Buddhist Science book in process of finalising with His Holiness: Tibetan scholars See Page 8.... Vol. 02, Issue 95, Print Issue 19, 30 September 2013 China blocks Tibetan youth conference By John K.J: 19 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Chinese authorities in Sichuan province have blocked plans by Tibetans to observe the 100th anniversary of the birth of famed Tibetan writer and thinker Gendun Choephel. According to sources coming out of Tibet, ‘a restaurant gathering to discuss Choephel’s life and influence had been scheduled for August 24 in the main town of Ngaba County. “But local authorities objected a few days before the event,”it said, adding “It was planned by a group of young monks from different monasteries in the county and by other young Tibetans, and the Tibetan youths had raised the needed funds”. “But when Chinese authorities learned of the plan, the organizers were told the conference was rejected to hold. Local Tibetans were disappointed by the officials’ action, the source further said.
Tibetan writer completes a three-year jail term
Jolep Dawa, 39, was handed his sentence by a court in Barkham (in Chinese, Ma’erkang) county in Ngaba. Photo: TPi By Yeshe Choesang: 28 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Report coming out of Tibet says, Chinese authorities have released a prominent Tibetan writer and animal rights campaigner after he completed a three-year jail term in Sichuan province. Jolep Dawa, in his 40’s, released from Mianyang prison near the provincial capital Chengdu on September 28 after being imprisoned on trumped-up charges of separatism, the report said. “The Chinese authorities released Dawa today after he completed his three-year sentence for ‘activities intended to split the motherland,’” it added. The condition of his health and other details were not immediately available. Jolep Dawa, 39, was handed his sentence by a court in Barkham (in Chinese, Ma’erkang) county in Ngaba (in Chinese, Aba) prefecture, said India-based monks Kanyag Tsering and Lobsang Yeshe, citing sources in Tibet. Dawa—editor of the Tibetan-language magazine Durab Kyi Nga (I, of this Century) and an organizer of Tibetan cultural conferences—was detained in the provincial capital Chengdu on Oct. 1 last year and had been held since that time, they said. Dawa was detained for one month because of his involvement in a mass campaign to end the use of animal fur on Tibetan clothing. On March 16, 2008, he was again detained for three months, said the Kirti monks.
Robert Ford, independent Tibet’s first radio operator, dies at 90
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China needs the world’s trust: His Holiness the Dalai Lama By Yeshe Choesang: 18 September 2013
Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama Monday, September 16 said “China is a huge nation with an important role to play in the world, but in order to play that role it needs the world’s trust.” His Holiness is in Prague at the invitation of the Forum 2000 Foundation established by his old friend President Vaclav Havel. “Trade relations are important and the Chinese want to be part of the world economic community. However, that does not mean that other countries should not stand firm on matters of principle like human rights,” His Holiness told journalists from Hospodárské noviny, the largest Czech newspaper. “A closed society constrained by censorship doesn’t earn that trust. No matter how powerful it may be, China must follow the world trend towards democracy and freedom of information,” His Holiness said. He said that in his travels he is more concerned with engaging with the public than meeting political leaders. Regarding Tibet, His Holiness reiterated its ecological importance in Asia, its role as the Third Pole, but pointed out that although policy may change tomorrow, damage to the environment can take decades to recover. When journalists asked about the effects of his visits on, for example, the Czech Republic’s trade with China he acknowledged the importance of business, pointing out that when the USA was deliberating on whether to grant China Most Favoured Nation status, he was in favour, because we should not try to isolate a nation of 1.3 billion people. Nobel Peace Laureate said he hoped the new leader Xi Jinping would continue to work for harmony among the Chinese people and among the minority nationalities. However, the use of force and intimidation goes counter to this. The Buddhist leader has also mentioned that Xi Jinping has launched a courageous movement to tackle corruption and that many of his friends say he has a more realistic way of thinking. Asked his view of prospective reforms in China he answered that it’s too early to say. He noted that prior to 1949 China
Photo 1-2: His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during the 17th Forum 2000 Conference in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo 3-4: His Holiness with Aung San Suu Kyi and Chen Guangchen on September 17, 2013. Photo: Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
was in a difficult situation and that the Communists brought about a renewed identity and leadership. He referred to four distinct eras in China’s development since then, noting that the same party and the same system had shown an ability to adjust to new realities. To a question about what a political leader needs to be considered successful he had a simple, succinct reply; “the people’s trust.” His Holiness expressed a wish to visit Havel’s office to pay his respects. When he asked if they had anything bearing President Havel’s own handwriting a signed
Tibetan man dies after self-immolating in Tibet, calls for end to repression
Mass prayer held in Dzatoe County, Eastern Tibet
copy was found of his last play ‘Leaving’, which Dagmar Havlova presented to His Holiness. After visiting President Havel’s office His Holiness drove to the Zofin Palace where this year’s Forum 2000 Conference is taking place. See Page 4......
‘Remember The Buddhist Faith’ His Holiness By HuffPost: 18 September 2013
Dharamshala: - As the violence in Myanmar continues, His Holiness the Dalai Lama urged monks to act according to the peaceful principles of their religion and told them to “remember the Buddhist faith.” His Hiliness the Dalai Lama made his remarks to reporters at an annual human rights conference in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. He went on to say that there was “too much emphasis on ‘we’ and ‘they’” in the world, and declared that “this century should be a century of dialogue, not wars.” Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim minority have been the main victims of the sectarian clashes that last year left around 200 people dead in the state of Rakhine, and a further 140,000 without homes. They are especially vulnerable as about 800,000 Rohingya Muslims are deprived of citizenship rights due to discriminatory policies. The government has been criticized for failing to protect the Rohingyas. Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, chairperson of Myanmar’s National League for Democracy, added her voice to those demanding change from above, saying on Tuesday, “The ethnic problem will not be solved by this present constitution, which does not meet the aspirations of the ethnic nationalities,” according to Press TV. See Page 6...
Guchusum changes its political stand to “Middle Way”
Monks at prayer gathering at Sershul monastery. Photo: File
By Jake Thomas: 18 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Repors coming out of Tibet says, Tens of thousands of Tibetan monks, nuns, and laypeople gathered in Sichuan province last week for special prayers during which a Tibetan religious leader called for an end to communal conflicts over scarce resources. The mass prayer festival held on Friday, September 18, 2013 at Sershul Thegchen Dargeyling monastery in the Dzatoe area of Sichuan’s Kardze (in Chinese, Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, drew close to 70,000, including Han Chinese, the report said. According to the report, “the total number of monks alone exceeded 10,000, and more than 500 Chinese devotees also attended”. “There were also many thousands of Tibetan laypersons present,” it added. See Page 6...
Shichung, a 41-year old Tibetan man, who burned himself on September 28, 2013 to protest against Beijing’s repressive rule in Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 28 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out of Tibet say a Tibetan man elf-immolated in Ngaba County, North-eastern Tibet on Saturday, September 28, in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. “Shichung, aged 41, set himself on fire on a highway at Gomang Thawa area in Gomang Yutso township, Ngaba county of Tibet, in an apparent protest against Chinese repressive rule in Tibet.” Kanyak Tsering and Lobsang Yeshe from Dharamshala based Kirti Monastery told The Tibet Post International (TPI). “Shichung burned himself on Saturday evening, at approximately 4.00 pm locally and died after walked about 40 steps on the highway with shouting slogans against Chinese repressive rule”. Source stated that “the latest self-immolation protest
occurred when the local Tibetans were holding a prayer service at the Gomang Thawa.” The sources in exile however said “he died at the scene and local Tibetans in the town who had tried to protect his body from being taken away by the Chinese. But later the Chinese police took away his body by force.” “Prior to the self-immolation, Shichung has offered a lighted butter lamp in front of a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” they further said, citing sources in the region. The burning protest by Shichung brought to 121 the total number of self-immolations since the wave of burnings began in 2009 in protest against Chinese repressive rule and of them 104 were reportedly passed-away from their severe burn injuries. The Tibetan self-immolators called for freedom for Tibetan people and the return of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. See Page 4...
New executive members of Guchusum Movement, Dharamshala, India, on September 29, 2013. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 29 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Gu-Chu-Sum, a Tibetan NGO for the former political prisoner from Tibet changed its political stand from “Independence” to “Middle Way”. During the three day meeting, the members of the organization changed its political stand of complete independence to ‘Middle Way Approach’, a political stand in line with the exile Tibetan government’s policy of seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. The group consists 130 members who attended the sixth General Body Meeting also elected its new executive members on Sunday, September 29, 2013. See Page 3...
