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Let the world be the judge: Sikyong on China’s White Paper Vol. 03, Issue 132, Print Issue 56, May 15, 2015 PM Modi to meet His Holiness after visit to China

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China releases political prisoner in secret to avoid public celebration A Voice For Tibet Bi-monthly

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama: do not follow Buddhism on faith alone

By Oliver Arnoldi: May 10, 2015

Shri Narendra Modi (left) meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama (right) at the International Buddhist Heritage Seminar held in January 2010. Photo: TPI/file

By Oliver Arnoldi: May 12, 2015

Dharamshala — Upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return from his upcoming visit to China, he will “surely meet” His Holiness the Dalai Lama, says a senior leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in May 2014.

This follows the cancellation of a scheduled meeting between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the BJP President Amit Shah after a message from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) told him that a meeting days before Modi’s visit to China would be “highly inappropriate”.

The original meeting was scheduled to take place on May 2 in Dharamsala, but “the meeting, had it taken place, would have sent negative signals to the Chinese,” according to the BJP source.

Latest quake kills woman in Kyirong County, Tibet

Rescuers work in Kyirong County in Tibet, April 25, 2015. Photo: Xinhua

By Yeshe Choesang: May 12, 2015

Dharamshala—His Holiness the Dalai Lama urged Buddhists around the world not to follow Buddhism “on faith alone” during the first day of his four-day teachings at Gyuto Monastery in Dharamshala, India.

His Holiness taught on The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, The Concise Stages of the Path and Praise to Dependent Arising

by Je Tsongkhapa to a full audience at Gyuto Monastery, .

Throughout the teaching, His Holiness stressed that a more concerted effort was required to sustain the essence of Buddhism.

“Only if we study Buddhism critically will we become 21st century Buddhists,” he said.

“If you can study Buddha’s teachings and discern right from wrong, you will realise that Buddhism dispels the darkness of ignorance in sentient beings, just as the sun dispels the darkness in the world.”

His Holiness argued Rinpoche’s point that today, “many yogis do not have much knowledge and don’t have the learning to understand scriptures.” This, he says, has resulted in ignorant and superficial insights into what Buddhist teachings mean.

His Holiness also stated that better insights about the wider world are needed: “Today, Buddhists are able to come out into the world and interact with people. We need to be more informed about what is going on in such a world.”

He reaffirmed the need to approach world affairs with the same unbiased attitude with which Buddhists should approach their religion.

The teaching expanded on ignorance, explaining that all experiences of suffering are rooted in it. His Holiness offered an anecdote to explain the idea: “I was once in Hyderabad and I went to a park where lions roamed freely.

There were also deer in the park, and I asked – ‘Won’t the lions harm the deer?’ – and I was told that once the lions are full they won’t harm other animals. Lions eat to survive. Yet although humans have a high functioning brain, and far greater critical faculties that allow them to make judgements, instead of using our intelligence to overcome suffering, we often decide to use it to cause pain because of an inability to see another person’s point of view. Because

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his teachings at Gyuto Monastery, Dharamshala, India on May 10, 2015. Photo: TPI/Oliver Arnoldi

of our inappropriate way of looking at things, we develop negative emotions.”

His Holiness went on to example the act of killing in the name of religion, and the side effects of capitalism as products of ignorance: “Of course we need material development, but if it is used to add more suffering to the world then it is pointless.”

“What we need to develop is wisdom that counters ignorance, that prioritises selflessness. As ignorance subsides, the understanding of emptiness grows.”

Emptiness, His Holiness concluded, is only fully understood when you realise that all sentient beings are interdependent:

MPs invited to Int’l Buddha Purnima celebration

Police severely beat two Tibetan men in Driru County of Kham

Dharamshala — One woman was killed and two other people were injured in Tibet as it’s neighbouring Nepal was jolted by another 7.3-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday (May 12) afternoon.

The three were all in a car which was battered by falling rocks in the township of Kyirong, Toe region of Tibet bordering Nepal when the quake struck at 3.05 p.m. (local time), Chinese run media “Xinhua news agency” reported. the report said, the Tibetan woman has been identified as Choedon.

‘According to Karma Tenzin, an officer with the border inspection station, Choedon was a local resident,’ report said, adding: “The two injured people have been taken to a safe place for medical treatment.”

Since its devastating 7.9-magnitude quake on April 25, Nepal has been rocked by numerous aftershocks. This is the second tremor so far measuring above 7.

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Tibetan Parliamentarians at the celebration. Photo: CTA/DIIR

By Molly Lortie: May 12, 2015

Dharamshala – Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Penpa Tsering and Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel were invited to the International Buddha Purnima Divas celebration in New Delhi on May 4th. The celebration was held at Talkatora stadium and attended by chief guest Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi led a special prayer to show solidarity with the people of India and Nepal, and expressed his deep sympathy to the victims of the devastating earthquake in the land of the Buddha’s birth.

Other notable Tibetan representatives in attendance include, Home Kalon Dolma Gyari and Religion and Culture Kalon Mr. Pema Chhinjor of the Central Tibetan Administration along with Tibetan Parliamentarians Geshe Rongpo Lobsang Nyandak and Geshe Monalm Tharchin.

Following the celebration, Speaker Penpa Tsering and the Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel met with several Indian officials and dignitaries.

MEPs urge EU Foreign Affairs to address Tibet issue

By Molly Lortie: May 7 2015

Brussels — 52 members of the European Parliament urged Mrs. Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, to raise the Tibet issue with Chinese leaders during her meetings in Beijing. Mrs. Mogherini is in Beijing for the 5th China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue from May 5 to May 6. This is her first visit to China since becoming the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

International Campaign for Tibet’s EU policy director explained the importance of addressing the Tibet issue during this visit, stating, “as this is Mrs. Mogherini’s first official visit to China, it is very important that she sets the tone and framework for further future discussions with the Chinese leadership by showing a strong position on human rights issues from the very start.

“At the beginning of her mandate, the High Representative expressed her willingness to reassess the EU’s approach towards key strategic partners, such as China. This visit is the perfect occasion to move from words to concrete action and implement a new approach. Her position during this dialogue should reflect the EU’s commitments on human rights.”

Parliamentarians from six political groups wrote to Mrs. Mogherini last week stating that the arbitrary detention, arrest and torture of peaceful Tibetan protesters in Tibet were of great concern. They quoted that 204 Tibetans had been arrested or sentenced to imprisonment since the new European Parliament was convened in July 2014.

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“The fact that causality exists is because things are dependent on one another. If things were independent, we would not have causality. When this is realised, one can let go of nihilism and eternalism, and so truly understand the benefits of helping others.”

His Holiness will give the Guhyasamaja initiation and commentary on the Five Stages of Guhyasamaja during the four-day teachings. P- 3...

Sikyong takes part in dialogue with Chinese scholars in US

By Oliver Arnoldi: May 12, 2015

Namgyal Tenzin in a hospital after he was severely beaten by the police in Driru County. Photo: TPI

By Molly Lortie: May 12, 2015

Dharamshala — Police in Driru County of eastern Tibet attacked and beat two Tibetan men this week, leaving one in critical condition, sources said.

In Driru County (Ch: Biru), Kham region of eastern Tibet, on May 7, 2015 at 11pm, as Namgyal Tenzin and Petse were walking on the road, two people allegedly approached and beat them both severely before either of them could ask who they were or what they wanted.

Namgyal Tenzin is 53 years old and Petse has a mental illness. After the incident the families suspected that police officers were responsible for the random violence.

