The power of truth will ultimately prevail: His Holiness The Dalai Lama Vol. 03, Issue 104, Print Issue 28, 15 February 2014
Another Tibetan self-immolates in Tibet to protest China’s rule
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India, a living example of major religions can live in harmony By Jane Cook: 06 February 2014
Self-immolation of Dorjee, 25, at Ngaba county, and heavy Chinese security forces have been deployed after his protest. Photo: TPI
By Yeshe Choesang: 15 February 2014
Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out of Tibet say another Tibetan man has self-immolated in in restive Ngaba region in northeastern Tibet on Thursday, February 13, in protest against Chinese repressive policies and rule in Tibet. The 25-year-old man, identified as Lobsang Dorjee, set himself ablaze on fire near Kirti monastery Tuesday evening, Ngaba County, North-eastern Tibet (in Chinese: Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China’s Sichuan Province) protesting China’s failed policies and repressive rule in Tibet. He reportedly raised slogans protesting against the failed policies of the Chinese government in Tibet. “Dorjee burned himself on Wednesday evening, at approximately 6.20 pm locally and Chinese authorities deployed massive security forces immediately, although his condition remain unknown,” Kanyak Tsering, a Tibetan monk from India based Kirti Monastery told The Tibet Post International P- 7...... (TPI News) after the incident occurred.
Sikyong of Tibet to accompany His Holiness on US visit
Shillong, Meghalaya, India, 3 February 2014 - India as a living example of how all the major religions can live together in harmony, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet said, adding that these are fields in which this country can lead the world. His Holiness returned to Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra to give a White Tara Long-Life Empowerment. He performed the preparatory ritual while the 3000 strong audience assembled. He took the opportunity to encourage his listeners to be 21st century Buddhists, not to be satisfied with blind faith, but to find out what the Buddha is, what the historical Buddha taught and how it can be put into practice in their own lives. He also released a newly published book by Tsering Tendar entitled ‘From Mon-yul’, which describes the religious heritage and history of that part of Arunachal Pradesh. Following this His Holiness drove to Guwahati and then by helicopter to the former hill-station of Shilong. Many Tibetans and members of the public lined the road to wave and greet him. After lunch he visited the State Central Library where the Martin Luther Christian University had invited him to give the Convocation Address. Wearing the University’s ceremonial robe he jokingly asked if there was a hat to wear, as the choir led a moving rendition of the National Anthem. The Chancellor reported on the progress they had made in enabling their students to become capable global citizens. The Governor expressed the hope that His Holiness’ presence would attract peace and prosperity to the state and extolled the role of the University in fostering equality and greater prospects in the lives of its students by greatly improving the quality of their education. The University Choir sang a stirring song of good wishes for the future before an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy was bestowed on His Holiness and the presentation of degrees and
His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Martin Luther Christian University in Shillong, Meghalaya, India on February 3, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
diplomas to the several hundred graduates began. Dignitaries on the platform, starting with His Holiness, and including the Governor, Chief Minister and Sikyong, were invited to participate in handing certificates to each graduate as they came up to the stage. His Holiness began his speech by saying it was a great honour to participate in this ceremony and told the students that this is the start of your real life and would provide them with the
Tibetan man self-Immolates in Tibet protest: Toll rises to 125
opportunity to translate knowledge into action. “India is the world’s most populous democratic nation and since independence has proved to be remarkably stable. You young people can contribute to its further strength and development. When we look to the past, to the great ancient civilisations of Egypt, China and the Indus Valley, I believe the greatest number of wonderful thinkers derive P- 7...... from Indian civilisation.”
Int’l Campaign for Tibet delegation visits exile community
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay with Governor Dr K K Paul (2nd right) and Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma (2nd left) after attending the Martin Luther Christian University’s convocation ceremony in Shillong, Meghalaya, on 3 Feb. 2014/DIIR Photo By Jane Cook: 15 February 2014
Dharamshala: - Sikyong or the political leader of Tibet Dr. Lobsang Sangay on Friday left Dharamshala for visits to the United States and Canada from 18 February – 6 March. According to the Central TibetanAdministration, Sikyong will accompany His Holiness the Dalai Lama when the latter visits Washington, DC, San Francisco and Minneapolis from 22 February – 7 March. His Holiness will give a series of public talks on peace, compassion, ethics during the visit. He will give a talk at the 26th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum at the Minneapolis Convention Center organised by The Nobel Peace Prize Forum and Augsburg College on 1 March. Sikyong will address the Tibetan community and meet with dignitaries in Vancouver and Calgary during his visit to Canada from 26-27 February. Dr Sangay will also address the Tibetan community in Denver. He is expected to return to Dharamshala on 8 March.
The ICT delegation with Kalon Dicki Chhoyang and Secretaries of DIIR. (From left to right) Secretary Mr Ngodup Dorjee, Mr Matteo Mecacci, ICT President, Mr Steve SchroderICT Board member , Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, Secretary Mr Tashi Phuntsok and Executive Director ICT Europe and staff Ms Tsering Jampa. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Jake Thomas, 28 January 2014
Dharamshala: - A delegation from the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) led by its newly-elected President, Mr Matteo Maccaci, is on a P- 7...... three-day visit to Dharamsala from 10-13 February.
10th Body Meeting of Sambhota Tibetan schools convened in Delhi
Exiled youth long march to protest Chinese occupation of Tibet By Jane Cook: 16 February 2014
Dharamshala: - To mark 55 years of occupation of Tibet by China and to high light the current urgent crisis in the country, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), began a month long Tibetan Uprising March from Dharamshala. ‘The march intended to show solidarity with Tibetans will cover 600 Kms and culminate in India’s capital, New Delhi on March 10,’ TYC said in a statement. Demanding ‘Return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet’, Freedom for Tibet and Independence for Tibet, the Tibetan population residing in Tibet have been protesting by resorting to self immolations. A total of 126 verified cases of self immolations of men and women have been recorded by neutral observers and Tibetan organisations living in exile. The long march aims at highlighting the current crisis inside Tibet, supporting their demands and showing solidarity with them. The Tibetan Youth Congress also plans to present a memorandum with a set of five demands to the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. TYC has also appealed to UN and other countries to support their demand for an occupation free Tibet. Chinese forces occupied Lhasa in the spring of 1959.
The 27-year-old Tibetan man, identified as Phakmo Samdup. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 06 February 2014
Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out of Tibet say A Tibetan father of two self-immolated in Dorkarmo township, Tsekhok County in Marlho, North-eastern Tibet on Wednesday, February 5, in protest against Chinese repressive rule in Tibet. The 27-year-old man, identified as Phakmo Samdup, set himself ablaze near a school in Dokarmo township Tsekhog County of Marlho, North-eastern Tibet (in Chinese, Zeku county in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province) reportedly protesting China’s failed policies in Tibet. “Samdup burned himself on Wednesday evening, at approximately 9.20 pm locally and Chinese security forces took him to a hospital, although his condition remain unknown,” a Tibetan living in exile told The Tibet Post International (TPI News) on Wednesday morning. Another source in exile told the TPI News hat “the Chinese security personnel immediately arrived at the scene, quickly extinguished the flames and took him away.”
“His burns were reportedly so severe that there is little hope of survival. “Samdup is survived by his wife and two children.” Sources also said that ‘the Chinese authorities blocked all means of communication with the area following the incident, making it difficult to get more information on the situation inside Tsekhog County.’ The burning protest by Samdup brought to 125, 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 Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala, Indian has repeatedly urged Tibetans in Tibet to refrain from resorting to drastic actions such as self-immolation. The Beijing officials however subsequently accused exile Tibetans of inciting the self-immolation protests.
Chinese security forces in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Photo: Medi File 10th Governing Body Meeting of the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society held at Burau of HH The Dalai Lama, New Delhi, 7 February 2014. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Yeshe Choessang: 11 February 2014
Dharamshala: - The tenth Governing Body Meeting of Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS) was convened at the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New Delhi on 7 February 2014. According to the Central Tibetan Administration, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Chairperson of the Society welcomed the new members and highlighted the recent developments and new responsibilities of STSS to improve the over all education level of the Tibetan community. The main agenda of discussion during the meeting was the amendment of Memorandum of Association of STSS as desired by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Government of India for the transfer and administration of CTSA schools. The Governing Body considered and approved the needed amendment as per the agenda. Six items, including sanction approval of budget for the Society 2014-15 were discussed and approved accordingly. The meeting was concluded with vote of thanks to the Chair.
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The Tibet Post International OPINION Scottish Parliament addresses Self-Immolations in Tibet By Samuel Ivor: 10 February 2014
London: - The grave issue of self-immolations in Tibet witnessed fresh discussion on February 4th with the allocated debate of the crisis raised in Scottish Parliament. In recognition of the deteriorating human rights situation within Tibet, member of Parliament Maureen Watt formed the motion to address the issue and of Scotland’s role to uphold human rights at the international table. During the debate Watt highlighted the ‘extraordinary actions of some Tibetans, who are moved to protest against Chinese policies in the region’, condemning China’s human rights record in Tibet. She observed that over the past three years, ‘at least 127 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in
protest against the oppression of their religion and culture by the Chinese’. She continued to thank supporters of Tibet, and of their tireless work and efforts in raising the issue and attempting to preserve Tibetan culture. Additional voices to the debate included MP Julian McGregor, who called for unrestricted access to Tibet, and raised the urgent need for Tibetans to be able to practice their religion and language. McGregor added that he sincerely hoped to see a changed stance from China, particularly due to their current place in the UN council and the observation of basic human rights. MP Alison Johnson concurred that she was pleased to have the first discussion on Tibet and the self-
immolation protests in the Scottish parliament, stating that: ‘these self-immolations aren’t an irrational form of protest – they feel this is the best option available to change the appalling situation they find themselves in’. The meeting came about in part as a response raised at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, by 11 countries for China to improve the human rights of Tibetans. Grave concern was also raised at China’s attempts to prevent accurate reports of selfimmolations reaching the media, as well as media blackouts and mass surveillance programmes in the aftermath of protests, and MPs condemned the criminalisation of family members and witnesses to the incidents. The delegation also concurred that the actions of Tibetans self-immolating are largely in response against restrictions on religion, language, access to employment and the degradation of water resources and grazing lands in nomadic regions across Tibet. It was noted that Scottish Parliament should aim to persuade China to end the repression within the region explicitly, adding that in order for China to develop economically, it must also develop socially, and that currently China does not present a sustainable way forward. It was added that the Cabinet secretary of Scottish Parliament should write to UNESCO encouraging them to do more to protect Tibet’s vulnerable heritage and culture. Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop re-iterated: ‘Let me be clear, the Scottish government condemns human rights abuses wherever they occur and upholding basic civil and political rights is a core duty of this state’.
