he stated that the NDPT's basic objective is for the Tibetan government to recognize the NDPT as a political party and that the Tibetan political system will have, in common with other democracies, a two (or more) party system. In addition, he emphasized that the Tibetan governmental system should modernize, in line with other democracies, and instigate a parliament with a lower and upper house, for example, following the Indian tradition of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Mr Youngdoung also mentioned that this is a wish of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Up until now the NDPT has not been recognized largely as legal and successful political party because of inside problems within the Tibetan community, chiefly from within high levels in government, he went on to say. Youngdoung gave

Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Tsuglagkhang Temple.)

At the beginning of the ceremony, they garlanded the Dalai Lama's seat. After that, the Director of The Union of Associations and Organizations and former parliament member, YuntenGyatso, gave a speech about the reason behind organizing the ceremony and the Templeton prize.

He mentioned that in all their years of exile, the Dalai Lama has so far received over 130 awards from all over the world.Ram Swaroop, the advisor of the Indian Tibet relationships then talked of The Templeton prize and said

that it meant a lot to India especially Himachal Pradesh, which has served as his Holiness' home in exile for the last five decades. He also spoke in praise of His Holiness and his various efforts for the freedom of Tibet.Sunil Manocha, of the Bharat Tibet SahyogManch, then said, "It is a matter of good luck for the people of Dharamsala and Himachal Pradesh to sit here and receive the blessings of His Holiness."On June 1st and 2nd, His Holiness will give a teaching in TCV School and these teachings will be available on www.dalailama.com as a live webcast.

Video Footage Captures 2 Self-Immolations and Zamthang Protests the example, that in 2008 at the 5th general conference, Mr Penpa Tsering the speaker of the Tibet parliament, was invited and he unfortunately only had negative comments to make concerning the NDPT. And secondly, as another example, recently at the funeral of Jampel Yeshi in Dharamshala, Penpa Tsering did not mention the NDPT in his speech despite mentioning all other relevant Tibetan NGO's and other organizations.

Special guest from TYC Penpa Tsering, the representative of the president of the TYC, later addressed the conference and wished the meeting success and he also hoped that the NDPT would become a successful political party in the next four years. Also, The Meeting was held to discuss on the upcoming 6th national convention of National Democratic Party of Tibet and regarding the 2nd resolution made by the Tibetan Youth Congress

during the 42nd General meeting held in Darjeeling.

During the election period, the newly elected members of the National Democratic Party of Tibet should be at least former executive members of Tibetan youth Congress as they demanded because National Democratic Party of Tibet is a Political Party of Tibet which was founded by Tibetan Youth Congress in early days.

Kiti Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin, also spoke to the conference and suggested that it is not enough just to have a political party but that the party should be special and that the party should be able to attract more members. The party should also practice rather just talk and be proactive in being recognized by Tibetan government, the Indian government and by International institutions. At the end of the third day the party will also elect a new executive who will be the 6th executive of the NDPT.

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

TPI NEWS

His Holiness visits Yeunten Ling Institute in Belgium

UNITY AND TRUTH

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama meets with Tibetans in Austria

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing Tibetans, Mongolians and Tibet support groups from Belgium and Holland who came to Yeunten Ling Institute in Huy, Belgium, on May 24, 2012. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

Dharamshala 16th May: His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Yeunten Ling Institute in Huy, Belgium on Thursday last the 24th as part of his current European schedule. The retreat centre was founded in 1983 by the Venerable Lama Orgyen. The institute is a Kagyu centre which has roots in the Sonada Monastery in Darjeeling, India and is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist centers in Europe. His Holiness talked to members of the Tibetan exile community living in the Benelux countries, and some members of the Mongolian community in Europe, and reminded them to have self-confidence in their cultural identity.

He expressed his belief that wherever Tibetans may find themselves in the World they must never forget that their ''Blood, flesh and bones come from Tibet'' and that the cause of Tibet is one based on truth and justice. His Holiness also explained that Tibetans in exile must keep their language alive not just for reasons of their own personal identity, but also because the most comprehensive teachings of the Buddhist canon are in Tibetan and so therefore of tremendous value to all.

The Dalai Lama also expressed his delight that Tibetan was being taught at the centre and that Tibetan children born in Europe could learn their own language as well as the language of their adopted country.

Members of the media asked His Holiness about the current crop of self-immolations taking place in Tibet and outside Tibet by young Tibetans he replied that this is a very sensitive political subject and that, invariably, the Chinese authorities would try to use the issue to blame him for trouble arising inside of Tibet. As before, he said he would remain silent on the issue however he did urge people to travel to Tibet and see for themselves the conditions that give rise to such acts. belgiumThe Dalai Lama continued "Since these tragedies have been taking place, I have strongly advocated following Deng Xiaoping's advice to seek truth from facts, although the facts should be genuine, not just items of propaganda."

On world issues the Dalai Lama mentioned the growing income and wealth gap between poor and the rich, and the gap between the political and geographical North and South. He said he believed that the media has an important job to do in highlighting multiple problems such as corruption and should ''sniff out'' problems and so thereby inform the public and then let them draw their own conclusions on the matter.

His Holiness also gave some teachings on ethical issues such as the importance of being mentally strong in the face of distracting sensory input, in securing happiness that all human beings truly desire.

By Angela Kim, The Tibet Post International

Salzburg, Austria, 20 May 2012 - Arriving early Saturday morning at the Klagenfurt Hall in Salzburg, Austria, His Holiness addressed the community of approximately 350 Tibetans, mostly residents of Austria and Switzerland, who had gathered to meet him.

He began by telling them, "We Tibetans, wherever we are, maintain our mental strength and keep a strong hold on our Tibetan identity as we need to do. In addition, we should always remember the Tibetans in Tibet and their strong determination too. They have no fear for themselves, but are devoted to the cause of Tibet."

He remarked that prior to 1959, while there were spiritual links throughout Tibet, political unity was much weaker. However, due to the Chinese occupation, Tibetans now have a strong solidarity with each other. The robust sense of Tibetan identity that now prevails in Tibet and its bordering areas owes a great deal to the distinct spoken and written Tibetan language.

This is something of which Tibetans can be proud.

Tibetan literature contains, for example, profound explanations of the mind and its functions, because of which Tibetans can think of Tibetan Buddhism

and its culture having a valued role in the world.

Tibetan culture is also distinguished by its use of logic and epistemology to sharpen the mind.

Although Buddhism came to China earlier than to Tibet, the Chinese do not have the breadth of books on philosophy that are found in Tibet.

21 may 2012 003His Holiness spoke of how Tibetan Buddhist culture is characterized by kindness and compassion for others. He recounted the story of a Tibetan he met in the United States, who had worked in a vegetable processing factory. He told His Holiness that whenever he could, he would rescue insects he found in the vegetables, set them aside and later release them outside. His co-workers asked what he was doing and after he had explained Tibetan culture's reverence for all living beings, they gradually began to do the same.

"We say the Chinese are destroying our culture, but it'd be contradictory if we, who live in free countries, did nothing to preserve it," His Holiness said. He explained that an important way to preserve the culture is to make sure young Tibetans can speak, read and write in their own language.

The deliberate suppression of the Tibetan language by the Chinese authorities reaffirms the Chinese

understanding of the importance of the Tibetan language. This preservation of the Tibetan identity called for an urgency to establish Tibetan schools soon after Tibetans first arrived in India.

Regarding his devolution of political authority to the elected leadership last year, His Holiness made clear that it was not a new idea. As early as 1951 and 1952, he had attempted to introduce such reforms in Tibet, but was obstructed by the Chinese who wanted to reform in their own way.

Since the election of Tibetan leaders in 2001, His Holiness has been semi-retired, so he was proud last year, with Samdhong Rinpoche beside him, to hand the Seal of the Tibetan Government that he had received at the age of 16 from Tagtrag Rinpoche to Kalon Tripa, Lobsang Sangay. He said, "Our democratic system has two purposes: to ensure the future of the Tibetan cause, but also to show the Chinese what we can do." He pointed out that the Ganden Phodrang had existed as the Office of the Dalai Lamas before becoming the government of Tibet and that he had now restored it to its former status.His final advice to the assembled Tibetans was, "Have a happy mind."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama honoured with Templeton Prize

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..... Continues From Front Page

influences. He added that its medications, made mostly from herbs and minerals are effective.

Jonathan Dimbleby opened the Meeting with the Press by introducing Dr Jack Templeton, President and Chairman of the Templeton Foundation, who spoke of his father's wish to reward "entrepreneurs of the spirit" and his theme, "how little we know and are eager to learn." He explained that the judges had chosen to reward His Holiness because of his steadfast adherence to spiritual values and his conviction that compassion and kindness have the power to improve the world.

15may2012-002His Holiness in turn spoke of his commitment to sharing with others his experience that genuine inner peace comes from within, as well as his commitment to fostering harmony and respect among other faiths. He mentioned again his sense that the judges had awarded him the prize in acknowledgement of his small service to humanity.

Dan Goleman, author of the best-selling book, Emotional Intelligence, and a founder member of the Mind & Life Institute, praised His Holiness's conviction that science and spirituality can both contribute to the relief of suffering and the furthering of compassion. Richie Davison, another Mind & Life veteran, commended His Holiness's persistently pointing out that compassion and kindness are part of everyone's emotional repertoire, an insight that has had a profound impact on modern science. In 2003, at a Mind & Life conference His Holiness pointed out that Buddhism has many methods for dealing with destructive emotions. He suggested that scientists explore their applications under laboratory conditions and if they proved useful make

them available to others.

His Holiness answered several questions from the press. He then gave interviews separately to Arianna Huffington of the popular Huffington Post and Sky News. He attended a lunch with invited guests of the Templeton Foundation.

In the Oculus, a historical viewing room under the Cathedral, His Holiness met Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Both leaders expressed concern for the situation in Tibet and interest in other developments in China.

His Holiness advised them to stick to their principles without being deflected by short-term economic considerations. Shortly afterwards, His Holiness met Archbishop Rowan Williams, who has recently announced that he will retire at the end of this year.

His Holiness was driven to the front steps of St Paul's Cathedral where the ceremony to award the Templeton Prize was being held. He was welcomed

by Tibetan Tashi Sholpa dancers and received by the Rt Rev and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, Bishop of London and the Rt Rev Michael Colclough, Canon Pastor at St Paul's Cathedral who led him through the Great West Doors. They walked in procession down the centre aisle as His Holiness greeted new and old friends alike on either side.

Rt Rev Michael Colclough welcomed everyone to St Paul's Cathedral a place where people have encountered hospitality, sharing prayer, concern and philosophy for more than 1400 years. He commended His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a man of peace and integrity, a man holy for his advocacy of compassion and tolerance.

