September 2018

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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

Contact

A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XX Issue:8 September 30, 2018

A Boost for Tibet’s Status in the US The Karmapa: About Turn by India

by Jenny James The United States House of Representatives passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act on September 25 – this is a major development on the status of Tibet and for US – China relations.

The bipartisan bill promotes access to Tibet for United States officials, journalists, non-government organisations Continued on page 3

by Lodoe Gyatso The government of India has indicated that it is reviewing its stance on the status of His Holiness the Karmapa in India. “India doesn’t doubt . . . [that the Karmapa] is the future face of Tibetan Buddhism,” Amitabh Mathur, advisor on Tibetan affairs in the Ministry of Home Affairs told The Indian Express. “We have no doubts about his Continued on page 3

Recognition for Tibetan Films

Tibet Water Campaign: Success!

Continued on page 5

Continued on page 4

by Lodoe Gyatso Two contrasting movies by Tibetan filmmakers were screened at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one from inside Tibet and the other from the exile community.

Jinpa, directed by Pema Tseden, is about a truck driver called Jinpa (played by an actor and poet also called

W www.contactmagazine.net

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by Mary Trewartha Liverpool Football Club has caved in to pressure from Tibet campaigners and has chosen not to renew its controversial sponsorship deal with Tibet Water Resources Ltd (TWRL).

TWRL extracts water from sources high in the Himalayas, exploiting Tibet’s precious resources and bringing no benefits to the Tibetan people; all the profits go to China.

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Contact News

SEPTEMBER 2018 Contact News

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NEWS & ISSUES

Continued from page 1

A Boost for Tibet’s Status in the US

(NGOs) and citizens. Under the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, Chinese officials who deny Americans entry to Tibet will be denied entry to the US.

US Congressman Jim McGovern

“Today is a great day for human rights,” said Representative Jim McGovern who introduced the legislation alongside Representative Randy Hultgren. “The United States must continue to stand squarely for human rights and speak openly against

China’s human rights violations in Tibet.”

The bill is expected to help curtail China’s isolation of Tibet, an historically independent nation that China has occupied for nearly 70 years. Chinese authorities have taken measures to restrict access to Tibet for foreign visitors, including preventing journalists from reporting on its human rights abuses which include religious persecution, torture, false imprisonment and extrajudicial killings.

China nearly always forbids American journalists, diplomats and citizens from accessing Tibet, even though Chinese citizens are free to travel throughout the US. On the rare occasions when US citizens are allowed into Tibet, they can only travel under the constant monitoring of Chinese authorities.

Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said, “The United States must make Tibet a priority in our relations with Beijing, and I am very pleased we are moving in that direction with this important bill.”

Matteo Mecacci, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, said the act is “a strong statement by the United States that puts pressure on the Chinese government to open up Tibet to the outside world and shows that their propaganda is hollow […]

Now that the House has passed the bill, we must turn our attention to the Senate passing the Reciprocal Access to Tibet.”

Tibetan–Americans and Tibet supporters throughout the US have lobbied their members of Congress to pass the bill. Many have showed their support on Twitter and Facebook using #AccessToTibet.

The Karmapa: About Turn by India in 1985 in Lhatok in eastern Tibet, commitment to the Tibetan struggle, and received his initial education at his loyalty to His Holiness the Dalai Tsurphu Monastery, the traditional Lama, and his attachment to India. seat of the Karmapa lineage. At the If anyone feels that the old situation age of 14, he fled to India where he [of suspicion that he is acting as an was received by His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has recognised him as the 17th Karmapa.

After his arrival in India, his movements were closely monitored by the Indian government.

In 2000, a state security committee passed an order restricting the Karmapa’s freedom to travel to Ogyen Trinley Dorje recognised by Dalai Lama sensitive parts of the agent] may arrive again, we are trying country without prior permission. In to dispel that notion. There are no 2015, the government eased the travel restrictions on his travel. Apart from restrictions. He has been residing in the Dalai Lama, the Karmapa is the the United States since October 2017, only [Tibetan] Buddhist leader who but has said he will return to India.

Since 2000, the governments of had met elected representatives of the India and China have been active in government.”

Ogyen Trinley Dorje was born promoting their respective Buddhist Continued from page 1

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histories, positioning themselves as the source of Buddhist thought and culture in order to bolster their political power.

The Karmapa is the head of the Karma Kagyu, the largest lineage of the Kagyu, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The institution of the Karmapa is the oldest tulku lineage in Tibetan Buddhism.

Due to a Trinley Thaye Dorje with his wife and son disagreement within the Karma Kagyu school there is some dispute about the identity of the 17th Karmapa. The majority of Tibetan Buddhists recognise Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. However, others recognise Trinley Thaye Dorje, also a Tibetan refugee monk, who travels extensively, teaching Buddhism. He is married, as were the 10th and 15th Karmapas, and recently shared photographs of his new-born son.

SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES China Faces Condemnation as Religious Crackdowns Continue

by Lauren Chaplin Freedom of religious expression is under threat in China as the Communist Party crackdown on religious groups escalates. Over the past few weeks, concerns have been raised both in China and abroad about oppressive policies targeted at Christians and Muslims.

The catalyst for this concern was a draft document outlining new regulations to curtail the sharing of religious content online. Published online by the State Administration for Religious Affairs on September 10, the new rules indicate that only members of officially licensed organisations would be able to post certain types of religious content online and would be forbidden from criticising China’s leadership or the government’s religious policies. Anyone wishing to provide religious instruction would be required to apply by name and would first need to be judged to be morally fit and reliable. Organisations acting in breach of these rules would be shut down and could face other as yet unspecified sanctions.

An officially atheist country, control of religion has escalated under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, who has pursued a policy of “Sinicisation” to bring religion in line with traditional Chinese values and culture. The alleged aims of these proposed regulations are to promote social stability, with the government citing fears of terrorism and extremism as justification for its suppression of religion.

Zion Church in Beijing, one of the

country’s largest Protestant churches, was the first venue to be targeted following the publication of the draft document, with police and Communist party officials storming the premises on September 11 and chasing out the congregation and pastor Jin Mingri.

Although recognised as one of the five major religious groups in the country, Christians in China have to practice their religion under the watchful eye of the Chinese state. It is believed that Zion Church was targeted because Mingri had refused to comply with a request by officials to have governmentcontrolled CCTV installed in the building. He was also one of 200 pastors who signed a petition in April 2018 complaining of the government’s assault on religion. Other churches across China are facing similar closures.

Uighur Muslims, a Turkish ethnic group commonly found in China’s Xinjiang region, are likewise being targeted. Freedoms are curtailed by government regulations banning beards and burqas whilst possessing an “unauthorised” Koran can also result in punishment. Reports have circulated of Uighurs being detained in internment camps for the purposes of “re-education”, a process which requires them to denounce Islam and profess loyalty to the Communist Party

of China.

The persecution of the Uighurs was raised on August 10 at a United Nations anti-discrimination committee panel meeting, with attendees raising concerns about these camps. China denied the allegations, refuting the existence of the camps and blaming criticism of its policies on anti-China forces. “For those who are convicted of minor offences, we help and teach them vocational skills in education and training centres, according to relevant laws. There is no arbitrary detention and torture,” said senior Communist Party official Hu Lianhe.

Despite these denials, a high-profile backlash against China’s religious attacks is mounting. On September 11 the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCRIF) released a statement criticising the attacks on Muslims and Christians: “These collective actions, coupled with abuses against other religious communities, such as Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong practitioners, signal an alarming escalation in persecution of citizens in China under Xi Jinping. USCIRF condemns the Chinese government’s ongoing brutal and systematic targeting of religious communities for their beliefs.”

The Trump Administration is said to be considering imposing sanctions on China for its actions against religious groups, a move which would further strain relations as a trade war between the two superpowers looms.

Tibet Water Campaign: Success!

Continued from page 1

The deal with Liverpool FC was lucrative to both the club and to TWRL but over 86,000 people signed a petition calling on the club to drop the deal, pointing out that by working in partnership with TWRL, Liverpool FC was supporting China’s military occupation of Tibet and its flaunting of human rights there.

The petition was organised by consumer watchdog SumOfUs and Contact

supported by 28 Tibetan civil society organisations from around the world, including Free Tibet and Tibet Society UK. Liverpool FC’s supporters and fans also lobbied the club management to drop the deal.

The football club management did not respond to repeated requests for meetings and ignored the mobile billboard driven around the streets of Anfield highlighting that Tibetans are tortured under Chinese rule. However, they quietly dropped the 4

deal at the beginning of the new Premier League season.

