Thubten Nyandak Rinpoche, who died in the self-immolation protests with butter lamp tributes
Nun Atse, who died in the self-immolation protests with butter lamp tributes
I n t e r n a t i o n a l
See Page 4 .....
See Page 4 ..... A Message For The Voiceless
Vol. 02, Issue 69, 15 July 2012
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Kalon Tripa, Captivates Australian Audiences
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Celebrates 77th Birthday in India By: Samuel Ivor, Tibet Post International
Tibetan political leader Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing Tibetans and supporters in Sydney, Australia, June 29 2012. Photo: TPI/Carly By: Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post
Sydney: This week in Australia, Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay is coming to the end of his first official visit to the country as Tibet's political leader-in-exile, a trip that has seen him visit four major cities, meet with over 40 parliamentarians and enthral audiences with his humorous and insightful speeches and interviews. See Page 8 ...
Young Man Disappears After Protest in Tibet
Chinese military officials exercising their inmoral law on Tibetans in eastern Tibet. Photo: File
Dharamsala: A young man named Kalsang Tenzin disappeared after staging a protest on July 4. Kalsang, aged 22, hailed from Ketuk village in Karze County, eastern Tibet. On July 4 he organized a protest calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalia Lama from exile and the release of the many Tibetan political prisoners. The protest against Chinese rule was held in Karze County, Kham region. Ten minutes into the protest, police authorities and the army arrived on scene to arrest Kalsang. His current whereabouts and health condition remain unknown to the family and community. Although this incident happened two days ago, details only surfaced on July 7 2012. Kalsang's father's name is Lobsang Gyaltsen and his mother is Tashi Kadhu. This information was reported to TPI by a source from Tehur Khangtsen, residing at Sera monastery, South India, on condition of anonymity.
Dharamshala: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet celebrated a colourful 77th birthday on July 6th in Dharamshala, India, to an audience of thousands. In a spectacular show of blessing, support and exaltation, the revered leader drew a rapt audience at the main temple as He celebrated His first birthday at His exile home of Dharamsala since handing full political power to an elected head of government. The event was attended by a wealth of esteemed guests, including His Holiness the Karmapa, Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay, Himachal Pradesh Industries Minister Kishan Kapoor, as well as honourable members of the Tibetan Government in exile. Before the main ceremonies began at the Tsuglagkhang temple, an incense burning ceremony and hoisting of prayer flags commenced the auspicious event at Lhagyalri, near the main temple in Dharamshala. Following the arrival of His Holiness at the main temple at 9.00am, the Tibetan national flag was hoisted by Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay, amid singing of both the Tibetan and Indian national anthems. An auspicious long life offering was given by members of the Central Tibetan Administration in the form of Mendrel Tensum; which offers the body, the speech and the mind to the Buddha. This was followed by a spectacular performance by members of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Dressed in traditional chupas, the young performers stunned the audience with traditional Lhasa attire, dancing and songs. Below an enormous series of banners, flags and decorations in the main temple, His Holiness addressed the audience warm heartedly and jokingly. Pointing towards one of the images of Himself as a young boy, the Dalai Lama highlighted how He was once a naughty child, referring to His lack of interest in study at times. He emphasised to the audience that no
"I used to be a very naughty boy!" His Holiness points at an image of Himself aged 4, adorning the main temple. (From left to right) Ngawang Pelgyal, Penpa Tsering and Lobsang Sangay observe in admiration. On July 6th In Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI
matter how naughty a child can be; they can still attain a great many achievements as they grow with age. His Holiness expressed His gratitude to the audience, as well as to the kindness and hospitality India has provided since His flight to exile in 1959. He re-iterated the fact that India has
historically been a teacher to Tibet through the past, particularly regarding tolerance and though Buddhist practice, and Tibetans have much to be grateful for to their neighbour. See Page 2 ...
Kalon Tripa Arrives in Ladakh
45th Tibetan Self-Immolation Marked In Exile
Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay being welcomed at the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche airport, Ladakh. photo: tibet.net
Amateur Romanian Cyclists support Tibet
By: Tibetan Official Media: Tibet.Net
Ladakh: Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived in Ladakh on Sunday to a warm reception by the Superintendent of Police, the chief representative officer, the President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, the speaker of the local Tibetan Assembly as well as by the heads of various other organisations. Sonamling Tibetan settlement is a scattered settlement of Tibetan refugees but the Tibetan community came out in strong numbers, garbed in their traditional Tibetan attires, holding ceremonial See Page 4 ...
A Buddhist Monk Killed By Chinese Police As a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the United Nations for a Free Tibet, (UNFFT) in Romania organized a cycling event on June 30 in support for the pro-Tibet cause. Photo: TPI By: Amanda Peters, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: As a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the United Nations for a Free Tibet, (UNFFT) Romania organized a cycling event in support for the pro-Tibet cause. Amateur Romanian cyclists took to the streets on 30 June 2012 in conjunction with France's annual professional cycling event, the "Tour de France". Members of pro-Tibet organizations, supporters of Tibetan causes and other advocates of basic human rights, peacefully demonstrated along the circuit (from Piata Universitatii to the Chinese embassy in Romania) to raise awareness about the serious problems afflicting Tibetans and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which has been under Chinese governmental occupation for 53 years. The essential message of the event, according to one of the organizers is, "Look to Tibet. As long as Tibet is still on the map and as long as Tibetans are living in Tibet, offer them your support. Don't let Tibetan culture vanish from the earth. Now, more than ever, we must unite our voice into a power that will be heard by communist China, demanding freedom and human rights for Tibetans. We must save and preserve the culture, the religion, the ethnicity, and the restoration and survival of an ecol-system See Page 5 ... that is important to the entire world."
Exiled Tibetans in Dharamshala on July 10holds candle during a candle light vigil in solidarity with Tsewang Dorjee, a 22-year-old nomad from Dhamshung, central Tibet. Photo:TPI/Samuel Ivor
By Samuel Ivor, Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Observing the loss of the most recent Tibetan to self-immolate: Tsewang Dorjee (aged 22), the exile community of Dharamshala joined together on the evening of July 10th to contemplate, mark and remember the tragic loss of the yet another young life. The crowd gathered at the main square numbered over one-hundred in a moving candlelight vigil organized by the Tibetan Women's Association, and the Tibetan Youth Congress. Reports have emerged that Tsewang Dorjee self-immolated in the middle of Damshung district market at around one o'clock in the afternoon on July 7th, just a day after the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Despite widespread bans on information leaks by the Chinese authorities, sources suggest that Tsweang has been taken to the district hospital by authorities, having suffered 90% burns. The Chinese authorities have furthermore created a draconian black-out of telephone communications in the region. Addressing the crowd in the main square in Dharamshala, Tenzin Tsundue; exiled Tibetan writer and activist based in the community, gave an impassioned speech to the gathered crowd: "As our brothers and sisters of Tibetans are setting themselves on fire in protest [of the] Chinese brutal regime in Tibet...we are
standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, and also of protest against the Chinese regime in our country. Tibetans want freedom in Tibet, they want the return of His Holiness theDalai Lama to Tibet. These are the two main slogans coming from those who are self-immolating". Tsundue highlighted the need to address the trade links between the West and China, and how the personal money of Westerners who buy Chinese goods are directly funding those who oppress Tibetans. "China is now breathing down the neck of India, today China is building so many military structures in Tibet...Indians, and all of us around the world, must be united against China" "We must not appease the dragon". The number of Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest against Chinese rule has risen to a staggering 45. In a statement marking the vigil, Tsering Yanchen, Vice President of the regional Tibetans Youth Congress highlighted: "As the count of self-immolations increases, the pressure rises on Hu Jianto's government who is already so insecure in Tibet and has completely lost confidence of the people they are ruling over. The international community who trade with China must bear responsibility to increasing suffering of the Tibetans in Chinese occupied Tibet".
Jachung Monastery in Amdho region of Northeastern Tibet. Photo: File By: Amanda Peters, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: On July 1the body of 43 year old monk, Drakmar Phelgye was discovered by fellow monks, near a Police station in Palung County. Phelgye hails from Drakmar village of Palung County (Qinghai province) located in the Amdo region. He belonged to the Xaichong monastery and also kept the books of the place. Being the accountant of the monastery proved to be fatal to Phelgye. See Page 3 ...
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The Tibet Post International
TPI NEWS
First Hand Account of Self-immolations in Lhasa by Taiwanese National
VIEWS & ANALYSIS
15 July, 2012 Dharamshala
South India leg of “Flame of Truth” relay Reaches Pondicherry By The Tibet Post Intetnational
On the 27th of May, 2012, Kevin Chang, A Taiwanese national visiting Tibetan capital Lhasa on vacation, witnessed first-hand the self-immolation of two young Tibetan men: Photo: TPI/Kevin Chang By Mark kanan, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: This article is based on an actual reporting of a recent self-immolation in Lhasa, Tibet. On the 27th of May, 2012, Kevin Chang, A Taiwanese national visiting Lhasa on vacation, witnessed firsthand the self-immolation of two young Tibetan men, 19 year old Dorjee Tseten who died from his injuries, and another man named, 25 year old Dargye, who, according to media sources, is thought to have survived. Mr Chang was buying souvenirs in the city near Jokhang temple when he said he heard screams coming from a busy side street in the heart of the city named Pargor Street. Many people were running away in the opposition direction towards the main plaza in the city centre, he reported, away from the self-immolations. His friend actually took a photograph on his mobile phone of the incident showing armed police using fire extinguishers to put out the fires on the two men. When they saw the military coming they got rid of the picture, due to their fear of what might
happen to them. Chang also said that the police went to internet cafes and immediately began monitoring emails. He believes that his mobile phone was also being monitored when he got back to his hotel with his friend. He has also reported that up to 600 hundred people hwere caught and arrested in the three following days. Lhasa was swamped with military and police personnel, many in civilian clothes too. This state of affairs made himself and his friend very nervous, understandably. According to news he heard while in Lhasa, the Chinese communist authorities blamed His Holiness the Dalai Lama for 'instigating' the current selfimmolations, from his home in exile in Dharamshala, India. In Mr Chang's opinion, the real situation in Tibet is not known by the outside world, or indeed even in China itself. Everyone has the right to know, he says, and China should let the world know.
The Influence of Tibetan Buddhist Culture in the Western World
Ringu Tulku Rinpoche with the shedra students in Lerab Ling, 2005. Photo: File By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: It is one of those tragic historical paradoxes: the Chinese invade Tibet in the 1950’s and ‘liberate’ the people, spread economic modernism and quash an ancient ‘backward’ religious culture, instead, or indeed in spite of this, Tibetan Buddhist culture travels to all corners of the globe. Or, to put it more poetically, and prophetically, quoting Padmasambhava, the Indian Buddhist Guru who helped to spread Buddhism in Tibet originally: “When the iron bird flies, and horses run on wheels, the Tibetan people will be scattered like ants across the world, and the Dharma will come to the land of the red faced people”. On the 13th of May this year, 2012, I visited Dzogchen Beara, a Buddhist monastery and retreat centre on the south-west coast of Ireland, under the spiritual direction of Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. The centre is one of many Tibetan Buddhist temples and monasteries scattered across Europe and North America propagating, and practicing, the different strands of Tibetan Buddhism to Westerners. While there I interviewed Matt Padwick, director of the centre, and we talked about the influence of Tibetan Buddhism on Ireland, and on the West in general. Matthew told me that the centre was originally the idea of Peter and Harriet Cornish-who could kindly be described as an archetypal English hippie couple on the run from western materialist culture in the early 1970’s, and perhaps in search of something
more meaningful and spiritually rewarding. In 1973 they bought some land in Co Cork, Ireland with a wish to create a space that would accommodate people from all of the world’s spiritual traditions: Catholicism, Hinduism, Judaism etc, and also however for people on their own individual journey. In 1992 they offered the land and buildings to Sogyal Rinpoche and he named it Dzogchen Beara; Dzogchen or ‘Great Perfection’ in Tibetan is the path of Self-Liberation. Dzogchen is regarded as the highest teaching in Tibetan Buddhism and the teaching is ultimately about realizing the ‘’innermost nature of [our] mind[s]’’ They wanted to create a healing environment, some place where people could retreat to- a beautiful natural place, Matthew said. ‘’A number of things have helped to [spread Tibetan Buddhism] one, is the popularity of His Holiness the Dalai Lama-who embodies the teachings-and also the mainstreaming of meditation itself [into Western life], and its benefits.’’ In addition, Matthew added, ‘’we live in a complex, speedy world’’ and the practices of Tibetan Buddhism have ‘’struck a chord’’. Tibetan Buddhism is ‘’a gift to the West, and at no time has it been more needed’’. In particular we talked about Ireland, were Buddhist meditation (of all Asian traditions) has been growing in popularity since the 1990’s. Is it fulfilling a need, a desire, a void or even a hunger?