Lord Brian Griffiths told the congregation about Sir

John Templeton, his generous life and his optimism.

Dr Jack Templeton's opening words were about his father who established the Templeton Foundation and the Templeton Prize, which is now in its 40th year. He said his father wanted human beings to be more open minded about the nature of reality. He said the prize seeks to identify entrepreneurs of the spirit, men and women who seek and provide wisdom. He expressed gratitude to everyone at St Paul's Cathedral for enabling the ceremony to take place there, referring to the Cathedral as embodying the spirit and might of the British people. He declared that the Templeton Prize judges had decided to make their award to His Holiness this year because of his steadfast spiritual values, the power of kindness and compassion.

In accepting the Templeton Prize, His Holiness said how happy he was to be in St Paul's this magnificent temple filled with smiling faces. He noted that among the several hundred people there, many belonged to different nations and races and yet all were fundamentally the same as human beings. Because of this sameness, he said, we have no reason to quarrel, but when we forget it and focus instead on secondary differences between us we tend to fall out with each other. He spoke of a calm mind as the source of genuine happiness and that a calm mind depends on self-confidence, because it reduces fear and anxiety. He spoke of his work to foster harmony and mutual respect among the world's religious traditions, his work to encourage cooperation in tackling our environmental problems and his work to promote the use of non-violence as a means to resolve problems and conflict. He referred to the

twentieth century as a period of great development and achievement, but also as a period of bloodshed.

He expressed his hope that the twenty-first century can become instead a period of peace and dialogue.

He said that he considered his award of the Templeton Prize as recognition of the small contribution he has made to humanity in these fields.

15may2012-004Explaining what he intended to do with the prize money, His Holiness announced that he would give $1.5 million to Save the Children Fund specifically to address the problems of malnourishment among children in India. He said he had long had great admiration for the work of Save the Children and had personal experience of the support it had given Tibetans during their early years in exile. His hope is that if we educate and care for the children of the coming generation, the generation who carry the future on their shoulders, we can really change the world. He is also giving $200,000 to the Mind & Life Institute, an organization that has for nearly thirty years helped promote an important exchange of ideas and collaboration between science and spirituality. The remaining $75,000 will be used to support science education in the Tibetan monastic universities.

The congregation were uplifted by the singing of Jessye Norman's and the St Paul's Choir.

In his concluding benediction, the Rt Rev Michael Colclough, prayed that we may kindle in the hearts of all people the love of peace.

Greeting Tibetan children and well-wishers as he left the Cathedral, His Holiness returned to his hotel, where his final engagement of the day was a meeting with Robert Ford, the brave Englishman who had

operated a radio station in Eastern Tibet in late 1950s.

Tomorrow, His Holiness departs London for Vienna, Austria, en route to Maribor, Slovenia. the Chinese authorities, he replied, "No, no use!" He clarified, "If I get angry it doesn't hurt them, but it upsets me." Instead he says he applies the Buddhist practice of giving and taking in which he visualises taking their anger and ruthlessness to himself and giving them his compassion and goodwill. In an aside His Holiness expressed his affection for the BBC, explaining that it is his prime source of information and that if he sometimes misses listening to it, there's something missing from his whole day.

His Holiness drove to St Paul's Cathedral where he was received by the Rt. Rev. Michael Colcough, Canon Pastor of St Paul's. As they walked up the old steps together and through the pillared crypt to the Vestry, His Holiness said it reminded him of the steps and corridors in the Potala Palace; indeed both buildings date from the late 17th century. During a short meeting in the Vestry with Dr & Mrs Jack Templeton and their daughter, Dr Templeton told His Holiness that his father, John Templeton, who founded the Templeton Prize and who would have been 100 this year, would have been very pleased by this year's award. His Holiness recalled his own father, who he said was quite short tempered, and his mother from whom he had his first lessons in kindness and generosity. He also talked about how the source of a calm mind is within ourselves, our warmheartedness, while education equips us to take a broader, more realistic view of our situation. Dr Templeton places great store by gratitude and asked how we can train to develop gratitude

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Chinese Government Imprisons Tibetan Salesman

TIBET

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

China Re-launches 'Legal Education' Campaign In TAR

By Paul Eggers, The Tibet Post

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: A Tibetan businessman, Tamdin, who was arrested in relation to the mass protests held at Nangchen in February this year, has been sentenced to two years of imprisonment.

On 8th February of this year, around 500 Tibetan people had defied the security crackdown and protested against Chinese rule in Nangchen County.

The protesters had carried banners and had chanted slogans calling for return of Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, freedom for Tibet, respect for Tibetan lives and Tibetan language and release of political prisoners including Panchen Lama. The protest had been a peaceful one, by means of prayers, chanting and circumambulation around various monasteries.

There was no case of immediate arrest or conflict.

An immediate meeting was held in the afternoon

and trucks of police were reported to have been deployed in the protest area.

Later, on 22 February, Tamdin, a prominent Yartsa Gompo salesman, was arrested in the Chengdu Shuangliu airport. Chinese Police claimed that Tamdin was the main organizer of the protest. He was taken by the police and his whereabouts were undisclosed. Since then, some local officials have been arrested.

In March, the authorities warned Tibetans who participated in mass protests in China's northwestern Qinghai province to surrender or face “severe” punishment.

Now, it has come to light that the businessman Tamdin and another man have been sentenced to two years imprisonment. Radio Free Asia reported that they are imprisoned near the Zeling County in Qing hai province.

China Demotes 6 Tibetan Officials In TAR

Dharamsala: The Chinese authorities in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) have re-launched a new wave of 'patriotic re-education' and 'legal education' campaigns targeted at Tibetan monastic institutions in the name of maintaining stability, enhancing unity, and promoting harmony in Tibet, reported the TCHRD. On the afternoon of 11 May 2012 at Lhasa, the TAR government held a meeting called "Mobilization Meeting on In-depth Legal Education Campaign in Tibetan Buddhist Temples" which marked the uniform and in-depth implementation of the Communist Party of China's (CPC) basic policy on religion and the rules and regulations passed by the State Religious Affairs Bureau in all the monasteries and nunneries in TAR, reported the Chinese government-owned website ChinaTibetNews.com.

Pema Thinley was quoted to have said that since the end of 2011, the TAR government has introduced various measures in all the monasteries to strengthen and innovate the management policy of monasteries. The TAR governor also said that the recent conferring of awards on 'model monasteries' and 'patriotic' monks and nuns has greatly aroused the enthusiasm of many monks and nuns to contribute to social harmony and stability.

The 'patriotic re-education' campaign was first started in 1996 in a number of monasteries and nunneries in TAR. Refusal to comply with the requirements of the re-education sessions has resulted in arrests and expulsion of monks and nuns. Since 2008, the Chinese authorities have introduced the innocuous-sounding 'legal education' campaign which is now increasingly being used as a substitute semantic for the intrusive 'patriotic re-education' campaign. After the widespread demonstrations in Tibet in 2008, control over the Tibetan monastic institutions has increased with the official work teams permanently stationed to carry out patriotic reeducation campaigns.

Regular religious classes are cancelled to accommodate the legal education sessions run

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

by the work teams in monasteries and nunneries.

Movement of monks and nuns are severely restricted making it difficult for monksand nuns to go outside their monasteries and nunneries and to visit other sacred monasteries and religious lamas. Sometimes, such restrictions on movement have made it hard for the monks and nuns to purchase their daily necessities including groceries. These restrictions have forced many monks to flee forcing many monasteries to close down.On 30 September 2010, the State Religious Affairs Bureau held a meeting and issued a 44point regulation called 'Management Measures for Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries and Temples'.

Monasteries and nunneries in Tibet having sister affiliations abroad were barred from maintaining any contacts. This has severely affected the traditional spiritual ties between Tibetan Buddhist practitioners in Tibet and abroad.Since November 2011, the Chinese authorities have begun implementing coercive programs such as ‘Nine Must Haves' and ‘The Six Ones' to regulate

and restrict the activities of monks and nuns.

The Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, under the Nine Must Haves program, are required to hang the portraits of four Chinese Communist leaders and the Chinese national flag in their compounds.

The Democratic Management Committees which earlier used to oversee the activities of the monasteries have now been replaced by the Monastery Management Committees (MMCs), an unelected body whose staff are directly appointed by the party and the government.Tibetan monasteries and nunneries have become a major area of crackdown for the Chinese authorities. After the introduction of a series of regulations and campaigns by the authorities, the Tibetan monastic institutions have now become a regular base for the government to publicise its political propaganda.

The continued implementation of ‘forced reeducation' campaigns has severely affected the normal functioning of Tibetan Buddhist institutions and the religious freedom of monks and nuns is consistently violated.

Son’s Arrest And Emotional Shock In Trekho Village

By Tsering , The Tibet Post International

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

The TCHRD(Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy) brought to notice that the Chinese authorities have demoted six officials of Tibetan descent from their high-ranking posts in Toelung Dechen County in Lhasa Municipality, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).

Dawa Tsering (the Vice-Party Secretary of Tolung Dechen County), Passang (the ViceHead of the County Religious Affairs Bureau), Nyima Wangdue (the head of the County Religious Affairs Bureau) and three other Tibetan officials were demoted from their posts, reported the Chinese governmentowned Xizangradio.com on 17 May 2012.

The decision to demote the officials was taken by the Lhasa City branch of Communist Party of China (CPC). The reason for their demotion was their apparent failure to strictly undertake their duties and responsibilities in maintaining stability.

Nyima Wangdue was demoted to the post of Vice-head of the County Religious Affairs but it is not immediately known what lower posts D a w a Ts e r i n g a n d P a s s a n g h a v e b e e n assigned. The Lhasa City branch of CPC said

it will investigate these cases and then punish them accordingly. The cases of other three demoted officials will be decided after an investigation, Lhasa City branch of CPC stated at the meeting.

The Lhasa City branch of CPC also said the officials' duty in maintaining stability is of utmost importance and any negligence in fulfilling these duties would not be excused and will be strictly dealt with. The Party also advised other officials to learn a lesson from these cases.

This is the second time in recent months that a group of officials have been demoted since Chen Quanguo became the new Party Secretary of TAR. In February 2012, TCHRD learned that 13 officials including both Tibetan and Chinese were fired or demoted for similar reasons.

The recent demotions are the result of the implementation of the regulations passed on 1 December 2011 by the TAR Party Committee and the TAR government. The regulation, which included 44 Articles, requires that the government officials be fined and punished if they fail to carry out their duties in maintaining stability.

Dharamsala: On March 5, 2012, during a film screening attended by local Tibetans in the village community hall in Trekho village, Tsewang Norbu , wrote 'Tibet' on one side of the wall and 'China' on the other side of a wall, then crossed out the word 'China'. Below the crossed-out word, he wrote 'Free Tibet'.