Gloria Montgomery, Head of Advocacy and Campaigns at Tibet Society said: “This is a massive victory for Tibetans and the nearly 90,000 people globally who called on Liverpool FC to ditch the deal […]

Liverpool FC’s directors have now been forced to listen to these demands, including from their own fans, and put the Tibetan people before profits.”

SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Recognition for Tibetan Films Continued from page 1

Jinpa) who accidentally kills a sheep while driving his truck. He picks up a hitchhiker (Genden Phuntsok) who reveals that he is about to revenge the murder of his father by killing the

The Sweet Requiem team

man responsible for his death. Their lives become inextricably interwoven.

The Sweet Requiem is the second Tibetan movie to be shown at the TIFF. The directors are Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, a duo with several collaborations under their collective belts.

The movie is a coming of age story about Dolkar (Tenzin Dolker). The story starts with a young Dolkar (Tenzin

Dechen) as a member of a group of desperate Tibetans fleeing the country across the icy Himalayas. The guide to the group, Gompo (Jampa Kalsang), abandons them. Somehow Dolkar reaches India. Eighteen years later she has established herself in Delhi and has an apparently normal life where she is a part of the Tibetan community. Her path once again crosses that of Gompo and she has to face the ghosts of the past.

The two films share similarities as Now magazine notes, “The exploration of karma is very prominent in each; both films feature characters who are trying to reckon with their destinies.

Buddhism is prominent, too.”

They have differences too. The Sweet Requiem makes political statements.

For example, Dolkar is shown watching actual footage of self-immolations from inside Tibet. Jinpa, made in Tibet under the Chinese regime, is constrained from making such statements.

The Tibet Express reports that Jinpa was shown fresh in Toronto from its

success at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the award for best screenplay. Jinpa is Pema Tseden’s sixth feature film. It was based on two novels; Tsering Norbu’s

Tibetan filmmaker Pema Tseden

The Slayer and I Ran Over a Sheep written by Pema Tseden himself.

The Hindustan Times quotes TIFF’s artistic director Cameron Bailey as saying, “You see the period in India and the nuances of the social milieu there and the story of leaving as well. It’s quite a powerful story and I think they’re doing something quite remarkable.”

Arrest and Releases in Tibet this Month

Sep 25: Kirti Monks Detained Three monks from Kirti monastery in Ngaba County in Tibet were detained earlier this month for staging separate solo protests on September 5 and 6 against China’s oppressive rule in Tibet and shouting for freedom for Tibet. Two have been named as

Dorjee Rabten, 23, and Tenzin Gelek, 18, also known as Sarin. Sarin posted two articles on WeChat saying China has betrayed treaties relating to Tibet while Dorjee Rabten, who is from Meruma, staged a solo street protest.

Nothing is known yet about the third monk.

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Sep 12: Early Release Gonpo Tseko, 39, has been released from jail three years before his 14year prison sentence was due to end.

Sep 11: Monks Detained Four Tibetan monks from Goman Monastery in Ngaba – Nyida, Kelsang, Nesang and Choeje, who is their former chant master, have been held in detention since September 11 for launching a

Radio Free Asia has reported that he had been held in jail in Lanzhou in the Gansu province and has now returned home to the Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture’s Machu county. His family were warned not to organise any welcome gathering for his return. Tseko was arrested in October 2008, accused of being a ringleader in the 2008 protests.

public protest against the construction of a housing project near their monastery.

Shakya, a fifth monk, was also taken into custody but released after two days.

The protest took place on September 8 and a video obtained by Radio Free Asia showed Chinese officials ordering the protestors to disperse and telling them to send representatives to discuss their concerns.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s European Tour

by Alex Laba and Tenzin Samten His Holiness the Dalai Lama, commenced his four-nation European tour in Sweden, where he arrived on September 11, and held a series of public talks and teachings, alongside visiting many of the thousands of Tibetans residing in Europe. His Holiness gave a talk, The Art of Happiness and Peace, as well as visiting Malmo University where he spoke on Secular Ethics with the students there.

Travelling from Sweden to the Netherlands on September 14 His Holiness gave a talk, Why Compassion is Essential in our Troubled World and a teaching, The Eight Verses for Training the Mind. 21,000 people attended the talks with 400,000 viewing the live stream. His Holiness addressed many topics including the need for religious harmony, refugee rehabilitation and education, setting up the next generation, the failings of the current system of education, technology and its role in society and Tibet’s relationship with China.

Regarding China, His Holiness stated, “We always think about going back to Tibet and to rebuild Tibet.

We want to be broadminded, not narrow minded. Therefore, we are very much willing to remain within the People’s Republic of China given that they respect Tibetan culture, language, and environment. These are in accordance with the Chinese constitution.” Additionally, His Holiness expressed his desire to make a pilgrimage to China in the hopes of making peace. However, he said a visit would depend upon the Chinese government being willing to comply with two conditions: one, that he can give religious teachings to the growing Buddhist population and, two, that he could visit top Contact

universities in Beijing and start conversations there on science.

His Holiness spoke of how the Tibetan people yearn to go home saying, “We Tibetans took shelter in India, but most Tibetans want to return to Tibet when the situation there has changed. Each country has its own culture, language, way of life, and it is better for people to live in their own country. That is my view.”

Moving on from the Netherlands, His Holiness arrived in Germany on September 18. He took part in a symposium on non-violence on

Photo: OHHDL

September 19 in Darmstadt where he said that basic human nature is compassionate and violence will bear only hatred – and that violence is not the right method for solving problems. His Holiness also spoke on the aim of building a demilitarised and nuclear-free world.

Asked about refugees, His Holiness said, “Give them shelter; give their children education and their young people practical training to equip them to rebuild their own countries when the time comes…”

Dardon Sharling, Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, was also a speaker at the symposium and spoke about Tibet’s continuous struggle and its non-violent resistance to China’s rule.

On September 20, His Holiness was invited to speak at a dialogue, 6

Happiness and Responsibility, in Heidelberg, Germany. After his talk, he was asked why he had not intervened in the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. He replied that he was an outsider to that conflict, however, he said he had spoken and written to Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar, about the issue.

On September 21, now in Switzerland for the 50th anniversary of Swiss Tibet Institute Rikon, His Holiness spoke to the media in Zurich. When a journalist asked about today’s stressful life, His Holiness said “If you’re faced with a problem, analyse whether you can overcome it. If you can, that’s what you should do. If you can’t, worrying about it won’t help.”

Speaking on Swiss television His Holiness said, “The world is passing through an emotional crisis, which only training the mind can solve. To complement the physical hygiene we observe to remain physically fit, we need emotional hygiene to strengthen the mind.”

For the Tibet Institute Rikon’s anniversary celebrations, His Holiness gave the teachings, Introduction to Buddhism and Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland, to a crowd of over 9,000 at the Zurich Hallenstadion on September 23.

He also spoke later to more than 6,000 Tibetans and Tibet supporters, saying “Wherever Tibetans are, whether born in Tibet or outside, we all have a body of blood, flesh and bone that is Tibetan. The name Tibetan cannot be obliterated from the world while we still live.”

On September 24, His Holiness spoke at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur, giving a talk entitled Human Values and Education.

He returned to his home in Dharamshala on September 26.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Fewer Tibetans in India

by Lodoe Gyatso There has been a report of a sharp decline in the numbers of Tibetan refugees living in India. Speaking to The Indian Express the Indian government’s advisor on Tibet Affairs Amitabh Mathur said that the number has decreased from 150,000 to around 85,000 during the last seven years. He said that a large number of Tibetans have migrated to the United States or returned to Tibet.

M Ramachandran, Minister of State (Home) in a reply to Parliament in 2011, said that the number of Tibetan refugees staying in 45 settlement camps across the country was “1.5 lakh (150,000)”.

Officials are attributing the fall in numbers to various factors, including absence of a national refugee policy. A Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) official told The Indian Express, “Tibetans are recognised as ‘foreigners’, not refugees, because of

which they cannot own any property here, neither can they apply for government jobs. After 2014, only qualified professionals from among the Tibetan refugees are permitted to take jobs in private and nongovernment sectors.”

Speaking to The Indian Express, Sonam Dagpo, a spokesperson for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA, or Tibetan Government-in-exile), spoke of an increase in the number of Tibetans going abroad as well as a decrease in the birth rate. He also suggested that that fewer than 100 Tibetans have taken Indian citizenship – Indian citizenship is newly available to some Tibetan refugees but comes with conditions which many find prohibitive, such as losing benefits available to Tibetan refugees.