A monk from Sera Monastery, named Yarpel, informed the Tibet Post International of the incident, through his local contacts in Driru County. Yarphel said, “On May 7th, 2015,

at 11pm, Namgyal Tenzin and Petse, who suffers from mental illness, were beaten by two unidentified people.

“This morning, Tenzin went to Nagchu Hospital where the doctor found his upper back bone had been broken, severe injuries to his kidney causing blood in his urine. Urgently he was transported to a hospital in Lhasa,” he said, also speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Tenzin’s daughter and her husband went to the police station and asked pointedly if police were allowed to beat people on the street without reason,” he added.

The authorities later have said that Tenzin and Petse had called officers ‘Chinese dogs,’ and challenged the officers. They claimed that this is why police had beaten the two Tibetan men.”

Report translated by Molly Lortie and Dawa Phurbu, the Tibet Post International.

Dharamshala — Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay left Dharamshala on May 11 for a week-long visit to the United States and Canada.

On May 12, Dr Sangay took part in a dialogue with Chinese scholars and students in Washington DC. The dialogue was organised by Initiatives for China, a grassroots political movement established to promote a peaceful transformation to democracy in China.

Dr Sangay was specially invited by Dr Yang Jianli, founder and President of Initiatives for China, in the hope of building trust and cooperation between the Tibetan people and Chinese communities across the world.

Apart from the dialogue, Sikyong will inspect the diplomacy training for officials of the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) offices in Washington DC. Following this, he will leave for Toronto, Canada where he will attend a gala with Canadian dignitaries. He will also give a public address to the Tibetan community of Toronto.

Sikyong’s final visit is to New York, where he will discuss matters of concern for Tibet with officials of the city.

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May 15, 2015

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Int’l community must break its silence on China to end the unremitting attacks against Tibet May 15, 2015

Dharamshala — As a Tibetan, we are inspired by every event of the non-violent struggle for peace and justice. The will of Tibetan people to stand up for freedom and democracy has inspired the rest of the world. This first occurred in 1949 and since then, we have seen a collective, strong voice comprised of Tibetan people and supporters across the world saying to the international community loud and clear: “We want to join the civilised world in democracy and freedom and we are committed to stand against China’s regime of occupation and oppression.” The courage of the Tibetan people and their nonviolent struggle has inspired all peace-loving countries and peoples. Ironically, there is more yet to come.

We must remember the honourable stand of the Tibetan people within Tibet on behalf of freedom of conscience and expression, their tireless struggle for peace and justice against communist totalitarianism. Despite ongoing political repression, cultural assimilation, economic marginalisation and environmental destruction in occupied Tibet, they have managed to grow, excel, maintain a non-violent struggle, maintain high spirits, retain their cultural identity and maintain moral standards. Despite their many losses and the constant threats of repression and terrorism, most Tibetans share a deep desire to live in peace with the Chinese and the rest of the world. However, even after nearly 60 years of Chinese dominance, suppression and terrorism in Tibet, the Tibetan national spirit has not been broken. However, the issue of Tibet would not be like this if there was not strong international involvement and support.

Despite their courage and struggle to survive and thrive in a sea of hostility, their cry for moral support sometimes is sometimes ignored by the world. It is time for the world to say enough is enough to suppressing, repressing and terrorising Tibet and her people. Tibet is part of the inspiration to the new yearning for nonviolent struggle, peace and justice and the world needs to give Tibet credit for that.

The world must break its silence on China to end its unremitting attacks against Tibet, which is trying to survive with a regime that has had no respect for individual rights and freedoms, and where some extreme elements prefer to kill their own citizens rather than grant them liberty.

Unfortunately, some countries who think of themselves as progressive, liberal or humanitarian shamelessly call China – an unreconstructed totalitarian dictatorship – “best” or “true friend.” Such people gratify themselves by believing that they are championing the underdog when they claim the country is “still developing” in order to excuse human rights violations.

Having accepted the arguments of capitalist economics, they have lost the ability to recognise and celebrate true freedom fighting when it shows up, as it has done in Tibet.

Instead, they justify Chinese authorities who are in fact dictators who hide the extent of their extremism, and who now have to use paramilitary force to influence compliance, obedience and maintain power. Their iron fist policy has failed.

Tibetans in exile, who want to promote freedom and democracy in their culture of origin, are extremely discouraged by the world leaders’ apologists who claim that a totalitarian regime is a good cause.

To them we must say: “No! We are the freedom fighters, the totalitarians are the evil aggressors”. Speaking to the Western media, Chinese authorities often lie and blame the West for all their problems, and Western

journalists too frequently fall into their trap.

True Western liberals must start seeing the budding aspirations of the real Chinese freedom fighters, those who stand for democracy and freedom, tolerance of minorities, peace with Tibet and its people, and normal relations with the civilised world based on mutual respect. Many of them are jailed for their alleged “crimes” in China, Eastern Turkestan, Inner Mongolia and Tibet.

Today’s true freedom fighters are the Tibetans inside Tibet, as well as exiles and foreign supporters around the world who speak against the stoning of Tibetan women, the torture of Tibetan men, and the cruel and unusual punishments still going on in Tibet. We fight against cultural genocide in Tibet. We hear with horror about so many Tibetans that were slaughtered by communist terrorists in Tibet, but we are not dissuaded and continue to speak out for peace and freedom. They are the freedom fighters.

The progressive left in this world is supporting the wrong side. Instead of supporting the oppressed underdog, they support the oppressors and their communist terrorists.

We must know that they understand the reality in Tibet and China. Their old causes stand in the way of progress and have become part of the problem, not the solution. Let the world support the true freedom fighters of the snow land, Tibet!

Every year since 2009 many Tibetans sit on the ground or stand in front of government offices, drink and douse themselves with kerosene or petrol, and set themselves ablaze. Most of them are immediately engulfed in flames and soon burn to death, shocking the world.

The latest self-immolation was Ney Kyab, known as Dhamkar, a 45-year-old father of seven who died last month. He was the the 139th Tibetan to resort to self immolation as a form of protest against the Chinese government since 2009. They are protesting the continued oppression of the Tibetan people and the suppression of their religion by the communist government in Beijing.

Unfortunately, and due in part to periodic news blackouts enforced by the PRC, their sacrifice has not galvanised world opinion.

In fact, it has hardly been noticed. But these demonstrations of self-sacrifice will continue to shock the global conscience with the hope that some day their people will be set free.

The Tibetan self-immolators have strongly called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for the Tibetan people. Most parts of Tibet have suffered severe crackdowns and been under heightened restrictions and controls. The Chinese government has blamed outside forces for the self-immolations, particularly His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration – regarded by China as subversive. However, Tibetans have denied such accusations, saying that the main cause of self-immolation is “Beijing’s hardline policies, including political repression, economic marginalisation, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation and denial of religious freedom.”

The over half-century struggle for Tibetan freedom is continuing whether the whole world is watching or not. As the communist government in Beijing struggles with issues of reform and modernisation, it has retained and even intensified its hard-line policies against the Tibetan people. Given China’s growing importance as an economic power and a general sense of fatigue in the rest of the word for meaningful action in the defense of human rights, the people of Tibet remain convinced in their quest for political freedom and religious liberty.

