I n t e r n a t i o n a l
China cremates prominent Tibet monk’s body, refusing all demands Vol. 03, Issue 137, Print Issue 61, July 31, 2015 Sikyong of Tibet urges China to release Tenzin Delek’s sister
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Sikyong : APJ Abdul Kalam’s death a loss for the entire world A Voice For Tibet Bi-monthly
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‘Investigate, use reasoning and logic’: His Holiness By Reetika Revathy Subramanian: July 22, 2015
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking about Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s death in Chinese prison during a book launch on July 21, 2015. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Yangchen Dolma: July 21, 2015
Dharamshala — The political leader of Tibet Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay has called for the release of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s sister and her daughter who reportedly went missing after being arrested by police. Speaking at the launch of Tibet Policy Institute’s new journal, Dr Sangay also urged Chinese authorities to hand over Rinpoche’s ashes to his family and disciples. Dr Sangay expressed his solidarity with the relatives and disciples of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche who died under mysterious circumstances on 12 July while serving a life sentence in Chengdu. P-2...
Tibet activists call for justice for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche
One of the three activists from Students for a Free Tibet who have managed to enter the Chinese Consulate in NYC to confront staff about Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s death in Chinese prison under suspicious circumstances. Photo: Screenshot By Yeshe Choesang: July 14, 2015
Dharamshala — As several thousands of locals and guests listened to him intently, His Holiness the Dalai Lama reiterated the need for reasoning and logic while embracing spirituality. “One of the main methods of examining the teachings is through monastic debate based on logical reasoning. Buddha himself asked his followers not to devoutly accept his teachings, but to examine, investigate, use reasoning and logic,” said His Holiness, adding, “...the method of learning other academic subjects through the monastic style debate has impressed the scientists of today.” The Spiritual Tibetan Leader was addressing the people at the Tsuglakhang Temple as a part of the Long Life Offering ceremony organized on the occasion of his 80th birth anniversary celebrations on Monday, July 20. While further explaining the nature of Buddhism, His Holiness mentioned the need to refrain from superstition. “The religion of Tibetans is Buddhism, which is the deepest of religions. But some people practice it by only reading text, chanting, and believe that the old texts have more power than the new texts,” said His Holiness. He further added: “Some people count their religious prowess by the wear of their rosaries. This is all foolish and has perpetuated superstitions.” Before he walked to the main temple for the prayers, His Holiness watched monks and nuns from various monasteries in Nepal engage in debate at the temple courtyard, while the prayer recital for Dolkar Yeshi Khorlo Tsewang was being said in the main temple. Referring to a report presented by a delegate during the debate session earlier, His Holiness pointed out that the mention of a dialogue between Buddhism and Science in the report was inappropriate. “A conversation between Buddhist Science and Modern Science is more appropriate than just saying Buddhism, which can imply merely to a belief or ideology,” His Holiness said. The Tibetan Leader also spoke about the correlation between development and religion. “After striving for many years, countries have reached today’s standard of development. Religion is the same. Through many years of studying and hard work,
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his teachings at the main Tibetan temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/Reetika Revathy Subramanian
we can come to truly understand meaning behind Buddhist practices,” said His Holiness, adding, “Whether you practice Buddhism is your own wish. After you accept the religion, you need to research and check the practices, not just follow blindly.” For better understanding, His Holiness stated that the content of Kargyur and Tengyur or Buddhism could be divided into three sub-components: Buddhist Science, Buddhist Philosophy and Buddhist Religion. “Buddhist Religion is the practice which Buddhists follow that includes prayers and circumambulation. Buddhist Science deals particularly with the function of mind and
“We Want to Go Back to Tibet ASAP.” Said Students for a Free Tibet
Another political prisoner of Tibet dies in Chinese prison Tenzin Tzelha, the program director of Student for a Free Tibet India. Photo: TPI
New York, US -- Three activists from Students for a Free Tibet entered the Chinese Consulate in NYC to confront staff about Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s death in Chinese prison under suspicious circumstances. They entered with posters of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche on July 13, calling on justice for his death and demanding the release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s body. The action resulted in the consulate shutting its doors. At the same time, family members and students of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche joined supporters for a protest rally in front of the consulate, the group said in a statement after the event. The protest was in response to Tibetan political prisoner and Buddhist teacher Tenzin Delek Rinpoche passing away in Chinese prison as confirmed by his family members who were informed by the police in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on the 12th of July. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s family in Tibet is currently demanding that the prison authorities release his body for final Buddhist burial ceremonies. P-2...
By En Ping Yu: July 26, 2015
Dharamsala — Tenzin Tzelha, the program director of Student for a Free Tibet India, spoke about Tibetan independence issue and the final goal of SFT: to make sure that the Tibetan people can go back to their motherland, Tibet as soon as possible. SFT is an international student organization supporting Tibet independence. The most important movement they organized recently was a series of demonstrations against the injustice over Teznin Delek Rinpoche’s death in prison. The initial information of Rinpoche’s death came from SFT. The four main offices in New York, Canada, London, and India coordinated with each other and organized demonstrations with grass roots and chapters around the world. They have been working on the release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche for 13 years, and were shocked when Rinpoche’s death was confirmed. The case had been highlighted and has become global now since the organized protests and the actions. P-2...
US Lawmakers rebuke China over death in prison of Tibet’s monk
Tibet, culture and book: Photo exhibition opens in Taiwan
By Yangchen Dolma: July 15, 2015
Washington DC: -- U.S. lawmakers held a moment of silence on Tuesday, expressing anger and sadness over the death in prison of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a prominent Tibetan political prisoner and spiritual figure, during a hearing on Tibet at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. US lawmakers lamented that U.S. criticism of China’s policies in Tibet is failing to stop repression of the minority group and called for a tougher U.S. policy to pressure China at the hearing on the human rights situation inside Tibet. They also demanded Chinese authorities to return the body of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche to his family members for his last rites according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Congressman McGovern and Pitts, the co-chairs of the Human Rights Commission opened the meeting by stating that Chinese government was making a wrong calculation in believing that the Tibet issue will whither with the passing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Congressman McGovern reiterated strongly that U.S. Congress would not forget the issue of Tibet until it is resolved. Congressman Pitts shared his grave concerns with implementation of strict restrictions on basic civil rights of Tibetans in Tibet; freedom of religion, freedom from guilt by association, hard P-2... restrictions on domestic and foreign travels.
Buddhist Philosophy deals with understanding reality,” said His Holiness, adding, “One does not need to be a Buddhist to study Buddhist Science and philosophy.”
