The Tibet Post International

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Buddhism in Photos: page 4......

Vol. 01, Issue 24, 31 August 2010

Tibet Exihibition Protest

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First Tibetan National General Meeting Begins in South India

By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Tibetans and Taiwanese supporters protesting Chinese exihibition about Tibet. Photo: TPI

Taipei - A group of Tibetans and Taiwanese protested at the National Palace Museum Sunday against an exhibit of Tibetan treasure.

The demonstrators accused the museum of endorsing China's territorial claim over Tibet because the exhibition does not mention the military takeover of the region in the 1950s.

They demanded the museum display the Dalai Lama's portrait and mention China's 'invasion' of Tibet at the exhibit.

Museum spokesman Lin Chen-feng flatly rejected both demands.

The exhibition Tibet - Treasures from the Roof of the World, focuses on Tibetan arts and Buddhism, but makes no mention of the Dalai Lama or China's occupation of Tibet.

Sera Je Buddhist Students Graduate

Thousands of people including guests and officials gathered for the ceremony in Sera-je Monastery.

Photo: TPI

Bylakuppe: Over 100 Tibetan monks at Sera Je monastery received their BA & MA diplomas in Buddhist philosophy on Saturday (August 28).

The Venerable Tsering Phuntsok, Tibetan minister of religion and culture, presented the degrees at the 15th graduation ceremony in Bylakuppe, Karnataka state, South India.

Bylakuppe: The First Tibetan National General Meeting began in Bylakuppe's Tibetan settlement, Karnataka State, on Thursday (August 26). Around 450 Tibetan delegates are attending, including scholars, specialists, doctors, social activists, politicians and journalists. They represent a spectrum of instititutions - amongst them exiled government bodies, independent bodies, four regional schools, monasteries and non-government organisations.

The opening session began with a minute's silence as a mark of respect for the people affected by the recent natural calamities in Tibet and other parts of the world.

During the six-day meeting, delegates will discuss a range of issues such as politics, democracy, religion, culture, sustenance of settlements, education, health, the economy, welfare of Tibetans living in scattered communities and the resolution of the Tibet issue through the middle-way approach.

In his opening address, Mr Penpa Tsering, speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, said the attendees will be divided into eight groups to discuss largely preordained topics. “This meeting will mainly focus on China-Tibet talks," he said. "However, the delegates initially will have choice to join sub-groups [relevant to] their...field, responsibility and interest...[so] various subjects such as education and health will be discussed.

"This meeting will...be to discuss your support [of] the current policy of Tibetan government and its democratic system and further development...I hope

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Karmapa Rinpoche among the Tibetan officials, monks, nuns, and lay praying for vitims of natural disaster in Tibet, Pakistan and Russia, Dharamshala, India on 14th August 2010. Photo: TPI/Sangay

every parliament member, including officials, individuals and attendees...from far away, will use the best of their skill and intelligence to make this platform fruitful."

Mr Penpa added, "A unanimous resolution was passed...at the seventh session of the Tibetan Parliament in-exile, [after] His Holiness the Dalai Lama...called for an annual Tibetan general meeting

Tibetan PM Inaugurates Prayer Halls At Sera Jey School

Philosophy Debate at Gyudmed School

Students and teachers having a group photo oportunity at Gyudmed School, Shouth India.

Photo: TPI

Interview: Geshe Ngagrampa Lobsang Dawa, acting director of the Snowland School of Tibetan Studies.

Hunsur: From August 22-26, the Snowland School of Tibetan Studies at Gyudmed monastery in South India held a series of teachings and debates on Buddhist Philosophy. The programme was conducted by eleven teaching masters and attended by 114 students from seven schools, including the Tibetan Children's Village and the Central School for Tibetans.

The teachers included: Jangtse Choeje Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Tenzin, former abbot Geshe Lobsang Delek, present abbot Alak Youngzin Rinpoche Tenpai Gyaltsen, vice-abbot Geshe Tashi Tsering and other Geshe masters.

The Tibet Post International (TPI) met with the school's acting director, Geshe Ngagrampa Lobsang Dawa, to discuss the school's activities.

Tibetan prime minister, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, speaking media in Dharamshala, India: Photo: TPI/file

By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Bylakuppe: The Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile has inaugurated two newly built prayer halls at the Tibetan Secondary School, Sera Jey Monastery, Bylakuppe, south India.

Kalon Tripa Professor Samdong Rinpoche on Tuesday (August 24) told 700 assembled monks, teachers and students, "In addition to

courses on social studies and science, there must be facilities for the students to study key texts of Buddhist studies.

"In Tibet, children in your age group do not get the opportunity for proper education. Even if some of the children do have access to education, they are taught only modern subjects through Chinese language as the medium of instruction and denied any

[at] the Special General Meeting on Tibet...in 2008."

The Kalon Tripa Samdong Rinpoche (Tibetan prime minister) said in his address, “Under the leadership and blessing of His Holiness the Dalai lama, the Tibetan community-in-exile, unlike other refugee communities, has become one of [the] most exemplary and successful establishments in terms of society, education and health.

"However, the sustenance of the present condition of Tibetans in exile will solely depend on the Tibetan people's collective merit and their way of thinking and moral behaviour.”

The Kalon Tripa continued that, since addressing the problems of exile from 1959 to the 1970s, the Tibetan community-in-exile has achieved good social sustainability, but since the 1980s, and particularly in the last two decades, this positive trend has undergone great changes which should be discussed during the general meeting.

He concluded by emphasing the need for serious deliberation on strengthening efforts to achieve specialisation in the issues of education, population growth, community self-reliance and the degeneration of ethical behaviour.

The final recommendations of the meeting will be presented in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the closing ceremony on August 31. opportunity to study Buddhist philosophy."

The function began with a welcome address

by Khen Rinpoche Acharya Geshe Lobsang Palden, and the inauguration of a statue of Buddha and a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Sera Jey school has 40 faculty members and 630 students. It was the first monastically administered school to be recognised by the Central Tibetan Schools Administration, and participates in the CBSE class ten board examination.

The monastery is one of the three main institutes of the Gelug tradition, founded in Tibet by Lama Tsong Khapain in the 15th century. It was reestablished at Bylakuppe in South India in 1970, following the occupation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China and the subsequent destruction of monasteries and persecution of monks.

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31 August, 2010 Dharamsala

TPI VIEWS AND ANALYSIS

Economy Buys the Value of Human Rights and Tibet

China’s core interests

By Claude Arpi, Indian Express, 28 August 2010.