By James Dunn: 10 February 2014
immolations. She also went into the why, why Tibetans are taking to this extreme form of protest. She does not fall into the usual rut of Western politicians by simple saying that Tibetans are doing it because they want independence from China but rather the opposite saying, “only 4% of any selfimmolation protests have involved a demand for independence, what is driving people to do this?”. By discussing not only cultural crackdowns but mass migration by China into Tibet, environmental ravagement and destruction of Tibetan religious and public buildings to make way for Chinese infrastructure she has made a huge step forward into the education of Scotland and the West about Tibet’s plight. For that she must be applauded. Following speakers supported the clearly nervous Maureen Watt but praised her bravery. Jamie McGregor made a deliberate effort to use the words of someone from a United Kingdoms’s political office, to reiterate that while the UK’s heads of state and political leaders may now shy away from the Tibetan issue for fear of enraging China, the economic dependence that the West now has on China means that only lower officials now use such strong words. Words like that of Hugo Swire a UK Foreign Office minister who in December 2012 called for China to; “ensure unrestricted access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan
areas of China for diplomats, international media and other concerned parties”. While these words following the immolations went unheeded Mr. McGregor believes that such a show of opening up would act as a balm to help reduce those feeling that immolation is the only answer. While many have shied away from using selfimmolations to push the Tibetan issue into the spot light, however, this being Scotland’s first ever debate on Tibet clearly shows that the self-immolators who have taken the ultimate sacrifice have not died in vein. Whilst the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood was far from full it’s debate still carries huge influence in my opinion as it is a show of support. Support that despite being a Western nation, that has just signed a new economic agreement with China, they are not ashamed to stand with Tibet. The statement that Scotland should be willing to receive Tibet’s political leaders in the future, opening the door for the Kalon Tripa to create links with Scotland, holds great hope. It remains to be seen if other countries will see and heed Scotland’s sterling example for the future of Tibet. James Dunn is our resident Tibetan Political Analyst, who has had extensive experience working within Dharamshala and also for Tibet groups based in the UK. He offers a unique insight to Tibetan politics from a western perspective. He can be reached at .
A half century of blood and tears: Tibet still under occupation 15 February 2014
Dharamshala: The 20th century has been marked by unprecedented levels of violence and bloodshed committed in the course of religious and cultural persecution, ethnic conflict, totalitarianism, war, and genocide. Among the worst acts of violence include the Soviet pogroms against Ukrainian Kulaks, Nazi Germany’s systematic destruction of Jews and Gypsies, and the Khmer Rouge’s eradication of alleged opponents of socialism in Cambodia. More recently, by virtue of media images, we have witnessed ethnic cleansing in the Balkans and the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda. The legacy of genocide remains in these countries, although the systematic slaughter of civilians has since ended. However, the same cannot be said regarding the genocide of the Tibetan people under Chinese occupation. To, this very day the Chinese government continues to detain, torture, and kill Tibetans in order to control the strategic land of Tibet. The reasons for the same are simple1) The occupation of Tibet provides China a border with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan, as well as the natural barrier to any threats that the imposing Himalayas provide 2) Control of Tibet increases Chinese control over control of the bountiful land, water, and mineral resources of Tibet. The official Chinese reason for this illegal occupation is that china only wants to ‘liberate’ Tibetans from poverty by opening their society to industrialization, but the real reason for this crime is only to increase the Tibetan dependence on the Chinese for employment, food, and social services. But the most serious issue is that of the cultural genocide, that is intended to destroy the traditional Tibetan customs and religions. As a consequence, the central system of belief and values that has always united Tibet is slowly but surely being lost. It is widely believed that approximately 1.2 million Tibetans, or one fifth of the population, died from starvation, execution, imprisonment, or torture during the Chinese invasion of Tibet. A failed Tibetan uprising in 1959 forced the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, to escape to India. Approximately 85,000 Tibetans followed their leader and soon began constructing Tibetan refugee settlements in India and Nepal. Today, there are about 100,000 Tibetan refugees living in Dharamsala, India, the home of the exiled Tibetan government. Continued human rights violations, religious and cultural persecution, and limited economic opportunities forced almost 25,000 Tibetan refugees to leave their home in the 1980s, while several thousand per year still arrive in India and Nepal. Another tragedy confronting the Tibetan people is the question the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who remain in Tibet under the totalitarian regime of China. The most well known Tibetan IDP is Gendun Choekyi Nyima, who was named by the Dalai Lama as the reincarnated Panchen Lama. When the Chinese learned of the Dalai Lama’s decision, they detained the 5 year-old boy, who has not been seen in public since 1995 and has been held incommunicado, removed from the Tibetan people and leadership. In response to the detention of Nyima, many human rights groups refer to the current Panchen Lama as the world’s youngest political prisoner. Beyond detaining Nyima, the Chinese government appointed their own Panchen Lama, whom they intend to groom as a ‘puppet’ for China. This action blatantly undermines Tibetan cultural integrity by invalidating the traditional
selection process for locating a Panchen Lama. This is but one example of the blatant form of cultural genocide that is being practised by the Chinese government in Tibet In spite of the grim reality of the situation in Tibet, very little is being done by the Chinese government or Western governments to alleviate the suffering of Tibetans. Economics have overshadowed any attempt to improve human rights in Tibet. China’s explosive economic growth and vast population have captivated Western capitalists, who are willing to ignore human rights violations, such as repressive labor practices, when these violations contribute to an increase in business opportunities and profits. The primacy of profits over human rights is evident in China’s recent admittance to the World Trade Organization, as well as in Beijing’s being awarded the Olympic bid for the 2008 summer games. In the world of today where money talks, it is highly unlikely that the Obama Administration will let the ‘Tibet Question’ interfere with economic relations with China. Therefore it is necessary for journalist, activists, and grassroots organizations to promote ‘economic diplomacy’ as a way to ameliorate the situation in Tibet. The media has an important role to play in spurring this shift to economic diplomacy by putting Chinese abuses in the spotlight. In the name of basic human morality and dignity, the world community must try and make more concrete efforts to end the human rights abuses being committed against Tibetan people. This would go some way in restoring the glory that these proud people once knew. Spain’s national court recently issued arrest warrants for former Chinese President Jiang Zemin and four other top Chinese authorities for genocide and other crimes against humanity in occupied Tibet in an historic case. With this incredible achievement, it may appear as though the voice for human rights in China and Tibet is drastically improving. However, human rights violations, violence and oppression at the hands of the Chinese government remain the only reality for the people of Tibet at this time. We need to take further steps to develop an approach, explaining the current situation in Tibet and asking for the application of international pressure against the deplorable human rights violations that are repeatedly committed against Tibetan populations by the Chinese regime.
Members’ Business - Scottish Parliament addresses Self-Immolations in Tibet : 4th February 2014. Photo: Media File
Tibet and Scotland: standing together on independence?
London: - Anyone who has been reading the news in Europe will have read about Scotland’s hopefully move to become a country in it’s own right away from the United Kingdom. So it is unsurprising that during this attempt at removing another country’s control over it, Scotland has decided to discuss Tibet and on the 4th of February a debate was launched to educate and air Scottish views on self-immolations in Tibet. Scotland’s own struggle for independence is a far more democratic process than that of Tibet’s constant and bloody struggle. A referendum on whether Scotland should be an independent country will take place in September 2014, following an agreement between the Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Government. While historically the English and Scottish relationship used to be violent during it over 300 years union the move for independence is motivated more by economics and arguably politics rather than Scotland rising up against the yoke of English rule. For Tibetan a referendum is a dream too far. The debate was brought to the parliament by Maureen Watt who spoke at length not only detailing the when and the who about selfimmolations but crucially for Western media and politics the harsh and horrific backlash that Tibetans have suffered in the aftermath of the
Obama could do more to freedom; a key objective of US foreign policy By Tsering Tsomo: 13 February 2014
Dharamshala: - On Thursday morning just before Max Baucus was confirmed by the US Senate to be the next US Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), President Obama addressed the annual National Prayer Breakfast. Obama recognized the National Prayer Breakfast as an opportunity to set aside labels of party and ideology. He used the opportunity to discuss the importance of religious freedom abroad. Obama said that freedom of religion is necessary for peace and human dignity. Tibetans know the truth of those words all too well. In Tibet, Buddhism is strictly controlled by the Chinese government. After the destruction of almost every monastery, nunnery, and religious, historic or biographic text in Tibet in the first 25 years of Chinese rule the Chinese government still violently denies Tibetans religious freedom. Tibetan Buddhists are prevented from freely exercising their religious beliefs. Monks and nuns are subjected to Patriotic Education Campaigns, which require monks and nuns to denounce the Dalai Lama or be kicked out of their monasteries or nunneries. By February 1998, 3,993 monks and nuns were kicked out of their monasteries and nunneries. According to official Chinese figures 1,200 monks were expelled from monasteries near Lhasa.
U.S. President Barack Obama addresses the 68th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York. Photo: Media File
Lay Tibetans are arrested and tortured for possessing photographs and recordings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The religious repression in Tibet has reached such a level that a considerable number of current or former monastics have committed self-immolations. Many called for freedom and the return of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama to Tibet. In this context, Obama’s words on freedom of religion
in the People’s Republic of China were disappointing. He stated that the US does business with the PRC and US’ relationship with the PRC is important for the world. He also said that he tells the Chinese leadership that recognizing universal human rights is in their interest. However, if, as Obama said, promoting religious freedom is a key objective of US foreign policy, more must be done by the US to protect and promote religious freedom in the PRC. He cannot rely
on the benefits of business with China to “trickle down” and benefit Tibetans or help them achieve human rights. In fact, Pope Francis, who Obama called inspirational, heavily criticized such an approach. An important first step would be for President Obama to nominate a new ambassador at large for international religious freedom. This position has been empty since Suzan Johnson Cook stepped down in October 2013. He must also ensure that the Office of Religious Freedom has the support it needs at the State Department to promote and protect religious freedom internationally. Nominating a new ambassador at large for religious freedom would also give president Obama an opportunity to work on an achievable, bipartisan goal with Congress. Protecting human rights, including religious freedom, in Tibet has traditionally been a non-partisan issue for Congress. In April 2012 the US Senate unanimously passed a bill calling upon the PRC to end its repressive politics in Tibet. On 25 July 2012, the US House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee heard Tibetans testify at a hearing on torture and human rights abuses in China. President Obama should build upon the opportunity to set aside the partisan politics he recognized at the National Prayer Breakfast to work with Congress to promote and protect religious freedom in Tibet and elsewhere.
