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Rights activist urges Germany to challenge China’s policies in Tibet Vol. 03, Issue 150, Print Issue 74, February 29, 2016 Tibetan man detained after solo protest in Karze County of Tibet

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I can never give up the cause of Tibet: His Holiness

By Yeshe Choesang: February 23, 2016

Chinese authorities have detained Jamyang Dorjee after he carried out a solo protest in Karze county in protesting against the repressive Chinese occupation of Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: February 25, 2016

Dharamshala — Reports coming out of Tibet say Chinese authorities in Karze County of eastern Tibet have detained a Tibetan man after he launched a solo protest in Karze county in protesting against the repressive Chinese occupation of Tibet.

Jamyang Dorjee, 41, was taken into custody shortly after 11:00 a.m. on February 14, on a road leading to Karze County, Kham Province of eastern Tibet (Ch: Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province), a Tibetan living in India told TPI, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Dorjee shouted slogans calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for Tibet. Chinese police immediately arrested him at the spot,” the source said, citing local sources.

“Weeks have now passed since he was detained, but no word has been received concerning his arrest,” the TPI sources said, adding “his whereabouts and condition continue to remain unknown to his family and friends.”

“Dorjee is a resident of Sershul village, near Karze township,” the source said, adding “both of his parents are deceased.”

After his arrest, Chinese authorities immediately recorded the phone numbers of his in-laws and authorities imposed restrictions on his friends and family to prevent spreading the news of his arrest, the sources added.

Most parts of Tibet have suffered severe crackdowns and been under heightened restrictions and controls in the past six decades, that China calls it a “peaceful liberation”. But Tibetans describe a systematic repression, excluded from positions of power and imprisoned.

China’s invasion of Tibet and its continuous implementation of harsh policies to crackdown the freedom of Tibetans living inside Tibet have triggered Tibetans to resort to more extreme forms of resistance.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA — Addressing the 3000-strong crowd, mostly Tibetans, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says that he “can never give up the cause of Tibet.”

Arriving at the Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA on February 21, 2016, he was welcomed by hundreds of Tibetans and well-wishers, including representatives of the Tibetan community.

Mayor of Minneapolis, Betsy Hodges and State Representative Carolyn Laine also welcomed him to their city.

“I’m also a Tibetan,” he said, “and since I’ve been nurtured by Tibetans since I was small, I can never give up the cause of Tibet,” His Holiness said.

“In 2001 I semi-retired from political responsibility and in 2011 completely retired. I did this to promote democracy,” the Nobel peace prize laureate said.

“Still, Tibetans both within Tibet and outside have placed their hopes in me, but now my responsibility is to work to protect Tibet’s natural environment,” he added, saying that, “which is fragile and delicate because of the altitude and dry climate.”

“Because they see it as important to global climate change as the North and South Poles, some environmentalists have referred to the Tibetan Plateau as the Third Pole,” Tibetan spiritual leader said, adding that “Special care needs to be taken of it.”

Describing Tibetan culture as a culture of peace and non-violence, His Holiness suggested “it can contribute to making the world a more peaceful, compassionate place.”

As for Tibet’s Buddhist traditions, he said it seems to be the most complete transmission of the traditions of India’s

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting the audience as he arrives on stage at the Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA on February 21, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phuntsok

Nalanda University, including logic, psychology and a range of philosophical views.

The Tibetan Buddhist leader said that “these traditions are

Tibetan monk jailed for sharing photos of His Holiness Dalai Lama online

contained in the more than 300 volumes of Buddhist literature translated, mostly from Sanskrit, into Tibetan.”

“Many Tibetans came here as refugees, although many of them have passed on. Now there is a new generation who were born and brought up here. I’ve met you now and then over the last ten years that I’ve been receiving care at the Mayo Clinic,” His Holiness said, adding: “Two years ago we celebrated Losar together and I’m happy to see you all again.”

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Chinese police arrest a young writer in Tibet for unknown reason

Chinese celebrities warned not to mix with exile Tibetans

Tibetan writer Sonam Tsephel. Photo: TPI

By Yangchen Dolma: February 29, 2016 In April 26, 2012, Chinese pop singer Faye Wong, performs during the opening ceremony of the third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

By Yeshe Choesang, February 27, 2016

Dharamshala — China’s state media have criticized celebrities for attending an event in northeastern India with members of the Tibetan government-in-exile, adding to Chinese authorities’ warnings that actors and singers must “serve the people and socialism.”

An article on China Tibet Online this week that was widely carried by other state media said there was nothing wrong with Beijing singer and actress Faye Wong, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung and Beijing actor Hu Jun worshipping Buddhism and attending religious activities.

But it said that “meddling with the ‘Tibetan-independence’ clique leaders has gone far beyond the realm of ‘freedom of religious belief.’”

An AP report said that the phrase is a reference to the government-in-exile and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhists’ spiritual leader whom Beijing accuses of campaigning to split Tibet from the rest of China.

The celebrities were attending an event on Feb. 14 commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the birth of the late predecessor of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Tibetan Buddhism’s third-highest spiritual leader, said the Karmapa’s office.

Karma Namgyal, secretary of the Karmapa’s office, said the presence of the three along with one of the Tibetan officials was “coincidental.”

He said the celebrities were in Bodh Gaya, a temple-dotted town where tradition has it that the Buddha reached enlightenment, to attend an annual weeklong prayer festival for world peace. They arrived a few days early, so attended the commemoration event as well, sitting on the side with all the laypeople, said Karma Namgyal.

Jamphel Shonu, a press officer for the self-claimed government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, said the event was “purely religious” and had “nothing to do with politics or the Central Tibetan Administration.”

The state media commentary Wednesday said it would be “a pity if they lose their good reputations earned by hard work over so many years” by getting acquainted with people “on the wrong side of the state’s major principle of right and wrong.”

Gomar Choephel, 47-year-old Tibetan monk from Rongwo monastery in Rebgong County, Amdo, Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Steve Shaw: February 22, 2016

Dharamshala — Stepping up its severely crackdown against Tibetans in Tibet, a senior Tibetan monk has been given a two year sentence for inciting “separatism” after Chinese police found banned photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his mobile phone, during a raid.

Gomar Choephel, 47-year-old Tibetan monk from Rongwo monastery in Rebgong County was sentenced by a Chinese Intermediate People’s Court in in Malho, Amdo, north-eastern Tibet, for ‘activities intended to split the motherland, on February 17,” Tenzin, a Tibetan living in Europe told TPI. “Ven Choephel has been sentenced to two years in prison for allegedly keeping images of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his mobile phone, and sharing them to his friends,” Tibetan with close contacts in the area told TPI. Ven Choephel, as he is known because of his native village Gomar and a monk of Rongwo monastery in Rebgong County in Malho, Amdo, north-eastern Tibet (Ch: Tongren County in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province) was detained on July 10, 2015.

After his arrest, his family and relatives had expressed concern about his whereabouts and safety as there was no

information available about him. “The Chinese authorities had not given any reason for his arrest,” the Tibetan said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

However details of the trial are not known, including the precise charges and whether or not due legal process was carried out.

Choephel was born in Gomar Village in Nyenthog Township in Rebgong County in Eastern Tibet. He joined the Thoesam Norling College at Rongwo Monastery at a young age.

Tibetans are forced to denounce their beloved spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and his photographs are banned.

Arbitrary arrest, imprisonment and torture are common occurrences daily in almost all parts of Tibet for maintaining loyalty with their religion and culture identity.

Two senior monks have been arbitrarily arrested for holding a prayer ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Karze County, Kham Province of Tibet (Ch: Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan). The arrests come amid Chinese authorities’ efforts to suppress the prayer gathering in the region. Chinese authorities announced on January 31 that all Dalai Lama photos were “illegal publications” and ordered them to be handed over before February 2.