A symbol of economy buying the values of the Human Rights and Tibet. Photo: Desidgned/file

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: It's a fact that, today, the developed nations are far more advanced technologically and economically than in previous centuries, and their citizens lead a "better life". But it does not mean that Human Rights are better protected in this new century. An honest examination shows that the Chinese economy determines or buys the value of ‘Western’ Human Rights and democracy, particularly when it comes to the most vulnerable aspects of our world.

Take the genocide of the culture and language of the Tibetan people. It’s difficult for a person without freedom to preserve ancient values and live in genuine social harmony. Tibetans today face not only the onslaught of Chinese culture and language, but they are caught in a complex game between China and its Western counterparts. A dirty war is being played out between the shadow economy and Human Rights, the latter being able to author Human Rights abuses.

Why are the economy and Human Rights treated differently, by the West, in the ‘special case’ of Tibet?

The United Nations made an attempt to put Human Rights into a broader context, through decades of first-hand experience with Tibetan refugees worldwide. The Europeans and Africans Unions treat the Tibetan similarly, even as they play their economy games with China.

Rather than simply killing the whole populations of prisoners from all parts of Tibet, the armed Chinese paramilitary forces are carrying out programs of torture. Torture can be either physical or psychological, and it aims at the "humiliation or annihilation of the dignity of a person." Physical torture might include mutilation, beatings, and electric shocks to lips, gums, and genitals. In psychological torture, detainees are occasionally deprived of food and water for long periods, kept standing upright for hours, deprived of sleep, or tormented by high-level noise.

China is forcing Tibetan political prisoners to admit to being ‘extremists’, ‘separatists’ or ‘spies of Western imperialism’, all of which amounts to treason. Torture is used also as a means to carry out interrogations and extract

confessions or information. Today in Tibet, torture is increasingly used as a means of suppressing political and ideological dissent, or for punishing political opponents who d o n o t s h a r e t h e i r i d e o l o g y, sympathise with Tibetan independence or have communication with exiled Tibetans.

Tibetans made an urgent appeal to the world for more freedom of conscience and against cultural and language extinction in Tibet. The world needs a comprehensive definition of "Universal Human Rights", which should include the right to religion and culture for all citizens on earth, the right to be free from ‘values’ created by speculators, the right to protection of population and control of their land, and the right to protect their traditional way of life.

Why does the world treat Human Rights differently from the economy in industrialised China? Of late it's been my experience that, everyone seems to be concerned about suffering in Tibet or Sudan.

But when the Western world sees a great chance and exchange between its economy and the Tibetan people, and witnesses Chinese human rights violations with disgust – they then fail to act. China has killed over 1.3 million Tibetans and over 150,000 have been forced to leave their country, including t h e i r s p i r i t u a l l e a d e r. W h y d o western nations treat the last and largest communist regime, China, as though it were unworthy of their dignity and the values of mankind?

The Western countries achieve a healthy economy and China practices the worst Human Rights violations in the history of mankind.

We say media is a strong tool for democracy, and this took form when China suppressed the uprising in Tibet in 2008, taking more than 224 lives. But the western government failed to react to these Human Rights violations. I wonder if they have a heart that shows the same compassion and solidarity towards Tibetans.

The article is a personal opinion and it does not reflect the view of The Tibet Post International. If you have any comment, you will be able to reach the author at thetibetpost@gmail.com

The Tibet Post

Have you heard of ‘Core Interests’? No, it has nothing to do with ‘organising’ the CWG, IPL auctions, mining in tribal areas or OBC vote banks, though it is true that in India ‘core’ issues often veer around these subjects. 'Core interests’ is the subject of a serious debate amongst the top leadership of the People’s Republic of China, both civilian and military. Traditionally, the ‘core interest’ of the Communist regime has been the continuation of the party’s raj.

For the past 60 years, the Communist Party of China has ruled supreme over the Middle Kingdom. Chinese rulers are, however, anguished about the future of the Communist dynasty. They are aware that in the past, Heaven has withdrawn its Mandate from many dynasties, bringing disasters, famines, floods or earthquakes to different parts of the empire (it is happening right now) leading to the dethronement of the emperors. This is why, in June 2006 the State Council ordered an eight-episode TV research entitled Preparing For Danger in Times of Safety — Historic Lessons Learned from the Demise of Soviet Communism. The project was given to no less than the Academy of Social Sciences, the prime government think-tank. Party members were requested to carefully study and ‘discuss’ the conclusions offered by the Chinese president himself: “There are multiple factors contributing to the disintegration of the Soviet Union, a very important one being Khrushchev throwing away Stalin’s knife and Gorbachev’s open betrayal of MarxismLeninism.” Apart from the survival of the party, the PCR has a few core issues, namely Taiwan and Tibet and Xinjiang (which symbolise the stability — or instability — of the empire).

During the last 60 years, China has grown bigger and more powerful. In 2008, Beijing successfully organised the Summer Olympics; in 2010, the Universal Exhibition in Shanghai was another show; Beijing has maintained its rate of growth despite the economic crisis and has now become the No 2 world economic power. Many in China believe that the time of the Middle Kingdom has come and Beijing should act accordingly. As Steve Tsang, a fellow at

St Antony’s College of Oxford University put it in an excellent paper Nationalism risks felling China’s peaceful rise: 'Chinese officials then saw that there was scope to push the boundary'. Some in China believe that the chance to grab the South China Sea and the Yellow Sea has now arrived.

Probably encouraged by President Obama’s wishy-washy approach during his first visit to Beijing in November last year and his vacillating attitude vis-àvis the Dalai Lama and the sale of F-16 jets to Taiwan, the hawks in Beijing have awakened.

Tsang says: “By declaring the South China Sea a ‘core national interest’ and elevating it to the same status as Tibet and Taiwan, Beijing has marked another territorial claim. If this is not challenged, it will gradually gain de facto international acceptance, as its claims over Tibet and Taiwan have in the last six decades.”

The China Brief of the Jamestown Foundation cites some PLA majorgenerals to explain Beijing’s new aggressive attitude. General Luo of the Yuan Academy of Military Sciences objected in June to the joint US-South Korean exercises. The general put it vividly: “How can we let a stranger fall sound asleep just outside our bedroom?”