Chennai: The "Flame of Truth" relay, which was launched from Kochi made its journey to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and reached the city on the morning of 7th July. At the beginning Mr. Karma Yeshi, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, who accompanied the torch, addressed the media in attendance. He elucidated about the campaign in English while a local woman of Tibetan origin, translated the same, in Tamil. Later in the day, a group of Tibetans and local Indian supporters namely Mr. Anto, a member of Friends of Tibet, India gathered at the Collector's office and began the "Flame of Truth" relay march with the prayer of truth and Tibetan national anthem. The group then marched towards the city with the flame. A representative of the Tibetan Sweater Sellers Association then carried forward the signature campaign to the nearby township of Ooty. The signature campaign focusing towards local Indian supporters will go on till November 15. The event was widely covered by local media. On the evening of 7th July,the "Flame of Truth" relay continued its journey further into the state of Pondicherry via Chennai. The Flame of Truth reached the city on the evening of 9th July. On July 10 at 11:30 a.m. Mr. Yeshi, addressed the media at the Pondicherry Press Club. All media representatives were provided with documents, detailing the course of the campaign. Mr. Karma then met a group of local Tibetan residents and spoke to them of the present situation inside Tibet along with importance of the "Flame of Truth" relay campaign. Mr.Yeshi later visited the nearby township of Auroville and met with a group of individuals. Tibetans and local supporters are expected to collect signatures to be submitted to the United Nations on the Human Rights day which falls on the 10th of December 2012. The "Flame of Truth" relay then moved towards Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu (State), South India, where Mr. Yeshi addressed students during the morning assembly of Lady Andal School (one of the most prolific schools of the city) and briefed the attendees about the ongoing campaign. School prefects also initiated the signature campaign with the promise that students and staff would collect more signatures and submit the same to the committee by 15th November. The event generated tremendous support. At a later event, Mr. Yeshi visited Loyala College
We agreed that Ireland, perhaps because of its recent social and economic history, is now at a place where the integrity of many Buddhist practices is perhaps more trusted than the older religious, social, economic and even political shibboleths. Moreover, the same could be said of the whole of the Western world in general. ‘’We are having our illusions pulled out from under us…everything we believed in, everything that gave us a kind of worth or value [has] proven to be empty or hollow…things are shaky now.’’ However Matthew added, whatever about any upheavals that may be taking place in Western society, it is the authentic transmission of Tibetan Buddhist traditions (to the West) that is of vital importance as lineage is important in all the Tibetan Buddhist schools, a lineage, from master to master, that actually goes right back to the historical Buddha’s teachings, ‘’it’s an unbroken line’’, Matthew said. In essence, before Buddhism can truly take root in Ireland and the West, it is this that must be communicated and transplanted for it really to be embedded within the culture. Perhaps Buddhism is now popular in the West because it is more than a religion, a custom, a thing to be ‘done’ unquestionably, it is also, Matthew added,’’ a philosophy, an attitude, a way of life, you could almost say it’s a tool box [which tells us] how to be’’. Matthew concluded the interview by asking me to thank the Tibetan people-while I am here in Dharamshala- for both bringing and teaching the different schools of Buddhism to the West, ‘’it’s a gift’’…’’and it’s a gift we’re grateful for.’’ The possibility, or perhaps even probability, given the historical precedence of Buddhism travelling to other societies and cultures, is that Western Buddhism will take many forms (American, French, traditional, progressive) and that the cultural trappings, and politics, of Tibetan Buddhism will be firstly discarded, and then eventually replaced. What is left will hopefully be the essence of the teachings, its purity. What form Buddhism eventually takes in the Westwhich is a profoundly non-contemplative and egocentric place-, is possibly anybody’s guess. However, one thing is surely certain; the West will owe a profound gratitude to the teachings and spiritual transmissions of Tibetan Buddhism.
The "Flame of Truth" relay, which was launched from Kochi made its journey to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and reached the city on the morning of 7th July. Photo: TPI and met with Rev. Fr. M. G. Selvin Raj SJ, the Director of the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) and spoke with him about the ongoing signature campaign. Rev. Fr. M. G. Selvin Raj SJ signed the appeal letter and promised to raise the issue of Tibet in the AICUF meeting which is to be held in August this year along with the promise of collecting thousands of signatures to support the issue of Tibet. Mr. Yeshi and his delegation, including local Tibetan students and Tibet supporters such as Aasha Reddy visited the Madras University and Madras Christian College as well to spread awareness about the signature campaign. Mr. Karma Yeshi will address the media in Chennai
on July 12, 2012. Through the "Flame of Truth" signature campaign, the Tibetan-parliament-in-exile will urge the UN member states and Secretary General to address following demands: 1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfill the substance of these resolutions 2. An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet 3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled
.......... 77th Birthday of His Holiness The Dalai Lama ...... Continues From Front Page Events celebrating His Holiness' birthday by the Tibetan diaspora are expected to brighten the lives of those living both in exile and within Tibet, amid a year of growing unrest for the Tibetan community. The next public engagement His Holiness will give are teachings in Padum, Zanskar (Ladakh) India on the last week of July (date to be confirmed) which focus on Gyalsey Thokmay Sangpo's 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Addressing the audience of thousands at the main temple in Dharamsala on His 77th birthday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives thanks and draws upon His past during the closing talk on the auspicious event: "I would like to thank all of you who have attended my birthday, and have wished me well on this day. Everyone regards birthdays as very important events, but as Tibetans, we usually don't regard birthdays as highly as others, traditionally". His Holiness joked: "I myself have in the past not had much care about my birthday". "If we regard the birthday as important, then every day, when we get up the morning, this can also seem like a birthday itself. This is also important, because each of us every day, if you can, should try to help other people, if you cannot, then at least don't hurt others". "As for me, every day I promise myself to treat others in this way. If I can get up each day and help, and not hurt others, this is good. I also say this to other people, not just as a promise to myself". "My life is spent like this, and now, today, I am 77 years old". His Holiness points to the image of himself hanging in the temple when he was younger, aged 4 years old. He states informally: "I was very naughty as a boy, from Kubom [birthplace], Xinning. Now, at this time, I have become like this: the Dalai Lama. Why have I arrived at this place? This is not without reason". "If we talk about reason, or cause and effect, there are two kinds. One kind: cause, we can see the consequences immediately. The other: effect, we cannot yet see". "My mother used to tell me that, before I had been recognised as the Dalai Lama, before the reincarnation search group arrived from Lhasa, I had told my family that guests will be coming to our house". "Early in the morning, I got up early and told my
mother and family, someone would come to the room. Before the reincarnation search group arrived, my family were unaware this would happen". "These things, they have a relation, a special right, they are special events". "However, when I was young, I was sometimes very lazy; too lazy to study, and usually liked to play. I had no interest to study when I was a young boy". "If I see these things, like this, maybe there is nothing special about me". "My life is spent like this, and myself, I am one of 6 or 7 billion people in this world". "Actually, everyone has the ability of compassion, and to help other people, in their minds, because everyone grows up under their parents love, from compassion when they were born". "A person who has received more love from other people, those people, in the mind, have more love and compassion towards others. As we are all human beings, we should have compassion towards other people. If someone has more compassion, they will definitely become happier. Even scientists have said and tested this, that those with more compassion in their mind; it is more good for their health". "Sometimes, in life, we get problems. In the mind though, because of Buddhism, and practice, there is no change". "Through history, in the past, during the tribal times, if one had no study or experience of Buddhism, or study of compassion, people can easily become violent and get angry. Because of Buddhism, in the mind, there is no change from happiness". "Religious people, sometimes, in this world, have killed each other, and fought. Sometimes this has happened, despite saying good things. This is a very poor thing to happen". "If people fight each other because of economics, or because of political power, they cannot explain the reason. But a person who talks about love and compassion, sometimes they kill and fight; this is a very surprising thing. The main kind of happiness should come from inside, from within the mind, not from economics, not from political power, the main happiness is from within". "Now, my political power is already handed over, now I am totally retired from this role politically. Those who have continued the hard work with the Tibetan government, I would like to thank you. So, for those who are carrying on, I hope you continue as before".
15 Julyx, 2012 Dharamshala
TPI NEWS
Interview with European Newspaper by His Holiness on Global Issues
H.H THE DALAI LAMA
The Tibet Post International
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H.H The Dalai Lama Gives Avalokiteshvara Empowerment In Milan By Garima Sharma, Tibet Post
His Holiness holding newspapers from around the world that highlight the issue of homelessness and poverty. Photo: INSP By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama recently gave a full exclusive interview to the International Network of Street Papers (INSP)* while on his European visit. In the interview, he spoke candidly and with integrity on a range of contemporary issues that included, poverty, the global financial crisis (and its consequences), censorship in China, and the role of independent media and their extreme importance in today's society. The interview was published worldwide on the second of July and over 12 thousand street vendors who sell the paper worldwide will directly benefit as a result of the interview. The INSP have said they are, ‘' immensely grateful to His Holiness for his support" and said, "To have an exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama is an extraordinary achievement for INSP and our street papers''. The exiled spiritual leader praised the street paper model, a model that directly profits homeless vendors who buy magazines at half price and sell them on the streets at the cover price. In the interview which was held in a Scottish castle His Holiness expressed empathy with the homeless stating: "On some level, I am also homeless'', a
reference on his exile from Tibet since 1959. His Holiness in particular commented on the fallout from the current financial and economic crisis, he said: "The real causes of the present difficulties started with the past governments and some companies. I think, without a proper plan in place, they are simply concerned about immediate profit and are not concerned about the long-term consequences. [...] The results now are due to their own actions''. Regarding censorship, particularly in communist China, he said that people must know the truth and that censorship is ultimately immoral. He commented further "The 1.3 billion Chinese people have every right to know the reality. And once they know the reality of their situation, they also have the ability to judge what is right and what is wrong''. The INSP is a confederation of newspapers that was founded in 1994 on the principle of helping homeless people deal with poverty, and other associated problems such as alcoholism and drug abuse. It is now involved in over 100 street press projects in 40 countries, across all six continents, in 24 languages, with a combined readership of almost 6 million readers per edition.
His Holiness Inaugurates New Healthcare Facility in Kangra District
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the inauguration of Fortis Healthcare Ltd, a multi-speciality hospital in Kangra, about 19 kms from Dharamsala, on 4 July 2012. Photo: tibet.net By Garima, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala,4th July, 2012: A new healthcare facility has been inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Fortis Healthcare Limited, a multispecialty hospital with a capacity of 95 beds is located in Kangra district and will be the latest stateof-the-art addition to the health-care units within the area. The hospital contains several intensive care units, three well-equipped operation theatres, a critical care unit, complete obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, urology, dialysis, cardiac services, maternity unit, including a 24-hour emergency service. His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the attendees and opined that there has been a steady improvement in education and healthcare facilities in Dharamshala and its adjoining areas during the last 52 years of his Holiness' presence in the region. He reminisced that when he had arrived at
Mcleodganj, there were only 2 shops , where as now the entire area is growing constantly and rapidly. The various facilities have been undergoing continuous development which is a hopeful sign. The heart surgery facility at the new hospital is a wonderful and heartening development, he said. His Holiness also remarked that America and other foreign countries have Indian doctors who are experts and are very gifted. Mayo hospital in the U.S.A. where his personal check-up is conducted annually has an Indian specialist as well, which a thing of pride for Indians. As they are skilled and their educated in the field of medicine. ‘It is very important for one's own country, for one's own area to enjoy good quality facilities. It is about serving one's own people. India, before allopathic medicine, had its own ayurvedic healing tradition established. It already has a 1000 year old medical system in place. Of course in India, the tradition of Ahimsa which means compassion is 1000s year old.
Milan, Italy, 28 June 2012 - His Holiness, the Dalai Lama was invited by the Ghe Pel Ling Institute for Buddhist Tibetan Studies to spread his message of spiritual awakening and brotherhood to a stadium that was filled to its capacity. About 10,000 people were in attendance. During the course of the event, he bestowed Upasaka vows upon the common people and devotees, and also performed the ceremony for generating, engaging and awakening the ‘Bodhichitta’ (heartmind). He also explained how the values and tenets of Buddhism are found in other traditions and cultures as well. Various other religious dignitaries such as an Italian Imam, several Catholic monks were in attendance at the gathering. His Holiness suggested about the ways in which his teachings could be relevant within the context various other faiths. During a television interview, when asked to comment about the series of self-immolations that have lately burned across Tibet, the Dalai Lama said that he prefers to keep silent due to the politically volatile nature of the issue. “However, these sad events are evidently not taking place because the concerned individuals have family problems. The Chinese authorities must investigate what the cause is, what’s wrong to provoke such desperate acts. After former premier Hu Yaobang, who was a good Communist, visited Lhasa in 1980 he publicly apologised for what had happened in Tibet and promised to reduce the Han population. As Deng Xiaoping recommended, the Chinese authorities should seek truth from facts. “When Hu Jintao became President and made known his aim to ensure harmony in society, I supported it. But the right method for achieving that is to create trust, whereas they think they can achieve it through force, which is illogical. The use of force contradicts any efforts to create trust. The Tibetan spirit will never be cowed down by the use of force. It is rooted in Buddhism, a tradition that is more than 2500 years old, whose image in the world is on the rise. Communism, on the other hand is barely 200 years old and its image is on the wane, while totalitarianism is completely out of date.” In context of the European crisis, His Holiness remarked that he has always appreciated the EU and he suspects that the current issues affecting the region, are a temporary setback, and certainly not the end of the road. However, he also felt that the lifestyles to which people have become accustomed, may have to change. During a gathering of Mongolian and Tibetan residents in Europe, he stressed on the value of Tibetan Buddhism as a culture that both peoples share. Addressing the Tibetans in particular, he elucidated that the recent changes in his own political status and that of the institution of Dalai Lamas have not occurred because he is disappointed, but have happened for the welfare of the Tibetan people who according to him must become more democraticized. Honorary speeches were made in tribute to his His Holiness by the Mayor of Assago, the Municipality in which the teachings were taking place, and the President of the Province of Milan. The ceremony was concluded by presenting His Holiness with the key of Assago. He responded, “Dear brothers and sisters, I am extremely happy to meet you and to have this opportunity to share some of my experiences and thoughts - and through your questions I hope to learn some of your concerns. Of course, to begin with I’d like to express my thanks to the organizers here for making such good arrangements. I’d also like to thank the Mayor of Assago for the certificate and key presented to me, which I appreciate as being in recognition of what I am trying to do. “If we remember that at a fundamental level we are the same, that we all have a right to a happy life, we can understand that there is no difference between us. In this twenty-first century, when we live in such a globalized and interdependent world, our old notions of them and us are no longer relevant. We need instead to think of a great us. The Hawaiians have a marvellous saying ‘Your blood is my blood, your bone is my bone’ meaning that your pain in my pain and your joy is my joy. What this means is that if we must be selfish, it’s much better to be wisely selfish rather than foolishly selfish. In order to derive the maximum benefit the wise thing is take care of others.”
These values are very relevant today- His Holiness observed. Mr Shivinder Mohan Singh, executive vice-chairman of Fortis hospital, remarked that the hospital aims to bring quality and affordable healthcare for the people in the region. Mr. G. S. Bali, MLA and former minister, was of the opinion that the hospital is strategically located on the main road within the city- connecting Kangra to Dharamsala, Mcleod Ganj and Palampur and as a result will offer good quality healthcare to the region.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama During the preparatory rituals for the Avalokiteshvara empowerment in Milan, Italy, On June 28, 2012. Photo: Tenzin Choejor.