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Sikyong: India can play a constructive role to resolve Tibet issue By Cameron Hickert: 05 February 2014
Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay (c) addressing journalists at a press conference in Shillong on 4 Feb 2014. Photo: CTA/DIIR
Shillong: - The political leader of Tibet Dr. Lobsang Sangay said it is in the geopolitical and environmental interest of Asia, including India, to support Tibetans in resolving the issue of Tibet through dialogue with China. Addressing a press conference in Shillong today, Sikyong Sangay stated, “India has a very important role to play to resolve the issue of Tibet as the relationship between India and Tibet goes back centuries. His Holiness the Dalai Lama always says India is our guru and we are India ‘chelas’ because we follow Buddhism based on Nalanda tradition. In ancient times, scholars from Nalanda University were invited to Tibet and they preached the school of Buddhism which we practice today. So the Nalanda tradition is best preserved by the Tibetan people in this present world.”
“Secondly, Tibet is vital for the whole of Asia, particularly India, from the environmental perspective. Billions of people in Asia – including China and India – depend on major rivers such as the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus, and Mekong which originate from Tibet. Diversion of rivers, deforestation, and mineral exploitation taking place in Tibet under the Chinese government will have serious repercussions on the whole of Asia,” he said. The leader continued to discuss India’s potential role in the issue. “Thirdly, a solution to the issue of Tibet will usher a peaceful boundary between India and China. Historically, Tibet served as a buffer zone between the two countries before its invasion by China. So India could play a very constructive role to resolve the issue of Tibet. Having said that, we always remember
India has been the most generous country for Tibetan people. The Indian government has been very supportive on humanitarian issues as well,” he added. Responding to a question on the prospects of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet, Dr Sangay said His Holiness would return to his homeland Tibet in the near future. “His Holiness will very soon return to Tibet. The universal slogan is we want to see the return of Dalai Lama to Tibet. Given a choice, Tibetans will like to be led by a Tibetan rather than governed by the Chinese,” he articulated. “That’s why I left America; I left my job at Harvard to come to India so that we can all go back to Tibet.” The Tibetan Prime Minister again noted the Central Tibetan Administration’s official Middle Way Policy as his preferred path moving forward. “We want to see an immediate end to the sufferings of the people in Tibet, for which we are willing to compromise in seeking separation from China, if we are given full autonomy in future,” he declared. Dr Sangay, who took over political responsibilities from the Dalai Lama in 2011, said the Tibetans are looking forward to discussing the issue with the Chinese leadership. “Since January 2010, we didn’t have any formal dialogue with the Chinese government. We believe in a peaceful dialogue to solve the issue.” The Sikyong concluded by noting, “We look forward to the new Chinese leadership. We hope they will also believe wisely that dialogue is the way to solve the issue of Tibet for their own interest as they want respect from the international community and they ought to show respect to the Tibetan people.”
Exiled Tibetan women’s symposium held in New Delhi By Yeshe Choesang: 05 February 2014
New Delhi, February 4, 2014: The two-day symposium organized by Tibetan Women’s Association was held at India International Centre, New Delhi, the capital of India on February 3 and 4. The gathering of over 50 people: legal experts, law students, women activists, grassroots leaders, stakeholders, representatives of civil society and institutions, was a significant culmination of TWA’s year-long project titled ‘Legal Empowerment of Tibetan Women in Exile.’ (LETWIE). The opening ceremony was graced by three eminent personalities: Mr. J.M. Mukhi, Barrister and Advocate at Supreme Court of India, and legal advisor for Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Mr. Tempa Tsering, former Minister of CTA and incumbent representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi and Ms. Kamla Bhasin, India’s leading feminist activist and writer. The symposium was structured around two plenary sessions, two TWA presentations and two workshop sessions. Plenary session one saw an intellectually stimulating dialogue initiated by three accomplished Indian women. Ms. Karuna Nundy, Advocate at Supreme Court of India spoke about ‘Women Security and Legal Safeguards in Indian Law and International Law. Dr. Ananya Vajpeyi, Historian and Professor, spoke about ‘How Improving Rights Awareness and Legal Education Strengthens Women’s Intellectual
Growth in the Society,’ and Ms. Jasmeen Patheja, Artist, Activist, Feminist spoke about ‘Challenging Attitudinal Differences Towards Sexual Harassment against Women in India.’ Dhardon Sharling, Creative Head of LETWIE and Member of Tibetan Parliament in exile, chaired the dialogue. The second plenary session discussed on the social, political, legal issues affecting Tibetan women in particular. Dialogue initiators included Dr. B. Tsering, Principal, Dalai Lama Institute of Higher Education and Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Ms. Tenzin Tseyang, Coordinator, Women’s Empowerment Desk, SARD, CTA and Mr. Vinayak Narayan, a Tibetan-speaking Advocate based in Dharamsala. TWA’S General Secretary Nyima Lhamo moderated the discussion. Tsering Choedon, Advocate and Program Coordinator of TWA’s LETWIE presented the results of the quantitative research survey participated by 500 women in 16 settlements in India. Tsering
also presided over a large group discussion on the grave social issues affecting women, such as sexual harassment, marital rape and domestic violence. TWA’s executive members who implemented the LETWIE project: President Tashi Dolma, Vice President Samten Choedon, General Secetary Nyima Lhamo and Joint Secretary Tsering Dolma sat over a sharing session during which they interpreted the case studies gathered out of the in-depth field survey they conducted in 16 Tibetan settlements in India. The workshop sessions discussed and later adopted a Mission Statement, Action at Individual level and Increasing Civic Engagement, Recommendations for Central Tibetan Administration and Next steps of Action for TWA. The symposium, which is a first of its kind, suggested remedial measures and way-forwards to address the social, domestic and legal issues facing Tibetan women in exile India. The social programs and legal safe-guard measures discussed and devised were aimed to combat the discrimination, risks and violence facing women, while seeking to create a gender equal society and significantly to achieve legal empowerment for Tibetan women exile. The ‘Legal Empowerment of Tibetan Women in Exile,’ an undertaking of TWA project essentially aimed to enable the social status of Tibetan women in exile to match the significance and vigor underlying the tenets and maxims of Tibetan democracy in exile.
Dr. Sangay addressed a distinguished audience of the top echelons of the state government and academicians at an interactive session on a theme titled: Democracy in Exile: The Case for Tibet.” Top officials and academicians including Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, chief secretaries, principal secretaries, superintendent of police and vicechancellor of Martin Luther Christian University and editors of the media, attended the event. Sikyong spoke about the democratic process in the exile Tibetan community, the election process and the challenges he faced after being elected. “In 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a historic decision to devolve all his political authority to the elected leadership. With no experience in the administration, I ran for the election and got elected. As I was the leading candidate, I had to assume the responsibility. It is a daunting and a very difficult task to fill the shoes of a Nobel Laureate, global statesman, and one of the greatest spiritual leaders. However, based on my individual and the collective Karma of the Tibetan people, I chose to move forward
and took the political responsibilities.” Sikyong spoke about the element of Tibetan democracy by recounting how he and other candidates campaigned for the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration. “During the campaign, I and my counterparts shared the same taxi, room, and campaign tips. The Tibetan democracy is more of movement than a classic conventional election that we run.” Responding to a question on his efforts to resolve the issue of Tibet, Sikyong said: “We do believe in dialogue and non-violence as a means to resolve the issue of Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration is committed to its Middle Way policy as the only viable option to find a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet. We hope the new Chinese leadership by Xi Jinping will find the political will power and wisdom to engage in dialogue with the Tibetan leadership to find a lasting solution to the Tibet issue.” Later in the evening, Sikyong attended a dinner reception and musical gala hosted by the Chief Minister.
TWA organizes the first-ever Symposium on ‘Legal Empowerment of Tibetan Women in Exile, India. Photo: TPI
Meghalaya State honours Sikyong of Tibet as state guest By Kathryn Middel - Katzenmeyer: 05 February 2014
Dharamshala: After attending the opening day of the Festival of Tibet in Guwahati in Assam on 2 February, Sikyong of Tibet Dr. Lobsang Sangay travelled to Shillong, known as the Scotland of East. This visit was arranged by the government of Meghalaya, and Sikyong was recognized as a State Guest. Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama was also on a visit to Shillong as the State Guest during this same time. The Governor and Chief Minister of northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya hosted receptions in honour of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, a Harvardeducated scholar and the political successor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In the morning, Sikyong attended a day-long teaching of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 37 Practises of the Bodhisattvas at the polo ground. He addressed the Tibetan public and met students at the Sambhota school as well.
3 Sikyong of Tibet concludes visits to Miao and Tezu settlements
Exile News
15 February 2014
By Cameron Hickert: 04 February 2014
Guwahati: - Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay successfully concluded his successful tour of Arunachal Pradesh, visiting Tibetan settlements in Miao and Tezu on 30 and 31 January. The Tibetan Prime Minister addressed the general public and conversed with students and teachers at both settlements’ Central School for Tibetans (CST) about how to improve educational standards. In his public address, Dr Sangay reiterated that education is the top priority of the 14th Kashag. He said the Central Tibetan Administration has reformed the scholarship programme to facilitate students to pursue further studies after completing their school education. He said the first-ever 95.4% marks scored by Tenzin Choekyi of Tibetan Homes Foundation Mussoorie last year reflects the positive trend in academic resulting from scholarship reforms. The Sikyong noted education is key to empowering Tibetans to face the challenges surrounding the issue of Tibet. He said the majority of Tibetans living inside Tibet pin their hopes on their brethren in exile and the latter can fulfill their hopes and aspirations through learning. He said the younger generation of Tibetans is taking responsibility to lead the Tibetan movement and entreated them to continue to do so. He paid visits to the Central Tibetan Schools at both the settlements. Addressing the students, the Sikyong said today’s children have better educational opportunities and privileges than in years past. He assured them the Central Tibetan Administration would provide all the facilities and urged the teachers and staff to pay more attention on imparting sound education to the children. Quoting former Human Resource Development Minister Kabil Sibal, he said: “Good teachers are costly. But bad teachers cost more to the community and nation.” Sikyong also took time to meet separately with the teachers, most of whom are Indians. He
Abbot of Jangchup Dhargyeling monastery, local Tibetan and Indian officials receive Sikyong on arrival in Tuting, Arunachal Pradesh, on 28 January 2014. Photo: TCA/DIIR
profusely thanked the teachers and staff for their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment in educating the Tibetans throughout over fifty years of exile. He said the Tibetans would remain eternally grateful to the Indian teachers, as they have produced thousands of educated Tibetans, who have helped to sustain and strengthen the Tibetan movement. The teachers asked the Sikyong about transferring CST schools to the Central Tibetan Administration. Dr Sangay said the process is underway and will be completed within three years, or as soon as the CTA thinks it can operate the schools. During his public talk, Sikyong Sangay said he has visited more than 94 percent of the Tibetan settlements since Tibetans elected him to lead the CTA two and a half years ago. He observed that the Tibetan youths are shouldering the responsibility to continue the efforts made by the elder Tibetans to keep alive the cultural identity and movement. He also stated Tibetans are proud to have invaluable culture and religion and he called for need to redouble our efforts to preserve it. The Prime Minister visited elderly Tibetans living in old-age homes in the two settlements. He inaugurated a renovated Tibetan Primary Health Care Centre, Handicraft Centre, and a computer centre at Miao settlement. Dr Sangay concluded his travels by meeting 35 small-business Tibetan families in Dibrugarh, whom he advised to follow the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Success of Tibetans will be success of Indians and Ahimsa: Sikyong By Cameron Hickert: 12 February 2014
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay explaining the current situation inside Tibet to the dignitaries at Tibet Museum’s exhibition. Photo/DIIR/Tempa Gyaltsen
Guwahati: - ‘The success of Tibetan people will be success of Indians and success of Ahimsa. It will be best stories of the twenty first century,’ Sikyong of Tibet Dr. Lobsang Sangay said during his address to the closing ceremony of Tibet Festival which was held from 2 to 6 February 2014, in Kalashetra, Guwahati. ‘Other dignitaries present during the ceremony were Pema Khandu, Minister of Tourism and Rural Work Development of Arunachal Pradesh, Gaurav Gogai, Director and co-founder of the farm 2 food foundation and son of Assam Chief Minister, Guru Tulku abbot of Tawang Monastery and Mr Passang, MLA of Menchuka, Arunachal Pradesh,’ ccording to the Central Tibetan Administration. Dr. Lobsang Sangay in his address thanked honorable Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogai for kindly inaugurating festival of Tibet and the government of Assam for facilitating and hosting the festival in the state. He also thanked members of the organizing committee, participants and volunteer for making this festival a success. In his address, Dr. Sangay, spoke about Tibet’s cultural relationship with India before the Chinese invasion of Tibet, rich Tibetan culture and civilization, destruction caused by Chinese occupation on Tibetan culture and civilization and current situation inside Tibet including self-immolation. He said that “the Communist Government of China, they want Tibet as a territory for exploitation and don’t want Tibetan people. Hence, Tibetan are repressed, Tibetan language are discouraged, Tibetan culture are discouraged.