Mathur claimed that the Indian government had “introduced measures to ‘smoothen’ the stay of Tibetans

NEWS & ISSUES

in India […] Tibetan migrants who are registered online are granted a residential certificate for five years and such certificates may be renewed for five years on each occasion as and when applicable”. Regarding the granting of Indian passports to Tibetan refugees, Mathur said, “If they become Indian citizens, they will not be entitled to the benefits of relief and rehabilitation.”

The Tribune has reported that last year, 212 new Tibetan refugees were registered in Dharamshala and that the number of Tibetans reaching India from Tibet had declined dramatically due to increases in security along the border between China and Nepal.

Prior to 2008, the number of refugees coming to India from Tibet via the Nepal border was around 1,500 annually. In 2016 only 112 refugees were reported to have arrived in India from Tibet.

Tibetan Parliament Session

by Tenzin Samten The 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile based in Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, started off its sixth parliament session from September 18. During the ten-day session, parliament has pledged to exert efforts to alleviate the sufferings of Tibetans inside Tibet and to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet.

The proposed reform of the election system for the Tibetan Government-inexile has been discussed and initially approved, but has stalled due to legal arguments. Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, President of the Government-in-exile, has introduced the proposed amendment to enable a one-time election instead of the existing two rounds of voting, following the last election in 2016.

The seven departments of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), are presenting their annual reports for discussion.

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Parliament, in his opening remarks at the inauguration of the Contact

session, expressed grave concern at the deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet and condemned China’s regressive policies on religious freedom and the practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

“The Tibetan parliament is also greatly concerned about Tibet’s

Photo: Tibet.net

fragile ecosystem and China’s flawed environmental policy. China’s incessant and flagrant exploitation of Tibetan environment, resources and waters not only undermines Tibet’s ecosystem, it could also contribute to an unrestorable environmental crisis and climate change across Asia in the 7

foreseeable future,” he said.

He urged members of the parliament to conduct the parliament session with the interest of six million Tibetans at heart.

Official resolutions unanimously adopted during the inaugural session were, firstly, to mourn the passing of three friends of the Tibetan: former Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament Drashi Gyapon Kelsang Dadul; former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and United States Senator John McCain, and secondly, to adopt the proposal of an official resolution of solidarity with the sufferings of Tibetans inside Tibet.

The current session is the second one of the year. The first session held early this year discussed the yearly budgets where legislators sanctioned budgets for the departments under the CTA. There are seven CTA departments: Religion and Culture, Home, Finance, Education, Security, Information and International Relations, and Health.

The ten-day session concluded on September 28.

SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

Meeting with Students to Discuss Abuse by Tibetan Buddhist Teachers

by Sarah Gittleman Similarly, Sakyong Mipham commented publicly on the meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama met four Rinpoche, leader of the Canada-based thus far, some are hopeful that he of the twelve individuals who have Shambhala Buddhist community – will use his influence to help make a presented written testimonies alleging an organisation with more than 200 meaningful impact. Ricardo Mendes, physical, sexual, and psychological meditation centres globally – has who said he was physically abused abuse by prominent Tibetan Buddhist stepped down from administrative and while raised in a Buddhist sect in teachers in the West. The meeting took teaching responsibilities while claims Belgium, stated that he was pleased place in Rotterdam on September 14, of sexual assault are investigated. the Dalai Lama appeared moved by the first day of His Holiness’s four- Nine members of Shambhala’s highest the accounts they shared. “He was like: day tour of the Netherlands. leadership body have since resigned, OK, now I have maybe the material. I Inspired by recent anti-sexual and the organisation has announced a have real papers, real stories of real assault movements, the group change in the way it handles reports people that I can use to point fingers of twelve students from Austria, of sexual assault allegations as initial in the Buddhist landscape and say Australia, Belgium, France, ‘This guy, this guy, this the Netherlands and the guy are behaving this United States launched way, and you should not an online petition called follow them, and this is #MeTooGuru on September not Tibetan Buddhism.’”

10, in which they asked for Unlike those the meeting with His Holiness perpetuating the abuse, to share their experiences, and who allegedly grew upset to discuss his response to their when students questioned ideas for follow-up action. their methods, His The meeting comes after Holiness the Dalai Lama several scandals involving at regularly encourages least five Tibetan Buddhist Buddhist practitioners teachers, including Rigdzin to question their gurus: His Holiness the Dalai Lama poses with the four petitioners.

Namkha Rinpoche of “If you investigate and Photo : Marlies Bosch the Swiss-based Rigdzin it’s not proper, then you Community; Tulku Lobsang of the reports have suggested a possible should not follow the lama’s teaching.

Nangten Menlang Centre in Vienna, “pattern of behaviour”.

Even Dalai Lama’s teaching; if you Austria; Sogyal Rinpoche of the Until recently, Tibetan Buddhism find some contradiction you should Rigpa organisation; Sakyong Mipham appeared to be relatively free not follow my teaching.”

Rinpoche of the Shambhala Buddhist of these types of scandals that Furthermore, His Holiness has Community and Robert Spatz, a have continuously plagued other expressed support for those who are Belgian citizen also called Lama Ogyen religious institutions, including coming forward. He has previously Kunzang Dorje, began to surface over the Catholic Church. Nonetheless, stated that where abusive teachers may the course of recent months. recent investigations suggest that not pay heed to Buddhist teachings Just one week prior to the meeting, issues were long present within on ethical behaviour, they will likely Rigpa – an international Buddhist certain organisations.

Although take notice if their face appears in the organisation active in the West – some rumours had been circulating, media. Thus, he encourages victims to apologised for the alleged abuse previous lawsuits were settled out of speak out about their experiences: carried out by its founder Sogyal Lakar court, and the abuse was said to have “Many years ago in Dharamshala after an independent investigation continued unabated. at a Western [Buddhist] Teachers found that he had subjected followers Additionally, recent investigations Conference, some Western Buddhist to “serious physical, sexual and suggest that senior members of these teachers mentioned some Zen masters emotional abuse”. Sogyal, who is also organisations did have knowledge and Tibetan Buddhist masters had known as Sogyal Rinpoche, is best of some of the issues, but failed to created a very bad impression among known for his 1994 book, The Tibetan address them, leaving others at risk. people. Then I told them then; these Book of Living and Dying, which sold As a result, victims have started people do not follow Buddha’s advice, over three million copies. Sogyal has coming forward publicly stating that Buddha’s teaching… So, the only since retired in the wake of the scandal “long-simmering issues… can no thing is to make it public, through and the Buddhist Union of France has longer be ignored or denied”. newspapers, through the radio. Make suspended Rigpa’s membership.

Although His Holiness has not it public!”

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SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Five-Fifty Forum: Towards a Resilient Tibetan Community

by Choeyang Wangmo The third and final Five-Fifty Forum of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) was held from September 13-16 in Dharamshala. The Forum brought together over two hundred experts in various fields including leadership, education and funding partners, along with CTA donors and senior CTA officials to discuss strategies for building resiliency in the Tibetan struggle.

The themes of the four-day discussion of the Forum were sustaining the Tibetan culture, economic development, strengthening Tibetan education and building a healthier Tibetan community.

While speaking at the inaugural session on the objective the forum, the President of the CTA, Dr Lobsang Sangay said “The Five-Fifty Forum on Resilience comes on the heels of the Five-Fifty Forum: Shaping Tibet’s Political Future and the Youth Forum.

The Five-Fifty Resilience Forum will specifically focus on strengthening Tibetan resilience and has brought together a select group of government donors and representatives of international supporters of the CTA.” Applauding the initiative by the Central Tibetan Administration, His

Photo: Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote, “It is important not to be complacent, content merely with what we’ve become used to. We should move with the times, keeping with the way the world is changing. This may involve new ways

to thinking and setting a clear vision for the future.”

Ann Marie Yastishock, Deputy Assistant Administrator for USAID Asia, was also present at the forum and gave an address, USAID and Strengthening the Resilience of the Tibetan Community in Exile. “For the Tibetan community to realise its full potential much depends on the development path it continues to chart today. USAID is committed to supporting development decisions that continue to move you forward on your continued journey on self reliance and help achieve the objectives of the FiveFifty Vision,” she said.

The Five-Fifty Forum is looking at ways to strengthen Tibetan people’s struggle for genuine autonomy through the Middle Way Approach over the next five years, while simultaneously looking at strategies to sustain the movement over the next fifty years, if needed.