The Dalai Lama has repeatedly spoken of his vision about the 21st century becoming an era of dialogue. He has always remarked that using dialogue as a solution requires having genuine respect for others’ rights, their happiness and their prosperity. He concluded that: “Whatever you do, take a realistic view and think of the long term interests of humanity. Thank you.” Before His Holiness’ departure, the organizers of the events created and declared a financial report in the interests of transparency. They announced that, of the 10,000 seats available, 1000 had been made available free of charge to monks and nuns and to
the needy. Income from ticket sales and donations amounted to •628,000 while expenses for the rental of the venue and facilities cost •465,000, leaving a balance of •163,000. This will be divided as follows, 40% to be given to the Dalai Lama Trust, 30% to be given to Ghe Phel Ling to support future teaching programmes, and 30% to be given to two other Ghe Phel Ling charitable projects: one supporting young Tibetans studies in India and another dedicated to rehabilitation of prisoners in Milan. His Holiness, has returned to Dharamshala and many of his devotees were seen rejoicing on the streets or awaiting in welcome.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Visit Srinagar on Special Invitation
A primary school for the Tibetan Muslims at Id-gah, Srinagar.Photo: tibet.net By Garima Sharma, Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the state government have invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama will to visit Srinagar on a special invitation from July12th to the 18th. The Tibetan Public School was established in 1978 as a primary school for the Tibetan Muslims at Idgah, Srinagar with 25 students and two teachers. Later on, the school shifted to Hawal in Srinagar and currently accommodates 550 students and 35 teachers with classes up to 10th standard.
Former education minister Kalon Thupten Lungrig of the Central Tibetan Administration, inaugurated the new school building in 2004. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will also visit the resident Tibetan Muslim locality and will have an audience with older generations of the community during his stay. His Holiness will be leaving Srinagar on 18 July for Leh and Laddakh, to impart a series of teachings and talks.
...... Continues From Front Page On June 20 he went missing and subsequently there was a search party (consisting of monks) from Shachung (Chinese: Xaichong Monastery) monastery that went out looking for him. Finally on July 1, after a two week long search they discovered Drakmar Phelgye's corpse in a ditch near the Police station. After the body was discovered the Police sent it to Xinning City. The reasons for this move remains unclear. In the afternoon of July 1 around 150 monks and local Tibetans gathered in front of the police station to demand answers about the discovery. They started to shout out questions to the Police about what happened, why did it occur under their watchful eye and who was responsible? An argument broke out in which one young monk got injured in the chaos. To subdue the situation the police requested that the crowd disperse and return to their homes. They would conduct an investigation to find out what happened on that faithful day. However, the mob of locals and monks refused to leave the gates of the
station. On July 2 the Police released a statement about the events that lead to Phelgye's death. They explained that on the night of June 20 a policeman named Ma broke into the monastery disguised with a black cloth around his head. He entered Drakmar Phelgye room with one objective in mind, getting the key to the monastery's safe. However, Phelgye recognized Ma and asked him why he was doing this? The policeman in a panic gagged the monk, killed him and later disposed of the body in a ditch near the station. Since 2008 Ma and few other policemen were responsible for patrolling and monitoring the Xaichong monastery area. It is unfortunate that those in charge of upholding the laws are the ones that violate it. At 11:00 am on July 2 a meeting was held in the monastery. A decision was taken to go to Xinning City and claim Phelgye's body. However, the government fearing protests and demonstrations in the area decided to beef up security on the streets and posted army personnel around the area.
SELF-IMMOLATION 4 TPI NEWS Buddhist Monk In Eastern Tibet 45th Self-immolation in Protest of China's Beaten To Death By Chinese Policies: Witnesses Arrested Authorities The Tibet Post International
15 July, 2012 Dharamshala
By Amanda peters,The Tibet Post
Chinese military officials exercising their inmoral law on Tibetans in eastern Tibet. Photo: File By Amanda Peters, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: According to a recent Tibetan media report, a monk from Lhophu Monastery, Chamdho County, eastern Tibet was beaten to death by Chinese officials, on his way home. Pema Norbu, studying in Dege Dzongsar Institute, in Dege County, eastern Tibet, was walking back to his hometown in Riwoche County, eastern Tibet. He found it difficult getting home due to the excessive number of police check- points through Dege County. At the blockades, the Chinese authorities were stopping people and sending them back or arresting them. When Pema got to the Riwoche-Nangchen County border, just like the rest, he too was checked by the authorities, according to a report posted by RFA. The police then arrested him and
searched his bag. They found several CDs and a variety of books. He was then harshly beaten by authorities. After the beating he was rushed to Chamdho Hospital. However, his injuries were so severe that Pema Norbu succumbed to them at the hospital. He is from (Lhakhang Trachilama) Trachilma temple, Trachilma village in Riwoche County, Kham region of eastern Tibet. His father is Agyal and his mother's name is Delha. Sources explained that incidents like these are a common occurrence inside Tibet. However, they are not often reported because of the fear of being tortured, as well as, China's polices to suppress such stories.The source went on to state that they decided to take a stand now and share the incident with the rest of the world.
China to Construct Multi-Billion Dollar Tourist Project in Lhasa, Tibet
By Garima Sharma, Tibet Post
Dharamshala: China has claimed that it is investing $4.8 billion to make Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, a commercialized tourist hotbed. Construction is said to have begun on the multibillion dollar project which will include a theme park, commercial district and residential area and will most likely be completed within three to five years. The first phase of the project, about 2km (just over a mile) from downtown Lhasa, has been initiated. The Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet's holiest shrines, was the site of the self-immolation protest by Dhargye, 25, and Dorjee Tseten, 19, on May 27. The so called Lhasa Vice-Mayor Ma Xinming was of the opinion that the project, which is spread across 800 hectares (1,980 acres), would create a "living museum" for Tibetan culture as well as reduce tourist pressure on the temple, situated in old Lhasa. The project would also include attractions themed around Princess Wencheng of China's Tang dynasty, one of the many royal princesses betrothed to Songtsen Gampo, the great 33rd king of Tibet. The previous month, China announced plans to invest 400 million yuan to propagate tourism in Nyingtri, southeastern Tibet, known for its natural beauty.
The development authorities feel that tourism is crucial for Tibet's economic future and as such, the recent tourism-oriented investments have been undertaken to attract 15 million tourists a year by 2015 and to generate approximately 18 billion yuan. After the 2008 peaceful uprisings and the ongoing wave of self-immolations, during which more than 40 Tibetans set themselves on fire in all traditional provinces of Tibet, the entire so called Tibet Automous Region has regularly faced bans on foreign visitors, journalists and international observers. The current ban has been estimated to last until November, with reports of travel agencies cancelling holiday packages to the region for the rest of the year. According to many Tibet support organizations, the Chinese government is indulging in arbitrary and systematic religious persecution and cultural assimilation in the name of economic development. This is not the first instance of China banning foreign tourists from visiting Tibet. Even with sanctioned permissions, a close watch is kept on tourist activity within the area. Visitors need to apply for a special kind of visa and are accompanied by government-appointed guides. Foreign tour operators are only allowed to make their arrangements via Chinese set-ups.
Dharamshala: On July 7, 22-year-old Tsewang Dorjee set himself on fire in the main market of Damshung County, (Chinese: Dangxiong) about 160 kms from the capital, Lhasa in central Tibet. This tragic event in Tibet becomes the largest in the history of the self-immolation protests, said analysts. The incident occurred at around 2pm (Tibetan Time). Tsewang managed to walk about 100 meters and shouted out slogans in support of Tibet. A Tibet Post International (TPI) source said he also called for the return of His Holiness from exile, before he fell to the ground. A statement by the Tibetan Parliament said, "Barely three minutes into his protest, Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene, doused the flames and took him to a hospital (Dhamshung County Hospital)." However, the hospital was not equipped to treat him and so he was rushed to the Military Hospital in Lhasa city. TPI's source said that 90% of his body was burnt. The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile's statement expressed a fear over his probable death. "No one was allowed to meet him after his protest. Reports suggest that Tsewang Dorjee passed away later that night." The parliament noted that the entire Dhamshung region is currently reeling under a heavy lockdown and people who witnessed Tsewang Dorjee's selfimmolation have since been arrested. The Chinese authorities have also passed strict orders barring anyone from speaking about the protest. Lhasa city was cut off from all communication. Phone lines were not working and people in Lhasa could not reach contacts in Damshung County. Due to the intensified security measures and the
Hu Jintao’s Harmony society? Armed Chinese military personels in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, central Tibet. Photo: File
ban on spreading of information, reports have only now confirmed that Tsewang passed away. Ngawang Woebar, former President of the Tibetan Gu Chu Sum movement gave TPI details of the incident, saying Tsewang was from Dham Chu Kha village in U-Tsang region, that the names of his parents and siblings remain unknown and that he is survived by his elderly mother. This is the longest string of self-immolations to occur in history. Tibetans have set themselves ablaze to protest against China's repressive policies,
demand freedom in Tibet and call for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. Since 27 February 2009, there have been confirmed reports of 45 self-immolations in all three traditional provinces of Tibet. Of these, 37 have been carried out by men and eight by women. 33 of the 45 are known to have died following their protests. 25 were from Ngaba, eastern Tibet, seven were monks at Kirti monastery in Ngaba, four were nuns, three were mothers and one was a schoolgirl. 44 of the selfimmolations have occurred since 16 March 2011.
Questions Over Self-immolations in Tibet Answered By Amanda peters,The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: According to media reports published in May this year, a high-ranking Tibetan religious figure in Kham region of eastern Tibet and his niece, a nun, died in an accidental fire on 6 May 2012. Thubten Nyandak Rinpoche, 45, and his niece, Atse, 23, were honoring Tibetans who died in the self-immolation protests with butter lamp tributes, when their house caught fire. However, reports said it was unclear whether this was an accident or a case of self-immolation. The Chinese authorities ruled the case as an “accident”, and the press and media did not highlight the event. However, a post published by Tsering Woeser on her blog (http://woeser.middle-way.net/) states the details of the incident and concludes that it was a case of self-immolation and not an “accidental house fire”. Thubten Rinpoche was the former abbot of Dzokchen monastery in Kham region - the site of recent protests. He was a strong advocate of Tibetan rights, culture, religion and unity and was also the head of the Drakhar Monastery in Minyak Lhagang, Kham region. His niece Atse was also known to be a strong supporter of the welfare of Tibet. Recently, a Chinese website called Weibo published their photograph with a detailed account of the incident. A few days before May 6, Thubten Rinpoche organized a prayer service in honour of Tibetan self-immolators. At the meeting he gave a
Thubten Nyandak Rinpoche, 45 and his niece, Atse, 23. Photo: File
speech about future plans for supporting the free Tibet movement and, towards the end of the service, monks, nuns and other attendees made prayer offerings of butter lamps. The day before he died, the Rinpoche asked his students to move the many butter lamps to his house and then sent them all away, including his Chinese pupils. On the morning of May 6, he and Atse prayed at
Kalon Tripa Arrives in Ladakh to a Warm Reception ...... Continues From Front Page scarves and the Tibetan national flag to greet Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Tripa of the Central Tibetan Administration. Upon his arrival, the chief representative officer of the settlement gave the Kalon Tripa a brief tour of the settlement, the different offices and the local health clinic, and introduced the group leaders of the 12 camps and the leaders of other governmental and non-governmental organisations. The Kalon Tripa met with the local Tibetan community in the afternoon. In his address to the public, he said he feels lucky to be visiting Ladakh for the third time now and expressed his desire to
meet with the nomads and the people of the Jangthang areas this time. He also spoke about the three visions of the 14th Kashag, Unity, Innovation and Self-Reliance, followed by a brief question and answer session. After that, he left to Leh to meet the members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and other dignitaries from the Ladakhi community. They discussed the close cultural affinity of the two communities and promised to work together in every endeavour. Tomorrow, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay will visit the TCV school and address the students there.
their home for the self-immolators. In a call made to his family he stated that it was necessary to do a good deed and that they would offer the butter lamps for the benefit of those who set themselves on fire for ”the cause of Tibet”. Soon after his house caught fire, Thubten Rinpoche and his niece were found dead. The police authorities arrived on the scene and declared the incident was an accident and that the duo did not sacrifice their lives. The police also warned the community not to speak about the incident in public. Fearing that the authorities would close down the monastery, its supervisor agreed to abide by the instructions. The relatives of Thubten Rinpoche accepted the authorities’ version of events. The Chinese gave them 10,000 yuan and several bags of rice in exchange for their silence. Very few media reported the incident as it was classified as an “accidental fire”. Locals did not proclaim the two as heroes because they feared the possible consequences. However, the local Tibetan community believes that they may have self-immolated for the cause of Tibet. Although Thubten Rinpoche and Atse appear to have given up their lives for Tibet, some consider that their relatives undermined their legacy by taking bribes offered to them by the Chinese authorities. Even so, the family and the local Tibetan community reportedly hope that, like the many other Tibetans who have self-immolated for the Tibet cause, their names too will be remembered.
5 TPI NEWS INTERNATIONAL Kalon urges Tibetan youth to be Birthday Celebrations for HH the Dalai responsible ambassadors Lama around the World The Tibet Post International
15 Julyx, 2012 Dharamshala
By Amanda peters,The Tibet Post
Kalon Pema Chhinjor addresses members of the Tibetan Community in Hamburg, Germany. Photo: tibet.net By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet.Net
Hamburg: Kalon Pema Chhinjor called on the youth to be responsible Tibetan ambassadors in his addresses to the Tibetans in Austria and Germany. He urged all Tibetans to join local Tibetan communities and act as responsible members of their communities. He said though we are homeless and scattered, but our strength is that we are united. "Don't forget your roots," he said. "You cannot forget that you are a Tibetan." He visited Vienna, the capital of Austria on 10 July and addressed the Tibetan community members in Hamburg, Germany today. Kalon said that the 2008 uprising across Tibet was a turning point in Tibetan struggle. He said that the Chinese government claims that they have created a socialist paradise in Tibet. However, 43 young Tibetans born and grown under Chinese Communist rule have self-immolated because of the brutal repression faced by the Tibetans. Tibetans must take pride and encouragement that the spirit of Tibet especially amongst the younger generation in Tibet was very strong, he said. Kalon Pema Chhinjor said he had especially come to Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland to meet Tibetans and take part in the celebration His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 77th birthday. He will travel to London on 14 July to address the Tibetan community in Britain. It was the wish of Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay that the Kalons take part in His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 77th birthday celebration in overseas Tibetan communities to maintain regular contacts with the scattered Tibetan Diaspora. These visits help mobilise Tibetans together - what each Tibetan can do for Tibet, what the Central Tibetan Administration can do and what can be achieved together for the benefit of the Tibetan issue. He said during the first 10 months of the present Kashag, it had achieved various international supports for Tibet. Three resolutions in support of
Tibet from US Congress, Japanese and European Parliaments were passed. The finalisation of 1,000 Tibetans immigration to Canada from India, World Parliamentary Convention for Tibet in Ottawa and support shown during Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay's various foreign tours. During Kalon Dicki Chhoyang's recent visit to Taiwan, she was the first Tibetan Kalon to address members of the Taiwanese parliament in the Parliament. Kalon Pema Chhinjor attended the World Fellowship of Buddhists conference in South Korea in mid June. Kalon Pema Chhinjor emphasised three points in his address - (1) To being a responsible Tibetan, (2) Gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to fulfil his wishes and advice and (3) The Central Tibetan Administration is for the Tibetan people and elected by the Tibetan people. It is not for one individual but for the benefit of the six million Tibetans. He said in 2001 Kalon Tripa election, there was only two candidates. However, in 2011 election, initially there were over 30 candidates. This development reaffirms the tremendous democratic awareness and responsibility amongst the Tibetan community. The election of a young Kalon Tripa born in exile by the Tibetan people sent a strong message to the Chinese government that the Tibetan struggle would continue with each new generation. He said that Tibetan Buddhist heritage is our most valued culture. The present generation must pass on Tibetan language, religion and culture to their children. He said that the Kashag remains firmly committed to non-violence and the Middle-Way Approach. In Vienna, Kalon Chhinjor met with the President and the Vice-President of Save Tibet. On arrival in Hamburg, Mr Christof Spitz, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Germany translator hosted a lunched and gave a tour of Tibetan Centre in Hamburg. He also met with Prof Dr Michael Zimmermann, the Director of Hamburg University's Buddhist Centres and Prof Dr Dorji Wangchuk of Tibetan Studies.