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Ancient scientific knowledge seeks to relieve suffering and enhance humanity 30 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Buddhism taught by the Buddha to the world at the ancient time tend to flourished quite rapidly with a new science of our universe. A first two-volume book on the ancient will be beneficial not just for Buddhist followers but also scientists, researchers and nonbeliever who are studying all mental states, according to Buddhist scholars. This seeming mental identification of human nature with Buddhist science has perked interest not only among scholars and scientists around the world, also millions of nonbelievers on the earth. Bringing a new question to whether Western science and Buddhist Science together can explain, why the relation between human mind and brain functioning jointly or separately, and whether there are fruitful secular applications of aspects of new scientific exploration, without immersion in the entire Buddhist culture, particularly Buddhism as a religion. The series explore the Buddhist Science world, in a deep experiment that is enthusiastic to adapt new interests in a mental system, on an atom whose nature, functions, and their properties are in constant large portion, according to the scholars. These were some of the broader questions addressed at a recent discussion with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, when finalizing the first two new volumes on Buddhist Science by Tibetan scholars. The features have been carefully hectored by the leading researchers and practitioners from Buddhist universities based in India in the past few years and Sooner or later, they are going to translate the volumes into English and 19 other languages. The four volumes of texts on Buddhist science and philosophy will come out soon — two of which will be the first Buddhist science translated into English — and will share a common objective with the modern science to serve humanity and create a better understanding of the world. The series will offer an overview of the history and also create common platform between Buddhism and modern science. Attempts to bridge science
and Buddhism began in the 19th century, however many believe that contemporary science is more interested in understanding how Buddhist practices may benefit individuals and society, versus trying to prove Buddhism through scientific rigor. Scientists may find focus on different understanding the consciousness or mind, with measuring it by perturbing the brain activities, what leads to human suffering and happiness, and what helps to relieve and develop. For example they recognize there is much to be learned about the long term impact of meditation on the mind, body, relief of suffering and enhancement of the human mind condition and brain function. Broad areas of study include: transformation of the consciousness and neuroplasticity, the fact that experiences such as meditation can change the brain via the continuous production of neurons; the elimination of suffering, which looks at mechanisms of mind-brain-body functions; involving the study of the neural counterpart of subjectivity. This achievement is also essential for the preservation of Buddhism as a true science of the mind from Buddha-vacana and commentaries to the Buddhist teachings, and as something that can compliment modern science and help tackle the missing Science of consciousness studies. Many scientists however, despite these promising research findings, they still face wider problems when it comes to understanding brain function, claiming the effects of meditation practices on the brain are inconclusive. When experienced meditators are studied, ideally powerful differences emerge in the brain oscillations for most subjects. In the coming years, this works may make different world and offer opportunities for scientists in enhancing deep learning through a better research on mind, emotional calm, compassionate heart, a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility for others. As both side do have strong shared goals of relieving suffering and enhancing our humanity, which surely provide the best focus for a peaceful planet in the future.
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Tibetans saddened by demise of a long-time Tibet supporter By Yeshe Choesang: 23 September 2013
Dharamshala: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration Monday, September 23 sent his heartfelt condolences to Mrs Urmila Singh over the sad demise of her husband, Shri Mohan Singh, a staunch Tibet supporter and a long-time friend of the Tibetan people. “We are saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri. Mohan Singh. With his passing away, we not only lost a very true friend but also a great parliamentarian – a man of high principles. He will be remembered by Tibetans for his unflinching support in the most trying of circumstances,” the Sikyong said in his condolence message. “This sad news has been conveyed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has also expressed his sadness and has offered his prayers,” he said. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay also highlighted Shri Mohan Singh’s strong support and contribution towards the Tibetan struggle. He said, “Shri Mohan Singh has been a long time friend of Tibet. He played a vital role in the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPT) as its Convenor and helped raise the profile of Tibet in the Indian Parliament and other international platforms.” “I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to you and your daughters in this difficult moment,” the Sikyong said. The Tibetan Parliament in Exile on Monday, Sptember 23 passed a resolution mourning the death of Indian legislator Mohan Singh. The parliament has expressed sorrow and grief over the sad demise of a long time Tibet supporter and a good friend of the Tibetan people. He was a senior member of Indian Parliament and leader of Samajwadi Party, who has unflinchingly advocated the cause of Tibet in the Indian Parliament and other international forums over the past many decades, has passed away. Mr Singh breathed his last at AIIMS in Delhi on Sunday after prolonged battle with cancer. He was 68. On hearing the sad news, we met Mr Singh’s family members to express our prayers and heartfelt condolences, said a senior official
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Late shri Mohan Singh, Samajwadi Party leader and a long-time friend of Tibet. Photo: File
at the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Delhi. He played a vital role in the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPT), which has consistently raised the issue of Tibet in the Indian Parliament and other international platforms since its inception in 1970s. The APIPT supported dialogue process between His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese leadership to resolve the problem of Tibet. During his efficient tenure of Convenor of APIPT, His Holiness the Dalai Lama honoured us by delivering a speech to the Parliamentarians in Parliament House Annexe which witnessed participation from 110 senior Parliamentarians
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including Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who later became prime minister, Mr Yashwant Sinha, the current Convenor of APIPT and former cabinet minister, had said. The first World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet (WPCT) was held in Delhi in 1994 after Mr Mohan Singh took over the responsibility of APIPT’s Convenor. He took part in the second WPCT in Lithuania in 1995. Mr Singh was appointed as one of co-convenors following the reconstitution of the APIPT in May 2002. He visited Dharamsala to express his solidarity with the Tibetan people in March 2008 when the Chinese government cracked down on the widespread protests by Tibetans inside Tibet. Addressing a press conference at the time, he said: “Any struggle for human rights preservation is a matter for the whole humanity.” He said he supported the statement made by India’s External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to US that the Chinese government should start dialogue to resolve the issue of Tibet.
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Tibet Support Groups must increase Allow independent journalists in Tibet: PEN Int’l to China and expand their political impact By Yeshe Choesang: 19 September 2013
Mr Kelsang Gyaltsen, Special Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Europe (C) addressing International Tibet Network’s European Regional Meeting in Basel, Switzerland, on 27 September 2013. Photo: TSG By Yeshe Choesang: 24 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Tibet support groups (TSG) around the world must increase and expand their political impact on Tibet, Mr Kelsang Gyaltsen, Special Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Europe said during his address to the International Tibet Network’s European Regional Meeting held in Basel, Switzerland, on 27 September 2013. Mr Gyaltsen expressed his greetings to the participants on behalf of his colleague Mr. Tseten Chhoekyapa and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). “As most of you may know Switzerland is today home to around 5000 Tibetan refugees constituting the largest number of Tibetans living in Europe,” he said. “He told the participants that this “initiative to bring Tibetan refugees to Switzerland for education and resettlement had significant and far-reaching positive effects for individual Tibetans involved as well as for the Tibetan community in exile as a whole. However, what is less known about the resettlement of Tibetan refugee in Switzerland is that this project has been initiated by few Swiss mountaineers as private persons.” “In 1959 a group of Swiss climbers in Nepal witnessed the first wave of Tibetan refugees fleeing Tibet to Nepal and were so moved by the plight of the refugees that they decided to help them. On their return to Switzerland they formed an association and lobbied successfully the Swiss government and the Swiss Red Cross to resettle a contingent of 1000 refugees in Switzerland. The association had also been tremendously successful in raising funds for the resettlement project reflecting the widespread sympathy of the Swiss people for the Tibetan refugees,” Mr Gyaltsen added. “He said this initiative is a good example of how and what difference individuals can make. These Swiss mountaineers created history in humanitarian tradition of Switzerland by making Tibetans the first refugees from outside of Europe who have been granted political asylum in Switzerland, adding that the beneficial impact of their initiative on the lives of individual Tibetans as well as a community with collective social, cultural and political aspirations continues to be of great significance and of far-reaching consequences till today.” “Obviously, individuals can make a difference,” he added. “This is the lesson that we can learn from this history. And it is in this spirit and resolve that we have come together here for the next few days: To discuss how we can make a difference on how Europe reacts to the dramatic worsening situation in Tibet and how we can best persuade and move Europe to play a more proactive, constructive and helpful role in bringing about a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet.” “In our search for political support for Tibet cause, Mr Gyaltsen said “we need to face the reality that the political environment in which the Tibet movement has been operating has changed significantly in recent time. For most governments China has become today a very important international partner. Moreover, most governments in Europe are presently wrestling with economic and financial crisis that seems to leave little space for a more robust human rights policy vis-à-vis China.” In this context the challenge for the worldwide Tibet movement, he said there is two-foldone to “increas e public press ure on the governments to act decisively on the Tibet issue and another to come up with policy
options that governments in Europe consider as non-confrontational, viable and practical and therefore deserving of support.” The Special Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama stressed that “a hard look at the present state of affairs of the Tibet movement reveals the following areas where improvement is absolutely necessary if we wish to make a significant difference in the attitude of the international community towards the issue of Tibet.” H e u rg e d t h e Ti b e t S u p p o r t G r o u p s , a s saying they “must increase and expand their political impact and visibility nationally and internationally by becoming major and respected citizens movements with public standing and credibility.” “They must aim at becoming more professional in political and public relations work by e m p l o y i n g o r h i r i n g q u a l i f i e d s t a ff a n d maintaining permanent offices for sustained and focused political lobbying campaigns,” he further added. He said (TSG) “must seek to achieve greater impact of their political work by overcoming fragmentation and lack of coordination and by expanding networking and improving coordination and efficiency.” “Furthermore, in recent time some massive and impressive public solidarity rallies for Tibet have been organised in Europe,” he added further into the speech, saying “these rallies conveyed some important messages. Firstly, it demonstrated to the national governments the strong support for the cause of Tibet and for His Holiness the Dalai Lama among its citizens. These public show of support and strength were, thus, also a strong call on the national governments to act on Tibet.” “Secondly, it made clear that the issue of Tibet cannot be ignored by the governments in the relationship with China. Thirdly, the rallies sent the message to the Chinese government that it may be sometimes able to exert pressure on governments but that it cannot bully the public and media in free and democratic countries into silence.” On the policy of the CTA “let me assure you and reaffirm that under the political leadership of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay we remain committed to the path of non-violence and to the process of dialogue and reconciliation. Our position on a mutually acceptable solution is straightforward,” Mr Gyaltsen added. “We are not seeking separation and independence,” said the Tibetan special representative . “What we are seeking is genuine self-rule for the Tibetan people. Our main concern is to ensure the survival of the Tibetan people with our distinct Buddhist cultural heritage and language and the natural environment of the Tibetan plateau that has sustained the Tibetan people since time immemorial. For this, it is essential that we Tibetans are able to handle our domestic affairs and to freely determine our social, economic and cultural development.” “The Middle Way Approach continues to be our genuine and enduring policy because it best serves the basic Tibetan needs and interest and comports with the international political reality,” he said. Special Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Finally expressed his appreciation of participants’ time and emphasized the importance of strengthening, saying “let me thank you as a deeply grateful Tibetan and as a representative of the CTA for your friendship. As friends in a common cause we have traveled a long and difficult way together and have experienced many twists and turns in the epic freedom struggle of the Tibetan people.” “The past has been a challenging time testing our endurance, determination and the strength of our conviction, solidarity and friendship. On this long march we shared with each other the joy and elation of battles won together and suffered together the pain and disappointment of political setbacks. There is no amount of money or power that can buy such friendship, solidarity and commitment. This is the true strength of the just cause of Tibet and of our movement. Generations of Tibetans to come will cherish the friendship, support and solidarity you have extended to us in our time of greatest need.”
