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Showing others respect is a source of happiness: His Holiness Vol. 04, Issue 162, Print Issue 86, August 31, 2016 Unity calls as TYC 16th GBM begins in Dharamshala

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Canadian MP expresses sadness over demolishing of Larung Gar in Tibet A Voice For Tibet Bi-monthly

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Religious harmony flourishes in Ladakh: His Holiness

By Jane Cook: August 25, 2016

TYC holds its 16th the GBM in Dharamshala, India, on August 29, 2016. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: August 29, 2016

Dharamshala — The 16th General Body Meeting (GBM) of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest nongovernmental organization in exile Tibetan community, began in Dharamshala, India, on Sunday.

TYC earlier said that the meeting will “deliberate and discuss all the different issues pertaining to the cause and the organisation,” which means that come up with recommendations that will lead to a better, healthier, merrier the organization in exile working for the Independence of Tibet.

“It is very clear that unity is our strength and division among ourselve is the defeat, based on your past experiences,” TYC President Tenzing Jigme said, while delivering his speech at the opening session of the 16th GBM. “We must need a solid organisational structure, in order to ensure the survival of our freedom struggle. In this regard, we must know that an organisation is more important than an individual. Likewise, a freedom struggle is more important than an organisation,” Jigme added, urging the Tibetan youth to keep unity of Tibetan people in mind.

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Two nuns kill themselves at Serta Buddhist Academy

By Yangchen Dolma: August 29, 2016

Dharamshala — Two nuns have committed suicide by hanging at Serta at Larung Gar Academy in eastern Tibet. Sources said that the two have reportedly left letters expressing dismay at the destruction of monastery residence by Chinese government.

Two more Buddhist nuns reportedly have killed themselves following a suicide in July to protest Chinese authorities’ destruction of large parts of the Tibetan Buddhist study center, a Tibetan source with close contacts in the region said.

Tsering Dolma, about 20, hanged herself on August 17 “when she could not bear the suffering of seeing the destruction of Larung Gar,” a source in the area added. She reportedly left behind a note expressing her distress at the Chinese demolition and complaining that the Chinese government will not let them live in peace.”

A native of Mewa township in Marthang in Ngaba County, Dolma had been seen before her death to be “depressed and worried” over Chinese authorities’ destruction of thousands of dwellings at the academy, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Another nun named Semga, a native of Dowa village in Ngaba’s Dzamthang county, is also believed to have recently killed herself, though details on how and when she died were not immediately available, while a third nun attempted suicide “though others intervened in time and saved her,” the source said.

The deaths follow the suicide of Rigzin Dolma, also a Buddhist nun who hanged herself as Chinese government work crews began to tear down monks’ and nuns’ houses to reduce what authorities have described as overcrowding at the Larung Gar academy in the County, sources said in earlier reports.

US State Department spokesperson, Elizabeth Trudeau, recently told reporters at her daily news conference that “[they] are concerned that Chinese authorities initiated the demolition of residences at Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute without the consent of the institute’s leaders.”

Monks and nuns have watched helplessly as the Chinese demolition teams destroys their homes. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of Tibetan people said “the destruction of these buildings go against the basic religious freedom that the Chinese government alleges to protect and provide.”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) have condemned the Chinese government-ordered destruction at Larung Gar and said that Beijing should allow the Tibetan people decide for themselves how best to practice their religion.

Tsering Dolma, a Tibetan Buddhist nun from eastern Tibet. Photo: File

Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India — Saying that he has been working to promote religious harmony for the past several decades, His Holiness the Dalai Lama told the congregation he was pleased to see that religious harmony flourishes in Ladakh.

His Holiness returned to the Himalayan hill town of Dharamshala on Thursday morning. Thousands lined the streets of the hill town to give a warm and hearty welcome to him, following a monthlong visit to Ladakh, from 25 July – 22 August 2016.

On his arrival at Gaggal Airport in the morning he was received

by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Speaker of Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and officials and representatives of the Tibetan NGOs. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate concluded his teachings in Ladakh on Wednesday declaring that since he first visited Ladakh in the mid-1960s he has found the people to be devout and attentive to his advice. Therefore, he has been pleased to return year after year to serve the people and the teachings of the Buddha.

Consequently, responding to requests he has already received he plans to visit Nubra and Thorthuk next year.

Beautiful performances of dancing and singing with traditional music in colorful traditional Ladakhi dresses were performed at the luncheon in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on August 24, 2016.

“The song and dance performances we have just been entertained by were offerings to listen to. The traditional costumes worn by the artists were offerings to be seen. But this lunch provided by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) is an offering of something to smell and taste and that’s what I’m looking forward to!” and everybody laughed.

“This is not a political gathering, it’s of a spiritual nature involving the teacher-disciple relationship between you and me.

Although I have the title “Dalai Lama”, it’s just a convention we

His Holiness the Dalai Lama waving to the crowd of almost 30,000 at the conclusion of the third day of his four day teaching at the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on August 20, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

have created. I don’t consider myself as anything special. The fact is that I am a Buddhist monk, who has studied the Three Collections of the Buddha’s teachings, and who has for a long time put the Three Higher Trainings into practice. So what I always remember is that I am a Buddhist monk and a follower of the Nalanda masters.

“You have arranged this farewell lunch in my honour, but the principal offering to your spiritual teacher should be your practice

China detains Tibetan monk over solo protest against land grab in Tibet

of the Dharma. I have shared what I know and have experienced with you. You should implement what you have understood as your offering of practice to me.”

His Holiness mentioned that he has been working to promote religious harmony for the last several decades. “In Ladakh I’m pleased to see that religious harmony flourishes. Still, it is my responsibility to encourage you to put even greater effort into it,” he said.

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TWA 12th Working Committee Meeting held in South India

By Yangchen Dolma: August 12, 2016

TWA 12th Working Committee Meeting held in South India. Photo: TPI

Ven Lobsang Soepa with a large white cloth banner which urging the Chinese authorities to return the grassland to the local Tibetans, Sershul County of eastern Tibet, on August 10, 2016. Photo: TPI

By Yangchen Dolma: August 16, 2016

Dharamshala — Reports coming out of Tibet say Chinese authorities have detained a Tibetan monk following his protest agains an illegal land grab by Chinese authorities in Sershul County of eastern Tibet.

The source said that the Tibetan monk known as Lobsang Soepa carried a large with writings in Tibetan and Chinese that read, “The grassland in Wonpo township’s Village No. 2, in Sershul County should be distributed in accordance with the law.” The grassland should be returned to the locals living on the land, without any bias.”

The Buddhist monk set up a camping tent in front of local government offices on 10 August and protested against the confiscation of land in Shershul County, Karze region (Ch: Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture “TAP,” Sichuan Province), and its unfair land re-distribution. A similar banner was also seen hanging on his tent which carry same message urging the Chinese authorities to return the grassland to the locals Tibetans.

Chinese policemen arrived at the scene shortly after Soepa’s protest and immediately put him in a vehicle and took him away, TPI source said. The current whereabouts and conditions of the monk remain unknown.

The source further said: Soepa has petitioned the concerned authorities of the local government offices several times over the past few years, urging a fair distribution of the grassland to the Tibetans in the area. However, the monk’s appeals were

ignored by the government. Finally Soepa decided that he had no other choice but to stage a peaceful protest in front of the local government buildings.

This is not the first time that China has responded to any Tibetan resistance against its failed policies with an iron fist. In many parts of Tibet, the issue of illegal land grabs by local Chinese officials has been a continuing source of rising tension.

Over the past several years, local Tibetans were protesting against rampant land grabbing and forceful eviction of Tibetan families from their ancestral homes in many other areas in Tibet.

However, the Chinese authorities keep tight grip on cases of land grabbing in the region and forcefully continued their plans to destroy more homes in many Tibetan areas, to create more land for industries and private ownership in the name of “Building a Middle-class Society” and “Innovation”.

Hundreds of Tibetans, including writers, bloggers, activists, singers, health workers and environmentalists, have been detained or are imprisoned since 2008, after attempting to express their views or share news of the situation in Tibet with the outside world, and provides further evidence of a widespread crackdown against Tibetan people.

