Tibet Post International Newspaper

Tibetan political prisoner on ‘medical parole’ dies of torture injuries Vol. 03, Issue 106, Print Issue 30, 31 March 2014

Calling for Friendship with Chinese, monk sets himself ablaze

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Exiled Tibetan Parliament passes resolution concerning Dolgyal

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama in ‘World’s Greatest Leaders’ List

By Yeshe Choesang: 21 March 2014

A file photo of Lobsang Palden, sitting in his monastery room. Photo: TPI

By Tendar Tsering: 16 March 2014

Dharamshala: - A Tibetan monk, Lobsang Palden from Kriti monastery in Amdo Ngaba region of Tibet (Chinese: Aba, Sichuan), set himself on fire calling for frienship with Chinese people today in the morning.

Since 2009, More than 120 Tibetans have resorted to such drastic actions of burning themselves calling for “freedom in Tibet” and “return of the Tibetan Spiritual Leader the Dalai Lama from exile” but for the first time in history of Tibetan movement, the Tibetan monk set himself on fire calling for “unity and friendship among the minorities and Han Chinese” according to Ven Kanyak Tsering and Lobsang Yeshe, media coordinator for the Kirti Monastery based in Dharamshala.

Lobsang Palden set himself ablaze on the very site where Tapey, the first Tibetan who self immolated in the movement in Tibet.

The site is the main road in the region, and the street where Lobsang set himself on fire is dubbed as “Heroes’Street” by the local Tibetans because more than a dozen Tibetans have selfimmolated at the same street in last few years. P- 7......

Tibetan Communist who urged reconciliation over Tibet dies

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was ranked ninth in the list of world’s greatest leaders by the Fortune, a leading world magazine, extolling his tireless campaign for peace, nonviolence, democracy, and reconciliation, especially among world religions.

The 1989 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness Pope Francis.

266th Pope of the Catholic Church are only two spiritual leaders listed in the top ten.

“For over 50 years he has campaigned tirelessly for peace, nonviolence, democracy, and reconciliation, especially among world religions; he has met countless times with popes, rabbis, imas, and others to find common ground,” Fortune said Thursday.

“Winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, the Dalai Lama radiates charisma. As for his influence, just ask those who look for his guidance on Twitter. All 8.6 million of them.” In his latest tweet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said: “Concern for others is not just a matter of religious practice; it’s a practical step towards creating a happy society,” it added.

Myanmar’s pro-democracy icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi occupied the sixth place in the list.

The top 10 leaders in the list are Pope Francis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ford Motor chief executive officer (CEO) Alan Mulally, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, former US president Bill Clinton, Aung San Suu Kyi, Commander of US Force in Afghanistan Gen. Joe Dunford, US singer Bono, Dalai Lama and Amazon.com. CEO Jeff Bezos.

One the most notable leaders, US President Barack, was not on the list. “President Obama wasn’t excluded from Fortune’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders list,” the magazine said. “He simply didn’t make this year’s list of 50 outstanding individuals who have demonstrated rare leadership, leadership in multiple areas or who have demonstrated a long history of leading.”

The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo: TPI/File

Leaders on the list range from corporate — like Gail Kelly, the chief executive of one of Australia’s largest banks, Westpac — to inspirational, such as 16-year-old Pakistani Malala Yousafzai (No. 34), who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman for her outspoken defense in a female’s right to education.

The magazine said “serving in an influential role” was not necessarily enough to land a spot. “We have drawn a distinction between leaders and people who are admirable and powerful but

who are not transformative leaders.”

It said that “all candidates had to be currently active, so retirees or recently deceased leader such as Nelson Mandela were not considered.”

The full list of Fortune’s “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” can be found at Fortune.com/BestLeaders.

President Hollande urged to raise Tibet’s rights issue with Xi Jinping

Two Tibetan self-Immolation protesters die of their burns

Phunwang in a more recent photo. Photo courtesy of TPI As Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Lyon, Tuesday, March 25, dozens of Tibetans and Tibet supporters gathered at the Place Saint-Jean, Lyon, to draw attention on the situation of human rights in Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: 30 March 2014

Dharamshala: - Phuntsok Wangyal (known as Phunwang or Phuntso Wangye), a veteran Tibetan Communist leader who became an outspoken critic of Chinese government’s hardline policies towards the people of Tibet, died on Sunday, 30 March, 2014, his son told Reuters. He was 91.

“He left this morning,” Phuntsok’s son, Phunkham, told Reuters.

“Before his death, he was a Communist Party member. After his death, we have invited lamas to pray (for his soul) according to traditional Tibetan culture.”

Phuntsok, who was in a Beijing hospital since July, recently developed lung problems.

Born in 1922 in the Tibetan county of Batang, now part of China’s Sichuan province, Phuntso founded the Tibetan Communist Party and launched a series of guerrilla uprisings against Nationalist Chinese rule until joining P- 7...... forces with the Chinese Communist Party in 1949.

By James Dunn: 26 March 2014

Dharamshala: - The global rights watchdog ‘Human Rights Watch’ has called on the president of France to raise the issue of deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping this week. In addition to France, Mr Xi will visit Germany, P- 7......

Protest in Berlin: Xi, Dialogue instead of Violence in Tibet

Protest shows President Xi Jinping giving the finger in Paris

Protests durings Xi Jinping’s state visit to Berlin, on 28 March, 2014. Photo: TPI/Alicia Barreda Pérez Jigme Tenzin and Lobsang Palden in an undated photo. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: 28 March 2014

Protest shows Xi Jinping giving the finger in Paris, 27 March, 2014. Photo: RSF

By Yeshe Choesang: 28 March 2014

Paris, 27 March, 2014: - As Paris rolls out the red carpet for visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Reporters Without Borders staged a protest early Thursday to draw attention to the lack of sincerity of Xi and his government about civil liberties, especially freedom of information as enshrined in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Eight-square-metre photomontages showing the Chinese president giving the finger were to have been driven around P- 7......

Paris on five trucks all morning.

Dharamshala: - Reports coming out of Tibet say, the two Tibetan monks who set fire to themselves in protest against the Chinese repression recently have died.

The monk, who self-immolated at Tsekhog county in Malho County, north-eastern Tibet on 16 March, has been identified as Jigme Tenzin, a monk of Gaden Tashi Choeling monastery.

Some sources say he belonged to Rongwo monastery in Rebgong. Later, it was learned that he died on March 21 in a military hospital in Barkham.

The incident was first briefly reported by the Chinese state controlled media. Following the incident, reports said that the Chinese authorities arrested many Tibetan monks and cut off phone and internet in the region.

On the same day, which marked the 6th anniversary of the massacre of his fellow monks by the Chinese security forces in

2008, Lobsang Palden, a 23-year-old monk of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba county, north-eastern Tiebt set himself on fire in protest against the Chinese government’s repression.

Few minutes after the monk set himself on fire, the Chinese police bundled him away in a vehicle. Three days later, he succumbed to his injuries at a military hospital in Barkham.

The Central Tibetan Administration 26 March 2014 organised a special prayer service in Dharamshala to express solidarity with all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet and those undergoing immeasurable suffering under the Chinese government’s repression in Tibet.

The number of Tibetans who set themselves on fire to protest against the Chinese government’s repressive rule has risen to 128, out of which 111 have died. The selfimmolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.

By Yeshe Choesang: 28 March 2014

Berlin, 28. March 2014. On the occasion of Xi Jinping’s visit to Berlin, Germany, Tibet Initiative Deutschland e.V. (TID) and the Association of Tibetans in Germany held protests in front of the Bellevue Palace and the Federal Chancellery.

Tibet-supporters demanded for Xi Jinping to end the violence in Tibet and to re-enter into a dialogue with the Tibetan government in Exile. The protesters presented a large banner reading “Xi, Dialogue instead of Violence in Tibet” and prepared a photo stunt to emphasize their message.

In the run-up to Xi’s visit, the Tibet Initiative Deutschland e.V. started a campaign to German chancellor Angela Merkel. With protest-letters Tibet-supporters asked Merkel to address the human right situation in Tibet in her talks with Xi Jinping and to strongly call for an end of China’s oppressive policies in Tibet.

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TPI NEWS

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Editorial:

The Tibet Post International OPINION Nun self-immolates in Tibet in protest of China’s policies

By Yeshe Choesang: 30 March 2014

Why freedom of speech matters: The silenced struggle in Tibet 31 March 2014

Dharamshala: - Despite strong international criticism for the lack of press freedom and freedom of speech, including Internet access, in Chinese-occupied Tibet, Chinese officials have claimed that the Himalayan region has “2.03 million at the end of 2013,” according to a recent report by state controlled media ‘Xinhua’.

However, no independent news or information still can be reported by the print media, broadcast media or new media in Chinese-controlled Tibet.

But outside the country, especially in India, where hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have found refuge, independent news media produce and disseminate alternative news.

Qunggyi, so called head of the Tibet Communications Administration claimed that “67.5 percent of Tibet’s 3 million population have access to the Internet.”

His Holiness Dalai Lama’s repeated calls on China to end the censorship, calling it immoral, “1.3 billion Chinese people have every right to know the reality. Once 1.3 billion people know reality, they also have the ability to judge what is right, what is wrong,” he said, adding that censorship in a globalized world cannot exist “only within China.”

However, despite the difficult circumstances, the Chinese government increasingly imposed tighten grip, isolating Tibet even more from the outside world in recent years. The head of the Communist Party in Tibet, Chen Quanguo, has several time ordered local authorities to step up surveillance of all means of communication, particularly mobile phones and the Internet, in order to the so called “maintain the public’s interests and national security”.

In November 2013, he has vowed to “strike hard against the reactionary propaganda of the splittists from entering Tibet.” He has said the censorship campaign will be intensified with the Chinese government confiscating illegal satellite dishes, increasing monitoring of online content and making sure all telephone and internet users are registered using their real names.

Chen has openly said that by thus ensuring that only it is seen and heard, the party would seek to expose the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s “hypocrisy and deception” and his “reactionary plots”.

Taiwanese people make no mistake: Tibet is an lesson for their country, and it is now a hot topic in the region. The people of Taiwan must wake-up from political game of the so called “one country, two systems.” The recent mass protests by Taiwanese students sent a clear message to Ma Ying-jeou’s government not to sell out the island. Because, the fate of Tibet and what is occurring in Tibet now have direct and pressing relevance to Taiwan precisely because, many Taiwanese people believe that its current fate may well be their future.

The Paris based world media-watchdog, Reporters Without Borders has continued its condemnation at the blackout imposed by Chinese authorities in Tibet, preventing all media coverage of protest movements there.

“Not only are foreign media organizations prevented from covering these events, but the authorities have also organized a veritable disinformation campaign, using pro-government media such as the Global Times, which play down the disturbances and accuse the international community of interfering.”