The Tibet Post International OPINION The Proposed visit of the Dalai Lama and the issue of Sovereignty

By Prof Gananath Obeysekera, The Island: 2 May 2015

Several weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a conference organized by colleagues in the University of Delhi and presided by His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. The conference itself was on how children’s secular education could be transformed in order to bring in values of compassion and caring sorely lacking in contemporary models of education. In my introductory talk I dealt with the significance of Jataka tales in molding the conscience of ordinary Buddhists right through the ages while other colleagues actually dealt with successful models of education using the centrality of compassion in selected places in British Columbia, Bhutan, Mongolia and Vietnam; while yet others dealt with experimental studies of the brain and the positive effects of insight meditation. Right through the proceedings the Dalai Lama commented on the papers and fielded questions from the audience with his rich insight into Buddhist compassion and its relevance to our times. I will add that no one among the speakers or the large audience of students and devotees ever brought in politics into the picture. Further, those who have met him, myself included, were impressed by the sincerity and depth of his understanding of Buddhism and his sense of humility and the personal charisma that he seemed to emanate, not to mention the breath of his knowledge and writing and his textual erudition of Buddhist philosophy. They appear in his popular writing for ordinary Buddhists as well as his more academic writing in, for example,The Universe in a Single Atom: the convergence of science and spirituality that contains among other things a lucid discussion on Paticca Samuppada or “conditioned genesis” first formulated by the Buddha himself. I write this because of my dismay that the Chinese are dogmatically hostile to his visiting Sri Lanka and my fear that like earlier governments the present Sirisena regime that prides itself in wanting to create a more open society might make a similar decision. I have talked to the Dalai Lama just as

many educated lay-folk and monks also have done.

All he wants is to visit Sri Lanka as a pilgrim and above all worship the Buddha represented in his Tooth Relic in the Maligava. Buddhist pilgrims right through the ages have come and gone without let or hindrance. If so, it seems to me that in denying not just the Dalai Lama but any Buddhist pilgrim to visit the land believed by most Sri Lankan Buddhists to have been hallowed by the presence of the Buddha is to admit that we have lost our autonomy as a nation and have succumbed to political pressure.

This loss of autonomy is clearly evident in the Port City project. We are told that the project is underwritten by a Chinese company with dubious credentials according to some critics. Ultimately, it would seem that the Chinese government or its accredited agents will have full right over a small but significant territory in the port such that for the first time in our twentieth century history we have ceased to have sovereign ownership over part of our own land. Does this mean that Chinese vessels and planes can come unhindered in our Sri Lankan space? In this regard I remind the reader that right through history our kings have considered Sri Lanka’s integrity as a nation and foreign invaders were there on sufferance. That sense of the unity of the nation continued even when we became a British colony. I am appalled that political leaders agreed to sign away our national autonomy when they agreed to the Port City project and wonder whether it was ignorance or some darker motives that prompted them to sacrifice the integrity of the nation.

Critics have pointed out that the Port City project might also have tremendous consequences to the coastal environment and of course the livelihoods of fishermen and I am surprised that the Catholic hierarchy have largely ignored these issues crucial to the future of coastal inhabitants. My own concern is somewhat different and has been expressed by others also, namely, that we have to dig up our land in order to supply rocks, sand and gravel to fill up the sea to make the Port City work. Where is this massive amounts of soil coming from? Even when I witness contemporary highway constructions

and ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate house and hotel constructions I am, like other concerned citizens, troubled at the vast amounts of land that have to be dug (along with rocks and stones and trees) without much concern for the environment.

How much more damage would incur with the huge unrestrained demands of the Port City project. In this regard I mention an important fact we tend to ignore. Sri Lanka is a very small nation of only 24,000 square miles, roughly the size of West Virginia inhabited by under two million people but our population is close to that of Australia.

This smallness of scale and large population means that every inch of our territory should be carefully preserved and huge excavations leading to large scale decimation and loss of soil, rock and debris cannot possibly be tolerated. Large nations such as China, Russian and the US might be better off in this regard but if projects of this sort are envisaged, transfers of soil in large proportions should come from the nations proposing such projects.

One of the disturbing features of our contemporary situation is the demonization of the US by influential politicians and publicized in the media even though that nation had zero influence on the Port City and other major development projects. It is a nice way of putting the blame on an easily available scapegoat. No liberal thinkers will defend American adventurism in Afghanistan and Iraq and elsewhere and its horrendous drone programs but one should at least grant that there is considerable freedom of opinion in the US and that even now a very important member of Congress has been indicted for corruption and this happens all the time, although some of the accusations against them seem minor

by Sri Lankan standards! It is hard to believe that the former president Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa would endorse this anti-American view because he does visit the US for health reasons and we know that he and his wife have met the US president many times and cordially greeted him. Much more relevant is the fact that three of his brothers are US citizens and I presume that their children are all attending schools in this demonized land.

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In Washington, a Strategic Shift on China—Toward Containment

By Bill Powell, Newsweek: April 29, 2015

The words are dispassionate: “significant competitor”; not “enemy.’’ They are careful: “A more coherent response.” That suggests that heretofore the U.S. response to increasing Chinese power has been at least somewhat coherent. But there should be no mistaking the significance of the above sentences. They are the first of many in a lengthy new report issued by the Council on Foreign Relations. For decades, the “council,” as the cognoscenti call it, has been the core of the American foreign policy establishment. When it comes to foreign affairs, it doesn’t just regurgitate the conventional wisdom, it creates it.

Given that, the just issued report on U.S.-China relations, co-authored by Robert Blackwill, one of the most distinguished American diplomats of his generation, signifies a major shift in establishment thinking about China. And the conclusion is, as these things go, astonishing: The U.S. should place “less strategic emphasis on the goal of integrating China into the international system, and more on balancing China’s rise.” Which is to say, we should basically chuck what has been U.S. policy for the past three decades, and try something that sounds almost (but not quite) like containment.

The report comes amidst whispers that senior foreign policy grandees of former administrations— both Democratic and Republican—have started to sour on hopes that Beijing could be brought without much rancor into the existing international order. They worry that President Xi Jinping is more interested in becoming No. 1, as opposed to co-existing with the U.S. at the apex of the international pecking order. It also comes amidst the Obama administration’s so-called pivot to Asia, which it goes to great lengths to insist is not about containing China. The only problem with that claim is that there isn’t anybody among traditional U.S. allies in the region who believes it. And the China as rival and not “strategic partner”—which is what the Obama administration used to call it—is increasingly evident. Pushing for support for the Trans Pacific Partnership—a broad free trade deal with 12 Pacific nations—Obama recently told The Wall Street Journal that “if we don’t write the rules, China will write the rules out in that region.”

As that kind of “us-or-them” rhetoric indicates, even the economic relationship between the two countries—which is its fundamental core—is under some strain. In their recently released annual survey of

business conditions in China, the American chambers of commerce in both Shanghai and Beijing recently reported an uptick in the number of their members concerned about increasing regulatory and legal scrutiny from the government in Beijing.

The conventional wisdom is that the current leadership in Beijing watches all this and, unified, sets an ever more defiant course both abroad and at home. Beijing, it is said, suspects the U.S. of trying to encircle China—of trying to blunt if not reverse its rise. So it flexes its muscles in the east and south China seas, and moves to exert ever more influence to its west through massive government-led investment plans to create a new “silk road.” (On April 21, Xi was in Islamabad hawking an aid and investment deal with Pakistan with a headline number—$46 billion—that drew attention around the world.)

There is, to be sure, an element of truth in all that. But it’s also more complicated. No one at any level of the Chinese leadership ever draws attention to himself by publicly questioning the party line; but there remain people in the Beijing government who can safely be called pro-Western, and who believe a strong relationship with the United States is in the country’s best interest. And they are watching, with increasing (if still muted) concern, the tide go out on what has been an era of bipartisan policy in Washington toward Beijing: one that accentuated the economic benefits to both sides in the short run, with the hope that in longer run, increasing prosperity in China would bring about some form of political liberalization.