Sporadic demonstrations challenging Chinese repressive rule have continued in the Himalayan region since widespread protests swept the region in 2008, with more than 140 Tibetans to date setting themselves ablaze to oppose Beijing’s repression and call for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Dharamshala August 8 — Tibetan Women’s Association 12th Working Committee Meeting held at Hunsur Rabgayling settlement, south India. TWA Central President, and 105 executives and staff of TWA Central and its regionals attended this six days meeting. The opening ceremony was a grant start of meeting as we invited Chief Guest Kasur Mrs. Gyari Dolma, Rinpoche Lobsang Phendey (Gyurme Monastery) and Settlement Officer Mr Gelek Jugney along with some former MP, Settlement Leaders, Local Assembly members, and Tibetan Youth Congress members. Their words of encouragement motivated others to continue their spirit of contributing social service to the people and country.

During the meeting TWA central and regionals discussed about their respective finacial report and the task that they have accompolished so far. On the last day of meeting, since on 24th June, a committee issued a notice to recommend sugesstion for reforming the Tibetan electoral process from Tibetan public, the members discussed on their views on amendment of election rules and regulations,” the TWA said in a statement after the meeting.

“TWA honoured two inspiring women Ama Jetsun Pema la, for her life long dedication and indomitable role in the cause of education, rebuilding Tibetan lives in exile and strengthening the future for Tibet and the Tibetan People.

And Gyalthong Tsering Dolma la, a tireless advocate for Tibetan women, for her incredible work in being one of the key architects and builders of a new life of Tibetan women in-exile,” it added.

After the successful completion of meeting at Hunsur, the members toured around the various Monasteries in Bylakuppe and they also visited the RTWA Bylakuppe.

The members had the priviledge to honour Mrs. Tsewang Palmo la, a patriotic woman who took part in the protest on 12th March, 1959, when Tibetan women from all three provinces of Tibet stood united for the first time in Tibetan history and challenged the brutal calmpdown by the Chinese government. She is currently residing in the Bylakuppe settlement.

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August 31, 2016

TPI NEWS

RSF visits the Tibetan exiled community in Dharamshala

RSF delegation also met with the representatives of various Tibetan NGOs and media organizations based in Dharamshala, India, from August 16-18, 2016. Photo: TPI

By Barbara Machado: August 22, 2016.

Dharamshala — Members of Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF) visited The Tibet Post and the many Tibetan political and apolitical organisations in Dharamshala, where a large number of Tibetans in exile reside.

TPI is one of RSF’s sources of information and communication for the dealings of freedom of press in the Tibetan region, controlled by China.

During their visit, they were interested in meeting with the representatives of various civil society and media organisations as part of their continuous interest in human rights, press freedom and media situation in Tibet. They were particularly interested in meeting with organisations that cover events in Tibet and that coordinate communication from inside Tibet to the outside world.

In their many meetings, they were reassured that the Tibetan press in India is free of any sort of censorship and that it is not under any pressure from the Indian Government or the Central Tibetan Administration.

The problem lies then, in the acquisition of news and information from inside Tibet.

The RSF head of the Asia Pacific desk, Benjamin Ismail, stated, “the main issue that the Tibetan media in India faces today is the almost inexistent free flow of information from Tibet.” Moreover, the safety, confidentiality and privacy of sources are principles that struggle to surface under the PRC’s regime. Ismail further claimed “journalists need privacy and cyber security in order to be able to conduct their work independently and freely!”

Also in the meetings, the Chinese social media, Wechat, was often referred to. Wechat plays a growing role in the exchange of information between China and the outside world but Ismail believes it is both a blessing

and a curse. As it has been developed by a company that has links with the government, it allows Chinese authorities to monitor everything that happens within it.

At the same time, however, it has enabled communication, even though limited, between Tibetans inside Tibet and Tibetans in exile.

Wechat has proved itself quite dangerous to the people in Tibet. Ismail tells TPI that “[they] have observed, from some time now, that the government uses this massive surveillance as a justification to arrest netizens – ordinary citizens that have become de facto citizen journalists, providing information to the outside world – and to give them exceptionally long sentences. More often than not, Tibetans’ arrests are more like kidnappings and their trials do not comply with human rights laws.” The Secret trials, which take place after the kidnappings, are one of the many ways that the Chinese government violates fundamental human rights.

The organisations that communicate with Tibetans inside Tibet are aware of these risks and one of the ways they found to complicate the Chinese Surveillance is the use voice messages. Firstly because, technically speaking, voice messages are harder to analyze and secondly because the Tibetan dialects are a lot more challenging to be deciphered as audio. Ironically, Wechat has become the platform for free expression for the inhabitants of China.

The RSF members concluded their trip saying that they are very pleased to see the pluralism of the Tibetan press.

They increased their network and expressed their wish to someday succeed in reaching Tibetans inside Tibet, directly.

RSF promotes and defends the free flow of information throughout the world. Based in Paris, it has 10 international offices (Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, Stockholm, Tunis, Tripoli, Vienna and Washington DC) and more than 150 correspondents in all five continents.

TALK ON TIBET

Ama Adhe, an ex-political prisoner shares her story of torture in Tibet

By Barbara Machado: August 25, 2016.

Dharamshala — In an interview, Ama Adhe, one of the few Tibetans who survives to tell the stories of torture in Tibet shared the Tibet Post International about her life in prison and her political views on Tibet.

Adhe was born in Nyarong, Kham Province, in 1928. She led a peaceful nomadic life until the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Her personal tragedy began in 1958, when her husband was poisoned by the Chinese authorities, who considered him a nuisance. Shortly after, her sister was arrested, publicly humiliated and executed at the public square to “set an example.” Several months later, Adhe herself was arrested alongside 300 other women at a protest against the Chinese rule. Out of these 300 women, only 4 survived the severe starvation and forced labour brought upon them in prison.

On the day of her arrest, she was accompanied by her 4-year-old son. She told TPI, “when the Chinese police arrested me, my son clung on to my leg and cried but the Chinese kicked him away and I never saw him again…”

She recounts that the arrested Tibetans were assembled in an arena and the people were told to watch them as the Chinese shouted, “look at them, who’s the winner?

Bring the Dalai Lama or the prisoners will be massacred!”

“I was beside my brother-in-law, Pema Gyaltsen, during this ‘show.’ We had signs around our necks but I could not understand the Chinese things written on them, I could only see that on Pema’s there were letters in red, indicating that he would be executed that day. In the midst of all this, the Chinese leaders sang and danced and suddenly two shots were fired at Pema’s head. He was killed and I had blood and bits of his brain all over me,” Adhe tells TPI. During Adhe’s time in the Chinese prison she was not given any real food. She said, “[the Chinese] would offer us half a glass a day of what they called corn gruel but it was actually just a watery mix. Under such starvation, we started eating our leather shoes, which helped us a lot.” Naturally, after 3 years under such circumstances, many people died.

The 4 women left were then transferred to another prison called Dhartsedo, based in Tibet. There they were not starved but instead, were beaten and tortured in other ways.

“One day, the 4 of us who had survived, were taken outside. There were many people there but we couldn’t recognize anyone. The Chinese were laughing at us and saying things as, ‘12,000 prisoners have died, all the mean and bad people are dead,’” She tells TPI about the day she was transferred to the prison in Tibet.

“We were beaten when we refused to say that His Holiness the Dalai Lama was bad. I swear [the Chinese] inserted needles on my finger tips, I was many times slapped and my right ear became useless. If anyone did not obey them, they would tie our hands like this [puts hands behind her back], hold us up and light a fire below us. As smoke started coming out, a handful of chili was thrown over it.

This made the victims unable to breath and lose control of their bladder,” Adhe said at another interview with the Tibet Oral History Project.

Adhe explains, also at the interview with the Tibet Oral

Canadian MP expresses sadness over demolishing of Larung Gar in Tibet

Mr Arif Virani who is also the chair of the Canadian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet (PFT) addressing the canadian parliament on March 10, 2016, to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising. Photo: file

By Yeshe Choesang: August 23, 2016.

Dharamshala — A Canadian Parliamentarian has condemned the Chinese government for the ongoing demolition of Larung Gar, one of biggest Buddhist institutions in Tibet.

Mr Arif Virani who is also the chair of the Canadian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet (PFT) expressed his serious concern at the ongoing demolition of the Larung Gar monastery in eastern Tibet, according a report by the Central Tibetan administration based in Dharamshala, India.