On July 3, an article debating the strategy behind the US use of its aircraft carriers was published in the China Review News. According to the author there were four reasons for the US to send its carriers: (1) pushing China to buy more US bonds; (2) using war threats to hammer China’s development; (3) reducing US debt pressure; (4) confirming that China doesn’t dare to start a war. The author believed that Americans manipulated all of the issues troubling China (Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, India, Vietnam, the South China Sea, Mid-Asia, and Falun Gong).

He argued that the right way to handle the US carrier situation was to sink the carriers having a joint naval exercise with South Korea in the Yellow Sea. Another Chinese analyst, Real Admiral Yang Yi accused Washington of doubledealing exacerbating its time-honoured containment policy against China. On August 13, Yang wrote in The PLA Daily: “On the one hand, (Washington) wants China to play a role in regional security issues, on the other hand, it is engaging in an increasingly tight encirclement of

China and constantly challenging China’s core interests.”

General Yang added that American military drills were a provocation aimed at creating “enmity and confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region — and that the Chinese must make a firm response”.

One could ask, why are the generals seemingly speaking out of turn or at least in opposition to the official policy promoted by Hu Jintao of a peaceful rise of China. Major General Xu Guangyu, a researcher at the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, explained that “it was natural for the PLA to speak out first on these issues.

It’s the PLA’s sacred duty to defend China’s territory and interests.”

Many analysts believe that it is probably an occasion for hardliners among the PLA and PLAN (Chinese Navy) ‘to lobby for more economic and political resources to upgrade their arsenal. Particularly in view of largescale personnel changes scheduled for the upcoming 18th CCP Congress.’

Undoubtedly, jockeying has started for the elevation of several generals to a revamped Central Military Commission in 2012. President Hu probably needs some hawks to help him to keep his chairman’s cap after he resigns from his two other posts — president of the republic and party general secretary.

However, several think-tanks and influential commentators do not agree with the generals.

On August 1, in an article published in Xinhua, Han Xudong, a professor at the Strategy Department of the PLA National Defence University said it was currently not appropriate for China to explicitly state what its ‘Core National Interests’ are. He gave reasons why: China’s military capability is not as good as America’s military capability in many respects. Publicly identifying China’s core national interests will place the armed forces in a passive position and China does not have the power to protect all of its core national interests yet.

The peaceful rise of China will probably continue to be the official motto for some time, but many other forces are at play. Let us not forget that China is not a monolithic empire, but a puzzle of many disparate forces. Only the future will tell who will prevail. By the way, what are India’s Core Interests?

Tibet Exhibition Visits Hunsur

Tibetans in Rabgyal Ling settlement visiting exhibition on 28 Auguts 2010. photo: Tibet Net

By Jiimy Halliday, The Tibet Post

Hunsur: The second leg of a travelling photographic exhibition

which looks at the life of Tibetans in exile was displayed in Hunsur Rabyeling Tibetan Settlement,

Karnataka state, south India on August 28 and 29.

Organised by The Tibet Museum and the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), the exhibition aims to create awareness among the Tibetan populace about the efforts to establish structures such as schools, monasteries and hospitals in the early stages of exile.

According to a report by Tibet.net, the exhibition attracted over 1,500 local Tibetan residents, including monks from the Gyumed and Zongkar Choede Monastery, and students and teachers of the Central School for Tibetans.

The exhibition moves to Sera Lachi in Bylakuppe today (August 31) and will be on display there until September 2.

The Tibet Post

TPI H.H THE DALAI LAMA

His Holiness in Kullu: "We Should be Non-Violent at Heart"

31 August, 2010 Dharamsala

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His Holiness Speaks on Religious Conversion

By YC. Dhardhowa, translated by Yangsham, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: This morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama performed the Heruk (Tibetan: Dechok) initiation in Garshia, Lahoul and Spiti district, as he continued his teaching tour of Himachal Pradesh, north India. Over 5,000 people attended the event, including Chinese and other foreign devotees.

His Holiness spoke on religious conversion, saying, I have heard many local people of Lahaul and Kullu used

to be Buddhist but have now converted to Hinduism. "people who follow any religion, it is better to keep the ancestors' religion and follow it. Religious conversion brings complications and difficulties."

Tomorrow, His Holiness will conduct the Avalokiteshvara empowerment ritual, receive a ‘long-life' offering from the audience and attend a press conference.

Teachings on Diamond Sutra for Koreans

His Holiness the Dalai Lama visiting Dhakpo Shedrup Ling monastery in Kais, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Photo: TPI Reported by: YC. Dhardhowa, translated by Yangsham&Matthew, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama this morning delivered a discourse entitled The Bodhisattva's Development of the Heart to around 3,000 Buddhist followers at Dhakpo Shedrup Ling monastery in Kais, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.

The teachings were attended by devotees from the local community and around the world. Dhakpo Rinpoche, the head of the monastery, made offerings to His Holiness.

In the afternoon, His Holiness visited the Tibetan Vocational Training Centre, a branch of Tibetan Children's Village School, at Patlikul. He addressed students and teachers on the topics of

the good characteristics of Tibetans, world peace and the importance of education.

"Thanks to ancient Buddhism and its culture, we Tibetans have pleasant character, warm heart and smiling face in the eyes of others, including Chinese," His Holiness said. "These are really helpful in our daily lives and essential for the harmony of community."

Speaking on world peace and nonviolence, His Holiness said, "It is not enough to just say, 'Stop violence!

World needs peace!' Basically [we]should be non-violent at heart". He also reiterated the Buddhist viewpoint

that "all living beings have been our mothers in our countless past lives, and so stop harming others, including insects."

His Holiness concluded his speech by pointing out the importance of modern education and urged students to engage with contemporary knowledge, saying, "Due to our lack of modern education, Chinese look down [on] us as backward and stupid. Therefore, it is very important for us to gain modern knowledge with full attention."

His Holiness will proceed to Jispa to deliver the Heruka initiation and will give teachings from August 19-22.

His Holiness: News Should Be Reported Truthfully

His Holioness the Dalai Lama giving teachings in Jispa, Lahour, HP india on 20 Auguts 2010. photo: TPI Reported by YC. Dhardhowa, translated by Yangsham & Matthew,The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama this morning urged journalists to be truthful and unbiased in their reporting.

Speaking in Jispa, Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, north India, he said, "Like elephant's nose, journalists should be active enough to see all the perspectives".

His Holiness made his comments after

conducting the Avalokiteshvara empowerment ritual. He proceeded to discuss the lack of press freedom in China, saying, "1.3 billion Chinese people have the right to know the factual news taking place in this world."

