Tibet’s senior monk in police custody appeals calm: Eight arrested Vol. 03, Issue 102, Print Issue 26, 15 January 2014
Sikyong calls for quick restoration of Shangri-La
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Sikyong of Tibet praises Basic Education Policy’s progress
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Prayer alone will not end violence: Spiritual leader of Tibet By Yeshe Choesang: 07 January 2014
Sikyong, the political leader of Tibetan people addressing during the Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamshala, India, on 10 March 2013. Photo: TPI
By Yeshe Choesang: 13 January 2014
Dharamshala: - Dr Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong or political leader of the Tibetan people, expressed deep concern at the destruction caused by the fire in Gyalthang that has damaged almost twothirds of an ancient Tibetan town. His comments came after a huge blaze ravaged the ancient Tibetan town of Gyalthang, eastern Tibet destroying over 300 homes on late Saturday, 11 January. Sikyong has called for a quick restoration of the ancient Tibetan town, urging that the restoration should be done according to the traditional Tibetan style. “The restoration processes should be fair and unbiased,” said Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, who is currently in New Delhi for an official visit. During the restoration in Kyigudo, Yushul in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake, lands were illegally grabbed by unscrupulous Chinese authorities, leading to protests by local Tibetans including a self-immolation by a Tibetan woman. This is the 3rd such as major fire to break out in eastern Tibet within less than three months, which followed the blaze at another influential Buddhist institute– the Larung Gar monastery in Serta County. P- 7......
20 Political Cases in Tibet Last Year By Associated Press: 13 January 2014.
Dharamshala: - China prosecuted 20 cases involving national security in Tibet last year, a state newspaper reported Monday, in an indication of continuing low-level unrest in the Himalayan region. The cases dealt a “heavy blow” to those seeking the region’s independence, the official China Daily quoted a judge, Sodar, as saying. He gave no details about individual cases or the number of people who were prosecuted. Sodar, who like many Tibetans uses just one name, said more high-pressure tactics will be used this year against separatists, including those operating within Tibet’s Buddhist religious establishment. Authorities will “leave no room for separatists,” Sodar was quoted as saying in a report Sunday to the regional legislature. Information about political cases is tightly restricted and no figures were given for the numbers of cases prosecuted in previous years. However, the China Daily quoted Tibet’s governor, Lobsang Jamcan, as saying the situation remained “grave,” standard terminology used in describing the anti-separatist struggles in Tibet and Xinjiang just to the north, where Turkic Muslim Uighur separatists have also been battling Chinese rule.
Bangalore: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet on Sunday said ‘we can only create peace on the basis of our own inner peace, because prayer alone will not put an end to violence in this world.’ His Holiness the Dalai Lama was addressing a gathering of All India Principal’s Conference of the Heads of Anglo-Indian Schools in India on 5 January 2014 at Bishop Cotton School, Bangalore, the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka. The 79-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner was graciously received on arrival by school Principal John Zacharia, who introduced him to fellow panel members, among them the Guest of Honour, Mr Nandan Nilekani, who is an old boy of the school. “As human beings we all want to live a happy life, we want our days to be happy and we’d even prefer to have happy dreams. What’s more we have a right to achieve such happiness. In order to do so, I believe we need to develop a clearer sense of the oneness of humanity; what we have in common,” His Holiness said, adding: “Many of the problems we face today are our own creation. The sense we have of ‘them’ and ‘us’ leads to violence and deception. It also leads to corruption. If you respect others and have a concern for their well-being, this will not occur.” His Holiness said that “prayer alone will not put an end to violence. Violence comes about because we lack inner peace. And clearly, we can only create peace in the world on the basis of our own inner peace. The main disturbance in our minds that leads to our dividing beings into ‘them’ and ‘us’ is our self-centred attitude. Yet the reality today is that we are interdependent.” His Holiness cited the disasters that are occurring as a result of climate change as affecting us all, regardless of national and other boundaries. Without a sense of the oneness of humanity our man-made problems will only increase. He said that as a Buddhist and someone who has studied and practised in the Nalanda tradition he has developed a great respect for our other religious traditions. They all convey a message of love, tolerance, self-discipline and contentment. They express different philosophical views because people in different places, living in different conditions have different dispositions.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Association of Heads of Anglo-Indian Schools in India’s 92nd Annual Conference at Bishop Cotton School in Bangalore, India on January 5, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Religious traditions counter anger and hatred with tolerance and forgiveness. Because anger is often linked to excessive desire and attachment, religion teaches contentment. Because the common good is their goal, we need to make an effort to eliminate conflict in the name of religion. India is a living example that this can be done. Over the last thousand years all the major religious traditions have flourished in this country, living peacefully side by side. “Meanwhile,” His Holiness added, “Christian brothers and sisters have made the greatest contribution to education all
over the world. Occasionally this seems to have been driven by missionary zeal. For example, I became aware that Korean Christian missionaries in Mongolia were attempting to convert the local people. I told them this is a Buddhist country and while it’s admirable that you provide help with health and education, it’s not appropriate that it should be at the cost of conversion. I give many talks abroad, in North and South America, P- 7......
Blaze destorys ancient town in Gyalthang County of Tibet
A monk handed to 6-year jail term over Tibet self-immolation
Blaze destorys ancient town in Gyalthang County of Tibet. Photo: TPI ByYeshe Choesang: 13 January 2014
Dharamshala: - A huge blaze which occurred early on 11 January has burned down 70% of the ancient Dorkhar town in the Gyalthang County, Kham Region of Eastern Tibet, (Diqing prefecture, Yunnan Province) along with 242 houses. The fire destroyed about 242 houses and shops in Dorkhar township, dislocated more than 2,600 people, and torched many historic P- 7...... artifacts, Chinese state controlled media reported.
Tibetans arrive in Calgary city, Alberta,Canada this week
Tibetan EC announces mid-term poll dates
Five monks; Gedun Gyatso, Lobsang Phakpa, Yamyang Lodoe, Jamyang Soepa, and Jamyang Gyatso. Photo: TPI
By Yeshe Choesang: 02 January 2014
Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Jampal Choesang (C) and his two new additional election commissioners during press conference in 2010.Photo:TPI
By Choneyi Sangpo: 14 January 2014
Dharamshala: - The Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration has announced the dates of the midterm poll for one Dho-May Chithue (Member of Tibetan Parliament from Dho-May constituency). According to the announcement, the preliminary election will be held on 17 February 2014. The final election will be held on 09 June 2014. The mid-term poll is necessitated by the resignation of Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, a member of Tibetan Parliament from Dho-May constituency last year.
Dharamshala: - A Tibetan monk has been sentenced to six years in prison over self-immolation protest, more than a year after his arrest in Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County in Kanlho (Ch: Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. Gedun Gyatso, 47, a monk from Bora Monastery was sentenced to prison on “intentional homicide” charges by the Sangchu County People’s Court. The India based ‘Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy’ (TCHRD) said that “the sentence was passed on 10 December 2013.” “Five monks including Gedun Gyatso from Bora Monastery in December 2013, a day after Sungdue Kyap committed selfimmolation protest on 2 December 2012 in Bora,” sources added. “Gedun Gyatso, along with four other monks: Lobsang Phakpa, 34, Jamyang Soepa, 25, Jamyang Lodoe, about 20, and Jamyang Gyatso, about 20, had gone missing for months after they were first Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers from Amchok (Ch:
Amuqu) County along with Bora Township government officials,” the TCHRD said in the statement. It added: “Except for Gedun Gyatso, the four other monks were released separately after being held for months. Lobsang Phagpa was released after about four months’ detention.” The exiled right group said that “Chinese authorities kept Gedun Gyatso in custody for over a year before his sentencing. Gedun Gyatso had refused to accept the charges imposed on him and even during the trial, he stood adamant that he was not guilty of ‘intentional homicide’. “ As source with contacts in the area says, “He [Gedun Gyatso] was falsely accused of “intentional homicide”. In fact, the two policemen who were at the site of Sungdue Kyap’s selfimmolation claimed that Gedun Gyatso tried to stop them from extinguishing the fire. But he has not accepted the charge and the sentence was passed in spite of it.” Gedun Gyatso was born in Lhabun Thangri Gapma village and his mother’s name is Sonam Tso.
Volunteer and mentor training in Calgary to welcome the first group from Tezu and Tuting to Calgary on Jan 18th. — at Calgary Catholic Immigration Society CCIS. photo: File By Yeshe Choesang: 14 January 2014
Victoria: – The first Tibetans to settle in Calgary city, province of Alberta, Canada, under Canada’s Tibetan resettlement program will arrive on Saturday, January 18. They will be greeted at the airport by sponsors and Tibet supporters. They are part of a Government of Canada public policy that is facilitating the immigration of up to 1,000 displaced Tibetans living in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. This policy followed a 2007 appeal by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Project Tibet Society, who is facilitating the national resettlement effort, is working with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society and the Tibetan Association of Alberta in the local resettlement effort.
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15 January 2014
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Editorial:
Modernising Tibet just a mouthpieces for China?