Those days—and hopes—are gone. And the day may be drawing near when a behind-thescenes debate breaks out in Beijing that poses a straightforward question: Who lost Washington?

In the U.S., of course, “Who lost China?” was a rancorous Cold War–era debate in the wake of the 1949 Communist takeover in Beijing. The second-guessing in China over current foreign policy will not, of course, be so public, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come. A scholar at a government-affiliated think tank with close ties to several senior party officials acknowledges that “there are some questions in the wind now, certainly. No one quite says, “Who lost Washington?”—we’re not there yet—but people I would call “internationalists” with a pro-Western bias wonder where this is headed, and “whether we’ve played our hand intelligently both in terms of relations with Washington but also in our own backyard.”

Those questions have to do with the perception that Beijing over the past few years has bullied small

neighbors like the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as whether it needed to pick a fight with Japan over the Senkaku Islands. (China refers to them as the Diaoyu Islands and calls them “disputed”; Tokyo denies there’s any doubt they belong to Japan.)

Beijing points out—and diplomats in Tokyo concur— that the two countries worked hard over the last year to drain some of the poison out of the islands dispute, which had alarmed Washington, and, as one former U.S. diplomat says, put the “pro-China crowd at the State Department very much on the defensive.’’

For now, the issue has receded, and foreign ministry officials in Beijing say the effort shows that the notion that “nationalistic hawks are running wild” in the Chinese capital, as the government think tank scholar puts it, is overblown.

But there’s little question that any measure of trust between Beijing and Washington has diminished; a foreign ministry official late last year told Newsweek that there is “no question” that relations between the two countries were “better when George W. Bush was president than they are today.”

The question is, to what extent does that matter to Beijing? Foreign diplomats there seem increasingly to think it’s not that big a deal to Xi & Co.; Beijing is increasingly suspicious of the U.S. as a rival in Asia and increasingly convinced that its own ascendancy is irreversible. The quest for supremacy in the Pacific, therefore, is likely to intensify.

If true, those attitudes will have consequences. There is increasing talk in Washington that the U.S. needs to reverse the shrinkage in its Navy. Most of the leading Republican presidential candidates support an increase in the number of aircraft carriers in the U.S. fleet, as well as a modernized version of the so-called Ohio class of nuclear submarines, which are slated to go out of business in just over a decade.

Nor is it unthinkable that Hillary Clinton, should she be Barack Obama’s successor in less than two years, would add more military heft to the so-called pivot to Asia—particularly if U.S. policy is to “balance” China’s rise. There is also growing anger over Beijing’s purported cyber offensive against both the U.S. government and big U.S. corporations. (And let’s face it, the Fortune 500 is the core of Beijing’s constituency in the United States.)

If China, in fact, doesn’t care that it’s “losing Washington,” that only makes it more likely that it will lose it. And at the moment, that appears to be the road Beijing is on.

Tibet News May 15, 2015 3 China releases Tibetan prisoner in Tibetans protest mining on sacred mountain in Tibet, several injured

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The Tibet Post International

secret to avoid public celebration

Undated photo of Samdup Gyatso who is in his early 30s, was released on May 1 from Drapchi Prison, Lhasa, Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Oliver Arnoldi: May 8, 2015

D h a r a m s h a l a — A Ti b e t a n p o l i t i c a l prisoner has been secretly released by Chinese authorities in order to avoid public celebration of his arrival by local Tibetans in Serthang, Dashi county in the Tsojang Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Samdup Gyatso, who is in his early 30s, was released on May 1 from Drapchi Prison, one of the most notorious prisons in occupied Tibet. He was escorted to his native town of Serthang on May 3.

Due to being brought back to Serthang in secret, “the local Tibetans could not provide a welcoming reception, and they could not assess his state of health,” a source, who calls himself Phuntsok, said.

Gyatso was arrested on May 1 2010 after carrying out a solitary protest in front of Jhokang Temple in Lhasa, in which he called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and for the restoration of Tibetan property destroyed by a major earthquake in the occupied land.

Following Gyatso’s arrest, his whereabouts remained unknown for several weeks. Phuntsok said: “Later, he was found in Drapchi Prison, serving a five year sentence.”

Gyatso was also briefly detained in 2009 upon his return from a trip to India. He was charged with “possession of books comprised of the teachings of the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” among other allegations. He was subsequently released after three days of interrogation and fined 10,000 Chinese Yuan.

Tibetans protest mining on sacred mountain, several injured

By Molly Lortie: May 05, 2015

Dharamshala — Emerging reports of police crackdown in the Sangchu district of Amdo region of north-eastern Tibet are coming from local sources. Chinese authorities have taken particular interest in the monks of Labrang Monastery.

“While each monk can keep only one mobile phone, allegedly the police have begun using this as a means to spy and keep tabs on the monks, their conversations and their whereabouts,” Golok Jigme told the Tibet Post International.

“Throughout Tibet, Chinese authorities have checkpoints and security barriers controlling who can pass into certain regions,” he said, adding: “However the security of Labrang Monastery is heightened more so, as monks can no longer receive packages or post without it first being opened and screened by police.”

Before 1989, Chinese practiced similar practices with Sera and Drepung Monasteries in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Now they are beginning to crack down on Labrang Monastery.

One local source, who chooses to remain anonymous, claimed that, “this has created big problems for the monks of Labrang Monastery.

Students from all parts of Tibet come to study in Labrang Monastery, but police have begun expelling many monks from the Monastery, denying them lodging.”

Additionally, many middle school and high school students previously came to the monastery during their holidays to study music, Buddhism and other supplementary subjects. This is now prohibited by Chinese authorities.

Locals have reported that they usually use modern

Dharamshala — Emerging sources say local Tibetans were severely beaten by police in Awong village in Gojo County, Chamdo, Eastern Tibet after staging protest against Chinese mining plans.

In the village, there is a small mountain named Minee Mountain, considered sacred by locals, and the proposed mining site of the Chinese government. “A year ago villagers were able to halt the project after vehement protests,” a Tibetan living in exile told Tibet Post International (TPI) citing sources in the region.

“On April 2nd, the local government told all the people of the village that there were plans to convert the natural geyser water near the mountain into hot spring baths,” the sources told the TPI. “Locals agreed to the plan, understanding that the project could attract many tourists and generate income,” the sources also said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “ H o w e v e r, t h e n e x t d a y p r e p a r a t i o n s were underway to build a road leading to

the site, inducing more protests from the locals,” the sources said.

A delegation of ten villagers went to the local government, the local government leader, Norbu Dhondup, told them “all of you shut your mouths. If you need money, we are giving you money.”

“The delegation refused the money and potential project to generate local income, instead only insisting that the mountain remain untouched.”

Police promptly arrived and arrested all ten members of the delegation. Local villagers continued to protest, causing an altercation between locals and armed forces.

Many locals were injured in the struggle, many of which refused treatment from the government hospital, instead going to private hospitals.

Additionally, several business people from Gojo, who now are living in Lhasa, were arrested after making an appeal to a local commissioner from Chamdo stationed in Lhasa to stop the construction. Sources say “They were even threatening to seek higher authority of the central government if the local government continues to ignore the feelings and protests of local villagers.”

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through phone messages and calls, creating severe problems for the locals.

Another local source stated that “police have randomly arrested many locals, beaten them severely, interrogated us and then warned them to never speak of the arrest, or next time will be worse.”

Report translated by Molly Lortie and Dawa Phurbu.

Let the world be the judge: Sikyong on China’s White Paper

... continued from front page

Tibet included the south-central city Shigatse and the western town of Ngari County. Some 47,500 people were made homeless and 300,000 in total were affected, according to a Xinhua report.