A rampant environmental destruction is taking place inside Tibet, which will have a direct ramification on environment and economy of the downstream countries including India, particularly the diversion of Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) to the Chinese territory. Tibet referred as third pole, has largest number of glacier in the world after North and South poles and is the largest repository of the fresh water in the world. More than billion people from downstream countries rely on the fresh water of Tibet. Hence, Tibet’s is vital for the world climate and river. Deforestation and environmental destruction inside Tibet will have a direct ramification on thousands of people who survive on agriculture and fisheries in India. He said, through festival of Tibet, we have exhibition about the political conditions in Tibet, about the environmental destruction and the history of Tibet. And also through the cultural performances, I am sure you got the glimpse of Tibet and Tibetan civilization. And it ought to be protected; it ought to be promoted, because Tibetans we don’t want to be museum piece, because Tibetan civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and we deserve to thrive, like any other civilization. Hence the success of the Tibetans will be success of Ahimsa. Success of Tibetans will be success of Indian people. When that happens, it will be best stories of the twenty first century. And we do believe it will happen soon. When that happens, instead of witnessing festival of Tibet here in Guwahati, you will have living civilization, living culture and living human beings with their basic dignity and identity restored in Tibet. Till then do march with us, be with us, because you will be supporting not just supporting Tibetan people, but you will be supporting truth and justice. Before the ceremony, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Minister Pema Khandu, Guarav Gogai and Guru Tulku visited the Tibet Museum photo exhibition held at AC Art Galery in Kalashetra. The exhibition features Tibet historic photo before Chinese occupation, results of Chinese occupation and current situation inside Tibet including self-immolation and its background information with textual presentation in Tibetan, English and Hindi.
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TPI NEWS
15 February 2014
TIBET NEWS
Repression escalates in Tibet: 1 beaten to death, 2 others jailed
Dorjee Daktsel, Kalsang Choklang and Tsultrim Nyendak. Photo: TCHRD By Yeshe Choesang: 07 February 2014
Dharamshala: - ‘Tibetan youth beaten to death, 2 others given heavy sentences and another disappeared,’ India based Tibetan rights group said on Friday. A Tibetan youth has died in police custody soon after his arrest in Driru County (Chinese: Biru County in Naqu Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region), eastern Tibet. Konchok Dakpa, a youth from Chamram Village in Driru Township was held incommunicado for weeks since his arrest in December 2013. On 20 January 2014, his body was returned to his family who were given strict orders not to discuss the death with others. Sources with contacts in Driru said Konchok Dakpa was severely beaten and tortured during his secret detention, indicating that his death was the direct result of police torture. Local Tibetans
believe that he was most likely punished for his participation in May 2013 protest against Chinese mining at the sacred Naglha Dzamba Mountain. The news of Konchok Dakpa’s death comes close on the heels of the death of a learned Buddhist scholar Geshe Ngawang Jamyang whose body was returned to his family in late December 2013, less than a month after his arrest. According to latest information, Kalsang Choklang, the monk from Tarmoe Monastery who was arrested along with Geshe Ngawang Jamyang was sentenced to 10 years in prison. A native of Yuthang Village in Tsachu Township, he was sentenced in January 2014. Local Tibetans say he was likely charged of “illegally gathering a crowd” although they believe the charges are false. “Kelsang Choklang is known for his great love and respect for traditional Tibetan culture. He has always called for protection of
Tibetan culture and harmony among different nationalities,” the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights & Democracy said. Another Tibetan layman Dorjee Daktsel was also sentenced to 11 years in prison last month. Sources say he was given seven years for allegedly being one of the ringleaders of the May 2013 demonstration against mining activities at the sacred Naglha Dzamba Mountain, in addition to three years for wantonly lending money to others and one year for obstructing the work of permanent cadres stationed in Driru County. Details are still sketchy on the second charge as it cannot be ascertained immediately how someone can be charged for helping others, in this case borrowing money to others. Dorje Daktsel had been missing since his arrest on 3 October 2013. On 6 October 2013, Drgksel’s secret detention triggered a protest among the local Tibetans in Dathang Township. The protest was violently suppressed by about 300 security forces using guns and iron batons. Please click here for our previous report on Dorje Daktsel. The whereabouts and condition of Tsultrim Nyendak, a monk from Rabten Monastery in Tsachu Township, remain unknown since his arrest from Lhasa in late 2013. Sources quote local Tibetans as saying that hundreds have been targeted, arrested or disappeared since crackdown began last year in Driru County in the name of Chinese president Xi Jinping’s “mass line” campaign last year. Many are targeted and arrested on false pretext and the fate of many more remain unknown due to restrictions on communication lines. Sources say in at least three counties in the eastern part of Nagchu Prefecture including Driru, all communication lines have been blocked and locals face enormous difficulty in contacting their friends and family.
China’s unprecedented harsh measures to deter self-immolations in Tibet By Jane Cook: 15 February 2014
Documents issued by Dzoege County government in Tibetan and Chinese. Photo: TCHRD
Dharanshala: - In April 2013, the local government in Dzoege (Ch: Ru-ergai) County in Ngaba (Ch: Aba) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (Sichuan Province) announced that it was taking every man, woman, and child hostage. In a document recently smuggled out of Dzoege County dated 8 April 2013, the government announced that if there was a self-immolation it would punish the immolator ’s village, monastery, and family. Unlike previous policies that targeted people for “inciting” selfimmolations or punished people for refusing to provide a government sanctioned explanation of the immolation, Dzoege is punishing people explicitly because of what somebody else did. The document issued by Dzoege County government contains 16 articles and begins by targeting the self-immolator ’s family— the internationally recognized “natural and fundamental group unit of society” (ICESCR Art. 10; ICCPR Art. 23). Family members of selfimmolators will be blacklisted (Art. 6) and subject to criminal sanctions, such as the deprivation of political rights (Art 2). They will also be deprived of employment with the government (Art. 1), excluded from all welfare benefits for 3 years (Art. 4), denied ownership of their houses and lands (Art.10), prevented from starting a business (Art. 10), and barred from traveling to Lhasa or to foreign countries (Art. 11). “All of these measures violate human rights that the Chinese Constitution claims to protect (Art. 33 says that “The State respects and preserves
human rights”) and that Chinese officials have repeatedly claimed are most important. The local authorities in Dzoege make it clear that it has placed a sword over the families of wouldbe self-immolators,” said the Dharamshala, India based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights & Democracy. If a self-immolation occurs the sword will strike at the family members’ ability to feed and clothe themselves. The family members will be unable to find work, permanent housing, start a business, borrow money, or receive welfare benefits. In its 2013 White Paper on Human Rights the PRC claimed that all other rights were impossible if the people are not fed and clothed. Thus, the attacks on the family of self-immolators are intended to be an assault on all of the family member’s rights. Next, the document targets the self-immolator’s village or monastery. Both are deprived of any financial assistance, which effectively prohibits the creation of new business (Art. 5). Monasteries and villages must pay Yuan 10,000500,000 (US$1,648 – US$82,414) deposit to ensure there are no more self-immolations, if there is self-immolation, the money is forfeited and a new deposit is required (Art. 7). In 2011, the average annual net income of rural areas in Sichuan Province was Yuan 6,129 (US$1,010). Villagers will be prevented from using farmland and grassland (Art. 9). Monasteries will have their financial records carefully scrutinized (Art. 15). Villagers, monks and nuns, officials, and monastery chant masters
will be subjected to ‘legal education’ campaigns (Art. 13). These education campaigns effectively place monasteries under siege and require the monastery to rely on the government for electricity, water, and food. The measures pronounced by the government in Dzoege County go beyond the widespread and systematic human rights violations that have become routine in Tibet. They turn the entire human rights system on its head. Rather than reading human rights documents as required elements to protect individuals, the government in Dzoege County appears to have used the documents as a checklist of how to coerce and threaten people. The Dzoege County government has announced it will take innocent people hostage en masse. If there is a self-immolation, the government will “strike hard” against the hostage and methodically take away their human rights and make life for the innocent survivors unbearable. The Dzoege County document requires government officials, cadres and workers to advice people what will happen if there is a self-immolation (Art. 3). This warning is very simple: “If there is a self-immolation, the local government will attack your family, village, and monastery.” According to the Tibetan who smuggled the document out of Tibet, the Villagers’ Committees in Dzoege County have been given the responsibility to publicize the harsh new measures to prevent self-immolation. The village officials have dutifully pasted the document on the walls of local government offices, police stations, shops, restaurants, etc. in Dzoege County. The source said self-immolation-related detention and arrest are common occurrences in Dzoege County. Many of those who remain detained in connection with self-immolation are too scared to speak out for fear of getting heavy punishment. In some cases, people who are remotely connected to self-immolators are detained, questioned and tortured. “Family members, close relatives, friends and even mere acquaintances of Kunchok Sonam were detained soon after the monk’s self-immolation and they are still in detention,” the source said. Kunchok Sonam, 18, a monk at Tashi Thekchokling Monastery died of self-immolation protest in July 2013 in Dzoege County. It remains unknown whether his body was returned for proper cremation according to Tibetan Buddhist rituals
The Tibet Post International
China arrests four Buddhist monks in Sog County of Tibet By Yeshe Choesang: 11 February 2014
Chinese security forces marching in Sog County, eastern Tibet in 2013. Photo: Media File
Dharamshala: - Chinese security officers have arrested four known monks from Dhowa Shartsa Monastery in Sog County in eastern Tibet for their alleged involvement in the leaflet campaign for Tibet’s independence. “Soon after their arrest on 2 February, 2014, all four of them were taken to Sog County and have since disappeared,” Ngawang Tharpa, from Sog County, currently living in Dharamshala, told The Tibet Post International (TPI). “The four were allegedly charged over distributing around 40 leaflets calling “Tibet is an independent country” in public places in the township, for allegedly throwing stones at windows of government buildings, and
removing an official name plate from their monastery,” he further told TPI. The four detained monks were identified as Tsultrim Palzang, 20, Lobsang Yeshe, 15, Kalsang Jampa, 22, and Kalsang Dorjee, 23, all the four monks were students of Dhowa Shartsa Monastery in Sog County, Nagchu Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). In 2012, five Tibetan monks from Sog Tsanden Monastery were arrested by the local Public Security Bureau officers in Sog County, Nagchu Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) after leaflets calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and the restoration of freedom in Tibet were found scattered near the monastery. For the past few years, unrest has increased in many areas in Sog County and and surrounding areas due to the repressive nature of Chinese policies particularly the Chinese Communists’ many political campaigns which have made Tibetans vulnerable to mass surveillance and propaganda campaigns. Dhowa Shartsa Monastery (a monastery of the Gelugpa tradition) was founded by Shung Shung Choewang Dakpa in the fourteenth century, by Chinese destroyed in 1959.
