Page 3 China Needs to Open Up Page 4 Protest At Chinese Premier Page 5 Two Monks Receive Heavy Sentences Page 6 Tibetan Film-maker Freedom Challenge Page 8 H.H Arrives in America
Mr Joleb Dawa Editor and Teacher in Tibet page 5........ Vol. 01, Issue 28, 15 October 2010
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Primary Elections for MPs Begins
Liu Xiaobo Awarded Nobel Peace Prize His Holiness Calls for His Release By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Tibetan prime minister Pro Samdhong Rinpoche participating at the Dharamshala polling station on Sunday, 3rd October 2010. Photo: TPI/Monlam Tharchin
Dharamshala: The preliminary round of elections for the new exile Kalon Tripa (Tibetan Prime Minister) and Chitue (parliament) were held on Sunday (October 3) in Tibetan refugee communities in India and around the world. Continues on Page 2
Cyclists Rally Around Dharamsala
Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has issued his public congratulations to the Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo for today (October 8) being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and requested that China release him from prison. "Awarding the peace prize to him is the international community’s recognition of the increasing voices among the Chinese people in pushing China towards political, legal and constitutional reforms," he said. Mr Xiaobo, who was born in 1955, is an anticommunist human rights activist. He has served as president of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre since 2003. On 8 December 2008, he was detained in response to his participation in Charter 08. He was then formally arrested on 23 June 2009, on suspicion of 'inciting subversion of state power', and sentenced to eleven years' imprisonment and two years' deprivation of political rights. In his statement today, His Holiness said, "I have been personally moved as well as encouraged by the efforts of hundreds of Chinese intellectuals and concerned citizens, including Mr Liu Xiaobo, in Continues on Page 3
Cyclists prepare to begin their journey around Dharamsala. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala: 35 cyclists in Dharamsala, north India, will hold a cycle rally tomorrow at 10:00, as part of 350.org's 10/10/10 Global Work Party. The event has been organised by the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA), as part of a local initiative to combat the carbon crisis threatening the planet. The rally will include a mix of men, women and children of different nationalities, sporting T-
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered a special longlife pray to the Tibetan goverment and Tibetan people at Sera Monastry, Bylakuppe, South Inida. Photo: TPI
Chinese-Tibetans in Australia Praise Tibet’s Support of Liu Xiaobo
Continues on Page 2
CTFSE Hold Debate in Belgium
Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Society Europe (CTFSE) debatied in Belgium. Photo: CTFSE
Control Over Monasteries in Tibet
Antwerpen: On Saturday 9th October the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Society Europe (CTFSE) organized a debate evening in Antwerpen, Belgium, entitled "What about Tibet after 61 years of oppression?" It featured Tibetan speakers from all over Europe including Lobsang Continues on Page 2
Is Arunachal Chinese Territory?
Gaden Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Tibet. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala - The communist regime of China plans to tighten control over Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to reduce the influence of the His Holiness Dalai Lama and other 'internal and external separatist forces,' according to a government notice seen on Monday. The State Administration of Religious Affairs issued the 'Management measure for Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples' to be applied from November 1, saying it was devised in response to a growing foreign influence and 'separatist activities.' Monks at some monasteries had been influenced by 'internal and external separatist forces' and engaged in 'disrupting national unity and splitting the nation,' the administration said in a notice on the new rules posted on itsContinues website. on Page 5
Excutive Members of Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association in Australia. Photo: TPI/file By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Associations, based in Australia Satuarday (9th October) day praised the Tibetan people and His Holiness for their outspoken approval of Liu Xiaobo's recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize. "On behalf of the China-Tibet Friendship Association and Federation for a Democratic China in Australia, I would like to extend our heart-felt gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people for their support to Mr Liu Xiaobo on winning the Nobel Peace Prize. We call on Tibetans to join us in the celebration," Mr Yu Shi Xin, president of the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association in Melbourne, said in his letter to the Office of Tibet in Australia. He concluded the letter
commenting "The award, which reflects the international community's support for truth, has deeply moved us and our aspirations will certainly come true," On October 9th, around 50 Chinese people, including, democratic activists, intellectuals, and experts met for a gathering to celebrate Liu Xiaobo's award. "We consider that support from His Holiness the Dalai Lama played a substantial role in awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo. We thank His Holiness for his support," said Mr Qin Jin, President of Federation for a Democratic China, who co-organized the celebratory gettogether. Since Liu's award many countries have come out in strong support for his release including America, Australia and Italy.
Map of Arunachal Pradesh. Photo: file/ wikimedia.org
Dharamshala: The Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh lodged a protest with the central government on Sunday (October 3) over Apple's iPhone4 containing maps which show the state as being part of Chinese territory. Takam Sanjay, Congress Party representative for Arunachal in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Continues on Page 2
TPI TIBET IN EXILE 2 Gu-Chu-Sum Elects New Executive ETC Strengthens Com15 October , 2010 Dharamsala
Members of The Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet - the Tibetan ex-political prisoners’ association in Dharamsala, north India. Photo: TPI By
Ian Marshall, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet - the Tibetan expolitical prisoners’ association in Dharamsala, north India - has elected a new executive and amended its bylaws to improve its democratic
process. The organisation's Fifth General Body Meeting resolved that members should relinquish their tenure for one term after working for six
Preliminaries Held for Exile Tibetan PM and MPs
By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
According to a Central Tibetan Administration estimate, a total of 79,449 Tibetans are registered to vote – 52.29% of the exile population aged 18 and over - compared to 72,771 in 2006. General elections are held at least every five years. Speaking about voters’ hopes, at the Tibetan library in Dharamsala, north India, Chief Election Commissioner Jamphel Choesang said, “People expect that there would be a fruitful negotiation with the Chinese, with regard to the future of Tibet. That would be the most important thing for the Tibetan people…whether they are here in Dharamshala or elsewhere in India. "And another would be, in exile we have 150,000 Tibetans, so people look forward to more improvement in the infrastructure of the Tibetans wherever they are living." Besides India, Tibetans voted in Nepal,
Bhutan, North America, Europe and several other countries. However, according to various reports, the Nepalese authorities confiscated ballot boxes yesterday at around 4pm, and Tibetan officials claim they have still not been returned. On March 20 next year, the final round of votes will decide on the third directly elected Kalon Tripa and the MPs who will form the 15th Tibetan Parliamentin-exile. Tibetan groups and non-government organizations have nominated over two dozen prime-ministerial candidates, including Harvard University professor Lobsang Sangay, former minister Tashi Wangdu, former minister Tenzin Tethong Namgyal, former speaker Karma Choephel, speaker Pempa Tsering, deputy-apeaker Dolma Gyari, Dr Lobsang Palden, and former Tibetan Youth Congress president Tsetan Norbu.
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consecutive years - a decision hailed as their biggest democratic step in 19 years of its existence. Gu-Chu-Sum works to help Tibetan political prisoners held in Chinese prisons in Tibet, and also provides support to ex-political prisoners and their families who are living in exile. Its membership includes 256 former political prisoners, from all three traditional Tibetan provinces. The name Gu-Chu-Sum commemorates the months in which major demonstrations have taken place in the Tibetan capital Lhasa. "Gu" stands for September 27, 1987, "Chu" for October 1, 1987, and "Sum" for March 5, 1988. The general meeting concluded with a pledge that its members “are dedicated to restore the independence of Tibet as soon as possible and give way for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet.”
TWA's New Mantra: "DeCarbonise Your Life, DeCarbonise Dharamsala" By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post
shirts and badges reading Time for Climate Justice. Ten Buddhist nuns will flag off the cyclists at Mcleodganj's main square. The rally will then head to Bhagsu waterfall and finish at the temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The participants are promoting cycling as one means to reduce our carbon footprints. Bicycles do little to degrade the environment, and create no noise, odour, pollution or congestion. 7,081 events in 188 countries across the world have so far been planned for the Global Work Party. In Japan, sumo wrestlers will cycle to their wrestling practice in downtown Tokyo. In San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico, students will hand over solar-powered lights to families still recovering from the devastation of June's Hurricane Alex.