There have been arrests of those involved in writing a book on Tibet or post a content relating Tibet or speaking out in their defense.

In addition, most of the Tibetan independent website blogs have been closed down and intellectuals cannot report freely on the situation in Tibet. Many monasteries and schools have been closed-down.

There has been a particular targeting of religious and political opponents, human rights defenders and the friends and relatives who is close to the self-immolators. Central Tibetan Administration many times urged international agencies and

national governments to investigate or report on the events, particularly the biggest waves of political self-immolations in recent history, but the brutal crackdown continues despite these strong international condemnation and criticism and China rejected or denied every request.

The strategy adopted by the Chinese government for more than last 50 years, namely cutting off certain places in Tibet from the media and online worlds in order to subdue them silently, is not new and has been applied elsewhere.

Most of those arrested have been held incommunicado or in solitary confinement.

They have had restricted access to lawyers and many have reported severe torture and other illtreatment. One former political, Goshul Losang, who was arrested on 29 June 2010 by Machu County Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers.

For about 5 months he was subjected to severe torture including pain-inducing injections, and deprived of sleep and food by the interrogation officers in Machu County.

The India based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy said that “Goshul Lobsang, who recently died of torture injuries, might have received injections designed to cause and exacerbate his pain while he was being tortured in detention. The use of torture methods to increase pain is consistent with other Chinese torture tactics. For example, the Chinese adopted Soviet torture techniques to inflict pain faster.”

When Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a recent three-day official visit to France, the Reporters Without Borders labeled him of a pure “enemy of freedom of information,” and condemned “China’s growing harassment of journalists and its mistreatment of cyberdissidents and activists who try to expose the constant human rights violations and persecution of human rights defenders.”

China is ranked 175th out of 180 countries in the press freedom index that Reporters Without Borders published in February this year and is more deserving than ever of inclusion in the world media watch-dog list of Enemies of the Internet, the latest version of which was issued earlier March this year.

According to the world media watch-dog, at least 74 netizens, including Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, and 30 journalists are currently detained in China, over 50 intellectuals, including writers in Tibet, making it the world’s biggest prison for news providers.

“Of all rights, the most important and fundamental are the political rights without which political change would be inhibited and democracy would be incapable of operating. Of these, freedom of speech is paramount. Without freedom of speech there can be no debate worthy of that name,” Andrew Brons made, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights made recently.

His comment again tells the world that the ‘one country, two systems’ formula is a total lie, and it’s not a reality, because the regime against the freedom of speech and every fundamental political rights.

China needs the world as much as the world needs China. The world must understand the need to further strengthen economic ties and must remember that principles and values that sustain human rights, respect and dignity should be treated with equal importance, without losing their moral compass and the global values.

We, the Tibetans in exile are lucky that our basic human rights are generally respected. We have freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest against the Chinese regime. There is no fear of arbitrary detention or torture. As we enjoy these fundamental freedoms, which we can often take for granted, it is important to remember those whose basic human rights are not respected. At the same time we must remember that, to act effectually, not lose hope. As a Tibetan, we must remind ourselves to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the just cause of Tibet.

Dolma, a 31-year old Buddhist nun from Bathang County, Kham Region of eastern Tibet in an undated image. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out of Tibet say, A Tibetan nun set herself on fire on Saturday, 29 March, 2014 in protest against the Chinese political oppression in Tibet and China’s hard-line policies toward Tibetan people.

“The nun was identified as Dolma, aged about 31 from Chisung village in Bathang County. She is survived by her father Nyima, and her family members include three high-ranking monks,” sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Buddhist nun was severely burnt when she was taken away, the sources quoted eyewitnesses as saying.

“The Buddhist nun set herself ablaze near a monastery in Bathang County (Chinese: Batang county in the Ganzi, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) Kham region of eastern Tibet,” Kalsang Gyaltsen, a member of Tibetan parliament-in-exile told The Tibet Post.

‘The incident occurred around 3:00 pm. The Tibetans who were at the scene put out the fires,” sources said, adding that she ‘suffered many severe burns and immediately sent her to a hospital in the Tibetan county.’

“It was not still unknown if she survived,” it said, adding “her current condition and whereabouts

are also not known.”

Another sources sugests that the nun was from Lingkashipa township located between Lithang and Bathang county, while some said she is a nun of Bachoede Monastery,” Kalsang Gyaltsen added.

According to the sources, she had previously been on retreat for several months at the small Ritoe Kagor monastery which is situated near Ba Choede Monastery. Chinese police rushed to Ba Choede Monastery immediately after the incident and imposed heavy restrictions in the region.

Chinese authorities have also blocked all communication systems in the area to prevent the news from spreading.

“Immediately after the incident all communication lines in the area were reportedly disconnected after the self-immolation, in an attempt to prevent reports of the self-immolation reaching the international media,” sources added.

Bachoede Monastery, was a home to many famous and influential figures in Tibetan Buddhism and freedom struggle. It is renowned for its resistance to Chinese Communist rule, but this is the first self-immolation to occur there.

China is trying to crush every peaceful protests

by Tibetans through arbitrary detention, collective punishment, communications blackouts, bribery and much more – this has only strengthened the resolve of the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Tibet will be free from the debacle of salvation?

By Londen Phuntsok: 31 March 2014

Mussoorie: - The Young Husband’s expedition to Lhasa in 1904, the Jesuit priest’s mission to the forbidden land, the western traveler’s erotic obsession with Shangri-La, or drawing inferences from some Hollywood movies about the generalized enchantment of ‘God King’ His Holiness Dalai Lama, Tibet connotes gamut of wildly stereotypes.

Since Tibet remained aloof from the world, this has purportedly led to emancipation of western’s mysticism on a par with its own skepticisms of it.

Western representations of Tibet in early as 17th century provides to be a vantage point for that was nothing more than delusion of oriental priest-patron relationship and exoticism of Lamaism.

The west from time to time fantasized these grimy, dirty, religious Tibetans as hordes of primitive people, who lived with peaceful existence in a statehood of ignorance towards western concept of modernity. Much of its representations to the post-colonial world were dominantly contrived of ignorance and escapist fallacy back then. Dibyesh Anand (Tibet: a victim of geo-politics) writes “when the Tibetans went in exile they found that “Tibet” already existed in western imagination, and given their limited options, they conformed to that image in order to gain support.” But this has entailed, western romanticizing with Tibet even more. Tibet scholars like Lopez attributes Tibetan Diaspora members as ‘prisoners of Shangri-La’, to which Tibetan scholar Tsering Shakya corrects “if the Tibetan issue is to be taken seriously, Tibet must be liberated from both the western imagination and the myth of Shangri-la.”

Anomalously, Diaspora of more than 50 years old has not outgrown the western imagination or its representation. What is prevalent is corollary of its discursive and desultory provocation by the west.

Tibetans still remained as the grimy, backward, religious prisoners of Shangri-la, which now they hadn’t been able to negate its once conformed image by west. More importantly because the Central Asia unique priest-patron relationship of Tibet with its neighbouring countries is a palpable arrangement existing even now in the form of western patronage to the Tibetan Diaspora. The Tibetan nationalism is an assortment of its different façade it glorifies, ‘Buddhism’ ‘Unique cultural’ ‘Human Rights’ ‘Global warming and third pole’ ‘geo-politics’ ‘China’ etc, thereby it brings the attention of galore of Buddhist community, the law makers, scholars, journalists, scientific researchers and travelers alike.

The pluralism of political Diaspora, has precipitated cauldron of populism, conformist, non-conformist views about the Tibet question. More or less Diaspora is becoming more prone to the insidious effects of such trans-nationality of Tibet nationalism.

One fair reason would be the growing active Tibetan political voices in the virtual world, one wouldn’t fail to notice the pro-independence proponents like Jamyang Norbu’s blog adorned with scurrilous innuendos, for his personal dissenting views

Londen Phuntsok. Photo/ TPI

about the Tibet question; almost always half of comments by western’s Tibet enthusiasts. Almost ironically, they would also release vitriol for the Central Tibetan Administration ‘Elites’ of their alleged debauchery, Machiavellianism and list goes on. It seems to their prescient nature and the Tibetan’s stereotypical image of being one at the receiving end; they are able to envisage the ‘better’ for the Tibet’s posterity. Tibetans growing dependence on west pro bono tutelage on its political ambitions is a pernicious threat, if the Tibetans don’t ever contemplate for themselves.

The premonition of such unsolicited amelioration has perpetuated for several years, more so now, owing to the interconnected world through internet and its implications.

Paltry of Tibetan scholars in Diaspora subscribes to the divergent posits, as to why the Tibet is not being taken seriously, which apparently has to do with posteriori of diluting the cause, banking on the other issues pertinent to the development of a nationalism such as human rights, religious freedom, cultural degeneration; primarily based upon religion, language, cultural commonalities rather than the historical practicalities of Tibet suzerainty or sovereignty, and its independence status. Parochialism in the context of the Tibet Diaspora is widely contested between the issues ranging from cultural assimilation within host country, to migration to western countries, from pro-independence to Middle-way approach. But they failed to notice; Tibetan Diaspora is no more theirs, it is of the pompous activist that comes on the stage, whose only weapon is contrived of gimmickry from signing up petitions on internet, to calling up the embassies and to upload the picture of their member’s activities in social networking sites.

Tibet Diaspora is no longer a mass movement; it is rise of bourgeoisie, sharing the limelight. The world in salvation of Tibetans from evil, comes with the wild clichés of Tibetans as ‘Shangri-la’ people,

though they are most honest in their intention, however when the find the dichotomy between what they expected and what they found; sometimes the malignancy is plausible.

In times when Tibet card is played by the world not knowing, what it could conjure up for them?

It is a red herring issue, when the west and world is embroiled in its parochialism and plays possum about it, but finds its worth when it has advantage to gain a bit of soft power. In times when the hypocrisy of media is partisan, when it is always the People’s Republic of China rebuttal to any Tibet issue that finds a corner in the daily news, but not what was what, made them spit vile on first hand. The parsimony with which the west or the rest has dealt Tibet issue, it is not honorable to believe the west or world as the most integral part of Tibet solution.

Moreover, the United Nations in best possible words has manifested being a parody of justice, an amicable understanding that Tibet never finds a solution, thereby in much connivance with the China’s repressions in Tibet. It is imperative for the Tibetans in exile, and its supporters to get it right, that Tibet is not a subject of international relations like it is to the international scholars, it’s not a religion of happiness like it is for many dharma followers; Tibet for Tibetans is an identity, a legacy of distorted western concept of imperialism. Tibet biggest enemy is not the communism but the Tibet Diaspora’s pandemonium of its representations.

People’s Republic of China biggest nemesis would not be the Tibetan Diaspora but its own policies of repression which history has always corroboratedto be reciprocated by a revolution by its own people.