The report also said 2,500 houses fell across 19 counties in Tibet, with more than 24,700 damaged.

The report, citing local publicity department figures, said 82 temples or monasteries were damaged.

“The Nepal earthquake greatly affected Tibet, causing fatalities and huge losses to the local economy,” the state run media said last week in a report that quoted unnamed local authorities. ... continued from front page

By Molly Lortie: May 05, 2015

technology, cell phones, email etc. to access international news, however Chinese authorities have begun tracking the online activity of locals, recording information being shared and screening for ‘propaganda.’

Chinese have allegedly begun the surveillance of locals and monks through CCTV cameras,

Latest quake kills woman ...

MEPs urge EU Foreign ...

Gojo county of Kham region, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI/file

Chinese police with shield and batons stands guard on the road heading to historic Labrang Monastery in Amdo region, northeastern, March 15, 2008. Photo: TPI/file

Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking to reporters during the launch of the new revamped version of the CTA, Dharamsahala, India, on April 30, 2015. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

By Molly Lortie: May 01, 2015

Further more, six Tibetans died in prison or on release, and seven Tibetans self-immolated in Tibet.

The European Parliamentarians reminded the EU High Representative of the June 2012 resolution on the human rights situation in Tibet adopted by the European Parliament. The resolution mandated the EU High Representative to address the human rights situation in Tibet at every meeting with the representatives of the People’s Republic of China.

The 52 Parliamentarians urged EU High Representative to call on Beijing for the continuation of dialogue between China and Representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the Tibetan issue. There has been no official contact since January 2010.

Dharamshala — Speaking briefly to reporters on the sidelines of the Tibet Museum’s reopening, the political leader of Tibet, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, touched on the White Paper published recently by China’s State Council Information Office regarding Tibet.

Sikyong reasoned that the latest White Paper was a sign of the Chinese government’s nervousness over its grip on occupied Tibet, and it was another blatant attempt by the Chinese government to mislead the world about the real situation inside Tibet.

“Since the early 1990s, China has issued 13 white papers on Tibet. This means Beijing has issued a

This is course true of many of our so-called patriotic Sri Lankans. Push comes to shove they would prefer to migrate to the US or some other Western nation. Who but the poor would even dream getting their children educated in China in spite of the fact that China has a good educational system? The US still remains a draw for many wealthy Chinese who flock there for their education.

It seems to me that the principle underlying the Port City project or any other project should concern the integrity of Sri Lanka as a small-scale nation with limited territory vulnerable to ecological and other forms of damage whatever the political and monetary costs involved. In this regard consider the massive infrastructure of buildings, hotels, casinos and so forth that are being envisaged as part of the project and supposedly beneficial to the masses of Sri Lankans. This piece of fantasy has yet to be shown to have benefits. How many Sri Lankans will enjoy the benefits of owning those apartment buildings and even patronizing the hotels and other places that will spring up? There is no doubt that many waiters, workers and some managers will benefit but it is doubtful whether the material wealth of the working people will increase from what it is today, namely, around twenty five thousand rupees at the very most. Is this the brave new world envisaged for ordinary Sri Lankans by companies such as John Keells who have invested much and propose to invest more? I want to make it clear that I am not against the importance of the stock market, I am only concerned with the specific case of John Keells and other companies in respect of the Port City project. It seems to me that the simple issue is this: if the projects proposed by such companies are realized how much of that wealth will diffuse to the majority of Sri Lankans and in what

form? We know that even in a wealthy nation such as the US, only 10% of citizens own shares in companies but unfortunately I do not know how that wealth component is distributed. Income disparities are everywhere in the so-called developed world and in the US at least half of the population live below the poverty level or in a low income bracket. It therefore seems reasonable that we question how the expected income generated from the anticipated Port City project will benefit Sri Lankans and how much will in reality go to those non-citizens who will own the major shares and become its major players. The fantasy that the nation as a whole will benefit from investments in the Port City project has to be met squarely with the proviso that the interests of the nation as a whole comes first.

That persistent question regarding the interests of the nation must lead us to the treaty with the Chinese and its supposed inviolability. Treaties have never in modern times been treated as sacrosanct but have been constantly negotiated and renegotiated. Sometimes treaties are abrogated or dismissed as pieces of paper and I am sure Chinese history will have plenty of examples of these processes. Any treaty regarding the Port City has been literally shoved under the carpet without proper consultation of the people at large.

As some have already mentioned in newspapers a project of this magnitude surely should have been widely debated and put to a referendum. I am not suggesting that we tear up the treaty but surely one must negotiate and revise the unpalatable conditions enshrined in it. This is going to be a long and arduous process and it would be foolish for me to predict an outcome.

The Proposed visit of the Dalai Lama ...

... continued from page 2

white paper on Tibet for almost each of the two years within this intervening period,” Sikyong said.

“China has issued two white papers on Xinjiang, one on Hong Kong and none on Inner Mongolia so far. The fact that China has published not one, not two, but 13 White Papers on Tibet, is a testament to the fact that the information provided, principally by the Central Tibetan Administration, as well as by other leading international Tibet support groups, are the ones considered factual and authentic by the world,” he said.

“White papers by nature are authoritative guides on complex issues that need to be resolved or commercially as sales and marketing documents.

For the Chinese government to issue 13 white papers on Tibet means that it is having great difficulty in convincing potential customers to buy its arguments on Tibet. These white papers are a dozen too many, too unconvincing and too late to arrest the worsening conditions in Tibet,” Sikyong reasoned.

Sikyong further explained that while China overpowers Tibet in manpower and economic means, Tibetans have an advantage. “Our wholehearted efforts to create awareness on the Tibet issue has been much more significant as we have truth on our side,” Sikyong asserted.

The CTA has issued a press release earlier, in response to the White Paper, urging the Chinese government to open up Tibet to both international rights groups and media instead of issuing White Papers on Tibet. “Let the international media do an objective report on the issue of Tibet and let the world be the judge,” the CTA has said.

A final word. I do not want to create the impression that I as well as others I know are in any way antiChinese. We are only critical that a small segment of the Chinese polity that has proper consultation produced a city that is antipathetic to the larger interests of a small and vulnerable nation. I have myself been to China many years ago and lectured there and everywhere I have met with unfailing courtesy and kindness. So is it with Chinese scholars and students I have met in the States. It is some of the political issues of our time in respect of China that I and many of my Sri Lankan colleagues are concerned about and in this regard we must decry those in positions of power among our own countrymen who have betrayed by their actions the independence and integrity of our nation.

4

TPI NEWS

May 15, 2015

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You could be tempted to overspend on unnecessary items. Avoid confrontations with coworkers who aren’t pulling their weight. Risky ventures may turn in your favor. Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Secret affairs will only lead to heartache. Catch up on correspondence. Be careful when dealing with loved ones. Family get-togethers will be interesting. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence. Go out with friends and avoid the situation on the home front. You will attract new love interests. Electrical problems may be an issue. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Try to take care of the needs of those you love.