His Holiness advised local Buddhist followers to strive to understand the meaning of Buddhism, saying,

"Despite of man and woman from lay society, it is very important to debate about Buddhism and improve the understanding of it."

He also praised the teaching of Tibetan language in the newly established school near Ka-lacakra temple in Jispa, and promised to offer both Tengyur and Tanjur (The Tibetan Buddhist canon) to the local monastery.

On the subject of animal sacrifice, His Holiness urged fellow Buddhists to take refuge in Lord Buddha instead of mountain deities, saying, “If you are a Buddhist, it is absolutely wrong to do animal sacrificing to the mountain deities. Mountain deities, like us, haven’t overcome the afflictions, therefore shouldn’t be the object of refuge. Our true protector and object of refuge is Lord Buddha”.

He concluded the lecture by advising local people not indulge in drinking or smoking, for the sake of their health.

Continuing his teaching tour, His Holiness will speak on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's 37 Practices of A Boddhisattva (Tibetan: Laklen Sodunma) in Manali on August 22.

Visit our news gallery for more about His Holiness' teachings in Himachal.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Korean Buddhist leaders walking to Tibetan main temple in Dharamshala, India on 28 August 2010. Photo: TPI YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave teachings on the Diamond Sutra at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala from August 28-29.

The teachings, held at the request of a group of Korean Buddhists, were attended

by thousands of followers, including Tibetans, Japanese and Spanish.

This morning (August 30), His Holiness left for south India to attend the first Tibetan National General Meeting, the recommendations of which will be presented at tomorrow's closing ceremony.

His Holiness in Jispa: “Inner Peace is Essential”

By YC. Dhardhowa, translated by Yangsham, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday reached Jispa, 133 km from Manali, to continue his teaching tour of Himachal Pradesh, north India.

He was welcomed by over 1,000 local people, including Dr Ram Lal Markandey - former member of the Legislative Assembly - and community leaders, lamas and monks from Drugchoe Kor monastery.

His Holiness thanked the organizers of the teachings and described his journey through picturesque valleys to reach Jispa. He also spoke about inner peace and happiness, saying, "For the

comfort of physical body, external material development is necessary.

Meanwhile, to be happy at heart and antidote challenges, inner peace is essential.

"It is more important to understand the philosophy of Buddhism than just chanting Buddha Dharma in mouth."

His Holiness conferred the Heruka (Tibetan: Dechok) inition this morning and will give teachings tomorrow, before heading back to Manali to deliver a religious discourse on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's 37 Practices of a Boddhisattva on August 22.

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31 August, 2010 Dharamsala

TPI HIS HOLINESS IN MANALI & JISPA

The Tibet Post

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Police Kill One, Injure 35, in Dege, Eastern Tibet

Chinese armed military personnels in Lithang County eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

By YC. DhardhowaThe Tibet Post

Dharamsala: One Tibetan has been killed and around 35 severely wounded after Chinese security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Palyul County, Dege, eastern Tibet.

The incident was reported to the Tibet Post International by the Venerable Drime Gyaltsen. Mr Drime, who currently lives in south India, hails from Dege, from where an anonymous contact relayed him the information in this report.

On August 18, protesters gathered

outside a local government building in Tromthar village, after village leader Tashi Sangpo wrote to the local authorities requesting a halt to the environmentally detrimental expansion of gold mining in the area.

Local Tibetans are concerned about the impact of mining on their livelihoods and have been demanding compensation from the government.

Over 100 people camped outside the government headquarters waiting for a response from the Chinese authorities.

Security forces responded by releasing a harmful gas. One Tibetan, Tashi

Sangpo, together with other locals, saw Chinese officers moving unconscious protesters into a waiting truck, and began to scuffle with them.

The security forces reportedly then fired indiscriminately into the crowd, killing one Tibetan. At least five others sustained bullet injuries, and several protesters were detained.

No official statement has been made on the incident, or the condition of those injured and arrested. The Chinese authorities have brought in reinforcements from neighbouring counties, and the situation remains tense.

Four Magazine Editors

Detained, Two Sentenced in Tibet

31 August, 2010 Dharamsala

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Tibet: Two-Year Jail Sentences for Two Student Magazine Editors Paris: Reporters Without Borders condemns the two-year jail sentences that have been imposed on Sonam Rinchen and Sonam Dhondup, two students who helped to edit the Tibetan student magazine Namchak.

Two other editors of the magazine, who were arrested at the same time as them in March, are still awaiting trial.

Their conviction has coincided with other cases of repression. For example, the Tibetan writer Kalsang Tsultrim, also known by the pen-name of Gyitsang Takmig, was arrested on 7 July in Dzoge, in Sichuan province.

According to relatives cited by Tibetan sources in the northern Indian city of Dharamsala, his arrest was prompted by his book “Miyul La Phul Ve Sempa” (Share My Heart’s Inner Thoughts) and recordings of his speeches voicing his concerns for the Tibetans that have been distributed on CDs. The lack of independent observers in Tibet allows the Chinese authorities to arrest and convict Tibetan journalists, writers, bloggers and environmentalists without any form of due process. The government prevents the foreign media from working in Tibet so that there are no witnesses.

When the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China recently polled its members, 98 per cent said it was impossible to cover the situation in Tibet properly because of obstruction

by the authorities.

Arrested on 17 March, the four Tibetan students who edited Namchak were charged with separatism and inciting separatism in their writing. Sonam Rinchen, 19, and Sonam Dhondup, 18, were registered as students at the University of Barkham (in Sichuan province), as were the other two, who have been identified as Yargay and Dakden.

Kanyak Tsering, an exiled Tibetan monk, told Reporters Without Borders that they had published comments about China’s policies towards minorities, including Tibetans.

Tibetan writer Tragyal, also known by the pen-name of Shogdung, has meanwhile been held in harsh conditions since April in Xining detention centre, in Qinghai province, where his family has not yet been allowed to see him. His lawyer says the police are dragging their feet and have not passed the case to prosecutors. In a book entitled “The Line between Heaven and Earth,” Tragyal called for peaceful resistance by the Tibetan people. As a result, he has been accused of inciting separatism.

Before his arrest, Tragyal said: “I am, of course, terrified by the idea that, once this essay is published, I will have to endure every kind of hell this planet has to offer. I could lose my head because of my mouth, but this is the road I have chosen.”