The same evening, the county PSB (Public Security Bureau) arrived at his house and arrested the young boy. The arrest gave his father an emotional shock, and he passed away a minute later.

In a similar incident in the same month, Yulshul, a young woman died in a hospital after she fell unconscious at a Chinese security office.

She had been demanding to the whereabouts of her brother- Khenpo Gyewala, a highlyrespected scholar and abbot of Gyegyel Zogchen Monastery.

Candle Light Vigil for Jamphel Yeshi in Dharamsala, India. Photo: pema tso

...Support For Tibet At Europe Solidarity Rally, Vienna ..... Continues From Front Page threat of destruction, therefore I want to take this opportunity to speak my own language.

Archaeological findings indicate that Tibetan history dates back 3-4000 years. We Tibetans must not forget our identity, for our blood, flesh and bones come from Tibet. Since the 7th century we have employed the Tibetan written language in which the most complete and thorough translations have been made of Buddhist knowledge from the original Sanskrit. This is a treasure for the world, not only for Tibetans. And when we talk about preserving Tibetan Buddhist culture, I don't mean just paying respects before a Buddhist image, but putting the teachings into practice and trying to live as good human beings."

He talked about the urgent need to protect the Tibetan environment, which because it is the

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

source of many of the rivers that run through Asia is of value not only to Tibetans but millions of others too. He expressed the fear that once environmental damage has taken place it will take a great deal of time to recover.

Distinguishing Buddhist religion, which is the business of Buddhist practitioners, from Buddhist culture, which, as a culture of peace, honesty and compassion,is worth preserving for the good of the world. Meanwhile, millions of Chinese are already showing interest in Tibetan Buddhist culture. His Holiness stressed that the damage and destruction of Tibetan Buddhist culture that has taken place was not because Tibetans were not interested, but because of the difficult political circumstances in which they find themselves.

"Because of our Buddhist culture we are

committed to the principle of non-violence.

We are an example of a small community who have remained dedicated to pursuing our struggle through non-violent means, which is why your support is so extremely valuable and I want to tell you how much I appreciate it.

The other speakers at the rally included Lobsang Sangay, Bernard Kouchner (Former French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Co-Founder of Médecins sans Frontières/ Doctors without Borders), Yeshi Dolma (ex-political prisoner), Madeleine Petrovic (Green Party Austria), Eva Lichtenberger (MEP), Matteo Macecci (Tibet Intergroup, ital. Parliament), Francesca von Habsburg (long-time Tibet supporter)and Bianca Jagger (international Human Rights advocate).

5 TPI NEWS INTERNATIONAL A Tibetan Orphanage School His Holiness Meets Austrian Chancellor and CardiClosed By Chinese In Amdo nal Amongst Other Engagements The Tibet Post International

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

By Tsering , The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: The Chinese government closed down the Gangjong Sherig Shedhe Woekar Ling orphanage and school this month and arrested two of its teachers. This school had housed almost 50 students orphans and semiorphans from the nearby regions.

The reason given by the officials for shutting them down was the school's strict adherence to teaching Tibetan language and culture instead of following the Chinese school programs.

Last month, a similar event happened in Karzde region of eastern Tibet. The Chinese officials had shut down the twenty year old, old Tibetan school Khadrok Jamtse Rokten School and

arrested two of the senior teachers.

Last year, the principal of Gangjong sherig shedhe woekar Ling Orphanage, Atsun Tsundue Gyatso was arrested by Chinese authorities,because he had authored a book on Tibet's history and the current situation inside Tibet.

Even today, thousands of school students are protesting the Chinese government’s decision to replace Tibetan by Chinese language as the medium of instruction in Tibetan schools. The methods used include peaceful marches and protests while recent events include self immolations by Tibetans as a method of expressing their frustration.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama To Visit Huy For The 5th Time

Dharamshala: - May 28, In an incredibly busy and productive last day of his European visit His Holiness the Dalai Lama stressed his commitment to inter-religious harmony while meeting with Cardinal Schonborn in Vienna and reiterated his belief in religious tolerance and c o m p a s s i o n a m o n g s t a l l o f t h e Wo r l d ' s religions.

His Holiness also took the opportunity to visit St Stephen's Cathedral in the Stephansplatz, in the centre of Vienna, and while there attended Catholic mass as a guest of the Cardinal were he enjoyed hearing the Cathedral's choir recite Schubert's Missa Solemnis.

The Austrian Chancellor, Werner Faymann, paid a visit to the Dalai Lama later in the afternoon, and with Cardinal Schonborn, the three held a meeting discussing issues of mutual concern, later the Cardinal explained to his Holiness about some of the restoration work presently going on in the Cathedral.

The Cardinal said that he was delighted that the Dalai Lama was in Austria and that it was a source of great joy for them, he also mentioned that both he and His Holiness shared a common religious ground as both are monks, albeit of different traditions.

In a prior engagement with supporters of Tibet His holiness thanked the Austrian people for the support and friendship they have always shown to the Tibetan people, mentioning again his friendship with Austrian mountaineers and adventurers Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter.

His holiness also met the Mongolian

Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn in Vienna, Austria, on May 26, 2012. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

ambassador and other members of the Mongolian community in Austria and commented on the close religious, social and historical links between Tibet and Mongolia, and how both countries have battled authoritarian regimes with Mongolia gaining freedom, and with Tibet having yet to achieve freedom.

Continuing his interest in the intersection between Religion and Science His Holiness next attended a symposium entitled ‘New Models

of Reality'. The purpose of the symposium is to add to the production of knowledge on the topic, and to explore the Neuropsychological filed of Mind Phenomenon and the ongoing dialogue concerning human emotions, that is, our minds and our subjective sense of happiness. His Holiness added that he was honored and delighted to be invited to this exciting field of scientific exploration as it has been area of interest and fascination for him for all his life.

The Dalai Lama Expresses Sorrow Over Earthquake In Italy

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness for the lives lost and the other damage caused by the earthquake in Bologna Italy in a letter to the prime Minister o f I t a l y, M a r i o M o n t i . H e a l s o o ff e r e d condolences and prayers to the families of the deceased.

On 20th of May, a 6.0-magnitude quake in Italy had killed seven people and toppled centuries old buildings also caused enormous damage to the region's world-renown cheese production. The earthquake struck at 4:04 am on Sunday, about 35 km north to the city of Bologna. Four of the seven dead were workers on an overnight shift who were buried in rubble. The other three victims - including a German tourist and an Italian centenarian died of heart attacks or other health conditions brought on by fear.

The Washington Post reported that the total agriculture losses, including lost cheese, felled livestock and damaged machinery in an area spanning Bologna, Modena and Mantova in the agriculturally rich Po River Valley, are estimated at •200 million ($254 million).

The quake was the worst to hit the country since L'Aquila tremor killed nearly 300 people in central Italy in 2009.

As a token of sympathy and concern, a donation is being made to support the relief

work. The Dalai Lama had been passed through Italy by halting at Udine where he participated in an inter faith program, a meeting with scientists and he also delivered a public talk.

...."Now Lobsang Sangay Is My Boss'', Says H.H The Dalai lama

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: The Bureau of Tibet said that during his 15-day-tour of Europe in May 2012, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will pay a brief v i s i t t o Ye u n t e n l i n g I n s t i t u t e - a Ti b e t a n Buddhist center-in Huy, Belgium. His Holiness will arrive at Yeuntenling in the afternoon of May 23 and will depart from there in the morning of May 25. This will be his fifth visit to Yeuntenling Institute.

Belgium is the home to the second largest Tibetan community in Europe. Consequently, it is an opportunity for Tibetans living in the Benelux countries to see His Holiness, to seek his blessings and spiritual guidance. In the morning of May 24 His Holiness will address a large gathering of Tibetans, Mongolians, Nepalese and members of local Tibet support groups in Belgium and from neighboring countries.

Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama's first visit to Huy in 1990, a close friendship has developed between His Holiness, the Tibetans, the city of Huy and its citizens As a mark of this friendship and special bond Mr. A l e x i s H o u s i a u x , t h e M a y o r o f H u y, i s conferring the honorary citizenship on His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the presence of

local media and press people.

His Holiness will use this opportunity to speak to the press and the people and to answer some of their questions. Due to time constraints it has not been possible to meet the many requests for an interview.

In the afternoon His Holiness will consecrate the newly built prayer hall of Yeuntenling and then give a public talk on "Loving Kindness".

The last stop on this Europe tour is Vienna, A u s t r i a . W h i l e i n Vi e n n a , a m o n g o t h e r programmes, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elected Tibetan political leader, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, will address the European Solidarity Rally on Saturday, 26 May 2012.

In the light of the deepening human rights crisis in occupied Tibet, there is an urgent need for a strong message of concern, support and commitment from Europe to the captive Tibetans in Tibet under Chinese rule. Against this background, Tibetan communities and European Tibet support groups across Europe are joining together to hold an European Solidarity Rally for Tibet.

The theme of the Solidarity Rally is 'Tibet Needs You Now'. The rally aims to call on the governments of Europe to act on the Tibetan issue and to promote a peaceful resolution to the issue of Tibet through dialogue and negotiations.

..... Continues From Front Page semi-retired, but after Lobsang Sangay was elected last year, I thought the time was right, so I retired completely and handed my political responsibilities to him, so now he's my boss - although when it comes to spiritual affairs, I'm still his boss!"

In response to a question about his hopes for Tibet, His Holiness said that observing the power of truth compared to the power of the gun for over fifty years, it seems that in the short term the gun may prevail, but in the long run the power of truth is much stronger. This is why Tibetans have adhered to their policy of non-violence. In contrast to which the Chinese authorities appear to think they can solve Tibet's problems by increasing suppression, that is, through the power of the gun. What support like the planned rally tomorrow will show is that the Tibetan problem will not go away.

Another questioner wanted to know about links between Tibetan resistance forces and the CIA. His Holiness admitted the connection, but clarified that Tibetan resistance had already begun before the CIA became involved. What's more, His Holiness's escape from Norbulingka was planned and executed

by Tibetans and the CIA made contact only after he was well on his way.

In the afternoon, His Holiness began his talk at the Vienna Stadthalle by introducing his German translator, Christoph Spitz and his English speaking

By Dalailama.com

assistant, Geshe Tashi Tsering, to the audience.

Considering that about 200 million died in war and violence during the twentieth century, His Holiness recommended that we take steps to ensure that the twenty-first century is instead the beginning of an era of peace and non-violence. But, he said, this will not be achieved by mere prayer or meditation, peace will have to be brought about through action. He also made clear that even if there is peace, there is no guarantee that we will not face problems or conflicts. The difference will be that we need to address and solve them through dialogue.

