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Runggye Adak released after eight years in Chinese jail Vol. 03, Issue 138, Print Issue 62, August 15, 2015 Indian MPs: China tries to annihilate Tibetan identity

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Sikyong lauds administration’s educational achievements

B o d - K y i - Cha-Trin

A Voice For Tibet Bi-monthly

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50,000 gather for long life prayer of His Holiness

By Molly Lortie: August 13, 2015

Indian Parliamentarians and members of the Tibetan Parliament discussing the Tibet issue at Himachal Bhavan, New Delhi. Photo: TPiE

By Yeshe Choesang: August 13, 2015

Dharamshala — All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) including Convenors and Coconvenors of Indian parliamentarian group in support of Tibet issue met Wednesday evening to discuss the Tibet issue at the Himachal Bhavan in New Delhi.

“Indian parliamentarians from six different political party took part in the meeting and said China tries to annihilate the identity of Tibetan people.” a report by India-Tibet Co-ordination Office said on August 12.

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Tibetans celebrate India’s Independence Day

Leh, Ladakh -- As His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s two week trip to Ladakh concluded, he once more graced the grounds at Shiwatsel, Leh for a teaching on July 30th, 2015. An estimated crowd of nearly 50,000 filled the grounds to hear His Holiness’s teaching and take part in a long life offering.

His Holiness began by addressing all of our lasting searches for happiness. He assured the crowd that while material developments and technology have benefited our lives, it is in fact not the source of our happiness.

“Material development and technological progress have had an impact on all our lives. We have better health, we live longer and we are more comfortable than in the past, but the question is whether we are actually happier. If material development alone really brought lasting happiness, people living in highly developed countries should be completely happy. But this is not so. Many of us still face a great deal of suffering and unease.”

He went on to explore the ways in which humans are separate from animals, celebrating the mental capacity that puts us ahead of other animals, in some aspects, while actually detracts from our happiness in other aspects. “Human beings have a special quality of intelligence and discriminative awareness. It is this that has given rise to the progress and material development human beings have achieved. Animals don’t have such ability... Another aspect of our human intelligence is our ability to think about ourselves and those close to us, to remember the past and speculate about the future. The result is that we are beset by concerns and worries that disturb our peace of mind.”

His Holiness went on to give the empowerment of White Tara, focused on longevity and awakening the mind. With the conclusion of the empowerment, the Long Life Offering commenced, as prominent lamas and over 1000 locals took part in offerings. Notable guests of the ceremony included Ganden Tri Rinpoche, Thiksey Rinpoche, Togden Rinpoche, Bakula Rinpoche and Chöngön Rinpoche in addition to leaders and representatives from the Sunni and Shia Muslim communities

Members of the local community carrying offerings during the Long Life Offering ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on July 30, 2015. Photo/Tenzin Chojeor/OHHDL

and the Christian community.

The ceremony ended with a lunch, where His Holiness donated his personal copy of the Tengyur, the translated collection of Indian masters’ treatises, to the Leh Jokhang. He told his guests that he would like to donate his own copy in the hope that in due course the Jokhang may become a library and center of learning.

His Holiness left the next day by plane to Delhi, on his way back to Dharamshala.

His Holiness will be visiting to UK in September 2015. He will give a public talk on Compassion - The Foundation of Well-being at The O2 London organized by the Tibet House Trust.

“We see tremendous problems in Tibet:” US tells China

Tibetans severely beaten after refusing to wear animal furs U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry gives remarks at the U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on August 13, 2015.

Photo: State Department

By Yeshe Choesang: August 14, 2015

Dharamshala — “We see tremendous problems in Tibet,” US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski said during a special briefing on Wednesday, in Washington DC. “We also urged greater access to Tibetan areas by diplomats and journalists on the basis of reciprocity,” he said, while briefing on the 19th round of the U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue.

The US has pressed hard on human rights issues including religious freedom and deteriorating situation in Tibet, while recognising the issue of Tibet as a priority of US government policy.

During a day-long US-China dialogue on human rights, the US pressed China on a number of human rights issues including the recent crackdown on lawyers and increasing tension in the Tibetan areas, Malinowski said.

He said these issues will feature very prominently in Xi’s meeting with President Barack Obama in September. “Today’s meetings P-2...

SIkyong Dr Lobsang Sangay hoisting the Indian National flag this morning at the Kashag Secretariat. Photo: CTA/DIIR

By Yeshe Choesang: August 15, 2015

Dharamshala — Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, congratulated India on its 69th Independence Day at a brief ceremony held at the Cabinet secretariat on Saturday.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Cabinet of Tibetan government in Exile and secretaries and senior officials of all the departments.

“On the 69th anniversary of India’s independence day, I would like to wish the government and people of India a very hearty congratulation,” Sangye said.

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Tibetan Speaker returns from Official Visit to US

By Yangchen Dolma: August 10, 2015

Dharamshala — Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, returned to Dharamshala on July 31 after a 26-day official visit to the United States.

During his visit, he conducted a series of public talks to the Tibetan community and Tibet support groups in various US cities including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Washingotn DC, Boston and New York City, according to a Tibetan administration media report.

He met US Senator Jim McGovern, Mr. Wilson Lee and Ms. Tenzin Palkyi from NED during his visit.

On 27 July, he met ICT chairman Mr Richard Gere and ICT President Mr Matteo Meccaci to discuss the situation inside Tibet and their lobbying efforts in the US. He reached New Delhi on 28 July and visited the IndiaTibet Co-ordination Office (ITCO). He discussed with the staff of the office about the forthcoming conference of Tibet supporters in the Indian Parliament to be organised by Shri.

Shanta Kumar on 11 August.

Speaker Penpa Tsering also attended the grand long life prayer offering for His Holiness the Dalai Lama organised by North American Tibetan Association (NATA) on 10 July in New York.

US senators to Obama: Raise Tibet Human Rights with Xi Injured Tibetans admitted in hospitals after a assault of Chinese police in Nangchen County. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: August 11, 2015

Dharamshala — Several Tibetans were severely beaten

by Chinese police after showing an expression of sad or unhappy on their faces during the official celebration in Nangchen County, Kham Yushul in eastern Tibet.

Tibetans were ordered to perform in expensive costumes made from animal pelts and furs to show “economic prosperity” during the event preparations took place between 1 to 3 August.

The authorities in Nangchen County, (Ch: Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (incorporated into China’s Qinghai Province) Kham Yulshul in eastern Tibet, ordered around 10 Tibetan townships to prepare for a summer cultural show, wearing traditional expensive costumes made from animal pelts to show “economic prosperity.”

“Four police vehicles arrived with armed police, who threatened the local Tibetan,” the Tibet Post International sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“As the celebration was ongoing on August 3, fully armed Chinese authorities carrying guns and electric batons, threatened several local Tibetans who were participating in

the event,” sources said, adding that “the Tibetans gradually returned to their homes fearing a severe crackdown.”

After the event took place, sources said “the Chinese police barged into tents without cause and without a warrant, started beating them with electric batons and over 30 Tibetans were severely injured.”

“Several Tibetans were hospitalised on August 4, after they were severely assaulted by the Chinese authorities,” he said.

Sources stated that “local Tibetans were accused of carrying sad or unhappy expressions on their faces during the celebration. The injured were taken to a hospital in the county and those with severe injuries were shifted to Silling City.”

Animal pelts and furs were used in traditional Tibetan attires in the past. But, the practice almost completely stopped in Tibet, in support of a comment made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the 2006 Kalachakra initiation.

This directive was sparked off by a rash of fur-burning across Tibet despite Chinese efforts. The officials soon declared fur-burning illegal and even began to force Tibetans to wear animal furs in public.

The US lawmakers who wrote the letter US President Barack Obama, include Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with Senators Pat Leahy (D-VT), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: August 14, 2015

Dharamshala — About ten US lawmakers have written a letter to US President Obama urging him to raise the issue of deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet and China with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the latter’s upcoming visit to the US in next month.