Tibet’s Glaciers in Danger

by Marvin Westerveld The Tibetan glaciers are shrinking at a rate which is causing alarm: a study by the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) has found that 15% of all glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau have thawed within the last 50 years.

Yao Tandong, chief scientist of the report, describes the permafrost in the region as showing an even faster retreat.

As a result, Tibet is experiencing severe environmental changes.

According to the study, “the number of lakes larger than one square kilometre has increased [from 1,081] to 1,236”, writes China’s press agency Xinhua.

As many lakes are on or within glaciers, continued melting will cause flooding if these glaciers fragment.

In other areas, the grasslands are becoming increasingly dry as desertification continues. The founder of the Mountain Resiliency Project, Tsechu Dolma, can already see the first impacts of environmental change.

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“Women who gather water [...] have to travel further”, she says.

The Tibetan plateau is the biggest supplier of fresh water in Asia – melting glaciers will therefore affect downstream communities in addition to

the effects in Tibet itself. The Yangtze, Mekong, Brahmanputra, Yellow and many more rivers are fed by glaciers.

Nearly ten years ago Lonnie Thompson, a glaciologist from Ohio State University, had spoken about the situation in Tibet. He is quoted

by Reuters as saying, “If melting continues at current levels, twothirds of the plateau’s glaciers will 9

likely be gone by 2050”, at the Asia Society’s meeting in 2009. The article continued, saying that the melting glaciers created an abundance of water and “a false sense of security about water supplies [...] across Asia”. A changed water cycle will threaten the water supply of more than 1.4 billion people in China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Melting permafrost could have a global impact. Thawing could cause the soil to release trapped carbon and accelerate global warming, says Paio Shilong from the Institue of Tibetan Plateau Research.

China’s government is well aware of these problems – a national plan, mining regulations and investments of more than 470 million yuan between 2009 and 2014 were intended to counter these changes.

Although official data claims that the projects initiated under this plan were successful, the new study by the CAS shows differently.

SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Sep 27: Umbrella Anniversary Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) India held a photo action event in McLeod Ganj to mark the fourth anniversary of the 2014 pro-democracy “Umbrella Movement” in Hong Kong, and to raise awareness of the oppressive policies of the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong as well as Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan, Southern Mongolia and for the Chinese people generally.

Sep 26: Access Denied China continues to refuse visas to Canadian diplomats requesting permission to visit Tibet says Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Freeland. She was responding to a question from Randall Garrison, a Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Canadian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet. While Canadian diplomats are refused access to Tibet, Canada has welcomed at least three official delegations from the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Sep 24: Chinese Spy? Charlie Peng, 39, who is suspected of spying for China, has been arrested in Majnuka-Tilla, the Tibetan settlement in New Delhi. The Times of India reported that he has been running an espionage ring in India, and exposed in a topsecret intelligence operation by Delhi Police’s special cell. Charlie Peng hails from Nanjing in China and he is suspected of being a highly trained Chinese agent.

Sep 24: Passport Regulations The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that Tibetan refugees who take Indian Passports will not be permitted to stay in Tibetan refugee settlements or enjoy any Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) benefits, privileges or subsidies. There is apparently some confusion over the exact terms, but people are invited to surrender their Registration Certificates (RCs) and Identity Certificates (ICs) when applying for passports.

Sep 24: Under-10 Football World Peace Day was marked in McLeod Ganj with an inter-school under-ten football tournament at the Tibetan Children’s Village Day School. It was the fifth annual tournament organised by a group of local Tibetan volunteers, known as “Tseythang Gangla”, who run an after-school sports programme.

The Tibetan National Sports Association and local Tibetan organisations supported the tournament and sponsored the prizes.

Sep 21: Gaddi Festival The local Gaddi people living around Dharamshala held their annual festival.

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Tibetan Headlines

Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, President of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, launched the traditional wrestling match (Kushti) and invited everyone to join the Thank You Himachal Pradesh event in Simla next month.

He said, “When Tibetans are free to return to our homeland, we would invite all our Indian brothers and sisters to celebrate with us in Tibet.”

Sep 20: Foundation Stone Work has begun on the new auditorium for the Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamshala, with a purifying ceremony and dance performance. Sikyong Lobsang Sangay laid the foundation stone, saying that with effort and hard work TIPA has become a successful organisation, known around the world. TIPA was set up in 1959 by HH the Dalai Lama.

Sep 14: Propaganda Move The Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama Gyaltsen Norbu has appeared in a photo opportunity at the mega Zam Hydropower Project in Lhokha, the largest hydropower station in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). This move is being interpreted as an opportunity for China to flaunt their religious control as well as their industrial developments in Tibet which are causing so much concern to people living there.

Sep 14: Boxing Success Miss Tenzin Pema, 24, who is known as the “first Tibetan female fighter”, has won the Hosharafu Fighting Championship in New Delhi, winning the Atomweight boxing contest. She is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) player who, since turning professional two years ago, has won gold, silver and bronze medals in state and national level fights and has represented India as a kickboxer.

Sep 12: Honoured in Italy Professor Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, a leading Tibetan Buddhist master, has been awarded the Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic – Italy’s highest recognition – in recognition of Rinpoche’s “activities carried out for social, philanthropic and humanitarian purposes. [He] has dedicated his whole life to culture, philanthropic and social activity, spending himself personally to keep the torch of peace always lit”.

Sep 11: Winners!

Kunchok Dolma, a Tibetan woman, has won the women’s section in the world’s highest altitude ultramarathon, 72 kilometres in length, which takes place in Ladakh. She 10

completed the race in just over 11 hours, while Karma Soepa came third in the men’s category in just over seven hours. The race runs from Leh city to Khardung pass and back, reaching an altitude of 17,600ft.

Sep 10: Bon Leader Enthroned Geshe Dawa Dhargye, the 34th Kyabje Menri Trizin and spiritual head of the Bon tradition, has been enthroned at Menri Monastery in Dolanji in northern India at a two-day ceremony organised by the Yung Drung Bon Monastic Centre Society. The ceremony also commemorated a year since the passing of the 33rd Menri Trizin. The selection process, or Tagdril, took place in December last year.

Sep 7: Lack of Freedom The European Parliament’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance (FoRB&RT) has published its 2018 Annual Report, Signs of Hope, which ranks China among the lowest in the world for religious freedom. The report mentions Tibet and Xinjiang as suffering a lack of religious freedom and crackdown on religious beliefs, as well as a “deteriorating situation”.

Sep 5: Raising the Flag Over 80 people gathered in Waltham Forest in East London, England, to raise the Tibetan national flag outside their town hall for the first time in history. The Mayor, together with councillors, joined the UK Tibetan community and supporters for the flag raising, to celebrate the remarkable success of the democratic process adopted by Tibetans over their last six decades of living in exile.

Sep 4: Winning Team!

The Team Tibet New York Football Club has won the Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup North America, beating the defending champions by three goals to nil in the final. The final was attended by Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee who is in New York. The North American GCMGC was started two years ago by the Tibetan National Sports Association to provide a footballing platform for Tibetan youth in the west.

Sep 3: Land Security Tibetans living in Dhondhenling Tibetan settlement in Chamarajanagar, or Kollegal, in Karnataka are to benefit from the RTC (Rights, Tenency and Crops) record which gives them the right to apply for loans for their farms. After living and farming there for four decades their land will now be leased in their own name, albeit not directly, but via the Central Tibetan Relief Committee.

SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES International Headlines

Sep 27: Google Whistleblower Jack Poulson, a former Google employee, has written to US lawmakers warning them of Google’s plans for China. He says their Chinese product – code-named Dragonfly - would aid Beijing’s efforts to censor and monitor its citizens online. Google has said “We are not close to launching a search product in China.”

Sep 25: Rescued at Sea Indonesian teenager Aldi Novel Adilang, 18, was rescued after drifting thousands of miles in a “romping”, or floating fishing hut, where he worked, and which had snapped its mooring in heavy winds 125 km (77 miles) off the Indonesian coast. He survived for 49 days by cooking fish over wood taken from his vessel.

Sep 24: Kidnapped!

Twelve crew members from the MV Glarus, a Swiss cargo vessel in Nigerian waters, have been kidnapped. The ship was boarded by pirates using long ladders and cutting the razor wire on deck. None of the kidnapped crew are Swiss, coming mostly from eastern Europe. Kidnapping for ransom is common in Nigeria.