His Holiness again stressed that we need moral principles, but as many people think that ethical principles are the preserve of religion and many of them have little regard for religion, we need to employ secular ethics. He clarified that he uses the word secular not to dismiss religion, but as it is used in India, to include and indicate respect for all religious traditions.

Secular ethics are what we are going to need to solve the gap between rich and poor and the threats climate change presents to our environment.

His Holiness then invited the audience to submit questions to him. To a question about the most important value to apply in daily life, he said,

"Lead an honest life, help people, and animals if you can, and at least refrain from harming them.

Keep a calm mind, and then you'll stay relaxed whatever happens. Practice with determination, but don't inflate your expectations. People sometimes ask me for the quickest way to change their minds, but in our day and age I expect they also want to know the cheapest way and the way that requires the least effort."

About the future of humanity, His Holiness again raised changing attitudes to war, pointing out that in the early twentieth century young men joined up without hesitation, whereas now the public has by and large turned against war, as shown by the demonstrations against the Vietnam and Iraq wars. He also cited changing attitudes to relations between science and spirituality, both of which now seem much better able to learn from each other. Although he hopes and expects the twenty-first century to be a better more peaceful century than the last, he reiterated that it will not be achieved just by wishing for it.

Everyone will have to make an effort and contribute to a people's movement for change.

On 26th May, The Dalai Lama will participate in a symposium on Buddhism and Science titled Mind and Matter - New Models of Reality and also address the European Solidarity Rally for Tibet.

6

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

55 Tibetans To Get Israel Farm- Heavy Censorship by China Is Immoral, Says ing Scholarship This Year His Holiness The Dalai Lama

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: In sort of preparation for a smooth economic run after getting independence, 35 Tibetans are set to get farming training in Israel this year.

"This is 14th time that Tibetans are getting the farming scholarship, but this is first time for Dharamshala," Chemi Woeser, the person in-charge of the farming section in the Home Department of Central Tibetan Administration said.A public addressing was held yesterday in the day to make the announcement.

Chime Woeser said that they will give at least two seats to the Tibetans in Dharamshala.Un-announcing the exact date for the application, the speakers at the public gathering told the audience that the Tibetan cabinet has guided them to include the Dharamshala for the farming scholarship."We have received order

from the Tibetan cabinet urging to give the opportunity to the Tibetans in Dharamshala," Chemi said, adding that till date the scholarship was meant for the Tibetans at Tibetan settlements who own fields.

The farming scholarship is a ten-month long, and sort of more paid practical training than confirming to a class room for the theory part."It is a good opportunity to train our farmers and at the same time, they can earn something during their stay in Israel," Woeser said.Out of 55 seats, only 8 seats are reserved for the female candidates."We have reduced the seats for girls because of their misbehavior in the past," the same source said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives in Maribor, Slovenia- the Cultural Capital of Europe

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets members of the press on his arrival at the airport in Maribor, Slovenia, on May 15, 2012. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

Maribor, Slovenia, 15 May 2012 - This morning, His Holiness left for Maribor, Slovenia at the invitation of the Mayor of Maribor, Franc Kangler, halting at Vienna, Austria. His Holiness was accompanied to the door of his plane by David Cassidy of the Templeton Foundation, his host during his brief visit to London.

During his transit stop at Vienna airport, His Holiness met Kurt Seinitz, Foreign News Editor of "Kronenzeitung", Austria's largest newspaper. Kurt Seinitz began by asking if His Holiness had a message for the people of Austria, and he replied, "Nothing special". He went on to elaborate that Austrians, like him, are just human beings, among the 7 billion people who want a happy life and who have a right to achieve happiness. He pointed out that happiness derived from mere physical comfort tends to be shallow and fleeting, failing to pacify anxiety and fear.

On the other hand, having a calm mind is effective in overcoming even physical pain, therefore we should not neglect the inner values that are a source of a calm mind.

His Holiness advised people to cultivate secular ethics; those inner values beyond religion that help us lead a peaceful and happy life.

His Holiness noted that he has a strong link with the Austrian people because of his friendship with Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschneiter. He recalled that he has been aware of this link since his first trip to Europe in 1973 and offered his special greetings to all Austrians today.

Ashort flight took His Holiness and his party from Vienna to Maribor, Slovenia's second city and currently the Cultural Capital of Europe. His Holiness spoke briefly, recalling his first visit here 2 years ago.

When he arrived at his hotel, His Holiness met the Mayor again and asked what changes had taken place since he was last there. The Mayor told him that this year Maribor

is, jointly with Guimaraes, Portugal, the European Capital of Culture. He added that next year, Maribor would be the European Youth Capital and asked His Holiness if he had time to talk to the leaders of the European Youth Forum.

When asked what advice he would offer European youth today, His Holiness suggested that they should not become demoralized because we need courage, determination and self-confidence to solve our problems.

He recalled his own experience of losing his freedom at the age of 16, losing his country at the age of 24, and yet he has not given up. He noted that although there is great suffering in Tibet under Chinese communist oppression, Tibetans steel themselves against it by hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

His Holiness continued that young people in their teens and early twenties belong to the 21st century, whereas he considers himself to belong to the 20th century that is already over. The 20th century was, despite many momentous developments, characterized by violence, bloodshed and oppression. If that had resulted in a better, more stable world it might have been justified, but that was not so, he said. Recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are symptoms of mistakes originating in the 20th century. He urged young people today to ask themselves how to solve problems they might face. "What you need," he said, "is a vision that this 21st century will be an era of dialogue and peace."

Tomorrow morning, His Holiness has been invited to participate in the University of Maribor's Out of the Box Conference - focusing on the theme: Innovative Ways to Improve the Culture of Living - Special Session with World Thinkers. In the afternoon he is to give a public talk on the theme, ‘Cultivating Peace of Mind'.

Klagenfurt: During the lunch break yesterday, the 18th of May, a press conference was held at Klagenfurt, Austria during which His Holiness the Dalai Lamastressed on the role of the media and spoke of other issues including his retirement, role of media and Chinese censorship.

He said, "All of us want to live a happy life, which I believe depends on cultivating our natural inner values, rather than money and power. The true source of happiness and successful life is within us. And I call on the media to inform people about this."

Then he quoted India as a living example of religious harmony with many major religions living together on the basis of mutual respect and understanding.

Again, the media has a role in educating people and it was up to them to bring such important things to the attention of the public. He spoke of the importance of media in democratic society. The media should be honest, unbiased and objective, in order to build a healthy society and healthy institutions whether political, religious or business.

His Holiness reminded the media that since last year, he has been in complete retirement and he has ended the 400 year old reign of the Dalai Lamas and all political decisions lay in the hands of educated scholars like Dr. Lobsang Sangay who had been elected by democratic elections.

He recounted his fondest memories of Heinrich Harrer and their close friendship. Harrer was responsible for creating a very positive image of

Tibet amongst his native people and that had been his biggest contribution.

When asked about his expectations for the Europe for Tibet rally to be held on the 26th of May, His Holiness said that these events reminded people that there are issues going on. He said that the Chinese people were completely ignorant about reality because of censorship and distorted information. He said that heavy censorship by the Chinese government was immoral as the Chinese people have every right to know reality and they

are capable of deciding between right and wrong. The legal system in People's Republic of China must rise up to the international standards so that millions of helpless Chinese workers and farmers can protect their own rights.

After the press conference, His Holiness went back to the teaching hall and he explained the Hear Sutra line by line. Tomorrow, the 20th of May, His Holiness will give a public talk on The Art of Happiness.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Awarded Gold Medal By The City Council of Klagenfurt By

Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Klagenfurt, Austria: - Earlier this afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Klagenfort, Austria from Maribor Slovenia. Mr. Gerhard Dörfler, the Governor of Carinthia region welcomed the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the airport, in the traditonal Austrian way.

He then made a short visit to Hüttenberg, the birthplace of Mr. Heinrich Harrer, the author of Seven Years in Tibet. He addressed the crowd and media at Rieftanzplatz Ground in Hüttenberg, excerpts of which are given below: "Please, think more inward and not just simply numbing from distraction. Distraction is just through sensorial organs and experiences.

That temporarily gives some self satisfaction.

It may not remain for long. And also, sensorial devil in form of joyfulness can make a mental level more worried, more anxiety. So if mental level is happy, joyful or blissful then sensorial level difficulties can be easily worked out or subdued... " "Today and tomorrow, I am giving a lecture on Buddhism but I always used to stress that people have different solutions. I always stress that it is very important and safer to follow your own traditional, religious belief.

At the same time, it is quite useful to learn the different ideas particularly regarding promoting compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and you can learn from other traditions and use in your own traditional religious belief.

So that is, I think, an important factor in developing mutual respect and mutual

understanding. So, my second commitment is promotion of religious harmony."

18 may 2012 006After his speech, His Holiness was awarded a medal of honour called the Golden Sign and a citation in recognition of his world wide and international peace efforts.

This was awarded to him by the city council of Klagenfurt, the provincial capital of Carinthia.

He also consecrated the construction of Tibet Centre-International Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies which was established in 2006 under his patronage and support from the Regional Government of Carinthia.

From tomorrow onwards for two days, in

Klagenfurt, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will teach Tibetan Buddhism and give a pubic talk on The Art of Happiness. On 20th May at Salzburg, His Holiness will give the keynote address on World Peace and Universal Responsibility jointly organized by the Alpine Peace Crossing and the Tibet Centre. Later, His Holiness will take part in an interfaith dialogue Harmony in Diversity organized by the University of Salzburg and the Tibet Centre.

On 26th May, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will address the European Tibet Solidarity Rally in Vienna, in the last leg of his European visit. The European Solidarity Rally is a demonstration for people from all over Europe to come to Vienna and raise their voice to support a peaceful and humane solution for Tibet.

Two Men Resort To Self Immolation In Lhasa ..... Continues From Front Page

By: Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

been detained.

Witnesses state that the pair shouted something unintelligible, not revealing their reasons for selfimmolation. One source said that Tseten who set himself on fire walked a few steps before falling to the ground and everyone thought him to be dead.

Immediately after hearing news of the immolations, the police and the army arrived on scene where they doused the flames and sent the two to the hospital where Tseten was declared dead. Police then went to his house and said that he was dead without divulging any other details. Right now, Dhargye is still admitted in the hospital and he reportedly able to speak

Some witnesses also reported that, after the immolations, all the people present were made to remove all traces of the incident. In the afternoon, all the Tibetan shop owners and restaurants were ordered to keep business going as usual. The pilgrims' camera and mobiles were checked to see if there were any photos or videos of the selfimmolations. Since then, control has been enforced on internet cafes and phone booths to monitor the news from spreading.

The website china.org.cn quoted Hao Peng, secretary of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Tibet Committee saying, "They were a continuation of the self-

immolations in other Tibetan areas and these acts were all aimed at separating Tibet from China".