Undated image of Lobsang Yeshe, a Tibetan political prisoner who died of torture in Chinese prison. Photo: Media file By Reetika Revathy Subramanian: July 24, 2015
Dharamshala — Barely a week after revered Tibetan monk and political prisoner Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was reportedly dead in a Chinese prison, another instance of a prison death was reported on July 19. According to sources, Lobsang Yeshe, a Tibetan political prisoner in his 1960s, died in Chushul prison in Lhasa at around 2PM. Yeshe was serving a two-year-long sentence for actively participating in an anti-mining protest in Gyalmo Ngulchu region on May 7 last year. Based on reports, it was deciphered that Yeshe sustained grievous injuries and suffered dizziness on account of severe beating inside the Chinese prison. As a result, his health further deteriorated, and he was hospitalized. The 60-year-old finally succumbed to his injuries last week. Despite repeated pleas from all the family members, the Chinese authorities confiscated his body and refused to hand it over to them for conducting the final rites. During the same protest last year, Phakpa Gyaltsen, another
protestor, died in the protest, while fellow protestor Rigzin was seriously wounded and taken to a hospital. It is yet to be ascertained whether he survived or not. Between May 9 and 10 last year, Yeshi along with some other Tibetans continued their protest. A Chinese police contingent and other security forces arrived at the spot, and threatened them to end their protest. As the protesters remained adamant, leaders from Chamdo and Dzogang counties compelled the protestors to put an end to the protest and return home. However, on 12 May, seven Tibetans, who led the protest, were forcibly detained and tortured for about one year. The detainees were later held captive in Chamdo. After braving the torture meted out on them for one year, Yeshi and two other Tibetans, Ngakta and Choeluk Tenzin (who are currently in the prison) were sentenced to two years in jail in May 2015. The local Tibetans, who knew Yeshe personally, call him an honest and sincere man. He has eight children and had been the sole breadwinner of his family.
Health Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk graced the opening and concluding session of the workshop. Photo: CTA/DIIR
By Molly Lortie: July 22, 2015
Dharamshala -- The Department of Health organized a Health Information System workshop training for the healthcare workers and nurses of 12 settlements of Nepal, including the remote Tibetan settlements of Nepal, from the 14th until the 17th of July at the Hotel Tibet in Dharamshala. The objective of the training was to build efficient capacity of health care workers and staffs of the health clinics of Tibetan settlements in Nepal to build a robust, P-2...
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July 31, 2015
TPI NEWS
“Rinpoche’s efforts tied together Tibetan art, culture and life”: GesheNyima
GesheNyima, cousin of revered monk Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, spoke with TPI about the case and its aftermath on the family and the Tibetan community. Photo courtesy: Dhawa Prubhu/ TPI Reetika Revathy Subramanian July 30, 2015
Dharamshala: On July 12, revered Tibetan monk and political prisoner Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche died in a prison in China. Tibet Post International spoke with his cousin, GesheNyima, a resident of Dharamshala on the case and its aftermath on the family and the Tibetan community. 1. Could you elaborate on the significance and role of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in the Tibetan struggle? Ans: Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was highly respected around the world. For several years, the Tibetan culture and religious practices had been restricted by the Chinese government. However, his efforts helped in recognizing and preserving the native Tibetan culture. He worked towards the upliftment of nomadic communities, poor people and orphans by providing them access to education. He also established nine monasteries near Lithang in Tibet. He also worked towards the protection of the environment and the Tibetan habitat. He strictly condemned hunting and any harm on animals. During his lifetime, Rinpoche spearheaded several movements that tied together Tibetan art, culture and life. 2. Over the past 13 years, ever since Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was forcefully imprisoned by Chinese authorities, what kind of struggles did the family go through? He kept proving his innocence, but the Chinese authorities did not pay much heed. Ans: Ever since Rinpoche was falsely framed in a case by the Chinese administration, the family has been having a harrowing time. Over the past 13 years, the family was not allowed to meet him often. They were allowed access only six times. Despite repeated pleas and demands, the Chinese authorities did not give them any permission. The last time they managed to meet him was in 2013, when he was already very sick and frail. Based on his condition, they also sought his release on medical parole. However, their requests were not acknowledged. In fact, they were also trying to arrange for their own lawyers, who could defend Rinpoche’s innocence. Again, this request was not considered. Moreover, the entire family was constantly under the police scanner and all their movements were closely watched. This was a big setback for them all. 3. There have been reports about the illhealth of the 65-year-old Tibetan monk even while he was in prison. Despite repeated please, the Chinese refused to budge. Finally, the authorities said that he died of a cardiac arrest. You think anything could have been done earlier to save his life? Ans: The last time Rinpoche’s sister met him was in 2013. After their last meeting, it was identified that Rinpoche had a grave heart condition. Despite the family’s demands, the request for release on medical parole was rejected. I personally think that the
police deceived us. We had been informed that Rinpoche was lodged in a very well equipped prison and looked after well. In reality, however, he was living in a place that resembled a dungeon. It was very small and suffocating. On account of such poor care, his condition further deteriorated. 4. Two weeks after Rinpoche was reported to be dead in Chinese prison, there remains no clarity on the nature of his death. The Chinese authorities also refused to hand over the body to the family and disciples for performing the final rites. There have been reports that he was “poisoned and murdered”. What has been going on in your mind? Ans: Yes, even as the Chinese police authorities continue to claim that Rinpoche died because of a heart condition, I am hundred percent sure that it is not a valid claim. For, during the guarded funeral that was carried out by the Chinese authorities on July 16, some of the disciples who attended it said that they were suspicious of the nature of his death. They informed us that his nails and lips were black, which clearly indicates that he was poisoned and murdered. It was certainly not a normal death. Another reason to question the Chinese ploy emerges from the days leading to July 12, the day Rinpoche was declared dead by the Chinese prison authorities. Exactly ten days before the incident, Rinpoche’s sister and niece had been granted permission to meet him. However, for ten days, starting July 2, the duo were made to endlessly wait with no sign of the meeting. On July 12, the police announced, “Rinpoche is dead”. Also, when his disciples reached the Luding Bridge for dissolving his ashes in the water, the police authorities seized it from their hands almost immediately after the funeral. These events are clearly not adding up together. 5. Even your family members were detained by Chinese authorities when they went to seek his body. Similarly, protestors have been grievously injured and beaten up. What do you think about this form of oppression? Ans: Yes, a day after the funeral, Rinpoche’s sister and niece were detained by the Chinese police. We have no information about them ever since. During the same time, the police launched gun attacks and bombed areas where peaceful protests were organized. The Tibetan protestors were unarmed. As a community, we were deeply hurt. However, in reality, attacks on innocent Tibetans by the Chinese has become a part of their everyday struggle. 6. Cases of prison deaths of Tibetan political prisoners have become very common in Chinese prisons now. What is the kind of action that needs to be taken, in your opinion? Ans: The case of Rinpoche is high-profile and has been discussed even in the international media. We hope that these discussions shall eventually ensure that several thousands of Tibetan political prisoners in the future do not meet with a similar fate in a Chinese prison. 7. What do you think about the larger struggle for freedom in Tibet? What do you think should be the ways and means adopted to put an end to this form of oppression? Ans: The solution to the existing struggles that Tibetans and Tibetans-in-Exile are facing today lies in unity. It is very important for them to unite and spearhead political movements that will define freedom for the people, who have been braving severe oppression for several decades now.