Dharamshala: - The PEN International Congress urged China to investigate the causes of the self-immolation protests in Tibet with honesty and transparency, and to allow independent international journalists access to the region. A resolution on Tibet was pased by 79th PEN International Congress meeting in Reykjavík, the capital and only city in Iceland last week. Some 200 writers from over 70 Centres, including a six-member delegation from PEN China, who participated in the meeting. The 79th PEN International Congress meeting was convened from 9th to 12th September, 2013 in the Iceland capital Reykjavik. Minister of Education of the Govt. of Iceland and the Mayor of Reykjavik graced the occasion with their presence, and duly made speeches. Tibet was represented in August this year by a delegation from PEN Tibetan Branch based in Dharamshala, India. Mr Trotsik Choedak, the Vice-president and Mr Woser, the General Secretary of the PEN Tibetan Branch held a press conference held in Dharamshala, India Thursday. ‘The global writers group has unanimously decided to press the Communist Government of China on a seven-point Resolution,’ Trotsik Choedak said during the press conference. Mr Choedak said the resolution urged China to “release all imprisoned Tibetan writers, singers and artists in Tibet Unconditionally, (including Dolma Kyab, Tashi Rabten, Gartse Jigme and Jongzey Dhonko) who did nothing other than peacefully challenge restrictions to freedom of expression with their creative works.” “Remove the restrictions placed on certain writers e.g. Tsering Woeser, Jamyang Kyi- which hampers their freedom to move, communicate with others, and their physical and psychological well-being,” it said. It asked China to “investigate the causes of the Tibetan self-immolations with honesty and transparency, and also allow independent international journalists access to the region.” The group said it is asking Beijing to “allow Tibetans to preserve their own language: Tibetan
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Tibetan delegate during 79th PEN International Congress meeting in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Photo: TPI
language not only represents the true identity of Tibetans, it also contains the important world heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetans should be allowed to preserve, exercise freely, and study in their own language, without interference.” “Stop restrictions over Tibetan Buddhist practitioners and the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, and allow religious freedom. Tibetan Buddhist philosophy is a culture which benefits a large portion of human society, including Tibetans, Chinese and others,” it added. “Allow freedom of speech, writing and artistic expression for all Tibetans in Tibet, without fear of reprisals or oppression,” it stated. The group said Beijing should “ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and incorporate its provisions into Chinese law.” “During the four-day session, each PEN branches from different corners of the world briefed the Congress about their After Action Report, followed by debate and Question & Answers. Sub-committees were also constituted to debate and deliberate on Freedom of Speech and the condition of imprisoned writers,” said Mr Choedak.
The group PEN Internationa elected a new executive committee during the course of the session. The resolutions reached out in this session of the Congress were aimed at the seventeen nations with oppressive records on Freedom of Speech and Human Rights. Those nations include among others, China, Russia, North Korea, Syria, Egypt, Hungary, Turkey and etc. The group resolved to submit a copy of the Resolutions to the United Nations and other International Institutions, as well as other related Governments and their Ambassadors. The Resolution will also be posted on the website of PEN branches the world over. It was inaugurated in London in the year 1921. Presently, it has 144 PEN branches all over the world. In this session, PEN International was successful in inducting a Delhi and Myanmarian PEN branches. According to the Tibetan branch, it was accepted as a PEN branch in 2002. At present, it has over 90 writer members from the three traditional regions of Tibet, and the 4th Executive Committee is currently discharging duties with its office headquartered in Dharamshala, India.
Tibetans protest Nepal’s secret cremation of Buddhist monk
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On September 24, Tibetans and supporters holding a protest against over Nepal’s secret cremation of Buddhist monk who selfimmolated at the Boudha stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal on 6th August 2013. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 25 September 2013
Guchusum changes....... continued from Front-Page
Mr Passang Tsering, a Tibetan language teacher at Sarah college for Higher Tibetan studies, near Dharamshala, was elected the new President along with 14 other new executive members for a three year term. During the meeting, the members discussed the organization’s activities and achievements, future campaigns and strategies and human rights situation inside Tibet.
Dharamshala -Tibetans and supporters Wednesday, September 34 held a demonstration against Nepal’s secret cremation of Karma Ngedon Gyatso (38), a monk, who self-immolated at the Boudha stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal on 6th August 2013. The event was jointly organised by Tibetan NGOs the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamshala, Students for a Free Tibet, India and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association. A joint statement released by the NGOs said “the Nepalese government rejected repeated pleas made by the Tibetan community in Kathamndu requesting the release of his body for the proper Buddhist cremation rituals.” “The self-immolation is the second in Nepal this year. Earlier Drupchen Tsering, a monk, set himself on fire on February 13 and was secretly cremated without any Buddhist rituals by the Nepalese government turning a deaf ear to all the appeals,” the NGO’s press statement added.
“Earlier in the morning, a prayer and butter lamp offer session was held at the His Holiness’ temple to mark the 49th day of Karma Ngedon Gyatso’s demise which is an important part of the Buddhist ritual. The demonstration took place in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala joined by Tibetans and supporters,” it said. “This is the second time that the Nepalese government has committed such a heinous and cowardly act. Denying Karma Ngedon Gyatso’s final Buddhist cremation rites is utterly saddening and outrageous,” said Jigdal, Program Director of Students for a Free Tibet, India. “Nepal still has an opportunity to show the world that it respects human rights and religious freedom thereby upholding its moral and principal values. The Nepalese government should stop kowtowing to China.” “Nepal cannot forget the civilizational relations with Tibet coming under the Chinese government’s political pressure today. Our gratitude for asylum cannot condone Nepal’s ongoing repression of Tibetan refugees living there” said Tenzin Tsundue of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress.
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TPI NEWS
30 September 2013
TIBET
Latest mages show China continues its crackdown on gold mine protest in Tibet
protesting against diamond mining in Yulshul County in eastern Tibet. The situation remains tense in the county, as there is a growing anger over the severe crackdown,” “Local Tibetans are concerned that the mining activities are not sanctioned by the Central government officials and that they could trigger environmental problems, including pollution. Protesters raised their hands and shouted slogans such as “stop the destruction of the environment”, while putting up large banners displaying President Ju Jintao and his recent environment speech,” Ven Konchok told The Tibet Post International (TPI), citing sources in the region. The Central Tibetan Administration said it has “repeatedly called on China to ensure active participation of Tibetan people in all decisionmaking process and that social, environmental and cultural impacts assessment are carried out.” A heavy military deployment in Dzatoe County, Kham Yulshul of eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yushan Nyima: 23 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Since August, the situation remains very tense in Yulshul County, Kham region of eastern Tibet over the past several weeks, after a massive crackdown carried out by armed Chinese military forces to disperse Tibetans peacefully protesting against gold mining in the region. Latest photos and video clip receiving from the region show hundreds of armed Chinese police and paramilitary forces marching in Dzatoe areas of Yulshul County to warn of further crackdown. “No locals are allowed to go into the mining areas of Dzatoe County. The areas are still carefully surrounded by the security forces,” sources said. A short video clip has surfaced online which show many large trucks loaded with full of Chinese military forces arriving in the region. “Around 12 military trucks arrived in the county. The military trucks however sudenly disappeared. We do not know where the Chinese military forces are hiding right now,” sources added. Local Chinese authorities warned of severe punishment including arrest and imprisonment if the Tibetans continued to protest. “The Chinese
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www.moonwalkresidency.com moonwalkresidency@gmail.com Man dies after self-immolating in Tibet ...... ...................continued from Front-Page
According to the same sources, “Shichung was a farmer and he is survived by his wife Palo, 39 and their 18-year old daughter and 14-year old son.” In 2013 alone, 23 Tibetans set themselves on fire to protest against China to end its government’s hardline policies against Tibet and the Tibetan people. Konchok Sonam, a 18-year old young Tibetan monk died on July 20 this year, after setting himself ablaze. He shouted slogans- calling “freedom for Tibetans” as he sets himself on fire in Dzoge township of Ngaba County. The Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala, Indian has repeatedly urged Tibetans to refrain from resorting to drastic actions such as self-immolation. The Beijing officials however subsequently accused exile Tibetans of inciting the self-immolation protests.