To quote a G.W.F. Hegel remark “The history of the world is none other than the progress of the consciousness of freedom.” And the consciousness of this world will be re-instilled, and Tibet will be free from this debacle of salvation.

Londen Phuntsok is a poet, and author of the book The Gossamer of Love, a collection of verses.

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

Exiled Tibetan Parliament passes resolution concerning Dolgyal

By Jane Cook: 19 March 2014

The opening day of the seventh session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 11 March 2014. Photo: CTA/DIIR

Dharamshala, 19 March, 2014: - The 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile which is holding its budget session for the year 2014-2015 has unanimously passed a resolution highly critical of Dogyal propotiators and saying ‘they are being deceived by the Chinese government through monetary and material incentive and are used as political tools.’

“Since the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, all the successive Dalai Lamas and many great masters have placed stringent restrictions on the propitiation of harmful spirit of Dolgyal for Tibet’s common spiritual and political interests. Like his predecessors, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, following a long and careful investigation, has also clearly advised against the propitiation of Dolgyal,” the resolution said.

“A large number of Tibetans have followed his advice and gave up propitiating Dolgyal. However, a small number of Tibetans have remained ignorant about the propitiation. In order to lead the ignorant to righteous path, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile unanimously passed resolutions on 6 June 1996, 17 September 1997 and 15 March 2008,” it said, adding that “the majority of Tibetans – including the both monastic and lay community particularly

the three monastic seats – who have acted upon the resolutions deserves appreciation.”

“Yet, a small number of ignorant Dolgyal propitiators have no consideration for Tibet’s spiritual and political interests and the personal security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They are being deceived by the Chinese government through monetary and material incentive and are used as political tools,” the resolution further stated.

It said that “they [Dogyal propotiators] have been also instigating foreigners to carry out disinformation campaigns at every opportunity. In a recent incident in San Francisco, they employed a handful of people, who are completely ignorant about the basic principles of Buddhism, to slander His Holiness the Dalai Lama with baseless accusations.

“To present these misdeeds for fair and correct understanding of the Tibetan people and the people of the world who support truth and justice, it is imperative that the following resolution be passed to reiterate and implement the earlier resolutions adopted by the House,” he resolution stressed.

The following resolution was unanimously passed by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 17 March 2014.

(1) Reaffirms to carefully follow up the series

of resolutions unanimously passed by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on this issue in 1996, 1997 and 2008.

(2) Recognises and resolves to collectively disseminate to all people the actual issue as per the resolution/section (B) of article 5 passed during the Conference of the Heads, Abbots, Lamas/Trulkus and Representatives of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion in 2009. It states: “Worshipping the worldly gods, particularly spirits for protection, contravenes the principle of following the three refuge in Buddhism. The conference unequivocally proclaims that any individuals or organisation propitiating Dolgyal, would not be affiliated to any Tibetan religious school.”

(3) Recognises clearly the actions of Dolgyal followers as a political tool to create discord within the Tibetan community under the influence and deception of monetary gains, and to denigrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama with baseless allegations.

The Parliament would like to make it clear that the issue has nothing to do with religious freedom.

Further recognises also the Dolgyal followers and others – whose have caused grave harm to the faith and polity of Tibet under the Chinese government’s ploy and in violation of the law of Karma – as criminals in history.

(4) As advised by the intelligence agencies of the US and India on the need to ensure greater security for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan administration and the entire Tibetan people must remain vigilant. Moreover, the Department of Security, the local Tibetan administration, and the Representatives of the Offices of Tibet should maintain close coordination with the central and state government of India and concerned governments of the overseas countries respectively in advance to ensure greater security for His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visits.

(5) Directs the Kashag to carry out a thorough investigation into real motives of the Dolgyal followers for their recent activities in San Francisco and accordingly issue firm directives to prevent future incidents.

Message from the Sikyong on Tibetan New Year

By Yeshe Choesang: 25 March 2014

Brussels: - 21st March 2014, Rewa started visiting Belgian schools to give presentations about Tibet and its educational activities there in 2012. So far Rewa has been invited by the following secondary schools Ecole Cardinal Mercier in Braine l’Alleud (more than 800 students) and Sint Joris in Kruibeke (750 students) ; this month Rewa was invited to go to a Belgian primary school for the first time.

Gavertje Vier in Belsele very kindly opened their doors to us and gave us the opportunity to talk about Tibet to 3 large groups of 50 students each.

These presentations have a dual purpose; to educate Belgian children about Tibet and to help raise funds for our educational projects in Tibet. Generally speaking, citizens of Belgium know very little about Tibet. While there are a handful of very active Tibet supporters, this is a small minority. Most people are not aware of the situation in Tibet and some don’t even know where it is. Rewa’s school initiatives aim to remedy this problem, several schools have now shown an interest in teaching their students more about Tibet and it is almost certain interest will spread in the future. Rewa looks forward to being invited to more and more schools.

In 2012, thanks to the sponsorship of Ecole Cardinal Mercier and the Rowell Fund, we were able to build and equip a library in Changtsa valley; this library is now open to everyone. This is a first ever for rural Tibet; we hope it will inspire children to study more and parents to send their children to school.

In 2013, we were able to help the ‘winter classes in Denwa valley’ project. This local initiative was started in 2011 and aims to provide children with the opportunity to practice their lessons during the winter holidays and for them to teach younger ones what they learnt during the school year.

Three months is a very long time to be away on holidays; if children do not read, write or study a bit during that time, they will have forgotten everything when they go back in March. Parents cannot help as they usually do not know how to read and write, there are no places where children can go and study. This is why we are very happy to be involved with this initiative.

For the first time ever, a Tibetan flag flew at the gates of a Belgian school. Photo: TPI

In 2011, when the first study group took place, around 30 people attended. This year, the number went up to 175. This really shows the need for educational support in rural Tibet.

Rewa is very happy to see how keen children are to study.

Back in Belsele, the Religious Education teachers from Gavertje Vier (one Muslim, one Catholic and one Humanist) who took part in this event were really motivated and decorated the classrooms and corridors with Tibetan prayer flags, the Tibetan national flags, singing bowls, prayer wheels, malas, bells and mani stones thus ensuring that everyone in the school got the chance to see everything. Children and teachers also had the chance to see the ‘My name is Dolma Tsering’ exhibition. All this colourful activity appealed to the children’s curiosity and they enthusiastically asked question after question.

Another exciting event that took place was the raising of the Tibetan national flag outside the school gates, in the place of honour where the Belgian flag usually flies. For 19 days, the Tibetan flag will be flying over Belsele, giving parents, visitors and passersby the chance to see it and to hopefully find out more about Tibet.

The presentations in Belgian schools are usually

3 Tibetan resettlement in Canada marks the first 100 days

Exile News

followed by action days such as students going on a two day retreat, taking part in sponsored walks, selling pancakes or tickets to a spaghetti dinner to fund raise etc Gavertje Vier, being a primary school, will organize a dessert afternoon when cakes and sweets made by children will be on sale to the parents.

Thanks to Hans Burm who is a teacher at Gavertje Vier and a long time Rewa supporter.

Thanks also to Tamara Foubert, who is a long time Tibet activist and who has supported Rewa since the beginning.

All of your efforts have made these days in Kruibeke and Belsele very successful indeed.

Rewa is very lucky to have so many sincere and enthusiastic supporters who always help us with our projects.

Rest assured that Rewa will not stop there but will continue to find ways to bring education and the hope of a brighter future to as many Tibetan children as possible.

Rewa is a non profit organization whose aim is to help educating Tibetan children in Tibet. Founded in Belgium in 2009, it has gone from strength to strength by finding sponsors for about 50 children, opening two village schools and opening rural Tibet’s first ever library.

31 March 2014

By Yeshe Choesang: 09 March, 2014

Toronto, 9 March, 2014: - Starting from a request in 2007 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Canada’s Prime Minister, today marks the first 100 days in Canada for the very first arrivals under the Tibetan Resettlement Project.

‘Many of us have passed through these doors at Toronto’s Pearson Airport with little more than a sigh of relief that we’ve cleared customs. But on November 29th, when they walked through these doors the first 17 stateless Tibetans to arrive under the resettlement project became new Canadians,’ press release said on Sunday, just a day before the anniversary of the 10th March Tibetan National Uprising Day. When Tenzin Tsangyang stepped off the plane in Ottawa later that day, he said the welcome was so warm that he didn’t even feel the cold outside. And it was cold that day. Very cold,’ he added.

‘Since that day in November, more than 60 Tibetans from Arunachal Pradesh have passed through those doors at Pearson, some staying in Toronto and others who have connected on to flights that have taken them to their new homes in Ottawa, Calgary, Victoria, Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. And wherever and whenever they’ve landed in Canada, there’s always been a special welcome and sometimes a special guest or two,’ it stated.

‘As each Tibetan arrives in Canada, our resettlement partners across the country step forward to provide critical support, information and integration services to the new arrivals through workshops and one-on-one support,’ it added.

It stated that the ‘special thanks goes out to the Sponsorship Refugee Training Program, COSTI, the Office of Refugees Archdiocese of Toronto, the Catholic Immigration Centre, Ottawa, the Calgary

9th March marks the first 100 days in Canada for the very first arrivals under the Tibetan Resettlement Project. Photo: TPI

Catholic Immigration Society, the Inter-cultural Association of Greater Victoria, the Tibetan Cultural Society of BC and MOSAIC in Vancouver.’

‘Healthcare professionals are also stepping forward to offer their services, whether its back treatment or extensive dental care courtesy of Pure North S’energy Foundation in Calgary. and there’s also been time for a little fun, Canadian-style,’ it said.

‘Now consider what we think is one of the most remarkable successes of the project to date: most of the Tibetans who have arrived since November are gainfully employed in their communities. And that’s no small feat,’ the Tibetan resettlement project stated.

The group said that ‘the Tibetan resettlement effort is unique in that it receives no public funding from the government. Everything we’ve done so far is because of you, whether it those volunteering in their local community efforts or through their donations. And, as you can see, what we’ve done together is quite an achievement.’

“With the second round of Citizenship and Immigration interviews scheduled for later this month,’ the group said, adding: Your support is needed more than ever. It’s not just the gift, but the hope that it provides and the motivation that it provides us.’

Sustenance of Tibetan culture and religion crucial: His Holiness Dharamshala: - Describing Tibetan culture and religion as the world’s treasure, His Holiness the Dalai Lama today said that Tibetans must strive to keep their culture and religion alive to sustain support from the international community on the issue of Tibet, the official website of Central Tibetan Administration ‘Tibet Net’ reported.

“As Tibetans, we must preserve our unique identity, culture and religion. If we can preserve our unique culture and identity, the international support to the Tibetan cause will sustain,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his address to the members of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile after inaugurating the new Parliament building.