“I am devastated to learn of the demolition. Over 5000 resident monks and nuns have now been displaced. They have not just lost their home and their religious community but their sense of belonging and safety,” he said.

“My thoughts are with Tibet and members of the Tibetan diaspora around the world who are now even more

committed to their pursuit of Buddhist studies. I know the spirit of Larung Gar and the Tibetan people will remain strong,” he added.

He also voiced his grief over the death of the Tibetan nun Rinzin Dolma, who reportedly took her own life on July 20, unable to bear the demolition of her institution.

The Canadian MP, who has previously raised Tibet issue in the Parliament, to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising. “On March 10, 1959, thousands gathered in front of the Potala Palace, in Lhasa, to rise up against injustice in Tibet. That year, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an honorary citizen of this country, and 100,000 other Tibetans, became refugees,” he said.

“His Holiness and thousands of other Tibetans are now seeking a path of return. They are pursuing an approach called “the middle way”. The middle way seeks nothing more than greater autonomy for Tibet within China,” Mr Arif Virani said, adding: “It is an approach that would peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet and bring

The Tibet Post International

about stability and co-existence between the Tibetan and Chinese people based on the concept of equality and mutual co-operation.”

“It saddens me greatly that in a desperate attempt to raise more awareness about the cause of Tibet, 151 persons have self-immolated. Those deaths should never have been necessary,” Mr Arif Virani stressed.

“On the 57th anniversary of the 1959 uprising, it is up to all of us to focus on raising awareness about the Tibetan cause,” he added.

Monks and nuns have watched helplessly as Chinese demolition teams have rolled into Serta County in eastern Tibet,’ RFA’s source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. They begun tearing down their homes at the Larung Gar institution, one of the world’s largest monastic institutions with a population of over ten thousand Buddhist practitioners.

The demolitions come after an initial government order was issued in June demanding that “by September 30, 2017 the population of the encampment must be limited to 5,000 persons”. The local authorities have marked up a map which indicates areas where homes are permitted and areas where they will be demolished. Around 1,400 houses are set to be demolished in the first wave and they are primarily nuns’ homes and hostels belonging to elderly people.

No explanation for the demolitions was given in the order other than saying it is part of ‘correction and rectification obligations’. It further states: “Residences of those expelled since 2013, illegal new residences, residences that have become old age homes and nuns’ hostels, a total of 1,500, will be demolished at one go”.

A similar crackdown at Serta Larung Gar was reported in 2001 and thousands of homes were dismantled by over 500 armed police and military personnel. Witnesses at the time said that huts were demolished with possessions and shrines still inside and demolition teams were seen to drag elderly and disabled residents out of their homes before destroying their homes, in some cases demolitions began while the owners were still inside. This crackdown is believed to have led to the expulsion of 8,000 practitioners and the demolition of 1,874 monastic residences and 2,000 meditation huts.

Ama Adhe speaking to the Tibet Post International at her current residence in Dharamsala, India, on August 24, 2016. Photo: TPI/Barbara Machado

History Project, that “the Chinese plan was to kill all the Tibetan political prisoners, educate the young children and convert them into Chinese. Wipe out the Tibetan race.

Then the Chinese could lead with no Tibetan people. The little ones would not know and the adults would be dead.

They were overjoyed.”

One day in 1985, Deng Xiaoping, the paramount leader of China from 1978 to 1989, as part of his many reforms, announced that all political prisoners were to be freed.

At first, after her release, she called for the independence of Tibet. She supported groups such as the Tibetan Youth Congress and the Tibetan Women’s Association, all who called for complete independence and who were not in favour of the Middle Way Approach, proposed by the

Central Tibetan Administration.

“At the White House in Washington DC, speaking in a video, I raised my hand and shouted ‘Complete independence for Tibet,’” she shares.

However, after speaking to the Dalai Lama at various occasions, she changed her mind. Adhe now calls for the Middle Way Approach, a non-partisan and moderate position that safeguards the vital interests of both the Chinese and Tibetans. If attained, it will insure the protection and preservation of Tibetan culture, religion and national identity and the Dalai Lama would be able to return to his homeland – the main desire of many Tibetans today. The Middle Way Approach would simultaneously offer the Chinese the security and territorial integrity of the motherland.

An exiled Tibetan Buddhist monk tells his escape from Tibet to India

By Barbara Machado: August 19, 2016.

Dharamshala — A Tibetan Buddhist monk currently living in Dharamshala, India asked to be treated in anonymity as he wants to return to his hometown and reunite with his family. Any public appearance against the Chinese rule would pose risks to his plans and danger to his family. For the safety of his family, TPI will be referring to him as Sonam.

Sonam was born in a small village called Mongo in Amdo Ngapa in 1971. He is the youngest of his family and the only one living in exile. In his early years he went to a small village school and used to work as a shepherd. He decided to become a monk when he was 15 years old and so his parents sent him to Kirti Monastery, based close to his hometown, in Eastern Tibet.

Kirti Monastery had been destroyed during Mao Tsetung’s Cultural Revolution in the 60s and 70s, only to be refurbished in 1991. Thereafter, Kirti became a centre for protest and resistance and naturally, was under severe surveillance by the Chinese authorities. It was also targeted for what the Chinese call “patriotic reeducation campaigns,” where Tibetans undergo intensive propaganda and are forced to declare their loyalty to the Chinese government.

In 1995, Sonam heard that some monks from his monastery were escaping to India, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile – Central Tibetan Administration – were based.

On the 3rd day of the Tibetan New Year, Sonam and a friend left to India. Their first stop was Lhasa, where they settled for more than a month trying to find a guide to lead them through the Himalayas. They then travelled to Sakya by bus and, upon arrival, met 10 other people who were also on their way to India, whom they decided to join. They walked together for 29 days and Sonam said they were extremely lucky not to come across the Chinese police.

“If the Chinese police had seen us we would have gone

straight to prison,” Sonam told TPI. “On one occasion, I was very tired and hungry and it was hard for me to walk. I passed by a household and the door was open so I could see a family dining. Starving, I went inside and took one of the potatoes that they were eating.

It was not a good idea. The man of the house suddenly stood up and threw me out... We had many problems like this on our way,” he added.

He also told TPI that at times, as they were out of food and supplies, they acted like beggars asking for food and money to anyone who was passing by.

The guide took them through Shar Kumbu, a Tibetan Refugee camp in Nepal. Sonam expressed that at that point, his biggest fears were actually the most probable situations: “If the Chinese caught us, we would have gone to prison and if we were stuck in a snowstorm, the only place left for us to go was the next life.”

When they finally managed to reach a town in Nepal, Sonam and his friend, with the financial help of some people from Hong Kong, bought their bus tickets to Kathmandu.

“All was going smoothly until we were stopped at a police-check post close to Kathmandu and we were arrested. They put us in separate rooms and said many things in Nepali that we couldn’t understand. After one hour, the senior policemen began the investigation, he asked lots of questions but we could not understand anything. After that, his partner took us to a bus and I thought they were taking us to the Chinese authorities. I was so scared. Fortunately, the bus didn’t move back and I was finally in peace.”

The rest of their trip was quite peaceful. Sonam thanks the Dalai Lama for all his attention to the Tibetans in Exile and for establishing Tibetan Refugee receptions in both Kathmandu and Delhi.

Sonam has not been able to return to Tibet ever since. He has tried to get his travel documents from the Chinese Embassy four times but these have been refused, making it extremely difficult for him to leave India.

Religious harmony flourishes ...

“I’m really pleased to see that not only is the relationship between the Shia and Sunni Muslim communities in Ladakh close, but relationships between Muslims and Buddhists is cordial too.

I admire this and have been doing what I can to extend it” His Holiness added.

Recalling the LBA’s report of the efforts they have made in cooperation with Muslim scholars and clerics in Kargil to improve understanding and friendship between their communities, His Holiness told them they had done well, and should keep up the good work.

His Holiness enquired about the discrimination the Bedas, the traditional drummers and musicians who play at Ladakhi festivals, have faced. He quoted what the Buddha had said: “In my teaching ancestry and family lineage are not important. The practice of the Dharma is more important than that.”