...Amateur Romanian Cyclists support Free Tibet ...... Continues From Front Page The UNFFT and the UNFFT (Romania) hoped this event would bring about greater awareness among fellow Romanians about Tibet's situation, encourage more supporters to join the cause; and create a strong, united voice of supporters and defenders
of human rights and freedom for a Free Tibet. Through comprehensive, media coverage, they also hope to bring to light to the situation of Tibetans under Chinese occupation and oppression, the 41 self-immolations committed inside Tibet and other systematic abuses committed by the communist Chinese regime in the Tibetan region. Further more they wish to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Romania for an organized and dedicated event and
thus recognize him as a personality with merits, honored worldwide as a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate for his compassionate contribution to humanity and peace. The event will ensure that a bilateral relation in
political, economic, and cultural arenas between China and Romania will not blur the picture of what is currently happening inside Tibet. China must take responsibility to ensure Tibetans their rights and should be held in equal stride when it comes to protecting and asserting the standard rights and freedoms of an entire ethnic community, given their strategic stance on economic, financial, and trade issues.
Dharamshala: On July 6, His Holiness the Dalai Lama celebrated his 77th birthday in Dharamshala. However, the festivities were not restricted to within the walls of the main Tibetan Temple at McLeod Ganj. Thousands of people took part in observing His Holiness's birthday the world over. Apart from the reception at the main temple there was also an evening observance at the Institute of Tibetan Performing Art (TIPA). Tibet. On the morning of July 6 the local Tibetan community along with monks from Nyatso monastery in Tawu County, Kham Region celebrated by burning incense near the monastery's Stupa. They also offered Katags (a traditional Tibetan white scarf) to a picture of His Holiness. At Mura village in Machu County, Amdo region hundreds of locals gathered to pray and burn incense at Holy Hill. Apart from praying, they also offered and burned Lunda (Holy Scriptures) for good luck and for the long life of His Holiness. The Nomadic people arrived on horses, while the village folk walked to the hill carrying a picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. There were also observances in monasteries in Lhasa and other regions of Amdo and Kham. India (Bangalore) Over 300 Tibetans from different parts of the city and state gathered to celebrate. There were many traditional performances by local Tibetans who sang in Telgu and Kannada too. "We wish for His Highness to return to Tibet some day. The Chinese government should make this a reality," said Karma Singey, chief representative, Central Tibetan Administration, Bangalore. Australia (Belgrave, Melbourne) The Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute in the Belgrave district of the city opened its doors to the public for the Dalai Lama's 77th birthday. The institute's public officer Julie O'Donnell said, "It is just a nice thing for people to see because you don't often get to see Tibetan rituals." It stared at 11.00am with a lunch offering to monks and a long puja (prayers, chants and rituals to generate blessings) for His Holiness. In the afternoon, Tibetan films and documentary were also screened. USA Arjia Rinpoche, the director of The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, and two other monks sat on the floor of an outdoor stage dressed in red offering a puja for His Holiness. As they prayed in Tibetan, members of the audience approached the stage and placed multi-colored Katags onto a shrine at the back of the stage."We offer you our prayers with intense devotion, that Tenzin Gyatso (His Holiness the Dalai Lama), protector of the great land of snows, may live for 100 eons," Center Manager Trish Ellis read from the
77th Brithday of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama celebrated in Tibet on July 6 despite heavy crackdowns taking place by Chinese officials across Tibet. Photo: TPI
prayer in English. South Korea (Seoul) On July 4, the Tibet House Korea organized a celebration in Seoul, South Korea. This was attended by Kalon Dicki Chhoyang from the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) along with 550 other participants. France (Paris) On July 4, the Bureau du Tibet, Paris, in association with the Tibet Group in the French Senate, organized a reception to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama's birthday in the Senate building, Palais du Luxembourg. Kalon Ngodup Dongchung from the Department of Security of the CTA attended the celebration along with a number of other French and foreign dignitaries including, French parliamentarians, Paris based foreign Ambassadors, representatives of different French support groups and welfare associations, Buddhist centers and members of the Tibetan community in France. Kalon Ngodup Dongchung in his address, on behalf of all Tibetans thanked the people of France and the government for the sustained and steady support they have extended to the Tibetan people in the past.He added, "The values and principles that His Holiness the Dalai Lama embodies are precious not just for the Tibetans, but to humanity as a whole, which needed to be preserved and shared for a more peaceful and compassionate world." After the cocktail reception, the President of the Senate Tibet Group invited Kalon Ngodup Dongchung to dinner in his honour. Russian Federation Many cities in the Russian Federation celebrated
the 77th birthday of His Holiness. In Moscow the observances began with prayers for the long life of the Dalai Lama at the Central House of Writers. Welcoming the guests, friends and supporters, Dr Nawang Rabgyal, Representative of His Holiness spoke on the Dalai Lama's visions and his three main commitments in life. Nepal Celebrations did not always go to plan. Exiled Tibetans in Nepal were banned from taking part in the birthday celebrations. They were blocked by police from entering the school where the reception was to be held. The reason given was that Tibetan ceremonies and observances could lead to antiChinese protests. Nepal's chief government administrator from the Katmandu district, Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, warned that any public displays that led to anti-Chinese rallies would not be tolerated; but authorities did say they would allow exiled Tibetans to celebrate privately without anti-Chinese rhetoric or displays. His Holiness the Dalai Lama in a post on his Facebook page thanked all his supporters, in and outside Tibet, for all the prayers and wishes. He also expressed his "deep appreciation" to his friends and well-wishers, many from the People's Republic of China, for sending their "warm greetings." "I am also aware that my fellow countrymen and women in Tibet would have remembered me on this day, although they would have been unable to participate in celebrations due of circumstances beyond their control," the exiled Tibetan leader said. "I would like to thank all of them too, while expressing my own admiration of their indomitable Tibetan spirit, their courage and determination."
Intervention On Tibet At UN Human Rights Council In Geneva By Amanda Peters, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The major topics up for discussion on July 3, at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva were racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance. The concerned Special Rapporteur Mr MutumaRuteere presented his annual report. Mr Tenzin Kayta representing the Society for Threatened Peoples briefed Mr Ruteere on the current deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet. He made special references to the cultural, social, religious and linguistic discrimination the Tibetans faced daily in their homeland under Chinese rule. During the interactive dialogue and general debate on the above issues, Mr Kayta stated that, "Despite China's obligations under the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), racial discrimination faced by Tibetans under the Chinese authorities is getting worse. Since March 2008 widespread protests erupted in all Tibetan areas under Chinaยนs administration." He said that the Chinese security personnel following the recent twin self-immolations in Lhasa on May 27 rounded up about 600 Tibetans. Mr Kayta went on to give various instances of Tibetans' basic rights being violated. Those living in Lhasa and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), but not born there were compelled to move back to their birthplace, while the hundreds of thousands of Chinese from the mainland are allowed to move about freely. This is discriminatory and a blatant violation of freedom of movement and resident.There have also been restrictions put on freedom of association and assembly, while security forces in Lhasa have continued to carry out highly increased identity checks on the streets of the city. Furthermore, he explained that China's development policies are conceived and carried out without participation or keeping in mind the local Tibetan people and thus are discriminatory in design and
Mr Tenzin Samphel Kayta of the Society for Threatened Peoples. Photo: File
implementation. For instance, the forcible resettled of Tibetan nomads in concrete ghetto like buildings not only denies them their rights but also threatens the very survival of an ancient Tibetan lifestyle. With respect to this the Special Rapportuer on Food, in his report recommended that Chinese authorities respect the right to development and put an end to this. He expressed concern regarding restrictions put on the use of Tibetan spoken and written language by the Chinese authorities. MrKayta said, "This year alone, the Chinese authorities had forcibly closed a Tibetan orphanage school in Luchu County in Kanlho (Gannan), a prefecture which housed 50 students and a private funded Tibetan school called Khadrok Jamtse Rokten School in Kardze County for giving
priority to (the) Tibetan language and culture. Responsible person(s) of the schools were arrested and (their) whereabouts remain unknown" He stated that the string of Tibetan self-immolations were a result of constant, widespread discrimination of their social, cultural, linguistic and religion rights. He urged the Chinese authorities to investigate the causes of unrest in Tibetan areas, redress it sincerely with the implementation of domestic and international laws and take responsibility for ensuring the basic rights of the people. In response to the statement, the Chinese delegate said, "There are no ethnic or racial problems in China. All citizens are treated equally according to law. Tibet and Xinjiang are not human rights issue but politically motivated by western forces."
6 TPI NEWS EXILE Education Department Takes Prayers Held for The Death of 10th Over Running of Central School Panchen Lama's Mother for Tibetans The Tibet Post International
15 July, 2012 Dharamshala
By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post
Press Conference By Department of Education(CTA). Held at Lhapa Tsering Memorial Hall In (DIIR), Dharamsala. Photo: TPI/ Sangay By Amanda Peters, Tibet Post
Dharamshala: A proposal made by the Tibetan government-in-exile nearly two years ago finally got the support it needed in the form of the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry following an intervention from the Ministry of External Affairs. The proposal stated handing over the running of Tibetan schools established and funded by the Central Government of India to the Tibetan government-in-exile (Central Tibetan Administration [CTA]). The HRD Ministry was initially against the proposal. But it changed its stand in 2011 after the then foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao, supported the demand. The Department of Education (CTA) told reporters on July 10 that the Indian HRD Ministry has accepted the Tibetan proposal for a transfer of all the 63 Central School for Tibetans (CST) educational institutes, spread across India, which includes 34 pre-primary schools under its administration. Currently these schools are managed and funded by the Central Tibetan Schools Administration (CTSA), a body under the HRD Ministry. At present there are 7,555 students and around 761 staff members in the CST schools, which run from the pre-primary to Class-XII and promote Tibetan culture and heritage. "We have been requesting the Indian government for many years to hand over the schools to us, but only this year the proposal materialized as a result
of the constant effort put in by the new cabinet," Ngodup Tsering, secretary of the Education Department said. However, the Indian government will continue to bear the expenses of running these schools. Thousands of Tibetan students have since studied in these schools and continue to serve the Tibetan exile administration. Mounting concerns over the gradual deterioration of the quality of education and academic performance in these schools led to the demand for handing them over to the CTA, which has done a reasonably good job of managing a number of its own schools. "The schools run by them are in fact doing very well. Their results are better than the CTSA schools. Hence, it is only pertinent that the CTSA schools are also handed over to them. While the Centre will continue to give them grants, the schools will, under the transfer proposal, be run and operated by the Tibetan government-in-exile. These schools, however, will remain affiliated to the CBSE. The Indian teachers already employed will continue to work there as Tibetan teachers are engaged only for Tibetan language teaching," a senior official said. These schools are spread across Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Orissa, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
Tibetan Women Association Pays Tribute to His Holiness on His 77th Birthday
Dharamshala: The mother of the Tenth Panchen Lama, Choekyi Gyaltsen Rinpoche, passed away at the age of ninety-seven on the 29th of June in the gateway city of Siling, in the eastern Tibetan region of Amdo. The news has deeply saddened many within the Tibetan community-both in exile and in Tibet itself. Mayum Sonam Dolma was born in Tibet in 1915 and due to a confluence of historical and personal events that washed over Tibet in her lifetime, she experienced many tumultuous episodes: the Chinese invasions, modernity tentatively beginning in her homeland, her son becoming the Tenth Panchen Lama and all that followed in the intervening years from those events. Mayum Sonam Dolma, amongst many other roles and duties, was at one time the Vice-President of the Tibetan Autonomous Region's congress. In addition, she continued with social work around Vidu village and nearby areas-Running monasteries and schools after the death of her son- the 10th Panchen Lama and her husband Gur Gun Tsetan. Mayum Sonam Dolma died at approximately at 8.52 a.m. it is not known at this stage if she suffered from any illness or condition which may have caused her death. She had been hospitalised since January of this year in Siling. Prayer services were conducted after her death in many local monasteries and villages (Dobi, Tse
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offering prayers to condole the demise of the 10th Panchen Lama’s mother at the main temple in Dharamsala on 3 July 2012/Photo: TPI
Chang, Karang, and Kangtsa) as a tribute to her life and work, in the Amdo region. She was a much respected figure within Tibet itself and amongst the Tibetan community in exile in India and indeed worldwide. Many prominent and ordinary Tibetans have been posting condolences online since the news of her death has been become widely known. His Holiness the Dalai Lama also presided over a
prayer service today, 3rd of July, organised by the Tibetan government in exile here in Dharamshala. The service was held in the main temple and was also attended by hundreds of local Tibetan people, members of parliament and many visitors from other countries too. The service was jointly organised by the central and regional committees of Domey province as a mark of respect for her passing.