Dharamshala — Reports coming out of Tibet say Chinese authorities have arrested a Tibetan writer from Pasho County, Chamdo region of eastern Tibet for unknown reason. His whereabouts and condition remain unknown.

Sonam Tsephel, who writes under the pen name “Gangchenpa Gudak”, was arrested on February 19, 2016. Jigme Ngwang, a Tibetan living in exile told TPI that “his location and the reason for his arrest are not currently known.”

Tsephel is originally from Pasho County, Chamdo region of Kham Province in eastenr Tibet. He was first arrested in 2009 and served a sentence of two years in prison for “instigating separatist activities” after spending 9 months in detention before trial.

According to sources, while the exact reason for his arrest is currently unknown, they suspect that Tsephel’s writings and keeping speeches

by His Holiness the Dalai Lama along with distributing his photos.

In 2015, he served 20 days in prison, accused of writing articles against China and keeping speeches by His Holiness the Dalai Lama along with distributing his photos. He was later fined 1500 yuan (approximately US$200) and released. However, he was kept under surveillance and restrictions from the Chinese authorities.

According to various sources, all communications, include Internet lines in the region and surrounding areas severely restricted and oftenly blocked, except for Chinese government offices and institutions.

Most parts of Tibet have suffered severe crackdowns and been under heightened restrictions and controls in the past six decades, that China calls it a “peaceful liberation”. But Tibetans describe a systematic repression, excluded from positions of power and imprisoned.

China’s invasion of Tibet and its continuous implementation of harsh policies to crackdown the freedom of Tibetans living inside Tibet have triggered Tibetans to resort to more extreme forms of resistance.

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TPI NEWS

February 29, 2016

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By Jane Cook: February 18, 2016

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Is the fourth pillar of Tibetan democracy working?

February 29, 2016 Dharamshala, India — In any modern democratic government system, there must be three principle bodies, the judiciary, the executive and the legislature. Tibetan democracy is not only based on this separation of powers, but also based on cooperative working. Most countries in this modern world claim that the three pillars exist to ensure checks and balances and there is always debate over whether the three organs of the government do justice to the role assigned to them.

However, a new pillar has emerged in the modern world, one that is perceived to represent the opinion of the people and one that is vital in informing and educating; this fourth pillar or “fourth estate” is the independent media. Whether a government is democratic or communist, if this pillar is not given true independence, it will be called government propaganda.

Has Tibetan media evolved as an alternate centre of checks and balances for the other three pillars?

Or has it deviated from this path? Four things are required from Tibetan media: It should tell the truth, it should be unbiased and accurate, it should not act to spread propaganda and be completely free of censorship. Tibetan media in exile is inspiring today in all these four aspects. However, some people still argue that it is telling half-truths and even lies, some media groups have ideological or geographical or political bias, and to serve its prejudice it is spreading propaganda.

However, there is a hope that the fourth estate will act as a pillar of democracy for as long as the present political, economic and social structures are moving in the right direction. But without the fourth estate, democracy cannot function properly and will be at risk.

Unlike government propaganda, a free press is the fourth pillar of the democracy, which exercises the right of freedom of speech and expression. The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has famously said he would like to tell the media: “Media people should have long noses like elephants able to sniff out what is going on and then informing the public. However, it is also essential that you are truthful and honest about it. Once the public is aware they can take action accordingly.”

As media is considered the backbone of a democracy Tibetan politicians must understand that media plays a crucial role in shaping society. On the other hand, we must keep our faith in the aspirations of the people inside Tibet and dream of Tibetans outside Tibet. In spite of genuine sympathy towards our lost freedom and a powerful role in regaining our lost nation, we must remember that all Tibetans share same extra burden equally.

The media makes aware of various social, political and economical activities happening around the Tibetan world and it can act as a historical record of our freedom struggle, which illuminates to the world the bare truth and the strength of our freedom movements.

Independent media plays an important role as an informative bridge between governing bodies and general public, in absence of this the general public would be unaware of bills and acts that are passed in parliament, and the positive and negative effects in the society. If journalists close their eyes, government officials will be free from scrutiny and able to act for themselves rather than the people they represent.

The Tibetan leadership must ensure they recognise the importance of the independent press as a fourth pillar and understand that it is as important as the other three pillars, which perform duties for democratic governance such as providing and improving financial equality, sustainability and stability, reform and accountability.

Whether it is our ability to impartially report on democratic elections or turn around businesses in the freedom struggle, the exile Tibetan media plays a vital role in the creating and shaping of public opinion and strengthening of society. It has undoubtedly evolved and become more active over the two decades and act as a safeguard between the people and the government, reminding politicians of their duty to fulfill the promises made in their manifestos.

The Tibetan media has made significant contributions in the education of rural citizens who do not have access to schools, raising awareness of events at home and abroad. It has also helped to expose the corruption and malpractices of business and political leaders, allowing the general public to take action against them. The media also exposes loopholes in the democratic system, which ultimately helps successful politicians in filling the vacuums and making a system more honest, accountable, responsive and citizen-friendly.

Without an independent press, society would be like a bird without wings. We live in the age of information technology and we are bombarded by news 24-hours a day. We get the pulse of the world with just a click of a mouse. The flow of information has increased. The perfect blend of technology and human resources (journalists) has not left a single stone unturned in unearthing rampant issues in politics and society.

Tibetan media is more than a news source, it is a movement to expose the truth of Tibet and act against the injustice, oppression and crimes of our society. It also aims to show the truth behind the hustle and grind. We should lift the veil on all issues affecting Tibetan society and the struggle for freedom and illuminate the truth.

With the belief in truth and justice, we must report the news in context and with a complete picture, based on the legacy of freedom fighters who have longdreamed-of Tibet as a free nation. The people must be informed based on the simple truth that nothing is more important to a democracy than a well-informed public. We will pass a truthful historical record to the next generation by consistently highlighting the truth and ignoring speculation, and this must be retained, and applied, at the very end.

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Dr Franz Pahl Mr Thomas Kemeil Mr Shalinder Kumar Ven Thupten Yarphel

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Former speaker of South Tyrol, Italy A software engineer, Austria A professional graphic designer, India A Tibetan writer, India

Editor in Chief Yeshe Choesang Chinese Editor Keary Huang Tibetan Editor Choneyi Sangpo Assistant Editor Dawa Phurbu Project Manager Molly Lortie Taipei Photographer Artemas Liu Layout & Design Choneyi Sangpo Circulation Tsering Samdhup

Contributors to this editon Jane Cook UK Yeshe Choesang India Choenyi Sangpo India Keary Huang Taiwan Dawa Phurbu India Tsetan Tashi India Victor Reyes US Steve Shaw UK Himalayan Literacy Trust Room #, Top Floor, New Varuni House Temple Road, McLeod Ganj: 176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P., India

The Tibet Post International

Sikyong speaks at Bush center about Tibet and world affairs

Editorial: I

OPINION

E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com Skype: dhardhophonya1959 Mobile: +91-9882423566 www.thetibetpost.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/tpinews

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Dallas, Texas, US — Speaking on the geo-political aspect of Tibet at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, US, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said that China’s aggressive attitude is further complicating the political situation in Asia.

The political leader of Tibetans spoke at the prestigious George W. Bush Presidential Center at Dallas on Friday, February 12. He spoke on the topic ‘Why Tibet is important for our world’.

The talk was organised by George W. Bush Presidential Center in collaboration with John Goodman Tower Center for Political Studies at Southern Methodist University and Crow Collection of Asian Art. Describing former US President George W Bush as a good friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people, Sikyong began his talk highlighting the importance of Tibet to the world from an environmental, natural resources and geo-political point of view.

Speaking on the geo-political aspect of Tibet, Dr Sangay proffered that for centuries Tibet has effectively served as a buffer between India and China. However, it all changed after the invasion of Tibet by China, which brought two of the largest populated countries in the world face-to-face, resulting in a serious threat to India’s borders.