His Holiness underlined that Tibetan language is one of the strongest unifying forces of the Tibetan people.

Moreover, the Tibetan language is the only language in which Buddhism originated from India’s Nalanda school is preserved, he said, adding that the Tibetan language and culture have become an invaluable treasure for the world.

The best way for Tibetans to preserve and make vibrant their culture and religion is through study.

His Holiness said, following his devolution of political authority, he focused his efforts on promotion of universal responsibility and religious harmony in the world.

As a Tibetan, His Holiness said he continues to make firm efforts to keep alive the Tibetan culture, religion and identity as a distinct people. These in turn helps the Tibetan cause, he added.

By Yeshe Choesang: 11 March 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama further said his longterm aspiration and vision to democratise the Tibetan community was fulfilled with the devolution of his political authority to the democratically-elected leadership in 2011.

He said the Central Tibetan Administration is now not reliant on one person any more.

He said the Tibet issue has to be resolved through a realistic and mutually-beneficial approach with the Chinese. Therefore, Tibetan must follow a realistic and reasonable approach to get the continued support of the international community.

The sustenance of the Tibet issue till now is due to the collective efforts of the elder generation, His Holiness said.

“We pay tribute to the efforts and contribution of the former Tibetan parliamentarians and members of the Kashag.”

He also spoke about the importance of youth’s responsibility in the Tibetan freedom movement.

“The younger generation of Tibetan people are very actively involved in the cause of Tibet. It is time for the younger generation to take over the responsibility from the elder generation,” he said.

His Holiness also talked about the need for ethics and religious harmony in the world. He said, India is a a perfect example of a harmonious country due to its multi-religious demographic which co-exist peacefully with each other.

Tibetans offer long-life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama

By Jane Cook: 16 March 2014

Some of the many Tibetans with offerings for His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a Long Life Offering ceremony in Dharamshala, India on 16 March, 2014. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: - A huge crowd of Tibetans gathered at the main temple in McLeod Ganj town of Dharamshala Sunday morning to take part in a longlife prayer ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, organised by Tibetans from Kham Tsawa region of eastern-Tibet.

The annual prayer ceremony coincided with the Great Prayer Festival, one the greatest religious

festivals held with the advent of Tibetan New Year.

Top officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, including Tibetan Justice Commissioners, Speaker and members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Sikyong and members of the Kashag or cabinet participated in the ceremony.

Addressing the special gathering, His Holiness said “Tibetans from Tsawa region have gathered here to offer me long life prayers. Those physically not here, Tibetans inside Tibet remain united with unwavering spirit, and faith and hope on us in exile.”

“The objective of the long-life ceremony will come true only the collective merit on the part of both teacher and the students. The best way to earn merits is through develop and practise compassion and love for other beings,” His Holiness added.

His Holiness also gave a short teaching from the “Jataka Tales” (Life Stories of the Buddha) as part of the Great Prayer Festival.

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31 March 2014

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TIBET

Tibetan political prisoner on ‘medical parole’ dies of torture injuries

A young Goshul Lobsang in an undated photo and at his home soon after his release on ‘medical parole’. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: 22 March 2014

Dharamshala: - A Tibetan political prisoner released on ‘medical parole’ months before the completion of his sentence has died after succumbing to torture injuries he suffered at the hands of prison authorities.

Goshul Lobsang, 43, died on 19 March 2014 at his home at Bhelban (Ch: Awancang) Township in Machu (Ch: Maqu) County in Kanlho (Ch: Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China’s Gansu Province.

“The Chinese police and prison authorities brutally tortured him in detention and in prison. He suffered death-threatening injuries as a result. He was given all kinds of pain-relief injections but that only exacerbated his condition. Since the authorities feared that he might die in prison, they decided to release him on medical parole, months before he was to complete his full sentence. He was released on 27 October 2013,” said a source with contacts in Tibet.

On release from prison, Goshul Lobsang had lost so much weight that he had become a shadow of his former self. “He was literally reduced to

skin and bones. He could not walk. He could not eat or drink. He could not even utter a single word,” said the source. Four months later, on 19 March 2014, when Goshul Lobsang died, it

hardly surprised his family and friends given his extreme health condition.

According to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Goshul Lobsang was charged with leading a protest in 2008 against the Chinese authorities at Bhelban Township. For almost two years he avoided arrest at the hands of Chinese security forces.

“He fled to the neighbouring areas of Bhelban Township, thus avoiding the Chinese police for two years, but finally he was arrested on 16 May 2010.

For the next five to six months, he was detained by the police in Machu County where he was brutally beaten and tortured,” said the source.

In December 2010, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison and imprisoned in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province. While in prison, his health deteriorated due to lack of medical care and starvation diet.

Goshul Lobsang was born in Bhelban Township in Machu County in the Tibetan province of Amdo.

In 1993, he visited India and studied at the Tibetan Transit School for refugees near Dharamsala in northern India. He is survived by his wife Tarey, 40, son Yeshi, 18 and daughter Dolma, 15.

Friends of Tibet’s film maker thank for Worldwide Support Zurich, March 25, 2013: In a daring show of solidarity, friends of Dhondup Wangchen inside Tibet displayed origami birds of freedom in front of the prison in Xining where the filmmaker is being held.

The photo shows an installation of “freedom birds” along with a hand drawn banner saying “Thank You” to supporters of Dhondup Wangchen around the world for taking action for his safe return. The photo may document the first action ever in front of a prison or labour camp where Tibetan political prisoners are being held.

A Global Day of Action was held for Dhondup Wangchen’s safe return on March 22, 2014 and supporters in countries as diverse as Brazil, Belgium, USA, India and Switzerland folded and distributed origami birds of freedom in

By Jane Cook: 21 February 2014

public. These awareness raising solidarity acts highlighted Dhondup Wangchen’s last few months of unjust imprisonment.

“These stunning photos from Tibet are very touching” said Gyaljong Tsetrin, founder of Filming for Tibet and cousin of Dhondup Wangchen. “The photos show that not only that Dhondup Wangchen is not forgotten but that the efforts and actions of people of conscience all over the world are being noticed and appreciated inside Tibet with deepest gratitude.”

Dhondup Wangchen was arrested on March 26, 2008.

In our view, his six year sentence should end today, March 25, 2014. The judge however has postponed it to June 5, 2014, for unknown reasons.

China: Xi Jinping, enemy of freedom of information, visits France

By Yeshe Choesang: 26 March 2014

As Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a three-day official visit to France today, Reporters Without Borders condemns China’s growing harassment of media and activists who try to expose the constant human rights violations. Photo: File

Paris: - As Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a three-day official visit to France today, the Paris-based press freedom watchdog said it condemns China’s growing harassment of journalists and its mistreatment of cyber-dissidents and activists who try to expose the constant human rights violations and persecution of human rights defenders.

“Xi Jinping is visiting France for the first time since becoming Communist Party general secretary in November 2012 and president in March 2013. In the year since his installation, China has tightened its grip on news and information considerably, stepping up the daily censorship directives to the media as well as arrests of journalists and cyber-dissidents, “ said the global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.

China is ranked 175th out of 180 countries in the press freedom index that Reporters Without Borders published in February and is more deserving than ever of inclusion in the Reporters Without Borders list of Enemies of the Internet, the latest version of which was issued earlier this month.

At least 74 netizens, including Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, and 30 journalists are currently detained in China, making it the world’s biggest prison for news providers.

The government has stepped up its news control, which is reflected in the daily dispatch of dozens of directives to all the media by the propaganda department. The authorities accuse the media of “endemic corruption” while revelations about corruption within the Communist Party have also prompted frequent accusations of rumour mongering.

According to a legal “interpretation” issued jointly by the supreme court and public prosecutor ’s office in September, any “defamatory” or “rumour-spreading” online content that is viewed more than 5,000 times or re-posted more than 500 times can result in a sentence of up to three years in prison for the person who originally posted it.

Liu Hu, a journalist with the Guangzhoubased daily Xin Kuai Bao (Modern Express) was officially charged with defamation a few weeks later, in October,

after 37 days in provisional detention.

On his Weibo account, the journalist had urged the authorities to investigate an official suspected of corruption.

Combined with increased Internet censorship and surveillance and a recent wave of arrests of cyber-dissidents such as Guo Feixiong and Xu Zhiyong, who were detained for “disturbing public order,” this methodically organized campaign against the media is likely to result in an unprecedented level of selfcensorship in China.

“The results of Xi Jinping’s first year as president are very damning,” said Benjamin Ismail, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Asia-Pacific desk. “We are currently witnessing one of the biggest crackdowns on news providers since the 2008 Olympics.

Looser controls are clearly no long on agenda. Instead the government wants to impose a new order on the media.”

Reporters Without Borders secretarygeneral Christophe Deloire added: “The European Union’s leaders, its member states and France in particular must include human rights and freedom of information on the agenda of talks with their Chinese counterparts.

Any abdication in the promotion of fundamental freedoms could lead to much harsher government policies towards news providers in China.”

Reporters Without Borders calls on President Xi Jinping to undertake to: End censorship of news and information, online and offline.

Immediately release imprisoned news providers.

Stop the intimidation, harassment, surveillance and arrests of journalists, bloggers, dissidents and their families.

Repeal the laws and regulations that are used to censor the media and the Internet and to arrest news providers.

Respect media freedom, which is enshrined in China’s constitution.

The Tibet Post International

Tibetan father of two sentenced to 12 years in prison

By Yeshe Choesang: 22 March 2014

An undated photo of Rigzin Tsering who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2009. Photo: TCHRD

Dharamshala: - Chinese authorities had sentenced three Tibetans including a father of two to varied prison terms five years ago in Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho (Ch: Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province, said sources inside Tibet.

The sentences were passed in 2009 in the aftermath of the 2008 uprising in Tibet, but due to the security clampdown and tightened control over information, their fate has remained unknown till today.

According to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Rigzin Tsering, 40, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Nyingchak Gyal, 44, and Tashi Tsering, 33, have been sentenced to five and seven years in prison respectively.

Rigzin Tsering, who hails from Rongtsa Village in Sangchu County, was arrested in April 2008 by the Chinese security forces. He was immediately taken to Sangchu County town, where he disappeared for almost a year.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison on 24 April 2009. He is being locked up in a prison in Tian Shui (???) city in Gansu Province.

Nyingchak Gyal and Tashi Tsering were

also arrested around April 2008. They were sentenced to five and seven years in prison respectively. The location of their imprisonment remains unknown.

Sources said that all three of them were arrested for their participation in a protest that occurred on 18 March 2008 in Sangchu.

“On 18 March 2008, local Tibetan men in Sangchu conducted an ancient ritual on the mountain of Tag Go (Eng: Tiger’s Head).