2011 file photo released by TPI News website shows lay Tibetans being forcibly taken away by Chinese police in a Tibetan area incorporated into China’s Sichuan Province. 15 January 2013
Dharamshala: - Modernising Tibet just a mouthpieces for China? Dharamshala: The onesided policies by China have robbed the Tibetans of their basis for cultural identity; causing the loss of their language in their homeland and commerce in dealings with communist authority, their culture, and now they’re facing a natural resource genocide. Tibetans have completely lost the right to independently practice their beloved Buddhism and adherence to their traditional way of life, they’ve lost their once sacred, pristine environment, and their confidence as a people, for they’re truly treated as third class citizens in their own country under Han Chinese occupation and oppression . “There is evidence the Chinese people in Tibet are increasing month by month,” the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has told international communities on various occasions, calling the population shift a “form of cultural genocide”; this mass migration will render his people an insignificant minority in their own homeland. A minority can be overlooked and ignored. The Han Chinese or authorities of the communist regime hold all the power; economic, military, financial and political. The Han Chinese “reasoning” goes, that once Tibetans no longer exist as a distinct people, and their land is settled with a majority of Han Chinese, China will have “legitimized” their illegal occupation and annexation of Tibet that has a separate National Integration in the history of world. Mining in Tibet: The Open Wound of my Country So far, over 3,000 mine beds, deposits or mineralised sites with as many as 102 types of minerals were discovered in the so called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Chinese official media has reported, quoting officials from the regional bureau of land and resources. What sweetness of words for the Han Chinese? When an occupying power exploits the resources of the occupied land at the expense of the original inhabitants, it builds itself on the ruins of what it has destroyed, and such theft of resources is obvious, even when the occupier tries to hide its actions behind noble principles. This malfeasance is made worse by claiming that the benefits in question are a financial gain for the communist regime. When such wrongdoing is compounded even further by acts of genocide against the Tibetan people, killing thousands and dispossessing hundreds of thousands in acts of ethnic cleansing, the situation is very serious indeed. According to various news reports, the mineral resources in the Himalayan region have an estimated potential value up to 600 billion yuan (USD 100 billion). Among the variety of mineral reserves, Tibet is reported to have large chromium and cuprum (copper) far higher than other regions of mainland China. Twelve other mineral reserves rank among the top five across the whole country. Reading this has truly incensed me, because it lays bare the motivations of the Chinese government for the world to see. Knowing about
the genocide of the Tibetan people and their culture identity, how can the world do so much business with this country knowing what their government is doing? It boggles the mind. The Communist leaders are corrupt, they deplore freedom of speech, and they do not care for the people, the environment, nor the spiritual ties this land has to those who live there. Imagine the damage to the environment their 21 highway project will cause. Imagine the damage to the land with all the aqueducts and other means of stealing Tibet’s natural resources, particularly mineral water, and excuses they will come up with to not have to be responsible for what they are doing in their own country. It is no wonder no date has been set for their latest scheme. It should bring international condemnation to them for their blatant attempt to ravage Tibet and other holy places of their resources particularly their water, and take the identity of their people away just for their own profit. Legal or illegal? China has invited many companies and transnational oil giants including BP and Shell to explore for oil and gas equivalents after realising that its own companies lacked the expertise known to drill in a region known for its complex geology. Regarding my past 25 years of watching this experiment on our homeland, we feel that Tibetans are unable to exercise their economic rights to determine how their resources are utilised. They live in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation where opposition to an unsuitable project such as hydrocarbon extraction would have dire consequences. Perhaps one of the most controversial Chinese plans to tap Tibetan resources to date is China’s new water scheme, labelled the “big Western line”. Tibetan natural resources should be considered a similar issue to “blood diamonds”, the term which refers to the conflict over criminally obtained diamonds; sold to finance serious violent acts including genocide and human rights abuses. The blood diamond trade has been recognised as a global problem, with illegal organisations in a wide range of nations benefiting from the trade of these diamonds. Tibet is a case in point. China’s extraordinarily repressive human rights abuses against the Tibetan people, combined with its efforts to exploit Tibet on a colonial mode include policies such as capital punishment, the onechild policy, the social status of Tibetans, and lack of protections regarding freedom of press and religion. The Tibet natural resource trade plays a similar role and is a global problem, with dictator and communist states around the world in a wide range of nations benefiting from the trade of these resources, including Tibetan water.
OPINION
Buddhism and wildlife By Dorjee Dhondup, 15 January 2014
Tibet has always been a sanctuary for a lot of rare species. Argali, Himalayan brown bear, Tibetan antelope, Tibetan hot spring snake, Tibetan Wild Yak ( widely known to Tibetans as Drong), bareheaded Goose, snow leopard, Panda and Yunnan Snub-nosed monkey are some of the 125 species listed as rare kindson the Tibet Plateau. one of them, the legendary, yet an enigmatic specie, the black-necked crane was unknown outside Tibet until the Russian naturalist, Prezewalski’s discovered them near Lake Kokonor Lake on Qinghai-Tibet plateau Little was known about this mysterious birds due to the remoteness of their natural habitat. Since late 1970s, a sudden urge to unlock the secret aboutthis curious specie that breeds in the most inhospitable environment, resulted in a greater understanding of their preference for the wetlands, foraging habits and migratory routes from Tibet to Bhutan and Ladakh, India. Such researches on the endangered species living high up on Tibet plateau shed light on the fragile ecosystem in Tibet and the dependence of these species on the habitat areas which are now shrinking dramatically because of the ever expanding agricultural practices, alteration of wetlands and the climate change on high plateau. We are now beginning to be aware of the plight of those endangered species. The last few decades have seen a heightening of laws on poaching and illegal trade of animal skins or furs for the production offine and exquisite merchandises. Beginning with initial ratification of CITES or Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, 179 states have signed de conventionso far, making selling or procession of Shahtoosh illegal. The conservation seems to be in full swing in the international arena. However conservation has never been an alien concept to us mountain dwellers. Buddhists might not have had any fancy term for the preservation of wildlife, but, the practice of extending love beyond human community and the core belief
of co-existence have always been driving Buddhist principles. Most of monasteries are decorated with two deers facing each with a Dharma wheel in the middle, giving it an honorary status in both monastic and layman’s communities. Deer also plays a charismatic role in Janata tales as well as in the biography of Milerapa. Janata tales goes on say that King Banyan Deer who decided to offer his life to the human kingto save a fellow pregnant doe was so moved by the King of deers’ ultimate altruism to give up his life to save a deer with an unborn fawn that he vowed never to hunt deer. King Banyan Deer is said to be Buddha himself in a different manifestation. Since the arrival of Buddha Dharma to Tibet, pre-Buddhist rituals evolved into symbolic offerings, slowly putting an end to the sacrificial rituals of live animals. Deer appears in many lama dances(chams), driving evil forces. These stories, if not born with, certainly are imprinted on the Buddhist minds. In folklores, wild animals grazing on mountains are depicted as attendants or livestock of the local deities, harming them would bring bad karma to the people, it sounds too mythical, rather than environmental protection, however if we consider fact that everyday Tibetan life is influenced by their religion that the only way to get environmental protection message across is through religious vocabulary that they can relate to. 6th Dalai Lama TseyangGyatso wrote one of his last songs in 1706. ¨White crane lend me your wings. I will not fly far. I will return after touring Lithang¨.This is arguably the one of the most used lyrics of all the time. His disappearance at the age of 23 and use of crane in predicating the whereabouts of 7th Dalai Lama adds an extra veneration to its’ already revered status. The conservation is so much interlinked with Buddhist beliefs that when animals eventually die of old age, their bones are hung around monasteries to pay homage to their service to mankind and a better rebirth. All these indications confirm the fact that the wildlife flourished in their pristine natural habit because of their Buddhist notion of compassion for
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A recent photo shows, a group of Tibetan groundhogs or marmots having fun with a Tibetan Buddhist monk in Lithang County, Kham region of estern Tibet. Photo: TPI
all the being and their veneration to sacred lands. Knowing this has helped conservationists to involve monasteries in and around the wildlife habitat areas. Dr. Li Juan, a researcher with the Snow leopard Trust and Peking University goes so far to say that monasteries are doing more to protect snow leopard habitat than the formal conservation. When The Dalai Lama appealed to all Tibetans to stop wearing traditional clothing decorated with wildlife skins during the Kalachakra ceremony held in January 2006 in Amravati, southern India. The reaction was immediate and effective, it’s hard to put an exact figure on it, but, an estimated 60 million Yuansworth of animal pelts were reported to be burned. Ironically the Chinese Government considered these initiative to burn animal furs as an instrument to provoke social unrest in Tibet and cracked down on the people involved in this campaign. TsetenGyal, who, on returning Rebkong, after the Kalachakra Initiation in Amravati initiated the burning of animal pelts in Tibet was questionedby local police for his motives. Seeing the influence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama even after 50 years of exile, they stepped up their media scrutiny to encouragedpeople to pick up the practice again, Beijing, in an attempt to go against Dalai lama even forced the Tibetan empoyees/broacasters at Qinghai Tibetan Television Broadcasting station to wear them on television. Even allocating a budget of 10,000 Yuan for those who couldn’t afford it.
Tibet, a giant load to be shouldered upon!
1967, During Chinese Cultural Revolution, Tibetan temples, monasteries, libraries, and scared monuments destroyed or made into state museums. Photo: Media file By Sonam Rinchen: 15 January 2014
For those who do not know what Tibet stands for or what exactly it is: It is the name of a country, my “father’s” land. Yes! I quoted it, as my father’s land not mine, unfortunately. I would have called it as mine but on what grounds. I agree that it is a Tibetan blood which in my veins and I speak fluent Tibetan language but this does not authenticate me to call Tibet as my country, especially when United Nation petitioned it legally. Beside above two, there is nothing I could proudly boast of my Tibetan zeal in me. In fact the very first breath I inhale in this world was the hot and humid air, in contrast to Tibet’s cold and icy air, which was only a mystical story for me during my childhood, of India. Thus it actually makes me more of Indian, which totally outcasts me from calling Tibet as my own country. As the word adaptation is the key in the laws of evolution; it does lock me, both genetically and culturally, in its laws too. An article from New York Times says that some scientists have found out that the inhabitance of Tibet is one of the most recent traces of human evolution. Tibetans have adapted to high altitude and thus have higher lung capacity due to the law of natural selection. Except unlike my forefathers my lungs have shrink down to a smaller capacity lung due to abundance of oxygen in India. I know like those scientists you would all claim it as law of natural selection, obviously, but
I would say Tibetans in India are rather forced to get into this evolution (not at all a natural process). They do not wanted to fled their own country and go into this evolutionary changes, neither do I, which would aesthetically change the definition of Tibetan gradually. It would be a contradictory statement if I do not explain the above last line of mine because it is not just the genes; rather it is the historical cultures and its language, which define people. So culturally we Tibetan wear Chupa, a traditional dress, before the infamous migration of Tibetans to India. Chupas are made up of thick garments and cover almost 80% of our body, which looks like a bathrobe, to rescue our self from the venomous cold temperature of Tibet. However Here in India, in exile, who would take refuge in some kilograms heavy robe in heat? Neither do I wear Chupa except for the rare traditional ceremony, which further ads on as factor to detach myself from Chupas or our culture. We Tibetan do have millions other traditions but they are all getting extinct, gradually, either by the force of so-called Natural selection or by our own lack of practices. Numbers of finger will be raised upon us if someone ask us what counter measure do we take to preserve our own traditions. I am pretty much sure that this discussion will last from generation to generation but non can resolve it unless Tibetans will be allowed to return back to Tibet as a free state (which is next to impossible)
or Tibetans are preserved like an endanger animal, and I must say we should appeal UN for it because apparently UN would never consider Tibet as a separate state. It is funny how a dangerous animal like Tiger are preserved but a harmless and peace loving Tibetan, a HUMAN RACE, are neglected to get extinct. Did my or all-Tibetan parents fought enough to preserve our race? Yes! they did, I was born and always raised as a Tibetan child. However, did they succeed to preserve our culture or race? Well! I was do raised as a Tibetan child but I was brought up alongside of millions other Indian children. I do speak Tibetan but my every sentence complete with some Hindi words in it. I do eat Tsampa, Tibetan traditional food, but I always opt for Dal Chawal as regular diet. If a Tibetan song connects me and takes me back to a sweet of memory of some traditional ceremonies like Losar (Tibetan new year) or Tibetan wedding, then a Hindi song pictures my whole life, my whole memories from ups to downs. So the real question is will we ever succeed in preserving our cultural or race? A Year back I read an article from The Times Of India that a Tibetan girl, who was born in India, won a case to apply for Indian citizenship. It is a great achievement for a Tibetan to gain Indian citizenship, legally, especially when for decades long we were only been given a refugee certificate. I had a mix reaction or in fact bit more of a disappointment when I read the article, not because I find her unpatriotic, but because of the fact that who she is. The article reads: she is from a deep-rooted family of Tsongtsen Gampo, the founder of Tibetan empire and one the greatest king in Tibet’s history. Her bloodline is dated back to somewhere around year 605. I am saddened in foreseen an irony of our future. In contrary to the times of king Tsongtsen Gampo I saw the downfall of our race. I really do not blame our downfall only on her though because like her all of us, our generation, are victims of time and its evolutionary constrains. It is now sixty plus years since we lost our country and the immediate generations who saw the unfortunate downfall of our country are getting buried under foreign soil everyday. The future of our country is gradually shouldering upon our generation, who are mostly born and brought up in a foreign country like me. I have my heart and soul for my country but the question is on what ground I defend my country when my own existent is not purely made up from its soils. So with the odds are all against us or me, I wonder, will I ever get a chance to call Tibet as my own country.