“It is wrong to discriminate against people on the

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basis of their caste,” His Holiness stressed. “Even if it involves longstanding local customs and traditions, these are attitudes we must change through education. In today’s world these distinctions are no longer acceptable,’ he told the gathering.

‘I oppose discrimination on the basis of caste. I criticise it and appeal to Hindu religious leaders here in India not to be complacent but to take steps to bring about change. Overcoming caste based discrimination doesn’t just concern politicians, religious leaders need to give a lead too,” he added.

It was the final day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Ladakh this year, the LBA offered a farewell lunch at Shiwatsel in honour of His Holiness where he had recently given teachings.

Senior members of all Ladakh’s Buddhist traditions and other dignitaries attended. Reminded that the food was ready, His Holiness remarked, “Of course, the main reason we have gathered here is to eat lunch. Let’s enjoy it.”

August 31, 2016 Tibet & Exile News 3 Historically, Tibet was never a part Training program on women’s self-help Group held in Mundgod

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TPI NEWS

of China, says Senior RSS leader

By Harish Pal: August 22, 2016

Dharamshala — ‘Historically, Tibet was never a part of China,’ Senior RSS Leader Indresh Kumar said, adding that China should respect the Tibetan people’s aspirations.

He was peaking at a press conference on Sunday [August 21], in Dharamshala, north India, where he shared his views on IndoChina relation, and his support for the Tibetan struggle.

Kumar met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok along with officials of the Tibetan Parliament in the afternoon, where he shared his continous support for the Tibetan struggle.

The press conference was organised by the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat.

He also called on China to officially recognise the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala and urged the Chinese government to engage in constructive dialogue with Tibetan representatives.

Mr Kumar emphasised the historical independence of Tibet and the role played by Tibet as a peaceful buffer between the two nations prior to its occupation. “Historically, Tibet was never a part of China. It was only because of China’s aggressive occupation that Tibet and a slew of other nations like Mongolia became a part of China,” he said.

“Most of the colonised countries including India got their independence around 1940s in the aftermath of the Second World War. Unfortunately, Tibet lost its independence

around that time. However, the Indian government has never accepted that Tibet was historically a part of China,” he added.

“Tibet used to be a peaceful buffer between the two Asian nations. India and Tibet used to share a 4000km-long border but there were never any fights along the border. However, since Tibet’s occupation, the peaceful border has been heavily militarised with soldiers, air force bases and missile launchers. Therefore, it is clear that China wants to occupy the entire Himalayas for its nefarious ambitions,” he noted.

The RSS leader also pointed out that China should respect the Tibetan people’s aspirations and should not undertake activities to annihilate Tibet’s cultural heritage, its pristine environment or violate their fundamental rights in the name of development.

He further expressed his gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for making Dharamshala an international destination known for its peace and tranquility.

Ven Phunstok, Deputy Speaker, thanked the RSS leader for his support to the Tibet cause and called him ‘a long time friend of the Tibetan people’.

“Shri Indresh ji has been associated with the Tibet cause from as early as 1997. Since then he has founded the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch and Himalayan Parivar to advocate the cause of Tibet and the Himalayan regions. He has also raised his voice repeatedly for the people of nations and communities not recongnised by the United Nations,” he said.

By Harish Pal: August 19, 2016

Mundgo, Karnataka — Women’s Empowerment Desk, Department of Home, central Tibetan administration (CTA) held a three-day training program on Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) at Doeguling Tibetan settlement, Mundgod from 12 – 14 August.

This program which is funded by donor The Swedish Organisation For Individual Relief ( SOIR-IM) aims to empower the economically and socially marginalized groups of women by inculcating the concept of SelfHelp Group (SHG).

According to a report by the Tibetan administration, SOIR-IM has been working in India since the 1970s through supporting partners in the form of grass-root NGOs. SOIR-IM has eight partner organizations located in different parts of India.

The three day training was held at Doeguling Opera hall and Mrs Mohini Poojary, Director, TEED (Tribal Educational and Environment Development Trust) trained the participants on the concept, function, importance and practice of Self-Help Group (SHG).

Mr. Sonam Dhargyal from camp number 3 from Shambala farmer’s SHG shared his own experience to the participants in the training. He told the participants that more than the economic benefits SHG build unity among the members who helps each other when faced with difficulties.

Ms Dechen Wangmo, Coordinator, Women’s

Mr Sonam Dhargyal from Shambala farmer’s SHG shared his own experience to the participants in the training. Photo: CTA

Empowerment Desk with the help of Tibetan settlement office Doeguling worked jointly towards this program. There were 16 women participants in the training who are willing and interested in joining in the SHG program.

Two SHG groups were formed in the last day of the training who will take the responsibility of including more required number of members in their own SHG. These two women’s SHGs are Lhamo-Chiphen SHG

and Dolma-Chikdril SHG. As per the project these two groups will received seed money of Rupees one Lakh in the name of their SHG to start their own income generating activities and internal-loaning system.

In the coming years Women’s Empowerment Desk is looking forward to introduce more number of women’s SHG in the other exile Tibetan settlements to help and empower economically marginalized Tibetan women in those areas.

particular attention to the issues of security.

“The state and district officials have been very cooperative and has promised to render whatever assistance that is not feasible from the part of the organising committee. And we are deeply thankful for that,” he explained.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is always concerned about the welfare and health conditions of the devotees that come to attend his talks and teachings. He constantly enquires whether the devotees are taken care of properly or not. Therefore, we are placing extra importance to the security, welfare and the facilities to make the Kalachakra effortless and hassle-free for the public,” he said.

He also explained the few initiatives taken by the Central Tibetan Administration to make the Kalachakra more accessible to people, regardless of an individual’s financial situation.

“Whenever there is a Kalachakra, there are always people

who sincerely wish to attend the teachings, yet aren’t able to, because of financial limitations. This time, we have tried to reduce this difficulty,” he said.

“Moreover, we have also advised our officials and field staff to attend to all the grievances of the devotees. We have explained that earnestly serving the public would be akin to providing a great service to His Holiness, to the Buddhist doctrine as well as to the Tibetan people,” he said.

“For instance, the department of education will sponsor destitute Tibetan children to attend the teachings. Similarly, the Department of Home would sponsor destitute Tibetan individuals and families, and the department of religion would do the same to Tibetan hermits and yogis,” he further added.

The 34th Kalachakra initiation being organised by the Central Tibetan Administration will be held at Bodh Gaya, known as one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Bihar State in India, from 3 – 14 January 2017.

media has praised the service as a “world’s first”.

However, Tibetan researchers have already noted that it is highly restricted and closely monitored.

The search engine named Yongzin, after the Tibetan

word for “teacher” or “master” has been developed by the Tibetan Information Technology Research Centre with state funding. Its design and logo has been heavily inspired by Google, which is blocked in China, featuring sections for news, images, videos, and music.

As the world’s first search engine solely in the Tibetan language it is being promoted as a positive step forward for China and part of an initiative to bring greater support to ethnic communities. But it is also an information control and surveillance tool that allows the Chinese government to monitor searches made by Tibetans, for what developers told state media is “information security” purposes.

Tibetans already face severe restrictions on communication and information sharing within Tibet so Beijing’s ability to track how Yongzin is used could pose a danger to those who use it in an attempt to find out more about their culture or search for views which are contrary to the government’s.

After the launch on 22 August the news website Quartz conducted an investigation into just how censored the service is and found that searching for “the Dalai Lama” in Tibetan does not provide any relevant links, including not showing the spiritual leader’s official website. Similarly an image search delivers just one picture of His Holiness out of twenty results.

The news site also found that searching for “Free Tibet” delivers links about publications deemed illegal by China relating to Tibetan independence and even a search for “Tibetan tea” resulted mostly in images of Chinese officials drinking tea.

The investigation demonstrates that while the service may benefit some Tibetans who have previously been unable to circumvent internet restrictions, it is also a tool for heavily controlling what and how Tibetans view certain websites.

The launch has come in the same week that saw authorities issue a textbook to Tibetans in the Qinghai province that details restrictions on peaceful protests and on the sharing of information on social media and with international platforms.

Tibetans are warned that ignoring these rules will be regarded as “leaking state secrets” or “engaging in separatist activities” and will lead to criminal prosecutions.