For more information on the TWA's De-Carbonise Dharamshala event, visit http://www.350.org/en/node/18157
munity for European Tibetans
By Bethan Staton, The Tibet Post Tibetans in European countries Photo: ETC
Paris: 55 Tibetan delegates representing 12 European countries will meet in Paris for the 2nd European Tibetan Congress this week. The meeting, to be held on the 15th-17th October, will focus on finding solutions which strengthen Tibetan communities and the Tibetan Government in Exile. "This will be an important opportunity for Tibetans in Europe to look back and appraise our progress since the last meet in 2008, while contemplating how we can further strengthen our communities" said Thupten Gyatso, Chairperson of the ETC and President of the Tibetan Community of France. The ETC , held every two years, aims to promote the common interests of Tibetans living in Europe, incorporating education into the culture of democracy and rule of law, and integration to the society of each Tibetan's country of residency. Tibetan Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche (Kalon Tripa) has sent an official statement to the Congress, which names Patrick Bloche, French M.P, and Tashi Wangdi, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, as keynotes speakers. Presentations include Vincent Metten, EU policy director at ICT, on the relationship between the EU and Tibetans living in Europe, and Biophysics professor
Henri Atlan on what Tibetans can learn from the Jewish experience. "Unity among Tibetan communities in Europe is vital as a foundation for our work", Kalsang Dolker, ETC ViceChairperson and President of the Tibetan Community in Italy, said of the Congress. "In the workshops, we will discuss various topics with a solutionoriented perspective. One of the topics is how we can increase cooperation amongst Tibetan communities living scattered across Europe. "At the conclusion of the congress, there will be a public debate on the upcoming general election of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. The debate will provide a platform for the candidates to clarify their political aspirations and manifestoes for the Tibetan community delegates in Europe." Currently, five candidates - Thubten Wangchen, Choegyal Tenzin, Chungdak Koren, Wangpo Tethong, and Rigzin Dorje Worpa - have been registered for the two European seats in Parliament, and five more will put themselves forward for the position. Delegates to the 2nd ETC represent Tibetan communities in 12 European countries; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain and United Kingdom.
Apple iPhone4 Places Arunachal in Chinese Territory By Ian Marshall, The Tibet Post
parliament) said, "This is yet another attempt at painting a wrong picture of the territorial integrity of Arunachal Pradesh and we strongly protest this nefarious design." He added that, "A
simple apology would fail to undo the damage and hurt caused to the people of Arunachal Pradesh," and claimed there is a conspiracy of technology companies, in light of a similar issue with Google Maps in the last two years.
Arunachal Pradesh has a 1,030km unfenced border with China, known as the McMahon Line or 'Line of Actual Control'. India and China fought a border war in 1962, with Chinese troops advancing into the Arunachal, but the
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China Needs to Open Up, His Holiness Gives Teaching on TrainSays His Holiness the Dalai ing the Mind in San Jose Lama By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
His Holiness the DalaiLama is greeted on his arrival in San Jose, California, on 11 October 2010. Photos by Lobsang Wangdu By Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Office of Tibet, Tokyo
Tokyo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama on His way to three weeks schedule in US and Canada transited Japan and made a brief stop at Tokyo Narita. His Holiness' transit came at a time when the news of Liu Xiaobo, a prominent Chinese dissident being awarded Nobel Peace Prize has become a popular news piece here. Japanese NHK television and Kyodo Tsushin team conducted a brief interview of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on this matter. "It is a timely and very appropriate that the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to Mr. Liu Xiaobo. Through this award his effort to bring freedom and democracy in China through non-violent means is recognized by the world. Chinese leaders now need to open up and come out from that narrow-minded attitude. The leadership should accept the reality, what the Chinese people are demanding is what is already being provided in the nation's constitution. Blocking BBC, CNN and news media will not help. It will only bring bad name to China." said His
Holiness the Dalai Lama. For a message to Mr. Liu Xiaobo, His Holiness said, "the world has recognized your noble effort, despite the temporary setback, you should not lose your heart. Keep up your moral strength and determination. The world is behind you." His Holiness consoled Mrs. Liu not to get discouraged. When asked if this Nobel Peace Prize could bring change in China, His Holiness said, "change in China depends on many factors, yes, this Nobel Peace Prize is one of the many factors. China needs many Liu Xiaobo to bring change." His Holiness appreciated the recent speech by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on democracy and indispensability of freedom of speech in China, "this is good, Chinese leadership should work toward the ideals of democracy and freedom. This is good for China and for all." He said. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the entourages left for San Francisco in the evening on the same day.
His Holiness Calls for Release Liu Xiaobo signing the Charter 08, which calls for democracy and freedom in China. I expressed my admiration in a public statement on 12 December 2008, two days after it was released, and while I was on a visit to Poland. I believe in the years ahead future generations of Chinese will be able to enjoy the fruits of the efforts that the current Chinese citizens are making towards responsible governance. "I believe that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s recent comments on freedom of speech being indispensable for any country, and people’s wish for democracy and freedom being irresistible, are a reflection of the growing yearning for a more open China. Such reforms can only lead to a harmonious, stable and prosperous China, which can contribute greatly to a more peaceful world." His Holiness continued, "I would like to take this opportunity to renew my call to the government of China to release Mr
Liu Xiaobo and other prisoners of conscience who have been imprisoned for exercising their freedom of expression." The Kashag (Tibetan cabinet-in-exile) also issued a statement, saying it "would like to extend its sincere congratulations to Mr Liu Xiaobo...The whole of China should be proud of this singular honour bestowed on one of her sons." The Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) Samdhong Rinpoche added, "This year's Nobel Peace Prize...is the international community's recognition of the outstanding contributions Mr Liu Xiaobo has made to the advancement of freedom and personal liberties in China...His support for the Tibet cause and the middle-way policy is well known to everyone. We Tibetans pray that Mr Liu Xiaobo will be able to receive the welldeserved Nobel Peace Prize in person on December 10."
San Jose: Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness gave the first teaching of his visit to America and Canada yesterday morning to a sold out crowd. The teachings attracted an audience of over 11,000 to the San Jose's downtown convention center, included in the audience was James Bond film star Pierce Brosnan. The Dalai Lama read from "Eight Verses of Training the Mind," an 11th Century text by Geshe Langri Tangpa that focuses on developing appropriate regard for the self and others, turning obstacles into opportunities, and cultivating compassion for all beings. His Holiness joked to the audience about the briefness of the text saying "A short text is good," delighting the crowd by describing himself as a "lazy" reader. Through-out the two hour teachings he described the text as one of his key sources of inspiration and also discussed the text in relation to Islam and Christianity as well as Buddhism. He advised the audience to use the text
His Holiness the Dalai Lama answering a question from the media during a press conference at San Jose Mcenery Convention Center, 12 October 2010. Photo: TPI/John H.t.S
to train their minds to generate inner peace rather than cave in to destructive emotions, "Ignorance will not go away through prayer or wishes," he said, encouraging the crowd to seek truth through education. "We must have full knowledge of these emotional systems."
The event, sponsored by the Gyuto Vajrayana Center, a San Jose-based nonprofit organization that promotes Tibetan Buddhism was considered by all to be a great success. Susan Killian of Richmond, a recent convert to Buddhism said. "I'm coming away from this with that sense of healthy compassion."