Night of Poets: Tibetan poetry celebrated in Tibet and abroad
Poets gather in a black tent in Machu, Amdo to share and recite poetry. TPI By Molly Lortie: July 30, 2015
It was anonymously reported to the Tibet Post that on July 26th, 2015, a group of poets within Tibet came together for a night to honor Tibetan
poetry. Seventy-six poets from various parts of Tibet gathered both in Dzokey and Machu, Amdo to celebrate Tibetan poetry, and honor both contemporary and classic poets. The night of poetry was not exclusive to within Tibet, as Tibetan communities in different parts of India and western countries also celebrated the evening. Remotely located Tibetans held their own gatherings, and many also contributed through WeChat to talk about modern and ancient poetry and recite different poems. The night was considered a great success, as Tibetan poetry was recited, shared, and poets were honored, an important task in the face of oppressive China looking to end the Tibetan art and cultural traditions.
OPINION
The Tibet Post International
Sikyong : APJ Abdul Kalam’s death a loss for the entire world
Dr Lobsang Sangay during an event in Dharamshala, H.P, India, on 15th February 2012. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang By Yeshe Choesang: July 29, 2015
Dharamshala — Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people on Tuesday expressed his condolence over the sudden demise of APJ Abdul Kalam saying that Tibetan people hold him in the highest of regards. The Indian national flag was flown at half-mast in front of the Kashag secretariat of the Central Tibetan Administration as a mark of respect for the late former President. In his condolence message, Sikyong said, “It is with the deepest sorrow that I learned of His Excellency Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam’s sudden passing away on 27 July in Shillong, Meghalaya. The fact that he was giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management when he collapsed on stage, reflects his deep conviction to impart knowledge to the
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The Tibetan leader also explained that Rinpoche’s relatives and disciples fear that Chinese authorities might have poisoned Rinpoche, after it was revealed that Rinpoche’s lips and nails have turned black according to confirmed reports from Tibet. Sikyong also rebuked China for not handing over Rinpoche’s ashes to his family and disciples after the cremation. Reports from Tibet say that the ashes of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche were handed over to the family at first but later forcibly retaken by the authorities. Sikyong implored the Chinese authorities to hand over the ashes for its significance in Tibetan Buddhist rituals of a deceased. Sikyong has earlier expressed his sadness by stating, “It is sad to learn about the death of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. We knew he was gravely ill and his followers made numerous appeals for a medical parole.” “The fact that he was not even allowed medical parole and last wish of followers to see him reflects continuing hard line policies of the Chinese government. Such mistreatment will only generate more resentment among Tibetans,” he said.
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On the operation of SFT as a cross country organization, Tenzin Tzelha responded, “Friends working together.” Despite the cohesive force of SFT, Tenzin Tzelha expressed her concern on the controversy of representing Tibetan people as an organization working out of Tibet. “Sometimes, we claim that we know what is happening in Tibet, but sometimes I think we don’t. That’s the scariest thing now,” she said. “When we think we’re amplifying the voice of the voiceless, do we know what the voiceless is trying to say? Sometimes I feel like I represent people in Tibet when I speak publicly, and when I get interviewed. And I don’t want to misrepresent that. I want to say what they actually think,” she added. That is why SFT is always careful with the information source. Tzelha also talked with people in Dharamsala who got out from Tibet to know the voice inside the land. Tzelha also mentioned that more resource is needed to organize more movements. They ‘re fortunate to have merchandise stores which supports the finance of the organization, however they still need more budget on the continuing new movements considering the long-term protest against Chinese government. “Maybe, we should think of a new way of fund raising, maybe a big one,” said Tzelha. SFT is doing whatever they can to reach the final goal: to go home.
youth of the nation till his last breath.” “Dr Kalam’s sudden demise is a loss to not just India but the entire world. Therefore, on this sad occasion, I, on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the entire Tibetan people, extend my deepest sympathies and condolence to the whole nation of India,” Sikyong expressed. Referring to Dr Kalam as one of India’s brightest minds, Sikyong said,” Dr A P J Abdul Kalam
is the perfect epitome of the new aspirational India having lived his entire life in the pursuit of knowledge. From his humble beginnings in Tamil Nadu to becoming the President of India through sheer power of education, he inspired a whole generation of young Indians with his simple and straightforward messages.” “A visionary and a humanist, Dr Kalam was also known as the ‘missile man of India’ for his immense contribution to India’s missile systems development including the Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag and Agni missiles,” Sikyong said. “Even during his term as the 11th President of India, he was a genial figure, refreshingly free of pride and prejudice, which instantly endeared him to the public earning the epithet ‘People’s President’.” “Dr Kalam was also close to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and during their numerous meetings, they have discussed the various religious traditions and its contribution to modern science,” Sikyong said, adding, Tibetan people hold him in the highest of regards. Dr Kalam, 84, passed away in Shillong earlier on Monday after he was admitted to a hospital in the city, according to media reports. The former president collapsed during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management. He was in a critical condition and had been admitted to the city’s Bethany Hospital. APJ Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
Tibetan Parliament expresses condolence over Abdul Kalam’s demise By Yangchen Dolma: July 29, 2015
Dharamshala — The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile expressed its condolence over the sudden demise of APJ Abdul Kalam, an esteemed scientist and former President of India, saying that “he had inspired millions of people from all walks of life.” In a condolence letter addressed to Shri A PJ Maratayer, brother of late Dr Abdul Kalam, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wrote: “On behalf of all the Tibetan people, the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile express our deep sadness at the sudden demise of your beloved brother and former President of India.” “His Excellency Dr Abdul Kalam was a great scientist of India and he took India to a new level in the field of science. Moreover he was a man of wisdom and simplicity. He contributed his entire life to the service of the nation till his last breath. He had inspired millions of people from all walks of life. He had been a true idol to millions particularly to the students to always dream.” “He met with His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan people, on
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Photo: Media File
few occasions and they discussed about the relationship between Science and Buddhism. His Excellency had also shown keen interest in Buddhist philosophy,” he mentioned. “It is indeed an irremediable loss not only for India but also for the entire world. We express our heartfelt condolence to you and to the people of India. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote in the letter.
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Ms. Sarah Sewall, the State Department’s special coordinator for Tibetan issues, said she shared the “anger and sadness” of the Tibetan people and the US lawmakers over Tenzin Delek’s death. She said the “horrific self-immolations” of Tibetans in recent years were an expression of their desperation over the deteriorating situation in Tibet. She also elaborated on the four major priorities of her office namely resuming dialogue between the Chinese government and representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; promoting
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Pema Yoko, Deputy Director of Students for a Free Tibet says: “We had to go into the Chinese Consulate because Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s family and Tibetans in Tibet are left with unanswered questions about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Tibetans inside Tibet don’t even have the space to grieve or protest - they are cut off from the world. It is time now for the world governments to strongly condemn China for the custodial death of an innocent man and launch an international inquiry into his death.” Tenzin Dolkar, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet says: “An innocent Tibetan Buddhist monk has died at the hands of the Chinese government. His death is in every sense a political murder – a long, drawn out execution of a Tibetan hero who was a religious leader, environmentalist and rights advocate. We condemn the Chinese government for the murder of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. His death is a harsh reminder of the violent and brutal reality of Chinese-occupied Tibet and the fatal consequences for those who speak up for truth, justice, human rights and freedom for Tibetans in Tibet.”