While assembling on the mountain, they decided that they must do something for the cause of Tibet’s freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama. So they started raising slogans marched towards the local government office.

The local cadres and police however dispersed the crowd of protesters, warning them of serious consequences,” said the source.

Later, the Chinese security forces started rounding up the Tibetans, including Rigzin Tsering, Nyingchak Gyal and Tashi Tsering.

Because of the severe restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities, it is difficult to estimate the exact number of people who were arrested at that time.

Rigzin Tsering is married with two children.

Because of his arrest, his wife, Dolkar Tso, 41, now has to bear all the burden of their family.

“Dolkar Tso is facing enormous problems.

Right from her childhood, she has been physically weak. On top of that she has two children to look after. Because of her husband’s arrest, now she has to singlehandedly look after the family farm and rear the animals. She is even forced to travel to other villages in search of work,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

Five Tibetans detained for allegedly sharing information on Tibet

Dharamshala: Emerging reports coming out of Tibet say, five Tibetans have been arrested in eastern Tibet for allegedly having spread photographs and information dealing the issues of Tibet.

Rinchen, a Tibetan living in Belgium said that “Chinese authorities in Sog County (Ch: Suo, Naqu, Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region) Kham region of eastern Tibet arrested five Tibetans, including two monks for their role in allegedly sending out photographs and information spreading information dealing with the political situation in Tibet.”

“The two monks of Drilda monastery in Sog County of eastern Tibet have been identified as Kalsang Tsultrim and Thupten Palden,” Rinchen told The Tibet Post International, adding that “the current condition and whereabouts of the arrested monks remain unknown.”

“The three lay men detained were identified as Norbu Dhondup, Monlam Gyatso, and Tsering Tharpa, all the three were from Dhowa village in Sog County, Eastern Tibet,” Rinchen added.

“Their whereabouts and condition remain unknown. Moreover, local Chinese authorities have not given any reason to

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By Yeshe Choesang: 19 March 2014

their family for their arrest,” he said.

Sources said that they were detained on March 6, 2014 for allegedly sending photographs and messages considered subversive by the Chinese government through mobile phones.

On March 10, over 20 Chinese military convoys with more than 80 security forces have arrived in the areas, as the authorities have imposed a heavy restriction after the incident.

Sources also stated that eyewitness saw a huge bridge in Drido Township displayed “Tibet Is An Independent Nation” written in large Tibetan letters with red color.

Arbitrary arrests and detention have increased amid unusual intensification of state surveillance measures in the region. The military and police presence is reported to have significantly increased recent days.

Chinese authorities are isolating Tibet from the world, particularly in the areas where the self-immolation protests are happening. Tibetans face lengthy jail sentences and torture for sharing information about any protests, including the self-immolations.

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

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

Editor in Chief Mr Yeshe Choesang Chinese Editor Miss Keary Huang Tibetan Editor Mr Choneyi Sangpo Tibet Political Analyst Mr James Dunn Photographer Mr Artemas Liu Reporter Ms Yangchen Dolma Layout & Design Mr Choneyi Sangpo Distributor Mr Tashi Contributors to this editon Keary Huang Taiwan USA Jane Cook UK Kathryn Middel - Katzenmeyer USA Londen Phuntsok India James Dunn UK Tendar Tsering US Robert Thurman

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31 March 2014 H.H THE DALAI LAMA 5 Tibet’s spiritual leader talks ‘Ethics Make a century of conflict resolution: Spiritual leader of Tibet

TPI NEWS

The Tibet Post International

and Compassion’ for Young Minds

By Jane Cook: 28 March 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the artist Ashok Chopra with a portrait of His Holiness offered at the end of the second day of his three day teaching in New Delhi, India on March 22, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHD

New Delhi, India, 22 March 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with almost 260 students and 40 teachers from 13 Delhi Schools. The theme for discussion eas Ethics and Compassion for Young Minds.

“I am very happy to be here to meet you young people, young brothers and sisters. The world belongs to humanity. As a result of human intelligence we have made a lot of progress, and yet human beings can also be a source of trouble. War, for example, which is nothing more than legalised violence, is something only human beings engage in. During excessive wars in the 20th century some historians say up to 200 million people were killed, including many innocent people, women, children and the aged among them. Nuclear weapons were used. In Hiroshima I met survivors of those attacks and heard of their terrible experiences, something that should never be repeated.”

He said that people of his age belong to a century that is now gone but he looks forward to what the new generation can achieve and that he was keen to meet the young people of today and urge them to act honestly, truthfully and transparently to win trust and friendship.

“What holds society together is concern for others, while anger and hatred split it apart. On

an individual level, science has shown that warmheartedness contributes to physical well-being.

Findings also reveal that even preliminary training in compassionate attitudes can reduce blood pressure and stress, so individuals feel happier and enjoy better inter-personal relations. Now, let’s have some questions and a more heated discussion!”

He was then asked about the status of women in Buddhism and explained that the Buddha had treated men and women equally and mentioned that he is convening a meeting in September to discuss the status of women along with dowry and caste distinctions.

Asked about the economy, His Holiness said that the gap between rich and poor must be reduced.

He also remarked that while India has to put its own interests forward, it must also take the world’s needs into account. Whenever problems or conflicts arise in this connection, they should be resolved through dialogue not a resort to force and weapons.

To a question about whether he had ever felt sad and lonely, he recalled sitting in retreat in the dark Potala palace in the company of his stern tutor. He would find relief in watching mice drink from the water bowls and listened to boys and girls outside bringing their flocks home. He briefly yearned to be free like them, but said that eventually he realised he could use his name and position to benefit others.

With regard to technology by which so many are distracted His Holiness said it is important to remember that technology should serve humanity and not the other way around. If we allow ourselves to become slaves to it we’ll have no rest.

Asked about compassion he responded that as human beings we can use our intelligence to extend a biological interest reflecting that if others are happy, we will be happy. He noted a growing desire for peace in the world and remarked that action is more effective than prayer.

Reid Remarks honoring His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

By Yeshe Choesang: 27 March 2014

New Delhi, India, 25 March 2014: – His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet urged the younger generation who are the true inheritors of the twentyfirst century to make this century into a century of conflict resolution.

‘Shri Ram College of Commerce celebrated its 88th Annual Day on Monday, March 24, 2014. The Chief Guest was His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet and the Guest of Honour was Shri Analjit Singh, Eminent SRCC alumnus and Founder and CMD, Max India Ltd,’ Indian Education Bureau reported.

Shri Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman, SRCC Governing Body and CMD, DCM Shriram Ltd. welcomed the guests and spoke about the achievements of the College. He also elaborated upon the plans for the future where infrastructure development will continue to remain a priority area for the College management.

He shared his ideas on promoting research among faculty and students, internationalisation, valueaddition and professional skill development. Principal, Dr. P. C. Jain presented the College Annual Report that showcased the laurels and activities in the course of the previous academic year, 2013-14.

The College publications: Yamuna, the SRCC Students Magazine, Business Analyst, the biannual Research Journal of SRCC, a special edition of the Business Analyst compiling the Bangkok International Conference papers, Prerna, the NSS Magazine and Artha, the Economics Society’s Student Journal, were released by the honoured guests.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting the audience at the start of Shri Ram College of Commerce’s 88th Annual Day in New Delhi, India on March 24, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Shri Analjit Singh mentioned how he felt blessed in the company of the Dalai Lama. He asked the audience to pick up one thing from what His Holiness would say as a takeaway for a lifetime.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama who had been received in the traditional Tibetan way by students of the College spoke about the importance of the Indian civilization, its thinkers and teachings of the gurus that has always stood up to the test of times.

He mentioned how Karuna or Compassion is a determinant in the evaluation of Indian culture. He referred to the twentieth century as a century of progress but also a century of war and violence.

He called upon the younger generation who are the

true inheritors of the twenty-first century to make this century into a century of conflict resolution, a century of dialogue.

His message was simple: action is of greater necessity than belief. His Holiness also took questions from students and explained to them the essence of spirituality. He signed the Visitor’s Book with his message.

The programme was followed by the Prize and Award Distribution Ceremony. Eminent Alumni and meritorious students were given medals, prizes and certificates for their contribution. The Function was followed by lunch for all the guests, students, faculty and alumni.

Shastri truly represented India’s tradition: Tibetan leader

was represented by him courageously. He was a wonderful, determined person,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said remembering Shastri. Recalling his meeting with Shastri, he said, “I’m one of the admirers of Shastri. I met him when he was the prime minister. He was really a great man. There was a big contrast between his body and his mind! As far as I observed him, he was a very

compassionate man.” On the book that recollects the childhood, adult years and the public life of Shastri, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “This small book may teach important lessons of life to everyone.”

Anil Shastri, who relates inspiring episodes from his father’s life in the book, said that the former prime minister has left behind a legacy that is hard to match. “Shastriji’s story is one that needs to be told at multiple levels. He has left behind a legacy that is hard to match.

When the book is read by millions in India, I am certain it will leave them inspired,” Anil Shastri said. Educationist and columnist Pavan Choudhary described the subject of their book as “the original ‘aam aadmi’ who lived an unpretentious life and rose to be prime minister despite his humble background and without bending the rules”.

“I have highlighted those traits of Shastriji which made him the leader he was, a leader who taught us to live with dignity and honour,” Choudhary added.

walked onto the Forum stage. Welcoming him to Inglewood, the Mayor James T Butts said that people ranging from 1000 children to business executives had flocked to hear him. The Mayor read out and presented a proclamation declaring support and admiration for His Holiness. In her introduction that followed Maria Shriver said: “His Holiness’s message of compassion and peace has never been more important.”

“Respected elder brothers and sisters and younger brothers and sisters,” His Holiness began, “I’m very happy to be here. We all have the same potential, potential for good and bad. We all want to live a happy life and we all have a right to do so. Human beings have a remarkable brain, a significant intelligence, although sometimes if we use it poorly it can make us into the biggest trouble makers.”

He said that despite its many great developments, the 20th century had been an era of violence in which some say 200 million people were killed, including the horrific use of nuclear weapons. Now, at the start of the 21st century, violent situations like those taking place in Syria are symptoms of past mistakes and negligence. On this one planet where some live in the height of luxury others live in poverty, their children malnourished. His Holiness said that while the wealthy should share their good fortune, providing facilities and support, the poor need to take advantage of opportunities offered, build up their self-confidence and work hard. In this way the gap between rich and poor can be reduced.

Because of climate change and increasing natural disasters, the world’s 7 billion people must learn to work together. This is no longer a time, His Holiness said, to think only of ‘my nation’ or ‘our continent’ alone. There is a real need for a greater sense of global responsibility based on a sense of the oneness of humanity.

“Once we understand that like us other human beings want to live a happy life, and that our own future depends on others like them it will be easier to develop compassion. This is a question of survival,” His Holiness declared. “And in order to protect our sense

of compassion, we need tolerance and forgiveness.