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August 15, 2015

TPI NEWS

“Sport has the ability to bridge divides that politics can’t”: Tibet Women’s Soccer

Reetika Revathy Subramanian July 30, 2015

Dharamshala — It was for the first time since its formation in 2011 that players from the Tibet Women’s Soccer team soared the skies and played on an international pitch last month. The Tibetan footballers-in-exile were invited to attend the Discover Football Beyond Borders festival in Berlin, Germany from June 27 to July 6. They shared the football pitch with a team of players from China as well.

The Tibet Post International interviewed Cassie Childers, the programme manager and founder of Tibet Women’s Soccer, who is based out of the United States, on the team’s experience and the ways in which sports can be used as a tool for diplomacy.

1. First and foremost, many congratulations.

Could you elaborate on the Discover Football Beyond Borders festival, experiences of the participants from TWS and its overall significance in your journey?

Ans: The Beyond Borders soccer festival brought together teams from nations around the world and mixed the players up onto new teams. The aim was to transcend political, religious and social differences. The Tibetan delegation’s attendance marked the first time that female Tibetan athletes ever competed in an international event, and the first time Tibetan athletes of any sex have competed with Chinese athletes post-1959.

2. You had mentioned that it was challenging for the women players to go abroad and participate in a festival of this nature. Would you be able to highlight a few challenges that they overcame?

Ans: There were so many challenges that our team had to overcome! First, the team made the decision to break away from the Tibetan National Sports Association. Just a few short months ago we were told that the team could never travel abroad by them. That statement was one of the catalysts that led to our declaration of independence. Now, Tibet Women’s Soccer is an independent association. Soon after, we received the invitation to attend the Beyond Borders festival. Then, a whole new set of challenges presented itself. First, we had to collect all the proper paperwork to obtain Indian return visas and German visas. It was a very challenging process, and all the players participated in it. Miraculously, we managed to get it done just hours before it would have been too late.

Meanwhile, we had to keep the entire process secret, as we did not want to alert the Chinese government. If they found out that a team representing Tibet was going to be attending the festival, they might try to prevent us from coming, or prevent the Chinese from attending.

Only when we had successfully passed through immigration at the Delhi airport and boarded the plane did I send out the press release announcing the tour. Our tactic worked, and we made it to Berlin, along with the Chinese team.

3. How would you explain the act of playing football to be deemed as a political act? It would be interesting to look at it through the gendered lens.

Ans: For Tibet Women’s Soccer, football is definitely a political act. These young women have been told not to play football. They have been told that football is important for boys, and not for girls by leaders in the community. Their progress has been blocked and stifled in many ways by the people in charge. But when these young women made the decision to play football despite all the opposition, it is very much a political act. They are exercising their right to self-determination, and proving that they are capable of doing anything that a man can do, and that they don’t need anyone’s permission to do what they love and follow their dreams.

The other political angle is sports diplomacy. The Tibetan political struggle has experienced very

limited success in recent years. Politicians and activists continue to work towards freedom, but the situation is at a stalemate. Sports have the ability to bridge divides that politics can’t. Much like the Ping Pong Diplomacy between the USA and China back in the 1970’s, Tibetan athletes have the opportunity to initiate a new form of dialogue with Chinese and the rest of the world. Every time a team walks onto the pitch wearing the Tibetan flag on their jersey, it’s a political act. It says, “Tibet is a country. We are Tibetans. And we are representing 6 million others still inside Tibet who don’t have the right to bear this flag.” When our team met the Chinese team in Berlin, these brave and insightful young women overcame decades of fear, hatred and terror, and reached out with an olive branch in friendship to these innocent Chinese footballers, and showed the world that Tibetans and Chinese can get along and find common interests and passions.

4. In the larger debates on patriarchy, how would you locate TWS in this space? Could you provide a case or two on certain transformational journeys of Tibetan women, who have braved multiple layers of marginalisation with respect to their own identities? How do you think has this sport enabled them to exercise their rights in today’s time and circumstances?

Ans: There have been several instances when the TWS players have been told that should not and cannot participate in our various events and activities purely based on the idea that football has no value in the lives of women. Despite the strong influence of others’ opinions in the society, the players were able to reflect and look deep within themselves, seeing beyond the limitations projected onto them by certain elders, and recognizing that for them,football has a tremendous value. Taking that brave step and showing up to play anyway is preparing them to overcome all kinds of challenges in their lives, and empowering them to decide for themselves who they want to be and what kind of mark they want to make on the world. This is producing strong, confident Tibetan women, which can only benefit the society at large and contribute to the progress of the Tibetan freedom movement.

5. What is the kind of response that TWS has received from both, national and international stakeholders? This could also be looked at in terms of funding options.

Ans: The international community is responding to our progress with a huge wave of support.

We have supporters all over the world now, and are attracting both individual and corporate sponsorships. Within the Tibetan community we also receive a lot of moral support, mostly from the common people. There has been a fairly strong response from Tibetan living in the West, too. However, I’d like to improve this aspect of our support network, and receive more tangible support from within the Tibetan community.

6. Within the existing framework of the politics in Tibet and the Tibetans-in-Exile, (A) Where does TWS stand? (B) What does the future hold, according to you, for the women soccer players and the sport at larger?

Ans: TWS upholds the belief that Tibetan women are the greatest untapped resource in the Tibetan political cause. We are striving to create an environment that provides the tools and skills for our players to formulate their own opinions, beliefs and ideas and express them with eloquent confidence in the community at large, in time becoming societal leaders themselves. It’s safe to say that now we have broken through a major barrier within the society, and that from now on Tibetan girls will have the opportunity to play sports in exile. I think that at this point, no one can hold them back anymore. Within a few years we hope to field Tibet’s first women’s national team, and continue to represent Tibetan women at soccer events all over the world. I hope this will spread to other sports as well.

OPINION

The Tibet Post International

Increased militarization in Tibet ahead of 50th anniversary

By Jane Cook: August 15, 2015

Dharamshala — With the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) coming up on 1 September 2015, Chinese military troops have excessively increased their presence in the region during the month of August. Moreover, on 30 July 2015, a high-level meeting on Tibet security policy was convened by China’s top Politburo and presided over by President Xi Jinping himself.

According to variety reports and sources, major troop movements, including tanks or heavy artillery in convoys of more than 200 vehicles, have been observed in different parts of Tibet in the build-up to the September 1 anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region, which will be attended by Chinese leaders from Beijing. The People’s LiberationArmy held major live fire exercises this week led by the Chengdu military district that oversees Tibet and the border areas.

The importance of the Tibet issue at the highest levels in China was underlined by a meeting of the top Politburo led by Party Secretary Xi Jinping on July 30.

The issue of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation was raised in the official media as a critical element of the PRC’s “sovereignty and national security”.

The formation of a powerful new central group for ‘United Front’ work – the Party department involved in dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representatives until talks stalled in January 2010 – is likely to indicate an upgrading of the department and a strengthening of control. An agreement formalizing cooperation on security and ‘political stability’ – a political term associated with a dramatic expansion of military and police powers – across Tibetan areas in the PRC was made in Lhasa on July 10.

The new developments, which focus on a hard line approach to the Dalai Lama and struggle against ‘separatism’ set the tone for a key high-level strategy meeting rumoured to be imminent that is intended to set Tibet policy for the coming decade. Linked to this, there is speculation that China’s Party Secretary and President Xi Jinping may visit Tibet in the next few weeks.

Images and footage have emerged of major convoys of troops in transit in Lhasa and Shigatse (Chinese: Rikaze) in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), and Rebkong (Chinese: Tongren) in Qinghai, in July. While the purpose of some of the convoys appears to have been propaganda and intimidation, some of the troop movements may have been linked to major military exercises. The Chinese state media announced a joint military drill with live firing on Monday (August 10) on the Tibetan plateau in Sichuan (Xinhua, August 11, 2015).

The footage depicts trucks full of armed troops passing through Lhasa near the Potala Palace and a main street in Shigatse. The vehicles have red banners on the side of the vehicles bearing slogans in Chinese characters including: “To defend security and stability in Tibet”; “A healthy civilian and peaceful society is the will of the people”; “Sincerely loyal to the Party and unswervingly work for its mission”.