“Flame of Truth” Relay Commences on His Holiness’ 77th Birthday By Garima Sharma, Tibet Post
Dharamsala,July 6, 2012, 11:00 a.m: On the auspicious occasion of the 77th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Member of Parliament in exile, Mr. Karma Yeshi addressed The "Flame of Truth" relay's press conference at the Cochin Press Club. Mr. Yeshi spoke of the relay's commencement on the propitious event of His Holiness the. Dalai Lama's birthday on July 6, 2012 from Leh, Ladakh in North India, Shillong in Northeast India & Cochin in South India. He also extolled on the present conflagration of protests within Tibet due to the ever-intensifying Chinese occupation along with the routes, relay schedule and demands of the campaign. Along the course of the conference, the "Flame of Truth" torch was presented and unveiled to the media, followed by a question and answer session. Mr. Yeshi also spoke with members of Friends of Tibet, India and local Tibetans regarding the collection of signatures through the "Flame of Truth" relay. This signature campaign listed the following demands to be forwarded to the UN member states and Secretary General. 1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and must continuously make efforts to fulfill them 2. An independent international fact-finding committee must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet 3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations
On the auspicious occasion of the 77th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Member of Parliament in exile, Mr. Karma Yeshi addressed The "Flame of Truth" relay's press conference at the Cochin Press Club. Photo: TPI
of the Tibetans living within Chinese-occupied Tibet are fulfilled. The relay originated at the residence of former judge of the Supreme Court of India as well as former cabinet minister of the state of Kerala - V. R. Krishna Iyer. It was lead by Mr. Yeshi, members of Friends of Tibet, India, and local Tibetan residents. Mr. Iyer gave following message at the launching of the worldwide relay. He said, "Lord Buddha stands for the greatest blessings of God to humanity. Tibet as a nation and the Tibetan culture
stands for the Buddha. His Holiness the Dalai Lama stands for humanity and compassion; human rights and human culture. And I wish he becomes popular in the whole world. He is not just an individual, nor the state, but he stands for global culture". He further stated that "The people of Tibet are dying, they are becoming slaves, and we cannot allow that. They are entitled for full freedom and we stand for that. Support its culture and independence. We are with them. May this Day grow more glorious!" The 'Flame of Truth', which was launched from Kochi, will further travel to Coimbatore.
Kalon Tripa, Dr Sangay Meets Chinese Intellectuals in Australia By Central Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net
TWA’s free plants and flowers on the occasion of His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s birthday, on July 6, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI By Garima Sharma, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala, 6th July, 2012: On the occasion of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 77th birthday, the Tibetan Women Association (TWA) paid a tribute to His Holiness by hosting various events. One of which was the distribution of 750 saplings to be planted across Dharamsala, to the general public, in conjunction with His Holiness The Dalai lama’s consistent efforts towards propagating an environmental-friendly outlook. The TWA stressed on working towards reducing the CO2 levels in the city resulting from the influx of tourist vehicles in Dharamsala, that doubles every year. The saplings were distributed by TWA
members and staff at the Main Cathedral/temple, Tsuglakhang,Mcleod Ganj. The TWA also arranged a lunch for all 18 patients at the Palampur Leprosy Home and Hospital. The event was organized as a token of love and thanks, especially for the medical aid provided for the Tibetan patients at the hospital, (9 out of 18 patients are Tibetan) Furthermore, the TWA also circulated sweets to the Indian offices in Dharamsala, such as Banks, Post Offices, V.I.P and public offices; in accordance with the Indian tradition of ‘gifting sweets’ on special occasions. This step was undertaken to strengthen and acknowledge the brotherhood between the Indian and Tibetan communities in the area.
Dharamshala: - During his 7-day visit to Australia from 24 June to 1 July, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leadr of Tibet and the Central Tibetan Administration in exile met a group of Chinese community members in Melbourne. During his interaction with the Chinese community members, he spoke about his keen interest in the growth of democratic principles in China and said that freedom is the basic right of every human being. He also spoke about the three principles of the new Kashag and the deteriorating situation inside Tibet today. On 30 June, at the invitation of the Democratic Party of China, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay addressed a group of Chinese intellectuals and democratic activists in Sydney. In his address, he spoke about the growth of democracy in the Tibetan polity and said that the Tibetan struggle for a genuine autonomy is in line with the minority rights enshrined in the Chinese constitution. Kalon Tripa also spoke about the "One Country, Two System" policy of the Chinese government with regard to Hong Kong and Macau, and added that
Kalon Tripa, Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political head of Tibet meeting with the Chinese intellectuals in Melbourne, Australia during his 7-day (from 24 June to 1 July) vist to the country. Photo: Tibet Net
the Chinese Government doesn't trust the Tibetans with such a system because the Tibetans are not ethnic Chinese. Mr Gao Jian from the Sydney Democratic Party of
China, in his speech said that Dr Lobsang Sangay is the democratically elected leader of Tibet and that his election has sent out a clear signal to the Chinese government.
TPI NEWS INTERNATIONAL 7 Tension As Violent Protest Erupts Pro-Tibet Supporters protest President in China Against Copper Factory Hu’s visit to Hong Kong The Tibet Post International
15 Julyx, 2012 Dharamshala
By Amanda Peters,The Tibet Post
Environmental Protest in China. Photo:weibo By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Violent protests erupted yesterday, 3rd of July, in Shifang in Sichuan province, China against plans to build a copper alloy plant by the Shifang city government. It has been reported, according to sketchy accounts on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter, and other internet sources, that one woman has been killed after riot police attacked protestors. The protestor's main concern was the fear that they would be poisoned by toxic chemicals escaping from the factory, a fear brought on by growing environmental worries expressed by many Chinese citizens in recent years. The Shifang protest is one of a sequence of recent demonstrations in China against the perceived toxic pollution of the environment by factories, but also they have been about the corruption of local government, and land-grabbing by local officials in the name of industrial development. The three day protests turned to riots yesterday when protestors threw bricks and stones at police and government officials after police took away 27 ‘'suspected criminals''. According to a report from Reuters today, 21 of those have been released after a mass sit-down was held outside a government
building demanding their immediate release. Pictures and videos on the internet show thousands of people on the streets of Shifang apparently pitted against lines of heavily armed riot police with batons and shields. Reports suggest that police used excessive force on protestors firing tear gas and indiscriminately beating up ordinary people. The BBC has reported that 13 people were injured when police dispersed the crowd. In an unusual move for Chinese authorities, construction on the site of the factory has been halted due to the unrest in the city, and government officials said they would not restart building ‘'until the majority of people support[ed] it". Chinese microblogs have been openly critical of government actions in Shifang in recent days. China's most famous blogger, Han Han, addressing Shifang government officials wrote: The best of you emigrate, the worst of you are shot, but none of you actually live in the pollution. Only ordinary people live there. Another blogger was more direct and succinct, "The government has repeatedly squandered the people's patience. It is time for us to be independent."
Parkdale Tibet Club Holds Vigil At The Chinese Consulate In Toronto
Dharamshala: A pro-democracy heckler got hauled away on July 1 for interrupting a speech by Chinese President Hu Jintao, who was in town from June 29 to July 1, at the swearing-in of Hong Kong's new leader, Leung Chun-ying. Tens of thousands of residents marched to protest Chinese rule on the 15th anniversary of Asia's financial hub's return to Beijing's control and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Among the attendees were Tibetan activists and supporters also protesting President Hu's visit to Hong Kong to denounce his failed policies in Tibet and China. From his government's harsh crackdown against pro- Tibet supporters to implementing martial law in Tibet in 1989, President Hu continues to assert the failed policies that deny Tibetans their basic rights and contributes to the deteriorating situation inside Tibet. "Chinese President Hu has tried - and failed - to convince the world that China is more open and democratic and that Tibetans are somehow prospering under Chinese rule," said Dorothy Hui, one of the organizers in Hong Kong. "His brutal and violent occupation of Tibet, and abuses committed against his own people, clearly show the truth that China remains an unchanged, repressive and authoritarian state." A report named 'Hu Failed Tibet,' detailing the President's failed policies regarding Tibet, will be released during his visit. There have been 42 recorded cases of selfimmolations in and outside Tibet, with at least 31 of them dying. Referring to these cases Brigitte von Bulow, chair of United Nation for a Free Tibet explained that, "These unprecedented acts are a direct response to the decades of violent and
repressive policies Tibetans have endured under Chinese occupation, and a cry to the outside world for help." She also stated that, "Wherever Hu Jintao goes we will be there, ensuring that he hears our message that his leadership has been a failure and the incoming Chinese leaders realize they must address the Tibet issue correctly". His government has had ten years to address the issues that Tibetans currently face, but instead of using his position to set right the wrong President Hu has stuck to the work he started as Party Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region, implementing his hard-line policy which is a combination of harsh crackdowns on separatism and economic development. Dorothy Hui expresses that China is an example of an authoritarian dictatorship and ever since Hong Kong
was "returned" to China in 1997 there has been a suppression of their rights, freedom, language and writing. Hong Kong and Tibet share similar fates, where Tibetans have risen up against China's crackdown in their homeland. "Hong Kong citizens must go beyond the rhetoric of human rights by taking substantive action to press Government and China's leaders to respect the Tibetan people's right to freedom and promote change in China.", Dorothy Hui remarked. United Nation For a Free Tibet (Hong Kong) members and pro-Tibet supporters held a rally in Canal Road Flyover, Wan Chai to bring to light the deepening crisis in Tibet, and condemn President Hu's failed policies with regards to the Tibet issue. After the rally the Tibetan activists joined the Hong Kong 1 July marches, heading to Chinese Liaison Office.
Tibetan Minister Meets Taiwanese Members of Parliament In Taipei By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Kalon Dicki Chhoyang told members of the Taiwanese parliament and local NGO's concerned with human rights inside Tibet that the current situation within Tibet is critical hence the selfimmolations currently happening. Chinese repression is at the moment extremely harsh she told her audience and freedom of free speech and religion are more restricted than ever. People in Tibet are dying for what are, in essence, basic human rights. Human rights that are the norm in other countries, yet are still to be realized in Tibet, she said. These events are unprecedented and are a signal to the world of Tibet's struggle for freedom she told her audience of parliamentarians, students and Human rights NGO's. In answer to a question Kalon Dicki Chhoyang said that the ‘'patriotic re-education'' regime, the resettlement of Nomads and the teaching of Chinese in Tibetan schools was having a seriously detrimental effect on Tibetan society and culture and a real threat to its heritage. In addition, she said China's policies are fundamentally wrong and that the government there should now resume talks with the Tibetan administration in exile in an honest and fruitful dialogue. His Holiness the Dalai Lama had the
The Tibetan minister also met with the Taiwan -Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen, in the capital of Taiwan, on June 29, 2012. Photo: Taipei TPI Correspondent, Ms Keary Huang
foresight many years ago to initiate the Middle Way, she said, a peaceful non-violent approach to achieving autonomy for Tibet within the framework of China's constitution. Tibetan minister also met with the former Taiwan -Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen. During the meeting, the former DPP leader also strongly expressed concerns over the current situation in Tibet. "Today I met with the minister of the Tibetan foreign affairs and information
department, Ms. Dickyi Chhoying. She needs to connect with as well as many foreign supporters as possible to create a untited, powerful international voice for Tibet, Tsai Ing-wen stated. "To do this, she and I share our current responsiblities and have tried to figure out a way to create a relationship and business relationship with China and the WTO." "Ms. Dickyi Cheoyang explained us that the selfimmolations are a result of dissatisfaction among the Tibetans with regards to China’s policies on religion, language and the resettlements of Tibetan herdsmen." "She urges the government to implement genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese Constitution. Finally, I pray for the government-in-exile and its Tibetan compatriots," she said. Last month, when she was DPP leader, she has reiterated the DPP’s strong support for the Tibetan democratic movement and the well-being of Tibetans in Taiwan. Kalon Dicki Chhoyang also urged Taiwan and the international community to push China in addressing the grave problem within contemporary Tibet. Kalon Dicki Chhoyang is on a three country visit of countries in the East Asia region and Taiwan is her first port of call.
UN Member States Express Concern Over Rights Abuses In Tibet By Amanda Peters, Tibet Post Students for Free A Tibet at Grand Central Terminal in New York in 2008. Photo: TPI By The Tibet Post International
Toronto - Tibetan high school students from Parkdale Collegiate will hold a 'Lhakar' (White Wednesday) vigil on July 4, in front of the Chinese Consulate in Toronto, in solidarity with the nonviolent resistance movement inside Tibet. Parkdale Collegiate has the highest number of Tibetan students in Toronto, with more than 200 students of Tibetan background. "This Lhakar vigil is dedicated to all those who have sacrificed for Tibet, where since 2009, over 40 Tibetan monks, nuns, lay people and students have self-immolated demanding and end to Chinese repression in Tibetan areas and calling for the return of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama back to Tibet," Tenzin Wangdak of Parkdale Tibet Club said. "The unprecedented wave of self-immolations by Tibetans highlight the extreme urgency of the situation inside Tibet, Change must come to Tibet now." 'Lhakar' or 'White Wednesday' is a home grown Tibetan people's grasstroots movement that started in the aftermath of the 2008 protests in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Every Wednesday, a growing number of Tibetans in Tibet make special effort to wear traditional clothes, speak Tibetan, eat in Tibetan restaurants and buy from Tibetan-owned
businesses. They channel their spirit of resistance into social, cultural and economic activities that promote Tibetan-ness. 'Lhakar' is considered special by Tibetans because it is the Dalai Lama's soul day. "In spite of China's intensified crackdown, Tibetans have embraced the power of strategic nonviolent resistance," Urgyen Badheytsang, National Director of the Canada Students for a Free Tibet said. "For over six-decades now, Tibetans in Tibet are continuously resisting China's violent rule; now they are lighting their own bodies on fire as a cry to the world to help restore their fundamental rights as human beings, we have an obligation to all that we can for our brothers and sisters inside Tibet." In recent years since 2008, Tibetans in Tibet and in exile have taken diverse Lhakar Pledges, resolving to boycott Made-in-China products, holding weekly vigils on Wednesday, to go vegetarian every Wednesday, to speak pure Tibetan, or to read a Tibetan newspaper once a week, or to wear chuba every Wednesday, etc. Through these pledges and actions, Tibetans are coming together in the greatest non-cooperation movement Tibet has ever seen.
Dharamsala: The worsening human rights situation in Tibet was a major topic of concern amongst the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) members. The Council convened on June 18 in Geneva to discuss various issues, including other human, economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. Article 4 of China's Constitution and Autonomy Law (REAL) promulgated in 1984 guarantees the freedom of all nationalities "to use and develop their own spoken and written languages..." However, China seems to be oblivious to this and continues to deny Tibetans their rights. The Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that after the immolations on May 27, 2012 they "have documented many restrictions on freedom of association and assembly. Security forces in Lhasa have been carrying out highly increased identity checks on the streets of the city." HRW has further stated that in areas of protests (Eastern Tibet) the Chinese have ordered local Tibetans to leave the capital and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) as well. They have urged the Chinese government to stand by the obligations connected with the freedom of association and have maintained that the constant violation of Tibetan human rights can result in increased tension and unrest in the region. During the morning session, Mr Ngawang C.