Sep 20: Nuclear Pledge A meeting between the North and South Korean leaders Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in has led to a pledge by the North Korean leader to close the Tongchang-ri facility, one of the country’s main missile testing and launch sites. The leaders say they have “agreed on a way to achieve denuclearisation” on the Korean peninsula.

Sep 18: FGM Mutilations In Burkina Faso around 50 girls are being treated in hospital after undergoing a botched female genital mutilation (FGM); some have serious complications. Two 60-year-old women, along with the parents of some of the girls, have been arrested.

FGM has been illegal in Burkina Faso since 1996 with offenders facing up to three years in prison.

Sep 17: Storm Devastation Typhoon Mangkhut has reached the mainland of China after causing devastation in the Philippines killing at least 59 people, most of whom died in landslides caused by heavy rain. Mangkhut is considered the strongest storm of 2018. Meanwhile in Carolina, United States, the “risk to life is rising” in the aftermath of Storm Florence which has left at least 15 people dead.

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Sep 16: 2,000 Pardoned More than 2,000 prisoners have been pardoned in Rwanda, including top opposition figure and leading critic of President Paul Kagame, Victoire Ingabire, of the FDU-Inkingi party. She was serving a 15-year jail term for threatening state security and “belittling” the 1994 genocide.

No reason was given for the prisoners’ release but a government statement said Mr Kagame had exercised mercy under his prerogative as president.

Sep 15: Nazi Salute A 34-year-old man in Germany has been given a five-month jail term for giving Hitler salutes during a protest in the eastern city of Chemnitz. The big, far-right protest was one of a series sparked by the fatal stabbing of a German man in a brawl with migrants.

Two migrants have been detained, police are searching for a third. Nazi signs, symbols and salutes are illegal in Germany.

Sep 14: France Admits Guilt France has admitted responsibility for the torture and killing of Maurice Audin, 25, a European communist activist in Algeria over 60 years ago. He was arrested in 1957 in Algeria during French colonial rule there; he supported Algerian calls for independence and disappeared during the Battle of Algiers.

French President Emmanuel Macron has now said that Audin was either tortured to death, or tortured and executed.

Sep 11: Independence March About a million people marched in the streets of Barcelona demanding independence for the Catalan region of Spain – on the anniversary of the day Barcelona fell to Spain in 1714. The region is split on the issue of independence and tensions rose last year when Madrid imposed direct rule after it outlawed a referendum which had voted for independence.

Sep 11: More Children?

Tanzanian President John Magufuli is telling women to stop taking birth control pills, saying the country needs more people despite having one of the highest birth rates in the world. Tanzania’s population is around 53 million, most living on less than US$2 (£1.50) a day. The President’s comments have sparked criticism from the opposition party.

Sep 10: Rain for the Sahara Researchers have published a paper claiming that installing huge numbers of solar panels 11

and wind turbines in the Sahara Desert could double the region’s rainfall, with consequent major increases in vegetation. Their studies show that the desert could generate more than four times the amount of energy that the world currently uses every year.

Sep 7: India Legalises Gay Sex India’s supreme court has lifted a colonialera ban on gay sex in a landmark judgment that has led to celebrations across the country.

Section 377 – a law against same sex – was introduced during British rule as an “unnatural offence” punishable by a 10-year jail term.

Homosexual acts are still illegal in most of India’s neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Sep 7: Spy Drama The United Kingdom has named two Russians, Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, as being responsible for the attempted murder of the Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury earlier this year with the nerve agent Novichok. The UK – backed by the United States, France, Germany and Canada – says the Russian government “almost certainly” approved the poisoning. Russia has accused the UK of “disgusting anti-Russian hysteria”.

Sep 5: Elephants Poached Poaching is being blamed for the deaths of 87 elephants found near a famous wildlife sanctuary in Botswana. Elephants Without Borders say the scale of poaching deaths is the largest seen in Africa and that the spike coincides with Botswana’s anti-poaching unit being disarmed. A third of Africa’s elephants have been killed in the last decade.

Sep 4: Gay Women Caned Two Malaysian women, aged 22 and 32, have each been given six strokes of the cane in public for having lesbian sex in a car.

Homosexual activity is illegal in Malaysia under both secular and religious laws. This is the first conviction for same-sex relations, and the first public caning in Malaysia. Human rights activists reacted with outrage.

Sep 3: Journalists Sentenced Wa Lone and Kyaw SoeOo, two Reuters journalists, have been sentenced to seven years in prison in Myanmar for violating state secrets. They say they were set up.

They were investigating violence against the Rohingya minority and were carrying official documents which had just been given to them by police officers. The case is seen as a test case for press freedom in Myanmar.

SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

Exile Tibetans Celebrate 58th Democracy Day

by Tenzin Samten Tibetans in Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-exile and residence of their spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, gathered in festive mood on September 2 in the courtyard of the main temple to celebrate the 58th anniversary of Tibetan Democracy day. The Chief Guest of the occasion was Mr Kunwar Bharatendra Singh, member of the Indian parliament Lok Sabha (Lower House), along with officials of the Tibetan Government-inexile.

Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, head of the exile government, gave a brief history of the evolution of Tibetan democracy as envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the 1950s, and which His Holiness implemented after coming into exile.

Sikyong in his statement said, “Under the leadership of His Holiness, the Central Tibetan Administration is committed to preserving our identity

and pursuing our dignity.” Sikyong also reminded people that with democracy comes responsibility and urged people not to misuse freedom of expression to spread wrong

Photo: Tibet.net

information and cause disharmony in the community.

In 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama completely devolved political authority to Dr Lobsang Sangay, the Harvard Law Graduate and present incumbent President of the exile government, who became the first democratically elected leader.

The Chief Guest at the event on

September 2, Mr Kunwar Bharatendra Singh, applauded the exile government for giving priority to preserving the Tibetan identity, culture and religion while developing the essence of a modern democracy.

Speaking of the Middle Way policy as the official policy of the exile Tibetan government, Mr Kunwar said, “I hope all the parliaments of the world will accept this universalism. India, China and Tibet will have a very close relationship but it is unfortunate that China is overlooking the basic quality of humanitarianism.”

Speaker of the Tibetan Government-in-exile Khenpo Tenphel also addressed the gathering.

The official function was followed by cultural dance performances by students from various Tibetan schools in Dharamshala.

The full statements of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile and the Kashag [Cabinet] are available online at tibet.net.

Long Life Offering for His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dhasa

by Choeyang Wangmo

Tibetan refugees living in northeast India offered a Long Life Prayer (Tenshug) to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Thekchen Choling Tsuglakhang, the main temple of

Photo: tibettimes.net

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, on September 3.

Tibetans from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Gangtok and Ravangla organised the prayer ceremony, along with Contact

representatives of non-government organisations based in Dharamshala including Utsang, the Domed Association and Chushig Gangruk.

His Holiness thanked the organisers and participants for the offering and assured them that he will live for more than 100 years saying, “Although my life is devoted to the benefit for beings on this earth, as a Tibetan, I am fated to be in service of Tibet. As all of you have hoped and prayed for my health and long life, I shall live beyond the age of hundred years. There is a good possibility for that to happen and I shall pray that it happens.”

At the ceremony, His Holiness urged Tibetans to preserve and promote the Tibetan language, saying that it holds the essence of the precious Buddhist teachings of the Nalanda tradition and the language 12

and thus has the potential to benefit the whole world. His Holiness said, “The only complete and detailed explanation of the ancient Nalanda teaching has been preserved in the Tibetan language, which is the reason why, these days, people from China who are interested in learning Buddhism pay attention to learning the Tibetan language.” His Holiness also asked people to study the teachings of the Nalanda tradition, looking at them in the light of reason rather than blind faith.

On love and compassion, His Holiness cited the example of human beings and how they are born out of love and exist on love. “I respect all kinds of religious beliefs which only teach love and compassion as the ultimate source of human happiness,” he said.

SEPTEMBER 2018

DHARAMSHALA VOICES Finding Common Ground

by Brittany Northrup Lobsang Rabsel, who prefers being called Rabsel, has worn many hats within the Tibetan community since he first arrived in Dharamshala over twenty years ago. Now the busy proprietor of Common Ground, a charming restaurant serving up a diverse range of food from Taiwanese dishes and Tibetan staples to vegan desserts, Rabsel leads quite a different life than the one he left behind in Tibet.

As we sit across from each other at an outdoor table at his café, Rabsel begins telling me about his life.