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3-day Tibetan General Conference on Education held in Dharamshala By Kathryn Middel - Katzenmeyer: 09 January 2014
Top officials and guests during the inaugural ceremony of the Tibetan general conference on education, Dharamshala, India, 7 January 2014. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo
Dharamshala: - The sixth Tibetan General Conference on Education kicked off at the Lower TCV School in Dharamshala, on 7 January. Over 236 participants including principals, directors, teachers and counselors from 76 Tibetan schools in Nepal and India, are attending the 3-day conference on education in exile. The conference is the largest gathering of teachers and school administrators on education policy of the Tibetan exile community and is held once every five years. The agenda for this year’s conference includes professional development of teachers, emphasis on primary education particularly science and
mathematics, and the effective implementation of the basic education policy which was implemented in 2004. The chief guests at the opening ceremony of the conference were Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament and Mr. Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen, the Chief Justice Commissioner. Other guests include members of the Kashag, Tibetan parliamentarians, officials of education department and the heads of various autonomous bodies of the Central Tibetan Administration. In his address, Sikyong cum education Kalon, Dr Lobsang Sangay lauded the efforts of Tibetan
Tibetan Youth Congress March against China’s rule to raise awareness about the critical situation in Tibet By Yeshe Choesang: 09 January 2014
Dharamshala: - In order to raise awareness about the current critical situation in Tibet, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Tibetan youth group in exile Thursday declared that they will organise a long peace walk “Tibetan Uprising March’ from Dharamshala to Delhi, the capital of India. “Since the People’s Republic of China’s occupation of Tibet in 1949, the Communist Party has enforced a series of campaigns and policies to systematically destroy and stifle Tibetan culture, language, identity and spiritual traditions. Tibet today faces life-an-death struggle,” Mr Tenzing Jigme, TYC President and Tashi Lamsang, TYC General Secretary told reporters during a Thursday morning news conference in Dharamshala. “Consequently, there have been 125 known cases of self-immolations on the plateau. These brave men and women who set themselves on fire have called for the ‘Return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet’, ‘Independence for Tibet’ and ‘Freedom in Tibet’ etc,” TYC said in their statement. “However, instead of addressing the demands of these courageous Tibetans, the Chinese government has tightened its control over Tibet and vehemently criticizes the Tibetan spiritual teacher His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It has also stepped up its propaganda around the world by pumping billions of dollars into mass media and other machineries,” it stated. In order to create awareness about the current critical situation in Tibet; the Tibetan youth group said it to “support the demands and aspirations of the self-immolators; and to show solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet, the Tibetan Youth Congress will carry out Tibetan Uprising March from Dharamshala to Delhi. The peaceful march will start on 8 February from Dharamshala and end on 10 March 2014 in Delhi.” “10 March 2014 marks fifty-five years since the Tibetan people’s uprising against the occupying Chinese forces in Lhasa in 1959. The 55 marchers – each marcher representing a dark and painful year under Chinese rule – will cover a distance of about 600 kms in a month,” TYC further added. Over last 44 years since its inception, the group said it “has initiated numerous campaigns, marches, appeals and other activities to highlight the worsening human rights situation in Tibet and other crucial issues. We have made many appeals to the UN and other international bodies about the issue of Tibet urging their support for freedom and independence.” “The statement added: “At the completion of this uprising march, the TYC will present a
teachers in raising the overall education level of the Tibetan community. He stated that because of the efforts of the Tibetan teachers, there has been a huge improvement in the performance of Tibetan students in competitive academic examinations. He also said that the literacy rate of the Tibetan people is higher than many other south Asian countries. Even on the basis of gender, he noted, that there is an inspiring trend of girls outnumbering boys in the pursuit of higher studies in colleges and universities. He encouraged more students to pursue specialized education in diverse academic fields. Sikyong Dr Sangay reaffirmed the 14th Kashag’s prioritization of education and academic excellence as one of the most important component of their policies. “When it comes to dialogue with the Chinese or garnering worldwide support for the Tibet issue, we are dependent on the other party’s response. But regarding the education of the Tibetan people, it is something that we can and have to do ourselves. Therefore, if we fail in education, it is solely our responsibility,” he said. In his address, speaker Penpa Tsering talked about the importance of the basic education policy of the Tibetan exiles and urged the Kashag and the education department, to direct their concerted efforts towards the full implementation of the policy.He also emphasized the need to review the resolutions passed at earlier conferences to better uphold standards of educational excellence. Speaker Penpa Tsering also underscored the immense importance of preserving and promoting Tibetan culture and language to create a robust Tibetan identity in exile. The Tibetan general conference on education is organized by the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration and will conclude on 9 January 2014. The first general conference was held in 1964 during the nascent stage of Tibetan exile community. The last general conference was held in 2009 and was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
15 January 2014
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Tibet’s admin. is the legitimate rep. of the Tibetans: Speaker By Yeshe Choesang: 07 January 2014
Dharamshala: - Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on Sunday said ‘the India based ‘Central Tibetan Administration’ (CTA) is the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and the Middle Way Approach seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within the People’s Republic of China. Mr Tsering was addressing during a lawyers’ training in Dharamshala, which was organised by the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration, to increase awareness about the role of judiciary in the Tibetan democratic polity. According to the CTA, the speaker also awarded lawyer’s certificate to 35 Tibetan teachers who participated in a 10-day intensive lawyer’s training at Sarah Tibetan college. He spoke briefly about the evolution of Tibetan democracy and the formation of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission in fully democratising the Tibetan polity. “The Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission is the third pillar of Tibetan democracy. It was established in 1992 with the aim of sustaining the rule of law and providing justice and equality to the Tibetan community,” Mr Tsering said. Highlighting the importance of such legal training, the speaker said that through such training, the TSJC is planting seeds of awareness about the rule of law and the democratic functioning of the Central Tibetan Administration. He added that the education system, particularly the teachers, play a vital role in this exercise, urging the teachers to advice their students to study Tibetan charter to understand Tibetan democracy. Welcoming the increasing number of Tibetan students pursuing law and legal education in their further studies, Speaker Penpa Tsering, exclaimed that our students should have an in-depth knowledge of our own constitution
A group photo of the participants with Speaker Penpa Tsering, Chief Justice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen, Justice Commissioners and the local justice commissioners.
(charter) first, before we go on to study other countries’ laws. S p e a k i n g a b o u t t h e C e n t r a l Ti b e t a n Administration (CTA), he said the CTA is the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people. The Middle Way Policy of the Central Tibetan Administration seeks genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people, as enshrined in the Chinese constitution, he said. Speaker Penpa Tsering also talked about the importance of preserving our Tibetan culture,religion and language to safeguard the Tibetan identity. He urged Tibetans in the west to speak and write Tibetans at home, especially when the language of communication is not Tibetan outside of the home. Mr Tsering Dhondup, Justice Commissioner and one of the resource persons, said the training went very well. The participants are co-operative and very keen to learn the workings of the Tibetan judicial system, he said. “Since all the participants are teachers this time, we hope it will have a larger effect, as they will go back to their respective schools and teach their students about the Tibetan judiciary and the Tibetan democratic structure, he added. The participants underwent a 10-day comprehensive training on the Tibetan Code of Judiciary, the Code of Civil Procedure and the Evidence Act from 27 December 2013.
Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet by Jane Cook: 04 January 2014
The map of the upcoming Tibetan Uprising march from Dharamshala to Delhi.