At 6.30 pm on 28th of May, the Regional Tibet Youth Congress (RTYC) held a candlelight vigil movement for the two men.shut down and all the workers have been detained.

Witnesses state that the pair shouted something unintelligible, not revealing their reasons for selfimmolation. One source said that Tseten who set himself on fire walked a few steps before falling to the ground and everyone thought him to be dead.

Immediately after hearing news of the immolations, the police and the army arrived on scene where they doused the flames and sent the two to the hospital where Tseten was declared

TPI NEWS

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

Suspect Substance Found While Chinese Ambassador Stresses On Sino-Austrian Ties.

EXILE: WHITE WEDNEDAY

The Tibet Post International

7

His Holiness Speaks On Peace And Non Violence In Udine, Italy

By Angela Kim, The Tibet Post International

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Just as the Chinese Ambassador in Austria said that relations between the Dalai Lama and the Austrian politicians were not good for the Sino-Austrian relationship, an envelope containing a white powder has been found at the Tibetan centre at Brussels.

Though the two incidents were separate, this again brings to attention, the alleged Chinese threat to the security of the Dalai Lama. An official at the Yeuntenling Buddhist centre at Huy, Belgium, said that tests were being conducted on the white powder found in an envelope. This incident has occurred only a day prior to His Holiness' fifth visit to Yeuntenling where he is to address a large gathering, consecrate the newly built prayer hall and receive honorary citizenship of Huy. Though the centre denied any further comments on the issue, the Tibetan Government in exile had taken up the matter of the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama very seriously after recieving several reports of Chinese intelligence agencies' efforts to train fundamentalists and collect status of His Holiness' health.

Meanwhile, Shi Mingde, the Chinese Ambassador to Austria told Xinua that "Austria should not provide room for the separatist activities of the Dalai Lama". The Ambassador said that Tibetans are living well

in China even if the group around the Dalai Lama wants to lie to the world about its standard of living, adding the average life expectancy in the region has increased from 35 to 67 years since 1959.

But Shi Mingde does not take into account the various Human rights reports of Tibetan suppression, forced resettlement of nomads, forced sterilization of Tibetan women, suppression of monasteries amongst other human rights violations. "The recurrent selfimmolation of Tibetan monks in a few monasteries were orchestrated and instigated" he said.

China has been known to denounce His Holiness of "splittism" and downplay the Tibetan issue and the Ambassador's views conform to the same.

His Holiness is currently travelling through Europe and his last stop is Vienna, Austria.

While in Vienna, among other programmes, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elected Tibetan political leader, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, will address the European Solidarity Rally on Saturday, 26 May 2012. The theme of the Solidarity Rally is 'Tibet Needs You Now'. The rally aims to call on the governments of Europe to act on the Tibetan issue and to promote a peaceful resolution to the issue of Tibet through dialogue and negotiations.

Tibetans March For The First Time On the Event Of Lhakar

`By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Today, the 23rd of May 2012, marks 61 years of Chinese occupation of Tibet.

Since 2008, Wednesday is also the day of Lhakar Movement- a home grown cultural resistance movement which seeks to preserve Tibetan culture and heritage through personal

pledges. On this account, the Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) organized a march in which the Tibetans in and around Mcleodganj demonstrated sporting ethnic Tibetan wear and carrying Tibetan flags.

The march started at 10 am at the Dalai Lama

Dharamsala: Udine, Italy, May 23, 2012-His Holiness the Dalai Lama is in Udine, Italy for two days to make three public appearances.

The first of three public appearances took place yesterday as a guest speaker in the "Role of Religions in Promoting Justice, Peace and the Protection of the environment," alongside Bassima Awad, President of the Italian-Palestinese Cultural Institute Al Quds, Rabbi Jeremy Milgrom, a member of Rabbis for Human Rights, and Izzedin Elzin, an Imam in Florence, chair of the Italian Union of Islamic Communities His Holiness greeted the audience as brothers and sisters and reminded them that the ultimate source of happiness is within ourselves. As human beings, he explained, our capacity for intelligence enables us to fulfill our aspirations. The key to fulfillment, he explained, is warm-heartedness and, a calm mind. If in addition to a calm mind we adopt a holistic view of our circumstances we can develop self-confidence.

His Holiness also remarked on the IsraeliPalestine conflict, "This is a complicated issue, but the reality is that out brothers and sister must find a way to live together. What can make a difference is the development of human values, for which we are equipped from birth. But we have to make the effort."

23may2012-002 He added that his second commitment is to foster inter-religious harmony-in India, where almost all the world's major religions flourish, provides a remarkable model of pluralism and mutual regard.

"It's by getting to know each other that we develop respect. And this is why I am happy and honored that we have been able to sit together and share our common concerns."At the end of the event, His Holiness was presented with the key of Udine by Mayor Furio Honsell.

The afternoon event, "Promoting NonVi o l e n c e a n d C o m p a s s i o n A g a i n s t A g g r e s s i v e n e s s a n d Vi o l e n c e , " w a s moderated by Dr. Giovanni Marzini, and

Temple and the marchers demonstrated around the main square, on Temple Road and Jogiwara Road. It garnered much attention from tourists and locals alike, many of whom joined the march. The marchers protested against the Chinese occupation of Tibetan since 1951.

They also voiced their dissent against the "17 point agreement" by which China forcibly annexed Tibet and then breached various parts of the agreement which was signed under duress by Tibetan delegates and is considered invalid by most international governments.

Although this agreement promised the Dalai Lama's government that due respect would be paid to Tibetan culture, identity and the status of Tibetan leaders. Mao Zedong's army broke the agreement and devastated Tibet with a military invasion which resulted in His Holiness the Dalai Lama escaping into India seeking asylum along with 80,000 Tibetans.

Twice, the Dalai Lama has repudiated the agreement: first on 26th March, 1951, from Lhuntse District, Southern Tibet and then again on 20th June 1951. It is this document that China is using today to make their territorial claim over India's state of Arunachal Pradesh. The marchers stressed on how important it was for Indians especially to protest against the 17 point agreement as Tibetan's independence would ensure India's security.

The demonstration also wanted to highlight the Lashkar movement, a home grown self reliance movement that started in the wake of the 2008 Tibetan Uprising (Chinese: 3.14 Riots). Every Wednesday, the soul day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetans all around the world have taken pledges resolving to boycott Made-in-China products, to go vegetarian every Wednesday, to speak pure Tibetan, or to wear chuba etc. The term 'Lhakar', literally translated as "White Wednesdays", is widely regarded as a day to celebrate Tibetan religion and culture.

After a short musical performance by Tamdin Tsering, awards were given to the best dressed male and female marchers. The Award for Best Dress Female went to Dawa Karmo while the Award for Best Dressed Male was shared by Phubu Tsering, Tashi Tsewang and Tamdin Tsering. The Award also included a cash prize of Rs. 1000.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and panelists of the discussion on the Role of Religions in Promoting Justice, Peace and the Protection of the Environment in Udine, Italy, on May 22, 2012. Photo/Tenzin Taklha/OHHDL

addressed by Vito Mancuso, theologist and p h i l o s o p h e r, a n d F r a n c o F a b b r o , a neurophysiologist. His Holiness made clear that as far as he is concerned the demarcation between violence and non-violence is less to do with the physical appearance and much more to do with motivation.

As far as a scientific appraisal of violence, non-violence, compassion and aggression is concerned, His Holiness has taken an interest in the workings of the brain for nearly 40 years. He has regularly collaborated with scientists for approximately 30 years.

Recently he has proposed investigations of the difference between sensory and mental experience.

When asked about adopting a non-violent approach to the environment, His Holiness said that we cannot afford to wait for others to act first.

Today, His Holiness will speak to university students from Udine and Trieste at the event, "Holistic Training of the Mind: Spiritual, Humanistic, Scientific and Technological," before leaving for the Yeunten Ling Tibetan Institute in Huy, Belgium.

Ceremony Held to Commemorate Tibet's Proclamation Of Independence In 1913

By: Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, May 24th: Speaking at a public event commemorating the re-creation of His holiness the 13th Dalai Lama's Tibetan proclamation of Independence in 1913,Tenzin Dorjee, Executive director of Students for a Free Tibet, emphasized Tibetan people's practical actions against Chinese rule by methods of civil disobedience and noncooperation and suggested that although China may control Tibet's borders it no longer can control the people's actions. In his speech he also reiterated the main theme of the evening's event "We hope this scroll will give Tibetans everywhere a reason to celebrate our history as an independent nation," The event was staged at the Tibetan Children's Village on Wednesday night, the 23rd May, and entitled: The Unveiling of the Scroll, and was organized by Students for a Free Tibet. The scroll is to be used primarily for awareness-raising on the upcoming hundredth anniversary of Tibet's declaration as an independent sovereign country. The event will be the first of many leading up to the unveiling of a re-creation of the historic proclamation in 2013, which was originally issued by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1913.

In another speech on the night Tenzin Tsundue,

Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, called for world leaders, and future world leaders, to invest in trust and freedom and Tibetan independence, and not in today's Chinese dictatorship for their own narrow, short-term economic gains. He also emphatically stated that sovereign states should not accept China's 'One China' policy as this was tantamount to playing politics while people suffered inside Tibet.

In his speech Tsundue said that countries knew very well that Tibet had historically been an independent country and moreover that China had made a conscious effort to 'own' the histories of the regions bordering it; countries that included Mongolia, and of course Tibet. He reiterated; 'If states accept the One China policy it is only for their own economic benefit' and as 'Guardians of the future' for Tibet's future freedom he and others will have to be dealt with when independence finally is achieved for Tibet.

Tsundue was one of a line of speakers who spoke of the historic significance of the proclamation for Tibet and of its resonance for today's Tibetans, both inside and outside of Tibet in diverse Diaspora communities.

Other speakers represented Tibet's Parliament in Exile, the Tibet Action Institute, and other members of the SFT (Students for Free Tibet).

8

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

EXILE

The Chinese Threat To The Security Of Dalai Lama

Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: The security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been creating quite a buzz in the past few months. Yesterday, the 20th of May, The minister of security, Ngodup Dongchung, and the minister of religion and culture, Pema Choejor addressed a press conference regarding the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The conference, organized by the Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet) was attended by Tibetan and Indian media alike.

On 8 May 2012, during an interview with Sunday Telegraph,the interviewer asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the alleged security threats. His Holiness responded remarked that the concerned security agencies have taken his security very seriously ever since his first arrival in India.

He mentioned that some time ago the officials responsible for his security received reports that Tibetan women were being trained to poison him by applying poison to their hair and to traditional greeting scarves.