No air cover was reported by sources who observed the various convoys, and one source said that no troop movements of this scale had been observed in the areas before.

One of the troop convoys in the TAR consisted of more than 200 vehicles, including several tanks either on wheels or caterpillar tracks, travelling from Lhasa in the direction of Bayi, which is the prefectural capital of Nyingtri/ Kongpo (Chinese: Linzhi) and a major base of the armed forces in Tibet close to the border with India. The convoy included “bridges on wheels” – portable bridges to be dismantled and used for heavy vehicles crossing rivers or in areas affected by landslides.

The purpose of the troop movements is not known, although it is likely to be a combination of conveying propaganda, overt intimidation and involvement in major military exercises.

The Chinese state media announced this week that a joint military drill entered “live fire stage” “in a plateau area” in Sichuan, organized by the People’s Liberation Army Chengdu Military Area Command, which oversees

Indian MPs... ... continued from front page The report said that “the meeting was also attended by delegation from the Tibetan Parliament led

by Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.”

The convener of APIPFT Shri Shanta Kumar welcomed the members and as per the program asked Speaker Penpa Tsering to brief the members on the current issue of Tibet.

“Mr Tsering briefly mentioned the Chinese policies being practiced in Tibet aimed at destroying the identity of the Tibetan people,” the report said.

According to the report, “the parliamentarians expressed their concern of human rights violations of the Tibetan people even in the 21st century.”

The Indian parliamentarians also criticised the Chinese government’s policy on Tibet, saying “the demographic aggression by China to annihilate the identity of Tibetan people.”

“They further affirmed that the commitment of the forum to carry forward the issue of Tibet in times to come.”

Tibetan areas including the sensitive border with India.

Code-named ‘Joint Action-2015D’, Xinhua reported that it was the “first of five similar drills that will involve a total of more than 140,000 soldiers from over 140 PLA regiments of various types.” (Xinhua, August 11, 2015).

There has been a strong emphasis in the official press about the strengthening of control mechanisms at a time when the CCP authorities are preparing for the major 50th anniversary of their foundation of the TAR. While this is to be marked throughout August, the main date for the official celebration is September 1. Sources have reported tightened security in every sphere, including instructions on the importance of ‘stability’ conveyed to Tibetan trade organisations, business and tourist agencies and an increase in police checkpoints. Travel permits to the TAR are not being issued for at least the first week of September, according to a report posted on the website prweb.com on Jul 26, citing Tibet tourism bureau.

The scale of the military movements in several different areas and tightened security across the TAR has also heightened speculation about an imminent visit of Party Secretary and President Xi Jinping to Tibet, according to various sources and comments circulating on social media.

A meeting of the Chinese Politburo on July 30 presided over by Xi Jinping asserted the continued “antiseparatist” hard line approach by the authorities in Tibet, with Xinhua stating that “safeguarding national unity and enhancing ethnic unity” should be emphasized in order to achieve “long-term stability”. It was the second Politburo meeting in a period of ten days, discussing issues of China’s economy and development. The emphasis on Tibet policy indicates it is a matter of prominent concern at the highest levels of the CCP. Given the limited details released about the behind closed doors meeting, it is not possible to confirm whether Party control over the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation was discussed.

Earlier last month the state media had released a statement objecting to the Dalai Lama’s comments in the New York Times on his own reincarnation. The state media report confirmed that the CCP authorities view this as “an important issue concerning sovereignty and national security.” (Xinhua, July 19, 2015).

The Dalai Lama, who turned 80 on July 6, said recently: “The Chinese Communist Party is pretending that they know more about the reincarnation system than the Dalai Lama.”

The significance of the Tibet issue to the Party was emphasized in an editorial in the Chinese-language publication Legal Daily, which stated: “Last year was the 20th anniversary of the beginning of partnered aiding Tibet, this year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region, and next year is the 65th anniversary of the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet.

Against a backdrop of the convergence of these important points, central authorities have given the highest priority to making decisions about the development of Tibet.”

The CCP prioritises development, infrastructure construction and resource extraction as key elements of its strategic objectives in Tibet, casting Tibetan support for the Dalai Lama and protection of Tibetan national identity as obstacles to its ambitions to re-shape the Tibetan plateau for its own purposes and ensure its dominance.

After the Politburo meeting, the state media also announced the formation of a leading group for United Front work – the Party department involved in dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representatives until talks stalled in January 2010. The United Front Work Department oversees the implementation of Party policy toward China’s ethnic and religious groups, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and outside organisations, among other functions.

It is not yet known whether Xi Jinping will head the new ‘central leading group’ of the United Front, but the development is likely to indicate an upgrading of the department and a strengthening of control. One of the key priorities of the United Front Work Department is to maintain a hard line position on Tibet, with a core mission of ‘struggle’ against the Dalai Lama. The leading group in the Party bureaucracy charged with Tibet policy is directed by the Politburo Standing Committee member in charge of the United Front.

The Politburo meeting on July 30 and an additional meeting in Lhasa on July 10 to coordinate security policy across all Tibetan areas of the PRC have set the frame for a Sixth Tibet Work Forum which is rumored to be imminent. There have only been five such strategy meetings since the Chinese took over Tibet in 1949-50.

The Fifth Work Forum in January, 2010 – the first since 2001 – was attended by more than 300 of China’s most senior Party, government and military leaders and set the cycle of policy for the subsequent years.

While the Fourth Work Forum focused on the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Fifth included all Tibetan areas in Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces – encompassing the eastern Tibetan regions of Amdo and Kham. Official statements tended before to characterize only the Tibet Autonomous Region as ‘Tibet,’ although Tibetan areas incorporated in four other provinces are defined as ‘Tibetan autonomous’prefectures and counties.

Uniformity of policy throughout Tibetan areas of the PRC has been emphasized since then, and was further underlined in a meeting in Lhasa on July 10 (2015).

According to a state media report in Chinese, the ‘strategy forum’ held on July 10 involved the Tibet

Autonomous Region and Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures incorporated into Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu signing a cooperation agreement on ‘stability’. In Chinese political language, ‘stability’ is a coded reference to the need to crush any form of dissent and to ensure allegiance to the CCP authorities in order for the authorities to pursue their strategic and economic objectives on the plateau without impediment.

The meeting focused on strengthening of control across Tibetan areas, describing the meeting as the first “crossregional local Tibet Work Forum”.

In a further agenda-setting statement, on April 15 the Chinese government had issued a long and elaborately argued White Paper on Tibet which outlined the CCP’s political position on the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s status in great detail with a much harsher approach than in previous such statements. In the paper, circulated widely in the Chinese state media, the authorities went on the attack over the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way approach, which advocates for a genuine autonomy under the sovereignty of the PRC. It is notable that the Chinese authorities have issued more White Papers on Tibet than on Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Inner Mongolia put together.

A month later, in May (2015), a conference of the United Front Work Department, the Party bureau behind the White Paper, was upgraded to the level of the central authorities. According to the Legal Daily, the changes in the status of these officials reflect the importance the central government attaches to United Front work. Legal Daily explained: “Why was the decision made at the Politburo meeting to set up a Central United Front Work Leading Group? Professor Zhu Lijia of the National School of Administration thinks you can find the answer in Xi Jinping’s speech during the May 20 meeting of the Central United Front Work Conference, in which Xi Jinping stressed that “Now, our Party historical position, facing the internal and external situation, is shouldering significant changes in our mission and tasks. The more we change, the more the United Front should develop, and the more the United Front work will be done well.”

In the Communist Party bureaucracy, leading small groups function as powerful mechanisms to ensure implementation of policies established by their supervising leadership. The leading small group on Tibet is headed by Yu Zhengsheng on the Politburo, who is also director of the Xinjiang Work Coordination Small Group.

Director of the United Front Work Department Sun Chunlan visited Tibet on July 9-12 (2015), travelling to Labrang monastery in Gansu, and Tibetan areas in Sichuan and Qinghai. During the visit, Sun Chunlan expressed her hope that Tibetan Buddhists should ‘promote patriotism’, which means allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party, and that the Buddhist teachings should be “adaptable to core values of socialism in order to become an important force for national unification, ethnic unity and social stability.”