memorandum with a set of five demands to the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi and submit appeals to the UN and embassies of other countries to support our demands.” “If the Chinese government fails to bring out any practical solutions to our demands, the TYC pledges that there will be renewed efforts to expose China’s misrule in Tibet. We also urge other nations to support and pressure China to respect the wishes and demands of the Tibetan people as we believe that it is a global responsibility to solve the Tibet issue,” they told reporters at the press conference. TYC will continue to carry out campaigns to urge the United Nations to press China to cease its brutal policies in Tibet and call upon the UN to support the basic rights of the Tibetan people and aspirations for freedom as well as step up its pressure on the Chinese government. Five demands of the Tibetan Uprising March are as follow: The Chinese government must positively respond to the demands of the self-immolators, who have called for, among many other things, the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet Free all political prisoners, including 11th Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima, Tulku Tenzin Delek and Rongye Adak who are in Chinese jails
Bylakuppe, Kamataka, India 1 January 2014 From the teaching throne at Sera Jey Monastery His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet wished everyone a happy new year and urged them to be a more sincere, compassionate, warm-hearted and non-violent human being in order to make our world a more equal place. His Holiness pointed out that today is the 80th anniversary of the 13th Dalai Lama passing away and asked them to keep this in mind when praying for his long life and that of Ganden Tri Rinpoche and the Geshes, Lamas, Tulkus and all those dedicated to the welfare of others. His Holiness said that the group who organised this ceremony were from Markham and he had recently met a Khampa who told him of his ordeal in a Chinese prison and reminded everyone to pray for those imprisoned in Tibet, had passed away in prison or were suffering from imprisonment. He also urged them to pray for those who had the courage to give up their lives through self-immolation which had avoided doing harm to anyone else. He reminded them that China is said to have 400 million Buddhists, more than anywhere else, and asked them to pray for transformation in China. His Holiness explained that among the prayers was a Prayer to the 25 Pioneers of Tibet composed by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Also the Words of Truth, the Supplication to the 17 China must allow the world media and an independent international youth group into Tibet to find out the ground reality Immediately cease population transfer into Tibet and stop insidious ‘Patriotic re-education campaign’ that is being forced upon the Tibetan people Stop nuclear testing, excessive mining and damming of rivers on the Tibetan Plateau which impact millions of people in Asia The organisers said “the March will conclude on March 10 in Delhi but until the Tibet issue is resolved and our demands are met, Tibetan Youth Congress vows to continue its campaigns in various phases for truth and justice.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his teachings at Sera Jey Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, South India. Photo: TPI/Una
Scholars of Nalanda and the Supplication to the Series of Births. He noted that the people of Markham region were participating in this Long Life Offering today and praised their long bond with the Tibetan government and their pledge to follow the advice of the Dalai Lama’s. The culmination of the prayers was the offering of tsog, the mandala and three representations of the enlightened body, speech and mind. The Markham people presented the Markham Tenshug Award to His Holiness, made of silver it included a Tibetan table reflecting the 5th Dalai Lama’s kindness to them, a globe to represent His Holiness’ international efforts to promote secular ethics and inter-religious harmony, and a map of Tibet. A eulogy was read out with a request for His Holiness to live long and reiterating their wish to abide by his advice. Whilst reading the Lam Rim texts His Holiness reached the explanation of the last of the six perfections that are part of the bodhisattva’s practice. He remarked that concentration and special insight need to be practiced in combination. Many practitioners seem unable to distinguish calm abiding and excitement,
he continued and urged them not to mistake laxity for meditative equipoise and noted that excitement disturbs our peace of mind but without being entirely destructive. His Holiness said that when focusing on the development of calm abiding it was common to settle on the image of a Buddha and to retain only that first image. He said that people are inclined to think that realisation can be achieved as quickly and easily as pressing a button and pointed out that although change in the material world takes time, changing your attitude seems easier. His Holiness urged those who wished to practice calm abiding to sit cross-legged on a cushion which is slightly higher at the back and place the hands in a meditative posture with the right palm resting in that of the left, with the tip of the nose above the navel. Then breathe naturally and gently, if agitated count your breaths and develop a delight in concentration. He advised a small image to be visualised at the level of your forehead on which to focus the mind. Do not make your mind tight, he advised as this induces tension in the upper part of your body.
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China jails three men over Tibet’s self-Immolation protest By Yeshe Choesang: 10 January 2014
Sangye Tashi and Thupwang Kyab. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala: - To maintain it’s repressive policies in Tibet, a Chinese court sentenced three Tibetan men up to two years in prison over self-immolation protests against Chinese rule in north-eastern Tibet. Dorjee Rabten, Kalsang Jinpa, and Dorjee Tashi were sentenced on January 2, 2014 by the People’s Intermediate Court in Tsoe county, Amdho region of north-eastern Tibet. Rabten, of Sertri village in Sangchu (Chinese:
Xiahe) county, was detained after the selfimmolation of Thupwang Kyab in October 2012 in the nearby Sankhok town and sentenced to two years in prison for alleged involvement in his death, sources said, adding They are currently detained in a prison in Sangchu county. .”Jinpa and Tashi, both from Sangkhok, were each given a one year and four month jail terms over the death of an 18-year-old man, Sangye Tashi who self-
immolated and died soon thereafter in November 2012. But, Dorjee Rabten was given 2-year jail sentence over the self-immolation of Thupwang Kyab,” sources added. The latest protest in last month brought to 124, the verified number of self-immolations since the wave of burnings began in 2009 in protest against Chinese repressive rule and of them 106 were reportedly passed-away from their severe burn injuries. The Tibetan self-immolators called for freedom for Tibetan people and the return of the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration based in India has repeatedly appealed to and discouraged Tibetans from drastic action, including selfimmolation, as a form of protest. The blame as well as the solution for the self-immolations lies with the Chinese government. The Chinese authorities in Tibet have handed down heavy prison sentences to Tibetans for alleged connections with self-immolators, by making an example out of some relatives to intimidate family members and relatives of self-immolation protesters into toeing the official line. Foreign media say, making verifying the selfimmolation protest cases in Tibet very difficult, because, claiming they are banned from the region. Chinese state controlled media have confirmed very few but not reported details.
Tibet’s senior monk in police custody appeals calm: Eight arrested By Yeshe Choesang: 07 January 2014
Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out Tibet say, Khenpo Kartse, 38, a respected Tibetan monk who is in Chinese police custody has urged his fellow Tibetans to remain calm, after a clash between Tibetans and Chinese police occurred. Khenpo Tsultrim Gyurmey from Tanak monastery in Nangchen county was arrested by Chinese authorities on 29 November. He was accused of disrupting social order after he called for the need to preserve Tibetan religion and culture. His arrest sparked a number of protests in the area. Ven Tsultrim was reportedly released after the local Tibetans held massive protest against their arbitrary arrest. But, His release came under the condition that he is to report himself to the police station for regular political indoctrination classes from provincial and county authorities. “Hearing about his arrest by Chinese authorities in Chengdu, over 4,000 people from 30 townships protested in front of the local administrative office,
Khenpo Kartse, a senior Buddhist figure from Yulshul County, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI
demanding his release,” The Tibet Post International (TPI News) reported on 11 December. “Khenpoe Kartse also reportedly released, but he was later handed over to the Chamdo security officials, sources said. “Later 16 Tibetans are being held for protesting for his release after a clash between the authorities and his supporters occured in Karma township.” “Chinese authorities had suspected him of involvement in anti-state activities in Karma
Fire destroys several residences at Serta Larung Gar in Tibet
Fire destroys houses at Serta Buddhist Academy in Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 10 January 2014
Dharamshala: - Reports coming out of Tibet say, a massive fire destroyed around 100 houses of Buddhist nuns studying at a prominent Buddhist academy of Serta Larung Gar in eastern Tibet. There was no immediate report of casualties, and the cause of the fire was also unclear. A source however said the blaze could have been triggered by a butter lamp in a Chinese nun’s residence,” a Tibetan monk living in exile told The Tibet Post International. According to the sources, “the wild-fire broke out Thursday, January 9, (8 p.m. local time0. “It was started in a nun’s residence and burnt
down over 100 houses located on the back side of their main prayer hall.” According to Chinese state-run media reports, ‘It took more than six hours and the efforts of 2,500 paramilitary officers, police, government workers, monks and herdsman, as well as fire trucks and other firefighting equipment to bring the fire under control.’ Photos and video footage however showed Serta Larung Gar and its residences of Tibetan nuns engulfed in flames that turned the night sky red. Chinese media reports also said that more than 450 rescuers, police and firefighters took part in relief efforts. ‘Efforts to put out the fire had no result. The huge flames were seen throughout the whole area,’ sources added. Sources said that ‘the local officials and volunteers responded to the blaze and brought it under control some 10 hours after it broke out, the Buddhist academy in Serta County, (Chinese: Serthar County, province of Sichuan) eastern Tibet.’ “The damage to the nun’s residences had been extensive, no lives were lost in the incident, only two Buddhist nuns were slightly wounded and they were taken to the county hospital,” the sources added. The Larung Gar Academy is located more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. It was founded in 1980 by the late Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, a prominent Buddhist scholar who played an important in revitalising the teaching of Tibetan Buddhism. The institution is now home to tens of thousands of monks, nuns and students, who study the major texts of Buddhist philosophy and Tantra, the dialectics and logic, advanced levels of Tibetan grammar and composition.
town in the Chamdo (Chinese: Qamdo) county, Tibet Autonomous Region prefecture,” Sonam, a Tibetan living in exile told TPI News, citing contacts in the region. “I’ve heard about a recent clash between local Chinese police and Tibetans. I strongly urge you all to make sure this type of incident do not happen again,” Khenpo Kartse, 38, said in a letter dated Dec. 27 and reportedly sent from Chinese jail in Chamdo. “I appeal to you all to be more tolerant in dealing with the issue and maintain a good relation with the local authorities. Please find a solution to end the crisis and restard the normal routine of studies,” Ven Kartse, who is orginally from Nangchen (Chinese: Nanjian) county, eastern Tibet stated. “Finally, I urge all of you to be calm to handle the issues presistently, but don’t be fidgety, no matter what may occur,” he further added. The appeal came six days after Chinese authorities in the Yulshul County (Chinese: Yushu prefecture of Qinghai province) of Kham region, eastern Tibet detained 16 Tibetans who protested to demand for the release of their respected teacher. Ven Kartse, was arrested by the Chamdo security authorities on 6 December, 2013 in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, when he reportedly went to buy a Buddhist statue for his monastery in Nangchen county. The Tibetan monk, who was highly respected among Tibetans for his efforts to protect and promote the Tibetan culture continues to remain in Chinese detention in Chamdo since his arrest last month. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, “eight Tibetans have been arrested in Karma township, Chamdo county over their alleged involvement to a campaign calling for unity among Tibetans.” Barlo Yungdrung, Dhanma Tratop, Ngora Tashi Namgyal, Draktsa Dorjee Rigzin, and Yibnub Sonam Nyima were detained in Karma township, on 5 January, where a Tibetan religious figure has been accused with illegal role involving anti-state activities. “The five detained Tibetans were identified as Phuntsok Namgyal, Pema Tsultrim and Dorjee Lodoe. They were arrrested on January 3, after several Chinese authorities arrived in the town and started raiding the local houses. Many of them after being severely beaten by the authorities. Kartse or Karma Tsewang, who is also a well known social worker in the Yulshul area, particularly his active role in relief efforts following a devastating earthquake hit the region on 14 April 2010. local sources say that “Chinese officials target Tibetan spiritual figures who advocate the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture and religion.” “After six decades of Chinese occupation, Tibetans are still subject to arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, and the erosion of language and cultural rights, unlike any other regions in the world,” Nyima T.J, a Tibetan political analyst in exile said, adding “China is damaging it’s own reputation and image.”
The Tibet Post International
China shuts down three monasteries in Driru County of Tibet By Yeshe Choesang: 10 January 2014
Dharamshala: - Sources coming out of Tibet say, Chinese authorities have shut-down three Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Driru County, Kham Region of eastern Tibet, where monks are forced to leave and re-launched a new wave of ‘patriotic re-education. According to the sources, ‘the shut-down occurred after Chinese paramilitary police surrounded them for weeks, where local Tibetans have resisted forced displays of loyalty imposed by the Chinese government.’ “Monasteries in Driru (Chinese: Biru, Naqu prefecture , Tibet Autonomous Region) county such as Dron-na, Tarmoe, and Rabten have reportedly been shut-down by the authorities in December,” a Tibetan living in exile said, citing sources in the region. The incident happened as Chinese military police were re-launching and strengthening the “patriotic re-education” campaign in the county while screening for dissident monks
Chinese security forces ready to crackdown on Tibetans in Driru County. Photo: TPI
and imposing restrictions on the activities in the monastic communities. Sources said that “a senior monk was arrested by Chinese police after Dron-na closure. All rooms of the monastery were sealed off on December 26 and police later issued an order forbidding any monks to return their monastery,” sources added. The situation in Driru county remained tense after a failed attempt by the authorities to fly Chinese national flag from Tibetans’ homes, caused severe crackdowns.