Tibetan leader Criticizes China Over its Nobel Peace Prize Opposition By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has come out with public criticism of the Chinese government in their reaction to Liu Xiaobo's recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize. His Holiness told the Japanese media that China did "not appreciate different opinions" and that the "the only way to save all people in China" was by a fully free and open society. Liu Xiaobo was arrested in 2009 by the Chinese government and sentenced to 11 years in prison and two years' deprivation of political rights for "inciting subversion of state power". Liu, one of China's leading dissidents, took part in the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, has been an outspoken critic of China's treatment of Tibetans and was the leading author of Charter 08. Charter 08 called for a multi-party democracy and respect for human rights in the entire of China, the document was signed by more than 300 Chinese intellectuals, academics and writers. Liu has consistently maintained that his sentencing to prison violates both China's own constitution and fundamental human rights. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo for his "long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China" concluding that "Through the severe punishment meted out to him, Liu has become the foremost symbol of this wide-ranging struggle for human rights in China." On His Holiness' website he released a statement on Friday, shortly after the Liu Xiaobo was awarded the prize saying that "Awarding the Peace Prize to him is the international community's recognition of the increasing voices among the Chinese people in pushing China towards political, legal and constitutional reforms". Moreover he added that "I have been
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered a special longlife pray to the Tibetan goverment and Tibetan people at Sera Monastry, Bylakuppe, South Inida. Photo: TPI
personally moved as well as encouraged by the efforts of hundreds of Chinese intellectuals and concerned citizens, including Mr Liu Xiaobo in signing the Charter 08, which calls for democracy and freedom in China." The Chinese government's reaction since the award was presented has been likened to their response in 1989 after His Holiness the Dalai Lama was bestowed the same award, saying that it was an "obscenity" and the decision by the Committee had "blasphemed the award". The Chinese government has since summoned the Norwegian ambassador to hear their formal protest. The Chinese state-run Global Times newspaper said in an editorial that the award was "an arrogant showcase of Western ideology" and disrespected the Chinese people. The Tibetan leader, who made his recent comments to Kyodo news agency, while passing through Tokyo's airport on his way to the US from India, appealed to the Chinese government that they "must change", but that some "hardliners" inside the leadership were stuck in an "old way
of thinking". His Holiness added "I would like to take this opportunity to renew my call to the government of China to release Mr. Liu Xiaobo and other prisoners of conscience who have been imprisoned for exercising their freedom of expression." Leaders around the world including US President Barack Obama last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner lauded the 2010 winner and echoed His Holiness the Dalai Lama's call to release Liu immediately. This came as human rights groups reported that Liu's wife, Liu Xia, had been placed under house arrest after she dedicated her husband's award to all the "martyrs" of Tiananmen Square in 1989. The US human rights group, Freedom Now, stated that she had been granted permission to see her husband in jail on Sunday, however, since then she had been placed under strict house arrest. It has also been reported that since returning to Beijing her phone line had also been blocked and that armed guards have been placed on guard outside her home.
TPI INTERNATIONAL 4 Nobel Peace Prize Goes Tibetans and Supportto Jailed Chinese Dissiers Lobby ASEM 8 in Brussels 15 October , 2010 Dharamsala
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Tibetan and Supporters Protest Chinese Premier in Brussels on 4-5 October 2010. Photo: TPI/Dennis Barbion By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post
Brussels: A coalition of pro-Tibetan organisations mounted a demonstration during the eighth AsiaEurope Meeting (ASEM 8) in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday (October 5). As the ASEM 8 delegates visited the BOZAR centre for fine arts, protesters gathered a few hundred meters away at Kunstberg and urged EU foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton to raise concern about Tibet directly with the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who was attending the summit. “Baroness Ashton has visited China twice and has a good understanding of the political situation, including knowledge of the repression in Tibet,” said Vincent Metten, EU Policy Director of the International Campaign for Tibet. “It is vital that she takes this opportunity to address the current crisis in Tibet with the Chinese prime minister, and also seeks to move China forward on dialogue with Tibetan representatives of the Dalai Lama. These are issues of great concern for the European public, including many parliamentarians.” The coalition called upon the European Union and its member states to work towards a joint statement that encourages the resumption of dialogue between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Chinese officials, leading to a mutually agreeable solution for Tibet. It also asked the EU to instate a Tibet liaison officer at its embassy in Beijing. The demonstration was organised by the ICT and Dutch Friends of Tibet, and included representatives from the Tibetan community in Belgium, United Nations for a Free Tibet, French and German Friends of Tibet, RTYC Belgium, the Tibetan Development Fund, and Lights on Tibet. It began at 11:00 with around 50 participants and, by the end of its two-duration, had increased its numbers to around 150. The protesters highlighted Chinese lack of respect for human rights and freedom in Tibet and the poor living
conditions of Tibetans, shouting slogans including “Wen Jiabao, free Tibet now!" and “Shame, shame, China, shame!” and holding placards reading, "“Freedom should not be written with blood!” and “Long live HH the Dalai Lama, save Tibet, free Tibet!” The Chinese ASEM 8 delegation were clearly aware of and unhappy about the demonstration, which was largely peaceful but saw one incident with the police at its conclusion, resulting in minor injuries to a Tibetan protester. ASEM 8 ran from October 4-5, followed by the EU-China summit on October 6. The meeting is a biannual dialogue between leaders from Europe and Asia - regions which represent 58% of the global population, 50% of global gross domestic product and over 60% of global trade. Prior to the summit, European Commissioner Karel De Gucht confirmed that human rights issues would be discussed, despite likely attempts by the Chinese government to block any mention of Tibet. In a statement on September 21, he called on Beijing to “allow the Tibetan people to fully exercise their political, religious, economic and social rights,” as guaranteed by the Chinese constitution. For more photos click here
OSLO: The jailed Chinese prodemocracy activist Liu Xiaobo was named as winner of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize today (October 8). Mr Xiaobo is currently serving eleven years for 'incitement to subvert state power.' The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised his "long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China," adding that it has "long believed that there is a close connection between human rights and peace". The prize puts China's human rights in the spotlight at a time when Beijing is seeking to play a bigger role on the global stage. Mr Xiaobo was sentenced to prison last December, a year after his detention for being lead author of Charter 08 - a manifesto issued by Chinese intellectuals and activists calling for free speech and multi-party elections. The document suggested twelve ways to deal with the Tibet crisis. Signatories included Chinese writers Wang Lixiong and Yu Jie, and Professor Ding Zilin from the pressure group Tiananmen Mothers. It urged the Chinese government to "stop the violent suppression" in Tibet, and appealed to the Tibetan people not to engage in violent activities. Mr Xiaobo, a former literature professor, rose to prominence as a strike leader during 1989's Tiananmen Square protests, after which he was jailed for 20 months. In the 1990s, he spent three years in a 'labour re-education' camp, as well as months under virtual house arrest. During a visit to Oslo this summer, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying warned the head of the Nobel Institute against awarding the peace prize to Mr Xiaobo, saying it would damage ties between China and Norway during their negotiation of a bilateral trade deal. Beijing also strongly criticised Oslo when the 1989 prize was awared to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said last month that Mr Xiaobo's actions were "diametrically opposed to the aims of the Nobel prize". Norway says the Nobel committee, chosen by parliament and comprising former politicians, is fully independent. The prize, worth ten million Swedish crowns ($1.5 million) will be awarded in Oslo on December 10. It is not known who will collect the prize if Mr Xiaobo cannot attend. Winners of the Nobel Peace Prize since 1980: - 2010: Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. - 2009: US President Barack Obama - 2008: Martti Ahtisaari - 2007: Al Gore of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's - 2006: Muhammad Yunus of Grameen Bank
Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo is seen in this undated photo released by his family on October 3, 2010. Jailed Chinese pro-democracy activist Liu Xiaobo won the Nobel Peace Prize on October 8, 2010, an announcement that Beijing had anticipated and bitterly criticised. Photo: Reuters By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
- 2005: Mohamed El-Baradei of the International Atomic Energy Agency - 2004: Wangari Maathai - 2003: Shirin Ebadi - 2002: Former US President Jimmy Carter - 2001: Kofi Annan of the United Nations - 2000: Kim Dae-jung - 1999: Medecins Sans Frontieres - 1998: John Hume and David Trimble - 1997: Jody Williams of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines - 1996: Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo and Jose Ramos-Horta - 1995: Joseph Rotblat of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs - 1994: Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin
- 1993: Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk - 1992: Rigoberta Menchu Tum - 1991: Aung San Suu Kyi - 1990: Mikhail Gorbachev - 1989: His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet - 1988: UN Peacekeeping Forces - 1987: Oscar Arias Sanchez - 1986: Elie Wiesel - 1985: International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War - 1984: Desmond Tutu - 1983: Lech Walesa - 1982: Alva Myrdal and Alfonso Garcia Robles - 1981: Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees - 1980: Adolfo Perez Esquivel
Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Society Europe Organize Debate in Belgium By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
Nyima the Liaison Officer appointed for relations with Chinese people for the three Offices of Tibet in Europe (Geneva, London and Brussels/Paris). An additional speaker was Mona Zhimin Tang, originally from China now living in Belgium, who joined the student protests in Beijing in 1989. The debate was multilingual, in Tibetan, Chinese and Dutch, and all the discussions were translated in the other languages. The main point of discussion was freedom and the vast reaction by the Chinese government
and state media to the Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, Mona stated "People get the wrong information and may not talk about things is a normal way. The Chinese people are hungry for democracy and more openness, but the news is blocked and censored." Mona's speech was followed by a testimony of a Tibetan nun concerning her 12 years spent in a Chinese prison, Dennis Barbion, board member of CTFSE stated that it was "very touching and emotional". She concluded her
speech by stating that "Right now, even this second, the political prisoners still experience the same terrible things that I had to undergo. Please let us not forget this and let's do something about this!" Main speaker, Mr. Lobsang Nyima discussed the conduct of the Chinese leaders and government. He also talked about censorship which is rife in the media. "All the information is controlled by the Chinese authorities and they also give false information about the reality in China and Tibet to the outside world." "There is much
more corruption in China as well, much more than in the past." "About 1015% only of the people in China have sufficient finances, around 85% not. There is a lot of (semi-)poverty." Moreover he added that "The reality in China is not the image that China wants to show the outside world." The successful debate lasted over two hours and was concluded by a Tibetan member of the audience stating that "A democratic movement is growing in China. Democracy and more freedom are most important for China and Tibet."