His Holiness's Special Envoy Meets with US official

Special envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari (L) and envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen speaking to Foreign, Indian and Tibetan journalists in Dharamshala, India on 2 February 2010. Photo: TPI

By Tibetan Official media: Tibet Net

Sonam Rincehn, Yargye, Sonam Dhondup and Dakden arrested on 17th March 2009 by Chinese authorities in Bharkham, eastern Tibet, two of them also sentenced for 2 years each, two other still detained. Photo: TPI

By YC. DhardhowaThe Tibet Post

Dharamshala: A Chinese court in Bharkham, eastern Tibet, has sentenced two editors of the local school magazine Namchak on charges of incitement to split the country and encouraging students to participate in 'splittist' activities. Two other editors have been detained on similar charges.

Our source Kanyak Tsering, who currently lives in exile, named the four

young adults arrested on March 17 as: Sonam Rinchen (19), son of Rindor and Tamdho from Dzoge District, Ngaba county; Yargye and Dakden, both from Ngaba District of Ngaba region; and Sonam Dhondup (18), son of Drugkhar and Wotruk from Dzoge county.

Sonam Rinchen and Yargye have both received two-year prison sentences.

Kanyak Tsering told the Tibet Post International that on March 17 the four editors, who were students at Bharkham

High School, commemorated the 2008 pan-Tibet demonstrations, in which 224 lives Tibetans lost their lives. They also occasionally used the school magazine to publish articles about China's Tibet policy, which included comparison of the equalities and rights afforded to 'minority' and 'mainstream' citizens in China.

No official statement has been issued by the Chinese authorities, and the the exact location of the four detainees remains unknown.

Washington: Tibetan spiritual and political leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's Special Envoy Lodi Gyari met a senior State Department official here and discussed issues related to Tibetan refugees, among others.

The meeting with the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, Eric Schwartz, was held at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State D e p a r t m e n t o n We d n e s d a y according to Press Trust Of India.

"My brief is refugees, among other humanitarian issues. The United

States Government, provides considerable support and assistance through international organisations.

"For Tibetan refugees, whose circumstances in the region are increasingly difficult. I expect that that issue will occupy much of our discussion," Schwartz told reporters before the meeting.

He said this was not a first such meeting, and US officials have been meeting Gyari time and again.

"Gyari is a US citizen and has met a number of US officials in the past," he said in response to a question.

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31 August, 2010 Dharamsala

TPI INTERVIEW

His Holiness in Manali: Global Population Is Tired of Violence Hinduism and Buddhism. However, basically, they are like twin brothers, sisters. The religious harmony is part of India's tradition. Wherever I go, I always carry the message of Ahimsa and the message of religious harmony. So these two things are very much relevant today.

The Shiite-Sunni conflict and CatholicProtestant conflict - when I see these kind of things, then I think India's real tradition [of] religious harmony is very much needed today. So India can take important role. Now, I want to tell you, my Indian friends, you need more effort - hard working! Like the Commonwealth Games - it indicates we are not always so efficient!

Tromthok Rinpoche, the abbot of Namgyal Monastery and monks lead prayer service at Tsuglagkhang for victims of devastating heavy rain and mudslides in Tibet's Drugchu.

Photo: Tibet Net/ Drubgyu Nyima

By Ye-Rinne Park, The Tibet Post

His Holiness in Manali: 22 August Press Conference Transcript Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (HH): I have nothing to say! Only I am very much happy, very much. Last few days [I have been] touring different places and met quite a number of people - very faithful, devoted. So I have opportunity to explain what is Buddhism. That I really feel is important. Number of people claim to be Buddhist but without knowing what is Buddhism.

I jokingly asked one person, "What is the difference between Buddha Shakyamuni and Jesus Christ?" He said , "Same." Of course, as a spiritual master, they are same. But in the philosophical field, the teachings of Jesus Christ and the teachings of Buddha, there are differences. Even between Christianity and Islam there are differences. There is the Trinity according to Christians but, according to Islam, there is just one Allah. So there are differences. So I had the opportunity to explain what is Buddhism. So I am very happy. Whether they understand fully or not, that I don't know!

Question: Your Holiness, what is your vision of the world in the next few years?

always exist and in the future will always remain but, [regarding the] whole picture, judging by changes and development of a more civilized way of thinking, there are big differences between the early part and the later part of the 20th century.

Also between spirituality and science.

In early part, people feel these are two different things. In later part of 20th century, they made new findings, like quantum physics. And also nowadays, among the scientists - the top scientists - they are [investigating] more and more about the human mind, about the human emotion.

For example, some of my friends - top, respected, well-known scientists - they consider my explanation about Buddha dharma as a science, not a religion. So science and spirituality become closer and closer. Now this is 21st century. Of course, there are some unhappy events here and there, but the future is the continuation of the later part of the 20th century. So therefore, I believe that the 21st century will certainly be a more peaceful century. There's no doubt.

Question: And India will play a very major role in this?

HH: Oh, that is good question...Until the mid-part of the 20th century, the concepts of 'my nation' and ‘other nation' were very strong...a clear demarcation between ‘we' and ‘they'.

That's the basis of violence and war.

Now, in the later part of the 20th century, with global economy and also environmental issue, the demarcation between ‘we' and ‘they' reduced.

HH: No question! In the 70 years since this country has got indepencence, compare living state. Despite millions of Indians still not [being] very educated, democracy is deeply rooted in this country. And, moreover, I consider myself as a messenger of India.

Two factors. Number one: a thousand years in this country Ahimsa (the avoidance of violence). Is not newly invented - last 1,000 years, 2,000 years, 3,000 years. That is still an important Indian concept - Ahimsa.

The whole world should be considered just one entity. Western economy entirely depends on East or Middleeast. Eastern economy needs technology and therefore depends on the West, and also depends on Arabs, because of the oil. And Africa same like that. So the global economy factor makes us one entity. The environment, because of its fragility, also makes one entity.

Second - religious harmony. Today, I think all major world religions exist in this country. In ancient times, I think more than 1,000 years ago, besides home-grown religion - Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and, later, Sikhism came from outside Zoroastrianism from Iran (Parsi), then Christianity, then Islam, and Judaism in Cochin area and Kerala.

So whole major religious traditions live together in this country.

This is one thing. Second thing is that people everywhere are really fed up with violence. Of course, hateful people

Of course, in the philosophical field, there are some arguments, disagreements. For example, in

Question: Your Holiness, on your Twitter site you have recently said that your middle-way policy has been somewhat criticised by your own community, especially by the Tibetan Youth Congress. So what do you see in the future, after you? Do you see the Tibetans denouncing the middle-way path?