These are the kind of qualities that are important in a healthy society, that are the basis of a happier more harmonious community. To achieve this in reality, we have been working on a curriculum to introduce secular ethics into our education system from kindergarten all the way up to university.”

His Holiness spoke of the beneficial findings scientists have recorded when people engage in simple training exercises in compassion even for as little as three weeks. Their stress levels and blood pressure decrease, while their ability to get on with the people around them improves. He also pointed out that of the several thousand smart people in the audience, those who were raised with affection are probably happier now than those who were not. Similarly, when there is affection between members of a family, whether they are well-off or not, they will be happier, whereas members of families who may be wealthy, but are beset by a deep sense of jealousy and mistrust tend to be unhappy. This, His Holiness said, is common sense. He told the story of the Catholic monk he met in Barcelona who had been in retreat in the mountains for 5 years meditating on love. He survived mostly on bread and water and yet his sparkling eyes revealed him to be full of joy, a living example that inner values are the key to real happiness.

“In America, this hub of innovation, we must apply innovation to our system of education. Those of you who belong to the 21st century, the future is in your hands. The past is gone, remaining only as a source of experience we can learn from, but the future is open; you can reshape it. Those of you who are young today can change the world. What you need is vision and determination.”

As His Holiness finished speaking, Sean Lourdes of the Lourdes Foundation stepped forward to express his thanks and appreciation. He also thanked Kusho Tenzin Dhonden, without whom the event could not have taken place. As His Holiness waved goodbye to the crowd, Lourdes said: “If we focus on hope, we can create a better world.”

By Yeshe Choesang: 27 March 2014

New Delhi, India, 23 March 2014: – the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama said ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India, truly represented the tradition of (India).

“He led this nation courageously during the IndoPakistan war (of 1965) and, at the same time, was very committed to solving other problems. “I am quite sure that had he lived for a few years more, he could have made significant contributions to this country,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said.

According to a report by the Day & Night News, His Holiness was speaking at the launch of the book, ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri: Lessons in Leadership’, a biography of the former prime minister which has been co-authored by Shastri’s son Anil Shastri and Pavan Choudhary. “I think he truly represented the tradition of (India).

The values of this tradition of a thousand years

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the release of the book “Lal Bahadur Shastri - Lessons in Leadership” in New Delhi, India on March 23, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Non-violence and the effects of compassion in the 21st century

By Jane Cook: 28 February 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting Senate Chaplain Barry Black, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on his arrival at Capitol Hill in Washington DC on March 6, 2014. Photo/Sonam Zoksang

By Yeshe Choesang: 07 March 2014

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today to honor His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery: It is my pleasure to welcome to the United States Senate, His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.

I know I speak for the entire Senate family when I express our gratitude for that beautiful prayer, and for his words of encouragement and blessing.

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, is well known throughout the world as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, and for spreading the gospel of peace, compassion and love for our fellow beings.

But it is tradition when the United States Senate welcomes a guest chaplain to say a few words about our honored guest.

His Holiness often says that he is only a simple monk, born to a farming family in northeastern Tibet. But to millions of people in Tibet and across the globe, he is much more – he is a source of hope and inspiration in a world that can sometimes seem dark.

When he was only two years old, His Holiness was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. Four years later, when he was just a little boy, he began his monastic education. He studied logic, art, Tibetan culture, and Buddhist philosophy, among other things. At 23, he passed his

exams with honors and was awarded the equivalent of a doctorate of Buddhist philosophy. And for more than half a century, the Dalai Lama has been traveling the world, raising awareness about the concerns of his 6 million fellow Tibetans and, as he would say, making new friends.

In Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, the Dalai Lamas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana – or liberation from the cycle of reincarnation – in order to serve humanity. This particular enlightened being has chosen to serve humanity by spreading a message of peace.

He motivates countless people around the world – people of every faith tradition – to practice compassion toward one another. His Holiness urges us all to, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

The Dalai Lama’s teachings contain lessons for people around the world and within this chamber.

His Holiness also advises us that, “The best way to resolve any problem in the human world is for all sides to sit down and talk.” It is advice that those of us fortunate enough to serve our country and our constituents in the United States Senate should take to heart and follow more often. And the presence of His Holiness in this chamber today inspires me – as I hope it does all of us – to renew our commitment to speak and act with a pure mind and help dispel the misery of the world.

Los Angeles, CA, USA, 25 February 2014 - After a short flight from San Jose to Los Angeles today, His Holiness the Dalai Lama went directly to the Inglewood Forum, venue his public talk on ‘Non-violence and the Effects of Compassion in the 21st Century’. Many thousands gathered to hear him.

Speaking beforehand to Barbara Chai of the Wall Street Journal he remarked that when he first came to Europe in 1973 and to the USA in 1979, not many people talked about compassion; now interest is widespread. However, it is still the case that when people who have grown up in a materialistic society face emotional stress, their only outlet is to turn to drugs or alcohol. When she asked about the new Chinese leader Xi Jinping, His Holiness told her that friends say he is more realistic. He cited the courageous stand he is taking against corruption and positive references in the recent 3rd plenum to improving the lot of poor farmers and improving the judicial system as grounds for hope. He said: “The 1.3 billion Chinese people have a right to know what is really going on. They have the ability to judge right from wrong, in obstructing this censorship is detrimental. Meanwhile, it is important that the Chinese judicial system be raised to international standards.”

Meeting briefly backstage with celebrities who included actor Jim Carrey, basketball coach Phil Jackson and singer Eric Benét, His Holiness expressed his admiring appreciation of their work and their ability spread a message of happiness. He told them of the need to include training in warm-heartedness in education.

In this context, Paul Eckman, a leading expert on the emotions, is interested to tap into the worlds of gaming and entertainment.

In a conversation with Maria Shriver for NBC News His Holiness confirmed his view that it is compassion and keeping a calm mind that are signs of strength and that anger is a sign of weakness.

His Holiness was met by a wave of applause as he

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TPI NEWS

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The public schedule of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Month Of May, 2014 Teaching in Riga, Latvia on May 5 & 6: His Holiness will give two-day teachings on the Heart Sutra (sherab nyingpo) & Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva (laklen sodunma) at the request of a group of Russians. Contact Website: lv.dalailama.ru Teaching in Oslo, Norway on May 8: His Holiness will give a teaching on Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of Training the Mind (lojong tsikgyema) in the morning at Chateau Neuf the request of the Buddhist Federation of Norway and Karma Tashi Ling Buddhist Society.

Contact Website: dalailamaoslo.no Public Talk in Oslo, Norway on May 9: His Holiness will give a public talk on Cultivating Compassion in Everyday Life in the afternoon at Folketeateret. Contact Website: dalailamaoslo.no Teaching in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on May 11: His Holiness will give a teaching on The Three Principal Paths (lamtso namsum) in the morning at Ahoy Stadium. Contact Website: http://dalailama2014.nl Public Talk in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on May 11: His Holiness will give a public talk on Well-being, Wisdom and Compassion: a Secular Approach in the afternoon at Ahoy Stadium. Contact Website: http://dalailama2014.nl Public Talk in Frankfurt, Germany on May 14: His Holiness will give a public talk on Self-Awareness and Compassion in the afternoon at Fraport organized by Tibet House Germany. Contact Website: www.dalailama-frankfurt.info Discussion in Frankfurt, Germany on May 15: His Holiness will participate in a discussion with school children on Secular Ethics in Our Common World in the morning at St. Paul’s Church organized by Tibet House Germany in cooperation with the City of Frankfurt and the Foundation of Reading. Contact Website: www.dalailama-frankfurt.info Discussion in Frankfurt, Germany on May 15: His Holiness will participate in a discussion with philosopher Rainer Forst and others on Ethics Beyond Religion in the afternoon at St. Paul’s Church organized by Tibet House Germany in cooperation with the City of Frankfurt and Geothe University. Contact Website: www.dalailama-frankfurt.info

International 7 TPI NEWS Tibet campaigners expose Chi- French MPs urge Hollande to raise Tibet issue with Xi na’s defensive responses on Tibet 31 March 2014

The Tibet Post International

By Yeshe Choesang: 27 March 2014

By Yeshe Choesang: 21 March 2014

SFT’s Padma Dolma and Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer (far right) standing in support with NGOs denouncing China’s human rights failures. Statements included condemnation for the unjust detention and death of Chinese activist Cao Shunli, and support for the release of Tibetan political prisoners Dhondup Wangchen and Khenpo Kartse. Photo: TPI

Genva: - China has responded to the United Nations review of its human rights record by rejecting most of the recommendations made specifically on Tibet by other UN member states at the Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Tibet campaigners celebrated the fact that China accepted the visit of UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay to China and Tibet but denounced China’s rejection of several other recommendations that would address its gross human rights violations in Tibet.

China stated that on most fronts, there was no need for concern, claiming that ‘ethnic minorities’ are protected, that human rights defenders are not suppressed, and that arbitrary detention does not exist in China.

Of the seven recommendations specifically mentioning Tibet, China rejected five, and said it had already implemented another.

“China’s strategy of denial over the human rights crisis in Tibet cannot be tolerated at the United Nations. As the situation continues to deteriorate in Tibet, governments must continue to use the joint mechanism of the Human Rights Council to put the Chinese government under the spotlight, and hold them accountable for failing to address the critical situation in Tibet,” said Iona Liddell of Tibet Justice Center. “With at least 129 Tibetans having chosen to set light to themselves in protest against Beijing’s brutal policies since 2009, ignoring the situation at a high political level can no longer be an option.”

After taking the unusual decision to shut down its own UPR session yesterday in an attempt to stop a protest by non-governmental organizations over the death of a Chinese activist, China’s session today was fraught with high tension. After hours of tense discussion, a silent protest was led by the International Service for Human Rights in remembrance of the Chinese rights activist Cao Shunli.

“Today, young Tibetans stood in solidarity with Chinese rights activists and pushed for the solidarity protest against China in remembrance of the unjust death of rights activist Cao Shunli. China’s carefully maintained facade was shattered by its hysteric attempt to silence other member states and non-governmental organizations in order to hide the reality of its human rights atrocities in China, Tibet and East Turkestan,” said Padma Dolma of Students for a Free Tibet. “We commend the strong statements expressed by the UN Member States today and urge the UN Human Rights Council to not let China off the hook after the conclusion of the review.”

Since China’s last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2009, international support for the need for strong, coordinated action on the situation in Tibet has been deepening, and the UPR process is an opportunity for governments to vigorously speak out for Tibet. In China’s human rights review session in October 2013, 13 states made recommendations to China about Tibet. It is to these, and the other recommendations that China is now responding.