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Two Monks Receive Heavy Sentences for Lhasa Protest
Monks of Drepung Monastery marching towards Lhasa Barkhor on 10 March 2008. Photo: TPI By Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy
Dharamshala: The 'Lhasa Intermediate People's Court' sentenced two monks from Drepung monastery to heavy prison terms in June for their activities in the March 2008 uprising, according to a report by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD). Jampel Wangchuk and Kunchok Nyima were arrested on 11 April 2008, and in June this year were sentenced to life imprisonment and 20 years, respectively. There whearabouts remains unknown. On 10 March 2008, around 350 monks from Drepung monastery began a protest and headed towards Lhasa City. Police halted them and contained them with barricades, after which they staged a hunger strike. Some of the monks were detained. Others were sent back to the monastery or deported to their areas of origin, including Sichuan and Qinghai provinces. 51-year-old Jampel Wangchuk (lay name Tsephel) originates from Tsotoed
township, Phenpo Lhundup county. He became a monk in 1982 and mastered in scriptures. At the time of his arrest, he was the disciplinarian of the monastery. Kunchok Nyima (41) belongs to Zari Township, Dzoge County, Qinghai. Around 40 monks from Drepung monastery have been sentenced to prison. One, Gyalpo, died in jail in August 2009 as a result of torture. The whereabouts of Ngawang Chonyi, Ngawang Sertho and a cook nicknamed as Gyakpa (Fatso) is still unknown. Drepung Monastery remains under the vigilance of the Chinese authorities. A 60-member work team from the 'Tibet Autonomous Region' government ('TAR'), the 'TAR' National People's Congress and the People's Political Consultative Conference, give daily 'political and legal classes' to the monks. A team of People's Armed Police (PAP) is also stationed at the monastery, under the pretext of maintaining fire safety.
Communist China Tightens Control Over Monasteries in Tibet By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
The existence of these problems has seriously influenced the normal order of Tibetan Buddhism ... and even given the Dalai clique an opportunity to plot and spread confusion in Tibetan areas, and to engage in destructive separatist activities,' it said, referring to the exiled spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The stricter management of monasteries was designed to help 'maintain the normal order of Tibetan Buddhism and build a socialist harmonious society,' the notice said. The notice followed the reported sentencing of two monks accused of leading peaceful protests in 2008 in
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The so called Lhasa Intermediate People's Court sentenced Jampel Wangchuk and Kunchok Nyima to life imprisonment and 20 years in prison, respectively, in June, the Indian-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported on Friday. The two men were monks at Dreprung, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and were in a group of about 350 monks who marched into Lhasa from the monastery on March 10, 2008, when Tibetans all over the world were comemorating the Tibetan national Uprising Day.
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China Arrests Third Tibetan Editor in Sichuan By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: A third editor of the Tibetan journal Dhusrab kyi Nga (Century's Self) has been arrested by the Chinese authorities in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Mr Joleb Dawa (38), from Tagkatsang village, Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, was detained on October 1 and is thought to be being held somewhere in Ngaba. Dawa is a teacher at a Tibetan school and has two children. The exact charges against him are unknown, but Kanyak Tsering, a Tibetan monk from Kirti Monastery in Dharamshala, north India, told The Tibet Post International he believes his arrest is linked to the 2008 Tibetan uprising and to his work on Dhusrab kyi Nga, as two other Tibetans associated with the journal were previously arrested and detained on March 17. Dawa has previously been detained twice - his second arrest being on 16
Joleb Dawa, a Tibetan editor and teacher from Ngaba county, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI/ Kanyak Tsering
March 2008 following a raid on a small bookshop run by his wife, which led to
him being imprisoned for several months.
Tibetan Writers' Critiques Lead to Imprisonment By Tsering Woeser, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Tibetan writer Tsering Woeser has reported that three other writers, from Ngaba, Eastern Tibet, were arrested three months ago for the publication of articles in the journal Xiar Dong-ri (The Eastern Conch Shell Mountain). The present location of the writers Jangtse Dhongo (Chinese name: Ning or Nian), Buddha (Chinese name: Buda) and Karang Yunba (pen name: Karma) is unknown. Below, we publish precis and translations of the articles, acquired from an anonymous source. Precis of What Human Rights Do We Have? by Dhongo 1) Tibetans did not aim to overthrow the red regime in the March 2008 uprising. The protests were held in the name of freedom, equality, happiness, human rights, Tibetan self-expression and discontent with the government, rather than being an attempt to cause conflict between the Tibetan and Chinese people. 2) The main reasons for the March 2008 uprising and the current instability in Tibet are that the Chinese authorities have not resolved the urgent Tibet issue and that Tibetans' human rights are not protected, so forcing people to rebel. 3) To fight and die for our compatriots' human rights is our duty. 4) CCTV and other media are manipulated by the Chinese authorities in Tibet, giving the public a false impression of Tibetans. We strongly oppose this inversion of the truth. 5) We condemn the following commentators for their misrepresentations of the events of 14 March 2008: Jamyang Rinpoche (vicepresident of the China Buddhist Association and Buddhist Association of Gansu Province), Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme (vice-chairman of the Communist Party of China), Lhakpa Phuntsok (director general of the China Tibetology Research Centre), Chungbu Tsering Dorjee (deputy director of religious studies at the Tibet Academy of Social Sciences). 6) We praise the tenth Panchen Lama, the sixth Gongtangcang Rinpoche, Phuntso Wangjie and Yiten Tseing for
The Tibetan writers (from right to left)- Jangtse Dhongo (Chinese name: Ning or Nian), Buddha (Chinese name: Buda) and Karang Yunba (pen name: Karma) Photo:Woeser.