HH: The middle path - of course there are critical views, but the majority fully support it. From time to time, you ask the public for their opinions and suggestions, but always the majority fully support it. And as far as nonviolence is concerned, even the youth organisation is fully committed to nonviolence. One or two individuals...that's a different thing.

Question: We are making a documentary about the influence of globalisation in Ladakh. We've found out that, due to globalisation, there is a loss of religious values and social values in the people. So how can we join globalization and religious values in the future?

HH: Good question. I'm often telling people - the Buddhist community - not only Tibetan but also Chinese, Japanese, Korean - all Buddhist brothers and sisters - that now we should be 21st century Buddhists. That means use all the...modern facilities and be a modern person - full of knowledge about modern science [but] in the meantime preserve our own traditional religion - Buddhism.

A number of scientists, including medical scientists, are seeking methods to prevent illness and recover more quickly, and to make better concentration. They are seeking for some Buddhist methods. They are not Buddhists but they recognize Buddhism...as a science of the mind. As I mentioned before, if Buddhists carry Buddhism as a ritual or some kind of ceremony, it won't remain and the superstition...will not remain.

But if you know what is Buddhism - it's utilising our human intelligence in the maximum way and transformation our emotions. There are two kinds of emotion. One category of emotions is spontaneous, without reason - like anger, hatred...fear, attachment, pride.

Then another emotion - genuine compassion, genuine altruism. These emotions do not spontaneously come, but through training, through reasoning.

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So in order to develop a calmer mind, these positive emotions are a very important factor - not thinking about next life or Buddhahood [but] simply in order to become a happier person, and happier family, happier community, happier humanity. I think this training of mind, which comes from Hinduism and Buddhism...is very relevant today.

opportunity to visit this large area.

Without modern technology, we would have used mules or horses! That's terrible!

So I don't think the material development and genuine spiritual development can't go together. No problem.

Question: Can Buddhism help fix the problem of loss of altruism in the social community?

If the people - for example, Ladakhis just practice without knowing what is Buddhism, then it goes away. I noticed in the early '60s, in Ladakh, those modern educated people's attitude towards the monasteries was quite critical. Now, it has changed, because I've asked them to study Buddhism. You must have full knowledge about Buddha dharma. So now these educated people, including government officials, whenever they find the time, organize...the class for Buddhist studies.

HH: Like any other major religion, Buddhism has the same sort of advice practice of love, compassion, altruism.

Then differences: Buddhists, in order to promote these things, use our intelligence. So those scientist nonbelievers like [the] Buddhist approach.

They find it difficult to believe [in a] creator...According to Buddhism, oneself is the creator.

I think all major religions can make an effective, significant contribution for a better world, if we sincerely practice. Like Christian brothers and sisters - they say the true teachings of Jesus Christ, if implemented in daily life, are very helpful to bring inner peace, harmony in the family, in the society. Islam also.

Sometimes we get a different impression, but actually those Islam practitioners who genuinely practice, they extend love to all creatures. Same like Buddhists.

So...for the last 40 years, at least 5,000 to 6,000 monk students come from Ladakh to Arunachal. They carry out studies in our monastic institutions.

These people who study thoroughly for 15 or 20 years, when they return to their own monastery - much improved. In the '60s...a lot of monks often drunk! Now that's gone. Discipline improved, knowledge improved. As a result, respect from educated people has now developed - sufficient.

The problem is, like in many other fields economy, business, politics - the religious field also carries some hypocrisy - saying nice things but not being concerned with real life. That's the problem. So that's why religion itself sometimes becomes instrument for additional problems for society. Not properly follow religion - just use the name of religion for one's own interest.

Education usually brings scepticism. In Buddhist studies, scepticism is very, very important. Why? Sceptical attitude brings question. Question brings investigation. Investigation brings answer. That's the general Buddhist tradition and particularly the Nalanda tradition.

Question: Yesterday, our Foreign Minister Krishna said you are an esteemed guest of India but you should refrain from making any political statements, and that Tibet is an integral part of China. Do you think this is a statement of a helpless friend or is India going for a double standing?

[There are] two cultural aspects. One: cultural heritage. For example, the Tibetan religious community - right from the beginning we make distinctions. There should be two categories of cultural heritage - one due to social system and a certain way of life. That part of cultural heritage will go. It cannot be preserved it has no use to be preserved. Then there is another category of cultural heritage, which is really based on Buddhist thinking. That is very much relevant in our daily life, particularly when we are facing some problem. That part of cultural heritage will remain and we will want to preserve.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet: No, no, no. In 1951, we developed direct contact with Chinese government.

Meantime we also appealed to the United Nations. Then India suggested that, since direct talks with China have continued since 1951, it is not necessary to raise the issue at the UN. Then in 1954, the agreement between the Chinese government and the Indian government clearly mentioned Tibet as an autonomous region. Since then, continuous - same, same. But Indian government supports.

Therefore, modernisation, globalisation, is necessary. Nobody can escape and in fact it is very useful. Because of modern technology, within one week I had the

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TPI TIBET WORLD

The World Needs Spiritual Dialogue Says His Holiness

His Holiness the Dalai lama giving a special public for Tibetans in Manali, H.P India on 22 August 2010. Photo: TPI

By Ye-Rinne Park, The Tibet Post

Jispa: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama gave a press conference on Friday (August 20) at which he said the world needs to develop a spiritual dialogue to find the right way to address conflict and violence.

Speaking in Jispa, as part of his teaching tour of Himachal Pradesh, north India, His Holiness made the following speech: "Buddhism and all other religions very much emphasise the practice of love, compassion and forgiveness. These are [the] bases of dialogue, of reconciliation.

Therefore, the world now needs spiritual dialogue.

"When we face differences...that causes conflict and violence. We must find the proper way to deal with this problem: that's dialogue. So more dialogues, not out of fear but [voluntarily], with selfconfidence, with truthfulness.

"Buddhism, as any other religion, can refund human compassion, human brotherhood, sisterhood. That's one thing. Then, [what's] unique [about] Buddhism - there's Buddhist ideology, philosophy.

"Now, there's a big difference between different traditions - between Christianity and Islam, between Hindus and Jains.

[But] in [science] and in Buddhism, no idea of creator. Everything happens or

comes due to [its] own condition.

"Einstein noticed that Buddhism is a little different from other religions.

Therefore, Buddhist concept is, I think, more suitable to non-believers, like...David [Barnhill], Wysconsin University's professor. Gradually we [have] developed close contact, dialogue, discussion about modern science, then Buddhist science, [and] I explain Buddhist philosophy.