“This confrontation has led to a military buildup and a rapidly accelerating arms race along the border, according to CIA reports,” he said, adding that China’s aggressive attitude is further complicating the political situation in Asia.

Sikyong also spoke about the historical independence of Tibet as evidenced by the treaties signed between a sovereign Tibet and China in the earlier centuries. However, he explained that the Central Tibetan Administration, as the leader of the Tibetan movement, seeks genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people based on the Middle Way Approach.

Sikyong expressed optimism at the realistic approach of the policy, which is based on dialogue and non-violence rather than confrontation or complete independence from China.

Summarising his talk at the end, Sikyong concluded that Tibet is central to world affairs given its geographical location, rich untapped natural resources, environmental aspects and, spiritual and cultural soft power.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay during his talk at George Bush Presidential Centre, Dallas, on February 12, 2016. Photo: CTA/DIIR

Comparing Tibet’s landmass to that of Western Europe or Texas and California combined, Sikyong spoke about the exploitation of Tibet’s rich natural resources by the Chinese government through rampant mining and deforestation.

“Tibet is a huge country by landmass. And as per the Chinese government, Tibet has 132 different kinds of minerals including copper, gold, borax, uranium and a little bit of oil,” Sikyong said. “As a result, China refers to Tibet as ‘Xizang’ meaning ‘Western Treasure House’ due to its rich untapped natural resources,” he explained.

Underlining the environmental significance of Tibet, Sikyong said that Tibet’s glaciers are receding at an alarming rate, which could endanger the lives of hundreds of millions of people. “Even from an environmental point of view, Tibet is significant to the world as it is the source of Asia’s major rivers and is home to the third highest reserve of ice after the two poles,” Sikyong asserted.

“The difference between Tibet and the two poles is that, while the water from the melting of ice on the poles goes to the ocean, the melting of Tibet’s glaciers feed the rivers on which more than a million people depend for livelihood,” Sikyong added. On that note, Sikyong recalled a prediction made recently by environmental analysts prophesising that future wars could be fought over water resources just as current wars are being fought over energy and past wars over land.

Further emphasising the significance of the Tibetan plateau, Sikyong highlighted that China has 19% of the world population, but only 11 to 12% of freshwater, meaning 7 to 8% of China’s population, equivalent to about 400 million people, particularly in north and northeast of China, are facing severe scarcity of fresh water which could prompt China to diversify Tibet’s rivers leading to severe hardships caused by water woes in downstream countries like Bangladesh and India where the situation is even worse.

“What is even more alarming,” Sikyong added, “is that almost 50% of the ice reserves and glaciers on the Himalayan and Tibetan plateau has already melted in the last few decades. And as far as NASA is concerned, by 2050, another 50% of the Tibetan glaciers will melt.”

The talk was attended by Amanda Schnetser, Director of Human Freedom and David Schnetzer, Holly Kuzmich, Dina Rooney, Matt Rooney from the George Bush Institute; Jim Falk, CEO of World Affairs Council, Terrell Falk and Cyrena Nolan from World Affairs Council, and Amy Holland, June Rule, Stacie Adams, Harian Crow, Anne Raymond, Rob Raymond from Crow Collection.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center is home to the Presidential Library and Museum of former US President George W. Bush as well as the Bush Policy Institute and the offices of the Bush Foundation.

Rights group says human rights violations in Tibet continue

international community.

TCHRD is a non-governmental organisation based in Dharamshala. The group said ‘it works to promote and protect human rights of Tibetans in Tibet and to educate the exile Tibetans on human rights concept and democratic principles.’ It also says the annual reports address the violations of civil and political rights of Tibetans inside Tibet, including the right to economic social and cultural rights.

By Yeshe Choesang: February 19, 2016

Dharamshala — A Tibetan rights group based in Dharamshala, condemned China’s continued violation of international law, which as a result, led more and more issues involving Tibet to become issues of international concern in 2015.

“There is a total of 2081 Tibetan political prisoners, including 967 monks and of them 68 were detained in 2015,” the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) said Friday on the release of its 2015 Annual Report on Tibet.

The 194-page annual report, available in Tibetan, English and Chinese, documented two prime developments, namely China’s attempt to include “legal justifications for repression” and the sinister effort of the Chinese government that “prioritised rhetoric over substance”.

“China passed laws on national security and counter-terrorism in 2015 that appear to do little but provide China with a convenient pretext to continue violating human rights,” Director of TCHRD, Ms Tsering Tsomo said at a press conference in Dharamshala, India, on February 19, 2016.

In December 2015, China’s rubber-stamp parliament approved a controversial counterterrorism, drawing widespread criticisms from international community, particularly human rights organizations.

Activists feel that the first counter terrorism law is targeted to further subdue troubled ethnic minority regions, especially Tibet and Eastern Turkistan.

The law that is to take effect in January 2016 requires tech firms to hand over sensitive information to the government and also allows the PLA to get involved in anti-terrorism operations overseas.

“Moreover, China failed to implement any measures that contribute positively to the already degrading ecosystem which many experts say is “irreversible” by pursuing a policy of prioritising rhetoric

Ms Tsering Tsomo, Director of TCHRD accompanied by researchers Mr Tenzin Nyinje and Mr Tsering Gyal at the press conference in Dharamshala, India, Frebruary 19, 2016. Photo: TPI/Tseten Tashi

over substance,” she said.

The group also condemned China’s continued violation of international law, which as a result, led more and more issues involving Tibet to become issues of international concern in the last year. “ R e l i g i o u s f i g u r e s w e r e t a rg e t e d f o r disappearance, detention, and, sometimes, death. Local Chinese police also detained monks and laypeople, and in many cases, they used pretense to detain community leaders, who are frequently religious leaders,” the report said.

It also added that the trend of abusing human rights to silence dissent was frequently used in Tibet where solo protesters were quickly arrested and artists, poets, and intellectuals targeted for arrest.

It further drew attention towards the accelerating environmental destruction and climate change taking place in Tibet. “The rate of China’s use of coal as a fuel is more than the rest of the other countries using coal put together, yet the government during the COP 21 meet last year in Paris put forth resolutions for effective cutback of carbon emission only after 2030, until then they plan to look the other way,” Ms Tsomo added.

TCHRD says it’s report encompasses detailed research material with chapters on religious freedom, rights to privacy and chilling effects, environment, civil and political rights and

I can never give up t ...

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“I’m glad to know that you are trying to preserve our traditional values. It’s 57 years now that we’ve been in exile, while the turmoil in Tibet began 60 years ago. Nevertheless, you’ve kept your spirits up, which is praiseworthy, and maintained our cherished values, for which I’d like to thank you all,” he said.

“The Tibetan spirit is strong and we’ve kept our culture and religious traditions alive, which is important because they have a contribution to make to the world at large. That’s something to be proud of,” said His Holiness.

“The Nalanda tradition is based on logic and reason, which is why aspects of it appeal to scientists today.

We Tibetans are able to study these traditions in our own language without any need to look elsewhere.

It remains our responsibility to keep these traditions alive and to raise our children with love and affection,” he added.

His Holiness has also assured fellow devotees that he is in fine health, despite receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. He urged Tibetans and supporters all over the world to be calm and happy. “I am in good health and nothing to worry. Probably the prayers got ‘answered’ as there is a special connection between students and the teacher,” he said.

During the course of his talk His Holiness also spoke about democracy promotion, human values, warmheartedness, inter-religious harmony and Buddhism.