Occasionally he laughs—a laugh that seems to begin deep within his throat and gradually gathers joy as it is released. Born in 1972 in Namtso to nomadic parents, Rabsel grew up with an array of livestock: yaks, goats, and sheep which he helped to take care of as a youngster. Along with his five sisters and two brothers, the youngest son of the family explains that he enjoyed his early years migrating every couple of months to new areas of the grasslands lying below Tibet’s zari, or rocky mountains that were ever-looming off in the distance. When discussing his family’s nomadic lifestyle, Rabsel states, “It has a beauty and it [also has] challenges.”

Rabsel reluctantly left his family’s village at the age of eight or nine to begin attending a boarding school, followed at eleven years old with a Chinese school. Then fourteenyear-old Rabsel entered a monastery where he became a monk until he was nineteen. During his time there, Rabsel increased his knowledge of Buddhism and learned lessons about reducing attachment and negative energy. Even today, he puts into practice what he learned about compassion and tolerance. “It [being a monk] gives me

[a] chance to think–you know–why . . . how we can be useful in life . . . not about making money. It’s more about, like, spiritually, how you can [be] happier.”

Rabsel’s desire to leave Tibet was fuelled by his growing awareness of the situation developing between Tibet and China. “The Tibetans, like, spiritually we [were] kind of doing very well with that–you know–monks, nuns, lots of practitioners . . . many scholars; but unfortunately, [at] the political level, we [were] very bad. We didn’t have much knowledge about the other side

of the world.” As the Chinese began creating “re-education” programmes within schools and monasteries, Rabsel and a friend were captured for “show[ing] disobedience”. They were beaten and held in custody for an entire day. Rabsel recalls being told by the officials, “If you’re trying to kick the sky, your eyes [will] break [into] many thousand[s] [of] pieces [and the] sky will fill up [with] blood because the Chinese communist government is [as] high as [the] sky . . .a very powerful country.” Not long after, he began planning his escape.

In 1993, Rabsel arrived in Nepal where he stayed for a month until the Tibetan Reception Centre organised for him to enrol in classes at a transit school in Dharamshala. By the end of 1995, he left his school, following which he took up various jobs at restaurants: manager, assistant manager, dishwasher, cook,

baker, etc. He even met his wife, who was studying sewing at the Tibetan Women’s Association, at one of the cafés where he was employed. He says of those early years working in hospitality that, “I worked in the cafés [from] six in the morning [until] close to eleven thirty in the evening.” His penchant for hard work paid off though when he was given the opportunity to begin running a local café called Common Ground owned by a Tibetan and Taiwanese–American couple with whom he was friends. Starting a business wasn’t without its difficulties.

“I used to say I started at zero, with no family support, no formal education, [and] no business education.”

Rabsel became involved with Lha Charitable Trust, first as a volunteer from 2000 until 2008, then as an employee when he was appointed Volunteer Coordinator. His tasks were to provide volunteers with information about the Tibetan community and what to expect from their experience.

Three years later, he was promoted to Deputy Director. He says, “I gained a lot of knowledge about international [communities and] what kind[s] of systems they have.” He left Lha earlier this year after ten years of dedicated service.

Nowadays, in addition to running Common Ground full-time, Rabsel makes time for his wife and two daughters about whom he says, “It’s nice to be with family sharing the love and happiness together.” Although he has had to make enormous personal and professional sacrifices to reach this point in his life, Rabsel declares, “I have no regret[s] at all in my life. I . . . challenged [the communist regime] when I was seventeen years old . . . I’ll still sometimes be proud. My life’s not empty.”

Every month we feature somebody from the Tibetan community on our Dharamshala Voices page.

You can read more Dharamshala Voices stories on the Contact website: http://www.contactmagazine.net/dharamasla-life/ The People stories on the Dharamshala Voices page online tell the stories of the people who make up the Tibetan exile community in Dharamshala and elsewhere, as well as the stories of Lha students and volunteers, told in their own words.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS

Two Cultural Exchange Groups

Lha hosted two groups in September who came as part of our Cultural Exchange Programme, the first coming from Tulane School of Social Work in the United States, the second was a small group of professional individuals, also American, who came with one of Lha’s founders and Advisory Board members, Neil Guidry.

The group of twelve students from Tulane was led by Dr Ron Marks and stayed at Lha’s Ahimsa House for one week, engaging in various activities to familiarise themselves with Tibetan culture and the living

they can interact, get to know each other and hear first-hand stories of each other’s lives. The visitors get to hear the Tibetans’ stories of escape from Tibet, separation from their families and loved ones, and of their rehabilitation in exile.

The Tibetan students show their partners around Mcleod, they explore the local communities and in the process are able to get one-to-one English conversation experience and informal tuition.

The group received a private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence. Lha is immensely grateful to Dr Ron who has been supporting Lha and bringing Tulane University students to Dharamshala every year since 2002.

The second group, who came with Neil Guidry, Tulane School of Social Work student were also with conditions of exiled Tibetans. They us for a week. The five members of participated in our mutual learning the group stayed at Ahimsa House programme where visiting students while exploring Dharamshala and are paired up with Lha students so engaging with the Tibetan exile

community here. Lha invited Geshe Lhakdor, the Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, to give the group a lecture, Mindfulness

Second group from US

to Aid in a Joyful Life and Death, which was also attended by foreign volunteers. He invited questions from the audience after his brief talk.

It was the first visit to India for everyone in this group, and to meet Tibetans. Appreciating the opportunityt o learn so much through this exchange programme, one of the the group said, “I am so grateful to all of you. You’re the first Tibetans I have ever met in my life. I thought the Tibetans stopped coming into exile after His Holiness the Dalai Lama reached here. I don’t know how but I really hope to support the cause in future.”

Monthly Mass Cleanup

Lha Charitable Trust organised our monthly mass cleanup on September 15, as usual on the third Saturday of the month.

This month’s cleanup went from Mcleod main square to Tushita road, leading to the illegal dumpsite up there in the middle of the forest. Our students, volunteers and a few environment-conscious people living here in Mcleod joined us for the event.

This illegal dumpsite had layers and layers of garbage piled up but everyone gathered had so much energy and zest and made sure the area was cleaned – without Contact

caring about how much it was stinking or whether their clothes got dirty in the process. We filled around

twenty sacks with garbage.

Lha is highly grateful to those who helped and to those people who realise 14

that it’s the responsibility of each and every individual to keep Mother Earth clean and green.

The monthly mass cleanup is organised with the hope of encouraging people to be mindful of our surroundings and environment. A love of nature and the environment goes hand in hand with a love for mankind: our existence depends on nature. So, this is a request for everyone out there to please to stop littering and be mindful of your daily activities: think about whether or not your actions are affecting or destroying the environment!

SEPTEMBER 2018

Talk on Secular Ethics

Geshe Lhakdor, former translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and current Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, was invited by Lha Charitable Trust to give a public talk on September 19 at Lha’s Ahimsa Hall. Geshe la’s talk, Secular Ethics and the Responsibility of Tibetan Youth, was attended by around 20 Tibetan youngsters and followed by a question and answer session with the speaker. Secular ethics are moral standards derived from our need to get along together as a society, unlike religious ethics which are derived from the teachings of a religion (although the two approaches often overlap). Geshe la outlined the main principals of Secular Ethics – truth, compassion, equality, freedom, courage and universal responsibility – and how to incorporate them into our daily life.

This talk was part of Lha’s new Secular Ethics project funded by the Tibet Fund. This one-year research fellowship programme will develop a vision of secular ethics for Tibetan schools and society.

The aim of the programme is to measure the practical application of secular ethics in Tibetan society today. The inspiration for it is His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose thoughts on secular ethics and universal responsibility are widely recognised and revered. People in western countries show significant interest in secular ethics, but few Tibetans have attempted to study them and the programme aims to redress that balance.

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS Lha could not provide the services we do without the support of our wonderful volunteers who help in so many ways and inspire us with their enthusiasm.

Every month we ask a volunteer to share their story. This month Anita Paul from the UK tells us her story.

Volunteer Job at Lha:English Teacher

Nourishing the Soul

I have had many successful years working in the corporate space, but after recovering from a major illness in 2016, I decided that I wanted to change course and do something more fulfilling and spiritual, by helping others build their futures. Last year I left the UK and started volunteering and travelling in India.

I fell upon Lha completely by chance.

I was booked to go on a yoga teacher training course, but managed to dislocate my elbow which meant cancelling my training. While researching what else I could do, I found Lha and the volunteering opportunities they offer.