When His Holiness meets with Tibetans, they often present him with such scarves and bow their heads to receive his blessing. His Holiness also said that there is no veracity to these claims. Although His Holiness takes security threat to his person lightly, the security agencies are obliged to take the matter

seriously.

In June 2010, Tibetan security agencies received reports that Chinese intelligence agencies are employing well-trained agents, particularly women to harm His Holiness. The reports also revealed that they are exploring the possibility of harming him by using ultra-modern, highly sophisticated drugs and poisonous chemicals.

In another report received in October 2011, it was learnt that Chinese intelligence agencies have stepped up their clandestine efforts to collect intelligence on the status of His Holiness' health, as well as collecting physical samples of his blood, urine and hair. They are reportedly co-opting Tibetans inside Tibet to visit India with the intention of seeking an audience with him for this reason.

The Tibetan minister for security, Ngodup Dongchung, said various steps were being taken to counter these threats, including the use chemical detectors.

In early April 2008, Zhang Qingli, the then Party Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region(TAR)was quoted saying, those who must be killed should be killed and those must be imprisoned must be imprisoned. Recently in February 2012, Chen Quanguo, the current Party Secretary of

UOA Calls for Action Over Alleged Plot to Poison His Holiness the Dalai Lama

TAR, called for a war against secessionist sabotage His Holiness' efforts to reform and democratize Tibetan society have also emboldened certain fundamentalists within the Tibetan community.

Various reports also point to the fact that the Chinese government is also covertly backing the Shugden fundamentalist groups such as the Dorje Shugden Devotees Charitable and Religious Society(DSDCRS), founded in May 1996 with its headquarters in Delhi, India. The outfit was allegedly involved in murdering three monks close to the Dalai Lama, including his Chinese translator in February 1997. A Red Corner Notice was issued by Interpol in June 2007 for the arrest of two of the accused in this case.

The Central Tibetan Administration said that “It is grateful to Government of India for the efficient security arrangements provided to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” New Delhi has quietly undertaken a security review and asked the Tibetan governmentin-exile to upgrade the security of His Holiness, with concurrent instructions to the Himachal police. The Central Tibetan Administration also cautioned all concerned to remain vigilant and alert in this regard.Communities His Holiness greeted the audience as brothers and sisters and reminded them that the ultimate source of happiness is within ourselves. As human beings, he explained, our capacity for intelligence enables us to fulfill our aspirations. The key to fulfillment, he explained, is warm-heartedness and, a calm mind.

If in addition to a calm mind we adopt a holistic view of our circumstances we can develop selfconfidence.

His Holiness also remarked on the Israeli-Palestine conflict, "This is a complicated issue, but the reality is that out brothers and sister must find a way to live together. What can make a difference is the development of human values, for which we are equipped from birth. But we have to make the effort."

23may2012-002 He added that his second commitment is to foster inter-religious harmony-in India, where almost all the world's major religions flourish, provides a remarkable model of pluralism and mutual regard.

"It's by getting to know each other that we develop respect. And this is why I am happy and honored that we have been able to sit together and share our common concerns."At the end of the event, His Holiness was presented with the key of Udine by Mayor Furio Honsell.

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

Mother’s call for their son: Panchen Lama

By

Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Today marks 17 years of captivity since 17th May 1995, when Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama and his family went missing. For the last seventeen years, no definitive, credible information has surfaced about their whereabouts and wellbeing.

The Central and the Regional Tibetan Women's Association, has a new initiative, ‘Mother's call for their son: Panchen Lama', which includes a postcard movement about the Panchen Lama and urges the Chinese government to provide information on Panchen Lama's wellbeing and whereabouts from a mother's perspective.

TWA resolved to post 10,000 post cards from all over India and more from regional TWA Nepal and overseas chapters, all signed by mothers.

"Gedhun Choekyi Nyima's abduction is not only a violation of Tibet's religious freedom but it is also a human rights violation," said Tashi Dolma, the newly elected President of Tibetan Women's Association.

Padma Choling, Tibet's Chinese appointed Governor, in March 2010, had told reporters, "Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family are now living a good life as ordinary citizens in Tibet." As this statement comes without substantial evidence, Tibetans see no reason to believe in this.

17 may 2012 001The TWA have deliberately addressed the post cards to Padma Choling (Pema Thinley) with much anticipation that he will convey the post cards to His Holiness the 11 t h P a n c h e n L a m a . A c c o r d i n g t o h i s statement in March 2010, it is clear that Padma Choling knows very well the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama.

The TWA have also organized a petition campaign addressed to Zhu Weiqun, Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department, China's official spokesperson for Tibetan affairs, demanding proofs of whereabouts and well being of the 11th Panchen Lama be released immediately.

"No borders, no race, no cultural differences, just a mother wanting to see her son." The TWA urges all supporters to join them in their quest for the truth about the 11th Panchen Lama.

Gu Chu Sum Interviews: Vice President Lukar Sham Discusses Tibetan Solidarity `By Paul Eggers, The Tibet Post International

`By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - The exile Tibetan Union of Organisations and Associations (UOA) held a press conference on May 16, during which it urged the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Indian government to address claims of a Chinese plot to poison His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

UOA President Yungden Gyatso outlined recent accusations that the Chinese authorities have trained female agents to attempt to assassinate His Holiness the Dalai Lama by offering him poisoned Khatas (ceremonial scarves). He said all Tibetans are gravely concerned about these claims and that the UOA plans to urgently petition the Indian government and Tibetan government-in-exile to increase His Holiness' security, and to urge the Chinese government to immediately cease any such activities.Tenpey Ngodhup, former president of the Tibetan Three-Provinces Union, explained that the press conference also served to introduce the UOA to Tibetans living in exile.

The UOA was formed in 2011, since when it

has held 17 prayer sessions dedicated to those Tibetans who have self-immolated and those who are held in Chinese prisons.On May 17, it will hold a prayer meeting at the Tsuglag Khang temple in McLeodganj, to be attended

by His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa, and monks, nuns and laypersons from Dharamsala.

Yungden Gyatso also told the press conference that the UOA had provided assistance to the Tibetan family who recently attempted to reach Tibet by foot. Tseten Dorjee, his mother Dhongpo Kyi, and younger sister Lhamo Ky, left Dharamsala on March 10, but were detained by border guards in Nepal on May 10 and subsequently sent back to India. Tseten Dorjee somehow made it back into Nepal, where he is apparently continuing his March.

The UOA includes eleven organisations, including the associations of each traditional Tibetan Province, the Middle-Way Policy Movement, the Tibetan National Former Political Prisoners' Association, and the Tibetan shopkeepers' and restaurant associations.

Dharamshala: - In the third of a series of special interviews conducted by American journalist Paul Eggers, Lukar Sham, Vice President of Gu Chu Sum college for Tibetan ex-political prisoners in Dharamsala, north India, speaks about his time in prison in Tibet and the future of the Tibetan movement.

My name is Lukar Sham. In 1992 and 1993, I was a participant in the Tibetan movement inside Tibet. I was arrested during that time and spent five years in prison.

I was released for one year for treatment of health problems, then I fled to India.

When I arrived in India, I worked as a researcher for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Then I joined Gu-Chu-Sum - the political prisoners' association - and now I am Vice President.

The movement in Tibet has many different branches.

Mine started with some friends. We started by talking to educated people in universities and those working for the Chinese government, discussing the Tibetan situation and how the Chinese occupy Tibet. We held many meetings and discussions, and that led to my arrest.

The Chinese government accused me of being a 'splittist' from China and working against the Chinese revolution.

But, as we said, since the Chinese occupation of Tibet, over the last 40 to 50 years we have no human rights.

We cannot stay under the Chinese, so that is why we did these things.

There were two kinds of torture inside the prison physical and mental. For me, they used a 'good-copbad-cop' method. When I was interrogated, sometimes I would receive support. Other times, they would treat me very poorly. I was tortured.

The overall conditions of the prison were awful and led to serious health problems for me. That is how I became very ill. Mentally, it was very challenging - always worrying about family and about friends inside the prison. We had lots of plans before jail but they were not a success. That made me worried and very disappointed.

The problem of being a political prisoner was not just mine - my family became victims as well. In the prison, my weight fell by 36 kilos through both mental and physical stress and torture. I cannot explain details of all the torture. When I was released, I could not walk on

my own power and was confined to a wheelchair.

For my release to get treatment, my family gave money to the police, to Chinese officials, to the guards - making the corruption of the Chinese clear. They took a lot of money from my family. That is why a political prisoner's problem is the parents' problem, the siblings' problem, the cousins' problem, the friends' problem.The Tibetans' struggle is still alive and is not hopeless. My countrymen came to the prison to see me and told others of our plight. My neighbors and friends and family came to see me. After I was released, they came to visit too.

Others, who didn't know me, came as well.The unity among the Tibetan prisoners was always very strong.

When I was in the prison, many people would come not only for me - not as a sign that I was good myself - rather because we all struggled for truth together.

In the prison were nearly 20 educated people, including my cellmates Tsegon Gyal - a high police officer - and Namloya, who is currently in Australia. Before he was arrested, Namloya was in a 'Chinese education centre'.

Also in prison was a man called Shawo Dhundup, who was principal of our school before he was arrested.

Tibet's situation is so critical. Tibet's future is part of all human beings' future. Especially important is Tibet's impact on Asia and the Chinese-Indian relationship.

Today, Tibet and Asia's futures are both improving and worsening. The Tibet issue has become very apparent worldwide and new generations are aware of our struggle. The whole of Asia is improving, particularly in education - that is why I see hope for Tibet.

I feel it is important to think carefully - not to hurry - and we we musn't be careless about people's emotions. It is important for any movement to use emotion and logic together.Our biggest problem is whether we can create pure humanism in our society or not. Will Tibetans as one people flow with democracy and law. We could go that way or not. Tibet's society for a long time has been ruled by theocracy and religion but, recently, His Holiness the Dalai Lama passed political power to democratically elected leaders and it looks like we are on the democratic path.

But, Tibetans' education about democratic rule and the construction of a free Tibet needs to be improved. Their understanding of what a free Tibet would look like needs to be improved.Now, in our society, all religious leaders come up through elections and each person has a right to vote. We have challenged the Chinese government, and will go with other societies into the 21st and 22nd centuries to improve our culture and our government as well.

TPI NEWS

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

Tsering Samdup On Protest, Imprisonment And Torture In Tibet

EX-PRISONERS SPEAK

The Tibet Post International

9

A Resilient Mother Starts Hunger Strike In Support Of Her Son Who Marches To Tibet `By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - In the final part of a series of special interviews conducted by American journalist Paul Eggers, Tsering Samdup, storekeeper at Gu Chu Sum college for Tibetan ex-political prisoners in Dharamsala, north India, describes participating in a protest in Tibetan capital Lhasa, and his subesequent imprisonment and torture.