authorities were questioning local Tibetans. Each local was called in and questioned about the incident.” “They were specifically asked for the names of the persons who led in the planning of the protest and demanding of stop to mining,” Ven Konchok told The Tibet Post International (TPI News), citing sources in the region. Some other photos show mining drilling equipments and large range of pipes are in place in the areas. “The gold mining is started in the Dzatoe, cause to grow the anger of the public over the mining of their sacred mountain,” source TPI News, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Over 1,000 Tibetans gathered to protest against the mining activities in each of the three sacred Buddhist sites in the County in the past month. The massive military crackdown followed a tense confrontation between local Tibetan protestors and Chinese miner workers at three sacred Buddhist sites having gold reserves in Dzatoe in Yulshul County August 13. The protestors were severely beaten by Chinese security forces with gun butts and hurling tear gas to disperse the peaceful
Among many friends in the room His Holiness greeted blind Chinese civil rights activist Chen Guangcheng as he entered. He was welcomed with warm applause and introduced to the gathering by Jacques Rupnik, who remarked that as His Holiness was President Havel’s last visitor it was appropriate that he should make the opening address to the conference he founded. “Respected brothers and sisters, as a long time friend of President Havel’s I feel it a great honour to participate in a meeting that he began. I would like to tell you that I have just come from the office where our last meeting took place. I have made something of a practice of paying tribute to friends in this way,” said His Holiness. “After first President of Independent India, Rajendra Prasad passed away I visited his apartment in Patna to pay my respects. I likewise went to Pandit Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister’s house after he died and I remember noticing the small Buddhist text and his Rolex watch that he kept beside his bed,” he added. “This time I went to President Havel’s place with feelings of sadness that this humble, honest, truthful person is no more. But, although he is physically no longer with us, his spirit remains and we have a responsibility to continue his work,’ His Holiness said. The spiritual leader said he considers himself just one of the 7 billion human beings alive today, nothing special. “As human beings we are physically, mentally and emotionally the same. We all want a happy life and don’t look for trouble, and yet many of the problems we face are of our own creation.” His Holiness said that “If we rely on our basic human feelings of affection we can overcome these problems. We need to have a sense of the oneness of humanity. We have to look at things
A Tibetan writer arrested over publishing articles related Tibet
Tibetan writer, Lobsang Namgyal who was arrested for allegedly publising his political writings on Tibet issues. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 26 September 2013
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The Tibet Post International
on a human level and remember that just as we want to live a happy life, others do too.” His Holiness said that despite our increasing interdependence, our insistent emphasis on ‘them’ and ‘us’ becomes the basis for war and violence. Yet the notion of completely eliminating your enemy, to overcome ‘them’, is obsolete, out of date. His Holiness commented that while his generation belongs to the twentieth century, young people today belong to the twenty-first. Despite its many developments, the twentieth century was a century of violence and bloodshed. Young people of the present century have the opportunity to create a new world, and although he may not live to see it, His Holiness jokingly suggested that from heaven or hell he will be keeping an eye on how they are doing. His Holiness also has met Nobel laureate and Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and human rights activist Chen Guangchen on the sidelines of the human rights conference in Prague.
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Dharamshala: - In further crackdown on the dissents in Tibet, a Tibetan writer, was arrested by Chinese police in Chengdu City of Sichuan Province for allegedly publishing speeches of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his political writings on Tibet. Chinese police have detained Lobsang Namgyal, a 27-year old Tibetan writer in Chengdu city of Sichuan on May 15,2013, when he was traveling in a market in the city,” a Tibetan living in exile told The Tibet Post International (TPI). Sources said that “his family members were searching for Lobsang, who has been missing for several months.” “An eye-witness, meanwhile, told his family members that, some Chinese police were taking him away in Chengdu town,” sources said. “The family members later heard that he was in a detention center in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. His family banned from visiting him and has not been informed of the reason for his arrest,” another source to TPI said, citing sources in the region. Sources from the region confirmed that “he was arrested for allegedly publishing talks of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and several political writings related Tibet issues.” “Lobsang, a native of Walpan village of Machu County in Kanlho, Amdho region of north-eastern Tibet (Maqu Xian, Gannan Prefecture), is still in Chinese police custody at the same detention center in Sichuan Province,” sources added. According to the sources, “he completed his higher studies from Ragya Culture Institute in 2011, and published a book of poems on Tibet.” Chinese authorities arrested 18-Tibetans for allegedly involving in a protested against the Chinese rule in Machu County in 2008. Lobsang among six were arrested from a Tibetan club called ‘Gesar Nangma’ in the county. In Tibet today, Tibetan writers, intellectuals,
musicians, artists, environmentalists, and religious figures are being arbitrary arrested, imprisoned and tortured by Chinese authorities for merely posting an article to a blog, writing an essay, editing a magazine, sending information by text message, or singing songs that express the suffering of the Tibetan people. Virtually any expression of Tibetan identity is being branded “splittist” - a threat to the Motherland and severely punished. Tibetans facing a heavy restrictions and repression imposed by the communist regime that erupted into unrest in recent years. More than 120 Tibetans have separately set themselves on fire to protest against controls on their religion, language and culture and other repressive measures over the past few years. In response to the increase in Tibetan dissident activity,the Beijing authorities have markedly expanded their authoritarian strategy to maintain “social stability” in Tibet. Beijing authorities however still claims that “China ‘peacefully liberated’ Tibet, and Tibetans today are happy under Chinese rule.”
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Sikyong congratulates Angela Merkel on election victory By Yeshe Choesang: 24 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Sikyong, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Tibet Monday, September 23 congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel on winning the federal election. Sikyong Dr Sangay also ‘thanked the longstanding support of Germany for the non-violent struggle of the Tibetan people.’ Dr Sangay in the congratulatory letter to Chancellor Merkel said: “On behalf of the Tibetan people, I congratulate you on winning the German federal election and for securing a third consecutive term as the Chancellor.” “I wish you all the success in meeting the challenges in leading Germany forward during the next four years,” he added. Dr Sangay said his “administration expresses its admiration on your formal meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the chancellery in September 2007. We also appreciate your deep concern for and your vocal opposition to human rights violations around the world.” “We welcome your statement calling for dialogue
between the Government of China and the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in peacefully resolving the issue of Tibet,” he further added. “I also thank the people and government of Germany for their long-standing support for democracy and non-violent struggle of the Tibetan people. I look forward to your continued support for the issue of Tibet, under your leadership,” Sikyong stated in the letter. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has also congratulated the German Chancellor Angela Merkel on winning the recent federal elections. In the letter to German Chancellor Merkel, Speaker Penpa Tsering wrote: “On behalf of all the Tibetan people, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wishes to congratulate you for the emphatic victory in the recent election and also for being elected for the third term as the Chancellor. We wish you all the success in your endeavours. “As you are well informed about the situation in Tibet, we seek your continued support in peacefully resolving the ongoing crisis in Tibet and a lasting solution to the long standing issue of Tibet.”