Tibetans and supporters commemorate Tibetan independence day By Jane Cook: 13 February 2014
Dharamshala: - Tibetans and supporters worldwide commemorated Tibetan Independence Day on February 13 to celebrate the Tibet-China Peace Treaty of 821-822 AD, a historical document signifying Tibet’s independent past. Students for a Free Tibet in Dharamsala held a flag raising ceremony at the TCV Day School followed by a 7-foot prop display of the treaty replica. Copies of the treaty were distributed and forums on the importance of the treaty were discussed. Texts of the treaty were read subsequently both in English and Tibetan by representatives of Tibetan NGOs and activists. The Tibet-China Peace Treaty was signed between the Tibetan Emperor, Tri Ralpachen and Chinese Emperor, Mu Tsung of the Tang Dynasty, to establish peace and constitute the boundaries of Tibet and China. A stone pillar (Doring in Tibetan) with the engraving of the treaty still stands in front of the Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest temples in Tibet’s capital Lhasa. The commemoration comes amidst news of the first self-immolation protest of 2014 by Phakmo Samdup, a Tibetan man in his late twenties and a father of two. On February 13, 2013, this day marked the Centennial of the 1913 Tibetan Proclamation of Independence. Every year on February 13, Tibetans and supporters are commemorating Tibetan Independence Day as a day to counter China’s claims to their homeland and asserting their determination to be free. Last year in over 30 cities worldwide, Tibetans and their supporters commemorated the Centennial of the 1913 Tibetan Proclamation of Independence by His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama by organizing flag raising ceremonies, exhibitions, lobbying events and other creative
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Tibetans worldwide celebrate their independent history and counter China’s claim to Tibet. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo
actions to shed light on Tibet’s independent past. Globally, elected representatives took part in honoring this day and expressed solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet. “This year on February 13, Students for a Free Tibet will mark the day by celebrating the great legacy of the Tibetan Empire to challenge China’s propaganda about Tibetan history as well as to strengthen the case for Tibet on the global stage. In commemorating the historical legacy of the Tibetan Empire, we are not only securing our past but also shaping our future, as we work towards fulfilling our vision of all Tibetans uniting in a free and democratic Tibet,” said Dorjee Tseten, Asia Director, Students for a Free Tibet. This morning, activists of Students for a Free Tibet from the Delhi and Kolkata chapters submitted the text of the Tibet-China Peace Treaty (821-822 AD) to the Chinese Embassies in these respected metropolitan cities. More than 20 cities around the world joined the Feb 13th campaign including New York, Boston, London, Edinburgh, Toronto, Paris, Vienna, Sydney, Tokyo, Poland and Denmark. Furthermore events and programs were organized in major Indian cities, too: Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Jalandhar and Kolkata.
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Editor in Chief Mr Yeshe Choesang Chinese Editor Miss Keary Huang Tibetan Editor Mr Choneyi Sangpo Tibet Political Analyst Mr James Dunn Photographer Mr Artemas Liu Reporter Ms Yangchen Dolma Layout & Design Mr Choneyi Sangpo Distributor Mr Tashi Contributors to this editon Keary Huang Taiwan Cameron Hickert USA Jane Cook UK Kathryn Middel - Katzenmeyer USA Londen Phuntsok India Dorjee Dhondup UK Tsewang Rigzin US Kunsang Dolma US Yeshe Choesang India Choenyi Sangpo India Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) Room #1 Top Floor, New Varuni House Temple Road, McLeod Ganj: 176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P., India
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H.H THE DALAI LAMA 5 TPI NEWS His Holiness the Dalai Lama to China should learn from India: Spiritual leader of Tibet visit the Netherlands, Norway The Tibet Post International
15 February 2014
By Yeshe Choesang: 04 February 2014
By Jane Cook: 06 February 2014
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the 78 year old spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Photo: Stichting Bezoek Z.H. Dalai Lama Nederland
Dharamshala: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the 78-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people will visit the Netherlands in May. On Sunday, May 11th, he will give a Buddhist teaching titled “Well-being, Wisdom and Compassion, a Secular Approach’ at Ahoy in Rotterdam. ‘The visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Netherlands will take place May 10th ? 12th and the theme of the visit will explore the development of compassion and ethical awareness in a secular world,’ Alex Klusman from the Stichting Bezoek Dalai Lama said in the press release. According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama: ‘’All great religions of the world emphasize love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness and the development of inner values. However, in today’s world, the practice of ethics is often not sufficient. Therefore, I have become convinced that it is time for a new approach, a new way of thinking about spirituality and ethics, that goes further than religion alone.” “This year marks the 25th anniversary since His
Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize for his for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet, and his efforts for a peaceful resolution with China,” said the organisers. “The Nobel Institute has invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to a memorial celebration in Norway, which he will attend before visiting the Netherlands,” they further added. “The Dalai Lama has been invited to the Netherlands by the Stichting Bezoek Dalai Lama,” the organisers said, adding: “This foundation is comprised of representatives from all of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions in the Netherlands, the International Campaign for Tibet-Europe and the Tibet Support Group Nederland.” The last time the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Netherlands was in 2009. His Holiness accepted an invitation from the Norwegian Nobel Institute, The Norwegian Tibet Committee and Karma Tashi Ling Buddhist communities. His visit marks the 25 years since he received the Nobel Peace Prize. Geir Lundestad, director of Norwegian Nobel Institute said to NRK that the Tibetan spiritual leader among other things, will give a presentation that will be open to the public during his visit. The Nobel Committee and the Nobel Institute follow traditionally Prize winners after the award ceremony, in their further peace efforts. This is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 11th visit to Norway after he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 . In 1989 His Holiness received the Nobel Peace Prize for having opposed the use of violence and advocated peaceful solutions in the fight to solve Tibet issues.
New Oral history of Tibetan elders from South India
Shillong: - Some Chinese hardliners consider Tibet’s unique culture and language source of danger for its separation from China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, adding that China should should learn from India the practice of harmonious co-existence of different people, languages and lifestyles. Ti b e t ’s s p i r i t u a l l e a d e r, w h o b e g a n h i s maiden four-day visit to the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya also said he is a messenger of India’s tradition of harmony and non-violence. His Holiness was accorded a warm reception on his arrival in Shillong as the state guest. Top officials who welcomed him at the helipad include health minister, chief s e c r e t a r y, d e p u t y c o m m i s s i o n e r, s e n i o r superintendent of police and a member of Tibetan Parliament and Tibetan Settlement Officer. He was later received by Governor Dr K K Paul at his official residence. The 78-year-old Nobel Peace laureate was conferred with an honorary doctorate during the 6th convocation ceremony of the prestigious Martin Luther Christian U n i v e r s i t y i n S h i l l o n g . To p o ff i c i a l s o f the state, including Governor Dr KK Paul, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, Chancellor Dr KM Shyamaprasad, and T i b e t a n P o l i t i c a l L e a d e r D r. L o b s a n g Sangay, attended the ceremony. A d d r e s s i n g t h e c e r e m o n y, t h e s p i r i t u a l leader said: “I want to express my hearty congratulations to all those who have received doctorate degrees today. Now, your real life has begun. All of you have the responsibility to make a healthy India as it will have a positive impact on Asia and the world.” “Over 3,000 years ago, India had the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence). “As a result of its commitment to tolerance and non-violence,” he said, adding that India is a living example of religious harmony as all the major religious traditions of the world exist here. It can make a significant contribution to the promotion of religious harmony and non-violence in the whole world.” His Holiness said ancient India’s Nalanda tradition and philosophy are highly
From L-R): Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Chancellor Dr K M Shyamaprasad, Governor Dr K K Paul, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma and Vice-Chancellor R G Lyngdoh stand up Indian national anthem at the convocation ceremony of Martin Luther Christian University in Shillong on 3 February 2014. Photo: CTA/DIIR
developed as compared to modern science. He recalled a top Indian scholar as saying that quantum physics in the Nalanda tradition some 2000 years ago. He said he has been interacting with modern scientists over the last 30 years and he found many of them taking keen interest in studying positive human emotions which is related with India’s ancient Nalanda tradition. The Nobel Peace laureate said Tibetans have proved to be reliable students of India by keeping alive India’s ancient Buddhist culture, a culture of truth, compassion and non-violence. He also spoke about the menace of corruption with the advent of modern education. He said India needs to incorporate its thousands of years old ancient Indian tradition in the school and university curriculum to the end of menace of corruption. “ I a m a m e s s e n g e r o f I n d i a ’s t r a d i t i o n of cultural diversity, religious harmony, non-violence and secular ethics,” he said, adding, “the world must study these principles and resolve differences through non-violence and dialogue.” “India is a “United State” as people with diverse language, culture, religion and tradition co-exist in harmony. That is the greatness of India and good example for the
rest of the world,” he said. “On the other hand, some Chinese hardliners consider Tibet’s unique culture and language source of danger for its separation from China. “China should learn from India, w h i c h h a s a p a r t f r o m d i ff e r e n t r e g i o n s , different people, different languages, different scripts and different lifestyles. Yet they all live harmoniously,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said while addressing the convocation of a state university in Shilong. “It is in our interest to remain a part of the People’s Republic of China provided we have the right to preserve our culture, language, religion and environment for the well-being of people in the world in general and Asia in particular,” he added. “We are not seeking separation from China. We belong to China with common interests and common economic development,” His Holiness emphasised. Extending a hearty welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Meghalaya, Governor Dr K K Paul said his visit will bring peace, harmony and prosperity to the region. The Tibetan spiritual leader who visited Meghalaya for the first time since he made India his home, termed his adopted country as “wonderful and very nice” to live in.