Don’t give in too quickly. Sudden romantic infatuations could lead to a significant and prosperous connection. Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can pick up information that will give you an edge. You need to concentrate on the areas where you can make a difference. You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Try to make your lover understand that you need to do things with your friends. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don’t let your personal partner hold you back or slow you down. Large organizations may try to talk you out of your hard-earned cash. You can make money if you work on personal investments. It’s time to let loose.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

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TPI NEWS

H.H T HE D ALAI L AMA

His Holiness launches ‘Himachal News Now’ and it’s App

By Yangchen Dolma: May 11, 2015

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the inauguration of the online news channel ‘Himachal Abhi Abhi’, Kangra, HP, India on May 9, 2015. Photo: TPI

Kangra, HP, India — “The 1.3 billion Chinese people deserve to be given reliable information and if they were could make their own judgement about what is right and wrong,” His Holiness said during the inauguration of the multimedia company “Himachal Abhi Abhi” in Kangra on Saturday, May 9.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama was welcomed on arrival by Dr Rajesh Sharma, founder of the Balaji Hospital and Shree Balaji Media Innovations, and local MLA and Minister for Housing, Town and Country Planning in the Himachal Pradesh Government, Mr Sudhir Sharma. His Holiness was ushered into the new media building adjacent to the hospital, which will be home to Himachalabhiabhi.com a new bilingual new news app.

Before launching the app, His Holiness was briefly interviewed for it by Anil Patwar who asked him what, he felt PM Narendra Modi might talk about when he goes to China next week. He replied:

“I’m sure as Prime Minister, he knows best, but he might mention India and Tibet’s unique, more than one thousand year old relationship. All our knowledge came from India, so we have a special relationship of Guru and disciple. Today, I am very concerned about the preservation of Tibetan culture, which is essentially ancient Indian culture.

We follow the Buddhadharma and the Buddha taught in India, as the Prime Minister himself was observing the other day at Buddha Purnima celebrations in Delhi. And the traditions we preserved in Tibet belong to the Nalanda tradition that was introduced to us by Shantarakshita.

“He might also talk about the environment, the importance of the Brahmaputra and other rivers that rise in Tibet on which more than a billion people depend.”

When asked what kind of birth he might choose next, His Holiness jokingly replied, “A woman?” and went on to explain how he had once told a French journalist that it could very

BTSM: We should support the Tibetan movement until resolved

By Oliver Arnoldi: May 12, 2015

Dharamshala — Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM), an Indian support group for Tibet, called for a need to “support the Tibetan movement until it is resolved” at a seminar at Delhi University on May 8.

The seminar – which was organised by BTSM in collaboration with the Institute of Lifelong Learning – was attended by more than 200 people including Delhi professors, lawyers, social activists and students.

Shri Indresh Kumar, Patron of BTSM, was invited as the chief guest to address the audience. He paid condolences to the victims and their families of the recent earthquake disaster in Nepal that affected parts of north and east India, Tibet and Bhutan.

In regard to Tibet, Kumar said: “Not only did China invade Tibet in 1959, it attacked India in 1962 – just after the completion of the Panchsheel agreement [signed by India and China in 1954 to support peaceful co-existence between the two countries] – by claiming parts of the Indian Himalayan belts as their territory.”

“China has constructed roads and railways in those regions of Tibet which connects to the Indian border and to Kailash Mansarovar. They have this imperialist idea of expansionism which is

threatening to India’s national security,” he said.

Kumar recommended that during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to China, he should state that Tibet is not an integral part of China.

He also recounted an audience he once had with His Holiness the Dalai Lama where he asked whether Tibet will ever be free. His Holiness responded, “if the leaders, thinkers, politicians and people of this great nation made India a leading nation in Asia, then Tibet will be free soon.”

Dr Kuldeep Agnihothri, Working President of BTSM, also spoke, paying tribute to Kumar: “Under his leadership, the people of India and the policy makers have been made aware and enlightened on the Tibet issue.”

Mr Jigmey Tsultrim, Coordinator of the India Tibet Coordination Office, expressed his dissatisfaction regarding China’s construction of mega dams along rivers sourced in Tibet in order to supply electricity to mainland China, and the effects it will have on downstream nations and their ecosystems. He added that “the recent natural calamity in the Himalayan belts is a result of exploitation in the Tibetan plateau.”

The seminar was chaired by Dr Umesh Rai, Director of Delhi University South Campus.

well be possible for a Dalai Lama to be born as a woman. He cited the example of other high reincarnations in Tibet who were women.

“Personally, I don’t know where I’ll be born, but I always remember the prayer: For as long as space endures And for as long as living beings remain, Until then may I too abide To dispel the misery of the world.

“The first Dalai Lama, who was a great scholar and practitioner, when he reached about my age and commented that he was getting old, was told by his disciples that he would probably go to a Pure Land. He told them that wasn’t what he wished for at all. He wanted to be where he could relieve others’ suffering.”

Asked why the Chinese authorities seem to have such misapprehensions about him despite his being a man of peace, he said they tend to see things only from a political point of view. He gave the example of the Cultural Revolution, which was praised while it was going on. When it was over it was described as having had some advantages and some drawbacks. Much later it was said to have been completely destructive. This suggests a difficulty in appraising things realistically.

His Holiness said that the 1.3 billion Chinese people deserve to be given reliable information and if they were could make their own judgement about what is right and wrong. By comparison he praised India as a wonderful country where freedom flourishes. He remarked that while he generally considers himself one of the 7 billion human beings alive today, he has lived the last 56 years in India.

“I am a messenger for India, a son of India, but if you ask which part of the country I’ve spent the most time in, it’s Himachal Pradesh.

And I’d like to extend my greetings to the Himachali people and the wish that they will go from success to success.”

Flanked by Dr Rajesh Sharma and Mr Sudhir Sharma, His Holiness cut the ribbon to the portal hub and was invited to sit at one of the computer desks where Anil Patwar guided him in launching the new news app, Himachalabhiabhi.com.

Addressing an invited audience of about 200 downstairs, His Holiness said that this was the first time he had launched a new app and that he was not well acquainted with the use of computers.

“But,” he noted, “they are part of the 21st century, a time when I think people’s attitudes are changing.

People are becoming opposed to the use of violence to settle conflicts, they are more concerned about the natural environment and they are concerned to find ways to close the gap between rich and poor.

And the more they recognise corruption, that seems to erupt everywhere, the more they are opposed to it. The reason for this is that people’s awareness has grown. A special quality we human beings possess is our intelligence and in order to employ it we need access to more and better information.

“It’s clear that in this, the world’s most populous democratic country, the media have a very important role. This includes a role in educating people. But educating the brain alone provides no guarantee of living a happy life. We need also to educate people about karuna, warm-heartedness, which will enable them to live as happy individuals, in happy families, in a happy society.”

Tibetan political leader meets with senior BJP leaders

By Molly Lortie: May 04, 2015

Dharamshala — Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, met with a delegation of senios BJP leaders who are currently on a visit to Dharamshala.

Sikyong met at length with Shri J.P Nadda, a senior BJP leader and union minister of Health and Family Welfare in the Narendra Modi led Indian government.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay explained to the minister about the critical situation inside Tibet particularly the wave of self-immolation protests against the Chinese government and the grave human rights violations that are taking place inside Tibet.

He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the state government of Himachal Pradesh and the central government of India for graciously hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people for the last five decades.

Shri J.P. Nadda also extended his continued support to the Tibetan people and said that the BJP government supports the Tibetan people in their struggle for human rights in Tibet.

Health Kalon Dr. Tsering Wangchuk, who accompanied Sikyong during the visit, also apprised the minister about the health programs

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk with Shri. J.P Nadda, union minister for Health and Family Welfare. The two Tibetan leaders with Shri P.K Dhumal and Shri Shanta Kumar, former Chief Ministers of HP. Photo: CTA/DIIR

of the Central Tibetan Administration.

He particularly spoke about the grave condition of Tuberculosis in the Tibetan community despite the health department’s best efforts and various initiatives to neutralize the situation.

The Health Kalon also informed the minister about the services provided by the various Tibetan health clinics spread across India in alleviating the sufferings and creating health awareness to both Tibetans and local Indians.