Tibet News 3 TPI NEWS Two senior monks arrested for China jails Tibetan writer for 3 years over 2008 Tibet movements mass prayer gathering in Tibet The Tibet Post International

February 29, 2016

By Yeshe Choesang: February 19, 2016

Two high-ranking monks of Chogri Monastery in Drakgo County, Tibet; Ven Paga, about 40-year-old, (Abbot) and Ven Ugyen, about 50-year-old, (Geshe) were reportedly arrested by Chinese police early this month after a mass prayer gathering in Drakgo County, Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: February 08, 2016

Dharamshala — Two high-ranking monks of a Tibetan monastery in Drakgo County, Kham region of Tibet have been arbitrarily held on suspicion of activities— allegedly holding/organising a mass prayer for good-health of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

“Two monks were arrested early February by Chinese police, from the Sichuan Province Public Security Bureau, on suspicion of holding a mass prayer ceremony for well-being of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Ven Jampa Tsering, a Tibetan monk living in south India told Tibet Post International, citing sources in the region.

“Ven Paga, about 40-year-old who is currently the abbot of Chogri Monastery in the County, arrested by Chinese police for allegedly involving in organising a mass prayer gathering for the good health of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Ven Tsering said.

“Ven Paga — a monk from Tsogo village, Tsogo township, in Drango County, Kham Province of Tibet (Ch: Luhuo County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province,” Ven Tsering said, adding that He “graduated with a Geshe degree (Doctorate Degree in Tibetan Buddhism) from South India’s Drepung monastery and later returned to Tibet.”

The Tibetan sources also said that another senior monk of Chogri Monastery, Ven Ugyen, about 50-year-old was also arrested by the Chinese police on the same allegation and on the same day. He also graduated with a Geshe degree, from Sera Monastery in South India and and then returned to Tibet.

Both of them were detained in Drakgo County where, thousands of the faithful Tibetans, including monks,

nuns and lay people gathered for a mass prayer last month (January 25), for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s health. The prayer event was held following the news of the Tibetan spiritual leader’s medical treatment in the United States.

Since the prayer event there are reports of an increase in the number of troops deployed in Drakgo county and the surrounding areas. “There are also restrictions on communications across the Drakgo and the neighbouring countries,” Ven Tsering further added.

Chinese authorities in the County last month issued an order banning the display of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s photos in shops and places where crowds gather.

The order signed by four different local offices, including the Drakgo County Public Security Bureau.

The source also revealed that the new notice stipulates: “Those who delay in handing these over, or who never turn them in, will be severely punished according to the law,” the notice reads. “Anyone violating these directives will be severely punished,” according to the two-page notice.

Communist China began running Tibet after the military invasion of Tibet in 1949, assuring that freedom of Tibetan people would be respected. But Tibetans say the dictatorship government led by Mao— known as one of the most deadly mass killings of human history, went back on his word, forcing His Holiness the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet in 1959, destroying more than 6000 monasteries and temples and killing over 1.2 million Tibetans, out of a total of 6 million. Since then, Tibetans have launched an international campaign against the “occupying” China’s authoritarian state that continues to face criticism for human rights violations in suppressing the people of Tibet.

Dharamshala — A Chinese Intermediate People’s Court in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province has sentenced a Tibetan writer and bloger to three years, for writings allegedly engaging in splittist activities, a Tibetan living in exile said.

Tibetan writer and blogger, Druklo, 32, who wrote under pen name ‘Shokjang’ has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for leading “splittist movements” from 2008 and for writings allegedly engaging in splittist activities.

“Druklo was detained by Chinese security officials from a hotel in Rebkong County, Amdo Region of north-eastern Tibet, on March 18, 2015. Although the circumstances of his arrest are not known,” Ven Jigme Gyatso, a Tibetan living in exile told The Tibet Post International (TPI).

“His family were also allowed to witness the trial, but it is unknown whether they are permitted to hire a lawyer to defend him,” TPI’s source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Born in Khaja township, Gengya Yultso, Sangchu County near Labrang Monastery, northern-eastern Tibet, “Shokjang has complete his undergraduate studies at University in Lanzhou,” he said.

Sources said that “as a student at the University, Shokjang written several articles about the situation in Tibet and he had won great respect from the Tibetan community. His writings including ‘The Power of the Heart’ and ‘For the Freedom, I Have No Regrets,’ against the injustice and repression under which Tibetan people live.

However Many of his writings which were later confiscated by Chinese authorities.”

“His wife’s name is Lhamo Tsering and has a 4-year-old kid. His stepfather’s name is

Druklo, pen name Shokjang, a 32-year-old Tibetan writer and blogger, Sangchu County, Amdo region of north-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI/File

Tamding and mother’s name is Lhamo Kyi, Ven Jigme said.

After Shokjang’s arrest and disappearance, sources reportedly said that “many of his fellow writers have expressed their solidarity with Shokjang and his innocence. About 30 articles which has been already posted on a number of social-networking websites.”

Many Tibetans, including monks have been arrested and jailed in recent years for circulating information about protests and cases of self-immolation. More than 50 Tibetan dissents, including writers, bloggers, singers and environmentalists, have been detained or are imprisoned, mostly after sharing views or information about conditions in their homeland.

Chinese authorities barred foreign journalists

Two men get death for murdering Tibetan Buddhist master

Akong Rinpoche, a wellknown and respected Tibetan Buddhist master. Photo: Media File

By Yeshe Choesang: February 03, 2016

Dharamshala — China has sentenced two men

to death for the 2013 murdering of a respected Tibetan Buddhist master who reportedly founded first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in UK, China’s state-run media said.

Akong, 73, who had lived in UK since 1963, founded co-Samye Ling in 1967 in a former nurses’ home in Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway. According to media reports, it was the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West.

‘Three men confronted Tarap Shetrup Akong, a British national, at his residence in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 and stabbed him to death along with his nephew and a driver,’ over

China orders Tibetans in Tibet to EC announces final candidates for stop displaying “Dalai Lama photos” 16th TPiE and Sikyong 2016

By Yeshe Choesang: February 02, 2016

By Yeshe Choesang: February 03, 2016

Dharamshala — Chinese authorities in Drakgo County, Kham region of eastern Tibet (Ch: Tongren County, Qinghai province, northwest China) have issued a two-page notice related to photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

People who failed to comply by February 2 were undermining the law.

Tibetan shopkeepers in Drakgo County, eastern Tibet (Ch: Luhuo County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) have been ordered

by Chinese authorities to hand over all photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “Anyone violating these directives will be severely punished according to the law,” Ngawang Chenrab told the Tibet Post International, citing local sources.

The order, which was issued on January 4, by three local government departments in the Drakgo County says that the photos can also no longer be displayed in shops or stores serving the public.

“If any shop possessed photos of the Dalai Lama and displayed these before the date of this notice, these should be voluntarily surrendered to the Draggo County Office of Culture and Discipline by February 2,” the notice read.

The source also revealed that the new notice stipulates: “Those who delay in handing these over, or who never turn them in, will be severely punished according to the law,” the notice reads.

The notice clearly shows the systematic compromise of the human rights of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government. “After conducting an investigation, the authorities said that an estimated 40 percent of the county’s shopkeepers have displayed His Holiness the

Dharamshala — This year’s race for the Sikyong seat has at least two confirmed candidates – Dr Lobsang Sangay (Current Sikyong) and Mr Penpa Tsering (Current Speaker). More than 90 candidates will compete for the final election for the 16th Tibetan legislative body in March.

The Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration (ECCTA)Wednesday has announced the list of final candidates for the final round of elections of Sikyong and Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) scheduled on March 20, 2016.

“As per Article 67 (4) of the electoral rules and regulation, we have shortlisted two candidates for the final election of Sikyong 2016,” the Chief Commissioner of the ECCTA, Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur said while addressing a press conference at the Lhakpa Tsering hall, Ghangchen Kyishong in Dharamshala, India, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016.

“Similarly, as per article 49(3)(a) of the electoral rules and regulation, which states that – the election commission should shortlist twice the stipulated seats for each constituency,” in addition to the voluntary candidates for the election of the TPiE,” Mr Choephel said.

“We have shortlisted twenty candidates plus one volunteer candidate for Utsang, twenty candidates each for Dotoe and Domey constituencies and four candidates each for the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon Religion “ he declared.