TPI NEWS
The Tibet Post International
His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins four-day teachings for Taiwanese
5 His Holiness the Dalai Lama concludes his European tour with a visit to Vietnamese Temple H.H the Dalai lama
30 September 2013
By HHDLO: 24 September 2013
His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the way to the Main Temple in Dharamshala, India, on September 30, 2013. Photo: TPI/Artemas By Yeshe Choesang: 23 September 2013
Dharamshala: - After successfully concluding about a 10-day trip to four European nations, the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday, September 30 commenced a four-day teaching on Nagarjuna’s “Sixty Stanzas of Reasoning and Tsongkhapa’s “Concise Treatises on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, at the main temple in Dharamshala, India. Addressing over 5,000 devotees, including 900 Taiwanese, 50 devotees from mainland China and Hong Kong and international visitors from over 50 countries, His Holiness praised the devotees from Taiwan and China in their recitation of Heart Sutra in Chinese, urged them to study and research on Buddhist teachings. The Tibetan spiritual said the “wisdom” taught by the Buddha thousand years ago can be developed to solve “many problems we face in the world today.” The four-day teaching sessions are held at the request of followers and devotees from Taiwan. The teaching began with a recitation of the Chinese version of the Heart Sutra by the devotees from Taiwan. “I had opportunity to listen Chinese monks reciting the Heart Sutra in Chinese during a visit to Singapore and Malaysia in 1960s and we recited it together,” His Holiness told Taiwanese devotees, while sharing a short story of a Chinese monk. “There were many Chinese who recite the Heart Sutra in the past, it has declined lately,” he stressed, adding there are now about 400 millions Buddhists in China. “As you just have recited the Sutra, His Holiness explained, its ultimately aims to “remove the three poisons—ignorance, attachment and aversion, or hatred.” The “three poisons”- which of attachment and hatred – are destructive emotions, His Holiness said, adding “it is not only a matter of religious teachings.” “If we make careful and thorough investigation, these delusions are the cause of so many problems in the world today,” he said, adding these “are realistic problems” to solve. His Holiness said that the “ignorance or lack of understanding is the very root distortion from which hatred and attachment stem”. His Holiness asked the devotees from Taiwan, “How many of you do not receive my teaching before? Most of the people in the group raised their hands. “Ultimate goal is ‘Happiness,’ His Holiness said everyone “wants to be happy and do not want sufferings. Therefore, in order to remove the ignorance, it must do through a long term “wisdom practice.” His Holiness going through the teaching text, “Buddha himself said that “Buddha neither washaway the sins of the sentient-beings, nor remove the beings’ sufferings, nor transfer the realisations in his own continuum and give them to others.” But the Buddhist leader said “the Buddha has shown us how to overcome our suffering and how to achieve the happiness. The way to forsake suffering and achieve happiness,’ His Holiness said which exist in the continuum of sentient beings and which give rise to suffering, to be removed and for the causes of happiness to be achieve in their own continuums.’ Overcoming the ignorance and suffering, His Holiness said “we can not do so, merely
by developing sense of wishing to be out the sufferings and Samsara. One must has practice of the developing wisdom and realise the very nature of reality.” On the other hand, he said we have “this intelligence and wonderful human brain”, which other animals do not have. Because of the intelligence we have, we developed language and scripts. “Through this means, we have the ability to think long-term, then come out many different things, including all kinds of writing and so on. ‘All these different things we do, of-course our ultimate goal in our life is “happiness”, His Holiness said. In order to have happiness, we develop faiths, then it also creates ‘fears of darkness, eventually people also put their hope in order to overcome fear of coldness, then start worshiping fire and so forth. This is much philosophical idea and background to them such, he said, adding there are “two developments of love and compassion”. The philosophical differences among the religions, there is something which is necessary, he said. Because there are people for whom more effective, if the idea of create a God and seeing the God has been infinite love- then critical. The Tibetan spiritual leader went into further in the philosophical teachings, he told there is no external phenomena, everything is the nature of mind, which is the teachings of the Mind-only School. The Madhyamaka teachings, Buddha has said there is nothing which exist inherently. “In this way, the religion which is meant for peace of mind, but if its used for some negative purpose,” His Holiness said “it is very sad,- creates divisions and negative emotions among the religions.” Therefore, he said “when it comes to faith, you have to keep faith in your own religion, but should respect all other religious traditions.” “In the recent years, scientists who began to show interest about consciousness or mind. ,” His Holiness said, adding “scientists say that a healthy mind is a major factor for a healthy body”. The spiritual leader said that some scientists have also seen that because of the ups and downs in our emotions, they are aware of if these emotions create the problems, through their deeper research into the brain activities. Wherever His Holiness goes throughout the world, he talks about the values of fundamental universe: compassion, tolerance, forgiveness— referring to three main goals in life to which he is particularly committed;- developing human values, promoting inter-religious harmony and the well-being of the Tibetan people.
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Hanover, Germany, 20 September 2013 - The concluding engagement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s current tour of Europe was a visit to the Vien Giac Vietnamese Temple in Hanover. On arrival he recognised several friends among the monks who came to receive him as he stepped out of his car and who then escorted him into the Temple. After paying his respects before a standing image of the Buddha, His Holiness sat to recite prayers before taking his seat on the prepared throne. Beginning his talk. “I’m very happy to have been able to come to visit this Vietnamese temple. Historically, among the followers of the Buddha, those who uphold the Pali tradition are senior and among those who follow the Sanskrit tradition, the Chinese and then the Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese are senior. Buddhism came to us Tibetans later, and it is customary for junior students like us to show respect to their seniors. It is now more than 2500 years since the Buddha passed away and students in different parts of the world still follow his teachings, which is a source of joy.” He noted that in this twenty-first century technology is highly developed, but can be a cause of terrible destruction. What we need is to pay more attention to our inner values in order to develop inner peace. Under such circumstances we will be able to ensure that we use technology constructively. He acknowledged that the Vietnamese people experienced great suffering and immense destruction due to the power of modern weapons during the war in their country. He recalled once flying over Vietnam on his way to Japan during that period and seeing B52 bombers from his window; he said he couldn’t help thinking of the people on the ground below. Now, in many parts of the world there is a strong feeling against the use of violence and a robust desire for peace. Anti-war, anti-violence movements are strong. Values expressed by our various religious traditions like love, compassion, tolerance and selfdiscipline remain very relevant. Therefore, these traditions have a special responsibility to build peace in the world and it is important that there is harmony and respect among them. “Buddhism has a unique philosophical view, the concept of interdependence, that everything depends on other factors, that nothing exists absolutely or independently. The Sanskrit term for this is Pratityasamutpada. In both the Pali and Sanskrit traditions this is the prevailing philosophical view. “The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths on the basis of interdependence. All followers of the Sanskrit
His Holiness the Dalai Lama concludes his European tour with a visit to Vietnamese Temple. Photo: OHHDL
tradition recite the Heart Sutra, which says ‘form is empty, emptiness is form.’ According to the Buddha, the root of suffering is ignorance, the misconception that things exist inherently or independently, whereas they are interdependent, existing due to other factors. The emptiness he taught is not nothingness, but emptiness of independent existence.” His Holiness explained that by understanding and thinking about interdependence our ignorance is reduced and our understanding of reality grows. That is how we transform our minds. We may pronounce the Heart Sutra mantra differently, but what it shows is progressive growth of understanding that culminates in Buddhahood. “We take refuge in the Buddha, but ultimately our goal is to attain Buddhahood ourselves; quite an ambition! Buddha said we have the seed of Buddhahood, Buddha-nature, within us. When you are a young student it’s useful to have a goal to become something like a professor and for followers of the Sanskrit tradition of Buddhism it’s useful to have the ambition to reach Buddhahood. “The wisdom that understands emptiness becomes much stronger with the help of concentration. Concentration brings the power of the mind to bear and to develop concentration we need the discipline of ethics. “One motive for eliminating the mind’s defilements is our own liberation from suffering; the second is the elimination of the traces of defilements that are obstacles to knowledge. Once they are overcome you can see the Two Truths simultaneously, which is Buddhahood. If we practise the Three Higher Trainings with this motivation it becomes the antidote
His Holiness congratulates Merkel on election triumph
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany. Photo: Media fiele By Yeshe Choesang: 23 September 2013
Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday, 23 September has congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel on her third election victory in a row in Sunday’s vote for the 630-seat national parliament, Bundestag. In his letter to the Chancellor, His Holiness wrote how he was a great admirer of the European Union.
He expressed his appreciation for her farsighted and leading role in the European Union’s efforts to meet the aspirations of all Europe. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate His Holiness the Dalai Lama “also expressed his admiration for her firm stand on issues of principle and human rights.” Merkel’s conservative bloc took about 41.5 percent of the votes in Sunday’s vote, getting 311 seats -- just short of an absolute majority. She is likely to push for a grand coalition with the Social Democrats, who won about 26 percent of the votes. Greens won 8.4 percent -- down 2.3 percent from previous elections -- as leftist Linke increased support by 3.3 percent to win 8.6 percent of the votes. Merkel’s former junior coalition partner, liberal Free Democrats, won 4.8 percent in a historic failure to cross the threshold of 5 percent needed to gain parliamentary representation.
to the subtlest disturbing emotions.” Coming back to the Heart Sutra mantra, His Holiness equated the final words, ‘Bodhi svaha’ to the elimination of all obstacles and their traces and the accomplishment of the all-knowing mind. He added that developing altruism and wisdom together should be the basis of daily Buddhist practice. He stressed the importance, especially in the Sanskrit tradition, of investigation, recalling the Buddha’s own advice to his followers not to accept what he said out of faith alone but to investigate and test it. As twenty-first century Buddhists, he said, we should not only do chanting, although that has its place, more important is study. “So, please study. Find out what the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are. Remember that the Buddha wasn’t always enlightened, when he started out on the path he was like one of us. To understand what the Buddha is we have to understand the path.” As usual His Holiness invited questions from the audience and the first was about the difference between Buddhism in the East and in the West. He answered that the teaching of the Buddha remains the same although the cultural trappings may change. But, he said, it is the teaching we should pay attention to rather than the culture. Another question referred to the decline and disappearance of the Dharma. His Holiness quoted the Buddha as saying that his teaching wouldn’t disappear because it was inadequate but because the followers no longer knew or supported the teaching properly. Finally, a woman requested His Holiness to return as the 15th Dalai Lama to help people like her. He replied that as early as 1969 he made clear that whether or not the institution of Dalai Lama continued in the future would be up to the Tibetan people to decide. Only if they want it to continue will the question of the next Dalai Lama arise, otherwise, he said, he could be the last. “However, that doesn’t mean that my rebirth will come to an end. My favourite prayer is Shantideva’s verse, which says: For as long as space endures, And for as long as living beings remain, Until then may I too abide To dispel the misery of the world. So, I’ll be there.” Leaving the Vien Giac Temple and clamouring devotees who did not want to see him go, His Holiness drove to Hanover Airport to begin the long flight back to India.