Organising Committee of 34th Kalachakra holds press conference

By Barbara Machado: August 25, 2016

Dharamshala — The Minister of Religion and Culture, Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, led a press conference at the Lhakpa Tsering Memorial Hall to explain some security and administrative measures for the 34th Kalachakra.

At the press conference, Yuthok sat between the Minister of Security, Phagpa Tsering, and the Minister of Health, Choekyong Wangchuk.

Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, who is also Chairman of the organising committee, explained some of the organising committee’s preparations to make sure the event is successful and convenient for the devotees.

In order to ease the public’s anxiety amidst the global violence and terrorist attacks of our day and age, especially because of the terrorist attack at Bodh Gaya in 2013, the minister told the media present that the organising committee is paying

China promotes the launch of Tibetan search engine

By Steve Shaw: August 25, 2016

London — A new Tibetan-language search engine has been launched in the Qinghai province and state

Senior RSS functionary Shri Indresh Kumar (centre) with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel (right) and Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok (left) of the Tibetan Parliament on August 20, 2016. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

The Central Tibetan Administration celebrates India’s Independence Day

By Barbara Machado: August 15 , 2016

Dharamshala — The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) hosted a brief ceremony in front of the Kashag Secretariat to mark India’s 70th Independence Day on Monday morning, August 15, 2016.

Ministers and other senior officials of the CTA attended the ceremony. The ceremony was led by the minister of religion and culture, Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok. He hoisted the Indian flag and along with the members present, sang the Indian National Anthem.

“I would like to convey my hearty greetings and good wishes to all the people of India and especially to the people of Himachal Pradesh on this special occasion

on behalf of the central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people,” the minister told the reporters, extending his warm greetings to the people of India in celebration to this date.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Indian government and the Indian people for their continued support, understanding and cooperation on the Tibetan issue.

We strongly believe that one day, with your strong support and cooperation, we’ll be successful in our pursuit,” he added.

Tea and sweets were distributed after the ceremony as a way to further congratulate India on its 70th Independence Day and to thank the people present at the gathering.

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

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

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

Contributors to this editon Jane Cook UK Yeshe Choesang India Keary Huang Taiwan Dawa Phurbu India Steve Shaw UK Tenzin Yeshe USA Barbara Machado Brazil Harish Pal India Yangchen Dolma India

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Sikyong expresses grief over devastating earthquake in Italy

By Yeshe Choesang,: August 29 , 2016

Dharamshala — Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Tibetan people Monday offered his ‘deepest’ condolences to the people of Italy after a devastating earthquake struck central Italy overnight.

In a letter addressed to Mr Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy, Sikyong said “it is heartbreaking to hear about the devastating earthquake in central Italy and we are deeply saddened by this bad news.”

“On behalf of every Tibetan in and outside Tibet, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the people of Amtrice, Accumoli, Arquata del Tronto, Pescara del Tronto and all those who are undergoing the tragic and traumatic experiences due to this disaster.”

“Italy has been a great support for the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan people. Therefore, we stand in solidarity and express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the calamity. We pray for an early recovery of the injured,” he said.

Italian media reports that world leaders, including Pope Francis, US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have offered condolences and assistance to Italy following the devastating earthquake.

Pope Francis has skipped his catechism lesson during his Wednesday general audience and instead led pilgrims in praying the rosary for the victims of Italy’s earthquake. Holding a rosary in his right hand, Francis told the crowd that he was stunned by the devastation of the magnitude 6 temblor that struck central Italy early Wednesday. He said he wanted to express his pain and solidarity with the victims.

In a letter to Italian PM, Matteo Renzi, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness offered his “condolences to those that lost members of their families, friends and their homes in the tragedy”.

“As a token of solidarity with the people of Italy, His Holiness asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation towards rescue and relief efforts.” it added.

President Obama has called Italian president Sergio Mattarella in order to express his condolences following the disaster. Obama allegedly told Mattarella the USA is ready to offer what help and

support it can to Italy.

Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed “the deep sympathy of the German people” in a message Wednesday to Italian Premier Matteo Renzi.

She wrote that “the pictures of the devastation are shocking.”

French President Francois Hollande is offering Italy “all the help that might be necessary” after the deadly earthquake in Umbria. Calling it a “terrible tragedy” in a statement after a special security meeting Wednesday, Hollande offered the support of “all the French people.” He didn’t elaborate on what help France is offering.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed sadness over the loss of lives in Italy due to an earthquake. “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a quake in Italy. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers with those injured,” he tweeted.

The European Union’s top crisis management official says Italy has requested satellite images of earthquake-hit parts of the country as Rome tries to establish the scope of the damage.

Commissioner Christos Stylianides said Wednesday that the EU emergency response center is in contact with Italian civil protection authorities to see what additional help might be required. Stylianides conveyed the EU’s condolences and expressed solidarity with Italy, saying that its “thoughts are also with the first responders and all those involved in the rescue operations.”

Queen Elizabeth has sent a message of condolence to the Italian president following the devastating earthquake in central Italy. “Prince Philip and I were saddened to hear of the loss of life following the earthquake in central Italy,” the Queen said in her message to president Sergio Mattarella.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Italy, especially the family and friends of those affected.”

At least 120 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck a remote area of central Italy on Wednesday, said Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, warning that the figure could still rise.

Some 368 people were injured in the tremor, he said at a press conference in the Rieti region, not far from the epicentre of the 6.0-6.2 magnitude quake.

Unity calls as Tibetan Youth Coungess ...

The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament inExile (TPiE) Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, was the chief guest of the inaugural function said: “As community, naturally, different viewpoints are necessary, whether personally endorsing for the middle-way policy or independence for Tibet, but respecting each others’ opinions is important if those are mutually beneficial for Tibetan people and the future of Tibet.”

At the meeting, which was attended by around 200 people, mostly delegates from 40 TYC regional chapters all over the world.

Amongst guests were former TYC executive members, Tibetan Parliamentarians, local representatives and the TPiE Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok.

Former minister Kirti Rinpoche, was also among guests, said that ‘TYC is not only for exile. TYC should try to represent the aspirations of all Tibetan youth, both inside Tibet and in exile. He also added that TYC

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decisions should not made by few executives or members in exile, but by collecting the views and voice from youth inside Tibet’.

This years GBM will be held at the MCD Committee Hall, Kotwali Lower Dharamshala from Aug 29 – Sept 3 2016.

The meeting will also hold elections for the office of its Central Executive Committee.

The members will also elect the new executive members of the organization who will serve for a term of three years.

The GBM, held every three years, is the highest policy making body of the Tibetan Youth Congress. Founded in 1970, TYC is an international non-governmental organization that advocates the independence of Tibet from China. With around 30,000 members in the Tibetan diaspora and 81 regional chapters worldwide, TYC is the largest and most active non-governmental organization of Tibetans in exile.

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China names another Chinese as party chief for TAR

By Yeshe Choesang,: August 29 , 2016

Dharamshala — The Communist Party of China has appointed Wu Yingjie, another Chinese as the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) new party secretary, a report by the state-run Xinhua News Agency said on Sunday. Some reports suggest that other important changes are expected to be made in the party’s top leadership, details are unknown.

Wu, 59, another Chinese will replace Chen Quanguo, 61, who dictated the region for five years from 2011.

Mr Chen, has replaced Politburo member Zhang Chunxian, 63, as new party cheif for Xinjiang, knowns as East Turkestan, where decades of deadly conflict continues to wage.

After being appointed as top official of TAR, Mr reportedly said people’s livelihoods have been his top priority during his entire political life in the region. “Tibet is my second home. I think of myself as a local Tibetan,” he said. “I deeply love the land and the hardworking people here.”

The multilingual propaganda— “China Tibet Online” has claimed that Mr Wu is “the first person to hold the position after spending his whole political career in the region.”

Wu, has built almost his entire political career working in the Tibetan region, where he was deputy governor and propaganda chief. According to the state-run media report on Sunday, August 28, 2016, Wu worked on farms and at a power plant there before doing his university degree in Tibet’s capital Lhasa.

In addition, the CPC also announced on Sunday a change in the secretary generals of the provinces of Hunan and Yunan in southern China. These posts will now be occupied by two allies of President Xi Jinping, who worked with him when he was party chief in Shanghai.