In the current political climate in Tibet, almost any expression of Tibetan identity or culture not directly sanctioned by the state, no matter how moderate, can be characterized by the authorities as “creating instability” or “splittist” and therefore “criminal.” Definitions of what constitutes “criminal” activity are deliberately opaque, giving leeway for lower-level officials and security personnel to apply severe penalties.

Tibetans in areas characterized as being “lacking in stability” can be subjected to harsh and violent reprisals.

For instance, countless Tibetans in Driru (Chinese: Biru) in the Tibet Autonomous Region have been tortured and imprisoned for even mild expressions of views in the context of an ongoing crackdown. The India-based Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy reported this week that on the night of 5 August 2015, local county officials accompanied by People’s Armed Police (PAP) officers attacked several sleeping Tibetans in their homes with hammers, sticks, knives and stones apparently as a punishment for failing to organize the celebration of ‘Army Day’ on August 1.

It has been noted in the Indian media that an announcement of the promotion of ten People’s Liberation Army officers, at least four of whom have served in Tibet, was made at around the same time as the Politburo meeting on July 30. The officers who were promoted to the highest rank of full General included Jinan Military Region Commander Zhao Zongqi who served over 20 years in Tibet, and the Lanzhou and Chengdu Military Region Commanders, 60-year-old General Liu Yuejun and General Li Zuocheng. According to analyst Jayadeva Ranade, President of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy: “The operational jurisdiction of both includes the Tibet region across India’s borders and both Commanders were in position at the time of the intrusions in the Depsang Plains and the Chumar area in Ladakh in April 2013 and September 2014 respectively.”

Mr Ranade, a former Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, also said: “The promotions additionally point to the attention being given by the Chinese leadership to the Sino-Indian border and to steadily enhancing and consolidating military preparedness in Tibet.”

Xinhua reported this week: “The PLA plans to complete more than 100 joint exercises involving over 50 army corps this year. Military experts consider joint exercises the most demanding training, as they require a high degree of coordination.” (Xinhua, August 11, 2015).

TPI NEWS

The Tibet Post International

Spiritual event for self-immolators to mark devolution anniversary

Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking to the public gathering at the prayer service for Tibetan self-immolators on August 7, 2015. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

By Yangchen Dolma: August 8, 2015

Dharamshala — A spiritual prayer event was held to mark the 4th anniversary of devolution of political authority by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, August 8, 2015. During the occasion, 141 butter lamps were lit, followed by a grand prayer service.

“Today is the third such prayer service that is being held for the self-immolators,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said, while addressing the prayer gathering for Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet.

“Usually, we hold prayer service for only those who have died in their self-immolation

protests. However, we pray for the entire self-immolators and their family members on 8 August, irrespective of whether they have died or survived to honour their sacrifice.”

The event was attended by over a thousand Tibetans, including top officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. It was organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central and presided over by Thomtok Rinpoche, abbot of Namgyal monastery.

The prayer service was held to express solidarity with the departed souls of the Tibetan selfimmolators, Tibetan political prisoners and those who continue to languish under the repressive measures of the Chinese government.

Sikyong also underlined the importance of reflecting on the sacrifices of the Tibetans inside Tibet particularly the self-immolators and urged everyone to derive inspiration from them to work even harder for the Tibetan cause.

“The self-immolation protest inside Tibet against the Chinese government kept on escalating since 2009. Over the years, I have repeatedly said that the list of the Tibetan selfimmolators should not become just a number,” Dr Sangay said.

“Even then, the total number of self-immolation has now reached 141,” Sikyong said, adding that “at least six Tibetans have died after setting themselves on fire this year alone.”

“I took the oath of Kalon Tripa on August 8, 2011 after the complete devolution of political authority by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Since then, every year on August 8, on the anniversary of the devolution, we have organised a grand prayer service in honour of the Tibetan self-immolators.”

When speaking about the growing international support for the just cause of Tibet, Dr Sangay spoke about the recent resolutions of support for Tibet passed in the US Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Tibetan political leader also talked about the remarks made by Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council who called on China to resume dialogue with Representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the Tibet issue.

One hundred and forty one butter lamps were lit for the 141 Tibetan self-immolators with a banner depicting a photo of each of the self-immolators.

“Our fervent prayers are with all the 141 self-immolators and we’ll endeavor to make sure that their sacrifice do not go to waste,” Sikyong said after lighting a butter lamps.

Political prisoner Runggye Adak released after eight years in jail

Runggye Adak speaking in Tibet on August 1, 2007. Photo: TPI/file

By Yangchen Dolma: July 31, 2015

Dharamshala — Rungye Adak, one of the most well-known Tibetan political prisoners was reportedly released today [Friday, July 31] at local time 1 AM, after serving a eight-year prison term in Chinese jail.

Chinese police took him in a vehicle straight to his home in the early morning without

informing his family, in order to prevent a public celebration and reception after serving eight years in jail, sources said.

Adak known as a respected local figure and father of eleven, was detained in August 2007 after emphatically addressing a crowd of thousands of Tibetans who had gathered at the Horse Festival of the

US Senators to President Obama...

“We understand that there are many important issues in the U.S.-China bilateral relationship—we expect that China’s recent actions in the East and South China Seas, economic and trade issues, climate change, as well as the recent cyberattacks, will figure prominently in your discussions,” the US lawmakers said in the letter.

While these issues deserve a full and robust exchange of views, so too do human rights...

Mr. President, we recognize that managing the U.S.-China relationship is an enormous and complex task. We firmly believe that a full and frank discussion of our concerns regarding human rights and civil society in China would serve to strengthen our relationship.”

The lawmakers also have urged President Obama to raise the issue of Chinese interference in selecting the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist Lamas.

They wrote: “In particular, we hope that you will emphasize to President Xi that China should respect the basic and universally recognized right of religious freedom, to include refraining from persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and from interference in the centuries-old system of recognizing reincarnate Tibetan Buddhist lamas.”

... continued from front page

Chinese President Xi Jinping is making his first official state visit to the US in September this year amidst a growing crescendo of protests from Chinese human rights activists calling on the US to cancel the meeting.

“We suggested that China could reduce tensions in Tibetan areas by renewing dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives and by respecting the religious practices of Tibetan Buddhists, like their ability to select reincarnate lamas or to handle the deceased with proper rituals, Malinowski said Thursday in Washington DC, while briefing on the 19th round of the U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue.

“It’s [Tibet] absolutely a priority, and I mentioned it in my opening statement,” when asked whether or not the issue of Tibet is a top priority for US when it comes to China.

“We see tremendous problems in Tibet,” Malinowski said during the special press briefing, when asked his “assessment of human rights situation in Tibet.”

Malinowski said these issues will feature very prominently in Chinese President Xi’s meeting with President Obama in September.

Lithang County in eastern Tibet.

Adak also passionately spoke of the anguish endured by Tibetans under the stifling hold of China , “Although we can move our bodies,” he said, “we can’t express what’s in our hearts.”

According to eye witnesses, Adak, cutting a striking figure in a white cowboy hat and traditional chupa slung over his shoulder, called for the release of political prisoners such as Panchen Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a highly respected monk and community leader, who recently died in Chinese prison while serving a life sentence on the dubious charge of “conspiring to cause explosions”.

Adak also called the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. The nomad had taken the security personnel by surprise and was able to complete his address to roars of approval from the crowd before he was arrested by armed police.

Soon after, Adak was detained and charged with “provocation to subvert state power,” and was indicted by the Kardze Intermediate People’s Court on four counts ranging from disruption of law and order to state subversion.

He was subsequently sentenced to eight years imprisonment with deprivation of political rights for four years. During the trial, the judge stated that by calling for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return, Adak had “committed the crime of subverting the People’s Republic of China.”

In response, Adak told the court, “I wanted to raise Tibetan concerns and grievances, as there is no outlet for us to do so.” He went on to say there is no one in Tibet who does not have faith in, loyalty to or the heartfelt wish to see the return of the Dalai Lama.