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exile news TPI NEWS Largest exile youth group urges Tibetan Parliament in Exile urges world community world leaders to stand up for Tibet to press Beijing to end its failed policies in Tibet The Tibet Post International
30 September 2013
Mr Tenzing Jigmey, the president of the Tibetan Youth Congress. Photo: File
By Yeshe Choesang: 25 September 2013
Dharamshala -Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest youth group in exile urged the leaders of the world to stand up for Tibet. “Since February 2009, 120 Tibetans are confirmed to have self-immolated of which 103 have reportedly resulted in deaths. These events are unprecedented in number and unimaginable in nature. Little known of the fate of the others who survived but whose survival might be hanging by a thin threat,” TYC said in a press statement issued on September 23, 2013. “On July 20, 2013, 18-year old monk named Konchok Sonam lit himself on fire in Tibet to protest China’s military occupation. The majority of the self-immolation are taking place in Ngaba County, north-eastern Tibet (Chinese: Aba County, Sichuan Province). Chinese military presence has surged in the county and other Tibetan areas, including armed blockades, blocked roads, and shut down internet services,” the statement said. “In a deepening crackdown on self-immolation protests in Tibet, Chinese authorities in Ngaba Tibetan and Quiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, have given death sentence to a Tibetan man for allegedly killing his wife,
Konchok Wangmo, 29 in Dzode (Chinese: Rue’ rgai) County in Ngaba Tibetan Prefecture, according to a Xinhua report carried out on the official Chinese website of www.china.org and Global Times,” TYC stated. The youth congress said it “has initiated a letter writing campaign to the leaders of the world, urging them to ‘Stand up for Tibet. This letter will be delivered to them at the ongoing United nations General Assembly taking place in New York. Regonal TYC New York/New Jersey will also organise a protest at the UN headquarter in New York on September 27, when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to speak to the UN General Assembly.” “Working Group where China’s Human Rights record will reviewed by the UN. TYC chapters of Belgium and Paris will jointly organise this protest in Geneva,” it added. The Tibetan youth group calls on the UN leaders to: - Seel immediate intervention to ensure that Dolma Kyab’s rights are respected and protected. - Initiate dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his delegation about the crisis in Tibet. - Join other like-minded leaders to immediately adopt a new approach to finding a solution to the Tibet crisis, through a coordinated, multilateral initiative that will bring an end to Tibetan suffering. TYC President Tenzing Jigme states “China needs the world more than the world needs China and it is time for world leaders to really hold China accountable for their actions in Tibet”. TYC is the largest Tibetan NGO in exile working for the freedom of Tibetan people and and urges UN and its members to heed to the demands of the Tibetans’ suffering in Tibet.
By Yeshe Choesang: 18 September 2013 13
Dharamshala: -The Tibetan Parliament-inExile Wednesday called on the international community to press the Chinese government to end its failed policies in Tibet. The 6th session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-inExile (TPIE) unanimously passed three resolutions to express solidarity with the Tibetans who set themselves on fire for the cause of Tibet. A ten day meeting began on September 18, pledging to strengthen their efforts to alleviate the sufferings of Tibetans inside Tibet. TPIE also called for greater support from the international community to urge China to resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue with the Tibetan leadership. According to the CTA, the resolution praised the indomitable courage and determination of all those Tibetans who are suffering under the repressive rule of the Chinese government and expressed solidarity with their family members. The parliament prayed that those who died for the cause of Tibet be reborn in Tibet, immediate release of those suffering imprisonment and fulfilment of Tibetans’ aspirations for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. The new Chinese leadership must take a realistic approach on the issue of Tibet, the resolution said, adding that it should look into the grievances of all those Tibetans who have set themselves on fire and resolve the Tibet problem through dialogue with the Tibetan leadership based on the Middle-Way Approach. Expressing deep gratitude to the UN, governments, parliaments and organisations for showing concern over the grim situation in Tibet through resolutions and statements, the parliament called on the world
Governments must focus on China’s failed policies in Tibet By Yeshe Choesang: 26 September 2013
Geneva:- A Tibetan coalition team on a long lobbying effort in engaging with representatives of different countries highlighting China’s atrocities on Tibet in ahead of it’s Universal Periodic Review in October this year. “As China’s second Universal Periodic Review approaches, Tibetan activists converge on Geneva to highlight deteriorating situation in occupied Tibet,” the Tibet lobby team said in a press statement issued on September 25. “A lobby team, comprised of exiled Tibetan activists and a non-Tibetan activist representing a coalition of Tibet groups, are attending the current session of the United Nations Human Rights Council to hold face-to-face meetings with diplomats from all over the world, to press UN Member States to speak out for Tibet during China’s Universal Periodic Review on 22 October,” “Since China’s last Review in 2009 the situation in Tibet has deteriorated significantly and looks set to continue on a downward spiral” said Migmar Dhakyel of Tibetan Youth Association Europe. “Governments cannot let this opportunity pass to put China’s human rights practices under the microscope on an international stage. They must Stand Up for Tibet and ensure that China’s disastrous policies are thoroughly scrutinized.” “Since China’s last UPR review in 2009, international support for the need for strong, coordinated action
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The 6th session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPIE), Dharamshala, India, on September 19, 2013. Photo: TPI/Artemas Liu
community to translate their words into action. TPIE called on the international community to press the Chinese government to end its failed policies in Tibet. The parliament reiterated that a fact-finding delegation be send to Tibet and the UN Human Rights Council to convene an urgent session over the critical situation in Tibet. In his opening remarks, Speaker of TPIE Mr Penpa Tsering said: “A total of 120 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet since 2009. In view of the deteriorating situation inside Tibet, the parliament will deliberate on ways to find a meaningful solution to the critical situation prevailing inside Tibet.” Expressing solidarity with all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause, he said the Tibetan Parliament has organised various campaigns till now and will continue to hold rallies and organise more campaigns to create more awareness and garner international support to end China’s repression in Tibet. The speaker also highlighted His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s remarks to the officials of the Central
Tibetan Administration on the occasion of Tibetan democracy day on 2 September 2013. “During the address, His Holiness expressed concern over the public servants’ indifferent attitude towards the general public. His Holiness urged Tibetan administrators and officials to serve and address the grievances of the Tibetan public as a priority and in a time-bound manner,” he said. We are public servants and it is our duty to serve the general public with our whole hearted determination as advised by His Holiness, he said, adding that the trust of the general Tibetan public towards the Central Tibetan Administration is of utmost importance. The speaker also expressed his deep concern over individual Tibetan’s misuse of their freedom of speech to create furore and confusion among the Tibetan public. Such irresponsible comments by individuals are being used by the Chinese government to malign the Tibetan movement and serves as a hindrance to the Tibetan administration’s efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis inside Tibet, he said.
Tibetan parliament appoints new Justice Commissioner By John 23 September 2013
The Tibet coalition lobby team gets ready for a second week in Geneva. Photo: ITN
on the situation in Tibet has been deepening, and the Universal Periodic Review process is an opportunity for governments to vigorously speak out for Tibet.” “Our governments must use the multilateral mechanism of the Universal Periodic Review to impress upon China the severity of their legitimate concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet” said Tenzin Gyamtso, Students for a Free Tibet France. “China needs to be put under the spotlight and held accountable as far as it can be, through being questioned as to why it continues to fail to meet international obligations or adhere to assurances that it will do so. Previous inaction by governments has allowed the crisis in Tibet to worsen, with now more than 120 individuals choosing to set light to themselves in protest against Beijing’s brutal rule”. A global advocacy push by Tibetans and Tibet supporters is currently underway with activists raising Tibet on Foreign Ministries’ agendas around the world, urging them to take multilateral action for Tibet, including using the Universal Periodic Review to demand that China address Tibetans’ legitimate grievances. “The current human rights crisis in Tibet is a result of 60 years of China’s failed Tibet policies” said Tenzin Jigme of International Tibet Network. “The international community has so far failed in its responsibility to protect the people of Tibet. Now is the time to unite for Tibet and press China to forge real, lasting solutions to the Tibet situation which respect the human rights of the Tibetan people.” Tibet groups will be attending the United Nations Human Rights Council [until 27 September], the United Nations General Assembly in New York
during the General Debate [24 September - 1 October] and observing China’s Universal Periodic Review on 22 October. According to the statement, ‘a team of seven Tibetans and Tibet activists from Tibet groups in Europe, India and the US are in Geneva. The lobby team comprises of; Migmar Dolma, Tibetan Youth Association Europe, Dorjee Tsetan, Students for a Free Tibet- Asia Director, Padma Dolma Students for a Free Tibet- Europe Director, Iona Lidell Tibet Justice Center, Zopa Samten, Students for a Free Tibet, France and Gyamtso, Students for a Free Tibet, France.’ The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a mechanism of the Human Rights Council under which it reviews the performance of UN Member States against their human rights obligations and commitments. Member Groups of the International Tibet Network issued a joint submission and recommendations to Session 17 of Universal Periodic Review People’s Republic of China. The group stated, ‘China rejected, without a single exception, every recommendation specifically representing Tibet or pertaining to freedom of expression, freedom of association, and independence of the judiciary.’ International Tibet Network (ITN) describes itself ‘as a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet. Its purpose is to maximise the effectiveness of the worldwide Tibet movement.’ ITN is also ‘dedicated to working actively to restore the Tibetan people’s right under international law to determine their future political, economic, social, religious and Cultural status.’
Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Saturday, September 21 appointed Secretary for Religion and Culture, Mr Ngawang Choedak Choetri Tengpa, as the new Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. Mr Ngawang Choedak polled 21 votes against 16 for Mr Kargyu Dhondup, the auditor general of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), in a voting held in the Parliament. He earlier served as secretary of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. The Chief Justice Commissioner and two Justice Commissioners are appointed by the Parliament through election out of nominated candidates submitted by a selection committee, which is constituted by a committee of Chief Justice Commissioner, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament and Sikyong. Mr Choedak was born in the family of Lho Dokhar Choetri Tengpa in 1955. He came to India in exile in 1959 through Bhutan. He did his schooling from Mussoorie and graduation from Chandigarh. He joined the CTA civil services in the year 1975. Choedak was initially posted at Orissa Tibetan settlement. He served in various positions in different departments of the Central Tibetan Administration till date. According to CTA, one of his remarkable services and contributions during his tenure as a decorated civil servant include the establishment of new
Secretary Ngawang Choedak of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration. Photo: CTA
Palrabling Tibetan settlement in Kullu Manali. He went to the United States for a one-year study of international politics and administrative studies from 1994 -1995. He was promoted to the post of Secretary for the Department of Security in 2004. From 2005 to 2010, he was the Secretary of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. From December 2012 till his election as the new Justice Commissioner, he was serving as the Secretary for the Department of Religion and Culture.