The organisation, staff and the students are all amazing. There are so many options to choose from, depending on your length of commitment. If you are only here for a short stay, you can drop in for conversation classes any day at 4pm. Here they set you up a small group of four to six monks and refugees of different levels, and you can talk about any subjects. It’s a great way to interact with the students and learn about the history of Tibet, Buddhism and their journeys, first hand. If you are here for a longer stay of around a month, you can offer to do one-on-one private tutoring.

This gives you a deeper connection with an individual student and you can even pick up a bit of Tibetan in return. You meet the student before or after his/her group class for an hour every day, usually in a local coffee shop, and help them with topics they are struggling with. My students were beginners and I used online quizzes and games, as well as youTube videos to make the sessions more fun.

If you are staying for longer, then you can take on a regular class. They have English, French, Chinese, German, Tibetan and computer classes at different levels. I taught the intermediate English class for three months, for an hour every day. There is no set structure or syllabus, but they have a library full of books you can use to guide your lessons. I got all of my content from the internet – there is a whole heap of excellent free information on every topic – articles, worksheets, lesson plans, movies/videos, games, quizzes, tests etc.

My classes consisted of 15–25 students depending on the season. The students were monks from Thailand, Vietnam, Tibet, Nepal and India as well as Tibetan refugees and local Indians. They were all so respectful and entertaining, and it was the most rewarding experience in all my career history. Planning out content and structure of lessons kept me busy, but interacting with the students in class, and watching them grow plans through the course, was the highlight of my days and my entire stay.

I had never dreamt of being an English teacher but this experience has been so rewarding and satisfying it has cemented my decision to continue teaching full time. I’d recommend Lha to anyone wishing to experience something with a difference, and nourish their souls in the process.

Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust

Lha Charitable Trust is an award-winning, grassroots, non-profit organisation and one of the largest Tibetan social work institutes based in Dharamshala, India. Lha has been striving to provide vital resources for Tibetan refugees, local Indian communities, and people from the Himalayan regions for 20 years. Lha was registered as a charitable trust by the Indian Government in 2005.

For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org To keep up to date with news of what’s happening in Tibet and in the Tibetan exile community, follow Contact magazine online at www.contactmagazine.net Facebook: Contact News / Twitter: Contact News Contact

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SEPTEMBER 2018

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

The CTA serves in Dharamshala as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches.

Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay.

WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Near Library PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration.

WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world.

The TYC organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities.

WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org

Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)

The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors.

WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India.

WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in

Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute

Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine.

Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions.

The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.

Contact

WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses.

WEB: www.tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 9882255047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com

Delek Hospital

Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee. The hospital has a pharmacy on site.

WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation.

WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available.

WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community.

The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world.

WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj

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PHONE: 9882786875

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)

TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducting workshops and campaigns.

WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Opposite State Bank of India PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org

The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society

The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation.

WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement Association of Tibet is an organisation of former political prisoners of Tibet and former activists currently in exile that engages in their complete assistance from medical, financial, basic education and vocational training. It also organises lobby and advocacies about human rights abuses in Tibet.

WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com

Tibet Charity

Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs.

WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in

Norbulingka Institue

Centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work.

Temple, tour guides of the workshops, and gardens.

LOCATION:Sidhpur, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org

SEPTEMBER 2018

around town

Charities and Organisations

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera.

TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am).

WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population.

WEB:www.lit-dharamsala.org LOCATION: Underground Hotel Akash, Jogiwara Road, Mcleodd Ganj, Dharamsala 176219

PHONE: (+91) 7590025915 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole.

They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere.

WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com

Rogpa Baby Care Centre

The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so that their parents can work.

The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing.

WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Gamru Village School

Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living.

WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554

Contact

EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com

Clean Upper Dharamshala Project

Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm.

WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: cudpswm@gmail.com

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors.

WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com

Women’s Team

Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender.

EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 7831956680 / 08894435595

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences

at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for volunteers.

LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 9882077708 / 9882921477 EMAIL: wangduemiddleway@gmail.com Website: www.anec-india.net Facebook: www/facebook.com/anecpeace

National Democratic Party of Tibet

The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues.

WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330

Tibetan Dubbing Society

Tibetan Dubbing Society, founded in 2015, is a non-profit organisation working towards preserving Tibetan language through various forms of entertainment and dubbing animation movies into Tibetan language for Tibetan children.

LOCATION: Near Norbulinga Institute WEBSITE: www.tibetdub.org

BUS SCHEDULE * Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.

Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: DELHI: Ordinary Bus: 4:00am (Rs 554), 6pm (Rs 580), 7:30 pm (Rs 570) Semi Deluxe Bus: 5pm (Rs 590) , 6:30pm (Rs 590) Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8:15 am (Rs 1243), 5:35pm (Rs 1275), 7:00pm (Rs 1275), 8:50pm (Rs1275) AC TATA: 5:50pm (Rs 972) AMRITSAR: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs257) *from Dharamshala DEHRADUN: Ordinary Bus: 2pm (Rs 560) 8pm (Rs 551); VOLVO: 7pm (Rs 1199) MANALI: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs358 *from Dharamshala / VOLVO: 11:30 pm (Rs 782) PATHANKOT: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 136) * from Dharamshala SHIMLA: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 408), 6am (Rs 360), 7:50am (Rs 375), 8:am (Rs 520) 7:45 pm (Rs 363), 12pm (Rs 367) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 9:30pm (Rs455) *from Dharamshala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-5pm, daily Phone: 220026 (McLeod bus stand), 224903 (Dharamshala) For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

TA X I S A private taxi to Lower Dharamshala will cost you Rs 200. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs15.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

activities and information UPCOMING EVENTS

MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony

Oct 3 to 6: His Holiness the Dalai Lama ‘s teaching in Dharamshala Oct 2, 2018: Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday Oct 31, 2018: Lha Bub Due Chen (Buddha’s descent from heaven)

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works and Archives WEB: www.tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Fri: 10:30 - 11:45 am PHONE: 9882255047

Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307

YOGA AND REIKI Yoga & Reiki Courses

Location- Om Yoga Ashram,Near Dal Lake Mob- 9805693514 /981649432 Email - om.yoga@ymail.com web- http://www.omashram.in

Shivam Neelkant Yoga Kendra LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com

MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club

Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 07833047078 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Men-Tsee-Khang

LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj Branch Clinic, 1st floor, TIPA Road (2 mins from Main Square) PHONE: 98828-60505 EMAIL: therapycenter@men-tsee-khang.org

Om Massage Centre

LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, Opposite the Green Hotel, Mcleod Ganj PHONE:7018483961/9857999373 EMAIL: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com

Dorjee Spa LOCATION: Pema Thang Guest house, Hotel Bhagsu Road PHONE:9816393673 / 9857108408 WhatsApp: 9816393673

Contact

Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com

Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info

Shivan Neel Kanth Yoga

WEBSITE:www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in

Om Meditation Ashram

Location-Om Yoga Ashram,Near Dal Lake Mob-01892 220333 /9805693514 web - www.himalayanashram.com

COOKING

Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups LOCATION: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just below the Dalai Lama’s temple HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-220992

Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586

Indian Cooking Classes

LANGUAGES Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translators Program LOCATION: Rato Chuwar Labrang, Phuntsok Gatsel Session Road Hours: 10:45-5pm Email: lrztp.manager@gmail.com

REETA THAKUR HINDI CLASSES Location: Near Dal Lake Mob - 9816494732 Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library *see Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

LOCATION: Hotel India House, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken LOCATION:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 8679502538 / 98820-04965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org

Sanskrit Language Study Program at Vikramashila Foundation India (VFI) Location: Vikramashila center, 1st flr, Ketan Lodge,Jogiwara road, McleodGanj, Dharamshala, H.P Email: vikramashilafoundation@gmail.com

ART AND MUSEUMS Tibet Museum

LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm

LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 07833047078 / 0988230136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

Kangra Art Museum

LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719

LOCATION: Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Road HOURS:10:00am - 4:00pm PHONE: 981-616-4540 EMAIL: sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in

COMPUTER CLASSES Tibetan Career Centre, Dharamshala LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9:00am-6pm PHONE: 9882321424 /9880969175 Email at : yesheadconsultant@tibet.net

Lha Charitable Truse

LOCATION: Near Dolma Chowk, Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 9882323455 / +91 (0)1892 -220992 WEB: www.lhasocialwork.org

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LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm

WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm

Men-Tsee-Khang Museum

LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat

Center for Living Buddhist Art WEBSITE: www.livingbuddhistart.com EMAIL: sarikalochoe@hotmail.com