My name is Tsering Samdup. I am from Phempo Lhundhup County and was born in 1976. I took part in a demonstration in Lhasa in 1994 with f o u r f r i e n d s . We m a d e t h e [ B a r k h o r ] circumambulation of the [Jokhang] temple.

We shouted the slogans "Independence for Tibet!", "The Chinese must go back to china!" a n d " L o n g l i v e t h e D a l a i l a m a ! " . We demonstrated for five minutes, then uniformed police and army officers arrested us. They took us to the police station and kept us there for an hour before the beatings and torture began.

When I was in prison, it was normal to be beaten. I even received a few beatings on the

w a y t o p r i s o n . We w e r e t o r t u r e d w i t h electronic cattle prods and beaten with whatever they had to hand. When I was at Gutsa Detention Centre they took my blood three times. I didn't get good treatment. Spinal fluid was taken .

Because I received so much torture, I still have problems with my health. The other prisoners received more torture, worse torture, than I did.

Some had broken ribs, some had life sentences.

For me, it wasn't much. I have seen with my own eyes patients with broken ribs and have seen others die. So compared to those prisoners, what I endured was nothing.

In the future, I hope the Tibet issue will be resolved, that truth will prevail, and I wish for complete independence. Before 1959, Tibet was a completely independent country. There is much proof of this. For example, we had a national flag, our own currency and paid taxes to our government. I hope Tibet will again become an independent country.

The Tibetan Proclamation of Independence Survives For Nearly 100 Years

`By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

It's 99 years since Tibet's last proclaimation of independence, and since the Chinese occupation has denied the Tibetan people the right to express their views on their nation, the 1913 proclaimation remains the last legitimate statement of Tibet's status.

For the past 60 years, China's brutal rule in Tibet is increasingly oppressive but Tibetans in exile and in Tibet are attempting to keep their culture and traditions alive.

Going back to the history of Tibet in the erly 20th centuary, The Manchu army sent troops to Tibet 1909, prompting the 13th Dalai Lama to escape to India.

However, as the Manchu dynasty succumbed to a Chinese revolution, Tibetans seized the moment and expelled the Manchu troops from Tibet.China's provisional President,Yuan Shikai, sent a telegram to the 13th Dalai Lama, restoring his earlier titles. The Dalai Lama spurned these titles, replying that he "intended to exercise both temporal and ecclesiastical rule in Tibet."Then, the 13th Dalai Lama returned to Tibet and issued a proclamation to mark the restoration of Tibetan independence. The text of this proclamation has survived, though the original document did not. Below is the full English translation of the Proclamation: TIBETAN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Proclamation Issued by His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama in 1913 PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY H.H. THE DALAI LAMA XIII, ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF THE FIRST

MONTH OF THE WATER-OX YEAR (1913) Translation of the Tibetan Text I, the Dalai Lama, most omniscient possessor of the Buddhist faith, whose title was conferred by the Lord Buddha's command from the glorious land of India, speak to you as follows: I am speaking to all classes of Tibetan people. Lord Buddha, from the glorious country of India, prophesied that the reincarnations of Avalokitesvara, through successive rulers from the early religious kings to the present day, would look after the welfare of Tibet.

During the time of Genghis Khan and Altan Khan of the Mongols, the Ming dynasty of the Chinese, and the Ch'ing Dynasty of the Manchus, Tibet and China cooperated on the basis of benefactor and priest relationship. A few years ago, the Chinese authorities in Szechuan and Yunnan endeavored to colonize our territory. They brought large numbers of troops into central Tibet on the pretext of policing the trade marts.

I, therefore, left Lhasa with my ministers for the IndoTibetan border, hoping to clarify to the Manchu emperor by wire that the existing relationship between Tibet and China had been that of patron and priest and had not been based on the subordination of one to the other. There was no other choice for me but to cross the border, because Chinese troops were following with the intention of taking me alive or dead.

On my arrival in India, I dispatched several telegrams

Dharamsala: Barely a few days after Tseten Dorjee, a Tibetan exile marched back to Tibet, his mother Dangpo kyi started a hunger fast in front of the Dalai Lama Temple at Dharamsala.

Tseten Dorjee along with his mother Dongpo Kyi and his younger sister Lhamo Kyi had marched for two months fro March 10th to the Indo- Nepal border. While Tseten Dorjee escaped to Nepal and continued to march, his mother and sister were forcibly sent back. As per Tseten's request, some organizations and NGOs in Dharamsala safely brought his mother and sister back to Dharamsala.

This morning, Dongpo Kyi started a hunger strike in front of the Dalai Lama Temple.

Dongpo Kyi proudly announced that she was fasting so that her son's five points be accepted by the authorities.

Although her daughter Lamho Kyi also wanted to join the hunger strike, her poor health conditions made her mother forbid her from fasting her health became better.

Dongpo Kyi is fasting for three days though initially she wanted to strike for a week. The two month march by foot greatly weakened her body and she expressed her wish to fast again when her health improves. In the future, she wants to go on a hunger strike at least for one to three days in a month."I don't have any special message for him. But, his promises are very strong and his belief in

to the Emperor; but his reply to my demands was delayed by corrupt officials at Peking. Meanwhile, the Manchu empire collapsed. The Tibetans were encouraged to expel the Chinese from central Tibet. I, too, returned safely to my rightful and sacred country, and I am now in the course of driving out the remnants of Chinese troops from DoKham in Eastern Tibet. Now, the Chinese intention of colonizing Tibet under the patron-priest relationship has faded like a rainbow in the sky. Having once again achieved for ourselves a period of happiness and peace, I have now allotted to all of you the following duties to be carried out without negligence: 1. Peace and happiness in this world can only be maintained by preserving the faith of Buddhism. It is, therefore, essential to preserve all Buddhist institutions in Tibet, such as the Jokhang temple and Ramoche in Lhasa, Samye, and Traduk in southern Tibet, and the three great monasteries, etc.

2. The various Buddhist sects in Tibet should be kept in a distinct and pure form. Buddhism should be taught, learned, and meditated upon properly. Except for special persons, the administrators of monasteries are forbidden to trade, loan money, deal in any kind of livestock, and/or subjugate another's subjects.

3. The Tibetan government's civil and military officials, when collecting taxes or dealing with their subject citizens, should carry out their duties with fair and honest judgment so as to benefit the government without hurting the interests of the subject citizens.

Some of the central government officials posted at Ngari Korsum in western Tibet, and Do Kham in eastern Tibet, are coercing their subject citizens to purchase commercial goods at high prices and have imposed transportation rights exceeding the limit permitted by the government. Houses, properties and lands belonging to subject citizens have been confiscated on the pretext of minor breaches of the law. Furthermore, the amputation of citizens' limbs has been carried out as a form of punishment. Henceforth, such severe punishments are forbidden.

4. Tibet is a country with rich natural resources; but it is not scientifically advanced like other lands. We are a small, religious, and independent nation. To keep up with the rest of the world, we must defend our country. In view of past invasions by foreigners, our people may have to face certain difficulties, which they must disregard. To safeguard and maintain the independence of our country, one and all should voluntarily work hard. Our subject citizens residing near the borders should be alert and keep the government informed by special messenger of any suspicious developments. Our subjects must not create major clashes between two nations because of minor incidents.

5. Tibet, although thinly populated, is an extensive country. Some local officials and landholders are jealously obstructing other people from developing vacant lands, even though they are not doing so themselves. People with such intentions are enemies of the State and our progress. From now on, no one is allowed to obstruct anyone else from cultivating whatever vacant lands are available. Land taxes will not be collected until three years have passed; after that the land cultivator will have to pay taxes to the government and to the landlord every year, proportionate to the rent. The land will belong to the cultivator.

Your duties to the government and to the people will have been achieved when you have executed all that I have said here. This letter must be posted and proclaimed in every district of Tibet, and a copy kept in the records of the offices in every district.

From the Potala Palace. (Seal of the Dalai Lama) Source: W.D. Shakabpa, ‘Tibet: A Political History'

God is also very deep so I have faith that he will complete his mission. I want him to succeed in his mission and that we will be together again one day." She said, when asked she wished to say anything to her son.When asked if she wanted to send her daughter, Lhamo Kyi back to

school, Dangpo Kyi said that she would be very happy to send her back to school if the authorities were willing to accept her again. Lhamo Kyi, a high school student, had accompanied her mother and her elder brother in their march to Tibet.

Gu Chu Sum Interviews: Penpa Tsering Describes 'Special' Treatment In Prison In Tibet

`By Paul Eggers, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - In the second of a series of interviews conducted by American journalist Paul Eggers, Penpa Tsering describes how his former role as a worker in a Chinese government office affected the treatment he received in jail in Lhasa.

Dharamsala: My name is Penpa Tsering. I'm 44 years old and was born in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. I studied in primary and middle school, then took exams and began work at the Lhasa City Office of Trade Management.

Whilst I worked there, I learned that my father and grandfather had spent a long time in a Chinese prison for the Tibet cause. They are now dead. Learning of their imprisonment motivated me to work for Tibet.

In 1988, there was a large demonstration in Lhasa for Tibetan freedom. I joined the movement and was arrested.

I was an official of the Chinese government but still I was jailed.If I compare my treatment in prison with that of

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other prisoners, I was treated well. I know the Chinese political policies and worked on them myself, so they could not torture me too badly.

They kept me in solitary confinement in a very small, cramped room for long periods of time. Otherwise, I did not experience much physical torture, because I was born in Lhasa, and stayed and worked there, and I knew the Chinese police. so I was in some ways ‘off limits'.

For other prisoners, that was not the case. During interrogations or during work time, the guards delivered very cruel punishments.My father and grandfather experienced extreme suffering in prison for the Tibetan cause. I survived a Chinese prison.My experience and theirs gives me incredible encouragement and deep motivation to work for Tibet.

Now I am in exile because of China. I cannot stay in Tibet.

It is my hope to return to Tibet. I hope all Tibetans will return together. And I hope the Dalai Lama can return then too. That is my biggest wish.

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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 Mrs. pema tso

Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Hamsini Hariharan Carly Selby-James Samuel Ivo Mark Kernan Dennis Barbion Rajeshwari K Anand Katakam 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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The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

31 May, 2012 Dharamshala

His Holiness The Dalai Lama to Address Tibet Rally in Vienna Migmar Wangdu Christoph Raith, President of the Swiss Tibetan French Association, an NGO.

Migmar Dakyel. European Tibetan Youth Association

She said that currently there are more than 4,500 Tibetans living in Switzerland. The situation of the Tibetan community and the Tibetan movement is quite good with the support of large organizations such as Swiss Tibetan French Organization, the regional Tibetan Women's Association, and regional Tibetan Youth Congress. In other countries, some pro Tibetan organizations are headed by people of other nationalities and sometimes this causes problems. But in Switzerland, most of these organizations are lead by Tibetans themselves.