Tenzin Samphel Kayta at the United Nations Human Rights Council.Photo: tibet.net
Drakmargyapon made a joint statement of 4 UN NGOs. He stated that the continued denial of human rights by the Chinese government poses a threat to the very survival of the Tibetans as a distinct group. He sheds light on the fact that the Chinese authorities' implementation of policies and eviction of the Tibetan nomads is systematically eliminating a unique Tibetan lifestyle which had played a crucial role in the Tibetan Plateau for centuries. In the afternoon session, Mr Tenzin Samphel KAYTA from Society for Threatened Peoples brought attention to the fact that although the Council has focused on pressing human rights issues in general; they have failed to pay attention to the situation in Tibet since China's occupation.
He has further expressed concern on China's policy on permanently stationing communist work teams in monasteries and nunneries to conduct "Patriotic re-education" sessions. Monks and nuns who fail to oblige and denounce their spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama; are punished with arrests and expulsion. Referring to the self immolations, he stated that, "Tibetan plateau is engulfed in human flames. So far 41 Tibetans had immolated themselves ‘for freedom' and ‘return of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama' and 31 reported dead. Sadly, the Chinese authorities' response has been brutal suppression rather than listening to their genuine grievances." He urged the Council to call upon China to allow UN independent experts to ascertain the situation on ground and implement the invitation to the High Commissioner for Human Rights by receiving Madame Pillay for a fact-finding committee to devote adequate time in Tibet. Several UN member states, including the United States of America, Czech Republic, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Canada and the European Union spoke about China's human rights abuses, especially drawing light on the situation in Tibet. On behalf of the EU the Danish delegate expressed immense concern on the deteriorating situation in Tibet and Tibetan-populated areas, especially in the Sichaun Province.
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The Tibet Post International
TPI NEWS
Woman Self-Immolates In Protest At Chinese Policies In Eastern Tibet
TIBET
15 July, 2012 Dharamshala
10th Panchen Lama’s Daughter Honoured with Banned Award
Buddhist monks urging Chinese military officials let them to save Tibetan lives during a deadly earthquake rushed Kyigudho, Yulshul county of eastern Tibet in 2010. Photo: File By Mark Kernan, The Tibet
Dharamshala: Dekyi Choezom. a Tibetan woman from the Kyigudo area of Eastern Tibet on the 27th of June self-immolated as a protest against Chinese policies, the woman was approximately forty years old. Her demands were not made explicit. Many people who were there are at the time saw the woman self-immolate, according to sources from inside Tibet. The woman is now in an emergency unit of a local hospital suffering from very bad burns all over her body. The Chinese police have so far refused her family and relatives the chance to visit her in hospital. Some local Tibetan people explained that the woman burned herself because local Tibetans are very unsatisfied about the Chinese authorities actions (and non-actions) concerning the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in the region. The huge earthquake
killed many and destroyed a large number of homes. The woman is the daughter of a local man called Petse, she moved to the area a couple of years ago and the self-immolation was in protest against the confiscation of her residence, the sources said. In recent months, Tibetans have become more forceful in their protests against China’s repressive policies targeting Tibetans in their homeland-Tibet, with a dreadful series of at least 43 self-immolations by Tibetan protesters since 2009, and that 35 of them died. "Life is precious, very precious. Given the choice, we all would want to live, with our family members, with our parents, with our siblings. But Tibetans inside Tibet have decided to give up their lives so that other Tibetans could have better lives," said Dr Lobsang Sangay during his recent visit to Australia.
By Garima, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Since October 2011, one of Tibetan's former political prisoners Dolma Kyi who organizes Miss Tibet, has been honouring a few distinguished women of Tibetan Nationality for their work and their representation of Tibetan culture. Amidst those who have been nominated for this award are: Famous writer Tsering Woeser, Dolma Gyari- the minister of Home, Jetsun Pema- His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's sister and Panchen Lama's daughter Rigzin Wangmo. Finally Rigzin Wangmo was awarded recently with a special set of ritualistic costume, a golden Sholong,
Rinzin Wangmo, Daughter of The late 10th Panchen Lama. Photo: Facebook flies
and token certificate of honour for her strong and distinctive representation of Tibetans in exile. The award is called Gordon of the three Regions of Tibet, Sholong Award. Other prolific women personalities were not awarded in this manner as Dolma Kyi felt that they will encounter political problems due to this recognition. This is the first honour of its kind, that recognizes the work done by distinguished women who are Tibetans. However, the Chinese Government s was of the opinion that this honour can only be bestowed
upon by an organization, not an individual. Hence, the Golok Women's Association were the official hosts of this tribute as Dolma Kyi in effect has no right to confer it. Even so, with all legalities and formalities in place the Chinese government expressed political contention with this honour and fined Dolma Kyi a sum of 30,000 Yuan and have henceforth declared that the honour will be discontinued. This award ceremony also has a music compilation with songs about its inception, recipients and struggles.
Tibet’s Political Leader, Dr Sangay Captivates Australian Audiences ...... Continues From Front Page Speaking in Sydney last night (June 29th), Dr. Sangay said he had engaged in ‘robust discussions' with Australian members of parliament, four of whom had also made public statements in parliament on Tibet in the last two days. The trip had also brought controversy however, with both embattled Prime Minister Julia Gillard and new Foreign Minister Bob Carr declining to officially meet with him. When asked if this was at all daunting or embarrassing, he smiled and said "no, as the Australian says ‘no worries', we meet those who want to meet and don't complain about those who don't want to meet. That's where I think Buddhism comes in; given a choice we'd like to meet and discuss things. It's only fair that you hear from both sides". Dr. Sangay thanked the audience for coming to listen to a ‘boring speech' on a Friday night and warned them not to expect to laugh at any of his jokes, however it soon became clear that his witty anecdotes and pieces of advice would be getting plenty of laughs throughout the evening. His talk, entitled ‘Democracy, Buddhism and the Future of Asia' also dealt with a great many issues related to his leadership, Tibetan society and the relationship between Tibet and Beijing. Questions were put to him from the audience, and he also responded to others sent in through Twitter. A live feed on the internet enabled Tibetans around Australia to listen or watch, ensuring everyone had the chance to hear his message. A young Australian man summed up the general feeling in the room when handed the microphone, by saying: "Prime Minister firstly I would like to thank you for coming to talk to us here in Sydney, this is something that I'll remember for the rest of my life", then going on to talk of his visit to Tibet where he witnessed shocking scenes of cultural assimilation. An older man also expressed his admiration by suggesting: "I hope that you will become a Tibetan image of Barack Obama", at which several audience members cheered. Here are some of the highlights from the Sydney talk: ...About his knowledge of Buddhism Under no illusions about his strengths, Dr. Sangay said he had been ‘certified by His Holiness not to know about Buddhism', but wanted to share what he considered the ‘Buddhist element' in Tibetan politics. This was perhaps what drew the most attention to the key differences between Australian and Tibetan politics, as he suggested that perhaps Australian politicians should share taxi rides, as he had done with another candidate during his election campaign in India. The crowd laughed at the thought of its bickering ministers being able to sit in the same car together, and no doubt there was
reflection on the different nature of democracy in the two countries. On Tibetan Democracy In giving an account of his experience of the election process, Dr. Sangay claimed he had only ever intended to serve as a ‘dummy candidate' until the ‘real candidates' came along, but the idea grew on him until he believed he could do it. His strategy was "to win even if I lose, meaning, I will remain a Tibetan with humility, Buddhism, respectful of elders, even if I lose the election". He said he later realised that "this is my karma, this is my destiny" and to not go forward would be to send a message to China that he couldn't stand up to their rule. The Kalon Tripa also spoke about how democracy in the Tibetan community had ‘matured and grown' over the past fifty years, explaining that right from 1963 when the Constitution of Tibet was drafted there was a provision for the eventual impeachment of the Dalai Lama, causing scandal in the community. Says Sangay, "We had just lost our country, and he was 26 years old but he had the vision of our secular democratic society and he wanted a provision in the constitution". There were many Tibetans nodding in agreement when he stated that: "For 60 years His Holiness led us by holding our hand, and now he wants to see whether you can walk or not, whether you can stand up or not, whether you can move forward or not. That was the test". On the Movement Dr. Sangay described to the audience his humble beginnings in a refugee family in Darjeeling, living on an acre of land, with a few cows and chickens, and attending a refugee school where the food was less than appetising. He spoke of his later time abroad as a student and scholar, and how he left his comfortable life in America and his job as a senior fellow at Harvard University to pursue the Tibetan election. He says it became a big responsibility to have to make decisions without the cover of His Holiness' signing off with his endorsement, but says he has gladly swapped the Starbucks for Indian cha and relocated to Dharamshala. After giving up the material comforts of life in the West, he insisted that "All this is not sacrifice, all this is contribution". Dr. Sangay said the movement was about sending a message of hope, and that it was now more than ever "for all those who have died and continue to sacrifice in Tibet. In that sense we are sending a clear message to the Chinese government and the Tibetans in Tibet. We will be here as long as it takes for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet, for Tibetans to have our basic freedom". For his Australian audience the Kalon Tripa had a thorough explanation of the nature of Tibetan
democracy in exile: "Tibet issue is part movement, in the exile movement, part democratic governance. Now, ideologically or theoretically they are contradictory, meaning if it's an exile movement what you emphasise is unity, single leadership; [but in democratic governance there is] Instead of unity, diversity; instead of single leadership, opposition parties; instead of single voice, freedom of speech. So there are fundamental contradictions between the two. How can you find a Middle Way for everything? The Tibetan model is in fact a lab test for democracy-in-exile. So Tibet is a very important model for many marginalised groups and many refugee groups around the world. If we succeed, this model can be adopted and adapted to other marginalised groups, to other refugee groups around the world". On the Immolations On the topic of the 42 tragic self-immolations that have taken place and then 35 resulting deaths, Dr. Sangay expressed disbelief that still the Chinese government could refuse to recognise that there is a problem in Tibet. On their sacrifice he added: "Life is precious, very precious. Given the choice, we all would want to live, with our family members, with our parents, with our siblings. But Tibetans inside Tibet have decided to give up their lives so that other Tibetans could have better lives. (...) As a Tibetan, as a human being, you really don't want to see such tragic deaths, that is why the Tibetan Administration has appealed to Tibetans not to resort to drastic actions, including self-immolation". Sangay claimed the immolations were a reflection of the unbearable situation in Tibet, and that "that form of protest is happening because the Chinese government refuses to enter into dialogue to resolve the issue of Tibet peacefully". On the Importance of Gender Equality According to Dr. Sangay, one of the key focuses of his government will be gender equality in the Tibetan community. Responding to a question from the audience, he proudly stated that of the six kalons in the cabinet, 2 are women, which shows that they are well represented. The Home and Foreign departments, the two largest, are also headed by women. He affirmed: "I do agree that gender equality is very important, and I try to make the point, by appointing two women in the Kashag of six members, in a way that's a demonstration, and then in the Tibetan Administration itself in Dharamshala, at the central level, the women's representation is around 33-4%, not that bad. But in the settlement level the women's representation is still less, so we have our work cut out for us, and we will keep doing it". On the Future of Asia and Australia According to Dr. Sangay, Australia has a large role
to play in the future of Asia, and its values are key to that contribution. Explained Sangay: "Australia is a land of opportunity. Australians have values like democracy, human rights and freedom; these are the same values Tibetans aspire to, these are the same values enshrined in the Australian Constitution, these are the same values enshrined in the Chinese Constitution but not implemented. These are the values enshrined in our Charter which we aspire to". He went on to say that the issue of Tibet and success in resolving it were central to the future of Asia, asking "Who would have thought a year and a half ago they would have democracy [before the Arab Spring]? Now they have democracy. And who would have thought just months ago Aung San Suu Kyi would be free? (...) It's good news that it happened and it will happen to the Tibetan people". One audience member posed the question of the possibility of democracy in China, to which DR. Sangay responded: "I do think actually democracy not just in China but generally in the world will prevail, because the universality of democracy is being established now [since the Arab Spring which showed the world that like Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism, Islam is also compatible with democracy]. Now the question is whether Confucianism is compatible with democracy or not, if China is a Confucius State". He then went on to point out optimistically that, given the examples of Confucian South Korea and Taiwan, both of which are democratic, this can be the case. The Kalon Tripa's advice to Australians who wanted to help the Tibetan cause was that Australians should join up to Tibetan groups such as the Australia Tibet Council (ATC) or the Tibet Info Office, and write to their politicians because "Unless the politicians hear from their constituents, they don't act. You need to say ‘I vote for you, I would like you to support Tibet'. (...) When His Holiness comes in June next year be there, and continue to be our friends if you want to, if not it's alright, as you say in Australia ‘no worries'". What Tibet Wants From China: The Tibetan leader has a refreshing outlook to share when asked about his feelings regarding the Chinese people, and reaffirmed the legitimacy and nonthreatening nature of Tibet's bid for genuine autonomy: "They have invaded us several times and one or two times we have invaded them also. We live side by side and we know pretty well what kind of people they are, given the choice they are really pretty nice people, we can get along with them. Sometimes they're not so nice, and in this part of history they're not so nice, at least the Chinese leadership, so we want to change that". "All Tibetans ask for is genuine autonomy in China,
within the framework of the Chinese Constitution. We are not challenging China's sovereignty; we are not challenging China's territorial integrity. Still, Beijing responds with hostility, unfortunately. (...) Because there is no space for any kind of protest, Tibetans start taking extreme measures. There is no space for Freedom of Speech". The reason, he says, that Beijing doesn't want to grant Tibet autonomy is because Tibetans are not Chinese and can't be trusted. They are not part of the middle kingdom of ‘Zhongguo' and by definition are barbarians. Hence the Chinese idea: "Tibetans were liberated and civilised in the 1950s, they were dirty filthy slaves and we cleaned them up, now they're civilised". The crowd laughed as he made the joke that because we are also outside of Zhongguo, Australians are also considered barbarians. He noted that Tibet could be a catalyst to developments in Chinese diplomacy, because "When China grants autonomy to Tibet, it is the beginning of acceptance of diversity, it is the beginning of the acceptance that yes, we can cross someone different than us, we can grant autonomy to someone different than us". It is in this way he believes China will begin to deal with others with more respect, including Australia. On the topic of restarting negotiations with China, Sangay said: "We have to reengage, to find a mutually acceptable solution, through a peaceful way. We have invested in democracy and nonviolence, we will continue to invest in democracy and non-violence, if you believe in non-violence then dialogue is the way forward so we remain ready to engage in dialogue with the Chinese government to solve the issue of Tibet". Ending on a light note that brought smiles to the faces of those in the audience, Dr. Sangay concluded with an anecdote: "On August 8th, the day of my inauguration, His Holiness came and gave a very moving speech, that is still remembered by Tibetans all around the world. When he was young, the political authority was handed over to him, and [to hand power to a democratically elected leader], this has been his long cherished goal. He often says this: ‘Oh, on August 8, that night, I had a very unusual sleep. Nine hours of sleep! And no dreams'. That means his long wish was fulfilled. And since that day it seems he sleeps very well. But my sleep pattern has changed!". His final message before launching into the crowd to shake hands with members of his audience, amid a long round of applause, was this: "So be with Tibet and Tibetan people, and the more I hear good news from Australia I'll sleep better and better, and then I'll have a more normal life. So ‘til then, goodbye, good luck, and be with us, and if not, no worries. Thank you".