Human Rights in Tibet; promoting religious freedom; and ensuring diplomatic and public access to Tibet and preservation of distinct culture, rich tradition and linguistic heritage of the Tibetan people. Hollywood actor Richard Gere, an ardent advocate of the Tibetan cause and Chairman of International Campaign for Tibet, also gave a testimonial before the Commission, referring to Tulku Tenzin Delek’s death in prison as a “stark reminder of who we are dealing with here.” The US lawmakers also discussed the possibility of restrictions on the movements of Chinese officials in U.S. to reciprocate for restrictions on American diplomats traveling to Tibet. Audience members held up photos of Tenzin Delek, as the hearing was underway. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche died on Sunday, 12 July, while serving the 13th year of a life sentence for what rights groups and the Tibetan people say were false charges that he was involved in a bombing.
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reliable and efficient health information system for health data collection. The processes taught were how to collect health information on paper forms as well as on the health information system software developed by the department. The opening and the closing ceremony were graced by the presence of the honorable Health Kalon and the Health Secretary who talked in detail about the importance of health data collection and analyses for formulation of important health policies at the administrative level. The training was given by the department’s Health Information System and Public Health Program Coordinator Tenzin Tseyang and Dr Lobsang Tsering.
The Tibet Post International
TPI NEWS
China cremates prominent Tibet monk’s body, refusing all demands
Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in his home in Nyagqu County in 1999. Photo: TPI file
By Angana Chakrabarti: July 16 , 2015
Dharamshala -- The prominent Tibetan dissident’s body was cremated this morning near Chuandong prison in Chengdu, refusing demands from family members and the international community. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s body was cremated at a secret prison, located approximately 5km from Chuandong prison in Chengdu, Thursday morning [at around 7am local time] by the Chinese prison authorities. “The cremation took place against the wishes of his family to release the body in order to perform the final Buddhist rites in his hometown Lithang County of Kham Province, eastern Tibet,” Geshe Nyima told the Tibet Post International Thursday morning. “Around 30 Tibetans who were Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s immediate family and students were allowed inside the secret prison to see the body before the cremation and perform a short prayer,” they said, adding: “Before the cremation, family members were allowed to wash their beloved spiritual leader’s body.” “The cremation follows unsuccessful negotiations over the release of the body between Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s family and prison authorities, which was followed by more than 100 Tibetans staging a peaceful sit-in protest outside Chuandong prison,” sources added. According to his family members, “No cameras or phones were allowed inside the undisclosed prison where Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was cremated.” His family described the prison conditions as despicable and “worthy for a beggar”. “All of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s belongings were reportedly burned and the family and mourning crowd were not permitted
to hold on to any remains. “ Geshe Nyima, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s student and cousin says in a phone message: “I am heartbroken, but also extremely angry. My family cannot accept this. We will not stop demanding justice until we have answers. Chinese authorities denied us our right to pay our final respect to Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and refused to return his body to us for Buddhist rites. My family believes he was murdered.” In Washington, members of the House of Representatives also demanded Chinese authorities return the lama’s body to his family members for a funeral. Human rights groups have long said the monk was persecuted by the Chinese and arrested on false charges because he advocated for Tibetan rights. At a hearing on Tibet by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on Tuesday, Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longstanding advocate for Tibetan freedom, called the monk “one of the good men of the community” who found commonality between Tibetans and Chinese. “The Chinese government has repeatedly violated all universal human rights in Tibet,” the Tibetan Parliament said in a statement,” the Tibetan Parliament in Exile said in a statement. Tenzin Dolkar, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet, says: “Injustice was committed against Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and his family by the Chinese government. With his death, Tibetans in Tibet lost their beloved leader and teacher. Today, their right to perform the last Buddhist rites for Tenzin Delek was taken away.” “Chinese authorities cremated his body with complete disregard to the family’s wishes. It is a failure of world governments to allow the Chinese government to get away with
Long Life Offering for His Holiness
By Reetika Revathy Subramanian: July 22, 2015
Dharamshala — At the very crack of dawn on Monday, July 20, a stream of people flowed in to the Tsuglakhang Temple quarters. By the time it was 8AM, the temple floors were packed with nearly 6,000 eager Tibetans and nonTibetans, waiting with bated breath to catch a glimpse of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Flashing his endearing smile, His Holiness, who turned 80 this month, waved at the people gathered for the Long Life Offering (Tenshung), as he walked into the temple courtyard. From young to old, people craned their necks, moved to the very edge of their seats and cheered for their much loved spiritual leader. The Long Life Offering was jointly organized by 11 organisations including Kopan Monastery, Shelkar Chöde, Chuwar Gaden Dropen Ling, Shri Chusang Gompa, Samtenling Drubgön, Thukje Chöling, Serkong Gaden Jamgonling, and Gosok Phuntsok Chöling, as well as two nunneries, Kyirong Thukje Chöling and Kopan Khechö Gakyil Ling. Dressed in traditional attire with colourful dresses and headgears, Tibetans hailing from various parts of India and Nepal waited for their turn to offer their prayers and presents to His Holiness. Several notable attendees at the ceremony included Gyurmey Monastery’s former Khenpo, Gosok Rinpoche, Taklong Shapdron Rinpoche, Taklong Matrel Rinpoche, the head officers of the three pillars of the
Tibetan Democratic Administration and other government officials. His Holiness gave the initiation of Dolkar Yeshi Khorlo Tsewang before presiding over the Long Life offering ceremony. Speaking before the initiation, His Holiness noted that everyone sought happiness in their lives, and nobody wished for suffering. “Happiness comes from our way of thinking, not from material things. Whether happiness comes or not depends on our own thinking,” His Holiness said. He also highlighted the role and significance of monasteries, which was not restricted to mass prayers and rituals alone. “For forty years or so, I have urged monasteries where there was no tradition of study to introduce it. Nowadays, I urge lay people to study too, and increasingly many are doing so. The Nalanda tradition placed emphasis on logic and epistemology, which deals with the nature, sources and limits of knowledge. We Tibetans have kept it up. This is our treasure, it can be a treasure for the world too,” said His Holiness, as the people listened intently. The Tibetan leader accepted the Long Life offerings from various organisations, associations and groups this year as he turns 80 as per the international calendar and 81 as per the Tibetan lunar calendar. “Since I don’t have much time, I have decided to accept Tenshug offerings jointly from different groups,” he said.