“For the constituencies of Europe, North America, and Australasia (excluding India, Nepal and Bhutan) we have shortlisted the stipulated four candidates each, in addition to two volunteer candidates for North America

The original two page notice related to the ban on Tibetans in Drakgo County, eastern Tibet, displaying photographs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo: TPI

Dalai Lama’s photo,” it said.

The Chinese government’s decision to ban the public showing of any photographs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama began in 1999. The major monasteries were told that possession of the Dalai Lama photographs or public celebrations of his birthday have been met with harsh punishment in the past.

Over 140 people, including several Buddhist monks and nuns committed self immolations in the last few years protesting the Chinese rule in Tibet and calling for return of their spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

China began running Tibet after the military invasion of Tibet in 1949, assuring that f r e e d o m o f Ti b e t a n p e o p l e w o u l d b e respected. But Tibetans say the Chinese went back on their word, forcing His Holiness the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet in 1959. Since then, Tibetans have launched an international campaign against the “occupying” Chinese government that continues to face criticism for alleged human rights violations in suppressing the Tibetans in Tibet.

from visiting Tibet after that March 2008 peaceful protests. Since then the regime has imposed severe restrictions on internet and phone connections by increasing a wider crackdown on communications across Tibet in an attempt to prevent any news reaching the outside world.

In Tibet today, Tibetans are being arbitrarily arrested, imprisoned and tortured for merely expressing their suffering under Chinese rule.

However, authorities in Beijing still claim that “China ‘peacefully liberated’ Tibet, and that the “Tibetans are living in a Maoist socialist paradise.”

Reporters Without Borders ranks China 175 out of 180 countries, for freedom of the press and Amnesty International calls China an “authoritarian state” as do the U.S. and EU.

and one volunteer candidate for Australasia,” Mr Choephel added.

The ECCTA has declared Dr Lobsang Sangay (Sikyong) and Mr Penpa Tsering (Speaker) as the final candidates for Sikyong in the final round of elections, scheduled on March 20, 2016.

Mr Choephel Shosur accompanied by the two additional election commissioners announced the list during the press conference in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, without question and answer session.

The preliminary elections of the16th TPiE and Sikyong 2016 that took place on October 18, 2015. Dr Lobsang Sangay, the current Sikyon maintained a lead by bagging 66.71% of votes.

The second most voted candidate, Mr Penpa Tsering, TPiE Speaker got 23.47% votes.

The voter turn out was approximately 53% of registered voters. According to official sources, nearly 88,000 Tibetan voters across the world registered this time.

The 2016 general election is the second direct election of the Tibetan leadership since the complete devolution of political authority by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2011.

CTA Election Commissioner Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur accompanied by the two additional commissioners Mr Tenzin Choephel (right) and Ven Geshe Tenpa Tashi (left) at the press conference, February 3, 2016. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo

what the Chengdu City police official statement previously said was a financial dispute.

One of those sentenced was Thubten Kunsal, who had been an artist at Akong Rinpoche’s monastery in Britain between 2002 and 2011, the Chengdu intermediate court said in a statement carried by the state-run media “Xinhua” news agency on Sunday, December 31.

He and another man, Tsering Paljor, were given the death sentence for stabbing the three men to death in a confrontation at the monk’s Chengdu home over 2.7 million yuan ($410,000) in wages that Thubten Kunsal said he was owed. A third man was also given three years in prison for hiding the knives used in the killings.

Questions surrounding the murders had underscored the distrust that many Tibetans have of the Chinese government, which has ruled Tibet with an iron first since “peacefully liberating” it in 1950.

Analysts have said that among exiled Tibetans, there was a widespread assumption that there must have been a political plot behind the crime, though there was no evidence for that.

Thubten Kunsal and Tsering Paljor had admitted to involvement in the crime, according to earlier statements by their lawyer, but had argued the deaths were not intentional.

“The defendants’ methods were ruthless, the details extremely malicious, and the result extremely serious,” the court said in the statement.

Lawyers for the three men could not be reached after the sentencing, but the court said Thubten Kunsal and Tsering Paljor would appeal. The third man had not decided whether to appeal, it said.

However, in July 2015, the Chinese government launched what appeared to be an orchestrated campaign, when more than 280 human rights lawyers and activists - along with their associates - were summoned or detained or just disappeared.

The arrests have been widely seen as the state’s attempts to stifle dissent.

Human rights groups and Western countries have expressed repeated concern about a widening campaign to quash dissent among academics, journalists and social activists.

China rejects any criticism of its human rights record, saying it is a country ruled by law and that it opposes external interference in its domestic affairs.

The British Embassy in China said it was aware of the sentencing, according to media reports. “The British government maintains its longstanding opposition to the death penalty, and has formally communicated this to the Chinese government during the course of the trial,” the embassy said in an email.

Akong Rinpoche was one of the few Tibetan religious masters who reportedly keep a close relationship with the Chinese government. He was also revered by many Tibetans in Tibet for his work with charities and in promoting Tibetan education.

4

TPI NEWS

February 29, 2016

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Sikyong takes additional charge after DIIR Kalon’s resignation

By Yangchen Dolma, February 29, 2016

Dharamshala — Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay took additional charge of ministery for the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), after Kalon Dicki Chhoyang resigned from her post, a few months before the end of the office term.

“With a sad heart, I resigned today as Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations for the Central Tibetan Administration,” Ms Dicki Chhoyang said in a press release, only weeks before the Tibetan General Election.

The Kashag has accepted the resignation of Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, Minister for the DIIR for the Central Tibetan Administration.

“Kalon Dicki Chhoyang has verbally reported to Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay while submitting her letter of resignation about her inability to participate in public debates of the ongoing Tibetan general election as a Kalon,” Kashag said in a statement.

In her resignation, Ms Chhoyang also expressed her pride over her position as a minister, saying “it has been a tremendous honor to serve the Tibetan people as Kalon.”

“My decision was made with careful deliberation, bearing in mind our collective interest and the significant challenges that lie ahead,” she said, added: It is “not a small issue.”

“With prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, may His wishes as well as the aspirations of our brothers and sisters in Tibet be fulfilled,” she added.

‘Whoever participate in the democratic

rights bestowed on us by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, it is their right to freedom of expression,’ Sikyong said, adding: ‘Likewise, Kalon Dicki Chhoyang’s concerning her participation in the election debates, is her freedom of expression.’

The Kashag said that ‘Sikyong Dr Sangay has taken additional charge with immediate effect as the head for the DIIR following Kalon Chhoyang’s sudden resignation Sunday morning, citing her desire to devote her time on major issues facing Tibetan people.’

Ms Chhoyang is a lifelong Tibetan activist and female politician who has also lived and worked in Tibet, Beijing, Canada US, and then India. In an interview with the Tibet Post International at her office in Dharamshala, India, in March 2015, Kalon Chhoyang rated her department three-and-a-half-year performance as more than satisfactory, while highlighting the five biggest achievements of the DIIR. Please visit shambalapost.com for the interview with Kalon.

In March 2015 Kalon Dicki Chhoyang gave an extensive interview to the Tibet Post International, about the biggest achievements of the DIIR. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

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Horoscopes for the Month of March, 2016 Sorces: Patrick Arundell Aries 21 March - 20 April Self-belief is going to be the key to achieving your goals, and yet you may not feel quite as confident as usual over the weeks ahead. Even Mars, your ruler, in the adventurous Sagittarius may not be enough to fully motivate you. However, changes are afoot and the Sun in your sign from March 19th, will enable you to embrace the benefits that goes with them.

Libra 24 September - 23 October If you’re to accomplish all that you intend then certain activities that no longer serve you need to be let go of.

However, paring down your to-do list might also eliminate a conflict of interests that could stall progress. Regarding relationship matters, the Lunar Eclipse on March 23rd, suggests you try to be honest about your feelings, even if it pains you to do so.

Taurus 21 April - 21 May You may have been aware of a need to guard your time, money and other resources jealously. However, this month you may be moved to take action should certain people seem to be taking you for granted.