15 Julyx, 2012 Dharamshala
TPI NEWS
TPIE’S STATEMENT
The Tibet Post International
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Parliament's Statement On The 77th Birthday Celebration Of His Holiness
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet with the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, Chief Guest Shri. Kishan kapoor, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Mr Penpa Tsering at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on July 6, 2012, Mr. Penpa Tsering addressing during the auspicious day of the 77th celebration. Photo: TPI
The Tibet Tibet Post International
Dharamshala, July 6 2012: On this auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the supreme saviour of all sentient beings, the master of the entire corpus of the Buddha's teachings extant on this earth; a great champion of world peace; the human embodiment of Avalokitesvara, the spiritual king of the three realms and Supreme leader, protector of symbol, of Tibet and the Tibetan people, I, on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, extend my greetings with great pleasure to all the guests who are present here. For the sake of all sentient beings in general, and especially for the sake of the sentient beings of the Snowland of Tibet, whom he had especially assumed the obligation to bring under the realm of His spiritual guidance, His Holiness took birth amid numerous amazing signs and omens on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Wood- Pig Year of the 16th Tibetan Royal Sexantry, corresponding to the 6th of July 1935, as a son to His father Chokyong Tsering and mother Dekyi Tsering at Taktser Village in the Kumbum region of Dhomey Province. On this perfect, auspicious occasion, we offer our greetings to His Holiness by worshipfully holding over our heads the soil on which He has trodden and with unwavering devotions of body, speech and mind. On this basis, we forever remain in prayers to His Holiness, day and night, beseeching that He, the saviour and true refuge of all the Tibetan people in the Land of Snows, and a champion of world peace, to live for a hundred aeons so that we may receive the nectar of His omniscient guidance in a continuing stream from its pristine, original source. By assuming obligation to bring the people of the Land of Snows under the realm of His spiritual guidance, and appearing in human form in such numerous and diverse capacities as kings, ministers, Bodhisattvas and so on, His Holiness has carried out vast and varied religious and humanitarian roles. From the time of the Great Fifth, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had assumed temporal and spiritual leadership of Tibet and exercised unquestioned authority over the Tibetan people in accordance with the principles of the co-existence of religion and politics. In particular, for the benefit of the people of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama had, with a great sense of commitment and resolute drive, expressed desires and undertaken initiatives to introduce historic reforms in the system of governance in Tibet for the benefit of the Tibetan people. However, by then Communist China had already begun its invasion of Tibet and His sacred wishes could not be carried out. In addition, by 1959, the entire territory of Tibet was already under the occupation of Communist China. Therefore left with no other choices, nearly 100,000 Tibetan people fled into exile to the neighbouring country India. Immediately on reaching India, His Holiness especially established Tibetan schools, monasteries, settlements, and other kinds of Tibetan centres. In particular, since introducing democracy in the Tibetan community in exile in 1960, steps were taken in a continuous series of moves to attain a genuine democratic system. In this connection, a new system was introduced in 2001 by which the Tibetan people directly elected the head of their government, the Kalon Tripa. Thereafter, in 2011,
His Holiness devolved to the directly elected leaders of the Tibetan people his entire political and administrative authorities. He thereby oversaw the transition of the Tibetan administration in exile into a legitimate, stable democratic system fully based on law. The entire deeds of great magnitude He carried out in both spiritual and political fields has earned His Holiness the Dalai Lama plaudits from across the world, which has presented to Him hundreds of awards and certificates, including the Nobel Peace Prize. In the immediate past one year alone, for example, he was presented the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace, reiterated with the awarding of recognition as the master of all the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, awarded the peace prize of the University of California San Diego, and presented an honorary degree by Loyola University in the US city of Chicago. In particular, for His constant and unrivalled accomplishments in the courses of advocating kindness and compassion, universal responsibility, and peace and non-violence as well as for his promotion of interfaith harmony and friendship, and the interrelationship between Buddhism and science, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was presented the famous Templeton Prize. Likewise, during the past one year alone, His Holiness visited numerous countries across the world, including the United States of America, Switzerland, France, Finland, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Mongolia, Japan, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Belgium, and India's capital New Delhi. In all these places, He met with revered religious leaders, as well as important political figures, such as current and former presidents and prime ministers, and members of parliaments. He also very graciously gave lectures on profound topics of great current and future as well as immediate and long term universal relevance and benefits to the student community as well as the general public in those countries. He especially visited the physically handicapped and those devastated by flood, met with the affected people, encouraged them by counseling about the importance of having a sense of determination, gave donations and consoled them in such manners. Likewise, His Holiness visited people devastated by earthquakes, offered prayers at the affected places, as well as consoled and instilled courage in the victims of the calamities. Also especially in the past one year, His Holiness gave His 31st and 32nd Kalachakra Empowerment teachings. In Canada, His Holiness took part in the inaugural session of the 6th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet and addressed its participants. It bears no mention at all that through events such as the above, His Holiness has carried out His noble commitments and advocacy actions without subjecting himself to any kinds of limits and still continues to do so. It also bears no mention that the happiness of the people of this world in general terms and especially the hopes for an immediate resolution of the just cause of Tibet, as also the happiness of the Tibetan people, and the sanctity thereof rises in direct proportion to the rise in the level of the roles carried out by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Given this fact, it is obvious that not even a minuscule fraction of the gratitude we owe to His Holiness for his past and continuing roles for our
benefits cannot be repaid even if we were to offer to Him the entire collection of virtues and a universe filled with Seven Kinds of Precious Minerals. Nevertheless, on behalf of the Tibetan people both in and outside the Land of Snows, we, with our body, speech and mind pay obeisance and prostration, present a manner of expressing our unfathomable gratitude to Him and at the same time pray with utmost vigour that for the sake of all sentient beings in general terms and especially for the benefit of the exceedingly anguished people of the land of snows, turn His attention to this blessed land of snows and continue as before his vast and uninterrupted role of caring for them out of a compassionate feeling of special closeness. In the year 2010, His Holiness spoke on successive occasions about His desire to retire from politics. There was no denying the fact that His Holiness made His remarks out of a great feeling of compassionate concern for the immediate and long term interests of the Tibetan people, religion and government. Nevertheless, the Tibetan people both in and outside Tibet felt greatly concerned and saddened by this development and they offered successive petitions to Him, pleading with him never to entertain any thought about taking such a step. In the course of this development, the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile too pleaded with Him, saying we the people of the Tibetan Land of Snows were sustained only by the kindness and gratitude they owed to His Holiness. On the basis of the fact that it was destined by the Buddha's prophecy for His Holiness to have Tibet as the realm of his spiritual guidance or care, the Standing Committee entreated that He continue to adhere firmly to the oath-bound commitments he had been moved to make regarding the people of Tibet, which we said rendered it impossible for him to ever remove himself from his excellent role as the temporal and spiritual leader of the country for as long as this aeon endures. Likewise, in a background report to the First Special General Meeting of Tibetans held under Article 59 of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile in 2008; during successive sessions of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; and especially in the very first paragraph of the final report summarizing the suggestions received from the participants in the First Tibetan National General Meeting, held at Bylakuppe in 2010, it was stated: "His Holiness the Dalai Lama has thus far assumed responsibility as the Head of the great Tibetan nation and as the head of the Tibetan government. On behalf of the Tibetan people both in Tibet and in exile, we offer immense gratitude to His Holiness. At the same time, His Holiness the Dalai Lama remarked in His speech that He was already in semi-retirement. This has plunged the entire people of Tibet, both those in the county and outside it, to such depth of despair that they are no longer able to digest their food or to go to sleep in peace. In view of this development, this general meeting appeals to His Holiness the Dalai Lama never to carry out any plan for such a decision." Such was the prayer we offered in our petition to His Holiness. Thereafter on 14 March 2011, during the 11th session of the 14th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, a precious message was received from His Holiness, which stated thus: "Lay down the conditions by which within a definite time schedule both the
political and administrative authorities will vest in a leadership directly elected by the Tibetan people. In doing so, make sure that the relevant provisions of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile are in scrupulous conformity with a republican form of democracy. Because of this development, a number of deliberations in and outside of the parliament were held over a period of four working days, during which detailed discussions were held. At the end of it, a petition was submitted to His Holiness through the Secretaries of the Private Office, stating, among other things, "We remain resolute in praying that Your Holiness continue to assume your role as the supreme temporal and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people." However, the reply we received through the Private Office was stern and firm, stating, "There will be no change in His Holiness's wishes and the decisions which flowed from them. There is therefore no possibility to take up for consideration the provisions of the resolution of the Parliament-in-Exile. The resolution is therefore being sent back herewith." Pursuant to this development, the members again held informal meetings, as well as group meetings with equal apportionment of the members of the parliament-in-Exile. Thorough and indepth discussions were held in each of these committees. And for the purpose of implementing the wishes expressed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Speakers constituted a committee consisting of members of the parliament-in-Exile and members of the Kashag of the Tibetan administration in exile, with the task of drawing up draft recommendations for amending the relevant provisions of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile. And in accordance with its recommendations, a Second Special General Meeting of Tibetans was held. At that meeting too, it was amply explained that because an emphatic appeal based on our unanimous decision praying that His Holiness the Dalai Lama continue his leadership of the Tibetan nation, as was traditionally done by his successive predecessors, was turned down, an additional session of the Tibetan parliament was held from 26 to 28 May 2011 and the 25th amendment of the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile adopted. And it is a fact that in accordance with the provisions of this amendment, all the political and administrative authorities bequeathed by His Holiness were vested in leaders directly elected by the Tibetan people over the following courses of developments. Apart from that, it is important for everyone to understand that there is no reason whatsoever for anyone to give any credence or repose any trust in the exaggerated kinds of information which are totally at variance from the facts. Only a short time has passed since it finally became clear with absolute certainty that we had no alternative but to respect His Holiness the Dalai Lama's wish mandating that his decision to hand over all his authorities be accepted. Nevertheless, the entire Tibetan people have thus far managed to properly follow, straight on, along the path of democracy and freedom so that the situation of the Tibetan administration in exile remains in conformity with the wishes and successive advices of His Holiness. However, the Tibetan people both in and out of Tibet still haven't stopped feeling uneasy and discomforted by the fact that His Holiness no longer exercises direct political and administrative leadership over them. We would therefore like to emphatically remind the entire Tibetan people that the current situation means that we have arrived at an especially momentous event in history when we should apply our efforts with even greater vigour to both carry out our per-
sonal responsibilities and to contribute to the collective endeavours for the purpose of upholding our end of the sacred mutual obligations. Ever since invading and occupying Tibet, Communist China set out to obliterate the Tibetan people's ethnic identity and implemented a policy of demographic aggression. In the course of doing so, it split apart the entire territory of Tibet and separated them by merging various portions of it with a number of Chinese provinces. It banned the great monastic seats of learning in Dhotoe, Dhomey and U-Tsang from continuing their ageold practice of enrolling students from their historically connected areas and regions in Tibet within their various sections. In addition, the Chinese government especially established monastery management committees and through them forced the Tibetan monks and nuns to study, and subjected them to propaganda, about the atheist communist Chinese ideology and policies in the name of the so-called "love your nation, love your religion" campaigns. These practices continue to this day through successive campaign actions. In this milieu, any Tibetan who shows loyalty to his or her own race or work to protect the Tibetan culture is criminally branded as a separatist or splittist. And in violation of its own ethnic minority policy, China subjects such Tibetans to racially discriminatory "strike hard" campaigns, thereby making it impossible for the Tibetan people to tolerate the situation through day and night. It is no wonder, therefore, that peaceful Tibetan protest movements against the Chinese government has continued unabated. Since the great Tibetan protest movement of the Earth-Mouse Year in 2008 and thereafter the selfimmolation protest by monk Tabey in Amdo Ngaba on 27 February 2009, until 27 June, 2012 when Tenzin Choezom la at Ga-Kyegudo staged selfimmolation protests, a total of 42 lay and ecclesiastical Tibetans have torched themselves in Tibet. Of them, 31 have died. These courageous men and women living in Tibet have shouted demands that, speaking in general terms, sought to uphold the just cause of the Tibetan people and, in particular, called for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet, the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people to be respected, the policy to obliterate the Tibetan religion and culture to be halted, and so on. These Tibetan made great personal sacrifices by adopting such non-violent methods as self-immolation on numerous successive occasions. Many have lost their precious lives in doing so. In addition, much more number of Tibetans have been detained for purposes of investigation and their whereabouts remain unknown even as they continue to be subjected to all manners of unbearable torture. For all such Tibetans who still continue to suffer, and with the hope to see all their demands being fulfilled, the Tibetan administration in exile and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile jointly led from 18 October 2011 a four-day official programmes of extensive campaign actions carried out by Tibetans living across the world to make clear our sense of solidarity and feeling of communal oneness with them in hours of both happiness and sorrow. From 29 January 2012 onwards, a delegation of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile travelled to New Delhi and over a period of one week met with prominent Indian leaders as well as diplomats of various missions. The Tibetan MPs spoke to them about the tragedy of the situation in Tibet today. And on the Tibetan Water-Dragon New Year day this year, the members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, including the Standing Committee members,carried out a peaceful campaign action designed to symbolically express solidarity with