committing such violence against Tibetans,” she added. “Throughout his life, Rinpoche worked to protect Tibetan culture and religion from the onslaught of repressive Chinese policies. He also strived to safeguard Tibet’s fragile environment by advocating against illegal mining and pollution of Tibetan river waters,” the Central Tibetan Administration said during a prayer service. Chinese authorities have refused to release the body of a Tibetan lama who died in a Chinese prison, prompting a sit-in outside the prison by more than 100 Tibetans, sources said Wednesday. The monk’s family and followers learned of his death on Sunday. The next day, thousands gathered to mourn at a government office in Nyakchukha County in (Ch: Yajiang western Sichuan), sources said. The Chinese police fired shots into the air, used tear gas and beat protesters to disperse the crowds, the sources said, and at least 23 people were sent to a hospital for treatment on Monday. The protesters demanded that the Chinese authorities hand over the monk’s body to the family for funeral rites, the sources added. “We are saddened to learn that Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a Tibetan lama who has been a political prisoner since 2002, has died in prison. We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and supporters,” the U.S. Department of State said in a statement issued on July 13. “The United States had consistently urged China to release Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, most recently out of concern for his health. We hope Chinese authorities will investigate and make public the circumstances surrounding his death,” John Kirby Department Spokesperson said. “We urge Chinese authorities to return his body to his family or to his monastery so that customary religious rituals can be properly performed,” Kirby added.
Tibet News
July 31, 2015
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CTA concludes 10th Tibetan Settlement Officers meeting
Tibetan settlement officers with Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Molly Lortie: July 22, 2015
Dharamshala -- The Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Home concluded its tenth annual meeting of Tibetan Settlement Officers on July 16. The four day summit was held at the Tibetan Reception Center in Dharamshala and was attended by over 44 settlement officers from across India, Nepal and Bhutan. The workshop was attended by notable officials, special guests and speakers including Sikyong Kalon Dolma Gyari, Mr. Tempa Tsering, Education Kalon Mr. Ngodup Tsering, Health Kalon Dr. Tsering Wangchuk, Home Kalon Dolma Gyari, Home Secretary Mr. Sonam T. Khorlatsang. S i k y o n g D r. L o b s a n g S a n g a y, t h e democratically elected Prime Minister of the Tibetan administration, also addressed the attendees, expressing immense pleasure over the success of this annual meeting. He added that the present Kashag believes that settlement officers have left no stone unturned
in dealing with public grievance and problems. He further added that settlement officers are representatives of the CTA and have a huge responsibility, and the constant commitment and dedication is highly appreciated by the Kashag. “By the grace of His Holiness the Dalia Lama and also with dedication and sincerity of elders in our community we should feel proud to stand out from the rest of refugees spread over the world for being successful in preserving our religion, culture and language for over 56 years of refugee in exile”. Additionally, he highlighted the growing importance of Tibet’s international status and positive development. He included the recent example of the European Union’s president urging China, for the first time, to resume dialogue and negotiations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The meeting concluded with a performance of Tibetan cultural song and dance by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts to honor the settlement officers during a farewell dinner.
Tibetans stage protest in solidarity with deceased monk By Reetika Revathy Subramanian: July 19 , 2015
On Saturday, July18, several hundreds of Tibetans took part in a protest march, expressing their solidarity with deceased Tibetan monk and political prisoner Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Photo: TPI
Tibetans in exile hold prayer service for Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche By Reetika Revathy Subramanian: July 16, 2015
Dharamshala -- A wave of solidarity spread over Tsuglakhang, the main Tibetan temple in Mcleod Ganj on Wednesday, July 15. For, hundreds of Tibetans and Tibet supporters gathered at the temple to express their condolences over the sudden death in prison of one of the most prominent Tibetan political prisoners and a highly respected spiritual figure, Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Presided over by Kasur Kirti Rinpoche, the Head Lama of Kirti monasteries, the prayer service was organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan administration media reported. The condolence remarks at the prayer service were delivered by Education Secretary Kalon Ngodup Tsering, who officiated as the Sikyong. While reiterating the deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet under the repressive regime of the Chinese government, Kalon Ngodup Tsering urged the authorities to return Rinpoche’s body to his family members and the disciples. On Sunday, 12 July, Rinpoche died under mysterious circumstances as he served a life sentence in Chuandong Prison in the southwestern Chinese Provincial city of Chengdu. The Chinese
prison authorities informed Rinpoche’s sisters of his death on the same day. However, despite repeated attempts, they refused to elaborate on the circumstances that led to his death. Throughout his life, Rinpoche worked to protect Tibetan culture and religion from the onslaught of repressive Chinese policies. He also strived to safeguard Tibet’s fragile environment by advocating against illegal mining and pollution of Tibetan river waters. In 2002, in what was touted to be a politically motivated charge, Rinpoche was arrested by Chinese authorities for his alleged involvement in a bomb blast that occurred in Chengdu city. The real reason for his arrest by Chinese authorities, however, is believed to be his growing popularity among the public and his staunch loyalty to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was accordingly sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on December 2, 2002. This charge was laid irrespective of the fact that Rinpoche had proved his innocence against all the Chinese allegations. Following massive campaigns and appeals from Tibetans-in-Exile and other international human rights organizations seeking his release, Rinpoche’s death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment on January 24.
Dharamshala — The air was thick with anger and deep anguish. On Saturday, July18, several hundreds of Tibetans took part in a protest march, expressing their solidarity with deceased Tibetan monk and political prisoner Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Armed with Tibetan flags, posters and banners seeking justice from the Chinese government, the protestors, both, young and old, walked from McLeod Ganj, the capital of Tibetan Exile-Government to Kachari at Lower Dharamshala. “China is fully responsible for Rinpoche’s death. We hold China accountable for his murder in prison,” said Gelek Jamyang, president, National Democratic Party of Tibet. “This incident reaffirms our longstanding position that the Chinese Communist Government cannot be trusted. We call upon all Tibetans to remain steadfast and intensify our campaigns for the freedom of Tibet and the Tibetan people,” said Tenzing Jigme, president, Tibetan Youth Congress. The protest march was jointly organized by five organizations including Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement Association of Tibet, National Democratic Party of Tibet and Students for a Free Tibet, India. The protest was hinged on a three point agenda- to demand a clear answer from the Chinese government on the murder of the monk, to end the violent crackdown against peaceful protestors and to seek an intervention by the United Nations into the monk’s suspicious death. On July 12, Rinpoche, a greatly revered monk was reported to be dead in prison in Chengdu, Sichuan province. Ever since the news was broken by the Chinese authorities to the deceased monk’s sisters, questions have been raised about the nature of his death, which has been touted as “mysterious”. Rinpoche was arrested in April 2001 and subsequently sentenced to death on charges of ‘crimes of terror and incitement separatism’. Following a wide campaign, his sentence was reduced to life imprisonment. He maintained his innocence throughout the years in prison. “I am heartbroken at the loss of my dear cousin and our beloved Buddhist teacher. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was an innocent monk who suffered over 13 years of imprisonment, torture and abuse in a Chinese prison for simply advocating for the rights and well-being of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” said GesheNyima, cousin of Rinpoche, who lives in Dharamsala.