In Yunnan, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, Chen Hao replaced Li Jiheng, while in Hunan, Du Jiahao had assumed the party’s top job, Xinhua said. These changes come a year before the 19th Party Congress, which takes place once every five years and will mark the end of Chinese president Xi Jinping’s first five years in office.

Like his predecessor, Wu also belongs to the majority Chinese nationality, following a CCP tradition as per which autonomous regions such as occupied Tibet, East Turkistan, Inner Mongolia, have governors belonging to that of other nationalities which Beijing designated for so called ethnic minorities, while

The Communist Party of China, or CPC, appointed Wu Yingjie as the party’s new secretary general in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Photo: File

the secretary general, the most powerful official, is always from the Chinese nationality.

In 2014 Wu reportedly claimed that His Holiness ‘the Dalai Lama’ was in discussions with the Chinese government through his “personal envoys” but the talks were only about the possibility of his return to Tibet.

Responding to Wu’s claim, Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of Tibetan people has rejected the Wu’s claims by saying there isn’t any official contact or dialogue taking place with the Chinese leadership.

Sikyong said ‘if dialogues are to take place, it would be between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and representatives of the Chinese leadership, as we have always been transparent.’

The Sino-Tibetan dialogue between the Representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government, began in 2002 in a bid to consider prospects of “genuine autonomy” for Tibet, but it ground to a halt in 2010 without any breakthrough after nine formal rounds of direct talk and one informal meeting.

However, the Tibetan spiritual leader has always said he remains optimistic he will be able to return to Tibet, citing political reforms that have taken place over the last few decades. His Holiness says he seeks only a meaningful autonomy for Tibet as a part of China, with protections for the region’s language, religion, and culture under his “Middle

Way” approach (MWA).

The Tibetan leadership in exile says the MWA neither seeks a “Greater Tibet” nor a “high degree of autonomy”, but “Genuine Autonomy” for all Tibetan people under a “single administration, to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet and to bring about stability and co-existence between peoples based on equality and mutual co-operation. But, in its 2015 white paper, China again rejected the approach.

“The Tibetan leadership remains firmly committed to the MW policy, and strongly believes that only way to resolve the issue of Tibet is through dialogue,” Dr Sangay who was re-elected as Sikyong, political leader of Tibetan people said during a two-day meeting of the Task Force on Sino-Tibetan Negotiations, recently held in Dharamshala, India.

Tibet was invaded by Communists China, starting in 1949. Since that time, over 1.2 million out of 6 Tibetans have been killed, over 6000 monastaries have been destroyed — the acts of murder, rape and arbitrary imprisonment, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment were inflicted on the Tibetans inside Tibet.

Tibet was traditionally comprised of three main areas— U-tsang, Kham and Amdo provinces, covers an area of 870,000 square miles. After 1949, other Tibetan areas (Amdo and Kham) were incorporated into the neighboring, Chinese provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan.

5 TPI NEWS HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA Showing others respect is a We all belong to one human family, says His Holiness source of happiness: His Holiness The Tibet Post International

August 31, 2016

By Jane Cook: August 24, 2016

His Holiness the Dalai Lama watching monks engaging in debate as he arrives on stage at the Shewatsel teaching ground on the first day of his four day teaching in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on August 18, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

By Jane Cook: August 22, 2016

Dharamshala — Describing every sentient being, including animals, and seeking happiness, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that ‘showing others respect and trying to help them solve their problems is a source of happiness.’

Almost 30,000 devotees thronged the Shiwatsel ground to attend teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Friday, August 19. Four days of teachings, with sessions in the mornings only, have been organized by the Ladakh Buddhist Association of Leh in collaboration with various volunteer organizations.

As a prelude to His Holiness’ teachings, monks and scholars from various monasteries participated in formal debates with each other, employing dialectical methods to explore the niceties of the doctrine.

Beginning his explanation of the 8th century CE Nalanda master Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ (Bodhicharyavatara; spyod-jug), His Holiness addressed the congregation on the importance of learning and understanding what the Buddhist scriptures actually teach.

“Faith without understanding the essence of what the Buddha taught is merely maintaining tradition as a kind of social custom,” he advised.

“We are not gathered here to witness some sort of performance nor even just to hold a meeting together. We are here to explore the teachings of the Buddha. Therefore, if our endeavours are to be fruitful, both teacher and students must generate a pure motivation. Otherwise we’ll just be wasting our time.”

The crowd, consisting of Ladakhis, Tibetans, Western devotees and tourists, listened to His Holiness call for harmony between all religious traditions. In discussing the benefits of the awakening mind of bodhichitta, he said it is this spirit of awakening, the aspiration to attain enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings that motivates the Bodhisattva’s way of life.

The text he is teaching explains how to cultivate and sustain this altruistic aspiration. There are two aspects to the awakening mind—the aspiration, the wish to awaken and actually engaging in practices that lead to that awakening. These bodhisattva practices are commonly known as the Six Perfections and first among them is the perfection of generosity.

“Every sentient being, including animals, seeks happiness,” His Holiness remarked. “Therefore, showing others respect and trying to understand and help them solve their problems is a source of happiness.”

“We have two enemies, the self-cherishing or selfcentred mind and the misconception of self. Crucial to Buddhism in general, but especially the Nalanda tradition, is the need to use our intelligence and transform our emotions. This will be a far more effective source of happiness than resorting to the short term pleasures of drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs.”

His Holiness highlighted the verse in the first chapter of ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ that describes sentient beings predicament: Although seeking to avoid pain, They run headlong into suffering.

They long for happiness, but foolishly Destroy it, as if it were their enemy The teachings concluded on August 20. The following day, His Holiness confered the

empowerment of Avalokiteshvara—the Bodhisattva embodying compassion.

Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India — Speaking about his own efforts, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama urged everyone to be more compassionate and sincere that we are all brothers and sisters belonging to one human family.

Thousands of devotees offered ‘Tenshuk prayers’ for his long life and good health, on Sunday.

“The more we practice altruism and help others, the more we will benefit ourselves. The resultant peace of mind helps us live longer, able to serve humanity longer,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama told the gathering, continuing his teachings on Shantideva’s ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’, in Ladakh, J&K, India, August 21, 2016.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate recommended that devotees pray with a good motivation to live longer in order to have greater opportunity to practise the Buddhadharma, cultivate bodhichitta, and attain Buddhahood. “Right from childhood we are under the influence of destructive emotions. We have an instinct to harm others, to kill insects and so forth, due to our past karma and being habitually driven by negative attitudes,” His Holiness said.

“From the beginning, we are accustomed to being ignorant about reality and adopt a self-cherishing attitude. Now,

Spiritual leader of Tibet expresses sadness over Italy quake victims

By Yangchen Dolma: August 28, 2016

Dharamsala, India — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed sadness over the loss of life and destruction to property brought about by earthquakes in Italy, a country in Southern Europe.

In a letter to the Prime Minister of Italy, Matteo Renzi, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness at hearing reports of the devastating earthquake that struck Central Italy with loss of many lives and injuries to many people as well as widespread damage to property.

“His Holiness offered his condolences to the Prime Minister and to those that lost members of their families, friends and their homes in the tragedy,” said an official post on Friday (August 26), citing His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

“As a token of solidarity with the people of Italy, His Holiness asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation towards rescue and relief efforts.” it added.

Following the massive devastation and loss of valuable lives in Italy as a result of the massive quake in the country, the Tibetan Parliament in-Exile (TPiE) also has expressed heartfelt sorrow and grief.

In a condolence letter addressed to Mr Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the TPiE expressed his profound condolences to the victims of the devastating earthquake.

“On behalf of all the Tibetans in and outside Tibet, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile express our condolence to

all the victims of the recent earthquake in Central Italy that has taken so many lives,” Tibetan Speaker said.

“The 5th World Parliamentarian Convention on Tibet was held at Rome, Italy in 2009 with the support and cooperation of Italian parliament and its people.

We are thankful of Italy’s ever strong support for the Tibetan Issue. In such period of hardship, our solidarity is with you and your people,” he said.

“We pray for the departed souls and for the victims & their families to overcome this disastrous challenge to get back to peaceful lives soon,” he added.