"So these people gradually develop more enthusiasm [for] Buddhist explanations about reality - particularly how to develop inner peace without believing in God or a creator. Simply, you [come to] realise human intelligence.

That is one of the unique [things] Buddhism can contribute.

"You [local people] already have some monasteries here. Monasteries must [be] learning centres - not just requiring puja.

There's so many things to learn. So these monasteries should be education centres for Buddhist studies. And then, of course, we can provide teachers for Buddhist studies [and] philosophy.

"As I mentioned earlier, no creator, no God [in Buddhism]. Oneself [is the] essence, [the] full master. Buddha is our teacher. He shows us, he [didn't create the] essence.

"Study Buddha dharma, in Tibetan translation from the Sanskrit written by those masters like Nagarjuna. Altogether [there are] 300 points - commentary 200 points. Whenever I have time, I teach some of these points, and study. So learn Buddha dharma, including Buddhist logic.

"Those masters always use [explanations] not relying on Buddhist quotations. Because, in Buddha's own words, there are different philosophies.

If we totally rely on Buddha's own words, then how can define all [of Buddha's] concepts [using the same] words?

"Buddha's followers [understood things on] different levels - there are many different explanations. Therefore he taught according [to] different people's wisdom and understanding levels. "..Certain Buddhist [thought] brings contradiction in reasoning logical approach. So in Buddhist philosophy we have the liberty to investigate Buddha's own words. Therefore there are lots of commentaries. We must study Buddha's teachings and commentaries written by Buddhist masters. Plus full knowledge about modernity. That's the definition of [the] critical stances of Buddhism.

"Buddha himself didn't make discrimination between male and female.

We find [a] rank issue [concerning monks and nuns]. [That came from] a different tradition of monastery system, eight or nine centuries [ago] I think. 40 years ago, I introduced to nunneries in Dharamshala the serious studies, like for monks. So now many [nuns] learn through debate. That should be known.

"Many years ago, a women's magazine asked me if in the future [my] reincarnation can be a female. I said yes. Because, among Tibetan high reincarnation, I think [in the] last 800 years, female reincarnation already happened. Yes, we accept it. The purpose of the reincarnation is to serve people. If female born is more useful, then why not?"

Please visit our news gallery for pictures of this event.

31 August, 2010 Dharamsala

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Chinese Group Visit New York's Office of Tibet

Tenzin Norzom, Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010, joined a signature campaign with activists in Dharamshala on Friday Photo:TPI YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

New York: A delegation of Chinese people resident in the USA met with Tibetan officials at the Office of Tibet in New York on August 17.

Coordinated by Mr Tang Yun Jung, president of a US-based Chinese prodemocracy organisation, the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views and learn more about the Tibet issue.

"Despite their concern for the issue of Tibet, our Chinese friends have no means to learn clearly about the issue in China," said Mr Kunga Tashi, China analyst at the Office of Tibet. Mr Tashi briefed the visitors on the middle-way approach and the activities of the Tibet office in New York.

Mr Tsewang Phuntso, member of the Task Force On Sino-Tibetan negotiations,

China Stages Conferences on Tibetan Security and Monastic Activities

US Government Encourages Substantive Talks on Tibet

ETC is a biennial assembly of all Tibetan Communities in Europe. Photo: TPI

By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: The US State Department has submitted its annual report on Tibet negotiations to Congress, encouraging substantive dialogue between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government.

The 2009-2010 report outlines US

policy on Tibet, and covers the "steps taken by the President and Secretary of State to encourage the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to enter into a dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, leading to a negotiated agreement on Tibet."

The report states that, "The US government believes the Dalai Lama can be a constructive partner for China as it deals with the difficult challenge of continuing tensions in Tibetan areas.

His views are widely reflected within Tibetan society, and he commands the respect of the vast majority of Tibetans.

His consistent advocacy of nonviolence is an important principle for making progress toward a lasting solution.

"China's engagement with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to resolve problems facing Tibetans is in the interests of both the Chinese government and the Tibetan people.

Failure to address these problems will lead to greater tensions inside China and will be an impediment to China's social and economic development."

The report also reiterates the US government's call for China to respect the unique religious, lingustic, and cultural heritage of the Tibetan people, together with their human rights and civil liberties.

By Megan Davis, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: The People's Republic of China has staged two conferences this month to discuss public security in the socalled Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and the activities of Tibetan religious institutions.

According to Chinatibetnews.com, from August 18-19 the Public Security Ministry held a meeting of the public security bureaus of ethnic Tibetan areas, covering TAR and the four provinces, to assess their experiences of "upholding public security, the struggle against the current separatist movement, and [identifying] current challenges facing stability in Tibetan areas."

During the meeting, action plans were devised to "step up the fight against separatists, create bodies to protect social security, increase border security, and improve the communication infrastructure, uniform and skills of public security bureaus."

From August 14-15, the Communist Party

of China's United Front Work Department summoned to Shigatse the heads of monastic institutions and United Front leads from TAR and the four provinces, to address the tightening of religious institutions' activities.

The two conferences are follow-ups to January's Fifth Work Forum on Tibet which implemented measures to bring a 'restive' Tibet under control.

In the wake of the spring 2008 pan-Tibet protests, the Chinese government has drastically curtailed the flow of Tibetans between Tibetan areas. Further, ordinances have been passed in Lhasa that require pilgrims, businessmen and visitors to be accompanied by guarantors when applying for short-stay permits at the Public Security Bureau. Visitors who fail to register face arrest during security checks.

'Strike hard' campaigns have also been launched to identify political activists, with anyone suspected of participating in political activities being interrogated and either placed under surveillance or detained.

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31 August, 2010 Dharamsala

TPI CULTURE AND BUDDHISM

Global Population Is Tired of Violence

Mr Phurbu Tsering (2/5/1953 - 29/7/2010). Photo: Tibet Net

By Tibetan official media: Tibet Net

His Holiness in Manali: His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday (August 22) gave a press conference in Manali to mark the end of his teaching tour of Himachal Pradesh, north India.

In answer to questions from journalists, he explained his beliefs that the world should be viewed as one entity, consisting of interdependent factions, that the global population is now tired of violence and war, and that India, because of its history of religious diversity and harmony, will have an important role to play in the 21st century.

"The religious harmony is part of India's tradition," he said. "Wherever I go, I always carry the message of Ahimsa (the avoidance of violence) and the message of religious harmony."