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LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You can solidify your relationship if you plan a special evening with your mate. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you’ll shine. A new image can be the result if you change your look. Take care of any medical problems if they’ve been troubling you.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Relatives may play an important role in your personal life. Self improvement projects should be your key concern. Things at home may be somewhat rocky. You may be likely to have difficulties with females.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Do not give your heart to someone who may not live up to your standards. You will not be able to contain your emotions this month. Don’t make financial contributions in order to impress others. You may want to try your hand at a little creative writing. Don’t let your boss get the better of you.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may find out that someone is trying to undermine you. Try to avoid being extravagant this month. Changes in your domestic scene are evident. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Invite friends in for a visit. Empty promises and a lack of cash may put a damper on your plans. Losses are evident. It might be time to pick up the slack and do your share.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Travel if it’s needed to start the ball rolling. Take a second look; another person’s philosophy may be extremely different from yours. Do not yield to children or relatives when they really don’t deserve it. Your mind is on moneymaking ventures.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
5 Nancy Pelosi: Tibetans are losing their culture and future Top US official calls His Holiness “ambassador for peace” The Tibet Post International
TPI NEWS
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting old friend Ms. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader in the US House of Representatives and Former House Speaker. Photo: Media File
By Yangchen Dolma: July 28, 2015
Washington DC — US House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s compassion, kindness and infinite wisdom and said if freedom-loving people do not speak out against “oppression in Tibet,” then they have lost all “moral authority.” The former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi made the following remarks at NATA’s event to honor His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet. “Good afternoon everyone. When I was told about today’s festivities, I was told that there would be speeches from visitors and in between there would be cultural performances. As I sit here now, I think we’ve come for an afternoon of cultural performances with a few speeches in between. Aren’t we inspired by the cultural performances that we have seen today? How wonderful. Your Holiness, it is with profound gratitude and humility that I am deeply honored for the privilege to join you for this blessed celebration of your 80th birthday—and to do it in the company of Rigdhen Dolma, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Speaker Tsering, Richard Gere — oh my goodness, Richard Gere, thank you for your persistent advocacy, leadership, and long term dedication to His Holiness and the people of Tibet. And to join Valerie Jarrett, who early in President Obama’s Administration, right at the start, met with His Holiness in India, as she mentioned, on behalf of the President — thank you for bringing his greetings today. It’s an honor to be with the monks who are here. And I want to go from Valerie’s comments to say that it was President Obama who earlier this year, at the National Prayer Breakfast in February, said this, he said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama “is a powerful example of what it means to practice compassion, who inspires us to speak up for the freedom and dignity of all human beings.” President Barack Obama, earlier this year. I have some wishes on His Holiness’s birthday and I wish that you all could have seen the response that that statement made at that breakfast in appreciation—Richard, you were there, you saw the response, people watching on TV saw it, I wish you all could have. For many Presidents, His Holiness has been an enduring example of how world leaders must practice compassion and defend the dignity of the downtrodden. Again, another President, President Bush, I was blessed to be Speaker of the House when the Congress of the United States presented His Holiness with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 – Richard, you were there! I wish you could have seen at that ceremony President Bush called His Holiness, quote, “A universal symbol of peace and tolerance, a shepherd for the faithful, and the keeper of the flame of his people”. But His Holiness — I come as a civic leader — I come also to brag about the connection His Holiness has had with our country, and with Presidents of the United States. Many Presidents have honored this keeper of the flame over the years. The first one was Franklin Roosevelt. As a young child, the Dalai Lama received a gold watch from President Franklin Roosevelt showing the phases of the moon and the days of the week. The watch is a symbol of the lasting friendship between His Holiness and the United States. His Holiness still uses the watch, and his teachings about the connection between science and religion remain an important and relevant part of his message. His Holiness says I’m always talking about the watch. Do you have it today, Your Holiness? [laughs]. Next time, 90th birthday. The connection has always been present in his messages to Congress, where he has had a strong relationship. So I am proud to bring
heartiest birthday greetings from His Holiness’ many, many friends in Congress, and they are truly friends—on both sides of the aisle, and on both sides of the Capitol, in the House and in the Senate. On recent occasion I saw him there with Senator Dianne Feinstein, a friend of His Holiness and of Tibet, and John McCain, on the same program. In our House this week, I joined with Republican Chairman Chris Smith, your friend, in celebrating the occasion of His Holiness’s 80th birthday when we unanimously—His Holiness brings people together, yes, as was mentioned, but he also brings Democrats and Republicans together because the vote to celebrate his 80th birthday, Valerie, was unanimous. His Holiness’ relationship with Congress goes back many years. It was mentioned that I’ve been in Congress 28 years that would be in June. In September, 28 years ago, it was an honor for me to join my colleagues in welcoming His Holiness as he proposed the historic Five Point Peace Plan for resolving the future status of Tibet, and he made that presentation to the United States Congress. I wish you could have been there to see that presentation 28 years ago. It did change our lives. In its five points, His Holiness was already emphasizing our responsibility to the environment. As it is stated in one of his points, serious efforts must be made to restore the natural environment in Tibet. Tibetans have a great respect for all forms of life. The inherent feeling is enhanced by the Buddhist faith, which prohibits the harming of all sentient beings, whether human or animal. That is in the five points. It’s important to know that when His Holiness received the Nobel Peace Prize—when he received that, just a couple years after his visit to us—he was the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern about the global environment challenge, the first Nobel Laureate! A few years later, I wish you could have been there when our delegation to Rio, the earth summit in Rio in 1992, to see when His Holiness was so gloriously received at that Rio summit, having again recently received the Nobel Prize. It was for the environment, but it was also for consistently advocating nonviolence despite extreme aggression in Tibet. Many of us were privileged to be together 10 years ago—you were there, Richard—for his 70th birthday, in Washington, D.C. I had the privilege to introduce him to thousands of people; a crowd like this was there—seems like yesterday, Your Holiness. When we awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in the Congress, that takes place inside the Congress—but so many people wanted to be there that we had to have an outside program as well—thousands of people traveled from many distances, to be there, to be in the presence of His Holiness. Massive crowds, I wish you could have seen them, turned out to visit him. When we went on a Congressional CODEL to Dharamsala, our delegation was so moved to see His Holiness in his setting. And yes, Valerie, it was so incredible to see the faces of the little children, being raised in the Tibetan culture, which many children in Tibet would be deprived of that opportunity. It was also moving to see the anguished faces of people newly coming in to Dharamsala over the mountains just to report to His Holiness about the conditions in Tibet. I just associate myself with the characterization Valerie gave because she described it so well. I wish that you could all see how embraced His Holiness – you know how respected he is in the world, it’s such a joy to see him in Dharamsala, of course we want to see him in Tibet. Of course, as we see him today, we know that people all over the world would do anything to seek an audience with His Holiness. Tibetans have walked and hiked for
H.H THE DALAI LAMA