their love of the Tibetan nation. Memories of Tears by Buddha 1) 16 March 2008 The Chinese media reported that a large number of guns and ammunition were found in Chosrgyal temple - contrary to the teachings of the Buddha. This is sad and absurd. For thousands of years, Han and Tibetan people have lived as neighbors, but the Han still have no idea of the beliefs and customs of Tibetans. We put dead animals and weapons in the temple to wash away sin, and as a lesson to our children. Isn't it Kuan Kung (the Chinese god of war) who really wields the machete? The Chinese media claimed that the March 16 protest aimed to hinder China and Tibet's development. But why would the Tibetan people set out to destroy their own lives? We want to enjoy life's beauty and not live in terror. Many unspeakable acts were committed by China on March 16, but these went unreported by the state media, which instead depicted bloody and ruthless Tibetans and a fair and just People's Liberation Army. 2) Dust Will Be Dispersed Commemoration of the Lives Lost in the Wenchuan Earthquake On 12 May 2008, an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter Scale occurred across Wenchuan, Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Mao County, Li
County, Yaan and Cingchuan, resulting in many deaths and much destruction. Natural disasters are beyond human control. However, the Tibetan Institute of Medicine and Astrology's 2008 almanac clearly showed that earthquakes might occur and should have been guarded against. The higher authorities did not pay attention to this. If they had, and only one life had been saved, it would have been worth it. When the earthquake occurred, the most seriously affected were poor students studying in poorly constructed schools. The government professes that education is its highest priority. Two years ago, it launched a nine-year compulsory education plan. But the plan remains on paper. When the schools collapsed in the earthquake, government office buildings such as the world-famous Chengdu city block remained intact. Why does the government refuse to admit its mistakes? From any perspective, it should serve its people rather than just talking about it. A nation's conscience and worth can be judged by how it prioritises education. Contempt for Blood and Life by Karang Yunba On 14 March 2008, the Chinese media showed CCTV footage of Tibetan people in Lhasa vandalising and Continues on Page 10
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TPI INTERNATIONAL
The Tibet Post
Chinese Diplomat in UK Agrees to Follow- China’s Cautious Response Up on Jailed Tibetan Film-maker to US Trade Bill
Tsering Pasang attending the 1st GTPN summit in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI
By Ian Marshall, The Tibet Post
Manchester, UK: The Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming has been challenged by the UK Tibet Society to look into the case of Dhondup Wangchen - the Tibetan film-maker who is serving a six-year prison sentence following his arrest in 2008. At the Labour Party conference on September 27, two activists used the question-and-answer session of a discussion on Why China and Britain need a stronger partnership to request the release of Wangchen as a goodwill gesture.
During the keynote speeches by former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott and Mark Hendrick MP - chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on China - Tibet was only briefly mentioned. Lord Prescott referred to human rights as an area of disagreement between the UK and China, while Liu Xiaoming highlighted the 2008 readjustment of the British government's century-old position on Tibet. Referring to former Foreign Secretary David Milliband's ministerial statement, which
recognises Tibet as being part of China, he omitted to mention that it also suggests long-term stability will require autonomy for Tibetans as well as respect for human rights. During the question-and-answer session, Tsering Passang of the Tibet Society asked the ambassador to look into the case of Dhondup Wangchen. Wangchen's documentary Leaving Fear Behind presents the opinions of Tibetans from eastern Amdo Province on the 2008 Beijing Olympics - many of which are critical of the Chinese government. Passang asked that the film-maker be released, since he has done nothing more than film ordinary Tibetans giving their honest views. The ambassador was visibly surprised by the question and claimed not to know about the case, although he said, "If [Dhondup] had been arrested then he must have done something wrong." Paul Golding of the Tibet Society then approached the ambassador and asked if he would pursue the issue if he were provided with more information, to which Mr Xiaoming replied one of his staff would follow up the matter if the society sent him more details. The Tibet Society is now writing to the Chinese embassy and will encourage Lord Prescott and Mark Hendrick to do likewise. It will also invite them to meet Dhondup Wangchen’s wife, Lhamo Tso, during her visit to the UK in October.
Tibetan Writer Attends Tokyo PEN Conference
The 76th International PEN Congress held in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: TPI/Tsewang Gyalpo Arya. By Tsewang Gyalpo Arya
Tokyo: The Tibetan writer and translator Mr Kunthar, who lives in Dharamshala, north India, this week addressed the 76th International PEN Congress in Tokyo, Japan. Beginning on September 23, the week-long conference was held at Waseda University, with the theme of The Environment and Literature – What Can Words Do? Mr Gao Xingjian, a Chinese Nobel literature laureate, opened the conference, which was attended by around 600 writers from 128 countries. The participants then divided into several committees to discuss freedom of thought and writing. Mr Kunthar, who joined the Writers in
Prison committee, spoke on the arrest and torture of more than 40 Tibetan writers and intellectuals since the March 2008 uprising in Tibet. He said many Tibetan writers spoke out against the brutal suppression of the peaceful demonstrations, urging the Chinese government to resolve the matter through dialogue. "But the Chinese authorities labeled these writers as separatists and rebels,” he continued, “and silenced them in various prisons under false charges. What the Tibetan writers did was the implementation of the 'right to speech and expression', as enshrined in the Chinese constitution…By arresting and torturing the Tibetan writers, the
government is violating the nation's law." Speaking to the Translation and Linguistic Rights committee, Mr Kunthar addressed the critical condition in which the Tibetan language now stands, saying, "China, in its efforts to ‘Sinicize’ the Tibetan region, has made Tibetan a second language…Most of the streets and lanes are named in Chinese language. Most of the mountains and rivers of Tibet have been renamed in Chinese. This policy of destroying Tibetan language and imposing Chinese is posing a great threat to Tibetan language." The conference’s many participants of Chinese origin – some from mainland China - expressed their agreement with Mr Kunthar but emphasised that freedom of speech and expression is denied not only in Tibet, but across China, and that a joint concerted effort is needed to make the communist government listen to the people. Mr Kunthar said the conference had been very educative and he felt strong support from its members for the struggle for peace and freedom in Tibet. He added that he was pleased to meet many Chinese intellectuals, who spoke very frankly, and that he had been able to share with them the essence of His Holiness’ middle-way approach. Mr Kunthar is vice-chairman of Dharamsala PEN. His work includes a translation of Gangseng Kyi Ngardra – the Tibetan writer Ms Woser’s account of the March 2008 uprising – and translations of three of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s works into Chinese.
US House. Photo: http://libertypundits.net By Jimmy Halliday, The Tibet Pos
Washington: A bill passed by the US House of Representatives, which challenges China's tight leash on their currency, the yuan, has elicited a measured response from Beijing. The Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act will allow the US to impose trade sanctions if it deems China is manipulating its currency to give it an unfair trading advantage. After years of China declining to address criticism from the US and Europe on the issue of currency undervaluation, the bill represents the US's strongest move yet and was passed by a vote of 348-79. China's commerce ministry spokesman, Yao Jian, spoke out against the measure through official news source Xinhua on Thursday (September 30), claiming it does not conform to relevant World
Trade Organisation rules. However, his response was somewhat muted in comparison to recent Chinese statements on US involvement with China's neighbors and ongoing territorial clashes. With a raft of issues currently the source of debate between the two powers including US support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - some commentators have speculated that China is showing caution in order to preserve its relationship with Washington. Speaking on the issue, International Relations professor Jin Canrong of Renmin University in Beijing noted China is unlikely to "have any dramatic reaction to this bill's passing...China wants to preserve the stability of overall relations".
Increased Political Pressure on Chinese Government
Chinese Dissidents in Hong Kong demanding release of Liu Xiaobo. Photo: File By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Chinese Government has come under increased pressure this week for political freedom both nationally and internationally. It began on Monday as Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama highly criticized China's opposition to the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Liu Xiaobo, stating that they did "not appreciate different opinions". It continued today as the Japanese Prime
Minister publicly stated that "From the viewpoint that universal human rights should be protected across national borders, it is desirable" that Liu Xiaobo be released. The Japanese Prime Minister, Naoto Kan's statement came during a parliamentary budget committee in which he welcomed the award of the prize to Liu and was also highly critical of China's government. "I think it is Continues on Page 7
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Tibetan Parliament Seeks to Secure Rights His Holiness Gives Teachings of Tibetans in Nepal For Taiwanese Buddhists
Penpa Tsering speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Photo: TPI By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile today has called on the United Nations and Amnesty International for their help in ensuring the rights of Tibetans living in Nepal to conduct democratic elections. The appeal came days after the Nepalese government disrupted the general election of Tibetans in Nepal by forcibly confiscating ballot boxes during the first round of voting on 3 October.
The deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has written an appeal letter to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanthem Pillay and the director of London-based Amnesty International on 8 October. "I would humbly like to submit that the 2nd of September 2010 marked the 50th year of Tibetan Democracy in Exile. That on the 3rd of October, the Tibetan community in exile went on primary to
the election of the members of the 15th Tibetan Parliament in Exile and also to that of the Kalon Tripa," Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari said in the letter. "The first elected members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile took of Office on the 2nd of September 1960. In the last 50 years, there has never been a law and order problem created by our community on the days of the elections. More so, we are grateful to our host nations that there never was interruption to prevent us from electing our own representatives and the Kalon Tripa," the letter noted. "Therefore, the 3rd October incident in Nepal, whereby the Nepalese police personnel, in spite of the permission granted by the competent local authorities, forcefully took away ballot boxes from the polling centers at Boudha and Swyambhu, both under the jurisdiction of the Nepal's capital Kathmandu, is shocking and we strongly condemn this unprecedented act against democracy." "The Tibetan Parliament in Exile appeals to the United Nations and Amnesty International that through your official and personal channels to help release the ballot boxes from the police authority of Nepal and to ensure that the Tibetan diaspora community is able to continue to democratically elect their own representatives and the Kalon Tripa," the letter noted.
Nepal Confiscated Tibetan Ballot Boxes from Major Polling Stations
The Nepalese police removing the Tibetan’s ballot boxes in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: TPI By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Nepalese authorities in Kathmandu’s Boudha and Swaymbhu areas on Sunday (October 3) confiscated ballot boxes at the Tibetan government-in-exile's preliminary prime-ministerial and parliamentary elections. Officials at Nepal’s home ministry said police were mobilized to foil the nomination of the successors to the Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister), Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, and 44 members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, as it “violated Nepal´s foreign policy and existing laws of the host country”. Hundreds of Tibetan refugees living i n t h e K a t h m a n d u Va l l e y h a d
gathered to take part in the voting, which began at 9am. Proceedings in Swayambhu and Boudhha were halted at around 4pm – an hour before closing - after police seized the ballot boxes. Tibetan leaders in Jawalakhel had previously agreed not to proceed with the ballot, following police intervention. No arrests were made in connection with the incident. According to Superintendent Ramesh Kharel - chief of the Metropolitan Police Range Office – officers seized ten ballot boxes from Boudhha and eight from Swaymbhu, after which voters dispersed of their own accord.
In a text message to the Tibet Post International, a Tibetan leader in Kathmandu wrote, “It is totally against human rights as we believe all people should be allowed to vote.” Nepal’s home ministry last night released a statement saying Nepal always respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighboring countries and is committed not to allow any activities that are detrimental to their interests on its soil. It continued, “The ministry has already instructed local administrations to take action as per the laws of the land against those engaged in such activities.” According to the Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration, 79,449 Tibetans living in exile registered to vote in the preliminary elections. This includes some 20,000 refugees from across Nepal. The results of the preliminary rounds would be compiled after a month since the ballots would be collected from the polling stations. The police crackdown comes amidst mounting pressure from China to curb ´anti-China activities´ by Tibetans in Nepal. China has grown particularly sensitive since demonstrations were staged in Kathmandu in March 2008 to mark the 50th anniversary of the failed Tibetan uprisings in 1959. However there's no confidential confirmation of the poll disruption whether there is sufficient political pressure or what lies behind the Poll foiling.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives teaching at the Main Tibetan Temple (Tsuglakhang) in Dharmsala, India, Thursday, October 4, 2010. Photo: TPI By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama commenced four days of Buddhist teachings at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, north India, on Monday (October 4), at the request of devotees from Taiwan. More than 5,000 followers were in attendance, including over 1,300 Taiwanese, 200 foreigners from 57 countries, 1,500 Buddhist monks and 2,000 lay Tibetans. The teachings will cover Nagarjuna's Uma Tsawai Sherab (The Fundamental Wisdom Treatise on the Middle Way) Atisha's Jangchup Lamdron (Lama for the Path to Enlightenment), Tsongkhapa's Tendrel Toepa (In Praise of Dependent Origination) and
Tsongkhapa's lamrim dudon (Concise Stages for the Path to Enlightenment), and will be translated into Chinese and English. An increasing number of Taiwanese Buddhists have travelled to Dharamshala in recent years. In 2008, 600 Taiwanese sought teachings and blessings from His Holiness, rising to over 1,000 in October 2009. On October 1, His Holiness led ordination vows in Dharamshala, with 46 Taiwanese, 16 Tibetans and one Korean taking part. The current teachings run until October 7, with two sessions each day from 09:3011:30 and 13:00-15:00 Indian Standard Time, and a live webcast at http:// dalailama.com/liveweb.
....Pressure on Chinese Government important that human rights and fundamental freedoms, which are universal values, should also be guaranteed in China," Mr Kan said. These comments have done little to aid the frail relations between Japan and China who have in the recent weeks been in highly heated disputes over sea fishing territories. Japan now joins an increasing number of countries calling for his release including the Unites States and the European Union. This comes only a day after 23 Communist Party elders in China wrote a letter to the Chinese Parliament calling for the end of the country's strict restrictions on freedom of speech. The letter stated that although freedom of expression is promised in the Chinese constitution is it not allowed in society. I
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They have demanded that people should be allowed to freely express themselves on the internet and journalistic medias without fearing governmental reproach. Calling the propaganda department a scandal and an embarrassment they stated "They violate our constitution, often ordering by telephone that the works of such and such a person cannot be published, or that such and such an event cannot be reported in the media". The 23 signatures included a former personal secretary to the revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, and a former editor of the People's Daily, the official Communist Party newspaper. However, according to reports from within China any media reports on internet chat rooms relating to the letter are already being removed. a
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Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Mrs. Sangay Dorjee Ms. Keary Huang Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Tenzin Kunga Contributors for this Editon
James Dunn Matthew Singh-Toor Bethan Staton,
Jimmy Halliday Ian Marshall The Tibet Post International Press of Tibet (Head Office) 1st Floor, Dolkhang House, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt. Kangra H.P 176219 India
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TPI DALAI LAMA
His Holiness to visit Minnesota in 2011
The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in America By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered a special longlife pray to the Tibetan goverment and Tibetan people at Sera Monastry, Bylakuppe, South Inida. Photo: TPI By
James Dunn, The Tibet Post
Minneapolis: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will be travelling to Minnesota on May 8th, 2011 to host a series of spiritual events in the city. The conference has been jointly organized by The Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota and the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota, which will see His Holiness' first official visit to the city since 2001. The premise of the visit is based around the theme "One Heart, One Mind, One Universe". Minnesota has the second largest concentration of Tibetan Americans in the United States and his visit has
already created much anticipation in the city. "The Tibetan American community of Minnesota is overjoyed about the eminent visit of His Holiness,' said Tsewang Ngodup, president of the board of directors of Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. On the morning of May 8, His Holiness will conduct a special "Medicine Buddha Empowerment" initiation and in the afternoon he will feature in a public address entitled "Peace Through Inner Peace". Tickets for all events will be available through the Northrop ticket office from the October 18th, 2010. For more details, visit the website for these events at www.dalailama.umn.edu.
California: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama landed at San Francisco International Airport, California, late this morning, on the first leg of his official visit to America and Canada, which formally begins in San Jose on October 12th. Upon his arrival he was greeted by fomer minister Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama to the Americas, and a representative of the Indian Consulate. Alongside them were many members of the Tibetan community from California eager to welcome His Holiness to America. From the airport he was escorted by car to his hotel in San Jose, where again he was greeted by a large gathering of people including: Venerable Thupten Donyo of the Gyuto Vajrayana Center, Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jamyang of the Geden Shoeling Tibetan Manjushri Buddhist Center, officials of Stanford University, who are all organizers of the events in San Jose and Palo Alto, President Kaydor Aukatsang, and General Secretary Tsedup of the Tibetan Association of Northern California. Kasur Tenzin Namgyal Tethong and Kasur
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered a special longlife pray to the Tibetan goverment and Tibetan people at Sera Monastry, Bylakuppe, South Inida. Photo: TPI
Pema Chhinjor. In addition to the Buddhist teachings on October 12th and 13th, His Holiness will be spending two consecutive days at Stanford University where he will participate in a series of talks and lectures covering such topics as; "The Centrality of Compassion in Human Life and Society", "Harry's Last Lecture on a Meaningful Life" and "Scientific Explorations of Compassion and Altruism".