child, brought the case in a Spanish court in 2006 along with two Tibetan support groups. China, a significant economic partner of Spain, reacted angrily to the judge’s move, saying it was “strongly dissatisfied”. Thubten said Spain’s ruling conservative Popular Party “was listening and supporting the Chinese government and this is why it is reforming the law.” “There is no other reason. The Chinese government is putting a great deal of pressure on Rajoy’s government and therefore poor Rajoy has to take note and obey China, there is no other choice,” Thubten told AFP. Under a bill introduced last month by the Popular Party, judges will be able to investigate crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide only if the suspect is a Spanish national, a foreigner living in Spain or a foreigner in Spain whose extradition
has been denied. Spanish lawmakers will vote late on Tuesday whether to put the draft bill to a debate and vote. The Popular Party has a comfortable majority in the assembly and the bill is assured to pass. “If Spanish government changes the law at the request of China then that means it is China which is in charge in Spain. If the law changes it would be shameful for the Chinese government,” Thubten said after visiting the Spanish parliament during its preliminary debate on the draft law. “The former president of China did criminal deeds and is responsible for genocide in Tibet and now he is facing the bill and he has to pay that bill. It is normal,” he added. China considers Tibet an integral part of its territory, which it has ruled since 1951, a year after invading the Himalayan region.
China pressuring Spain on human rights case: Tibetan monk By AFP: 12 February 2014
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the 78 year old spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Photo: Stichting Bezoek Z.H. Dalai Lama Nederland By Jane Cook: 06 February 2014
Dharamshala: - February 3, 2014 - The Tibet Oral History Project (TOHP) successfully accomplished its mission in the Bylakuppe and Hunsur Tibetan Settlements by videotaping 25 oral histories from December 22 to January 6, 2014. The focus of this endeavor was to interview revered teachers, lamas, and rinpoches who were attending the teachings given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. To this end, 18 of the 25 interviewees were individuals with a religious or monastic background. The average age of the interviewees was 79, although the team also interviewed a younger monk; this man gave testimony at the Spanish High Court which tried Chinese government officials for human rights abuses. TOHP reportedly was grateful to the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for being given the opportunity to meet with His Holiness on December 29th and to present the Dalai Lama with transcripts and DVDs from previous interviews. His Holiness expressed warm appreciation for TOHP’s efforts and offered to hold one of the volumes for a photo with TOHP’s team. The team said it was honored to meet and receive the blessing of the 102nd Gaden Tripa Thubten Nyima Lungtok Tenzin Norbu, spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. TOHP desired to express its gratitude to the Tibetan elders who shared their stories. Their interviews were key in providing descriptions of age-old Tibetan culture and monastic traditions. Many elders bravely dealt with painful memories in relating their eyewitness accounts of tragic events surronding the invasion and subsequent occupation of their country. Several elders stated they were thankful for the opportunity to preserve Tibet’s history by recording what they had seen with their own eyes and to express their hopes for Tibet and the preservation of the Buddha dharma, which enabled them to survive. TOHP was honored to record the early monastic educational experiences of Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, former Prime Minister of the Tibet
government-in-exile. TOHP also videotaped the fascinating and historically significant account by Arjia Rinpoche, who described in detail how the Chinese installed a government-appointed Panchen Lama. Another interviewee was a Tibet resistance fighter trained by the CIA in Colorado, who was parachuted into a remote area in the Himalayas where the Tibetans were trying to ward off the invasion of Chinese troops. The Tibet Oral History Project’s expressed its strongest gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who advised that the stories of Tibet’s elders be recorded before they were lost forever. TOHP is an endeavor committed to following His Holiness’s advice. In this case, that meant making these valuable oral histories known worldwide through the Internet and by translating them into Chinese. To date, TOHP has documented 209 oral histories of Tibetan elders, posted 120 interview transcripts on the Internet, sent the available transcribed collection to 12 libraries around the world, including the US Library of Congress, Oxford and Stanford Universities, the University of California, Berkeley and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala, India. Some interview video excerpts are now available in Chinese on TOHP’s website and on YouTube with plans to translate more in the future. This endeavor and its follow-up work of transcribing the interviews and publishing them on the Internet has been made possible by the financial support provided by the International Campaign for Tibet’s Rowell Fund, the Firedoll Foundation and the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, as well as individual donors. On the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibet Oral History Project was initiated in 2003 by Marcella Adamski (Ph.D) to record the early life experiences of Tibetan elders, who were forced to flee their homeland in 1959 following the Chinese invasion and subsequent occupation. The Tibet Oral History Project is a “nonprofit organization committed to making the elders’ oral history interviews accessible via the Internet in order to share with the world the culture and history of Tibet.”
Madrid — A Tibetan monk who pushed a human rights case against former Chinese leaders through Spanish courts accused China on Tuesday of pressuring Madrid to change the law that made the complaint possible. Thubten Wangchen, a member of the exiled Tibetan parliament, said Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s government had moved to limit the use of “universal jurisdiction”, which allows judges to try certain cases of human rights abuses committed in other countries, only to appease China. A Spanish judge on Monday sought international arrest warrants for former Chinese president Jiang Zemin and four other top Chinese officials as part of a probe opened into alleged genocide in Tibet under this doctrine. Thubten, a Spanish citizen who was born in Tibet in 1954 but exiled with his family when he was a
Tibetan monk Thubten Wangchen (C) takes part in a protest calling for the release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, in front of China’s consulate in Barcelona, May 17, 2011.CREDIT:REUTERS/GUSTAU NACARINO
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15 February 2014
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ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be careful disclosing information. Strength will come from your ability to overtake just about any one. Get friends to help you with the preparations. You have to know what your boss wants if you expect to do your job correctly. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Finish off old projects before starting something new. Don’t let emotional upset force you into the poorhouse. Children may be demanding, and entertainment could cost a lot more than you can really afford. There could be disappointment regarding investments. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Reevaluate your position and make decisions about your future goals. Your suggestions for fund raising events will be well received. When the work is done, they may serve you for a change. Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You may have a problem keeping secrets. Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand. Include the whole family or those you love. Some of the best opportunities will crop up if you keep an open mind. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Problems with colleagues are likely. Relatives may play an important role in your personal life. Family trips or projects should be on your mind. Spend some time with the one you love. Pleasure trips will be satisfying. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Channel your energy into projects that will enhance your home. Pleasure trips will be most enjoyable and should lead to new and lasting friendships. Social evenings at your place will be highly successful. Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You must not let others talk you into doing things that will probably limit you financially at a later date. You can come into money; however, perhaps not under the best circumstances. Don’t get depressed, get busy. You can accomplish a lot if you’re willing to put in a little extra time. Don’t let your partner start any arguments. Passion should be redirected positively. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Put your efforts into job advancement. Put your efforts into job advancement. Be prepared to take advantage of your good fortune. Take a close look at any contracts you’ve signed in order to be sure exactly where you stand. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
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CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Try not to be overly generous. You’d be wise to control your spending so your debts don’t get out of hand. Tone down and put some of that hard earned cash into a safe, long-term investment. Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your diplomatic approach and rather outgoing nature will enhance your reputation and bring you the support you need. Try to spend time with those having similar interests. Find out more, if you want to start your own business. Emotional relationships will be plentiful if you attend group activities. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
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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 February 2014 International 7 Span orders arrest of of top former His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Return to Tibet Soon: Sikyong
TPI NEWS
The Tibet Post International
China’s officials over Tibet killings By James Dunn: 11 February 2014
Spain’s National Court issued international arrest warrant for the former Chinese dictator Jiang Zemin and four other top officials as part of a probe into alleged genocide by China against Tibetans in Tibet. Photo: Media File
London: - Spanish High Court Judge Ismael Moreno on Monday sought international arrest orders for former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, ex-Prime Minister Li Peng and others on allegations of genocide in Tibet. High Court Judge Ismael Moreno asked Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, to issue orders for the detention of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, ex-premier Li Peng and three other officials for questioning on charges brought by Tibetan rights groups in Spain. The long drawn out case has drawn strong rebuke from China with foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying saying, “China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to the erroneous acts taken by the Spanish agencies in disregard of China’s position”. Hua blasted what she referred to as overseas groups pursuing Tibetan independence and called for the Spanish government to “see through the Dalai group’s attempt to split the country”, referring to exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. Still, she emphasised that as China does not interfere in other countries’ affairs it had no comment on how “domestic forces in Spain deal with” the issue. “But I believe this incident concerns the sound development of bilateral relations, so we hope that the Spanish government can properly deal with this matter and tell right from wrong,” she added. Away from China the Tibetan community is seeing this as a momentous event, showing the shifting Western views with Lhadon Tethong, former head of Students for a Free Tibet and now director of Tibet Action Institute saying, “This is perhaps the most significant development in Tibet-China relations in decades. That any Chinese leader could be faced with - for even for a moment - the possibility of being held accountable for Chinese policy in Tibet under international law will have a major impact on the psyche of present and future Chinese leaders. They will continue to act arrogantly for sure but make no mistake, they are already changed by this. History was just made, right before our eyes.” The case began in 2006 when Two Tibetan support groups and a monk with Spanish nationality brought a case in Spain against the former Chinese leaders over allegations they committed genocide in Tibet. It is the same concept used by Spain’s former judge Baltasar Garzon to bring about the 1998 arrest of Chile’s ex-dictator Augusto Pinochet in London. Pinochet was eventually allowed to return to Chile for health reasons. “Jiang exercised supervisory authority over the people who directly committed abuses, which makes him responsible for acts of torture and other
10th Body Meeting of ......