They may not like it if you are more assertive, but they are less likely to test you again. Friendships and contacts can still be key in the next six months.

Scorpio 24 October - 22 November Have you held back from showcasing a talent or initiating a romance? If so, you could find you’re pushed into making your move. The only drawback can be leaving your comfort zone. However, the lure of what is to come can help you move beyond your fears. The Solar Eclipse encourages a more active period, but don’t ignore your emotional and psychological needs.

Gemini 22 May - 21 June The Solar Eclipse at the top of your chart can cause you to feel unsettled around the area of work or even your direction in life. Therefore, you might want to postpone making firm decisions or promises to others until you have a better idea of your plans.

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Cancer 22 June - 23 July The gulf between your handling your everyday responsibilities and desiring to move in a new direction may have caused quite a bit of frustration over recent weeks. This month this issue can come to a head pushing you to take that leap of faith. If you do, you may find it’s your passport to a new sense of purpose and into those activities that you truly relish, Cancer.

Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December It would be all too easy to blame others for any glitches this month. However, do take respsonsibity if you have let something fester in the background. Nevertheless, feistier influences can see you making waves regarding home issues, work and your social agenda. Indeed, it may be the only way to motivate certain people or gain their attention.

Capricorn 22 December - 20 January To really seize any new opportunities you may be required to adopt a different attitude or mental approach in order to succeed. However, it may be a case of one step at a time until you begin to feel really confident of handling what is required of you.

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Leo 24 July - 23 August Mars in your leisure sector from the 6th will enhance creative pursuits and can see you more amorous too. However, if there’s something that needs to be sorted out, such as a financial matter or an on-going relationship that needs to be resolved, then attend to such matters first. You may find it hard to truly make progress until you’ve fully cleared the decks.

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H IS H OLINESS 5 TPI NEWS His Holiness the Dalai Lama of The 21st century can be one of peace and compassion: His Holiness Tibet extends greetings for Losar February 29, 2016

The Tibet Post International

By Yeshe Choesang: February 18, 2016

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to Tibetans in Tibet and in exile as well as friends and supporters world wide as the Tibetan New Year approaches from Rochester, Minnesota, USA on February 4, 2016. Photo: OHHDL

By Jane Cook: February 06, 2016

Minnesota, USA — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama extended his warmest greetings to Tibetans in Tibet and in exile as well as friends and supporters world wide for a meaningful Losar (Tibetan New Year) beginning February 8.

Speaking from the hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, United States, on February 4, 2016, where he is undergoing precautionary prostate treatement, His Holiness offered a brief message on the occasion of the upcoming Tibetan New Year (Losar).

His message focused on expressing his appreciation to those who have sent prayers and well-wishes for his health and recovery, reassuring them: “And I want to tell you that I am doing very well.” His Holiness also reassured friends and supporters that he is in good health and is being well looked after by hospital staff.

The treatment only takes a few minutes every day, but it will take time to complete the treatment. It’s nothing

complicated, it’s not serious, there’s nothing to worry about.”

He continued that “it’s almost as if I’m taking a rest. I’m doing my daily recitations morning and evening and when there’s time I’m reading other scriptures... I want to tell you not to worry at all.”

He then went on to encourage us not to simply take the Tibetan New Year as an “opportunity to offer ‘che-ma’, drink ‘chang’, and gamble.” The meaning of ‘Tashi’ -as in the Tibetan greeting “tashi delek”- is: If you create the causes of happiness, if you lead your life in benefiting others and not harming them, that’s a meaningful life, a life that has ‘tashi’. On that basis saying ‘Tashi Delek’ means ‘May you be happy in the here and now and, as we Buddhists say, may you finally achieve definite goodness.’

With that, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wished all a ‘Losar Tashi Delek’ and requested that all “please try to live up to what it means.”

Rochester, Minnesota — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he is confident that leaders in the latter part of the 21st century who grow up with a human value based education system will be more compassionate and peaceful.

On February 11, His Holiness met with Mayor Tom Tait of Anaheim, CA, Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville, KY and Mayor Ardell Brede of Rochester, MN, along with several like-minded individuals who were working to build kind and compassionate cities. Anaheim had adopted the name ‘City of Kindness’ and Louisville had adopted the name ‘City of Compassion’.

“We are witnessing lots of suffering in today’s world, including the recent refugee problem.

We must question what is wrong in today’s world. I feel we are lacking a sense of respect for other’s life, a sense of concern for other’s well being, which is kindness. We only think of me, me, me! That is the seed of today’s problem,” His Holiness said.

His Holiness admired the Mayors’ efforts in naming their cities as cities of kindness and compassion. He felt the time had come to begin a systematic effort to develop more kindhearted people. This method should be able to encompass all seven billion human beings irrespective of whether they were believers or non-believers.

“All children receive immense affection and love from their mothers. This is a biological factor, not based on religion. We should be able to find a way to promote these values on this level, not based on religious faith. This is what I call secular ethics. Secular in the Indian context of respecting not only religious believers but

His Holiness says real change starts with individuals

By Jane Cook, February 23, 2016

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA — Explaining the major problems that are facing our world today are of our own making, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that “we can hope the government or the UN can do, but the real change starts with individuals.”

“Today I want to speak about some of the thoughts and experiences I’ve had as a human being, not as a Buddhist or as Dalai Lama,” His Holiness said when he spoke to more than 3,000 followers on Sunday at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

He said he was committed to sharing with others how to help humanity live more happily and peacefully. The key is to develop a concern for others’ well-being; a sense of compassion.

The Nobel peace prize laureate noted that many of the problems we face are of our own making, worst among them being when others are killed. He remarked that we feel concern when we hear about someone being killed by a tiger or an elephant, but we seem to accept reports of people killing each other as something normal.

The Tibetan leader reminded his listeners that although they were comfortable where they sat, at the same time, in other parts of the world, people were dying violently, some in the name of religion.

His Holiness drew attention to the link between our physical and verbal actions and our emotions. “If, instead of anger, hatred and suspicion, we were moved by lovingkindness, we would naturally have greater respect for others and our actions would be non-violent,” he said.

His Holiness observed that we live in a materialistic world in which there is insufficient attention to human values. “We rely for satisfaction on material things rather than on warmheartedness. But, as human beings, we are social animals. We need friendship and friendship depends on trust,” he added.

Building trust depends on concern for others and defending their rights, not doing them harm. “Friendship has a direct link to warm-heartedness, which also has benefits for our physical health,” he said, adding that

“some scientists have found that constant anger, fear and suspicion undermine our immune system.”

“In my experience, what we need is a calm mind and warm-heartedness provides a basis for that. That’s how we make ourselves happy as individuals in families, local communities and nations. I believe that if we can train those who are young today in these qualities the world will be a more peaceful place later in this century.

“I try to promote human values because we tend to forget that we are all the same as human beings. If you think of me as your friend, try to do the same. This is not something we can hope the government or the UN can do, real change starts with individuals. We each have to make a contribution. I request you to do so too,” he stressed.

“Let me add one thing,” His Holiness resumed. “I’ve been in conversation with scientists for more than 30 years.

Many of them show an interest in learning about the science of the mind. Ancient Indian understanding of the mind is profound when compared to modern psychology which seems to be at an early stage of development.

“However, scientists have shown that even infants who are too young to talk can distinguish between illustrations of harmful and helpful behaviour and respond positively to help and negatively to harm. They conclude that basic human nature is compassionate. And this gives us hope.”

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism explained that his second commitment is to promoting inter-religious harmony. “Despite their apparent philosophical differences, all religions carry a common message of love, forgiveness and tolerance,” he added, saying “their common purpose is to produce compassionate human beings.”