On the issue of his advocacy of the 'middle-way' approach to Tibetan autonomy, His Holiness said that there are always disagreements withing the Tibetan community, but that the majority of Tibetans support his stance.

He also said that, for Buddhism to remain relevant in the modern world, Buddhists need to learn about and question their religion, rather than simply enacting Buddhist rituals.

His Holiness Begins Teaching Tour of Himachal

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New Tibetan School in South India Discusses Buddhist Philosophy

By Lobsang Thupten, TPI

Interview: Geshe Ngagrampa Lobsang Dawa, acting director of the Snowland School of Tibetan Studies Hunsur: From August 22-26, the Snowland School of Tibetan Studies at Gyudmed monastery in South India held a series of teachings and debates on Buddhist Philosophy. The programme was conducted by eleven teaching masters and attended by 114 students from seven schools, including the Tibetan Children's Village and the Central School for Tibetans.

The teachers included: Jangtse Choeje Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Tenzin, former abbot Geshe Lobsang Delek, present abbot Alak Youngzin Rinpoche Tenpai Gyaltsen, vice-abbot Geshe Tashi Tsering and other Geshe masters.

The Tibet Post International (TPI) met with the school's acting director, Geshe Ngagrampa Lobsang Dawa, to discuss the school's activities.

TPI: What is the aim of this school?

Geshe Ngagrampa Lobsang Dawa: There were two main reasons for starting the school. First, many people of different nationalities from around the world wanted to learn and practice Buddhism, and Tibetan tradition, history, culture and language. Secondly, our new school is committed to working to alleviate the suffering, violence and conflict plaguing our world. Through education and compassion, we work to create peaceful minds and a peaceful world.

27august201021TPI: What is the aim of the Buddhist philosophical debates?

Geshe Ngagrampa Lobsang Dawa: The main aim of our debate programme is to introduce Buddhist debate to students, not in the traditional style taught in monasteries, but in a modern classroom style - demonstrating the usefulness of this uniquely Tibetan educational tool.

Young students today learn many subjects, including science. Our programme shows the parallels between science and the ancient wisdom and science of Buddhism, whilst also teaching valuable lessons in ethics, morality and how to live peaceful and happy lives.

Education and science based on ethics and morality provide new generations with the tools they need to create a world free of violence, hatred and suffering.

Buddhists believe that 'inner' sciences

have a much greater ability to change the world than 'outer' science. When we learn about ourselves we can grow beyond the troubles we cause to the world and find lasting peace and happiness for ourselves and future generations. Students learn the value of being a person of character and finding the respect and valued friendships that come from it.

TPI: What was the inspiration behind your new school?

Geshe Ngagrampa Lobsang Dawa: In January 2007, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited and advised us to begin a new institution which anyone, irrespective of caste, creed, gender or nationality, could attend. Construction was started in October 2007 and completed in April 2010. His Holiness gave his blessing, and the name School of Snowland Tibetan Studies.

In April 2010, teachings began after a brief Rabney ceremony. For three days great Buddhist masters - Geshe Ngarampa Tenzin Sangay, Geshe Ngarampa Tsering Tashi and Geshe Ngarampa Yeshi Wangzin - taught 170 students from Bylakuppe and Gurupura schools and 85 lay people from Rabgayling settlement.

In May 2010, a month-long Buddhism and Tibetan-language teaching was given to Central School for Tibetans and Gurupura students, with prizes awarded to rank holders. In June 2010, lay people from local settlements attended teachings in two groups - each group representing six villages. In July and August 2010, classes where held for local lay people every Sunday.

The interview article and photos sent by Thupten Lobsang from South India on 27 August 2010.

Newly established Gyudmed Tantric School in Hunsur, Mysore, SOuth India Photo: TPI

His Holiness Begins Teaching Tour of Himachal Dhakpo Shedrup Ling monastery in Kais, Kulu district of Himachel Pradesh. Photo: TPI Report by YC. Dhardhowa, translated by Yangsham&Matthew,, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his teaching tour of Himachal Pradesh this afternoon, with an address to thousands of devotees at Dhakpo Shedrup Ling monastery in Kais, District Kullu.

He was welcomed by around 3,000 followers, including the Dhakpo Rinpoche, Tibetan monks and lay people, and devotees from France, Singapore, Indonesia, Holland, Malaysia and India.

The 75-year-old Nobel laureate greeted the crowd with "Tashi delek" and commended Dhakpo Rinpoche's work on the monastery's development, together with its patrons' generous donations. He also urged Dhakpo's monks to work hard at their studies and practices, saying, "At this plight, if we Tibetans don't love and study Tibetan Buddhism and culture first, it is fundamental wrong."

His Holiness spoke on Tibetan Buddhism's ancient lineage, from Nalanda University in India, and outlined the three vehicles of Buddhist teachings: the Hinayana, Maha-ya-na and Vajraya-na.

"The custom of Buddhist studies and practices, [as it] flourished in Tibet, is one of the best," he said.

Tomorrow, His Holiness will deliver a discourse on the development of the heart at the monastery then visit the handicraft centre of Tibetan Children's Village in Patlikuhl. His next stop will be Manali and, on August 19, he will confer the Heruka (Tibetan: Dechok) initiation in Jispa, Lahaul and Spiti district, with teachings the following day. He will then return to Manali to teach on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's 37 Practices of A Boddhisatva (Tibetan: Laklen Sodunma) on August 22.

Bylakuppe: Over 100 Tibetan monks at Sera Je monastery received their BA & MA diplomas in Buddhist philosophy on Saturday (August 28).

The Venerable Tsering Phuntsok,

Tibetan minister of religion and culture, presented the degrees at the 15th graduation ceremony in Bylakuppe, Karnataka state, South India.

Sera Je is one of the largest Tibetan

universities to offer BA & MA (Tibetan: Uma and Pharshin) philosophy courses.

The graduating class have studied there for 14 years, focusing on the Madhyamike and Praj単aparamita.

Around 3,500 people, including top officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, Jangtse Cheoje Losang Tenzin Rinpoche, representatives of schools of Tibetan Buddhism and students, attended the convocation.

Addressing the gathering, Kalon Tripa said remembering the monastic community's poor living conditions at Buxa Duar brings poignant memories, but we feel happy to see the changes of progress taking place now.

He said the main objective of learning Madhyamika and Prajna Paramita studies is to achieve a standard learning of the major treatises of the Buddhist teachings.