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According to the CTA, delegation are Mr Steve Schroder, ICT Board Member and Ms Tsering Jampa, Executive Director, ICT Europe. The group met Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile Tuesday, 11 Feb. The group met Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Department of Information and International Relations on Tuesaday. it said that ‘they exchanged views on how to strengthen and garner international support for the issue of Tibet. Also present at the meeting are secretaries of the DIIR, Mr Tashi Phuntsok and Mr Ngodup Dorjee.’ The report said that the group will also meet ‘Tibetan political leader Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and have an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They will also visit educational institutions and non-governmental organisations such as Tibetan Youth Congress, Gu-Chu-Sum, Tibetan Women’s Association, Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and the Tibetan Children’s Village School.’
major abuses of human rights perpetrated by his subordinates against the people of Tibet,” Moreno wrote in his ruling. Reports state that Spain’s government are planning to change the independent judiciary of Spain, in a political move to close down a ground-breaking Tibet lawsuit that implicates Chinese leaders of genocide in Tibet. This has been followed by a backlash from human right groups. According to Iona Liddell at Tibet Justice Center; “Yesterday, 17 legal and human rights organizations, including Redress, FIDH, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, sent a joint letter to Spanish parliamentarians, raising concerns about the proposed restrictions to universal jurisdiction law ahead of the preliminary discussion on the draft bill which takes place today.” Tibet was an independent country until the Communist Chinese troops invaded it in 1949. The Communist regime claims it “peacefully liberated” the Himalayan region it says was mired in poverty, exploitation and economic stagnation. Tibetans however say ‘over 1.2 million Tibetans have died as a direct result of China’s illegal occupation of Tibet, and human rights conditions remain dismal. In Tibet today, there is no freedom of speech, no freedom of assembly, no freedom of press and no freedom of religion. The regime is clearly determined to wipe out all traces of Tibetan national identity in an attempt to stifle any form of dissent among Tibetans.’ To sign a petition urging Spain’s Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, and other EU leaders to Stand Up for Tibet against China’s pressure and retain the independence of judicial systems from political interference, click on the link below.
By Yeshe Choesang: 05 February 2014
Shillong: - Sikyong or the political leader of Tibet Dr Lobsang Sangay Tuesday said the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama would return to his homeland Tibet soon. After attending the opening day of the festival of Tibet in Guwahati in Assam on 2 February, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay travelled by road in a convoy to the capital Shillong, arranged by government of Meghalaya as the State Guest. His Holiness the Dalai Lama ‘will very soon return to Tibet. The universal slogan is we want to see the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Given a choice, Tibetans will like to be led by a Tibetan rather than governed by the Chinese,’ Sangay told journalists. “ We d o b e l i e v e i n d i a l o g u e a n d n o n violence as a means to resolve the issue of Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration is committed to its Middle Way policy as the only viable option to find a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet as we want to see an immediate end to the sufferings of the people in Tibet,” he added. Sikyong said that people of Tibet “hope the new Chinese leadership by Xi Jinping will find the political will power and wisdom t o e n g a g e i n d i a l o g u e w i t h t h e Ti b e t a n leadership to find a lasting solution to the Tibet issue in future.” ‘Tibetans are looking forward to the Chinese leadership to resolve the Tibet issue,’ Dr Sangay said, adding: “Since January 2010, we didn’t have any formal dialogue with the Chinese government. We believe in a peaceful dialogue to solve the issue,” he said. “ We l o o k f o r w a r d t o t h e n e w C h i n e s e
India, a living example of ...... His Holiness said that likewise, compared to modern psychology, the understanding of the mind and consciousness found in ancient Indian thought is very advanced. India continues to have a great contribution to make to knowledge today. Ancient Indian scientists had no laboratory as such, they worked with the mind and their experiments were undertaken through inner examination and analysis. He continued: “Wherever I go, I always talk about India’s longstanding tradition of ahimsa, non-violence, because of which there is also a great tradition of tolerance. I regularly praise this country as a living example of how all the major religions can live together in harmony. These are fields in which India can lead the world.” He said that whether we follow a religious path or not, as human beings we all need affection. Warmheartedness gives rise to the self-confidence and inner strength that supports a calm mind. Peace of mind in turn contributes to our physical health. This is based on the fostering of basic human values that His Holiness promotes as secular ethics. He mentioned that while some of his Christian and Muslim friends elsewhere have expressed misgivings that the word secular is dismissive of religion and spirituality, he uses it in the way it is used in India to indicate equal respect for all religions and even for those who profess none. He said that of the 7 billion human beings alive today, 1 billion claim to have no interest in religion, and yet as human beings they also wish for happiness and have a right to achieve it. He feels it important that they also have the opportunity to appreciate the contribution compassion and warm-heartedness make to happiness. His Holiness spoke of how Tibetans regard ancient Indians as their gurus and saw themselves as chelas or students. What’s more, Tibetans have served as reliable chelas, keeping knowledge such as the Nalanda tradition alive and intact while it has declined in the land of its birth. He said he often describes himself as a messenger of India, promoting non-violence and inter-religious harmony. He encouraged members of the younger generation to develop experience of the principles of non-violence. “When you face problems in your lives, don’t resort to the use of force, try to employ dialogue to find a solution. Pessimism is a source of failure, while optimism is a source of confidence. Try to remain truthful. The power of truth never declines. Force and violence may be effective in the short term, but in the long run it’s truth that prevails. Being honest and truthful engenders trust and trust leads to friendship and a good reputation. Because we all need friends, honesty and transparency are a basic aspect of human nature. “May I be as bold as to say that while Indians are by and large a very religious minded people, at the same
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time there is a great deal of corruption. It seems even religion can be used to bully and cheat other people. Perhaps this is because the trend of modern education is towards materialistic values. It fosters the brain’s need for knowledge while neglecting the needs of the heart. This is why we need a renewed sense of morality, of secular ethics.” His Holiness remarked that for nearly 55 years India has been his home. During that time he has been impressed that modern India is a country of many cultures, many languages and many religious traditions, there are different peoples following different lifestyles, all living together. This is India’s greatness, which remains an example to the rest of the world. He said that he often tells Chinese who come to see him that they should learn from India. It is in such a context that he feels that Tibet’s peaceful, compassionate culture, with its roots in Indian tradition, can also be of benefit to the Chinese people. In conclusion, he said: “I’d like to express my appreciation of your giving me this honorary degree. It’s quite something to have received such an honour on the very first day I came to Shillong.”
Sikyong speaking on Tibetan Democracy in Exile: The Case for Tibet at an interactive session with the chief minister, top bureaucrats and intellectuals in Shillong on 4 February 2014. Photo: CTA/DIIR
leadership. We hope they will also believe wisely that dialogue is the way to solve the issue to Tibet for their own interest as they want respect from the international community and they ought to show respect to the Tibetan people,” Sangay said. “Whatever we are seeking is within the provisions of the Chinese constitution as per article 4 of its constitution, it speaks about the Minority Act, 1984.” Asked about India’s role to resolve the vexed Tibet issue, Sangay said: “India has a very important role. The relation goes back centuries, India is our ‘guru’ and we are India’s ‘chela’.” “I think China-Tibet issue is one of the core issues, and in that case, Tibet should also be core issue of India, environmentally, spiritually, geo-politically, every reason, so India could play a very constructive role. Having said that, we always remember India has been the most generous country for Tibetan people. The Indian government has been supportive on humanitarian issues as well,” he added.
On self-immolations in Tibet, he said: “The universal slogan of those who self-immolate is they want to see the return of His Holiness t h e D a l a i L a m a t o Ti b e t a n d b y g e t t i n g general autonomy, we are fulfilling that and also restoring the freedom and dignity of the people of Tibet.” “Tibetans are frustrated and desperate due to the political repression, economic marginalisation, environmental destruction, social discrimination, cultural assimilation of the hardline Chinese policies towards Tibetan people,” he said. Sikyong, who is a Harvard educated scholar, also addressed a distinguished audience of the top echelons of the state government and academicians at a interactive session on a theme titled: Democracy in Exile: The Case for Tibet.” Top officials and academicians including Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, chief secretaries, principal secretaries, superintendent of police and vice-chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University and editors of the media attended the event.
Media told to censor RWB’s world press freedom index
Another Tibetan ......
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Dorjee was a former monk of Kirti monastery in his childhood. He was working at a car wash shop in Golog County earlier. He had recently returned to Ngaba County to look after his family’s cattle herd. According to sources, his burns were reportedly so severe that there is little hope of survival. The latest incident hapened in Ngaba County, where 35 of the self-immolations have taken place since 2009. Sources also said that ‘the Chinese authorities blocked all means of communication with the area following the incident, making it difficult to get more information on the situation inside the County.’ The burning protest by Dorjee brought to 126, the verified number of self-immolations since the wave of burnings began in 2009 in protest against Chinese repressive rule and of them 107 were reportedly passed-away from their severe burn injuries. The Tibetan self-immolators called for freedom for Tibetan people and the return of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala, Indian has repeatedly urged Tibetans in Tibet to refrain from resorting to drastic actions such as self-immolation. The Beijing officials however subsequently accused exile Tibetans of inciting the selfimmolation protests.
Media told to censor RWB’s world press freedom index. Photo: RSF By Yeshe Choesang: 15 February 2014
Paris: - As soon as Reporters Without Borders released its annual World Press Freedom Index this week, the Chinese Communist Party’s propaganda department issued a directive banning its publication and dissemination. “Although this measure is not surprising, coming as it does from one of the countries that control news and information the most, we firmly condemn this act of censorship,” said Benjamin Ismaïl, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Asia-Pacific Desk. “It is a perfect example of the Chinese government’s policy of gagging the media and justifies China’s position in the latest index, 175th out of 180 countries, a fall of two places from its position last year. We urge the authorities to withdraw this directive.” Issued by the State Council Information Office, the directive orders all media to suppress any article referring to the Reporters Without Borders
press freedom index and to China’s ranking in the bottom 10. State Council Information Office: All websites are kindly asked to delete the article “180 Countries Ranked in 2013 Press Freedom Index; China at 175th” and related content. Such directives from the Communist Party’s censorship agencies are common and allow the authorities to keep news and information under close control. The varied range of censored subjects include human rights, corruption, the situation in the troubled far-west province of Xinjiang and environmental issues. In April 2013, the General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television issued a directive to the Chinese media containing a blanket ban on using any unauthorized information from foreign media and websites. The new press freedom index, in which China is ranked 175th out of 180 countries.