Twenty arrested in protest over highway tunnel in Tibet
A massive Chinese crackdown on Tibetan protests against a Chinese construction of tunnels for a road projec in Dege county, Kham, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI By Kathryn Middel - Katzenmeyer: 13 January 2014
Dharamshala: According to sources in Tibet, Chinese authorities detained 20 Tibetans this week in a massive crackdown on protests over tunnels’ construction linking high-way. “Demonstrators were calling for an end to the construction of tunnels in Dege County, the Kham region of eastern Tibet which have led to the collapse and damage of many residential buildings,” sources told the Tibet Post International. More than 1,000 People’s Armed Police, a paramilitary force, swooped into Pondha town in Dege county to contain rising opposition to the project, apprehending those leading the protests. Local residents had vehemently opposed the project when it was first launched in May last year, citing “disruption of the local environment, daily livelihood, and safety of the houses lying near the site of the tunnel”. However, Ven Gyaltsen, a Tibetan monk in exile with contacts in the area told
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TPI News that the protests were ignored. Seven months later, work on the tunnel stretching from Dege Tsokok village to Dege Kamthok village resulted in cracks appearing in nearby houses, some of which have collapsed. Frustrated over the damage to their homes, about 100 Tibetans stormed the construction site and blocked work there while several other Tibetans went the Dege county office to complain, demanding that their concerns be attended to immediately. “Then on January 7, more than 1,000 armed paramilitary forces suddenly arrived in Pondha town and detained about 20 Tibetans.” the source said. Dege is among Tibetan-populated counties in Chinese provinces that are under the close watch of the Chinese authorities following previous protests in the area. There has been opposition against Beijing’s rule and calls for the return of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in India since 1959.
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5 brings suffering and pain: Spiritual leader of Tibet
H.H THE DALAI LAMA India is a model of different faiths can live together in peace Violence only The Tibet Post International
By Jane Cook: 10 January 2014
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, 7 January 2014 - His Holiness accepted an invitation from Mounasadhu Swami Satyanand Maharaj of Aruppukottai, who has remained silent for over 20 years, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda - an advocate of inter-religious harmony. 5000 adults and children, all dressed in orange, congregated at the Cadissa Trade Fair Centre where singers and musicians led the singing of bhajans. Next came the lighting of the lamp and introductory speeches followed by the highlight of the event as His Holiness unveiled a 7 feet 9 inch tall Makrana Marble statue of Vivekananda which was viewed by everyone on large video displays. His Holiness then addressed the crowd, telling them that he sees himself as just an ordinary human being, mentally, physically and emotionally and called them all brothers and sisters. He praised Swami Satyanand Maharaj for remaining silent and hoped that one day
he would consider speaking again, if only for a short time, in order to share his experiences with interested people. His Holiness expressed his admiration for Swami Vivekananda, not only for his dedicated spiritual practice but also for his broad, farsighted vision and for his famously attending the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago many years ago. He noted that India has a distinguished line of teachers and recalled his friend Raja Ramanna telling him that he had read in Nagarjuna’s writings explanations that pre-empted quantum physics by almost 2000 years. He also said that ‘ahimsa’, non-violence, was an important ancient Indian idea meaning to act without violence and to recognise the rights of others. His Holiness praised the fact that many spiritual traditions live peacefully side by side in India (Parsees, Christians, Jews and Muslims) with very few upsets. Among all the countries in the world India is a model of how people of different faiths can live together in peace and
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India on January 7, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
remarked on India’s democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech and media succeed because of the long tradition of tolerance and the ability to accept and respect opposing points of view. He urged religious teachers to come out and share their rich traditions and experiences and make the well-being of humanity our prime concern. Too much self-centredness and stress on our own narrow interests are causing problems, he said, and advised more consideration for the needs of others. His Holiness asked what can be done when 1 billion out of a population of 7 billion declare themselves non-believers in spirituality and how corruption can flourish among those who think of themselves as religiously minded. He praised the monks, nuns and members of the Ramakrishna Mission for spreading health and education among those with little access to it. He suggested that the need today was for secular ethics, those inner values incorporated by all religions, and said how he admired India’s idea of secularism that respects all faiths without bias, even those that have none. He said that his dialogue with scientists over the years had shown that anger, hate and fear undermine our physical well-being and therefore it was in our interests to cultivate compassion and concern for others in order to be healthier and happier. Asked if he had a message for the young people he replied that when you face difficulties you must keep a positive outlook and reminded them that when he was a young boy he was naughty and preferred playing to studying. How at 16 he lost his freedom and at 24 he lost his country but never gave up keeping his hope alive. His Holiness then talked to the media, telling them that information is very important in a modern democratic society and that they should sniff out what is really going on and then inform the public. He urged them to do this with honesty so that once the public are aware they can take action accordingly.
What 21st century Buddhists need to do is study: His Holiness By Jane Cook: 07 January 2014
Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, 2 January 2014 His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet met with a group of more than a hundred neo-Buddhists and a group of Bhutanese. He stressed that one of the principal aims of Buddhism is the transformation of our disturbing emotions and urged them to study, which means reading or listening to teachings and thinking about them until you understand them. He said that among the three turnings of the wheel of Dharma, the Perfection of Wisdom teachings, the second turning of the wheel is supreme. The Heart Sutra describes both the Buddha and Avalokiteshara as absorbed in concentration. Initially the Buddha taught how we are propelled into cyclic existence, but not who is propelled. The Heart Sutra teaches not only that the person is empty, but that the five aggregates that are its basis are also empty. This indicates that phenomena as well as persons are empty of inherent existence. The
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during the final day of teachings at Sera Jey Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on January 3, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Perfection of Wisdom Sutras teach that there is no essence in anything, everything is empty of inherent existence and is merely designated, nominally existent. His Holiness remarked that the Compassionate One led sentient beings to understand that we are bound in cyclic existence. He taught about dependent origination to make it clear that things lack inherent existence. Great Indian masters wrote that understanding emptiness
is essential to overcome ignorance and the suffering that flows from it. To understand this we must study, and he urged them to read the Three Seats of Learning where logic and epistemology are studied intensively. His Holiness stressed that we have the potential to reach enlightenment, essential to which is an understanding of emptiness. In our contemporary world, he added, we have all kinds of distractions. Understanding the Dharma and its structure will enable recognition of the nature of cyclic existence and he urged them when faced with distractions to view them as aspects of suffering. His Holiness then began a reading of the ‘Essence of Nectar’ about how to pay respect to the spiritual master. The important thing, he said, is to implement the teachers advice in practice and in so doing make this human life meaningful. The final hour was dedicated to debate with groups of monks exhibiting their skills.
15 January 2014
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mary Robinson, Sir Richard Branson, Reverend Mpho Tutu and CNN’s His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the conference on ‘Bounds of Ethics in a Globalized World’ at Christ University in Bangalore, India on January 6, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Bangalore: - ‘Violence only brings suffering and pain. To deal with the global problems we face today, we must apply non-violence,’ His Holiness the Dalai Lama said during a conference on “Bounds of Ethics in a Globalized World” at Christ University in Bangalore, India. His Holiness the Dalai Lama was accorded a warm welcome on arrival at Christ University, not only by the Vice Chancellor Thomas Mathew who escorted him into the building from his car, but also by the students who thronged balconies and stairwells. The Tibetan leader proceeded through the crowd to the Christ University Auditorium, where he presented a keynote address encompassing the issue of violence in modern times. He began his speech with a brief overview of recent global history: “I was born in 1935, just as the Sino-Japanese war was about to break out. That was followed by tension in Europe that eventually erupted as the Second World War which brought immense violence to Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. Next was the Korean War in which ever more powerful weapons were used against waves of soldiers and after that the relentless Vietnam War. Some historians say that 200 million died through violence in the 20th century.” He then connected that history to modern times by noting, “At present as a result of fighting in Syria and Sudan women, children and old people are suffering. This is a hangover from the 20th century and the notion that problems can be solved by force, and that your victory is won in the destruction of your enemy. When communities or nations were simply self-sufficient this may have made some sense, but the reality is that we are now interdependent on a global level
so the concept of the war is out of date. The speaker continued, “Violence only brings suffering and pain... Shouldn’t we be thinking of making this a century of peace? Even if we do, it doesn’t mean there won’t be any problems; there will. Population is set to rise, natural resources are going to become scarcer, and climate change will give us trouble. To deal with these problems we must apply non-violence.” His Holiness said that after the violence of the 20th century, the 21st century should be an era of dialogue. He argued ethics are very important because they can apply to any human activity. Crucially, he emphasized that ethics are not a luxury, but a question of human survival. Amongst scientists’ discoveries that drive innovation are also the immense destructive power of nuclear and chemical weapons. Ethics, the Dalai Lama believes, are the steady hands that prevent the use of such tools. Taking this point further into the reality of the worldwide decline in active religious populations, the Dalai Lama spoke on the value of secular ethics to prevent violence’s continuation. “I’ve read that among the 7 billion people alive today, 1 billion declare themselves non-believers. Frankly speaking, many among the 6 billion apparently religious are not really sincere. With so many people beyond the reach of religion, there is a growing need for secular ethics. In the Indian context the word secular is not dismissive of religion, but accepting and respectful towards all religions, and those who have none, without bias.” His Holiness concluded his speech by stressing the reasoning behind his drive for greater secular ethics: “Everyone wants to be happy and everyone has a right to fulfil that goal. This is why, in the context of 7 billion human beings, our need is to introduce secular ethics.”
compassionate culture that is potentially useful for the world today. Westerners and Chinese who travel to Tibet see that Tibetans are especially compassionate,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said. “However, I have heard that some people are becoming corrupt. We should try to preserve and improve our reputation in the eyes of the world,” he said, adding that “we need to keep our good name intact. And those of us in exile need to keep this in mind too.” His Holiness also spoke about the importance of preserving and promoting Tibetan language, culture and Buddhism. His Holiness added: “We are held together by our language and culture. Buddhism is a major part of our identity, so we should take interest in it as Tibetans. “Those of you foreigners who are showing interest in Tibetan Buddhism can help because our religion and culture are at a crucial pass. Whether they will survive is not easy to say. I’ve tried all kinds of ways to pursue our just cause. We have to build a better more equal world through peace
and non-violence. When we face problems we should apply non-violence. We need dialogue, sitting down together to talk problems through. The 20th century was a period of violence,” he added. His Holiness said “the 21st century should be an era of non-violence. Those of you abroad, who are showing interest and friendship here today, make people in your own countries aware of the situation in Tibet. Remember, as I often say, those who are friends like you are not so much pro-Tibetan as pro-justice.” “Then 200 years or so ago, science came into the picture. These days some neuroscientists have shown that mind and thought can bring about an impact on the brain. Consciousness with cognitive clarity can affect the brain. There are scientists who show interest in what I call Buddhist science,” he added. Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Penpa Tsering, Kalon for Religious and Cultural Affairs, Pema Chinjor and former Kalon Tripa, Prof Samdhong Rinpoche also addressed the gathering.