months across the freezing Himalayan mountain passes—it is the most perilous escape route on Earth. A month of walking over the mountains, in the freezing cold, they all do this to be in the presence of the Dalai Lama. How blessed we are today to be here for an audience with His Holiness on his birthday celebration. For almost eight decades, because it started as a child practically, the visionary leadership of the Dalai Lama has been critical to amplifying the voices of Tibetans in Tibet and beyond. His clarion call of freedom for Tibet is a challenge to all who believe in justice, in dignity, and in the power of the human spirit. Indeed, the situation in Tibet remains a challenge to the conscience of the world. Under the Chinese government’s continuing occupation of his homeland, Tibetans are losing their culture and their future, and the human rights situation is deteriorating. If freedomloving people do not speak out against oppression in Tibet because of China’s economic strength, then we have lost all moral authority to speak out on human rights anywhere in the world. When I say that to His Holiness, he said he prays that he can rid me of my negative attitudes, but anyway. As a young person in 1960, though he’s always young, His Holiness wrote a beautiful prayer entitled “The Words of Truth” which proclaims: “May all fears from unbearable war, famine, and disease be pacified to freely breathe an ocean of happiness and well-being”. His Holiness’ vision of happiness and wellbeing, so similar to our founders’ promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, ensure that people of every faith and every nation have a role to play in improving the lives of others. His Holiness has truly lived this truth. In reading about His Holiness and the situation in Tibet, I came across a Sanskrit word, Satyagraha, and I learned that word in Sanskrit means nonviolence, and it also means insistence on the truth. Nonviolence. Insistence on the truth. Isn’t this exactly what His Holiness is about? Isn’t it what we should all be about? And yes, under his leadership we must in a nonviolent way, a non-negative way, insist upon the truth of what is right for the world and what is right for Tibet. By speaking out against injustice we insist upon the truth by following the dedication of his life to the wellbeing of others and insisting on the dignity of every human being, His Holiness has indeed changed the lives of some of us, he has changed many lives—he has changed the world, he has changed history, and he is changing the future. Richard Gere and I recently wrote a Wall Street Journal op-ed in praise of His Holiness. We agreed that “there is no better way to honor the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday than by standing with him and the Tibetan people, vowing to keep their cause alive”. Let us celebrate His Holiness with our actions, let us honor his cause with our commitment to justice, let us continue to work to fulfill the wishes of so many, who seek peace. Happy birthday again, Your Holiness. May you continue to change the world with your loving message of global peace through compassion. Richard has said I am looking forward to your 90th birthday. This doesn’t sound like much after what Richard and Valerie said, but as we say in Italian, cento anni —may you live a hundred years; a hundred and ten, a hundred and twenty—you will always live in our hearts.”
By Yangchen Dolma: July 27 , 2015
Washington DC — White House senior adviser praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet and described him as “an ambassador for peace, for justice, and for nonviolence.” Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama made the following remarks at NATA’s event to honor His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet. “His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to the monks and the people of Tibet, to the leaders and dignitaries and incredible performers who are here today, and to all of you, gathered in this amazing room, good afternoon. And what an amazing afternoon it is. It is an honor to be among so many friends of His Holiness as we celebrate his extraordinary life of a man that we all admire and respect. I come here today on behalf of President Barack Obama, to convey the birthday wishes of the American people to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. There are very few individuals that have a truly global presence, and even fewer who have used that presence to make such a powerful and positive contribution to humanity. Both through his words and importantly his deeds, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has become an ambassador for peace, for justice, and for nonviolence. He has inspired us all to speak up for the dignity of every human being, and he has been unwavering in his conviction that there is most certainly more that unifies us than could possibly divide us. In this sense, he is a man for this moment: at a time when voices of intolerance seek to sow division along religious and racial and ethnic lines, the Dalai Lama serves as a powerful counterweight, for he is a uniter. His teachings challenge us to promote religious harmony among all faiths and traditions, and the unwavering persistence of his message of compassion serves as a moral compass for all of us during this extraordinarily challenging time in our world’s history. But the Dalai Lama is not a billboard who merely looks good from a distance. I kno w this from personal experience that I am humbled to say. I had the incredible opportunity of visiting His Holiness in Dharamsala back in
July 31, 2015
2009. I spent time at his private residence and I visited the community that has thrived under his spiritual leadership in exile for 56 years. The Dalai Lama and I discussed the importance of a lifelong commitment to giving voice to the voiceless, and by the example he has set, he truly gave me a renewed strength to never lose sight of our collective and our individual responsibility to be unwavering forces for good. I felt the profound connection between he and his many followers; I visited a monastery, I visited a school, I visited an orphanage—all that he had established. I saw the extraordinary efforts that he had undertaken to preserve the Tibetan religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions. And I will never, ever forget the joyful healthy children who I met who were being raised by loving and nurturing adults in an orphanage that is 54 years old. And, in fact, I discovered that many of the adults in the orphanage had been raised in that very same orphanage and were giving back to the children of today. After that amazing trip to Dharamsala, I returned to the United States and I told President Obama that His Holiness had changed my life, and I meant it. Now, I hasten to add that later His Holiness said to the President that he thought I was exaggerating when I said that, but I was not. He truly changed my life. And each time our paths have crossed since that very first visit to Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama has touched my heart, and has been an ongoing source of deep and true inspiration for me as I know he is for all of you. On a personal note, I just want to say publicly what I hope you know privately, which is: I treasure you, and I am humbled, deeply humbled, to be able to call you my friend. And so today, as we join here and so many people around the world in celebration of an extraordinary life of this great leader, a good and a decent man, a compassionate and honest man, a spiritual and intellectual man, a man, I hasten to say, with amazing grace. And so I close the way I began, which is to say to you on behalf of President Barack Obama, I wish you Sir, a continued health, and strength, and vigor, for at least until you reach the age of a hundred and twenty. Thank you very much.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Ms. Valerie Jarett at NATA’s long life prayer offering and event to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday at Javits Centre in New York, 11 July. Photo: Media File
His Holiness expresses sadness over Abdul Kalam’s demise By Yeshe Choesang: July 28, 2015
Dharamshala, India, July 28, 2015 – In his condolence message, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet expressed his deep sadness on learning of the passing away of Former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His Holiness wrote: “I am very sad to learn of the sudden passing away of our former President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam yesterday evening.”
His Holiness said that “This is an irreparable loss. He was not only a great scientist, educationist and statesman, but also above all a real gentleman.” “Over the years I had the opportunity to meet and interact with him on many occasions and always admired his down to earth simplicity and humility,” the message added. “I used to enjoy our discussions on a wide range of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, during the Inaugural Session of the World Meeting for Peace and Harmony in New Delhi, India, on September 11, 2012. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
subjects of common interest, but mainly concerned with science, spirituality and education,” it stated. “I offer my condolences and prayers to his family and the people of India at this sad time,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Former Indian presidentAPJAbdul Kalam, known as the father of the country’s military missile program, died on Monday after collapsing while delivering a lecture, according to media reports. He was 84. After his presidential term ended, Kalam traveled to remote schools and colleges, speaking to students and inspiring them to follow their dreams. Even after he left office, he received hundreds of emails each day from high-school students and other young people seeking his advice. He would reply to most of the children who wrote to him. Kalam received several prestigious awards, including Bharat Ratna, India’s top civil honor conferred by the government. He played a crucial role when India tested its nuclear weapons in 1998. He also authored several books, notably Wings of Fire, India 2020 and Ignited Minds. Kalam had a humble beginning. His father owned boats which he rented out to local fishermen. Kalam used to describe himself as “Made in India,” as he never trained abroad.