He countered “propaganda” by the Chinese authorities that Tibetans have lost faith in the Dalai Lama, saying: “That is wrong, but we have no freedom to say so.”

Adak’s nephew, Adak Lopoe, was given ten years, and an art and music teacher named Kunkhyen was given nine years, both for crimes of endangering national security--in other words, for trying to inform the outside world about Adak’s protest.

Runggye Adak’s actions were labeled a “major political incident” by China’s central government, but to Tibetans he became an instant hero. For a few minutes, an uncensored voice had been heard that mirrored their secret dreams and burning resentments.

The nomad’s plea inspired renewed resistance to China’s control in Lithang County, which resulted in the harshest crackdown the region had seen in decades.

Although, little known is of his whereabouts after his release, Adak is believed to still be in Lithang County.

3 Tibetans forced to wear wild animal furs, Chinese official denies Tibet News

August 15, 2015

An image shows some local Tibetans with animal furs, standing on a huge red carpet during a Chinese official event in Driru County, eastern Tibet. Poto: TPI

By Molly Lortie: August 12, 2015

Dharamshala — Chinese authorities have reportedly forced Tibetans to wear animal furs and pelts at a recent official event in Driru County of eastern Tibet.

“The new policy demanded that local Tibetans should organise and take part in a cultural performance during a recent official celebration in Driru County,” souces said.

“It also required them to wear traditional costumes made out of animal furs and pelts to show “economic prosperity” with happy life under Chinese Communist rule.”

“Chinese officials brought the animal pelt costumes with them and forced Tibetans to wear them during their performances on stage,” Samdup, a Tibetan living in Belguim told the Tibet Post International (TPI).

“Authorities have instructed those Tibetans not performing to attend an event to mark the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China on August 1,” he added.

“The policy threatening that any Tibetans not taking part will be punished by not being able to harvest the fungus for 5 years,” Samdup said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Local Tibetans say “the performances are not an expression of their happiness of the seasons, rather it is a forceful imposition by the Chinese government which portrays the absence of any freedom and human rights”.

Animal pelts and furs were used in traditional Tibetan attires in the past. But, the practice almost completely stopped in Tibet, in support of a comment made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

during the 2006 Kalachakra initiation.

Images from the the annual legislative and political advisory sessions in Tibet, show some delegates who appeared to be wearing furs and pelts from wild animals as part of their attire.

“The local government did not issue such an order, and that there were no performances on the August 1 anniversary,” Chinese state-run media “Global Times” reported, citing Zhou Zhanping, head of the county publicity department.

In response to the report, Samdup said that “the Chinese media should present an unbiased information. “If the Chinese authorities do believe that the claims they made are true, they should allow international media to find out the real situation in Driru County.”

“China should ease the de facto ban on international journalists wanting to visit Tibet,” he told TPI, urging “China to end the restriction on use of information communication technologies, including social media related to Tibet issue.”

TPI sources also said that under a new policy, Tibetans are also banned from harvesting caterpillar fungus for five years.

“The policy imposed under various conditions that must be fulfilled in order for Tibetans to harvest caterpillar fungus, which is a mainstay of family incomes,” sources said.

The caterpillar fungus is known in Tibetan as yartsa gunbu, with the long history of medicinal use, became a main source of income for the local Tibetans.

According to sources “it’s a new threat as a way to force the Tibetans” to accept that they are happy under the government rule.

Rally in Geneva over Tibetan monk death

Tibetan Community Switzerland and Liechtenstein held a rally in Geneva. Photo: Media file

By Molly Lortie: August 6, 2015

Geneva --Tibetans living in Switzerland & Liechtenstein organised a rally in front of the United Nations building in Geneva on July 31st to show solidarity with the recent death in prison of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a highly respected Tibetan religious leader and environmentalist, who died in Chinese prison while serving a life sentence.

O ver 200 Tibetans from 25 differen t communities in Switzerland and Liechtenstein came together under the coordination of Local Tibetan Assembly, Tibetan Women’s Association, Tibetan Youth Association of Europe, Swiss Tibet Friendship Association and the Office of Tibet to take part in the rally.

The rally started at 11:30 am local time with a singing of Tibetan national anthem followed by a minute’s silence in memory of the deceased.

The President of Local Tibetan Assembly, Mr. Tenzin Nyingbu gave an introductory speech on recent incidents that have happened in Tibet and appealed to the International Community for urgent intervention and impartial investigation into the causes of these mysterious deaths.

Mr. Ngodup Dorjee, Representative of the Tibet Bureau, Mr. René Longet, former administrative advisor (Mayor) of Onex (canton of Geneva), Mr. Tethong Wangpo, Tibetan Member of Parliament from Europe, Representative of Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association, and Representative from Tibetan Women Association, Switzerland were also among the speakers.

The day also included a prayer service for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche organised by the Tibetan community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein at Rikon Choekhorling Monastery.

4

TPI NEWS

August 15, 2015

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Horoscopes for the Month of August, 2015 Sorces: Always Astrology ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Financial limitations are likely if you take risks. Too much work and no play will not only result in fatigue and frustration but also loneliness, too. Don’t let emotional upset force you into the poorhouse. Involvement in groups will be favorable and lead to valuable information.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) This is not the time to lend or borrow money or possessions.

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You can surprise members of your family, which in turn will bring you a pat on the back. You may not be too pleased with the actions of those you live with.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You may find that your anger stems from lending or borrowing money. Opportunities for advancement at work are apparent.

Talk to your mate about a vacation and discuss the expectations of your relationship. You’ll have great insight.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Involvement in groups of interest will bring you in touch with important individuals. You can enjoy social events and meet new potential mates; however, avoid being lavish. Your dramatic nature may be too much to handle. Be cautious of making any residential changes this month.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will earn recognition for the work you are doing.

Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern. You may be in love this month, but who knows what tomorrow may bring. If you can get away for a vacation, do so.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You may find yourself in an opportune position if you are willing to take a bit of a risk. Your intellectual charm will entice mates who have common interests.

You may want to sign up for lectures or courses that will bring you mental stimulation. You can persuade even the toughest opponents to think your way.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

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.

August 15, 2015 H.H THE DALAI LAMA 5 His Holiness: “All religions tell us to be good human beings” Thank you from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on July 28, 2015. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

By Jane Cook: July 30, 2015

Leh, J&K, India — “The main message of religion is peace,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet said, adding “All religions tell us to be good human beings.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in the J&K state of India Monday morning. The spiritual leader of Tibet was formally welcomed by Ganden Tri Rinpoche, Rizong Rinpoche, the young Bakula Rinpoche, Thiksey Rinpoche and many other senior monks and officials.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his second day in Leh with a visit to the Jokhang. “However,” he added, “the main purpose of both Kangyur and Tengyur is not to be an object of respect, nor to be occasionally ritually recited, but to be studied. The Buddha’s teachings are an account of his experience.

They reveal his great qualities. You people of Ladakh, laypeople and monastics, should study what the Buddha taught.”

Laughing, the spiritual leader turned to his friends among the politicians and teased them saying: “If you study and put what you learn into practice, it may help you get elected. What’s more, when you retire you’ll have the opportunity to make the remainder of your life meaningful.”

From the Jokhang he drove to the Jamyang School, where several thousand people, most of them students at Leh’s schools, had gathered to hear him speak. First of all, he inaugurated a new hostel for girls, making a point of clasping the hands of his politician friends as they unveiled the commemorative plaque together. He then cut the ribbon across the door and tossed flowers and grain into the air as he recited auspicious prayers.

His Holiness walked to the covered stage where he sat down amongst Lamas and local dignitaries.

Formal greetings were expressed before students of the Jamyang School stood with folded hands and fervently sang the prayer ‘Limitless qualities’composed

by His Holiness. In his speech of introduction, School Principal, Geshe Lobzang Samten greeted all present, thanked His Holiness for coming and acknowledged his recent 80th birthday. He called on the people of Ladakh, whatever faith they profess, to continue to maintain the region as a place of peace. He concluded by offering a report of the school’s last three years’ accounts, with thanks to all donors, principal among them being the Dalai Lama Trust.