“Specific dates for a visit to Tibet by High Commissioner Navi Pillay must be agreed upon immediately and we urge all governments to press for this agreement at the highest possible level,” said Padma Dolma of Students for a Free Tibet. “While the prospect of a visit is a step in the right direction, it does not in itself constitute progress in improving human rights. A more systematic and deepening crackdown is being implemented in Tibet

under the leadership of Xi Jinping. By rejecting several recommendations on Tibet, China has demonstrated no intention of changing course in Tibet until it faces greater diplomatic pressure. The Universal Periodic Review is a start but now we need a sustained multilateral approach to ending the crisis in Tibet by UN member states.”

Notably, China did not accept five other Tibetrelated recommendations made by member states, including one by New Zealand that asked for the dialogue process between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and China to resume.

“China countered this recommendation with its usual rhetoric, insisting that the Dalai Lama is still seeking Tibetan independence, when it is consistently reiterated by the international community that he is instead calling for a genuine autonomy and that the rights of Tibetans to be protected in accordance with China’s constitution and laws,” said Mandie McKeown of International Tibet Network.

Last October at China’s Universal Periodic R e v i e w, 1 3 U N m e m b e r s t a t e s m a d e recommendations on Tibet and numerous others called for China to change its treatment of ethnic minorities and respect the rights to freedom of expression, religion and assembly. China’s response to concerns about Tibet mirrored current hardline policies and included insulting condemnation of the Dalai Lama.

Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and United States of America made verbal interventions on Tibet, along with written questions from Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and robust statements from many other states concerning the protection of ‘ethnic minorities’.

“With so many UN Member States raising Tibet in this joint forum, it is impossible for China to hide the reality of the situation on the ground, however much it tries. Yet, China’s response showed that it is still not willing to take any responsibility for the deterioration in Tibet,” said Migmar Dolma of Tibetan Youth Association of Europe.

President Hollande ......

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Belgium as well as the EU headquarters on his first Europe tour since becoming the president.

The letter by Human Rights Watch, an international non-governmental organisation that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, specifically calls on President Hollande to ask President Xi about specific cases of persecuted human rights defenders, including imprisoned 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo and his wife, Liu Xia; Uighur economist Ilham Tohti; and lawyer Xu Zhiyong and express concern about activist Cao Shunli, who died on March 14 in a Beijing hospital following her arbitrary detention in September 2013.

“French President Francois Hollande should publicly deliver a strong message in defense of human rights to Chinese President Xi Jinping,” Human Rights Watch said in a letter yesterday.

“On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationships between China and France, President Hollande should clearly set out France’s expectations that China needs to respect basic human rights,” said Jean Marie Fardeau, France director of Human Rights Watch. “These principles should be stated in private, but also in public.”

The New York based organsation’s letter also urged Mr Hollande to express concern about the deteriorating human rights situations for ethnic minorities, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang. This letter is another chapter in Human Rights Watch’s long and committed dedication to the Tibetan cause, which stretches back to it’s founding in the 1970s.

As President Xi arrives in Lyon, Tuesday, March 25, dozens of Tibetans and Tibet supporters gathered at the Place Saint-Jean, Lyon, to draw attention on the situation of human rights in Tibet.

Paris: A group of French MPs have written a strongly worded letter to their President, Francois Hollande, expressing deep concern over the human rights situation in Tibet and urge him to raise the issue during his meetings with the visiting Chinese president Xi Jinping.

“Do not sacrifice the issue of Tibet and human rights for corporate affairs. The development of trade relations with China should in no way be at the expense of human rights,” said Jean- Patrick Gille, Noel Mamère, members and co-presidents of the study group on the issue of Tibet in the French National Assembly, in a press release on the eve of President Xi Jinping’s first visit to France. Mr Xi arrived in Lyon yesterday as part of his four-nation tour of Europe.

“We wish the question of respect for human rights by the Chinese authorities in Tibet to be discussed in the meeting. According to a recent survey commissioned by an NGO, 78% of French want the French president “expresses” with Mr. Xi Jinping “concern about the situation of Tibetans,” the French MPs said.

The French MPs expressed deep concern over tragic self-immolation of Tibetans in protest against the Chinese government’s repressive policies. “The Tibetan population has made the choice of nonviolent resistance and sacrifices are sadly the most visible part of this daily struggle,” they said.

“Like the President of the United States, Barack Obama did a few weeks ago, we express the view that the President of the French Republic, the cradle of Human Rights, should officially receive the Dalai Lama as an internationally respected religious and cultural leader,” they said.

Calling for ..... continued from Front-Page......

“Lobsang Palden was badly burnt and was taken away by the police. His whereabouts are unknown,” said the Beijing based Tibetan writer and activist.

According to reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan monk in Malho region of Tibet (Chinese: Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai) also set self on fire today at around 7 am (Beijing time) in protest against the Chinese government, but as of now, the identity and status of the selfimmolator is unclear.

Labeling the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama as “terrorist”, Beijing says that the Tibetan leader is trying to split Tibet from the mainland China. However, the Dalai Lama has defied the accusation saying that Tibetans are willing to stay under China if Beijing grants them a “genuine autonomy” under the Peoples Republic of China.

According to the Chinese official news agency Xinhua on Sunday, March 16, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security has vowed to tighten security and take decisive measures to deal with any anti-China protest in the country.

“The ministry will reinforce public security in sections of key cities, such as Shanghai, Changsha, Kunming, Urumqi and Lhasa, in order to effectively prevent and crack down on criminal activities,” reported the Chinese news agency.

Tendar Tsering is a freelance journalist based in Minnesota, U.S.A

Tibetan Communist ......

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He led China’s People’s Liberation Army troops into the remote mountain region in 1951 and served as translator for Chinese leaders Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai during talks with the Dalai Lama in 1954.

Phuntso was later purged and spent 18 years in solitary confinement before being rehabilitated in 1978.

According to his biographer Melvyn Goldstein, Phuntso said while his years at the notorious Qingchen Prison brought hardships that were “beyond description”, they let him escape an even worse fate during what he called China’s “chaotic” Cultural Revolution.

Later, Phuntsok turned down the opportunity to be chairman of the Tibet regional government, and became increasingly critical of Beijing’s position on Tibet and the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against communist rule.

Phuntsok wrote a series of letters to thenPresident Hu Jintao condemning local leaders for using the campaign against “splittism” in Tibet to serve their own political ambitions and for refusing to acknowledge the role played by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibetan society.

He urged Hu Jintao to allow His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to his homeland, saying this would help make the region stable.

Phuntsok also urged President Xi Jinping recently, to reconsider China’s stance towards Tibet and had hoped the Chinese leadership could hold talks with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and let His Holiness Dalai Lama return to Tibet.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay (3rd R) and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Special Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen (1st L) with Mr. Jean Patrick Gille, French Deputy and co-president of Tibet Group in the National Assembly (1st R) and other MPs, at the French National Assembly in April 2013. Photo: CTA/DIIR

Earlier on 17 December 2013, a motion on Tibet, cosigned by the all-party members of the Study Group on the issue of Tibet in French National Assembly, was tabled. It called for resumption of dialogue between representatives of the Chinese Government and the Tibetan representatives to promote autonomy for Tibet within the People’s Republic of China.

The motion reaffirmed the right of Tibetans to freedom of conscience, in accordance with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 36 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and condemns the policies

threatening language, culture, religion, heritage and environment of Tibet implemented by the Chinese authorities in violation of those provisions.

It reiterated its support for the middle-way advocated by the Dalai Lama, whose purpose, clearly stated in the Memorandum of 2010, is to establish not independence, but a genuine autonomy for Tibet within People’s Republic of China.

It called on France and the European Union to call for the resumption of dialogue between the Chinese authorities and envoys of the Dalai Lama and to appoint a European Special Coordinator for Tibetan Affairs.

Dharamshala: - Dr Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong or political leader of the Central TibetanAdministration has expressed his deepest condolences to the family members of Baba Phuntsok Wangyal at his passing away on 30 March 2014, in beijing.

“The Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala extends its profound condolences to his family. We hope the Chinese leadership will take heed of the veteran Communist leader’s wisdom and far-sighted vision to resolve the issue of Tibet,” said Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay.

Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal passed away in Beijing on March 30, 2014 at the age of 92. He founded the Tibetan Communist Party in the 1930s, which subsequently merged with the Chinese Communist Party.

“Born in 1922 in Bathang, in eastern Tibet’s Kham province, he was a key figure in drafting the 17-Point Agreement to ensure Tibetan people’s right to regional national autonomy. He was the key interpreter in numerous discussions between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mao Zedong when the Tibetan leader visited China from 1954 to 1955,” the Sikyong added.

“As an early convert to socialism, he worked tirelessly to create a socialist Tibet that would encompass all Tibetans in the three traditional provinces of Kham, Amdo and U-Tsang under a single administration. He truly believed it would bring egalitarianism in the Tibetan society,” Sikyong said, adding: “Despite his contributions, he was arrested by the Chinese authorities in 1960 for his so-called advocacy of local Tibetan nationalism and spent 18 years in solitary confinement. Despite undergoing immeasurable suffering, he remained a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party and its misguided policies in Tibet.”

“Following his release during Deng Xiaoping’s

By Yeshe Choesang: 30 March 2014

Sikyong of Tibet sends condolences to family of Phunwang

liberalization policy, his membership in the Party was restored. He remained a Tibetan patriot throughout his life and met with all the Tibetan delegations from exile which visited Tibet from 1979 to 1985. In his recent autobiography, he reiterated that His Holiness the Dalai Lama be allowed to return to Tibet to bring lasting peace in China,” the Tibetan political leader said.

“Phuntsog Wangyal has openly supported the Middle Way Approach proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a pragmatic solution to the current crisis in Tibet. He stated that “the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way Approach of seeking only a meaningful autonomy for Tibet rather than independence, in the present critical context, is an expression of the great responsibility he takes in giving serious thoughts over the fundamental interests of the Tibetan people,” Dr Sangay added.

“It also shows that he takes great responsibility in understanding the issues concerning both sides and in carefully studying the changing circumstances.

Furthermore, it is a thinking that is based on reality and foresight,” Sikyong further said.

The Sikyong said that “In a meeting with President Hu Jintao in 2008, when unprecedented protest broke out in Tibet against the repressive policies of the Chinese government, he expressed disappointment over the Chinese government’s hardline position during the talks with the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was critical of the Chinese government’s outright rejection of the Tibetan proposal for genuine autonomy, which he considered consistent with the constitution of the People’s Republic of China.”

Protest shows President Xi Jinping ......

One truck managed to pass in front of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe but the other four were stopped before entering the city. Photos of the photomontage were taken in front of some of Paris’ most emblematic monuments while RWB activists on bicycles, waving banners with a smaller version, completed the procession.

The police who stopped the four trucks were unable to provide Reporters Without Borders with grounds for the interception.