May 15, 2015

5

Tibetan translation of ‘Authenticating Tibet’ released

By Molly Lortie: May 08, 2015

Dharamshala — The Tibetan translation of the book ‘Authenticating Tibet: Answers to China’s 100 Questions’ was launched today at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

The book was originally published in French

by Anne-Marie Blondeau and Katia Buffetrille in 2002, in response to a booklet published by the Chinese government in 1989.

The book was later translated to English by a group of 15 Tibet scholars, which included 3 Tibetans, and was published in 2008.

Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay along with Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, graced the book launch today.

Speaking at the book launch, the Sikyong said, “This book is a response to 100 questions regarding Tibet put forth by the Chinese government, which I read in the 1990’s while I was in college.

At the time, I was quite perplexed as to how to effectively refute these points. This is an effort by two French Tibetologists along with 15 other co-authors who have compiled all the 100 questions on different topics and have given comprehensive responses based solely on scholarly research.”

SIkyong Dr Lobsang Sangay (centre) with Speaker Penpa Tsering of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Geshe Lhakdor of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

“From a historical point of view regarding the political situation, economic situation, cultural situation, it’s very helpful. It’s a must read for every Tibetan or anyone who is interested about the issue of Tibet.

This Tibetan translation of the book will be of immense help to any Tibetan who is interested particularly in Tibetan studies. So, it’s a great honor for me to attend this book inauguration ceremony today,” added Sikyong.

The Tibetan version of the book was translated by Mr. Jampa Tenzin, a researcher at the Tibet Policy Institute.

Third Geshema Examination begins in Mundgod

A nun during her dialectic debate examination for Geshema degree at Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, Mundgod, Karnataka State, South India, on May 1, 2015. Photo: TPI

By Molly Lortie: May 08, 2015

Mundgod — The third Geshema Examination has started Friday in Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, in Mundgod. It is scheduled to take place from May 1st until May 12th.

These exams are being organized according to the special regulation passed in 2012 and carried out under the supervision of the Geshema Examination Board, which is comprised of representatives from Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan Nuns Project, Institute of Buddhist Dialectics-Dharamshala and six concerned nunneries located in India and Nepal.

The examination includes debate and written tests in major texts of Buddhist studies.

The subjects are divided into main and

optional. Tibetan Language, Tibetan History and Modern Science are optional subjects.

It is not compulsory for the nuns to pass these optional subjects, however the marks obtained are added to the total marks.

In total, there are thirty-eight candidates taking part in the current examination, eleven in the first year, six in the second year and twenty-one in the third year. The duration of the Geshema examination is a total four years.

After holding the fourth examination in Geden Choeling Nunnery, Dharamsala in 2016, nuns can begin receiving Geshema honor, fulfilling the longstanding aspiration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and marking a new chapter in the development of the nun community.

Sikyong graces Sherab Gatsel School graduation

By Molly Lortie,: May 04, 2015

Dharamshala — On May 2nd, 2015, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay attended the commencement ceremony at Sherab Gatsel Lobling, otherwise known as Tibetan Transit School, the graduates of which are the school’s first batch. The visit also fulfilled a promise that the Sikyong made during his last visit to a student who requested him to visit the school on her graduation day.

Addressing the students who gathered in the auditorium wearing their uniform white shirts, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay underlined the importance of hard work and dedication to achieve one’s goal in life. He also spoke about skills that one needs to cultivate to make a mark in the wider world.

“While you are here in this school, devote your time and energy to get the best of education and training from the staff. Life in the real world is tough and without a proper skill set and certificate, it’s extremely difficult to make your mark,” Sikyong said.

“Even if you go abroad or return to Tibet in the future, without a particular set of skills and a certificate to validate your education, it’s difficult to get a good job or make a proper living. We try to provide the best of education and training based on market conditions in this school, and it’s you who have to utilize these resources that we provide to make your dreams come true,” he added.

The first batch of students graduating class 12 from the school is comprised of three male students and one female. The graduation of these students from contemporary school examinations was made possible after the education department of the Central Tibetan Administration, which manages the school, introduced a new program by restructuring the preexisting school curriculum in May 2013.

The new program ‘Orientation and Livelihood Based Skill Training’ was introduced in May 2013 to equip students with basic skills and provide suitable conditions to assist students in receiving degrees in competitive board examinations. The program was also introduced with the aim of mitigating the scourge of unemployment among Tibetan youths particularly those from Tibet.

Sherab Gatsel Lobling or the Tibetan Transit School was established in 1993 under a special program of the Central Tibetan Administration to provide quality education to newly arrived Tibetans from Tibet especially youths aged between 18 and 30.

It is one of the most successful institutions for newly arrived Tibetans. Since its inception, over 6500 students have passed through the school. Alumni of the school include some of the most respected individuals in exile society including Secretaries in the Tibetan administration, editors of leading Tibetan media sites, academics, and artists.

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TPI NEWS

Back Page Focus His Holiness concludes teachings to Chinese disciples May 15, 2015

Mr Jamyang Rinchen speaking to the Tibet Post International on at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India on April 27, 2015. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang

By Jane Cook: May 4, 2015

Dharamsala, HP, India — Concluding teachings on “Je Tsongkhapa’s Three Principle Paths” (Lamtso Namsum) given at the request of Chinese disciples, His Holiness the Dalai Lama culminated the three day (May 3rd 2015) with a Yamantaka Initiation, blessings and future guidance to the gathering of devotees.

“The three day teaching given at the request of a group of Chinese devotees, mainly from mainland China,” Mr Jamyang Rinchen- Tibetan-Chinese translator for

His Holiness the Dalai Lama since 1996 told Tibet Post International on Sunday.

Addressing more than 400 Chinese devotees from China, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong kong, His Holiness urged them to study Buddhist teachings.

The gathering, which included over 300 Buddhists from mainland China, listened to the revered spiritual leader, who had inspired and engaged with the audience for three inspirational days at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on May 1-3, 2015.

“His Holiness reiterated his wish for pilgrimage to China’s sacred Mt Wutai,” a

The Tibet Post International

mountain considered to be a Buddhist sacred place by Chinese and Tibetans. Mr Rinchen said: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s remark drew applause from the Chinese visitors and many had tears in their eyes.”

According to Mr Rinchen, “this is the fourth time for Chinese Buddhist followers that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given Buddhist teachings at his residence in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala.”

At the request of Chinese Buddhists, His Holiness also conferred the 13-Deity Yamantaka Initiation (jigje lha chusum kawang). “This is the second time it has been given to Chinese devotees, the first Yamantaka Initiation for Chinese Buddhists was conferred in China during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Beijing in 1955,” Mr Rinchen added.

His Holiness began teaching on Friday morning with an introduction to Buddhism in Tibet.

His Holiness said that the unique Tibetan Buddhism, including all the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism is based on ancient India’s Nalanda Buddhist traditions.’

During the teaching, the Tibetan spiritual leader also told the devotees that Tibetan Buddhism is not “Lamaism,” but a true “lineage of the Nalanda tradition,” which is largely derived from Nagarjuna.

Suggestions about Lamaism are based on “misunderstandings.”

His Holiness also spoke about the mutual respect, friendship and harmony between the four existing schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He said “this will remain strong.”

Tibetan Women’s Association convenes its 11th General Body Meeting

By Yangchen Dolma,,: May 08, 2015

Dharamshala, May 8th — 117 grassroots women leaders belonging to 26 regional chapters of Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) converged in Dharamshala, India for the 6-day (May 8-13) General Body Meeting (GBM), the 11th in the series of TWA’s history.