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July 31, 2015
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Grievous wounds sustained by Tibetan protestors in Chinese firing
The Tibet Post International
Layers of suspicion raised over death of Tibetan monk in prison By Reetika Revathy Subramanian: July 18, 2015
At least 15 Tibetans including five aged persons were wheeled into hospitals after they sustained grievous gunshot wounds in the indiscriminate Chinese firing. Photo: TPI By Reetika Revathy Subramanian: July 16, 2015
Dharamshala — At least 15 Tibetans including five aged persons were admitted to hospitals after they sustained grievous gunshot wounds in the indiscriminate firing by Chinese police authorities in a public demonstration held in Nyachuka on Monday, July 13. Several others also sustained minor injuries after the authorities opened fire. The photographs of the violence meted out on the protestors began to trickle down into exile soon after. A day after the Chinese prison authorities notified the death of prominent Tibetan political prisoner, Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, several hundreds of Tibetan protestors, both young and old, had taken to the streets in front of the local administrative office at Othok Township in Nyachukha County, to mourn his death in prison. Not only have the authorities refused to
elaborate on the circumstances that led to his untimely death, but also refused to hand over Rinpoche’s body to his two sisters for the final rites. The demonstrators were thus, demanding the return of Rinpoche’s body to his family members and disciples. Following the demonstration, a large number of security forces have been deployed in the area and the road to and from Lithang and Nyachuka has been blocked to restrict movement of local people. Meanwhile, hundreds of monks have been simultaneously holding a sit-in protest in front of the Chuandong prison in Chengdu, demanding the release of Rinpoche’s body for last rites. Rinpoche, 65, died under mysterious circumstances on Sunday, 12 July, while serving a life sentence in Chuandong prison in the southwestern Chinese Provincial city of Chengdu. Tibetans and human rights groups have
maintained that the charges leveled on Rinpoche by the Chinese government was a politically-motivated fabrication to undermine his efforts towards environmental conservation, educational development and cultural preservation. In fact, in a substantive report published by Human Rights Watch in 2010, it was stated that: “The case of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was a culmination of a decadelong effort by Chinese authorities to curb his efforts to foster Tibetan Buddhism, his support for the Dalai Lama as a religious leader, and his work to develop Tibetan social and cultural institutions. His efforts had become a focal point for Tibetans struggling to retain their cultural identity in the face of China’s restrictive policies and its continuing persecution of individuals attempting to push the accepted boundaries of cultural and social expression.”
Testament of deceased Tibetan monk reveals Chinese oppression By Reetika Revathy Subramanian: July 18, 2015
Dharamshala — Eight days before Tibetan monk Sonam Topgyal, 27, set himself on fire on Thursday, July 9, he had written his testament, revealing the deep rooted oppression that was meted out to him and his fellow Tibetans by the Chinese government. Soon after he immolated himself, there was a security clampdown around the central square of Kyegudo in the Yulshul (in Chinese, Yushu) Tibetan Autonomous Perfecture, where the incident took place. Communication and internet channels in the area were also disrupted. The content of the testament was made available to The Tibet Post International from a source living in Switzerland, shared on the condition of anonymity.
Last words of 27-year-old monk, Sonam Topgyal, who set himself on fire on July 9, 2015 “To the leaders of the Chinese Government and particularly to the local heads of the minorities, I am the 27-year-old son of Tashitsang of Nangchen, Yulshul in Tsongon region. Currently, I am a monk studying at Dzongsar Institute. As people within the country and outside are aware, the Chinese government does not look at the true and real situation of the minorities, but practices only harsh and repressive policies on them. At a time when the government is carrying out policies to stamp out our religion, tradition and culture, and destroy our natural environment, there is absolutely no freedom of expression for the people, and there is no channel to talk about our situations and file our complaints. Moreover, every time the people try to report the truth about their situation and file any complaint, the authorities, instead of providing
Testament of deceased monk, Sonam Topyal. Photo: TPI
solutions, bring out more crackdowns and arrests on them. Through various deceptive policies, the government also prevents monks and nuns from joining religious institutions. In a nutshell, they are carrying policies to completely wipe out the minorities. Our chief goal is for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to be able to return to the Potala Palace. I am sacrificing my life to prove to the world and especially the people of China and the Chinese authorities that as Tibetans, we have absolutely no power or channel to talk about the injustices meted out on us. My Tibetan brothers and sisters of the same blood, I plead you to not remain aloof as if you have not seen or heard anything. Be united and stay strong to work hard for our just struggle to win in the end. Written on July 1, 2015 just when the sun rose Sonam Topgyal”
Dharamshala — Days after greatly revered Tibetan monk Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was reported to be dead inside the Chinese prison, graver questions and doubts have been raised by the Tibetan community regarding the motivation behind the incident. Based on information available to them regarding the moments, both, leading to as well as soon after Rinpoche’s death, the Tibetan community members have put together questions and notes that underline the suspicious nature of events. In a statement addressed to Xi Jinping, the President of China, Geshe Sermey Loga, who is a monk, reiterates that the “murder” was premeditated, keeping in mind the way in which the Chinese authorities handled the situation. According to Loga, the fact that no family member was allowed to collect the body of the deceased monk was a matter of doubt. “A patient in serious condition not allowed to meet the visitors is something that is despicable and will be seen so by everyone in the world. For about ten days, the sisters were made to wait and delayed day and night to see Rinpoche. This forcible action of the authorities in denying the sisters a visit to the Rinpoche before he passes is an authentic proof of Communist China’s hand in the murder of the
Rinpoche,” claims Loga in the statement. Loga further cites that despite repeated pleas, the Chinese Government did not allow for an independent autopsy to be carried out on Rinpoche’s body. This, again, he claims, reeks of foul play. “The fact that none of the clergy members of the two Othok Monasteries and faithful laity were allowed to see the dead body and without offering a chance for a team of independent researchers to perform an autopsy clearly demonstrates there is foul play, and the communist Chinese authorities are complicit in the murder of the Rinpoche,” he further adds. The largest concern however, is raised in conjunction with the time of the incident that took place very close to the 80th birthday celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In a clampdown on the celebrations, the Chinese authorities, Loga alleges, had enforced a blockage on internet in Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This blockage meant that the word on Rinpoche’s mysterious death inside prison could not spread like wild fire, thereby inviting any form of protest. “Within that period of information black out, the Chinese authorities starting saying ‘The Rinpoche is Dead’ is a matter that arouses lots of suspicions in the minds of the Tibetan people,” Loga further states in the message to the Chinese President.
Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Photo: TPI