Through-out His Holiness duration in America he will be accompanied by Secretary Tenzin Taklha and Secretary Tsegyam. The Dalai Lama plans to travel to California, Georgia, Ohio and finally Canada before returning to India on the October 25th. For more details on His Holiness' schedule visit http:// www.dalailama.com/teachings/ schedule for a complete itinerary and accompanying links.
His Holiness Congratulates His Holiness Delights Young Crowd Tibet Oral History Project By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, spoke Thursday morning ( 14th October 2010) with Marcella Adamski, Ph.D., founder and director of the Tibet Oral History Project (TOHP), thanking her for the organization's contributions to the preservation of Tibet's history and culture. Photo: TPI/Marcella Adamski P.h.D Executive Director for TOHP
Califonia: Tibet's spiritual leader His Holiness gave a humorous question and answer session yesterday, to a large crowd of middle and high school students from East Palo Alto. He addressed the audience of over 400 students in the K-8 Costano School auditorium answering questions posed by 11 teenagers who had won the privilege by coming top in an essay contest. He was asked a question by one young student as to what he would do if he was President of the United States, laughing hard he replied simply it's a "rather silly question." Adding, "Within a few weeks, the economy would face bankruptcy." Students from the schools had been studying His Holiness and Tibetan history prior to his arrival, so that "they were able to appreciate his visit
By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
Moraga, USA: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with Marcella Adamski, founder of the Tibet Oral History Project, Thursday morning (14th October) , in recognition of the organization's efforts over the past seven years. Adamski presented a brief overview of the Projects' work, which
documents the life stories of exiled Tibetan elders. She presented His Holiness with some of the videotaped interviews on DVDs and photographs of all the elders whose oral histories have been recorded. His Holiness looked with interest at the elders' photos, exclaiming them "Very
good". Tashi Wangdue, former Secretary of the Office of His Holiness who attended the meeting with Adamski, noted "His Holiness was very pleased to learn that someone was fulfilling his wish to document and preserve the stories of Tibet's oldest people."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a stop at an East Palo Alto school during a week-long Bay Area visit. (Photo courtesy of ABC7 reporter David Louie)
much more" said Katie Shields, history teacher in the local area. When His Holiness was posed the question by 13 year old, Tatyana Spears "With all that is going on in the world, what advice would you give to young people?" the Dalai Lama replied "good question" continuing "My generation belongs to the 20th century," he told the children. "You belong to the 21st century. "My generation is ready to say
goodbye. You have the responsibility of a better future on your shoulders." He challenged them to choose between a more peaceful, compassionate future or one of destruction, he concluded saying."It's entirely up to you." The event was one of several public and private appearances by the Dalai Lama across the Bay Area this week, including a conference at Stanford University.
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His Holiness Hopes for His Holiness to Open Peace Festival China Pilgrimage in Pune By Jimmy Halliday, The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Holds Teachings in Dharamshala on 7th October 2010. Photo: TPI By Bethan Staton, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: At the end his four-day discourse in Dharamshala, north India, on October 7, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he wishes to make a pilgrimage to China to see the changes that have taken place there, and also mentioned the upcoming Washington Kalachakra. Addressing the 1,300 Taiwanese followers who had travelled to hear him speak on Mahayana Buddhism, His Holiness remarked on the engagement and happiness of the audience. He also reflected on the morning’s prayers, in which Taiwanese followers read the Chinese text of Nagarjuna’s Uma Tsawai Sherab
language.” His Holiness then asked, to the crowd's amusement, if the Chinese text was really as complicated as it appeared. During a question-and-answer session, His Holiness announced that the next Kalachakra teachings will take place in the USA. According to its official website, The Kalachakra for World Peace 2011 will be held in Washington from the 6-16th July, and promises to “provide a rare chance to act in powerful spiritual harmony as part of a huge group dedicated to invoking the power of great wisdom and compassion, so urgently needed
Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama is to deliver an address on Peace Among Nations at the Happy Thoughts World Peace Festival in Pune City, India, on October 10. The festival, organized by Tej Gyan Foundation, will be broadcast on Indian television and supported by satellite events in 50 other Indian cities. With an expected audience of 100,000 (one lakh) at the Pune event alone, the organizers hope to make an impact on the consciousness of over 1,000,000 people. Keynote speeches will include Peace and Women by Dr Kiran Bedi, Creating a Platform for World Peace by Padmashree DR Kaarthikeyan, Peace and Science by Padmashree Dr Vijay Bhatkar, Peace and Education by Padmashree SB Mujumdar and Peace and Religion by Ms Tami Simon. The Tej Gyan Foundation aims to bring together people from all walks of life to work towards world peace. The festival marks the culmination of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama giving Buddhist teachings at the Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe, South India on 2nd September 2010. Photo: TPI
ten months of their World Peace...Piece by Piece campaign. The foundation has identified ten key sections, or ‘pieces', of society which they hope to impact on, and have developed themed talks and events for the day, with discussions on how members of each sectoin can best work
towards their goals. The sections selected are healers, educators, women, corporate, youth, faith leaders, politicians, environmentalists, the media and individuals. For more information on the Happy Thoughts World Peace Festival, visit http://www.happythoughts.in/
India Practices Ahimsa as Well as Religious Harmony: His Holiness By Bethan Staton, The Tibet Post
Over 1300 Taiwanese attending a spiritual teaching by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India on 7th October 2010. Photo: TPI
(Fundamental Wisdom Treatise of the Middle Way). He emphasised the value of being able to read such a text in Chinese, and spoke of how the reading reminded him of a meeting in Taiwan. “Ten or 15 years ago," His Holiness said, "I met a Taiwanese monk - Dao Hai - several times, and once I met him here in Dharamshala. We made a promise between us that if one day we could go to Wutai Shan - China’s Five-Peak Mountain, we would do so, and we each prayed and read Nagarjuna’s text in our own Chinese, Sanskrit and Tibetan languages. “Both Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism originated in India, so we also invited an Indian Buddhist monk who, being very skilled in Sanskrit, read the Uma Tsawai Sherab in that
in today’s world.” His Holiness also hinted that a teaching might be held in Bodhgaya, India, in January or February 2012, and told his Taiwanese followers that it would be better for them to attend Kalachakra in Bodhgaya than Washington. He then joked that, for the Kalachakra to be held in Taiwan would require the permission of President Ma Ying-jeou. The Dharamsala teachings were attended by around 5,000 devotees. In his closing remarks, His Holiness reminded the audience that merely listening to a discourse is not enough to exact a real change in one's mind. “You need to practice over a longer time to slowly make changes, one step after another,” he said. “Be happy and don’t worry – we will meet again."