He cited the examples of religious people dedicated to the service of humanity. He noted too that the Buddha taught different things at different times and places to different people. “This was not because he was confused, nor because he sought to confuse others. It was because he appreciated that people of different aptitudes respond better to different explanations, much as the

Members of the Tibetan community offering His Holiness the Dalai Lama a traditional welcome on his arrival at the Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA on February 21, 2016. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

same illness may respond to different remedies,” he said.

Pointing out that many religions teach about God the creator, there are others, a branch of the Samkhya tradition, Jainism and Buddhism among them, that teach that responsibility for what we do and what happens to us rests on our own shoulders.

However, thinking of God as a being of infinite love and seeking to emulate him is a very powerful practice. “Those of us who follow a religious practice ourselves have a responsibility to work to foster inter-religious harmony.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Mayors and other individuals concerned with building compassionate cities after their meeting in Rochester, Minnesota on February 11, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Taklha/OHHDL

also those who do not believe in religion.”

His Holiness stressed the importance of finding a teaching curriculum for secular ethics that would be able to fit in the secular education field. He informed the group that a draft curriculum on secular ethics has been developed with the help of Emory University.

This secular education curriculum was based on scientific education in combination with our common sense and experiences. Further meetings and discussions in India and the U.S. were planned later in the year to finalize the draft curriculum.

In stressing his commitment to this endeavor, His Holiness said, “I remain committed till my death in the promotion of the oneness of seven billion human beings. Whenever I look at another human beings I always see them as a fellow human being that automatically brings a strong feeling of closeness. If one considers secondary levels then you are enveloped by a feeling of loneliness.”

His Holiness said he was encouraged in meeting people who showed real interest and began to realize the importance of kindness and compassion. He saw this as a hopeful sign.

He also saw the United States as playing an important role in this regard.

“America is the most powerful economic country. That is commendable. Now the time

Rights activist urges Germany to challenge China’s policies in Tibet

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to Tibetans in Tibet and in exile as well as friends and supporters world wide as the Tibetan New Year approaches from Rochester, Minnesota, USA on February 4, 2016. Photo: OHHDL

By JYeshe Choesang: February 18, 2016

Berlin — Tibetan human rights defender and former political prisoner Golog Jigme meets German government, parliament representatives – “appalling Chinese policies in Tibet must be challenged.”

Tibetan Buddhist monk and human rights activist, Ven Jigme this week met representatives of the German government and parliament and gave testimony on his persecution and on the repressive policies of the Chinese government in Tibet. Golog Jigme, also known as Jigme Gyatso, was jailed and tortured for making the documentary “Leaving Fear Behind” in 2008 together with Dhondup Wangchen.

In a meeting with members of the Human Rights Committee of the German parliament, the Bundestag, Golog Jigme said: “China’s denial of real freedom of expression and freedom of movement for Tibetans in Tibet as well as strict limitations of access to Tibet for foreigners, have resulted in the outside world not knowing what the real conditions of the Tibetan people are.

Yet, the appalling Chinese policies in Tibet must be challenged.”

The former political prisoner also met with German Human Rights Commissioner Christoph Strässer (SPD): “I urge the German government to continue to pay attention to the situation inside Tibet. For the future of Tibet, it is very important to break

the ‘lockdown’that the Chinese Government has imposed around the Tibetan people,” Ven Jigme said.

As human beings, we Tibetans deserve the right to express freely without fear of being arrested or tortured. We deserve the right to move and to freedom of religion and China should be held accountable when this does not happen, as in my case and in many others”, he said.

Golog Jigme also spoke at a public screening of “Leaving Fear Behind” and was received by the Association of Tibetans in Germany. The visit in Berlin was jointly organized by the Tibet Initiative Deutschland and the International Campaign for Tibet Deutschland in Berlin, Germany.

Ven Jigme, also known as Jigme Gyatso, is a Buddhist monk and human rights activist who was jailed and tortures for making the documentary “Leaving Fear Behind” in 2008 together with Dhondup Wangchen. He was arrested in March 2008 and released after months of torture.

In 2009, he was arrested again, without charge, and kept in custody for several months. However, he suffered from continued harassment by the police and then disappeared in 2012. A few months after he escaped a police detention centre, the police started a hunt for him under false charges.

He was listed by Reporters Without Borders among their list of “100 Information Heroes” on World Press Freedom Day.

has come to pay more attention about our inner richness, our inner value. I think the U.S. has great potential in this. If the U.S. is able to develop more cities of kindness and compassion and accordingly a practical human value based education curriculum, it will have an impact. Already many people realize that material progress by itself is not enough to develop a happy life.”

Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville said that during His Holiness’ visit to their city in 2013, His Holiness requested him to try and introduce the concept of secular ethics in their community. Through his experience, the Mayor found that people were still a bit apprehensive when they used the word ‘secular’ as some people felt it was non-religious. He said that he used the word ‘human values’ or ‘universal values’ which people found much more accepting. He talked about kindness, love and compassion as basic human values.

He informed His Holiness that Louisville was implementing the teaching of these basic human values in their school system with their compassionate schools project. They had started with three schools where they were teaching young children social and emotional behavior centered around kindness, love and compassion, and mindfulness and meditation. These children came from difficult backgrounds and it was the first time in their life that they were able to slow their minds down and actually open their minds and begin learning for the first time.

After questioning whether they were bringing out any reports or carrying out any research on the effects, the Mayor Fischer informed His Holiness that they were working with the University of Virginia and were planning to test ten schools using this scientific approach and another 10 schools not using this approach to compare each other and see if there was a permanent difference.

His Holiness said, “I have been having a dialogue with a number of scientists, educational professionals and others over the last ten years. Many of them agreed that the existing educational system was not adequate enough as it was focused on material values.

So there was a need to add education on warmheartedness. However, in the beginning stages this needed to be done on a small-scale level and once the positive results became clear, then it could be expanded to include more schools and places.”

“Political leaders were too busy with today’s existing problems. But this effort was the solution for future problems. I am confident that leaders in the latter part of the century who grow up with a human value based education system will be more compassionate. Then the 21st century can be one of peace and compassion.”

Another participant talked about their efforts in developing a kindness program for schools in Canada. They were finding that students in these kindness programs were developing skills that went way beyond the classroom. They became life skills and also took them home to their parents. They were happy to receive calls from parents saying that their 10-year old child was talking about conflict resolution at the dinner table. Parents became interested since they saw a positive effect.

TPI NEWS Back Page Focus 6 Tibetan parliament speaker His Holiness of Tibet tops 2016 Spiritual 100 list Former Karma Choephel passes away The Tibet Post International

February 29, 2016

Top 20 from the Watkins’ 2016 list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People in the world today. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang, February 23, 2016

Dharamshala — The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama again topped the 2016 list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, published by Watkins’ Mind Body Spirit magazine.

Presented annually since 2011 in the spring issue of the quarterly publication, the list – also known as the Spiritual 100 – compiles the most spiritually prominent people of the past year.

“We are delighted to share with you Watkins’ 2016 list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People – spiritual teachers, activists, authors and thinkers that change the world,” the magazine said.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was recognised in front of Pope Francis and South African retired Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu who were placed second and third respectively. Others listed include German spiritual teacher and writer Eckhart Tolle (fourth), Indian American author and public speaker Deepak Chopra (fifth), Brazilian novelist and author of The Alchemist Paulo Coelho (sixth), American novelist, short story writer, poet, and activist Alice Malsenior Walker (Seventh), Australian television writer and producer Rhonda Byrne (eighth), Chilean filmmaker and director of El Topo Alejandro Jodorowsky (Nineth), American talk show host Oprah Winfrey (tenth), Greek American author and co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post- Arianna Huffington (fifteenth) and British author and commentator known for her books on comparative religion Karen Armstrong (twentith).

The Magazine also said that “there are plenty of newcomers on this year’s list including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, psychologist and author Daniel Goleman, physicist and environmental activist Vandana Shiva and poet and philosopher Mark Nepo.”