In Switzerland, we are always organizing movements and we have a good relationship with the Swiss Government. Currently many members of the Parliaments support the Tibetan movement and when we organize any events or movements, there are no problems in obtaining permissions from the government.

We also maintain a very good rapport with the Police Force. She added that in Switzerland, many Tibetans study in universities or have graduated in subjects like law and are educated. This will be a crucial aspect in the future for solving the Tibetan problems.

Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Vienna: On the 15th of May, a press conference was held in Vienna, Austria regarding the European Tibet Solidarity movement that is to be held on 26th of May. The spiritual leader of

Elisabeth Zimmerman, Chairman of ‘Save Tibet', Vienna

Q: Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Elisabeth Zimmerman and I am from the largest organization: Save Tibet in Austria. I am very familiar with Dharamsala since many years and this will be the 19th time that I will be there. I usually go around the time of the anniversary and this gives me the opportunity to see His Holiness when he is in station. Our organization is especially involved in support of Tibetan children and the sponsorship for refugee children in the cities. We are very proud that we are the second largest support altogether.

Apart from this, we also support organizations like the TWA (Tibetan Women's Association), The Tibetan Charity, and Old People's Home (OPH). We have a lot of children from Choklamsa and other remote areas. We have focused on nomads in Ladakh and we have of course, some secret sources and secret ways to bring money into Tibet itself.

Q: How long have you been involved in the Tibetan cause?Since 1994 Q: You're also involved today and the upcoming event on the 26th. What do you think about it?

It is great that we have the opportunity and we have to take the chance when His Holiness is in Vienna on his tour. I am very confident that it will be a big success and lots of people; even those who are not aware will come.

Matthias Schickofer, event media coordinator.

Q: Could you give us a brief about the event We're having a press conference today to announce that in the afternoon of 26th of May, there will be a demonstration, called European Solidarity Rally with the Tibetan people in Vienna. His Holiness Dalai Lama will be present at the demonstration and he will give a speech. Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the prime

Tibet, His Holiness Dalai Lama and the political leader of Tibet, Dr. Lobsang Sangay will both be present at the movement.

Tibetan communities from all over the world as well as supporters of the Tibetan cause are expected to attend the movement. A TPI minister for Tibet will also be present. The demonstration will be at Helton Plots and start at 2 p.m. We hope that many people from all over Austria, Slovenia and neighboring countries come to Vienna to raise their voice to support a peaceful and humane solution for Tibet.

Q: How many people will join the gathering?

We don't know how many people will come exactly but we hope that we see at least 5000 people there. If there are more people we will be extremely happy but we need a strong statement, as many people as possible to support the cause of the Tibetan people. So we call on everybody to come.

Q: Did you invite Austrian politicians?

Yes, we invited Austrian politicians and at least two of them will be speaking. It is not finalized so I cannot say anything about who will appear.

Bhaichung Bhutia To Kick Off 18th GCMGC Tournament On 26th May

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Tibetan Sports Association (TSA) is organizing the 18th Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup (GCMGC) Football Tournament at Upper TCV School Ground from 26th May to 5th June 2012 The tournament is held in loving memory of the late mother of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.

It began in the year 1981 and has continued till date with much fervor and enthusiasm within the Tibetan community.

The Guests of Honor for the inaugural ceremony on 26th May include Mr. Baichung Bhutia, Indian football icon and the former Indian Football Captain, Mr. Penpa Tsering, Chairman of ATPD (Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies) and Mr. Tim Brown, the former New Zealand footballer.

Dr. Lobsang Sangye, Honorable Kalon Tripa, will be the Chief Guest during the closing ceremony scheduled on 5th June 2012.

Out of the twenty four clubs registered, seventeen clubs from India/Nepal have confirmed their participation for this year's tournament. The tournament will be played according to the league cum knockout system. The teams are divided into six pools. The top most and second ranking amongst the pool will qualify for quarter finals.

Each team will have minimum of two games to play.

The last three league matches (1st to 3rd June) and four quarter finals will be played at Lower TCV School ground and the rest of the matches will be played at Upper TCV

correspondent interviewed some of the delegates present and the conversations are as below:

Hubert Von Goisern, Famous Austrian musician With Tibetan artist from TIPA, one day, I'd like to produce a Tibetan opera in the west. But we haven't had a chance yet to pull it through. It's also very difficult at that time when I was trying to get in touch with the management of TIPA. They did not like my approach, so we had a problem, but, later I met His Holiness the Dalai Lama and i have explained about my plan to His Holiness. His Holiness likes my approach and asked me to continue., when I finished the modern music CD, I have given it to His Holiness, he said he likes it. these things.

There were two kinds of torture inside the prison - physical and mental. For me, they used a 'goodcop-bad-cop' method. When I was interrogated, sometimes I would receive support. Other times, they would treat me very poorly. I was tortured.

The overall conditions of the prison were awful and led to serious health problems for me. That is how I became very ill. Mentally, it was very challenging - always worrying about family and about friends inside the prison. We had lots of plans before jail but they were not a success.

That made me worried and very disappointed.

The problem of being a political prisoner was not just mine - my family became victims as well. In the prison, my weight fell by 36 kilos through both mental and physical stress and torture. I cannot explain details of all the torture.

The Swiss Tibetan French Association and The Tibet Youth Association in Europe have initiated the rally. But now, the rally is organized by a huge coalition of the Tibetan communities all over Europe. It is far more important that people know that it is not just Swiss but a European movement. Our idea and message is also that Europe (especially Tibetans in Europe) and the European people (especially the Austrian people) that they should say to the Tibetans in Tibet: "We have not forgotten you- we support you. Do not forget your hope."migmarraithThe second aim is that we want to tell the European Government "Please, in any high political level or international level, you must raise the Tibetan issue."

The third aim is that we want them to send a Tibet delegation to Tibet and in the near future, they should appoint a special coordinator for Tibet.

Q: Can you give us a summary of the press conference The other organizations present were ‘Save Tibet', a Tibetan support group in Vienna, Austria. Mrs. Zimmerman, the president, focused on how the Austrian people have a connection with Tibet and how they support Tibet.The second participant was Hubert Von Goisen, a well known Austrian musician. He's a longtime friend of Tibet. He visited Tibet and in the press conference, he said that he has seen the situation in Tibet with his own eyes.The third was a young Tibetan lady; Migmar, a representative of the Tibetan YouthAssociation (Europe) and she talked about the tour in Austria to inform people about Tibet and our solidarity rally. She will go from tomorrow to all the places where his Holiness makes the tour. I think that it is a good way of how we can mobilize people for the 26th May, Solidarity Rally in Vienna.

Dorjee Sangpo, the president of the Tibetan community in Austria.

He explained that Tibetans first moved to Austria in 1970 and the Tibetan community is started in 1990. Few people worked very hard and now around 270 Tibetans live in Austria.

He said that usually we organize a lot of movements for the Tibetan cause in Austria.

When we organize these types of movements, we usually get a lot of support from "Save Tibet", an NGO and other groups. On 26th of May, we plan to organize the European Tibet Solidarity rally, a movement which is supported by organizations, individuals and the people of Austria. We request people for attend the movement. In Tibet, there is really critical situation so media and politicians cannot go to Tibet as they are prohibited. As Tibetans who stay in Tibet are not free and their human rights are violated, they are trying really hard to send information to the outside world. If we will get more information by the 26thMay, we make the world aware of their situation through announcements and media.

With respect to the movement, the European Tibet Communities have lots of hope and we ask for support from the Governments and the people worldwide so that the Tibetans inside Tibet who should not spend their lives in vain.

Tibetan Woman Torches Self Making Total Count of Self Immolators To 38

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

School ground.An organizing committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Sonam Dorjee, Tibetan Settlement Officer, Dharamsala has been formed. The committee comprises of Executive Committee Members of Tibetan Sports Association including other members of Tibetan Non Governmental Organization based in Dharamsala.

Following the opening ceremony, the first ever official Tibetan women's football team will take the field for a historic exhibition match with the Himachal Pradesh women's football team.

Ms Manjushree S Roy has designed the Uniform for the girl's team and her NGO, Verve Creative Entertainment and Education Foundation has sponsored the uniform as well. It will be launched during the opening ceremony of the tournament.

The Tibetan Sports Association thanked the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the constant support

and management of TCV and the individuals in particular for providing logistic support whenever needed. When I arrived in India, I worked as a researcher for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Then I joined Gu-ChuSum - the political prisoners' association - and now I am Vice President.

The movement in Tibet has many different branches.

Mine started with some friends. We started by talking to educated people in universities and those working for the Chinese government, discussing the Tibetan situation and how the Chinese occupy Tibet. We held many meetings and discussions, and that led to my arrest.

The Chinese government accused me of being a 'splittist' from China and working against the Chinese revolution.

But, as we said, since the Chinese occupation of Tibet, over the last 40 to 50 years we have no human rights. We cannot stay under the Chinese, so that is why we did

Dharamsala: The afternoon of 30th May saw the self immolation of a Tibetan woman, named Rikyo in the Ngaba region, which has been the epicenter of burnings which first began in February 2009. By the time the Chinese Police arrived, the fire was too strong to be doused and she immediately passed away.

Local Tibetans took her corpse to Jonang Zamthang Gonchen Monastery of Dzamthang County. Around 1000 monks from all 3 houses gathered in the monastery and prayed for the departed soul. Immediately after, the Chinese authorities are reported to have ordered the corpse to be burnt and threatened to take it away.

At night, around 11 pm, the body was taken to a hill near the monastery and was burnt there. Monks of Zamthang monastery and local Tibetans -all numbering to around 5000- are said to have gathered for her funeral. Although it started raining heavily, they prayed till 3 in the morning.Rikyo (36) born to Chuglo and Rinlha, was from Tsang village in Zamdang county of Ngaba region. She

lived a nomadic life and tended to animals. Before her self-immolation, local sources recount that she prayed and prostrated for a whole day and night, leading them to think that she had planned this in advance.

Rikyo is survived by her husband, Nangthong, and three small children; aged 9, 7 and 5 years respectively. Locals describe her as a humble and religious person.This is the third self immolation in the last week, after two young men set themselves on fire at Lhasa on 27th May. The state media reported that one of them passed away immediately while the other is said to be recuperating at a hospital.Since then, a severe crackdown has been imposed on the city. 80 Tibetans were detained on 27th and 28th May as they were suspected to have documented the burnings on their phones. Radio Free Asia has now reported that the number of detainees has now increased to around 600 people.well. In the prison, my weight fell by 36 kilos through both mental and physical stress and torture. I cannot explain details of all the torture.