Mass prayer held in Dzatoe...... continued from Front-Page
Presiding over the gathering, Sershul Tri Rinpoche cited “obstacles to the Tibetan people at this critical time” and called on his listeners to end conflicts over pastures and other resources, including the highly prized cordyceps fungus, which is harvested annually and sold for its purported medicinal value, it said. “This year, many Tibetan lives were lost in disputes, especially over the control of areas for the collection of cordyceps.”
The Buddhist Faith’ .......
continued from Front-Page
It isn’t the first time that the Dalai Lama has explicitly denounced the attacks on Muslims. In May he told an audience at the University of Maryland that “killing people in the name of religion is unthinkable” after delivering the Anwar Sadat Lecture for Peace. He said, “I pray for them (the monks) to think of the face of Buddha.”
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Robert Ford, independent Tibet’s first radio operator, dies at 90
Robert Ford, arrested by Chinese soldiers of the PLA, October 19, 1950. Photo: Media file By Yeshe Choesang: 27 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Mr Robert W. Ford- first foreign to serve in the government of Tibet and becoming the first westerner to be given an official rank in the country has passed away in London at the age of 90. Ford was a highprofile foreign official who witnessed a free and independent Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders expressed their sadness over demise of Robert W. Ford. According to media reports, he passed away at the age of 90 in London on 20 September 2013. The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered his prayers and deep condolences in a personal letter to the family members of Robert Ford at his passing away, His Holiness said in a statement on Thursday. His Holiness stated that Robert Ford occupied a special place in the history of Tibet as the first Englishman employed as an official of the pre-1959 Tibetan Government. His Holiness recalled his many meetings with Robert Ford, most recently this year in April in Switzerland. The Dharamshala, India based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) expresses deep sadness over the demise of Mr Robert Ford, adding he was “first foreigner who served in the Tibetan government service before the Chinese invasion of Tibet. A resolution was passed by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 26th September, 2013 to sincerely commend the accomplishments of the deceased and may his great visions be realized. Further, it is prayed that he attains noble rebirth, and that his family be extended with profound condolences. Robert Webster Ford- a radio operator and British diplomat who was one of the few Westerners to be appointed by the Government of Tibet in the period of de facto independence between 1912 and the year 1950 when the Chinese army marched on Chamdo. In 1994, he declared that during the five years he spent in Tibet, he “had the opportunity to witness and experience at first hand the reality of Tibetan independence. Mr Ford first traveled to Tibet in 1945 to join the British Mission in Lhasa as a radio operator. It was during this time that he had his first audience with Holiness the Dalai Lama, who was then 11 years of age. When India became independent in 1947, Robert Ford returned to Lhasa and was appointed by the Government of Tibet, becoming the first foreigner to be given an official rank in the country. After one year in Lhasa, he was requested to go to Chamdo, capital of eastern Tibet (Kham), to establish a radio link between Lhasa and Chamdo. With three wireless operator students, he left for the city in 1949. They helped the Governor General of Kham, Lhalu Tsewang Dorjee, improve defense in Chamdo and the surrounding area. In addition, a direct link was established for the first time between Lhasa and Chamdo. Early in 1950, Lhalu requested Ford shorten the training of the wireless operator students. By that time, new instructors had arrived to train soldiers in the use of Bren guns. Robert Ford wrote that “the Tibetan Army began to look a little less like something out of the Middle Ages.” He was arrested in 1950 by the advancing
Chinese army, along with the Governor General of Kham, Ngabo Ngawang Jigme, and other Tibetan officials. The People’s Republic of China accused him of espionage, spreading anti-communist propaganda and causing the death of Geda Lama, a vice president of the provincial government of Xikang and envoy from the Chinese government who was to have submitted a 10-point peace proposal to the Lhasa government. Ford spent nearly 5 years in jail, in constant fear of being executed, and was subjected to interrogation and thought reform. Only in 1954 was he allowed to send a letter to his parents. At the end of 1954 his trial was held and he was sentenced to ten years jail. He was eventually released and expelled in 1955. In 1957, he published the book Wind Between the Worlds about his experience. The book was reissued in 1990 under the title Captured in Tibet with a preface by the Dalai Lama and an epilogue by the author entitled “The Occupation”. In 1956 he was appointed at the British Diplomatic Service and served in the Foreign Office in London, Vietnam, Indonesia, United States, Morocco, Angola, Sweden, France and finally as Consul-General in Geneva. The same year, he married Monica Tebbett, a childhood friend. They were married for 55 years and had two sons, Martin and Giles. He retired in 1987 and was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire. After his retirement, Ford lectured in support of the Tibetan Government in Exile in various countries (the UK, other European countries, Australia and the United States). In 1992, he undertook a countrywide lecture tour in India, at the request of the Dalai Lama. On September 13, 1994, together with other foreigners who lived, visited and worked in Tibet prior to 1950, Ford was invited for lunch by the 14th Dalai Lama, then on a visit to London, to exchange their reminiscences and endorse a statement that Tibet was a fully sovereign country before 1950. In 1996, Ford was able to arrange the first meeting between the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso and a member of the British royal family. The Dalai Lama met Queen Elizabeth and the Queen mother, with Ford, on 17 July, at Clarence House. On his 90th birthday, on March 27, 2013, the former radio operator was handed the last of his salary, a 100 Tam Srang note worth 65 pounds, by the Tibetan Government in Exile, at a ceremony in London. On 13 April 2013, Ford was given the Tibet’s Light of Truth Award by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Fribourg, Switzerland. Born on 27th march, 1923 at Staffordshire, United Kingdom, Ford also served in the Royal Air Force as a radio technician in UK and India during the World War II.
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United States and European Union urge China to respect Human Rights in Tibet By Yeshe Choesang : 20 September 2013
Dharamshala: - Over five countries including the US, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and the UK, on Tuesday issued statements at the ongoing 24th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, urging China to respect human rights in Tibet. The European Union in its statement expressed concerns about reports of ongoing use of force against peaceful protests, especially in Tibetaninhabited areas and Xinjiang as well as the widespread exercise of capital punishment in China. It urged the Chinese government to respect the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association, and rights of persons belonging to minorities in China. The US stated that China increased internet controls, press censorship; and limits religious freedom, particularly in Tibetan and Uighur areas. It also highlighted the increasing incidents of arrests, enforced disappearances and extra legal detentions of public interest lawyers, activists, journalists, and religious leaders in China. Germany called on China to address the deeprooted causes of the ongoing self-immolations in a peaceful manner, respecting cultural and religious rights of Tibetans. It also urged China to facilitate a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Tibet to investigate the ground realities in Tibet. The United Kingdom urged China to ensure the constitutionally guaranteed rights of freedom of assembly and demonstration are fully protected in China, including in ethnic minority areas. The Chinese delegation pledged to guarantee
Archival Photo of the UN Human Rights Council. Photo: File
the lawful rights and interest of ethnic minorities as part of it s bid for re-election to the Human Rights Council, the statement said. “In the run up to the ongoing UNHRC session, the representative at the Office of Tibet in Geneva, Mr Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, made representations to diplomats of 15 countries, the UN and the EU,” the Tibetan Central Administration media ‘Tibet Net” has reported. China, speaking in a right of reply, said that the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some non-governmental
organizations had made groundless, politicallymotivated accusations against China. The Chinese Constitution fully guaranteed the freedom of expression but also required its citizens to abide by the law. China took an open and transparent approach to drafting its Universal Periodic Review report, in which it sought the collaboration of non-governmental organizations. The rights of ethnic minorities were also respected and guaranteed. The violent, criminal activities in Tibet had been instigated by separatists and had clear political motives. China had to act in
Worrying trends in key areas of Tibet human rights concern: EU Special Envoy By Yeshe Choesang: 23 September 2013
Dharamshala: - The EU Special Representative for Human Rights Mr Lambrinidis has noted “worrying trends in key areas of human rights concern” in Tibet, it said in a statement after his five day visit to Tibet, including Amdho Province and Central Tibet from September 9 to 18. After the trip to Tibet, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr Stavros Lambrinidis released a statement on September 20, 2013. It said “the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr Stavros Lambrinidis, paid an official visit to China from 9-18 September 2013. Hosted by the Chinese Ministry for Foreign Affairs, who facilitated meetings throughout the visit, the mission included five-days in the ethnic Tibetan areas of Qinghai Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region.” The statement said that “the visit provided opportunities for the EU and China to engage in in-depth discussions on human rights at a senior level, on the basis of serious concerns. The two sides also discussed ways of promoting enhanced dialogue and results-oriented cooperation on human rights”. “During my visit the Chinese authorities allowed for meetings and open discussions with a broad range of stakeholders. I had the opportunity to be informed of progress on a number of important economic and social fronts, including poverty eradication and education,” Lambrinidis said in the statement. “At the same time, I noted worrying trends in key areas of human rights concern, including the heightened monitoring and restrictions placed on freedom of expression on- and off-line, as well as the persecution, arrest, and detention of people for peacefully expressing their views or legally exercising their professional duties,” he stated. “Throughout my visit, I underlined the EU’s readiness to continue to work with China in promoting respective adherence to international human rights obligations and standards,’’ said EUSR Lambrinidis at the end of his visit. It said that “EUSR Lambrinidis’ main counterpart during the visit was Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Li Baodong. In Beijing, the EUSR also held high-level meetings with Mr Qiangba Puncog, Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress; Mr Gao Jinghong, full-time member of the Judicial Committee of the Supreme People’s Court; Ms Cui Yuying, Deputy Director of the State Council Information Office;
Photo 1: The EU delegation led by Stavros Lambrinidis in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Photo 2: With students and Professors at Tibet University. Photo 3: meeting with Mr. Jampa Phuntsok in Beijing and Photo 4: with TAR Party Secretary, Mr. Chen Quanquo. Photo: Stavros Lambrinidis.