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

This is just one of the many often-quoted statements from His Holiness the Dalai Lama that continue to land him on top of global lists of influential and inspiring world religious leaders. For several years now, Watkins Magazine has placed the Tibetan spiritual leader at the top of their list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. He was #1 in 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012. In their 2016 list, published earlier this month, the Tibetan spiritual leader is once again #1. #21. Jon Kabat-Zinn: Also not a Buddhist per se, but Kabat-Zinn did study with a number of Buddhist teachers before developing the now wide-spread Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). #25. Sam Harris: One of the “Four Horsemen” of New Atheism, has taken up the practice of vipassana, derived from the early Buddhist tradition, and even teaches it – stripped of aspects he considers religious. #34. Daniel Goleman: A well known psychologist and long time scholar of meditation who has worked closely with the Dalai Lama for over a decade. One of his breakthrough books was Emotional Intelligence (1995), and later works include

Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama (2003) and Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence (2015). #36 is Gary Snyder, #38 is Pema Chödrön, #50 is Robert Thurman, #65 is Thich Nhat Hanh, #66 is Jack Kornfield, #68 is Ajahn Brahm, #78

is Tara Brach, #82 is Huston Smith (another wonderful scholar of many world religions, including Buddhism), #89 is Richard Gere, #95 is Sogyal Rinpoche, and #99 is Sharon Salzberg.

The magazine states that the list is compiled based on three factors: “1. The person has to be alive as of January 1st, 2016. 2. The person has to have made a unique and spiritual contribution on a global scale. 3.

The person is frequently googled, appears in Nielsen Data, and is actively talked about throughout the Internet.”

“By taking into account the amount of times that a person is googled or how many times their Wikipedia profile is viewed, the list gains a highly democratic parameter. In a sense, being googled is a form of digital voting, and illustrates just how often someone is being sought out,” it added.

According to Mind Body Spirit, the list is not a competition but “is meant to celebrate the positive influence of contemporary spiritual teachers.”

Watkins Mind Body and Spirit magazine is sold and published by Watkins Books, England’s oldest and largest esoteric bookshop that has been trading since 1893.

Tibet freedom fighter Lithang Ratuk Ngawang has passed away

Ratu Ngawang, former guard of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, with his autobiography at his residence in New Delhi on 5 March 2009. File photo/AFP/Manan Vatsyayana

By Staff Writer, Tibet Digital News: February 10, 2016

Dharamshala — A former soldier of the Chushi Gangdruk, Ratuk Ngawang passed away at his exiled home in Delhi, India, on February 7, 2016 at the age of 90. For over 40 years, Mr Ngawang served his community as a solder, a community leader and then author.

He died on Sunday at around 5:30 pm at his residence at the Samyeling Tibetan Colony in Majnuka Tilla, Delhi.

Reactions to the news of his death on social networking sites hail him as a true hero of Tibet. He is survived by his wife Dechen Wangmo and four children.

Ratuk Ngawang was a former soldier of the Chushi Gangdruk and one of the founding members of the Special Frontier Force, an Indian paramilitary troop comprising of Tibetan recruits.

He was born in Kham Lithang in 1926 and became a close confidante of Adruk Gonpo Tashi, the businessman who founded the Tibetan resistance army in the guise of a business group.

Ngawang rose to the top of this resistance army and became known as a “hero of Tibet” and he was among the troops that accompanied His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his flight to India from Lhasa in March 1959, one of his biggest contributions to Tibet and her people.

After participating in the guerrilla war against Chinese invasion, the late Ngawang also served as the Political Officer in the ‘’22-Establishment’ of Indian Army during its most glorious days when the Indian Army liberated Bangladesh in 1971.

According to media reports, Ngawang became a leader in the resistance army after Gyalo Thondup asked him to lead the Tibetan Special Frontier Force, which also came to be known as the 22, named after its first Inspector General Sujan Singh Uban who hailed from the 22 Mountain Regiment.

Ratuk Ngawang played a key role in recruitment of Tibetan youth into the newly created Tibetan regiment in 1963, which was a brainchild of Pandit Nehru and

the CIA in tackling Chinese government.

Mr Ngawang additionally led one of the three columns that set on foot into the marshy tracts of Chittagong in the 1971 Bangladesh war. The Tibetan participation in the 1971 war is a little known fact amongst the Indian public as the Tibetans were not officially on the battlefield. He led the North Column while Pekar Thinlay and Gyato Thondup led the South Column and Central Column respectively. 51 Tibetan soldiers lost their lives in the war that gave birth to Bangladesh as a new country.

When asked in an interview about the possibility of Tibetan soldiers joining the Bangladesh War in 1971, Ngawang recalled telling his boss Sujan Singh Uban: “I lured the new recruits by telling them that it was an opportunity to fight the Chinese. I was myself ready to die fighting the Chinese.”

Vijay Kranti, a long time supporter of Tibet and a senior Indian journalist who has extensively written about Tibet over decades said in his condolence message: “As I pray for this great son of Tibet, I wish Tibet is blessed by many more such worthy sons who help her in winning back her lost freedom and independence”.

The brave soldier was presented last honours by his fellow serving soldiers of the ‘22’ (VIKAS) at Nigam Bodh Ghat. Following his body being wrapped in the Tibetan national flag, the ‘22’ boys wrapped him further under the Indian national flag during the last stage of his final journey.

“I am sure if the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi were informed in time, Ratuk Ngawang would have had the extraordinary privilege of being draped in three national flags,” Kranti added.

In his last journey he was joined by some prominent Tibetan social personalities of Delhi besides his close family members and representatives of regional Tibetan organizations like Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), Tibetan Women’s Association and Tibetan National Congress.

Former Speaker Mr Karma Chophel during the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday, held at the main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, India, on July 6, 2013. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang

By Yeshe Choesang: February 01, 2016

Dharamshala — Former Speaker and a serving member of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE), Mr Karma Choephel passed away at his home in Dharamshala, India, on January 29, 2016 at the age of 67. For over 40 years, Mr Choephel served his community as a teacher, an activist, and then a politician.

Mr Chophel, an academic and a staunch advocate of the Rangzen movement, was born in 1949 at Labrang Kosa in the Tradun region of Tibet to parents; Sherab Woeser and Jangchup. After coming to exile in India, he completed his schooling at CST Mussoorie (1960-70). He then acquired a BA degree from Delhi University (1970-73) and B. Ed. from Bangalore University in 1975.

Following the completion of his academic pursuits, Mr Chophel served as a teacher at CST Bylakuppe from 1975 to 1980, and later as Rector at the CST schools of Shimla and Mussoorie from 1981 to 1989.

A lifelong advocate of independence for Tibet, he joined the Tibetan Youth Congress from a tender age, going on to serve two consecutive terms in the Central Executive Committee of the Tibetan Youth Congress from 1977 – 1983 and 1986 – 1989, including a brief stint as the president from 1982 – 83.

Mr Choephel was also the first President of the first Tibetan Political Party – the National Democratic Party of Tibet from 1994 – 96 and was re-appointed to the post from 2005 – 06.

In recognition of his service to the public, he was elected to the 11th TPiE, then known as the Association of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD) in 1991 with an overwhelming victory in the parliamentary election.

He went on to win the next five consecutive elections of the TPiE, becoming one of the most respected and experienced members of the TPiE. Meanwhile, he was also elected as the Chairman of the 13th ATPD from September 2001 to March 2002. He was re-elected as the Speaker of the 14th TPiE on 31 May 2006, along with Mr Penpa Tsering, and served as the Speaker for the first half of its term.

True to his principles, Mr Chophel has served to the best of his abilities in the Tibetan parliament, as well as, in all the other responsibilities that were assigned to him during his long and accomplished service to the Tibetan public.

The Central Administration (CTA) Monday held a prayer service at the Gangkyi auditorium, to express its deep sympathies and condolences to Choephel’s family and relatives. All the offices of the CTA were shut from 02:00 PM in an official gesture of mourning.