His Holiness began his address, speaking sometimes in Tibetan, sometimes in English, which was translated into Ladakhi dialect.

“Today, I’m here in Ladakh mainly at the invitation of Spituk Monastery to attend their summer Perfection of Wisdom debates. Tri Rinpoche mentioned to me that it would be good if I could come. Sometime ago, when I met an old woman from Dah-Hanu I became aware of these people and their unique headdress. I realised that they weren’t very well able to look after themselves, nor was their understanding of Buddhism very strong. We established this school particularly with their children in mind. On this occasion the school has asked me to speak to their students and many others gathered from other nearby schools.

I’d like to thank the organizers for providing this opportunity and offer my greetings to you all.”

He said that he had been asked to talk about the ongoing dialogue between Buddhist science and modern science. He began by clarifying that he never promotes Buddhism as somehow better than other traditions. He views all religious traditions as having religious, philosophical and cultural aspects.

The religious aspect, which all religions share in common, includes the practice of love, compassion, tolerance and so on. They differ in their philosophical and cultural aspects. While theistic traditions believe in a creator god, traditions like Jainism and Buddhism that don’t teach about causality instead. In whatever way these philosophical approaches differ, their purpose is the same: supporting the practice of love and compassion.

“The main message of religion is peace. All religions tell us to be good human beings. Islam, for example, exhorts its followers to extend kindness to all creatures of Allah, so it’s very disappointing to see clashes between Sunni and Shia adherents. I have a lot of admiration for the good sense of community you have among the various faiths here in Ladakh.

The conflict between Buddhists and Muslims in Burma, however, is disheartening. Let me repeat my earlier suggestion that Ladakhi Muslims consider whether they could exert a positive influence over their quarrelling Muslim brethren in other parts of the world. What is important, if we are spiritually inclined, is that we take the practice seriously.

“Change in the world comes about through action rather than prayer alone. We’ve prayed for hundreds of years without much effect. The crucial point is to begin with a sense of the oneness of our human family, an acknowledgement that as human beings we are all the same. What we tend to do instead is to pay too much attention to secondary differences between us of race, nationality, faith, social status and so on.”

Returning to the topic of Buddhist science and modern science, His Holiness repeated that he never promotes Buddhism in lands that regard it as a foreign belief, but here in India it is an indigenous tradition.

He reminded his audience that when Tibetan Emperor Trisong Deutsan invited Shantarakshita to Tibet, he was making a deliberate decision to seek Buddhist teaching from its original source. Alluding to the advice he had just given in the Jokhang about the Kangyur and Tengyur, he remarked that we pay the Buddha our respects without paying proper attention to what he taught. Saying that it’s time to change this custom of blind faith, he asked his listeners if they agreed and they let him know that they did.

“As a result of his analysis of reality, the Buddha explained the cause of suffering. He spoke about the nature of consciousness and how we need to understand the nature of our disturbing emotions.

We need to deal with mind within the mind, to examine how anger and attachment are mental phenomena,” His Holiness said.

“It’s the profound exploration of the mind that

originally took place in India that Buddhist science brings to the conversation with modern science.

On the other hand while the Abhidharma contains rudimentary explanations of atoms, they have been thoroughly investigated by modern science. Similarly, Raja Ramana’s observation that Nagarjuna’s writings deal with ideas echoed today in quantum physics indicates that the dialogue between Buddhist science and modern science can be mutually beneficial.”

Noting that modern education is dominated by materialistic views, His Holiness suggested there is a need to encourage greater warm-heartedness by including secular ethics in the curriculum. What this means is learning to constrain our negative emotions while developing constructive ones.

He commended to the audience a book recently published in Tibetan that compiles Buddhist science from the Kangyur and Tengyur. Translations of it into other languages are under way.

His Holiness had been keen to take questions from the audience. The first concerned Buddhist attitudes to belief in a creator and he replied that it is a very powerful idea that can provide great confidence.

Asked whether the Buddha accepted the existence of other religions, His Holiness confirmed that he did and recommended studying and examining other points of view, because doing so is an effective way of extending our understanding. Being aware of other traditions makes for greater open-mindedness.

He spoke of a suggestion he has made that India, as a multi-religious society with a long history of spiritual harmony, convene an international inter-religious conference much as it conducted celebrations of the Buddha Jayanti in 1956. He further proposed inviting Muslim militants and by providing an opportunity for an exchange of views allow their emotions to cool and seek peaceful, positive solutions.

To a question about whether the Buddha or his teaching came first, His Holiness remarked that the continuity of mind, whose nature is clarity and awareness, has neither beginning nor end. Buddhism asserts different levels of consciousness of which consciousness of the waking state is the coarsest, that of the dream state is subtler, and that of deep sleep is yet more subtle. The subtlest level of consciousness dawns at the time of death. There are cases that have attracted the interest of modern science of people whose bodies remain fresh for from days to weeks after their apparent clinical death. The Buddhist explanation is that the subtlest consciousness and its accompanying subtle energy remain present. Research and investigations of the phenomenon continue.

Answering one of the final questions, His Holiness explained: “All beings want to live a happy life, but only human beings have the ability to analyze its causes. Although the mind is fundamentally pure, when we develop anger, attachment or even compassion, it seems that the mind is suffused with that emotion. Anger is a disturbing emotion based on wrong view, the misconception of things having intrinsic existence, itself based on the way they appear. Constructive emotions arise on the basis of a correct view of reality.

“The Buddha taught according to his own experience.

A 21st century Buddhist understands that the Buddha’s teaching has nothing to do with faith, rituals and blessings.

His Holiness was offered lunch at Jamyang School before returning to Spituk Monastery in the afternoon.

“We see tremendous problems in Tibet:” ... also help set the stage – and this is very, very important – for the upcoming state visit in September of Chinese President Xi Jinping, where human rights will be very prominently addressed.”

“We suggested that China could reduce tensions in Tibetan areas by renewing dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives and by respecting the religious practices of Tibetan Buddhists, like their ability to select reincarnate lamas or to handle the deceased with proper rituals, Malinowski said.

“It’s [Tibet] absolutely a priority, and I mentioned it in my opening statement,” when asked whether or not the issue of Tibet is a top priority for US when it comes to China.

“We see tremendous problems in Tibet,” Malinowski said during the special press briefing, when asked his “assessment of human rights situation in Tibet.”

“But I think in this [Tibet] case, probably the best advice I would have to you is to look at our recently released Human Rights Report, which gives the full assessment of the wide range of problems.”

“The dialogue gave us a chance to convey in advance of that visit the growing sense of alarm in the US about human rights developments in China and to stress the importance of making specific improvements in keeping with China’s own laws and international commitments,” Malinowski said.

“The recent deterioration of the human rights situation and the Chinese Government’s increasing emphasis in its rhetoric and its laws on fighting what it calls, “cultural infiltration and Western influence” raises serious questions whether China remains on a long-term path towards greater openness and integration with the world or has begun to turn

... continued from front page

inward,” he said.

This trend harms the interests of the Chinese people most of all given China’s importance and influence is of great concern to the international community as a whole, he said.

Malinowski acknowledged that the Chinese delegation raised the issue of recent police attacks on certain sections of the society in the US. “They did raise a couple of issues, although I have to say that the vast majority of the conversation concerned events in China. They raised, for example, the recent incidents of police violence.

“The Ferguson case was raised briefly and I actually thought this was quite interesting because they said ‘We all saw that on TV’ and my response, without in any way diminishing the seriousness of the problem that we are facing in the US, was, ‘Exactly, you saw it on TV because the Chinese state media was able to be in Ferguson and to cover those events nonstop from start to finish,” Malinowski said.

“The international media does not have that kind of access in China when there is violence, in Tibet or Xinjiang or in other parts of the country. Nor, I would add, did the US Government arrest the lawyers of Michael Brown or people who took video footage of the police violence,” he said.

“We discussed the Chinese Government’s crackdown on lawyers, which has resulted in over 250 attorneys, activists, and their family members being detained, questioned, interrogated, or held incommunicado.,” he said, adding: “many are still in custody, many reportedly have been denied access to defense counsel.