“It is not right that the authorities took this kind of action to prevent a reference to the situation of freedom of information in China,” said Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Christophe Deloire.

The aim of the protest was to highlight the open contempt that the Chinese authorities – led by Xi Jinping, who holds the posts of president of the People’s Republic, Communist Party general secretary and chairman of the Central Military Commission – show for their citizens, denying them freely-reported news and information and subjecting them to constant propaganda.

“The disconnect between the official discourse about the Chinese dream and the ruthless persecution of independent journalists shows the degree to which Xi Jinping is making fun of the world,” Deloire said.

“Article 35 of China’s constitution says that its citizens enjoy ‘freedom of speech [and] of the press,’ but more

continued from Front-Page......

than 100 Chinese citizens – professional journalists and netizens – are currently in prison simply for trying to report the country’s reality.”

In China, the state media are government propaganda tools, and the propaganda bureau sends more than 1,000 directives a year to all of the country’s journalists. News conferences are stage-managed with bogus journalists asking questions, while an ideological test has just been reintroduced for journalists when they need to renew their press card.

The “campaign against rumours” launched by Xi aims to tighten control of the information circulated

by Internet users, while improvements continue to be made to the “Electronic Great Wall.” When website filtering and blocking are not enough, the authorities have no compunction about abducting and beating “troublemakers.”

With at least 30 journalists and 74 citizen-journalists currently detained, China is the world’s biggest prison for media personnel and netizens. China’s Nobel peace laureate, Liu Xiaobo, is serving an 11-year jail sentence just for defending free speech.

China is ranked 175th out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

An interview with Lucie Morillon, Head of RSF Research, please click the link to view:

8

TPI NEWS

The Tibet Post International Back Page Focus Business, Ethics and Compassion at Santa Clara University China jails senior monk from

31 March 2014

By Jane Cook: 01 March 2014

His Holiness will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA on 1 March to give a talk at the 26th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum at the Minneapolis Convention Center; an event organized by The Nobel Peace Prize Forum and Augsburg College.

San Jose, CA, USA, 24 February 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama spent today at Santa Clara University (SCU), a Jesuit university committed to a more humane, just and sustainable world located in that epicentre of innovation, Silicon Valley.

His Holiness was the guest of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics of SCU and the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education of Stanford University. After chanting by Gyuto Monks, Rev. Engh opened the dialogue on Business, Ethics and Compassion in the Leavey Center and Dr Doty introduced His Holiness, mentioning that many people might not appreciate his involvement in research at the forefront of neuroscience, and Lloyd Dean, CEO of Dignity Health.

“Brothers and sisters, I am very happy to be here,” was His Holiness’s opening remark. “What I always talk about is how to be happy, as an individual, in families, communities and humanity at large. Among the 7 billion people alive today, everyone has the right to be happy. However, we tend to focus on material comfort while neglecting our inner values.

“I’d like to thank these beautiful young children for their singing. They reminded me of my own childhood. I was born into an ordinary farming family. We were not that well-off, our real wealth was in my mother’s affection for us. Because of that our home was full of joy. When I was still the youngest she naturally took more care of me. I rode on her shoulders as she went about her work. My brothers and sisters and I never

saw her pull an angry face. Now I feel this was the real blessing I grew up under. Later, I was able to train in the cultivation of compassion using my intelligence, but the seed was planted by my mother.”

His Holiness stressed that the value of affection is huge, asking why human beings neglect such inner values, focusing instead on increased intelligence, a self-centred attitude and a materialistic way of life?

Is there anything to be done? he asked and suggested that human nature is actually more generous. He said we are social animals with a natural tendency to come together. Individual survival depends on cooperation, if we are filled with hatred and distrust, that cannot be achieved. We have the seed of compassion within us and when we are young it is fresh and ripe for cultivation.

Too often in the economic field we see corruption, the gap between rich and poor, and a lack of affection and respect for the lives of others.

Warm-heartedness is therefore very important.

We need to include training in compassion and warm-heartedness in education from kindergarten up to university. It’s something important for everyone.

Medical researchers have found that a more compassionate attitude brings about a calm mind, which leads to self-confidence and inner strength, which in turn support better health.

With inner strength compassion increases and anxiety, tension and stress are reduced. Anxiety

and anger destroy our health and disrupt our families, so compassion has a deep positive influence on whatever we do.

“Modern medical care is run like a business, but even business needs a sense of ethics. Since we have a body and mind, we need that mental peace and physical comfort to which compassion gives rise. We need to educate people to increase their concern for others’ well-being. Naturally we are concerned for ourselves, we have our own selfinterest at heart, but we need to fulfil it wisely by developing concern for others rather than being merely foolishly selfish. Thank you” After lunch a discussion took place about ‘Incorporating Ethics and Compassion into Business Life’. Various panellists discussed a) the hiring of the best qualified people b) recognise and support employees rights to a personal life and c) work to ensure the allegiance of customers, employees and share-holders. His Holiness remarked that he was impressed by the consideration inherent in these principles. Another panellist who started her own company said that she placed trust in her employees which earned loyalty and allegiance, and another mentioned that in her research she had discovered it was more difficult for people to discern the need for compassion in organisations than we think.

His Holiness distinguished two kinds of compassion, the kind of instinctive concern for others that we feel about our friends and relatives and a more embracing compassion that is a result of analytical thought.

Then, on top of a sense of concern for others, there is the wish to take responsibility for doing something about it. Questioned about competition, he said there are two kinds, competition that is focused on success and reaching the top and competition that seeks to bring others down.

Asked how people can find room in their lives for spiritual practice, His Holiness remarked that one of the characteristics of the future is that it is open. Concerning the role of women, His Holiness explained that early human society had little need for leaders. After the establishment of agriculture and a sense of property a need for leaders emerged, the criterion for which was physical prowess. This favoured men. Education has since eliminated the predominance of physical strength. Now, when the need is to promote compassion, there is a need for women’s leadership, because it’s a field in which they are more skilled. His Holiness remarked that if there were more women leaders, violent conflict would likely be less.

Tibet’s Driru County for 18 years

By Yeshe Choesang: 31 March 2014

Thardhod Gyaltsen, a senior monk ofDrongna Monastery, in an undated photo. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out of Tibet say, a Chinese court in Sichuan Province recently sentenced a senior Tibetan monk to 18 years in jail for his role in leading political activities and protests allegedly challenging Chinese rule over Tibet.

In the latest case, Thardhod Gyaltsen, a senior monk of Drongna Monastery in Nagshoe, Driru County, eastern Tibet, wastakenintocustodyonDecember,2013afterChinesepolice conducted a raid and searched his room, Samdup, a Tibetan living in exile told The Tibet Post on Sunday.

“He was the chant master at the monastery from 1992 and was a senior monk official of the Drongna Monastery between 2013-2014,” he added.

“Armed Chinese police raided the monk’s room and seized lectures, books and pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and detained him in December 2013,” Samdup said.

“The Chinese court sentenced Gyaltsen for allegedly leading anti-government protests in the county in January 2014,” sources added.

“Gyaltsen was highly respected by the local community for his knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism and culture,” sources said.

“His collective effort to preserve and develop Tibetan culture, insuring its survival for the younger generation, made a significant contribution to the local community,” sources added.

From the end of 2013 to beginning of 2014, Tibetan

protests led by monks in the Driru County were violently suppressed by Chinese police and security forces that resulted in increasingly desperate acts by Tibetans, including monks.

Despite the over 50 years of restrain on Tibetan religion and culture, the Tibetans continue to seek to practice their religion. Today the practice of religion continues to be severely limited in the Himalayan region.

China is trying to crush every peaceful protests

by Tibetans through arbitrary detention, collective punishment, communications blackouts, bribery and much more – this has only strengthened the resolve of the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and self-determination.

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His Holiness expresses condolences on the passing of Phunwang

By Yeshe Choesang: 30 March 2014

Dharamshala: - 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 Baba Phuntsok Wangyal at his passing away on 30 March 2014.

In his message sent to the family of Phuntsok Wangyal on 30 March, His Holiness said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Baba Phuntsog Wangyal in Beijing. He was a true Communist, genuinely motivated to fulfill the interests of the Tibetan people. In his death we have lost a trusted friend.”

His Holiness said: “I first met Phunwang, as he was popularly known, in 1951, when he accompanied Chinese officials to Lhasa. Later, during my visit to Beijing and other cities in 1954-55 he assisted and interpreted for me in the course of which we became good friends. During the series of meetings I had with Chairman Mao in particular, he was of crucial help as my interpreter.”

“He was well-versed in Marxist thought and much of what I know of that I learned from him. He was one of those Tibetans aware of the drawbacks of the prevailing social and political system in Tibet, who was inspired

by Communism to bring about change,” His Holiness added.

“Through his own example Phunwang showed that you could be a true Communist while at the same time proud of your Tibetan heritage. He caught me by surprise, when, at our first meeting, in the company of the Chinese delegation, he chose to make prostrations before me,” the 74year old Nobel Peace Laureate said in his letter.

“At the same time, while the Chinese officials were all dressed uniformly in their regulation Mao suits, he wore a traditional Tibetan chuba.

When I asked him about this he told me it

Baba Phuntsok Wangyal (2nd right standing) with Panchen Lama (4th ), Ngapo Ngawang Jigme (3rd R) and members of the first fact-finding Tibetan delegation from exile that visited Tibet in 1979. Photo: CTA/DIIR

would be a mistake to think that the Communist Revolution was primarily concerned with how to dress. He said it was more about a revolution of ideas, indicating to me that he did not think that being a Communist meant a Tibetan needed to dismiss Tibetan traditions,” His Holiness said.

“Despite his firm upholding of Communist ideals, the Chinese authorities regarded Phuntsog Wangyal’s dedication to his Tibetan identity in a negative light, as a result of which he spent 18 years in prison. He remained undaunted and even after his retirement continued to be concerned about the rights and welfare of the Tibetan people, something he raised with the Chinese leadership whenever he had the opportunity,” His Holiness stated.

His Holiness concluded by saying that “A sincere, honest man, I enjoyed his company

whenever we met. I had hoped we might yet meet again, but that was not to be. I pray that Phuntsog Wangyal may have a good rebirth and offer my condolences to his wife and children.”

Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal passed away in Beijing on March 30, 2014 at the age of 92. He founded the Tibetan Communist Party in the 1930s, which subsequently merged with the Chinese Communist Party. “ T h e C e n t r a l Ti b e t a n A d m i n i s t r a t i o n i n Dharamshala extends its profound condolences to his family. We hope the Chinese leadership will take heed of the veteran Communist leader’s wisdom and far-sighted vision to resolve the issue of Tibet,” said Sikyong of Tibet Dr. Lobsang Sangay.

Wangyal is survived by his wife Tseten Dolkar, his four children and grandchildren.

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