By Kathryn Middel - Katzenmeyer: 20 December 2013
Despite harsh rule over Tibet, Tibetans’ spirit only grows stronger By Yeshe Choesang: 05 January 2014
Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Friday, January 5 praised the strength of Tibetans living inside Tibet, saying ‘Tibetans’ spirit only grows stronger’ and its ‘amazing.’ “We have quite a number of Tibetans from Tibet here and we’re meeting in a free country. People in Tibet continue to hope that those in exile will not forget them. It’s been 54 years since we came into exile and 64 years since 1949. And yet, the Tibetan spirit has not been subdued,” His Holiness said after completing his ten-day teachings in South India. Nobel Peace prize Laureate added: “Today, the spirit of even small children is strong. Meanwhile, hardliner, narrow-minded Chinese leaders may exert harsh authority over Tibet, but the Tibetan spirit only grows stronger. I’d like to express my thanks to those of you who here who represent the Tibetans in Tibet. I think you
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during the final day of teachings at Sera Jey Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on January 3, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
and your spirit are amazing.” “Before Buddhism came to Tibet, we
didn’t hesitate to fight, but since the arrival of Buddhism among us we have had a
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15 January 2014
OM YOGA MEDITATION CENTRE
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ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Check your project over carefully if you were not the only one contributing to the end result. You must try to include your mate in your activities this month. You may find that purchases or entertainment could be expensive. Your business sense will be leading you in a direction that indicates more travel and communication. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Secret activity is evident. Pamper yourself; you deserve it. Don’t hold back. Most partner problems are a result of both people not living up to their promises. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your self esteem will benefit. Friends will be loyal and caring. The information that you gain can be used in every aspect of your life. It will do you some good. You could have a need to make some changes this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments. New partnerships will develop if you join investment groups. This could be a difficult day to deal with coworkers. You will have to do a lot of running around, so be prepared to fall short of your expectations. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You must look into your options. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you. Avoid arguments with relatives who might be conservative and outdated. Be discreet and don’t reveal any personal information. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You may not be as well received in group endeavors if you try to force your will on others. Listen to a good friend who is truly looking out for your best interests. Your irritability may drive your loved ones crazy. You will find travel and lectures most stimulating. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Hassles with female colleagues may lead to problems with your boss. Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy. If they want help that’s great, but if they try to take credit for your work, you will have to set them straight. Authority figures may be less than accommodating if you have done something deceitful. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You’ll only hurt your lover if you don’t. You may find that you are a little lucky this month. Take care of any dealings with government agencies. Take the time to do something nice for your friends and relatives. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Opportunities for new romantic encounters will unfold through the social events you attend. Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. You have the stamina and determination to succeed. Don’t trust coworkers with important or personal in formation. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You should be able to get involved in an interesting proposition this month. Concentrate on your career and on making money. Opportunities to travel will develop through peers. Don’t neglect these problems; deal with them once and for all, then move on to more pleasurable tasks. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Do not get involved with individuals who are already committed to others. You can make a huge difference to children if you are able to put yourself in their shoes. Deception is probable if you don’t use discrimination. Get into some activities that will help you in making new friends. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may divulge private information without realizing it this month. Get busy on those home improvement projects that you’ve been procrastinating about. Don’t push your opinions on others this month or you may find yourself in the doghouse. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you’ll shine. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
The Tibet Post International
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The public schedule of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Month Of February, 2014 Inter-Faith Conclave in Guwahati, Assam, India on February 1: His Holiness will participate in an inter-faith conclave in the afternoon at Rabindra Bhawan organized by the LBS Publications House. Public Talk in Guwahati, Assam, India on February 2: His Holiness will deliver the First LBS Founders’ Commemorative Lecture on A Human Approach to Peace and the Individual at Nehru Stadium in the morning. Contact Email: bdbaruah@lbsbooks.com Inauguration in Guwahati, Assam, India on February 2: His Holiness will inaugurate the 5-Day Festival of Tibetan Art & Culture in the afternoon at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra. Address in Shillong, Meghalaya, India on February 3: His Holiness will address the 6th Convocation of the Martin Luther Christian University in the afternoon. Teaching in Shillong, Meghalaya, India on February 4: His Holiness will give a one day teaching to the Buddhist community on the grounds next to the Tibetan Monastery. Inter-Faith Event in Shillong, Meghalaya, India on February 5: His Holiness will participate in an inter-faith event in the afternoon at the State Central Library. Public Talk in San Francisco, California, USA on February 22: His Holiness will give a public talk in the afternoon at Davies Symphony Hall. Contact Website: www.himalayan-foundation.org Public Talk in Berkeley, California, USA on February 23: His Holiness will give a public talk on How To Achieve Happiness in the morning at the Berkeley Community Theater. Contact Website: www.tanc.org Dialogue in Santa Clara, California, USA on February 24: His Holiness will participate in a dialogue on the theme of Compassion and Business at Santa Clara University organized by CCARE and Santa Clara University. Public Talk in Los Angeles, California, USA on February 25: His Holiness will give a public talk on Non-Violence and the Effects of Compassion in the 21st Century in the afternoon at Staples Center organized by The Lourdes Foundation.
15 January 2014 International 7 Tibet Initiative Deutschland launches Secular ethics express the values of love and self-discipline
TPI NEWS
The Tibet Post International
campaign “Raise your Flag for Tibet” By Yeshe Choesang: 14 January 2014
Zarah and Claudia draw attention at the international human rights day in Berlin on Tibet. Photo: File
Berlin: – Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID) on January 13, 2014 launches the nationwide campaign „Raise your Flag for Tibet”. Since 1996, TID has annually called on cities, municipalities and counties in Germany to raise
the Tibetan flag on their town halls and public buildings on March 10th, the anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising of 1959. By raising the Tibetan Flag, the participating German cities -backed by thousands of German citizens - affirm the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination. They protest against the violations of human rights and the destruction of Tibetan culture, religion and national identity and call on the German government to clearly speak out against China’s Tibet policy. The campaign is also a strong symbol of support for Tibetans living in Tibet, assuring them of our strong and continuous support.
Prayer alone will not end ......
Europe and so forth, but when I’m speaking in a Judeo-Christian country I make it clear that it is much better for people to stick to the religion they were born to. “I’d like to tell you a story related to this. In the 1960s, the only work for a lot of Tibetan refugees was building roads. It was tough and for the family of a former Tibetan government official I knew things became very difficult when he died. After some time his widow came to see me and explained that she’d been given great help by Christian missionaries who were taking care of the education of her children. ‘So,’ she told me, ‘in this life I’m going to be a Christian, but I’ll be a Buddhist in the next life.’ You see – a picture of confusion. “There is a sound basis for building mutual respect among our religious traditions. On the other hand, I’ve seen reports that say that of the 7 billion people alive today, 1 billion claim not to believe in religion. And frankly speaking even among those who claim to believe, their practice is not very sincere. The spirit of the prayers they say doesn’t seem to be carried into their daily life. It’s almost as if their daily prayer is, ‘Please bless me so my corrupt activities are successful’. “I met a devout Cuban refugee who told me that he prays every day that God take Fidel Castro to heaven as soon as possible. Perhaps we should pray that he take the corrupt to heaven as soon as possible too!” His Holiness once again expressed admiration for India’s secular heritage, a secularism that has even extended to regarding the teachers of the Hedonist – Nihilist tradition of the Charvakas as Rishis or Sages. Because this is a multi-religious society, it has a secular constitution which expresses respect for all faiths and none, without bias. He said that such a secular approach should today be the basis for secular ethics. He advised that we consider common sense and our common experience. We were all born from our mothers and benefited from her affection. Those of us nurtured by such affection grow into happy, confident people, whereas those deprived of such affection tend to carry a sense of insecurity, fear and mistrust into their later lives. He said we have an ability to show affection and concern for others because we have an early experience of affection ourselves. Scientific findings too show that fear, anger and hatred weaken our immune system, while warm-heartedness improves our physical health. His Holiness suggested that we can only transform humanity and create a happier more compassionate world through education. That’s why he places importance on encouraging a sense of secular ethics within the context of secular education. “I think modern education is very materialistic, which will give rise to unhappiness and anger within people. So, while you teach them what they need to survive in today’s world, you need to constantly teach them about inner peace. It need not be linked to any religion, but it’s necessary to teach people to be content, love and not to develop a self-centric attitude which breeds hatred,” he added. He went on to say that corruption is the cancer of the modern world. It needs to be tackled, not neglected or overlooked. He recalled once talking to an MP in Orissa and lamenting the lack of help for the poor. The MP told him that provisions are made, but most of the money goes into other people’s pockets. He said this is the case in China too. “For the good of society we have to educate people about basic inner values. This is a country with a long tradition of non-violence. What we have to understand is that corruption is a form of violence.” A question from the floor noted that His Holiness speaks of the importance of inner peace and asked: “How is to be achieved?” He replied that
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it requires education and training. There needs to be understanding that anger never helps to solve a problem. It destroys our peace of mind and blinds our ability to think clearly. Anger and attachment are emotions that distort our view of reality. He mentioned that an American psychologist once told him that when people are angry they view the object of their anger as completely negative and yet 90% of this is mere mental projection. Adopting an unrealistic approach like this does not yield happy results. His Holiness recalled an occasion from his own experience when he found applying mental training to be personally helpful. On 10th March 2008, the anniversary of the 1959 Lhasa uprising, he received news that demonstrations were taking place in Tibet. The Tibetan spiritual leader said he felt apprehensive and helpless about the reprisals that were likely to occur. He applied a method in which he imagined taking the anger, hatred and violence from the concerned Chinese officials and giving them love and compassion. He said that while this had no practical effect on the ground it helped him retain his peace of mind. He quoted the 8th century Indian Buddhist master Shantideva whose practical advice was to analyse the crisis you face. If you find there is a solution to it, there is no need to worry. On the other hand, if you find there is no solution, worry is of no use. He cited this as an example of how we need to use our intelligence and common sense. He said change begins with the individual.”Change yourself; think of the well-being of others. Share this attitude with your family and neighbours. Through education there is hope of changing society. It’s not something that will be done by government or other organisations; it starts with individuals.” His Holiness expressed appreciation for the contribution that Anglo-Indian schools have made to India. He noted that India is the world’s largest and most populous democracy and that its democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech and of the press has made it a much more stable country than several of its neighbours. He expressed his conviction that with self-confidence, honesty and transparency, India will build a successful future.