“Some have been forced to make televised

By Yeshe Choesang: August 13 , 2015

Dharamshala — The spiritual leader of Tibet and Tibetan people, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to his devotees and friends around the world for the extensive greetings and well wishes on his 80th birth anniversary.

“I would like to thank all my friends in the many different countries of the world for your greetings on the occasion of my 80th birthday. I am grateful for the kind words you have expressed,” His Holiness said in a statement posted on his official website, on August 13.

“As you know, my life is dedicated to the service of all sentient beings, and in particular I try to help my fellow human beings in whatever way I can,” said the the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

“What unites all sentient beings is that we all

naturally seek happiness and try to avoid suffering.

Therefore, we have a collective responsibility to try to bring about the well-being and happiness of all living beings and help them overcome their suffering,” he added.

“This is the basis of hope on which I make an appeal that we all work enthusiastically to promote ethical values imbued with love and compassion and that we do our best to reduce, if not eliminate, the conflicts and violence that currently beset many parts of the world,” the statement said.

“Despite differences in their philosophical views, all the world’s major religious traditions convey the same message of love and compassion,” His Holiness further added, saying also that “this is why we must strive to foster inter-religious harmony for the good of all humanity. In addition, to protect our natural environment we have to work together.”

The Central Tibetan administration praises US house resolution on Tibet

By Yeshe Choesang: August 7, 2015

Dharamshala — The Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala, India strongly praised the US Senate and the House of Representatives for unanimously passing resolutions in support for Tibet and the political movement of Tibetan people.

Just days after the largest gathering of Tibetans in the western hemisphere at New York on 6 July attended by President Obama’s envoy Valerie Jarrett and Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, both Houses of the United States Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives unanimously passed resolutions of support for Tibet and the Tibetan people.

“This was a major show of support and solidarity by the US government giving a huge boost to the Tibetan political movement,” said a report by the Tibetan administration media.

“It was also the first time in the history of Tibetan struggle that an official US House resolution specifically mentioned the term ‘Central Tibetan Administration’ and ‘Sikyong’,” the report said, adding that “It was again the first US resolution expressing support to Tibetan democracy and the vibrant culture of Tibetan democratic practices to choose its leadership in exile.”

The senate resolution on Tibet was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein on 11 June 2015. The resolution extends well wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday and recognises his lifelong commitment and contribution to the promotion of nonviolence, human rights, religious tolerance, environmental awareness and democracy.

The resolution also lauded His Holiness the Dalai Lama for using moral authority to promote the concept of universal responsibility as a guiding tenet for how human beings should treat one another and the planet.

The resolution was passed in the Senate without any amendment and with a preamble by unanimous consent on 08 July 2015.

The House resolution on Tibet was introduced

by Representative Eliot L. Engel on 24 June 2015. The House resolution called on the U.S. government to implement specified sections of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 to encourage representatives of the government of China and His Holiness the Dalai Lama to hold substantive dialogue to secure a negotiated agreement for the Tibetan people; and establish a consular office in Lhasa, Tibet, to monitor political, economic and confessions, actions as we explained today that run contrary to China’s own criminal procedure law.”

“We called for the immediate release of lawyers still being held and charged with crimes including Wang Yu, Zhou Shifeng, Li Heping, and Liu Xiaoyuan, among others,” he stressed.

“We also discussed other prominent cases of attorneys and legal activists who have been detained or imprisoned for peaceful activities,” he said.

He further added: The Chinese leadership’s recent fourth plenum emphasized ruling the country according to law, but it is hard to have rule of law when lawyers are arrested for defending their clients or when the government equates arguing a case in court with, quote, “creating a disturbance” or “picking a quarrel” – two of the vague offenses under which lawyers and others have been prosecuted.

“Rule of law means that when there is a conflict between the primacy of the law and the preferences of the state, law takes precedence,” he added, saying “In China, the opposite appears increasingly to be the case.”

“In China, as in any other country, when legal avenues to resolve grievances are closed, those grievances don’t go away; they build up and the likelihood of social unrest and instability increases,” Malinowski said.

cultural developments in Tibet, and to provide consular protection and citizen services.

It also urged the U.S. government to raise Tibetan human rights and political and religious freedom concerns at the United States-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue and other high-level bilateral meetings; and called for the release of Tibetan political prisoners, including Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, late Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, and Khenpo Kartse (Khenpo Karma Tsewang).

It further called on the U.S. government to underscore that Chinese government interference in the Tibetan reincarnation process is a violation of the internationally recognised right to religious freedom, and that matters related to reincarnations in Tibetan Buddhism are of keen interest to Tibetan Buddhist populations worldwide.

The resolution urged increased global awareness and monitoring of the upcoming electoral process through which the Tibetan people in exile will choose the next leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, the Sikyong, and encourage development organisations and agencies to implement development projects that fully comply with the Tibet Project Principles.

It also called on the United States and other international governments and organisations to promote the preservation of Tibet’s religious, cultural, linguistic, and national identity and urged China to allow U.S. officials, journalists, and citizens unrestricted access to the Tibetan areas of China.

It expressed support to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s desire for a negotiated agreement for the Tibetan people and reaffirmed the friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Tibet.

Another bill was also introduced in early June this year by US Congressmen Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). They reintroduced the Tibetan Refugee Assistance Act, a bill calling for Tibetan immigration to the US on 4 June 2015 in the US House of Representatives.

The immigration bill, currently being referred to at the subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, if passed could pave the way for 3000 Tibetans to immigrate to the US over a three-year period.

The two congressmen have stated that this bill is a timely expression of American support for the Tibetan people as they struggle for religious and cultural freedom.

They also described the bill as “a small but useful step in the right direction” necessary to aid the Tibetan people. “The devastation of the recent earthquake in Nepal, coupled with decades of persecution at the hands of the Chinese government make it all the more necessary for displaced Tibetans to be recognized by the United States for refugee assistance and afforded protection under U.S. law,” they have said.

Earlier in May 2013, US lawmakers debating a landmark immigration bill approved the provision of 5,000 visas to Tibetan refugees to enter the United States over the next three years.

Citing “terrible” and increasing oppression by Chinese authorities against Tibetans, Senators offered the matter as an amendment to the vast legislation aimed at fixing the US immigration system. However, immigration reform is a highly contentious issue in the US and it is possible that there may not be an agreement on a final bill.

Nevertheless, with the passing and introduction of these resolutions on Tibet, the US government has reassured its steadfast commitment to uphold the principles of equality and justice, and raise its voice for Tibet and the Tibetan people.

6 TPI NEWS Back Page Focus Chinese officials try to ground festival’s Tibet balloon Sikyong lauds administration’s The Tibet Post International

August 15, 2015

educational achievements

By Yeshe Choesang: August 13, 2015

The 100ft high Tibet balloon has already been flown in France. Photograph: PR

By Jake Snow: August 5, 2015

Dharamshala – Authorities from Chinese embassies in Europe have reportedly attempted to prevent a 100ft high Tibet-flag balloon to fly over a festival in Bristol, in the United Kingdom, under the pretence that it would put pressure on Sino-British relations. Organizers have refused to submit to such pressures, choosing to let it fly as a symbol of peace and compassion.

According to recent media reports, at nearly 100ft high the Tibet balloon is arguably the largest Tibetan flag in the world. But as the unique hot air balloon prepares to soar over Bristol this week, Chinese consternation over its controversial, eye-catching design appears to be also rising.

Mysterious individuals purporting to be Chinese embassy officials have made three attempts to ground the balloon across Europe – in Spain, France and the UK – since it was first launched four weeks ago.

Organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, beginning on Thursday, have refused to ban the balloon, which is flying as a symbol of peace and compassion, despite pressure to cancel its participation in the name of Sino-British relations.

An email, purporting to be from the third secretary in the political section of the Chinese embassy in the UK, urged the fiesta’s organising committee to give serious consideration to the issue, and stressed China did not want the event to be used as a platform for Tibet separatist activities.

The Chinese embassy did not respond to requests from the Guardian for comment.