A strong earthquake struck a mountainous stretch of central Italy early Wednesday (August 24), killing at least 241 people, trapping scores under debris and setting off tremors that awakened residents in Rome, nearly 100 miles to the southwest.

The earthquake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 6.2, struck at 3:36 a.m., about 6.5 miles southeast of the town of Norcia in the Umbria region, followed by about 200 aftershocks over the next several hours, including a 5.5-magnitude tremor at 4:33 a.m.

The authorities said the quake was comparable in intensity to one in 2009 in the Abruzzo region of central Italy that killed more than 300 people.

According to the US geological survey, it was the largest earthquake in Italy since April 2009, when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit L’Aquila, killing at least 295 people and injuring more than 1000.

His His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Long Life Offering ceremony at the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on August 20, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

due to encountering the teaching of the Buddha, we are awakening from the slumber of ignorance. Therefore, we should try to generate the awakening mind of bodhichitta.

In the immediate short term it will bring us peace of mind and better health, while in the longer term it will ensure that we take a higher rebirth.”

Thousands of devotees including monks and nuns, led by Ganden Tri Rinpoche, performed ceremonial prayers for His Holiness’s long life and good health. On behalf of the entire people of Ladakh, Ladakh Buddhist Association President Tsewang Thinles expressed thanks to His Holiness for coming and showering his blessings on them.

He further requested His Holiness to visit Ladakh again and again in the future.

“Every living being needs happiness including animals therefore, respecting others and understanding their problem create happiness,” the spiritual leader said while expressing about the benefits of Bodhitta. He said the spirit of awakening motivates the Bodhisattava way of life and explains the means of cultivating and sustaining this altruistic aspiration.

Mentioning about the cause of suffering the spiritual head said those desiring to escape from suffering hasten right toward suffering. He satisfies with all joys those who are starving for happiness and eliminates all the sorrows of who are afflicted in many ways.

“Every prayer does not depend upon faith, prayer has to be understood properly and we should have a clear mind and spirit to attain teachings,” His Holiness said in his sermon.

Appealing the devotees particularly the monks and nuns not to have blind faith without studying Buddhist scriptures and philosophy, he said, adding wearing robes of monks and adhering to monastic ritual may help in the propagation of Dharma teachings but it won’t help in substance of Buddhism to have a meaningful life.

“From the beginning, we are befriended with ignorance

about reality of things and we absorb self cherishing act now due to Buddha teaching, we are awakening from sleep of ignorance,” he said, adding “we should practice Bodhichitta, the altruistic thought to help other to focus on enlightenment of Buddhahood.

The spiritual leader reiterated that Buddhism has connection with science and said that in the twentieth century scientists focused on externalmatter but towards 21st century, scientists also started giving importance to internal emotions, which affects, the physical aspect of our body.

“These prayers made with great faith and devotion will help me live longer, giving me the opportunity to work for the welfare of all sentient beings,”His Holiness said, responding to their request that His Holiness will visit Ladakh in the near future again.

On 21st August, the last day of the four days of public teachings, His Holiness conferred an Avalokiteshvara empowerment. In the preamble he encouraged Buddhists among his listeners to adopt a vegetarian diet and curtail their use of alcohol. The spiritual leader of Tibet urged everyone to be more compassionate and sincere and to recognise that “we are all brothers and sisters belonging to one human family.”

His upcoming schedule include a four-day teaching on the second chapter of Nagarjuna’s The Precious Garland of the Middle Way (uma rinchen trengwa) from August 29 to September 1 at the main temple Tsuglagkhang, McLeod Ganj, India.

From September 9 to 11, he will attend a Mind & Life Dialogue on Power and Care with leading experts in science, economics and religion, at the Bozar Center for Fine Arts, Brussels, Belgium. Following the conference, he will give a public talk on Individual Engagement and Global Responsibility at the Palais 12, Brussels Expo – Belgium.

Save ancient crafts of Tibet: Handcraft centre calls for young Tibetans

By Harish Pal: August 25, 2016

Mcleodganj — Preserving the Tibetan ancient and traditional crafts faces challenge for the Tibetan Handicraft Co-operative Society Ltd (THC), they told the Tibet Post International (TPI) that they are calling for young Tibetans to join them, providing free training, accommodation, and later job opportunity.

But the response has been “disappointing.”

Tibetan women appear dressed in the traditional Tibetan attire, chuba and sat in front of vertical looms tying ties over a rod, from which spilled threads of wool like streams of colours, at the handcraft centre wich is located near the Dolma Chowk in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, India.

These threads flowed into boxes, resting behind the women, where they were gracefully arranged into colourful bales. In the adjacent room, a pretty store selling Tibetan artefacts, a few visitors were enquiring about the handmade carpets that these women were weaving.

“This co-operative was started with the Dalai Lama’s blessings in 1963 to preserve the ancient craft of Tibetan carpet weaving,” Tamding Tsering (Production manager ) tells to TPI, who has been with the cooperative since 1972.

“In 1959, the year of the Tibetan Uprising, when the Chinese took control, thousands of Tibetans followed the young Dalai Lama’s flight to Dharamsala in India through the Himalayas.”

He share with TPI that his family was one amongst them and that he was still a child when he came to India (Sikkim). “I grew up here and joined the cooperative as an employee, learnt carpet weaving in 1976, and in 1983, I was promoted to the position of a carpet teacher. And since 1992, I have been acting as the production manager.”

This centre and carpet weaving, he told , they have been creating jobs for refugees who arrive from Tibet as well as for those Tibetans like him who

have grown up in exile. The society also provides accommodation and assistance with children education; pension plan for the retired workers; co-ordinates madicare; and takes care of workers and funeral expenses.

The society provides 3 months winter holidays and helps give loans to share holders, who are sweter sellers and and need to travel down to the plains of India to ell ?hundreds of woolen sweaters in various towns and street stalls. It has also been contributing to the Tibetan Government in Exile, he said, which is located a little down the road. ‘’An ancient and traditional craft, carpets have been an intrinsic part of Tibetan culture ‘’ Tamding Tsering (Production manager ) tells to TPI, where they have been used for a myriad of purposes: Sleeping, sitting, as horse saddles, wall hanging, flooring etc.

Another teacher, Dawa Dolma, sitting beside a fellow weaver, where they were working on the same carpet on a loom, told to TPI that the technique used in their weaving was unique. “We still use the archaic vertical loom and double knots’’.

You won’t find any other weaving tradition using the double knot. These knots,” she said beating at them with a wooden hammer, “Are tied over a rod.

When a row of knots is done, we cut the pile and slip out the rod.” When the rod is out, what remains is an emerging pattern on a flat vertical surface.

TPI pointed at the graphs that show rolled and hanging from all the looms, to which the weavers kept referring in the middle of weaving. “These graphs carry the designs of the carpets,” Dawa told the TPI, “And they are prepared by our arts section upstairs.

The patterns that are used for the carpets are traditional Tibetan motifs: animal, floral and symbolic representations; but the colours of these patterns can change as per orders received from our customers.”

Tamding Tsering told the TPI that there are about 63 weavers with the co-operative today. “We have three places here in Mcleodganj apart from this centre where these carpets are being produced.”

And that most of the weavers had come from Tibet as children, and have learnt the craft here.

Dawa had learnt the craft in Nepal, where her family fled for exile. Incidentally, she told me, though carpet weaving still exists in Tibet, most of the work for its preservation has been done in India and Nepal. Over the years, in fact, these two countries have produced more Tibetan carpets than Tibet.

A young man called Tsering, who helps Tamding Tsering look after the production of carpets, revealed, “We export 85 per cent of our carpets, which are mostly sent to the US, Canada, Belgium, France and Japan. And we have a loyal clientele.

We are the only ones in McLeod Ganj making these

handmade Tibetan carpets since 1963.”

Speaking about the longevity of these carpets, he said, “The best thing about Tibetan carpets is the quality: They last long. One carpet lasts for at least 40 years. For instance, the ones at my home were made by my parents about half a century ago; but they still look good. So I say Tibetan carpets last a lifetime.

They are washable, but should be dried well.”

TPI further learnt from him that the centre trains youngsters in this art. “We advertise in the newspapers calling for young people interested in this craft to trained with us. We provide them free training, give them free accommodation, and also pay them for their work. But the response has been disappointing.” Tamding Tsering added, “With time, the weavers are becoming less in number. The new generation is not taking an interest in the art.