ByCameron Hickert: 14 January 2014
Nagpur, India, 9 January 2014 - Crowds beside the road waving Buddhist and Tibetan flags and scattering rose petals over his car welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Nagpur on January 8. Donning his saffron-coloured Dharma robe he paid respects before the 36-feet-high statue of the Walking Buddha, an image favoured as personifying the expression of compassionate activity for the benefit of all. His Holiness scattered flowers at the foot of the statue before circumambulating it. He recommended that it would be beneficial if quotations from the Buddha’s teachings could also be displayed in the vicinity. Next, His Holiness paid his respects before the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, architect of Independent India’s secular constitution, of which he regularly speaks in praise and admiration. At morning and early afternoon meetings with representatives and students from Indian Buddhist communities, he stated, “I’m just another human being. Wherever I go I talk about how to create a happier humanity. If we educate people to live more compassionate lives, there will be no place for exploitation, bullying and deceit. Our approach should be based on our common experience, that we all receive affection from our mothers when we’re born, without which we would not survive. This experience of affection enables us to show affection to others, which is the basis of the kind of secular ethics that can benefit all humanity.” He said that in addition to fostering such human values, there is a need to develop self-confidence. He told a story of visiting a black African family in Soweto, South Africa and talking to them of the great prospects for improvement they had in their newly democratised country. He said he was taken aback when the teacher he was talking to shook his head and said, “We can’t compete with the white people, our brains are not as good as theirs.” His Holiness told him how sad it made him to hear that and insisted that there is no such difference in the quality of the brains among groups of human beings. The important thing, he said, is to develop self-confidence keeping in mind our equality as human beings. His Holiness stated that in addition to his commitment to foster basic human values, as a Buddhist monk he is concerned to promote inter-religious harmony. The Buddha engaged in respectful dialogue and discussion with followers of other traditions. He
reiterated that secular ethics express the values of love, compassion, tolerance and self-discipline that all the major religions have in common. His Holiness pointed out that one unique aspect of the Buddhist tradition is the advice the Buddha gave his disciples not to accept his teachings at face value or on the basis of faith, but to analyse, investigate, and experiment with them. The Buddha, he said, taught on the basis of what he had learned from his own experience and told his followers, “You
are your own master.” His Holiness repeatedly mentioned the value of education and study, stressing that 21st-century Buddhism will be more effective if based on knowledge and understanding rather than on faith alone. “The Buddha made it clear that we should not rely on a person, but on the teaching, not on the words alone, but on their meaning, and not on a superficial or provisional meaning but on their profound, definitive meaning.”
China should act according to new reality: Spiritual leader of Tibet
Sikyong calls for quick ...... continued from Front-Page......
Expressed his deep concern over the destruction caused by the fire in Serta County, Dr Sangay said he “hopes and calls for the quick restoration of this important learning centre so that it could continue to contribute to the preservation and promotion of study of Tibetan Buddhism and culture”. Earlier in November 2013, a massive fire destroyed the main prayer hall of Lithang monastery in the same region. Some news reports also suggest an ‘urban renewal’ drive by the Chinese government, which saw dozens of old structures dismantled through fake accidents. With this latest accident, the Old Town, primarily Tibetan homes, has now been seriously decimated.
Blaze destorys ancient town...... The fire, which broke out at 1:37 am at the Ruyi Inn, ruined about two thirds of the 1.5-squarekilometer Dorkar town area and lasted 10 hours until it was put out. Semkyi Nyida Dorkhar (Chinese: Dukezong), meaning “town of the sun and moon” in Tibetan, is known for its well-preserved ancient Tibetan dwellings, and is one of the most renowned resorts in Gyalthang County in eastern Tibet. There was no immediate report of casualties, and the cause of the fire was unclear. State media, citing local authorities, said the blaze started in a guesthouse and was ruled accidental. Photos and video footage however showed Dorkhar Dzong and its labyrinth of houses engulfed in flames that turned the night sky red. According to Chinese state media reports, a total of 242 houses, mostly made of wood, were destroyed and other 43 buildings, as well as a further 50 roofs of buildings, were dismantled to prevent the fire from spreading. Dorkhar township, known as Shangri-la has one of the world’s largest Tibetan prayer wheels, which was saved mainly because it is made of metal in recent decades. Gyalthang County is situated in an area believed to be the inspiration for James Hilton’s mythical Shangri-La — flattened two thirds of the town’s old centre in eastern region. “All the valuable things we had saved for a thousand
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visit to Nagpur, Maharashtra, India on January 8, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
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years are gone. Now we have nothing, except the prayer wheel,” he added. ‘More than 2,000 firefighters, soldiers, police, local officials and volunteers responded to the blaze and brought it under control at around 11 a.m.,’ local officials said.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama interacting with members of the media after his address at celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India on January 7, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL By Cameron Hickert: 8 January 2014
Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, said he is optimistic that the issue of tibet would be resolved very soon, as China has the ability to act according to new reality. His Holiness has called for the resolution of the long-standing Tibetan issue and urged the World Parliament of Religions to remain active and to solve religious conflicts. His Holiness expressed this on the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Expressing concern over religious conflicts, he said that the World Parliament of Religions should try to minimise the clashes.
“Occasionally, some international, this sort of meeting, is not sufficient. I think in the name of World Parliament of Religions, some sort of active organisation or office, wherever there are religious conflicts, should send some delegation and try to minimise these sort of conflict,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, on January 8, 2014. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who is based in India, says he is merely seeking genuine autonomy for his homeland-Tibet. During the event, His Holiness was optimistic that the Tibet issue would be resolved very soon. “There are sort of different policies according to new reality. So, the same communist have the ability to act according to new reality. So, I am hopeful,” he said.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and CM Raman Singh inaugurate seminar on Nagarjuna’s Philosophy
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Chattisgarh Chief Minister Mr Ramam Singh at the inauguration of the National Seminar on the Philosophy of Nagarjuna at Pt. Ravishankar Shulkla University in Raipur, Chattisgarh on January 13, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
By CTA/DIIR: 15 January 2014
Raipur: His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated a National Seminar on the Philosophy of Nagarjuna at Pt. Ravishankar Shulkla University in Raipur, Chattisgarh on 13 January 2014. Dr.
Raman Singh, the chief minister of Chattisgarh state also attended the inauguration. The three-day national seminar on Nagarjuna’s Philosophy was organised by the Ravishankar Shukla University in collaboration with the Central University of Tibetan Studies, based in Sarnath. Addressing the inauguration, His Holiness said, “Love, compassion are the only things that a human being should develop to become a good individual. Ultimate source of happiness is inner strength and self-confidence.” “Knowledge in brain and experience in heart should come together. Non-violence does not mean doing nothing. It means no force no violence. I have faced a lot in my life. At 24, I lost my country; at 60 I have faced a lot of difficulties. But above all, one should be a good human being,” His Holiness said. Extolling the rich cultural traditions of India, His Holiuness urged the audience to promote Indian culture in the universities for a better understanding
of the philosophies and teachings of the great Indian saints and teachers. Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh, in his address, said, Chhattisgarh was fortunate to be the birthplace of Nagarjuna who was not only an eminent philosopher but also an alchemist, credited for the re-emergence Rasa Shastra, a branch of Ayurveda. The next day, on Tuesday 14 January, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Chaanda Devi caves located near Sirpur, on the banks of the Mahanadi river. Buddhist saint Nagarjuna said to have meditated in these caves several centuries ago. “This place is full of natural beauty. My guru Nagarjuna meditated here and I felt his presence here today. It was very peaceful,” His Holiness told reporters in Sirpur on Tuesday. His Holiness the Dalai Lama also interacted with students at the ancient Laxman temple in Sirpur and also prayed at a Buddha shrine there.
8
TPI NEWS
15 January 2014
Back Page Focus
CREATING COHESIVE AND SELF-RELIANT EXILE TIBETAN COMMUNITY Figure 1. Economically productive month(s) in a year
By Tsewang Rigzin: 15 January 2014
(Possibilities for application of SHG based Micro-
Sikyong of Tibet praises Basic Education Policy’s progress By Cameron Hickert: 10 January 2014
credit for generating Micro and Small Enterprises in Tibetan Refugee Settlements) Although overall experiences of Tibetans in exile have been successful and have been widely lauded as the most successful refugee community in the world. However, as a refugee we face various social, cultural and economic challenges. One of the most pressing challenge with potential long term negatives consequences that Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and Exile Tibetan Community in India faces is high and continued migration rate of Tibetans from their respective settlements in India to Western Countries,
Sources- Rigzin, 2009. “The study on unemployment in relation to youth at Rabgyal-ling Tibetan refugee settlement”
including the United State, Canada and other European
limited. For instance, Byllakuppe Lugsung Samdupling
millions at beginning of 2013. Similarly, the total saving
countries. This pattern and rate of migration threatens the
Co-operative society has just 3068 shareholders out
corpus have increased from mere few thousands in early
sustainability of Tibetan refugee settlement in India. The
of 10921 total populations. (Home department, CTA,
years to 270 Billion Indian Rupees today and credit
prime purpose of having asked by His Holiness the Dalai
2012.) This means that the profit from this co-operative is
outstanding have increased from few billion Rupees to
Lama for the area specific Tibetan Settlement in late 1959
distributed among only 28% of total community members.
400 billion Indian Rupees during 2012-13.
and early 1960s, was primarily to have an integrated and
While briefly introducing the concept of SHG, this paper
Feasibility and Adoption of SHG model in various
cohesive Exiled Tibetan community, so that preservation
attempts to see the possibilities for adoption of SHG based
Tibetan settlements in India.
and protection of our unique and compassion based cultural
Micro-credit for generating Micro and Small Enterprises in
Although the income poverty is negligible among Tibetans
heritage is ensured. If this migration were to continue at the
Tibetan Refugee Settlements in India, Bhutan and Nepal.
diaspora, the replication and introduction of modified SHG
same rate, this might eventually become biggest impediment
What is Self-Help Groups?
based micro-credit model in various Tibetan Settlements
in our effort to achieve that goal.
The effectiveness of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) models as
in India is definitely a possibility to explore.