The approach follows a similar one to organisers of a balloon festival in France last week, and another in Spain four weeks ago.

Funded by private sponsors, the Tibet balloon – named Tashi, meaning good fortune in Tibetan – was designed in close cooperation with UK Tibetan community representatives and launched in Spain on 11 July after a blessing at the Sakya Tashi Ling

Buddhist monastery near Barcelona. The balloon depicts the Tibetan flag but displays no political text.

Co-pilots Paul Dopson, 45, and his wife, Heaven Crawley, 44, from Stroud in Gloucestershire, hope it will draw attention to Tibetan issues and raise funds for charities working to support the cause of Tibet.

Since its launch its movements have apparently been fastidiously tracked, with intense behind-the-scenes lobbying for it to be grounded.

The couple were informed by organisers of the European Balloon Festival in Igualada in Catalonia, Spain, that officials, claiming to be from the Chinese consular offices in Barcelona, had contacted organisers to communicate their concern “initially by email, then phone, and then they visited the launch site on the mornings of the flights”, said Dopson.

Though the balloon was in Spain at the time, it had not registered to fly in that event, and did not take part, he said. However, one of the other pilots had a similar name to his, which may have led to the erroneous belief it was due for lift-off.

Last week, the balloon took part in the Lorraine Mondial air balloons festival in ChambleyBussières, north-east France. Afterwards, the event organiser Philippe Buron-Pilatre revealed: “The [Chinese] consul general of Strasbourg twice came to see me to tell me that French-Chinese relations would be damaged.”

He explained he did not have the power to stop the balloon flying as “it is not a political demonstration”.

Ian Martin, of Flying Enterprises, the hot air balloon operator which is supporting the Tibet balloon, and who is a member of the organising committee of the Bristol fiesta, said he received an email from someone claiming to be the third secretary in the political section of the Chinese embassy in London, who gave the name Xinkai Dang, but not an official Chinese embassy email address.

The email’s author wanted to share background “about the so-called Tibetan national flag”, that

it was used by Tibetan separatists, and stress that Tibet was an “inalienable part of Chinese territory” which the British government recognised, he said.

The email warned that allowing the balloon to fly could damage the reputation of the Bristol event.

“They said if it was allowed to participate, the wrong message will be sent out.”

The flag is banned in Tibet but is flown by Tibetan people and their supporters around the world.

Dopson said of the lobbying: “It certainly is very intimidating. When you hear of the Chinese actually arriving at the launch field, when we were in Spain, to see if the balloon is there, you think, ‘well, what can happen next?’ It’s a strange situation. We just didn’t foresee it at all.

“We are just balloon pilots flying a balloon that is just a Tibetan flag, there is no text, there is no wording, no political message.”

Martin passed details to the fiesta’s organising committee. “The organising committee, which I am part of, has taken an attitude that we are not going to ban the balloon from coming just because of this,” he said.

Jane Oakland, chair of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, said: “We understand that a hot air balloon decorated with the Tibetan flag has registered to fly at the fiesta this weekend.

“The fiesta is a family-friendly event and nonpolitical in nature and therefore, if the weather allows, we want all our visitors to enjoy a great ballooning weekend with as many of our registered balloons as possible flying at the event.”

A spokesman for Bristol city council, on whose land the balloon festival will be staged, said it had “no authority or sight of decisions taken” regarding the event, which is run and managed

by Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. “The council has been told by the company that the Chinese embassy has contacted them regarding the flight of the balloon,” he said.

Plan to build new mine in Tibet confronts local opposition

The mining disaster that happened at the Gyama mining area, in 2013. Photo: Media file

By Yangchen Dolma: August 6, 2015

Dharamshala — Villagers from Tibet’s Maldro Gongkar County have shown concern for the environmental future of the region, as they fear China wants to build a new mine in the Gyma Valley. Locals fear that the workers spotted in the Valley are linked to the construction of the mine.

China’s hunger for minerals is polluting the rivers in many areas of Tibet, and people in Maldro Gongkar fear that a new mine will worsen the already delicate environmental status of their county.

Chinese road-building crews have begun cutting a new track leading to Gyama Valley near Tibet’s capital Lhasa,

leading to local fears that a new mine may soon be built in a region already heavily polluted by Chinese extraction operations, sources say.

New mining in the area of the copper-rich Gyama township, which lies in the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Maldro Gongkar (in Chinese, Mozhugongka) county, could begin as early as this month, the sources said.

“Many workers have been seen busy on construction in the area,” sources said, citing local contacts in the region.

Both government and privately owned mining companies have been active in extracting ore from Gyama Valley in recent years, leading to frequent Tibetan protests over harm caused to the environment and local livestock, another source told RFA, also citing contacts in the area.

“What we are seeing now may be plans for a new mine [in Gyama],” sources said.

Tibet has become an important source of minerals needed for China’s economic growth, and Chinese mining operations in Tibet have often led to widespread environmental damage, including the pollution of water sources for both livestock and humans, experts say.

“In the past, our rivers were crisp and clean, and the mountains and valley were known for their natural beauty,” sources added, citing one resident.

“Now the rivers are polluted with poisonous waste from the mines,” he said.

Operations at one Gyama mine, scene of a catastrophic landslide that killed 83 in March 2013, have already fouled local water sources, experts say.

Dharamshala — The Tibetan political leader, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has increased from 135 scholarships to 600 this year and nurturing at least “500 professionals” annually, while recognising “Education” as one of his top priorities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the First Parents’ Conference of Tibetan Schools in Dharamshala, India, Sikyong underlined the need to invest on education and parental role for the overall growth of children.

Talking about the efforts made by the CTA, he said that the present Kashag has recognised ‘Education’ as a priority, a CTA media report said. In terms of the scholarships, Sikyong said “the present Kashag has spent Rs 400 lakhs for scholarships in the last year alone as compared to Rs 90 lakhs ten years ago. This year, scholarship amounts are reportedly even higher than 400 Lakhs.”

The three-day conference is being organised by the Department of Education (DoE) at Lower TCV school.

“A decade ago, 135 Tibetan students have received “Sherig Scholarships,” Sikyong said, adding that “it has now increased to 600 awardees this year.”

Recalling a promise he made in 2011 to produce 10 thousand professionals in the next 20 years,” Sikyong added, saying that he has been reasonably fulfilling his promise by nurturing at least “500 professionals annually.”

Sikyong said the education department has been able to provide every year 600 Sherig scholarships, of which 300 awardees are pursuing professional studies under DoE’s programme, 200 students under TCV and Tibetan Homes Foundation, Mussoorie, and many professional students based in overseas countries.

Sikyong said that Tibetan students must put extra effort in their studies in view of the enormous challenges in terms of human resource faced by Tibetans vis a vis China.

Taking note of such colossal difference in manpower, the Tibetan political leader emphasized that the purpose of Tibetan students’ education is not merely for one’s own prosperity

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay Speaking during the final day of the parents’ conference, 13 August 2015. Photo: CTA/DIIR

and success in life.

“The responsibility of educating the minds of our youth doesn’t rely solely on the teachers.

Instead, cooperative involvement from the administration and the active involvement of parents are equally important,” he added.

“For an overall growth of children, parents must compliment to the efforts put forward by the teachers and the children themselves,” Sikyong stressed, also emphasized that “the parents should act as role models for their children.”

Addressing the gathering, Education Kalon Mr Ngodup Tsering called for parental responsibility and support to have proper education of children.

Mr Tsering said that to excel in academic education, children, teachers, administration and the parents must work in unison.

“Children should have learning-friendly environment both at school and home. It is very essential that parents should know that their thoughts and behavior leave great impact on the upbringing of their children,” he added.

“Highlighting the progressive result of class XII board exam, he said that 218 Tibetan students in 2011have scored more than 75%, which later increased to 283 in 2013, and 321 in 2014. 443 Tibetan students scored above 75% this year, which shows 250% increase within these four years. The current graph is good but we still have room for improvement,” he said.

Around 250 parents from 43 Tibetan settlements across India are participating in the conference.

The president of TCV, directors of Sambhota and Mussoorie are among the attendees. It is funded by Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Canada).