Dr Lobsang Sangay, Tibetan political leader (Sikyong), Mrs Rinchen Khando, founding President of Tibetan Women’s Association and former Kalon and Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile graced the opening ceremony as the chief guest and guest of honours.

Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay praised the organisation for their efforts in creating awareness about the urgent situation inside Tibet and their continuous service in exile, particularly in the promotion of women’s rights and empowerment.

While promoting women’s empowerment is at the core of societal development, Sikyong called for more representation of Tibetan women in the leadership of the Tibetan movement.

To show his admiration for the women’s group’s exemplary community service, Sikyong quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady of the United States: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

In his addres, Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, spoke about the determination of the Tibetan people inside Tibet and called it “indefatigable.”

Regarding the importance of raising awareness on the situation inside Tibet and work for women’s empowerment, Mr Tsering spoke about reasons for adopting the Middle-Way Approach to resolve the issue of Tibet.

He said that our emotions are powerful, yet emotions alone will not solve our problems. “We have to be practical,” he said.

The GBM convens every three years and is the highest decision making body of TWA. It is empowered to amend the association’s working charter. The 11th GBM will elect the 11th central executive officers. The concluding ceremony including the announcement of the election results is slated for 5 pm on May 13th – the final day of the general body meeting.

On the first day of the meeting, TWA honoured Tibetan women who strove vigorously and effortlessly to reinstate the Tibetan Women’s Association in Exile in the early 1980s which led to the reestablishment of the Association on September 10, 1984. Ms Rinchen Khando, founding President of the Tibetan Women’s Association and former Kalon was honoured for her continued leadership and guidance in the Tibetan community.

Ten Central and Regional Executives were honoured for their 12 years of service and contribution to the Tibetan Women’s Association at the regional and central offices. The dignitaries also launched three Tibetan Women’s Association’s

Essay Competition Announcement

‘Exhibition on H.H the Dalai Lama’s Body of work’ is a project that I initiated on 10th December 2012. In the past two and half years, I was able to conduct over forty-five presentations primarily in centers of learning and other places all over India. The aim of this project is to inculcate in the minds of the truth and peace-loving people, a sense of recognition and gratitude for the gift of wisdom bestowed by His Holiness on how to live a meaningful life. Moreover, it also seeks to spread words about the deeds and accomplishments of His Holiness throughout his life as a guiding light to us all.

Some of my forthcoming projects are as follow;

11th General Body Meeting of Tibetan Women’s Association begins on Friday, May 8, at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, Dharmshala, India. Photo: TPI

publications in Tibetan; the publications are titled “History of Tibetan Women Leaders”, “Tibetans’ Intermarriages inside Tibet and Exile” and “History of Regional Tibetan Women’s Association”.

The Central TWA said it “has drafted a 7 point agenda covering a wide range of issues: political, social, educational, advocacy and empowerment initiatives to reinforce, capacitate, and strengthen the role of Tibetan women in the Tibetan freedom struggle.”

“Adequate time will be provided for discussions, brainstorming sessions, and deliberations, on the agenda. All resolutions derived from these broad agendas will serve as the action plan for TWA and its chapters for the next three years (2015 - 2018).

From a humble beginning in 1984 in exile India,

TWA is today the second largest NGO (17,000 members) in exile and the only women’s NGO in Tibetan history with a global network of 56 regional chapters spread over 4 continents,” it said.

In the course of TWA’s history, Tibetan women have had a steadfast presence in empowering women in the Tibetan freedom struggle, amplifying the suppressed voices of Tibetans in Tibet, lobbying world leaders, empowering women in exile on social, political, educational and economic fronts, strengthening democracy in exile, advocating for Tibet’s environment and strengthening the TWA organizational structure and influence.

TWA said it’s slogan is: “Advocacy for Home and Action in Exile.”

Nepal’s quake claims lives of 10 Tibetans, CTA offers NPR 60 Lac aid

By Molly Lortie: May 07, 2015

Dharamshala — At least ten Tibetans have died and four Tibetans including three nuns and one youth seriously injured as a result of the devastating earthquake that shook Nepal on April 25, according to an update sent by the Office of Tibet based in Kathmandu on May 4.

The injured nuns and the Tibetan youth were rescued and are currently being treated at a hospital in Kathmandu.

The three nuns were specially airlifted from Sengdrak Monastery in the frontier region of Nepal to Kathmandu city. All expenses were paid by the Office of Tibet through f u n d s p r o v i d e d b y t h e C e n t r a l Ti b e t a n Administration’s Kashag.

The ten Tibetans who have passed away include seven adults and three children. The dead include Chime, a 30-year-old Tibetan from Boudha; one nun from Sengdrak Monastery; Sangye Phurba, a

29-year-old from Swayanbhu; Dorje, a 45-yearold trader in Dram near the Nepal-Tibet border.

The remaining include those who died in the massive avalanche caused by the earthquake in the Langtang district of Nepal.

With the dire situation of Tibetans in Nepal, the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration has sanctioned NPR 60 Lacs towards relief for Tibetans affected by the earthquake in Nepal.

The relief money will be distributed according to the damages ascertained by the relief committee composed of local Tibetan leaders in Nepal, which was established on April 30.

Of the 60 Lacs, so far the relief committee has distributed 4 Lacs for Boudha/Jorpati; 3 Lacs for Swayambhu; 1 Lac for Jwalakhel handicraft settlement; 2 Lacs for Solokkhumbu/ Walung/Rasowa. The remaining amount will be distributed accordingly by the relief committee following a detailed analysis of the damages.

1) To conduct a scholar debate on His Holiness’s Thoughts & Ideas on Religion, Politics, Health, Environment, Compassion and other disciplines by a panel of experts related and intimate with His Holiness.

2) Reading comprehension contest on His Holiness’s multi-faced works in their proper disciplinary entity.

3) The ranking essays of this competition will be published in ‘Khongsa Chok-kyi khyenpa,’ which will be a journal of scholarly articles to be launched soon. Therefore, I request professional and other aspirant writers from everywhere to support me in this venture by contributing their articles on any of the following three topics.

Topics for Essay Competition; 1) Analyzing the purpose behind the Dalai Lama’s body of work and value of his ideas.

2) The Dalai Lama’s guide to an ethical way of life beyond religion.

3) The evolution and practical implementation of the Dalai Lama’s tenets of Peace & Non-violence.

Essays in all kind of genre are entertained. There is no strict word limit, but try not to exceed beyond 2880 words. The deadline falls on 13th July, 2015. Submit the essays via email or post at the address mentioned below. Please make sure to leave your contact details.

The essays can be written in Tibetan and English and will be judged by a penal of experts in a transparent and unbiased manner.

Awards and prizes for the top-ranking essays; • • • •

First second Third Consolation

• • • •

50 books by H.H the Dalai Lama or 25000 Rs (Either of them) 30 books by H.H the Dalai Lama or 20000 Rs (Either of them) 20 books by H.H the Dalai Lama or 15000 Rs (Either of them) 10 books by H.H the Dalai Lama to 10 winners

The winners are allowed to making his/her own decisions regarding prize books or money.

Note:

1) On any of the topics above, it is preferable to get an insight by referring books of His Holiness.

2) Try to inject not only your own ideas, but also the opinion of others in order to add analytical value to the essay.

3) Contact for further information.

Contact;

Gonpo Gyal Phone: +918679032180 Email: donnie5908@gmail.com

(Full Address)

Gonpo Gyal (M.A Student) C.H.T.S P.O Sarah, Dharamsala Distt. Kangra -176215 (H.P) INDIA

ALL THE BEST!!