Pune: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has praised India's "thousand year" tradition of peace and tolerance in his inauguration speech for the Happy Thoughts World Peace Festival, held in Pune yesterday. Appealing to the Buddhist belief in cause and effect, His Holiness appealed to human intelligence, wisdom and action against the cycle of violence and frustration. "I don't believe that prayer alone can bring peace," he said. "Ultimately, peace depends on our actions. "Just prayer or meditation may not bring happy thoughts; when we face reality problems still remain. Happy thought depends on human wisdom and human intelligence, combined with warmheartedness." Attended by an audience of over 100,000, the festival is organised by the Tej Gyan Foundation, and names deputy chief minister Chhagun Bhujbal and social activist Kiran Bedi among its key speakers. The flagship event in Pune was one of over 50 held across India yesterday, and represented the culmination of Tej Gyan's ‘World Peace, piece by piece' campaign' a movement which has organised10 events in the first 10 months of 2010. "Compared to neighbouring countries, India is comparatively more peaceful," His Holiness told his audience. "As far as democracy is concerned, despite some petty politicians, the people of different faiths are living together peacefully. The practice of Ahimsa (nonviolence), which the country is following for thousands of years, has kept it united"
Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gestures while speaking during a lecture in Wroclaw September 23, 2010. Photo: Reuters
His Holiness spoke of the contribution diversity had made to Indian peace and democracy, and praised the presence and contribution of religions and cultures, such as Christianity and Parsi communities, which are new to Indian soil. "I think India is the only country where all major world religions and traditions live together" he said. "There are some problems here and there but all India is now practicing Ahimsa as well as religious harmony. You must realize that this is India's treasure. This is the difference we can give to the rest of the world". His Holiness was joined by leading luminaries from all over the world, who at the festival lead thousands of international participants in a
simultaneous prayer for peace. In organising the event, the Tej Gyan foundation hopes to provide an anchor for various sectors of society, including youth, women, and the media, in working towards universal and launched a book in 10 Indian languages, on the subject of peace and relationships, at yesterday's event. As well as praising India, however, His Holiness was keen to stress the importance of removing such "backward thinking" as the Caste system, which still prevails in the country. "India needs her neighbouring states" he reminded the audience. "The concept of violence, of destruction of your enemy, is outdated. This century, we should make every effort to bring the century to the century of dialogue."
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15 October , 2010 Dharamsala
TPI TIBET HISTORY
Tibetan Nuns Beaten and Tortured by Brutal Chinese
The Tibet Post
October Teachings by His Holiness in Dharamsala By Ian Marshall, The Tibet Post
Tibetan Buddhist nun, Sonam Choedon from Puruna nunnery in eastern Tibet. Photo: TCHRD By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Several Tibetan nuns from two nunneries in eastern Tibet have been beaten and tortured by the Chinese authorities according to a Human Rights group based in Dharamshala. On the 14th May 2008 almost 200 nuns from Puruna Nunnery and Yangteng Nunnery peacefully demonstrated in Kandze County, eastern Tibet. At the time many of the nuns were arrested by the Chinese armed forces and police and many have since been charged with time in prison. According to a report published on Tuesday by Tibetan rights group "Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy, the arrested nuns included; Sonam Lhatso sentenced for 10 years, and Bhumo for 9 years, Sokha and Yangchen Khando for 3 years and Tashi Lhamo for 2 years. The other nuns were quickly released without charge, however, they were not allow to continue living in the nunnery and were effectively
expelled. A nun from Puruna Nunnery, Sonam Choedon, 36 from Lhoba town in Kardze County also took part in the demonstrations. She was badly beaten by a policeman's gun butt, receiving serious injuries to the back of the head; the resulting injuries have caused irreversible brain damage. On the 15th September 2008, she was released and returned to her home, however, due to her severe mental disabilities her parents must look after her both night and day and she cannot go back to the nunnery she spent many years studying in. Tulku Purbu Tsering Rinpoche, head of the both Nunneries was also arrested during the protests in 2008. He was sentenced on the 22nd September 2009 by Kandze intermediate court for 8 years and 6 months in Meyang Prison, Sichuan Province. Currently it is reported that his health is very weak and deteriorating.
Tibetan Writers................... burning property, and were quick to announce the incident was instigated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 'conspirators'. The state media takes every opportunity to discredit, criticise and libel his His Holiness and his followers. Something must be said. In reality, after 50 years of living under a dictatorship, the Tibetan people understood that they must strive for democracy, freedom and equality. For this, they took a serious beating. On 16 March 2008, a peaceful demonstration was held in Ngaba county. But in a dictatorship, even peaceful actions meet with violent reprisals. I understand that more than 20 young people were shot dead on March 16.To give just one example, Lengchu Tso, a girl who had just turned 16, was killed by a police bullet as she made her way to school. In the absence of personal freedom, two monks from Gelden Temple committed suicide. Herdsmen from Ngaba prefecture and students from Malcom Normal School students have been jailed. These are the victims of tyranny. A Marxist teaching comes to mind:
"Marxism stands for equality and against national oppression of ethnic groups. If equality is not achieved, ethnic groups should oppose the authorities." Even Lenin said, "Those who do not recognize ethnic and linguistic equality...cannot be called socialists." Violent dictators always punish those ordinary people and monks who denounce the legal institutions in their fight for justice - willing to spill their own blood in the process. The government always claims that Tibetan human rights are at their peak. But how can we tolerate their claims of 'civilized law enforcement' when they are such obvious lies? Human beings are born to the pursuit of happiness and well-being. Democracy, freedom and equality are our human rights. Many years ago, the United Nations made its human rights declaration. However, history teaches us that tyranny brings only suppression of thought and violations of freedom. Articled translated from the Chinese by Keary Huan, and edited by Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post International.
Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give four days of teachings in Mcleodganj, north India, beginning next Monday (October 4). The first will be on The Fundamental Wisdom Treatise on the Middle Way by Nagarjuna widely considered to be the second Buddha. Next will be Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, the most celebrated text by eleventh-century Indian Buddhist scholar and saint Lord Atisha, which details the entire Buddhist path within the framework of three levels of motivation. At the request of a group of Taiwanese followers, His Holiness will also teach In Praise of Dependent Origination and Concise Stages for the Path to Enlightenment by Tsongkhapa - a famous Tibetan Buddhist whose work led to the formation of the Geluk school.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama leading a prayer at Sera Monastery in South Indian on 2nd Septermber 2010. Photo: TPI
Tibetan Leader to Recognize Work of Tibet Oral History Project By James Dunn, The Tibet Post
Moraga, USA: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is set to hold a private audience with members of the Tibet Oral History Project (TOHP) on Thursday morning to pay tribute to all the work the organization has done in the preservation of Tibet's history and culture. The organization was founded in 2003, after a plea from His Holiness in 1999 to the members of the Tibet Justice Centre of an urgent need to interview the oldest Tibetans. "When I met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1999, I asked what could be done to improve life for the people of Tibet. He emphasized the vital importance of recording the life experiences of older Tibetans in exile, who both witnessed and endured the invasion and occupation of Tibet by the Chinese," explains Marcella Adamski, TOHP's Executive Director. The Dalai Lama wanted these testimonies recorded and published online to show the world the plight of the Tibetan people before they were gone and their memories lost to future generations. Since its founding the organization it has work tirelessly in creating a huge record and has been highly praised by other Tibetan organizations worldwide. "The Tibet Oral History Project plays a crucial role in the Tibetan struggle for freedom," said Dennis Cusack, Co-Chair of the International Tibet Support Network. Faye Straus, Interim President of
A Collection of Photos of Tibetan Elders who have been interviewed by Tibet Oral History Project TOHP
TOHP's Board of Directors, agrees. Straus, Vice President of the Firedoll Foundation, an early supporter of Adamski's efforts, notes that the TOHP has used its funding wisely to achieve a great deal in a very short period of time. The rare audience with the Dalai Lama is seen as a very clear indication of the successful work and effort that TOHP has undertaken in the past 7 years. Since it's founding the TOHP has videotaped 120 eyewitness accounts by Tibetan elders and the footage has become critical in the cultural preservation of Tibet's history. These recordings document their early life in Tibet, and of the devastation that followed the Chinese invasion and occupation. They also recount memories of their flight from Tibet to
escape oppression and to follow the Dalai Lama into exile, and their inspiring vision of hope for the future in spite of the suffering they have all experienced. The interviewers come from diverse backgrounds when they were inside Tibet and have served to create a true account of life before the Chinese invasion. Film footage and transcripts of interviews are available free of charge on the Project's website (www.tibetoralhistory.org.). The complete oral history collection will also be provided to Tibetan archives and international research libraries. In addition, Radio Free Asia's Tibetan Service is broadcasting interview excerpts worldwide, even in China, on the weekly "Life in Exile" radio program.