PHONE: 9418655401 HOURS: 9 am- 5 pm LOCATION: Khanyara Road

SEPTEMBER 2018

activities and information HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com Tibetan Physiotherapy Clinic Specialised in Muscle and Joint Pain LOCATION: Near Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Appointment Bases) PHONE: 9882322783 / 9882321532 EMAIL: jigten17@yahoo.co.in WEBSITE : tibetanphysiotherapy.com Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-22053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient services, Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily Maanav Health Clinic LOCATION: Main Square HOURS: 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm PHONE: 941-815-5795 EMAIL: maanavcare@yahoo.co.in Men-Tsee-Khang LOCATION: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org Primary Health Centre LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: 7833047078 / 9882320136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Dr Tandon Advanced Dental Orthodontic & Implant Centre Location: Opp. AP Travels, Mcleod Ganj Phone:9418462936 Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com

Tibet-Related Websites News:

tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,has opinion, reviews, photos, etc contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online news rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government thetibetpost.com - Tibet Post International online news tibetexpress.net - Tibet Express online news guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China

News, information and campaigning: dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernmental organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-governmental organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source savetibet.org - Website of the International Campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people tibetanjournal.com - Tibetan Journal - news, reviews and opinions

Writings:

highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings.

DHARAMSHALA CONTACTS Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189 Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, CTA Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Wed only; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily.

Phone: 222 053,223 381 Kangra Airport: 01892-232374

Contact

Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892221034 Tourism Office: 01892-224430 , 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892265026 Police Superintendent: 01892222244 Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in

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Cantt. area.

Phone: 221 483 McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only.

Phone: 01892-221 924

SEPTEMBER 2018

advertisements

Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffee Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop 9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday

To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Or Call on our number 9882323455 Price of advertisements depends on the size of your Ad

Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd -Map#4 HANDMADE RECYCLED DIARY WHOLE SELLER SHOP

Contact us for readymade and custom order diaries and journal, notebook and sketchbook leather cover Opp. to India house bhagsu road, Mcleog Ganj Facebook page : Lobsang diaries Contact no : 9882861220 / 7018447280 Opening time : 10:30am to 9:00pm

8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL

8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range.

Enjoy the sunrise from your bed!

Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Email: tseringd@aushimview.com

Nature Cure Health Club

Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #23 Mobile: 07833047078 /09882320136 / Email: mahinder_m@ hotmail.com 20+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!

Painter Contractor

Contact Rajender for painting homes, hotels, restuarants, monasteries, offices etc Contact number: 9882555972 Whatsapp: 8219376175 TO POST YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE Call on our number - 9882323455

TO POST YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE Call on our number - 9882323455

Contact

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SEPTEMBER 2018

advertisements

Contact

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SEPTEMBER 2018

advertisements Map not to scale

Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest

BHAGSU NAG 16

See advertisement pages for details of advertisers TIPA

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DHARAMKOT

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Vipassana Centre

Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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Tushita Centre

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MAIN SQUARE

3

McLEOD GANJ 25 Main Bazaar

27

Cantt Police Post

6

23

4

20

28

24

1

12

11

10 5

Lha

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2

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Road to Dharamshala

1. Lha Headquarters and Tibet Fair Trade 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 5. Black Tent Cafe 6. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House and Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Lhamo’s Croissant 16. Shivam NeelKanth Yoga Kendre

17. Central Tibetan Administration,Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Tibetan Library 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Programme 19. Tibetan Museum and Temple 20. Tibetan Handicraft Centre 21. Taste of India 22. SnowLion Custom Tattoo 23. Nature Cure Health Club 24. Dr Tandon’s Advanced Dental 25. Smile Dental Clinice & Implant Center 26. Himalayan Yoga Retreat 27. Om Massage Centre 28. Chapri Handicrafts 29. Dorjee Spa

Dr Natasha Mehra @ Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Location: Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map #10 Email: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com /Call: 09218742046 Website: www.perfect32dentalclinic.in

LOCATION: UpperBagsu, next to Namaste Cafe & behind Reggae Cafe Yogi Shivam has 28 years of yogic practice experience from from his master Dooni Nath Babaji!

Daily Yoga - 7 am to 9:30 am Website: www.ShivamNeelkantyoga.com Email: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in Phone: +91 9816565138

Facebook: Shivam Neelkanth Yoga Kendra

Contact

Road to Dharamshala

Location: First floor opp. Municipal Parking near HH Dalai Lama Temple #Temple Road • Extensive vegtarian menu • The best pizza in Mcleod Ganj • Good music and friendly staff Open every day from 7am to 8:30 pm Mobile: 7018919310 (Map#2)

NEED A DENTIST?

Daily meditation @ 11:30 am

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Shifted to New Location!

For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic

YOGA TEACHER TRAINING May 7- 30, 2018 200Hour / One Drop Meditation with Yogi Shivam. Experience a taste of love. One drop of love, happiness & joy.

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Namgyal Cafe Pizza Place

Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)

Shivam Neelkanth Yoga Kendra

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BOOKWORM - THE COMPLETE BOOKSHOP is the oldest bookshop in Mcleod Ganj, where the Lonely Planet Guide (India) calls it the Best bookshop in town.

Location: Pemathang road, few steps from Dolma Chowk • •

Online shopping gives us only the books we already want.

Bookshops draw us into the ones we didn’t know we wanted

Lhamo’s Croissant Vegetarian and Vegan Food

Bakery, Coffee shop, Gluten Free and Fresh seasonal juices and salads

Roof top terrace with stunning views

Bhagsu Road, just after Tibetan Settlement Office Map#15 22

SEPTEMBER 2018

lha news and advertisements Smile Dental Clinic & Implant Center

Oppo. Walia Medical Store Near State Bank of India ATM, Mcleod Ganj. MOBILE NO: 7018354594 / 8629011445 Map#25 website: smiledentalclinicmcleodganj.com

Meditation Intensives Meditation Therapies Intensive Yoga Courses/Retreats Stress Management Integrated Healing Therapies Wellness Retreats

To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj

For upcoming events, visit www.oceanofharmony.org For intensive trainings around the world (any country) contact: Shalu Patel (experienced & qualified life and wellness coach for international trainings)

Phone: (+91) 9979894585 Email: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Or call on our number 9882323455 Price of advertisements depends on the size of your Ad

To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Or call on our number 9882323455 Price of advertisements depends on the size of your Ad

Contact

Ocean of Harmony Programmes for Wellbeing

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SEPTEMBER 2018

Lha Charitable Trust is an award-winning, grassroots, non-profit organisation and one of the largest Tibetan social work institutes based in Dharamshala, India. Lha has been striving to provide vital resources for Tibetan refugees, local Indian communities, and people from the Himalayan regions for 20 years.

For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org VOLUNTEER AT LHA Let your stay in Dharamshala be more memorable Come join our English conversation class!

If you have at least one week or one hour a day, you’re welcome to join our group of volunteers.

Time: English Conversation Class (Mon-Fri) at 4pm – 5pm Venue: Lha office at main market mcleod, temple road, opposite SBI ATM

English Conversation Class

We are also looking for volunteers to teach these language classes (minimum one month) : French Beginner / German Beginner / Chinese Beginner/Computer Beginner **Teaching experience not necessary. We guarantee that you will love your new experience!

Location: Lha office, opp. State Bank of India (ATM), Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Email: office@lhasocialwork.org volunteercoordinator@lhasocialwork.org Phone: 01892-220992 / 9882323455

Computer Classes

USA BASED COMPANY IS HIRING! Experienced Meditation and Yoga Asana Teachers on Full-time/Part-time basis Professional Requirements: 10+ years of Meditation and/or Yoga Asanas teaching experience.

To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992

Follow Contact website using the QR code!

Ganj Map #1

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

Managing Director Dorji Kyi

MUST have Hi-Speed internet with Smartphone or tablet

Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Tenzin Samten

What We Offer: Work from anywhere! Bi-Weekly payments Flexible working hours and excellent compensation If interested, email us on jobs@meditation.

LIVE or contact at +91-9819979698 www.meditation.LIVE

Temple Rd, McLeod

Contact Newsletter

Self-motivated, with excellent English communication and customer service skills Punctual, reliable, organized and responsible

Contact

or visit Lha office at

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Assistant Editor Choeyang Wangmo Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com

Circulation Manager Tenzin Sherab Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web:www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net www.samdhongrinpoche.com SEPTEMBER 2018