It is well known fact that the sole reason behind this rapid
grassroots financial intermediary, and it’s contribution in
Department of Home, CTA, can start with a Pilot project at
and high rate of continued migration of Tibetans refugees
poverty reduction and empowerment of rural communities
selected Tibetan settlement in India, to see the feasibility of
from India to western countries is mainly motivated by
in India has gained much popularity through out the
replication. The possibility for the success of this project is
economic benefit. Hence, to tackle this problem, it is
world. This concept has now become a new buzzword for
high. As discussed earlier, at present they are no shortage of
important that Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)
developmental expert and practitioners and major focus
human capital in these settlements, on contrary, they are high
leadership should make every possible attempt to explore
of policy makers in many developing and underdeveloped
number of underutilized human capital in these settlements.
more business opportunities at Tibetan Settlement in
countries around the world.
It is not necessary that these new self-help Groups should
India, Nepal and Bhutan.
While the term ‘self-help group’ or SHG can be used
only consist of women, as it is case with most of Indian
The exact number of unemployed youth in Exile Tibetan
to describe a wide range of financial and non-financial
SHG, it can also have a mixed group. Once a group is
diaspora is hard to come by. However, it is clear that the
associations, in context of this paper, it refers to a form of
formed and have significant collection of fund, they can be
proportionate or relative unemployment rate of Exile
Accumulating Saving and Credit Association (ASCA) in
linked to various Nationalized banks of India, such as State
Tibetan community in India is extremely high. This high
India which is promoted by government agencies, NGOs
Banks of India, Co-operative bank, SIDBI, etc.
rate of unemployment has become a major impediment
or banks. This association is formed on bases of two basic
As far as liking of SHGs to micro-credit is concerned, CTA
for creating economically self-reliant community in
principles, i.e. ‘Self help is the best help’ and ‘Unity is
can also play a significant role by providing subsidized
Exile. A Demographic Survey conducted by the Planning
strength’. SHGs in India are usually composed of 10–20
loan or micro-credit to groups as it is currently done
Commission, C.T.A. in 2009 shows that only 39% of
economically and socially homogeneous affinity group
by department of home under Youth Empowerment
total workforce populations (aged, 15-64) are main-
of the rural poor voluntarily coming forward to save a
support (YES) project. Once initial formative stage is
workers. Economically, those remaining 61% is not only
small amount of money regularly, which is deposited in a
over, CTA can guide these groups in starting micro and
underutilized human capital but add up the opportunity cost
common fund until there is enough capital in the group to
small enterprises and eventually to larger federations and
on those who are economically productive.
begin giving collateral free loans to the members. Although
cooperatives. At this stage there will be a need of separate
A study on Status of unemployment among Tibetan Youth
it was started as village based financial intermediary,
and more detailed strategic planning. While doing so, it is
conducted in Hunsur Tibetan settlement (Rigzin, 2009)
SHGs also play an important role in social and education
important to take into consideration of the fact that India
shows that many of seasonally unemployed youth remains
empowerment of rural communities in India.
is second largest consumer market in the world and is
economically unproductive for more than 8-10 months a
One fascinating finding during literature review for this
projected to be the world’s largest by 2030.
year. As shown in figure 1, about 50 % of respondents do
paper was that; the origin of uniquely Indian microfinance
In this light, if CTA is able to act as catalyst of micro, small
economically productive work for only 3-4 months in a
practice through SHG model has it roots in initial
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Tibetans settlements
year. From economic perspective, it is waste of the most
Tibetan rehabilitation project in than the Mysore State of
in India, it will lead to decrease in high and continued
valuable human resources.
India. Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency
migration rate by creation of more economic and employment
The same study (Rigzin, 2009) also shows that 92% of
(MYRADA), the NGO that is credited with starting
opportunities and eventually lead to economically self-
respondents wanted to start their own micro-enterprises.
of Microfinance through SHGs in India was originally
reliant and prosperous exile Tibetan society. In this way, we
However, 45.6 % of respondents said, lack of financial
founded in 1968 to assist the Government of India in
will be able to achieve the most important responsibility of
support is the reason behind not able to do so. (Rigzin,
resettling Tibetan Refugees in South India.
our time; to preserve, protect and promote our unique and
2009) It is clear from the facts and figures that the demand
The most significant milestone in historical evolution
compassionate based traditional and cultural heritage. So that,
for Microcredit is high among Tibetan diaspora, especially
of SGHs in India was SHG-Bank Linkage Program and
when our eventual return to Tibet comes, we shall rise again
in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
this Program is acclaimed to be the largest microfinance
and rebuild our nation in most effective and efficient way.
Although cooperatives (Nyam-drel) at many of these
program of the world. Because of this outstanding success
Tsewang Rigzin is Graduate Student, studying
settlements are doing their best, but the coverage,
of initial SHG-Bank linkage program, the number of SHGs,
developmental practice at Emory University. He can be
productivity and efficiency of these co-operatives are
rose from mere 500 SHGs in 1992 to about whopping 7.9
reached through tsewangrigzin59@gmail.com
Moderated by Dhardon Sharling, the 2-hour discussion established a substantive dialogue to identify the impediments and opportunities for women, to consider lessons learned and build on best practices and ways forward for bolstering women’s role in securing peace, reconciliation and accountability, across the globe particularly in Tibet, Burma, India and Syria. Three professional trainers: Lynda O Lepcha (Director of Holistic Training Solutions), Dhardon Sharling (Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Co-Chair, International Tibet Network) and Jaya Iyer (professional leadership trainer through the arts), led the training. The program covered areas such as critical thinking, personal effectiveness, communications strategy, social media and leadership, leading self and others, leadership strategy and execution. The outbound training included field visit, covering stories in real-life settings, lobbying Indian leaders, participation in NDTV debate and an exclusive panel discussion with famed Indian speakers. As a part of the training, on December 26, the trainees staged a lobby campaign that was successful in getting Indian leaders and advocates of India’s Supreme Court to sign the petition urging the Spanish Government and the European Union to stand up for Tibet and to maintain judicial independence of Tibet lawsuit from political interference. Influential signatories include: Shri Bhakta Charan Das, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament r e p r e s e n t i n g C o n g r e s s p a r t y, S h r i I n d e r
Singh Nomdhan, an independent Lok Sabha Member of Parliament, Smt Meenakshi Lakhi, Politician, Lawyer and National Spokesperson for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shri Dig Vijay Singh, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and General Secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC). On December 30, the trainees undertook an outdoor project titled ‘Rebuilding Lives,’ wherein they visited three relief camps in Uttar Pradesh. Besides engaging in relief work catering to women and children victims of the recent riots in Muzaffarnagar, the trainees filed a photo-story narrating the pressing social issues facing the inhabitants of the relief camps. “I think this is one program every Tibetan woman should be a part of, once in her lifetime. It gave me a life-changing experience,” said Tenzin Lhadon, M.Phil student in JNU, Delhi. “TWA’s leadership program is intense and challenging as it sets out to mold us, young women as future leaders,”- said Nyima Choezom, executive member of TYC Centrex. “This year we focused more on strategies including strategic communications and leadership strategy and execution,” said Nyima Lhamo, General Secretary of TWA. “The training designed to empower Tibetan women on the leadership front focuses on bolstering female representation in the political and social arena of the exile Diaspora,” said Ms. Tashi Dolma, President of TWA.
Dharamshala, January 10 – Standing at a podium within the lower Tibetan Children’s Village school, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay offered words of support and hope to a crowd gathered at the 6th Tibetan General Conference on Education. “Education is the only means through which Tibetans can improve our human resources and capacity for the administration as well as the Tibetan cause.” According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Prime Minister concluded the successful three-day conference by expressing his gratitude to the teachers who have continued to make progress by the standards of the Basic Education Policy of Tibetan exiles. “We have done pretty well as far as the literacy rate is concerned because Tibetan community’s literacy rate is 84 percent. Having said that, we need to really improve the quality so that after they graduate from high school they can go to IIM (Indian Institute of Management), IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) and the leading universities around the world.” Sources report this event was the largest ever Tibetan-in-exile gathering for education, with over 200 teachers representing 37 schools across India and Nepal attending the conference. These participants, reported the CTA, were divided into 10 sub-committees which held in-depth conversations on various aspects of the Tibetan educational system, culminating in the passage of three resolutions. The first stressed the importance of primary education, the second focused on teacher professional development, and the third explicitly supported the efficacious implementation of the Basic Education Policy. Although the literacy rate for the Tibetan Autonomous Region is estimated at around 55 percent, the exile population’s programs have been
responsible for a steady increase in Tibetan-inexile education. Dr Sangay compared this current situation to those of other populations: ““The literacy rate of Tibetans in exile is 84 percent and comparing that with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal, our condition is better… It is all because of the hard work of teachers and principals.” The CTA established the Basic Education Policy to fulfill the Charter of Tibetans in Exile. The charter stated, “Towards enhancing the imparting of education, an ideal education policy meeting the real basic needs of Tibet shall be formulated.” The policy itself includes comparisons of the Tibetan educational system and more recent educational programs, subjects of study, and details on how examinations should be used to promote students throughout the educational system itself. This content, alongside other relevant details and descriptions, aims to fulfill the CTA’s desire of a holistic education for Tibetans. The ‘holistic’ model includes many factors, one of which is for education “to be recognised as a means of achieving temporary as well as long-term welfare for the self and others. In particular, it is to be recognised as a vehicle of social welfare and service.”
Zurich: The political leader of the exile Central Tibetan Administration in India, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, arrived in Switzerland on April 10 for a 12-day visit.
Dr Sangay was scheduled to address the Swiss Tibetan community on April 14 in Fribourg, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama was also set to give a teaching. From April 20 to 21, the Sikyong
By Cameron Hickert: 31 December 2013
New Delhi, December 31, 2013: - The weeklong leadership program titled ‘Tibetan Women’s Advanced Leadership Training’ (TWALT), the 4th in the series, concluded Tuesday at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. A panel discussion titled ‘Role of Women in Peace-building, Reconciliation and ensuring Accountability,’ marked the culmination of the training organized by Tibetan Women’s Association. 38 Tibetan women from across India converged in the Indian capital from December 25 to 31 for 7 days of ‘identifying, inculcating and implementing leadership skills.’ Three key speakers: Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, former minister and current member of Parliament, Dr. Alana Golmei, activist and founder of Burma Centre in Delhi and Ms. Souzeina Mushtaq, journalist and writer from Kashmir, spoke at the momentous gathering of 50 people.
Sikyong addressing the concluding session of the sixth Tibetan General Conference on Education, 9 January 2014. Photo: CTA/DIIR
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(Photo 1) Panelists with the moderator and (Photo 2) Group photo of panelists, participants and organizers. Photo: TPI
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