Mr Chen Gaihu, Vice Minister of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission; and Mr Jiang Jianyong, Deputy Director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs. EUSR Lambrinidis also visited Yangcheng Prison outside Beijing.” “ A m o n g i s s u e s d i s c u s s e d w e r e C h i n a ’s commitments under the UN’s Universal Periodic Review, including on early ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; legal reform, including the new Criminal Procedure Code and its application and the Reeducation through Labour system; the human rights situation in minority areas, including Tibet and Xinjiang; latest restrictions on the freedoms of expression, information, and association; freedom of religion and belief; death penalty reform; progress on economic and social rights; the universality of human rights and the role of civil society and protection against arbitrary harassment, arrests, and detentions,” it further added. In Beijing, it stated “the EUSR also chaired the first ever EU-China Roundtable on Business and Human Rights, which gathered over 50 participants from EU and Chinese authorities, business, academia and other stakeholders, to discuss the implementation of the UN’s Strategic Framework and Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, exchange best practices, and explore possible future cooperation between China and the EU in this field.” Mr Lambrinidis said he also “addressed the
Central Party School and delivered a lecture to law and human rights Masters students at the China University of Politics and Law. He also met with a broad cross-section of civil society, including academics, lawyers, journalists, artists, bloggers and human right defenders.” “In Qinghai Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region, EUSR Lambrinidis held official talks with the Party Secretary of TAR, Mr Chen Quanguo; the Chairman of TAR, Mr Lobsang Gyaltsen; the Party Secretary of Lhasa, Mr Qi Zhala; and the Vice-Governor of Qinghai, Mr Wang Xiao, as well as with several other party and government officials,” it added. The EU statement said that “Lambrinidis was also taken to see herdsmen in an agricultural cooperative, a newly built village for resettled nomads, met with professors and students at Tibet University and editors of the Tibet Daily, and visited the Potala Palace and Jokhang and Sera Monasteries in Lhasa, where he met with monks and members of Monastery Management Committees.” It said that they have “discussed Issues included security, stability and due process of law, including in the context of self-immolations; the free exercise of religion and expression; sustainable development challenges and urbanization; the livelihood of exnomads; the protection of the environment; and the preservation of cultural identity and heritage, including through bilingual education.”
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30 September 2013
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Buddhist Science book in process of finalising with H.H. The Dalai Lama: Tibetan scholars
The editorial board, led by Tromtok Rinpoche talking to press on September 24, 2013. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang
By Yeshe Choesang: 7 September 2013 Dharamshala: A group of Tibetan Buddhist scholars Tuesday said they are finalising a two-volume book on Buddhist Science with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a four-day meeting. Sooner or later, the team are going to make it available in English and 19 other languages to building a scientific understanding of the mind to reduce suffering and promote well-being. The two-volume book on Buddhist Science- are based on the collections of Buddhist scriptures comprise an enormous and variety of ancient Indian Buddhist texts (scripture” and “canonical”) including science of the mind and analytical meditation. According to the scholars, several of the important questions that were discussed during the historic meeting that took place between Tibetan Buddhist scholars and His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India, from 22-24 Sept. It said that His Holiness and the Tibetan scholars “engaged in lively discussions ranging from whether to include textual quotations from the Kangyur and Tengyur in the body of the text, or whether to consign them to end-notes, what emphasis to give to certain points in the presentation and the pros and cons of different technical terms.” The Buddhist academic discussion was attended among others by an editorial board, led by Tromtok Rinpoche and invited guest Prof Samdhong Rinpoche and scholars. During the past few years, around 70 recruited Buddhist scholars were reading the Kangyur and Tengyur and collect references, later 10 Tibetan scholars were selected to compile these findings. Tromthok Rinpoche assisted by
Yangten Rinpoche and Geshe Thubten Pelsang supervised the work. Geshe Thubten Jinpa read the preliminary draft. The manuscript consists of ten chapters spread over two volumes, the first of which deals with objects of knowledge, while the second deals with the mind and the way it engages with objects,’ according to the board. ‘The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate expressed his great pleasur over the work of the Tibetan scholars for the final draft of a two-volume book on Buddhist Science,’ said the editors. “Since my childhood, I’ve had some interest in science, I had the opportunity to meet a variety of scientists after arriving in India. It is very good to make these important things available in texts,” told the editorial board. His Holiness said the scientific investigation proceeds by experiments on atoms and brain, realms of the universe and quantum physics,- similar to Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy.’ Tromthok Rinpoche said that “His Holiness the Dalai Lama was very pleased with the discussion and had appreciated their work. Tromthok Rinpoche, who is also abbot of the Namgyal Monastery based in Dharamshala told the Tibetan journalists that “the book in Tibetan language are ready to publish this year in Tibetan and soon be translated into English, Hindi, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian and other languages”. The core editorial team comprises more than 10 members, including three scholars each from the three largest Tibetan monasteries- Drepung, Garden and Sera, including overseas Tibetan scholars.
The two volumes texts on Buddhism will come out soon—the two of which will be the first Buddhist science translated into English—will share a common objective with modern science to serve humanity and create a better understanding of the world. This achievement is essential for the preservation of Buddhism as a true science of the mind from Buddhavacana and commentaries to the Buddhist teachings, can compliment modern science and help tackle the missing Science of consciousness studies. The series explores the world of the Buddhist Science, conducting both deep-experimental and analytical research that is include a “General Outline, Objects of Knowledge, Time, Subtle Particles, and the Evolution and Destruction of the Universe and its Inhabitants. Chapters in the second volume include a General Presentation of the Mind, Mental Factors, How the Mind Engages with its Objects, Training the Mind and Training in Singlepointed Concentration and Analytical Meditation,” according to the board. “The two-volume book on Buddhism will be benefit not just for Buddhist followers but also scientists, researchers and non-believers who are studying all mental states,” said the group of Tibetan scholars after meeting with His Holiness to review with their presentation. “The book is just tells the sermons what Buddha has preached, We’re creating a research platform that connects with the Buddhist Science, but it doesn’t force readers to believe what Buddha had said. A second two volume book on Buddhist philosophy will explores the primordial Buddha- the ultimate reality, the emptiness-where all phenomena, pure and impure, are dissolved. This is the explanation taught by the Sutras and Tantras. said the editors. “The achievements are the results of the great efforts made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as part of his three main commitments that His Holiness would like to see completed during his lifetime. The first of the three main commitments is the promotion of human values for example the values of compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and selfdiscipline,” said Ven Thupten Yarphel, a Tibetan writer, who is an assistant to the board. His Holiness has spoken about the importance of Buddhist science on many occasions, specially in 2010. “We can think of Buddhism in terms of three main categories - philosophy, science and religion. The religious part involves principles and practices that are of concern to Buddhism alone, but the Buddhist philosophy of interdependence as well as the Buddha science of mind and human emotions are of great benefit to everyone,” including non -Buddhists and non - believers.
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Dharamshala: - The Kashag today reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the Middle-Way Approach, describing it as only way way forward to resolve the issue of Tibet and source of growing global support. “In view of changing situation in Tibet and the world, the Kashag clearly recognises the MiddleWay Approach as the only solution to resolve the problem of Tibet. The growing spotlight on Tibet and support from the international community have resulted from our [Tibetans] pursuit of MiddleWay approach in the interest of both Chinese and Tibetan peoples,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said in the floor of the House. He reiterated that the Middle-Way Approach,
as envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was democratically approved by the Tibetan Parliament after thorough deliberation by the Tibetan people. Sikyong said US President Barack Obama expressed his strong support for the Middle-Way Approach in a press statement issued by the White House on 16 July 2011. The US Senate and the European Parliament passed resolutions on Tibet on 29 March and 14 June 2012 respectively, supporting the Middle-Way Approach. Sikyong said the Central Tibetan Administration will organise programmes and conferences to raise awareness of the international community, including Tibetans and Chinese people, on the Middle-Way Approach.
He said though there is a right to have political stands in a free and democratic society, it is immoral to make baseless and unrealistic criticism and denigration of others’ stand. The Kashag will not hesitate and spare no efforts in dealing with such criticisms in its pursuit of Middle-Way Approach and those who denigrate and misconstrue His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We believe that the members of Tibetan Parliament will cooperate us in our endeavour, he added. Sikyong informed the Parliament that the Task Force on Sino-Tibetan Negotiations recently held its 26th meeting to explore ways to resolve the Tibet issue through dialogue between His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese leadership.
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