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...Parliament's Statement On The 77th Birthday Celebration Of His Holiness ...... Continues From Page 9 the Tibetans in Tibet by leading a day-long hunger strike by the Tibetan public. Likewise, during the third session of the 15th Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile, an eight-point official resolution expressing solidarity with the Tibetans in Tibet was adopted. The resolution urged people across the world to lend their support to the just cause of the Tibetan people and so on. Also adopted was an additional resolution in memory of and by way of expressing solidarity with the patriotic and heroic men and women of Tibet who, in their struggle for freedom, gave up their all, including their very lives, in the cause of the religion, government, people and culture of Tibet. Besides, at the 6th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet, discussions were held on about six agenda items which focused on reviewing and furthering the major decisions for action arrived at during the World Parliamentarians' Conventions on Tibet since 2009 and during other similar meetings. In addition, not only agreements and decisions were reached on many Tibet related issues, but also the meeting, in which all the delegates took part, was able to come out with an Ottawa Declaration on Tibet. Likewise, through contacts and discussions with and by way of appeals to members of parliaments in various countries of the world, we were able to get resolutions and related parliamentary actions in support of Tibet being adopted. In that way, numerous and various kinds of urgent campaign actions were carried out and we plan to make more such efforts in future. With regard to the especially important day of today, the Tibetan parliament is going to organize a worldwide campaign in the form of a "Flame of Truth" relay. In India, the relay will set off from three places, namely from Ladakh, Shillong and Kochi. All three relays will eventually conclude in New Delhi. Likewise, "Flame of Truth" relays will also set off in North America, Europe and also other places where offices of representatives of the Tibetan administration in exile have been set up, with the date for it being 2 September this year. Along the courses of the relays of the "Flame of Truth," public gatherings will be organized at various places and lectures delivered, press conferences held, petitions submitted, signatures collected on a petition on Tibet to be sent to the United Nations Secretary General, and so on. Three separate relays will eventually come to an end on the World Human Rights Day of 10 December 2012 in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City where the United Nations Secretary General has his office, in front of the office of the United Nations Human Rights Council in the Swiss city of Geneva, and in front of the United Nations representative's office in New Delhi. At each of these places, the flames and a compilation of the collected signatures will be submitted and the campaign concluded. In view of this, we appeal to all Tibetans and supporters of the Tibetan cause to provide wholehearted and cooperative support when the relay campaign takes place in their concerned areas. The demands of the "Flame of Truth" relay campaign are: 1) The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it had adopted in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfill the substantive provisions of these resolutions; 2) An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet; and. 3) The United Nations must bear special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled. For the purpose of resolving the Sino-Tibetan dispute, the Tibetan side has made every possible effort without making any change in our mutually beneficial Middle Way policy. However, the Chinese government's position and policy on the Tibet issue has only kept on deteriorating from bad to worse. Besides, the Chinese government totally ignored the basic aspirations of the Tibetan people and their just demands. On the contrary, it took to allege that the self-immolation protest movement being carried out by Tibetans in Tibet has been instigated by the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan administration in exile. And using that as a pretext, it has made massive troop deployments throughout Tibet and thereby subjected a thoroughly oppressed Tibetan people to intimidation and violent repression on a war footing. As a result, the situation in Tibet today is so extremely serious that a state of de facto martial law prevails there. Many tens of thousands of Chinese cadres have been deployed in all the villages throughout Tibet to clampdown on the Tibetan people with surveillance and spying operations over them. At the monasteries in Tibet, China has ordered the implementation of a policy called "Nine Must Haves" and "Six Ones". Under this campaign, the Chinese government has made it compulsory for all the monasteries to display portraits of the top leaders of the atheist communist party leaders. Within the monasteries, communist party offices have been
set up and communist cadres exercise direct control over their administration and religious functions and routines. In particular, a campaign called "Model Harmonious Monastery" and a policy of selecting and awarding what is called "Advanced, Patriotic Monks and Nuns" has been started. What all this means in realistic terms is that a system of class division and class persecution which prevailed during the period of the Cultural Revolution has been revived in the whole of Tibet. Besides, in Tibet's capital Lhasa, Tibetans who are not permanent residents in the city are being expelled while Tibetans who wish to visit there are required to produce six different kinds of identity papers. On the other hand, ethnic Chinese are allowed to freely enter Tibet both by air and land routes without any kind of hindrance to their journeys. Tibetans who complete their higher level education in China are required to land a job there itself while Chinese graduates continue to be poured into Tibet in the name of "Aid Tibet" cadres. To sum up, the Chinese government is implementing in Tibet a policy of racial contempt, racial discrimination, and racial obliteration against the Tibetan people in a manner which is all too obvious and blatant to warrant any doubt. Recently, delegations of so-called Chinese Tibetologists undertook tours to a number of countries, including the United States of America and Canada. In the course of doing so, they spokeabout a socalled four basic points underlying the reasons why thereincarnation of the Dalai Lama would be needed to be appointed by the Chinese government. They also spoke, with obvious negative motivations, about a set of so-called four reasons underlying the self-immolations in Tibet, including an insidious suggestion that they were caused by foreign political and religious instigators. With planned and scheduled courses of actions, they have been carrying out - as they still do - various kinds of distorted propaganda campaigns borne of ill-motivated designs. A concerned official of the United Front Work Department of China publicly made a suggestion that the status of ethnic minorities enshrined in the constitution of the People's Republic of China should be done away with altogether. His ulterior motive was to thereby eliminate the legal basis on which the system of regional autonomy for ethnic minorities is founded. Because of these reasons, the Tibetan Special Envoy and the Envoy in talks with the Chinese government both felt constrained to resign and the Kashag had to accept the resignations with regret. Many educated people in China these days are opposed to the policies of their government. The existence of disharmony and power struggle within the Chinese leadership became obvious recently from the Bo Xilai and Wang Lijun episode. Premier Wen Jiabao has, at numerous places, spoken out about the need for reform in China's political system. Within the general Chinese population too, there is a hope for a democratic transformation of their country and their desire and interest for it keeps on growing. Speaking from the point of view of a China of the future, this is a moment of great opportunity. At this juncture of imminent transformation in their political powers, the call of the moment is for the Chinese government leaders to introspect, review the erroneous policies that they have hitherto pursued on the Tibet issue, and set out on a corrective course to bring them in line with the global trend of today and thereby make changes for the better. So far His Holiness the Dalai Lama has not been touched by even an iota of any manifest harm to his bodily, oral and mental health.That He has continued to remain in a permanent state of good health, without being marred by any moment of any dip in it, is, no doubt, attributable primarily to the sacred strength of the effect of his prayers for his obligated objects of spiritual guidance, the collective merits of the Tibetan people, and the deeds of Tibet's sea of oath-bound protector deities. In addition to these, gratitude is owed to the central and state governments of India where Tibetans mainly reside and, likewise, to the facilitative role played by the central and local government of other foreign countries visited by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to the dedication of the officials of the Security Department of the Central Tibetan Administration, and so on. The sunshine of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's great noble deeds of today could hardly be blurred by anyone. Nevertheless, the autocratic government leaders of China continue to try to libel him in all sorts of unimaginable and degrading manners and the possibility of them trying to harm him even physically cannot be ruled out. And so, over and above the security measures and conditions mentioned above, it is of utmost importance that Tibetans at all levels must remain alert and quick to react at all times. With regard to the personal security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama especially, the main thing is to faithfully carry out all his wishes, for the entire people of all the Three Provinces of Tibet to unite and work as one oath-bound entity, and it also depends on the collective merits of the Tibetan people, as unequivocally stated in unison by all the protector deities and lamas. In view of
KASHAG’S STATEMENT
15 July, 2012 Dharamshala
Kashag's Statement On The 77th Birthday Celebration Of His Holiness
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet with the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, Chief Guest Shri. Kishan kapoor, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Mr Penpa Tsering at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on July 6, 2012, during the auspicious day of the 77th celebration. Photo: TPI The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala, July 6, 2012: - On this special and joyous occasion of the seventy-seventh birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and on behalf of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet and the Central Tibetan Administration, I offer His Holiness our deepest reverence, prayers, and warmest wishes. Today is the most auspicious day not only for the people of the Land of Snow but also for the entire world. Though Tibetans are confronted with an unparalleled tragedy in our history, we have still been able to establish and sustain a successful and an exemplary refugee community under the visionary leadership of His Holiness. Tibetans should cherish the principles of non-violence and democracy and many other vast contributions that His Holiness has made including bringing about a more peaceful world. His Holiness was recognized at a most difficult period of Tibetan history. He was compelled to take over the spiritual and temporal powers at the tender age of sixteen. Similarly, at the age of twenty-four he had to leave his country and go into exile. In exile he was able to implement many of his long-held visions for democratization of Tibet. Major reforms included: the establishment of the Commission of the Tibetan People's Deputies in 1960; the promulgation of the Draft Constitution for a Future Tibet in 1963; adoption of the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile in 1991; the holding of the first direct election for Kalon Tripa in 2001; and finally in 2011 handing over of all political authority to the directly elected leadership. At that time His Holiness felt that it was an opportune moment for transferring political authority as Tibetans had reached greater maturity in democratic ideals and commitment to their practice. Undaunted by numerous challenges, sixty years of His Holiness' leadership has made the people of Tibet capable of standing on our own feet.
this, the entire Tibetan people should make no mistakes about what they have to put into practice. This is the essence of the matter and we take this opportunity to again remind our people about it and thereby again beseech them emphatically. India has become like a second home to the Tibetans in exile. Over the past more than 53 years, the government of India, the concerned state governments, and the relevant local administrative bodies have extended unimaginable help, patronage, benefits and friendship to the Tibetan people. To both the governments and the people of India we owe unlimited gratitude and we take this great opportunity to express our thanks. Finally, we offer prayers that His Holiness the Dalai Lama continue to live for a hundred aeons, that all his wishes be fulfilled spontaneously, that the just cause of the Tibetan people be accomplished with urgency. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile 6 July 2012 (Note: Incase of any possible discrepancy in meaning, the original Tibetan text should be treated as authoritative.)
While deciding to hand over political authority to the directly-elected Tibetan leadership His Holiness stated: "although you have not welcomed my decision, let me reassure you that as long as Tibetan people retain their faith in me, I will continue to uphold my responsibilities. I believe that eventually Tibetan people will come to appreciate my decision." It should be noted that His Holiness took this decision at a time when so many authoritarian rulers around the world still brutally clung to power. The world hails this wise and far-sighted action towards a secular democracy. Despite the anxieties of Tibetans in and outside Tibet over the last year, the devolution of political authority has ensured a smooth transition without major mishap due to the support and unity of Tibetans. The Kashag would like to appeal to all Tibetans to continue to remain united and extend their support to make this transition a success. Today there is worldwide acknowledgement of the untiring contributions made by His Holiness as an advocate of non-violence, compassion, secular ethics, religious harmony and Tibetan freedom. His contributions have been marked by the highest honors including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Most recently, His Holiness was awarded the prestigious 2012 Templeton Prize which recognized his "engagement with science and with people far beyond his own religious traditions" and for focusing "on the connections between the investigative traditions of science and Buddhism." Moreover, it is well known that despite the obstacles and pressures from the People's Republic of China the number of world leaders meeting with His Holiness is growing. It is also well known that his teachings are attracting an ever-growing global audience. Perhaps less known is that this audience includes thousands of Chinese from the Mainland including many members of China's more than 200 million Buddhists. Consequently, through their spiritual practice more Chinese are now learning about Tibet and its culture. His Holiness has always stated that the final word on Tibet would be that of the Tibetans in Tibet. Despite forcible occupation by China for over fifty years, the Tibetan spirit and desire for freedom remains indomitable. Even the darkest period of the Cultural Revolution failed to crush the identity of the Tibetans. In the 1980's numerous protests took place against China's oppressive rule in Tibet. The landmark peaceful protests in 2008 were even larger in number and extended across the entire Tibetan plateau. The spate of self-immolations in Tibet since 2009 has clearly shown Tibetan aspirations for freedom and dignity remains strong. Furthermore, the unshakeable Tibetan spirit and solidarity that now prevail across the three provinces are unprecedented in Tibet's history. The increasing number of people worldwide sympathetic to and interested in the Tibetan cause, culture and religion is a matter of pride. This has been possible solely because of His Holiness's leadership. For these vast contributions and achievement, and much more, we remain eternally grateful to His Holiness. The Great Fifth Dalai Lama helped strengthen Tibet by unifying the nation and creating greater consciousness of the
Tibetan spirit and identity. The Great Thirteenth Dalai Lama put Tibet on the world map by establishing relations with other countries and increasing its global status. Like his two great predecessors, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama has contributed to strengthening internal unity of the Tibetans and the external profile of the Tibetan cause, and therefore will be recognized as amongst the great Dalai Lamas of Tibet. At this delicate time external forces are trying to make every effort to undermine the legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by creating disunity amongst Tibetans and disrupting the path towards secular democracy. For instance, the Chinese government is manipulating and financing different groups including the Shugden followers, and their actions have harmed the Tibetan cause. Tibetans should not fall prey to their manipulations and harmful intents. They should remain vigilant. On August 8 this year, which coincides with Lhakar (Wednesday), Kalon Tripa will complete a year in office. To mark the day and more importantly to show our support, the Kashag calls on all Tibetans and friends to observe the day by organizing a global solidarity vigil. This international vigil will remember those Tibetans who have given up their lives for Tibet and show solidarity with every Tibetan in Tibet who continues to suffer oppression under Chinese rule.This vigil will be followed by another key event, which is a four-day Special General Meeting to be held from September 25 to 28 in Dharamsala. The meeting will discuss and deliberate the ongoing crisis in Tibet and formulate appropriate action plans. A long-life offering will be also presented to His Holiness on behalf of the Tibetan people and administration during the meeting. The Tibetan leadership remains firmly committed to non-violence and the Middle-Way Approach. We believe that the only way to resolve the issue of Tibet is through dialogue, and we remain prepared to engage in meaningful dialogue anywhere and at anytime. We strongly urge Beijing to accept the Middle-Way Approach, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the People's Republic of China and within the framework of the Chinese constitution. The Tibetan leadership considers substance to be primary and process as secondary, and is ready to announce the special envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to continue the dialogue process. On this occasion, we would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the government of India and her people, and, in particular the state of Himachal Pradesh, for their generous hospitality and support for more than fifty years. We also thank all those who support the Tibetan people. Finally, like the Great Fifth who reunified Tibet and the Great 13th who was able to return to Tibet from India, we pledge to strive to facilitate the return of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to the Potala Palace, which is the wish of all Tibetans and the universal cry of all those who have self-immolated. With fervent prayers for His Holiness' long life and may all his wishes be fulfilled. May the truth prevail in Tibet. N.B. This is a rough translation of the original in Tibetan