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Back Page Focus The power of truth will ultimately prevail: Spiritual leader of Tibet US Sec 15 February 2014
By Jane Cook: 06 February 2014
Shillong, Meghalaya, India, 5 February 2014: - “Tibetans should not lose hope, the power of truth will ultimately prevail, the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama told about 1000 Tibetans, who have settled in Shillong, among whom the first four families arrived in 1947. When His Holiness the Dalai Lama heard the Settlement Officer say this during an audience for Tibetans at the State Central Library in Shillong this morning, he wanted to know if there were any members of those families still here. Two hands went up. After the Settlement Officer had read his report about the local community, including their plans for a Tibetan Community Centre, His Holiness began to speak “It’s now nearly 55 years since we came into exile and yet I’ve not been here before. I haven’t had the opportunity before, but today I am here and able to meet the Tibetan community. Although there is no formal settlement, you’ve found ways to make your lives here. Once we came into exile we were able to set up an administration and there are now 100,000 Tibetans in India doing quite well. “As you know, since 2011 I’ve passed political responsibility completely to the elected leadership. Not only have I retired, but I have also voluntarily put an end to the tradition of the Dalai Lamas being involved with Tibet’s temporal affairs. In the past we had a tradition of a Lama taking this kind of responsibility, such as when Reting Rinpoche and Tagdrag Rinpoche acted as Regent. They were great Lamas but those who worked under them exercised undue influence. Some of them abused their positions. As a child I used to play with the sweepers, most of whom came from outlying villages. I used to ask them questions about what was going on and they would answer me frankly. When I asked the appropriate officials they would tend to duck the issue. “In 1951, Tagdrag Rinpoche resigned and I took responsibility. We left for Dromo. When we got back to Lhasa in 1952, I set up a reform committee. Ngabo took charge of it and began to implement changes. We set up a Justice Commission headed by Yuthok. We achieved some reforms, but ran into trouble because the Chinese didn’t like it. They wanted any changes to be done their way, so the project wasn’t successful.” His Holiness said that when he returned to Tibet in 1957 after his visit to India, he began to prepare for his exams. He took his final Lharampa exam in 1959. After escaping to India, in Mussoorie work was reassigned to the remaining Kalons and the exiled administration began to grow. “As for my devolution of authority in 2011, I didn’t do it reluctantly, but gladly and deliberately. This boy from Amdo may not have been very effective, but at least he had not proved to be a disgrace. The Ganden Phodrang Government set up by the 5th Dalai Lama nearly 400 years ago, came to an end under the 14th Dalai Lama, while the people still had confidence in it. “In the past, I used to be a little anxious about flying. I worried about what would happen to the Tibetan cause if something happened to me. I don’t worry about that any more. In fact an American politician told me that my devolution of authority sent an effective message to the Chinese leadership. Indeed, many Chinese I know are hopeful that democratic change in China could begin with this example among us Tibetans. I certainly didn’t retire because I’ve given up hope.” Turning to the question of education, His Holiness said that over the last nearly 55 years, Tibetans in exile have overcome illiteracy. Compared to the situation in Tibet people in exile have done better in education, although there are some problems due to lack of facilities. He spoke about his recent visit to Bhandara in Madhya Pradesh where the Religious Instructor at the school is a nun who graduated from Dolmaling Nunnery. She is now preparing to become a Geshema. The schoolchildren gave an impressive debate performance as a result of her training them, which is a first. In the past, Religious Instructors thought their job was just to teach prayers, but, His Holiness said, their responsibility is actually to teach people what Buddhism really means. Children need not only a modern education but also an understanding of the Nalanda tradition. “In the monastery yesterday, I said it shouldn’t just be a place for prayers and rituals. It should be place to learn. I will provide a set of the Kangyur and Tengyur to the monastery, but I hope it will be used for study, not just as an object of respect. We will also shortly be publishing a two volume set of materials about Buddhist science extracted from the Kangyur and
His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the State Central Library in Shillong, Meghalaya, India on February 5, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Tengyur and I hope you will read that too. “As a child I was interested in science and when I was older decided I’d like to talk to scientists to find out more about it. An American Buddhist warned me that science was a killer of religion, but I thought about the Buddha’s admonition not to accept his teachings at face value but to examine and test them, to analyse them and experiment. I decided there wasn’t a risk and 30 years ago began discussions with scientists. “At a Mind & Life meeting in the USA in 1989, a woman who was a reputed scientist looked askance at the prospect of discussions with Buddhist monks. But she asked me, in your tradition do you believe in a creator, I said “No”. She asked if we believed in a soul, and again I said “No”. She said that it seemed as if our Buddhist tradition wasn’t what she thought. Gradually her interest was sparked and she continued to press me with questions even during the tea breaks between sessions of discussions.” His Holiness recalled that in the 1960s the Chinese authorities produced a paper describing Tibetan Buddhism as mere blind faith. It asserted that they did not need to take any action because it would wither away naturally of its own accord. It must surprise them that more than 40 years later there is serious dialogue going on between Tibetan Buddhism and modern science. This culminated last year with a Mind & Life meeting at Drepung Monastery in Karnataka. The Buddhist side includes a great deal of profound knowledge about the workings of the mind and emotions. Very few Tibetans are coming out of Central Tibet these days. Some people come from Kham and Amdo, but people from Central Tibet are rare. His Holiness pointed out that the Chinese number 1.3 billions, whereas Tibetans are only 6 million. If action is taken that angers the Chinese, the people who suffer directly are the Tibetans in Tibet. “If we make enemies of them it doesn’t do any good, but if we can get the Chinese people on our side it will help us. The new leader Xi Jinping uses Deng Xiaoping’s old slogan ‘Seek truth from facts’. He seems to be more realistic like Hu Yaobang. We should not lose hope; the power of truth will ultimately prevail.” At a meeting with the press, His Holiness expressed his happiness at having come to Shillong, telling the journalists how much he has enjoyed his visit. He explained his three commitments to them, that firstly as human beings we all want happiness. And in the pursuit of happiness he wants to help people understand that although material development will yield physical comfort, real happiness comes from cultivating inner values. As a Buddhist monk, who has learned that, despite philosophical differences, all religions have the same goal of encouraging the cultivation of love and compassion, he works to foster inter-religious harmony. Finally, as a Tibetan he is concerned to preserve the Tibetan religion, culture and environment. He also encouraged the media to take responsibility for informing the public of the importance of inner values. He said they also have a role in fostering inter-religious harmony. He reminded them that the media have a special role to sniff out what’s going on and to inform the public accordingly, without bias or hypocrisy. Among questions he was asked, the first was about his maiden visit to Shillong and he replied that it is a beautiful place, the sky is clear and blue and wherever he went people lined the streets showing warm feelings of friendship. About what unites Tibetans he said language and culture, but also pointed out that Chinese suppression has been particularly successful in reinforcing a sense of Tibetan unity. He recalled ineffectual attempts to rally support for Tibet at the UN, but also Mao Xedong’s statement that China regarded Tibet as a special case. In 1974 decisions were made about the need to talk to China, which began the preparations of the Middle Way Approach. This has gradually gathered popular support. Regarding what to do about corruption, he said there is
a need to educate people, but pointed out that it is not only India that is affected. Corruption is like a cancer across the world. While His Holiness responded to a question about Indian democracy by expressing his admiration for it, to the second part of the question, what about it does he most dislike, he answered, “Too much freedom, exercise of freedom with no discipline or sense of responsibility”. His Holiness’s final engagement in Shillong was an interfaith event. Tibetan MP Yangchen Dolkar introduced the occasion saying that the meeting had been convened keeping in mind His Holiness’s custom of respectfully visiting other tradition’s places of worship. Representatives of various spiritual traditions each lit a candle as if to illuminate friendship and placed it at the front of the stage. One by one, members of several Christian denominations, ladies representing Islam and Jainism, representatives of Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism stepped forward to voice greetings and prayers. When his turn came, His Holiness greeted the respected representatives of the several different traditions and his brothers and sisters in the hall. He said that he had first met leaders of other spiritual traditions when he came to India to attend Buddha Jayanti celebrations in 1956. Later he met and got to know the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury. He said: “All religious traditions speak of love, often describing the creator in terms of infinite love. Belonging to these traditions are people who dedicate their lives the service of others. Look for example at the great work Christian brothers and sisters have done in remote places around the world for health and education. We Buddhists have no achievements like this.” He mentioned a journalist who had been in Iran at the time of Ayatollah Khomeini. He told him that although the overall view of the Ayatollah in the foreign press was negative, he observed how Mullahs under his guidance received donations and redistributed them to help the poor. “Thomas Merton was the person who really introduced me to the value of Christianity. We spent several days in discussions, exchanging views. We found many similarities in our practice, which remind me of a visit I made to a monastery in France where I told the monks, who spend their life in prayer, that I was struck by the thought that it seemed as if our monastic traditions derived from a common source. The pattern of Merton’s daily life was much like my own. I get up around 3am and he got up at 2am, an hour earlier. Like me he would go to sleep in the early evening. “Martin Luther King and his struggle for civil rights is another source of inspiration, and of course Mahatma Gandhi. He was a Hindu, but cherished a profound respect for all religious traditions. There is no basis for conflict between religions; relations between them should be governed by harmony. “When we say religious traditions have a common message, but there are also significant differences between them, I agree. In terms of philosophical views there are differences, but their aim or purpose is the same, to protect the practice of love. These are different methods with the same goal. This is why I am fully committed to encouraging religious harmony. “The Tibetan tradition belongs to the tradition of study and practice we derived from the traditions of the ancient Indian University of Nalanda. We begin by memorizing the fundamental text books, which is not easy when you don’t understand them, then we study commentaries to them and learn to debate about what we’ve understood. This is how we study about 40 volumes over a period of 2030 years. It is on the basis of such study that we have been able to enter into dialogue with modern scientists, for while science has great knowledge of the workings of the physical world, this ancient Indian tradition has immense knowledge of the workings of the mind. “This knowledge is of great relevance today. I appeal to you Indians to take a secular interest in the ancient heritage of your country, with its knowledge and experience of consciousness and emotions. “I would like to thank the organizers of this event and I’d like to thank all of you for coming.” The Pro-Chancellor offered a vote of thanks in which he expressed particular appreciation of His Holiness’s presence. The event was concluded with several musical and dance performances by students of the Meghalaya Institute of Arts and Culture, a Tibetan troupe, the group Na Rympei and the Serenity Choir. His Holiness personally bid farewell to each of the religious representatives, before returning to Raj Bhawan.
The Tibet Post International
Kerry raises Tibet issue with Chinese president Xi Jinping By Yeshe Choesang: 11 February 2014
US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks during a news conference in Beijing, China/(Photo:Reuters)
Dharamshala: - US Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed his concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet during his talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday, 14 Feb. Secretary Kerry’s comment in Beijing came a day after one more Tibetan set self on fire in Ngaba County, where 35 of the self-immolations have taken place since 2009 to protest against China’s repressive policies. “I emphasized that respect for human rights and the exchange of information in a free manner contributes to the strength of a society in a country. Recent arrests of peaceful advocates for reform run counter, in our judgment, to all of our best interests and the ability to make long term progress. I emphasized that the United States remains concerned about these situations here in China, human rights situations – especially with respect to the Tibetan and Uighur areas,” Secretary Kerry was quoted as saying by Lawyer Herald.com. Secretary Kerry underscored that “human rights and the free flow of information are paramount for an open society.” “We had a frank discussion about some human rights challenges and the role of rule of law and the
free flow of information in a robust, civil society; the challenges of the cyber-world that we live in today,” he added. The US government has consistently urged China to address policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions and threaten the distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people. Secretary Kerry also met Foreign Minister Wang Yi and State Councilor Yang Jiechi. This is Kerry’s fifth visit to Asia and second to China since becoming the US Secretary of State.
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