Probably because it involves a lot of hard work.”

Tibetan Handicraft Co-operative Society Ltd (THC) in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, on August 22, 2016. Photo: TPI/Harish Pal

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TPI NEWS

Back Page Focus China further tightens control over sharing information from Tibet Tibetan August 31, 2016

By Yeshe Choesang: August 22, 2016

Dharamshala — Chinese authorities in Ngaba County, Amdho region of north-eastern Tibet (Ch: Aba County, Qinghai Province, northwest China) have issued a textdbook – which features prohibitions already in place against any form of peaceful protest and sharing of information from inside Tibet to abroad via social media platforms, according to sources in the region.

In a newly issued textbook, the Chinese authorities have warned Buddhist monks of Kirti monastery in Ngaba county, against staging any form of peaceful protest, including self-immolation and sharing of information from inside Tibet to abroad via social media platforms.

The leaked textbook copies obtained by the Kirti Monastery in exile– bans monks from engaging in any form of protest, including distributing “separatist” leaflets, and displaying portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at any public gatherings that promote “separatist” goals or oppose China’s repressive rule.

“The textbook was issued by Chinese authorities in Ngaba district, on July 28, 2016,’ source said, its containing a set of decrees, criminalising all forms of peaceful protest, silent march, self immolation and the use of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait, banners, posters, leaflets during protest as an act of “disrupting social stability”.

The tightening of increasing restrictions on religion in Tibetan areas clearly shows the systematic compromise of the human rights of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government.

Another provision in the textbook prohibited the monks from sharing information on social media such as wechat, to the outside world, declaring it as an illegal act of “leaking state secrets” and “engaging in separatist activities.”

The bilingual handbook, written in Tibetan and Chinese, was distributed across 40 other monasteries in Ngaba County, including Kirti Monastery. The Chinese authorities have reportedly conducted a meeting of representatives of all the monasteries in Ngaba to declare enforcement of the textbook in each of the monasteries.

Tibetans inside Tibet describe it as a conspicuous move by the Chinese government to justify its brutal repression of peaceful dissent,’ the source said, adding that this brought to light the extreme nature of community party brutality in Tibet.

The source also revealed that the new textbook stipulates: Anyone violating these directives will be punished according to the law. Those who are inciting self-immolation will be charged with murder. Those who are using social media- WeChat to send, download or publicise images, drawing,

audio or videos that contain information endorsing separatism will be severely punished according to the law under “leaking national secrets”.

The textbook is titled “Monastic Legal Cases Textbook”. It has been circulated among all monks of the Kirti Monastery, who have reportedly been ordered to study it seriously.

The legal cases – roughly translated by TPI – of illegal activities and explanatory notes by the Chinese government are as follows: Case 1: To write, announce or distribute banners, posters, leaflets, and raise the Tibetan flag at any public places that promote “separatist” goals will be considered as a crime of inciting activities of splitting the nation, Page 01.

Case 2: To raise or carry the Dalai Lama’s photos at any public places will be considered as a crime of inciting activities of splitting the nation, Page 15.

Case 3: “Self-immolation” protest will carefully be classified as criminal penalties and will be charged with “sabotaging social stability” by “using dangerous methods,” Page 24.

Case 4: Those found aiding or inciting others to self-immolate, will be considered “intentional murder”. Those charged of these crimes will be punished, Page 29.

Case 5: Sending information to the outside world, including state secrets, drawings or images, audio or videos that contain information inciting to splitting the nation, by illegally using WeChat will be charged with “leaking state secrets” and “inciting activities of splitting the nation”, Page 80.

Since 2009, a total of 144 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest against the Chinese government’s

repressive policies in Tibetan areas. Many such protests have taken place in Ngaba region, especially by the monks of Kirti monastery.

However, Chinese authorities have responded to such protests with heightened repression and severe punishments to the family members of the self-immolators.

Last year in August, Dolma Kyab, 32, was sentenced to death by an intermediate people’s court in Ngaba (Ch: Aba) prefecture for allegedly killing his wife, Kunchok Wangmo. Kunchok Wangmo, aged in her 30s, was believed by Tibetans to have set herself on fire in protest against the repressive policies of the Chinese government.

In a similar case, Lobsang Tsondue, who is a paternal uncle and teacher of the deceased Phuntsok (who selfimmolated on 16 March 2011) was sentenced to 11 years in prison on charges of “intentional homicide for hiding Phuntsok and preventing him from getting medical treatment after he set himself on fire”.

Hundreds of Tibetans, including writers, bloggers, singers and environmentalists, have been detained or are imprisoned since 2008, after attempting to express their views or share news of the situation in Tibet with the outside world, and provides further evidence of a widespread crackdown against free expression in Tibet.

Sporadic demonstrations challenging Chinese repressive rule have continued in Tibet since widespread protests swept the region in 2008, with more than 140 Tibetans to date setting themselves ablaze to oppose Beijing’s repression and call for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

McGovern and House lawmakers call for: U.S. government officials to invite the Dalai Lama to every event, on every occasion, where his knowledge and decades of reflections would be helpful for addressing the world’s problems.

U.S. government officials to facilitate the involvement of the Dalai Lama or his representatives in the global debate on climate change and its potential consequences given Tibet’s fragile environment, rapid warming, and critically important reserves of freshwater.

The establishment of a U.S. consular office in Lhasa, Tibet to help the U.S. observe and address the obstacles to freedom of movement that affect both Tibetans within China, and U.S. citizens, including Tibetan-Americans, who seek to travel to Tibetan areas of China.

The U.S. government to publicly support the right

of the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet President Obama to publicly and regularly call for the immediate and unconditional release of all Tibetan political prisoners held by the People’s Republic of China whose cases have been documented by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

Enforcement of norms of reciprocity to ensure that senior Chinese officials responsible for restricting the access of U.S. officials, journalists, Tibetan-Americans and other citizens to Tibetan areas of China are themselves restricted in their travel when they are in the United States.

Other members of the state’s all-Democratic House delegation who signed the letter include Reps. Michael Capuano, Richard Neal, William Keating, Niki Tsongas, Joe Kennedy and Stephen Lynch.

US lawmakers urges President Obama to make Tibet a priority now

By Yangchen Dolma: August 20, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Seventy-two Members of Congress of the United States have urged President Barack Obama to formulate “new, creative strategies to encourage meaningful dialogue, protect Tibetan rights, and preserve their unique cultural, religious and linguistic identity” during the remaining months of his term in office.

This appeal was contained in a letter that was initiated by Congressman Jim McGovern. The letter also urges the Administration to take proactive steps to support the Dalai Lama and Tibet.

McGovern Leads 72 Lawmakers in Call for President Obama to Make Tibet a Priority in Final Months in Office.

Congressman McGovern has been a leading voice in Congress pushing for the United States to do more to support reforms that would strengthen human rights in Tibet. In November 2015, Congressman McGovern joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers on a trip to China and Tibet to urge Chinese leaders to enact reforms to increase the freedom and autonomy of the Tibetan people.

“We write to ask that you redouble efforts in support of the Tibetan people during your remaining months in office. We believe it is critically important to move beyond words to actions,” McGovern and House lawmakers wrote in the letter to President Obama.

“The Tibetan people view the United States as their friend. It is time to honor that friendship with new, creative strategies to encourage meaningful dialogue, protect Tibetan rights, and preserve their unique cultural, religious and linguistic identity.”

In the letter to President Obama, Congressman

Education and the Future of the Tibetan Youth

By Barbara Machado: August 19, 2016

The copies of handbook front-cover and content, listing illegal activities related to the self-immolation protest in Tibet and sharing information that lead to leaking national secrets. Photo: TPI

Barack Obama is the 44th and current president of the United States, and the first African American to serve as U.S. president. Photo: File

The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala — In an interview, one of the education officers of the Department of Education of the Central Tibetan Administration told TPI a bit of the Department’s work and her views on the future of Tibet. She spoke on condition of anonymity, so we will be referring to her as Tenzom.

She explained that the primary goals of the Department of Education are to provide modern education to young Tibetans and to preserve the Tibetan culture and language. His Holiness the Dalai Lama considers the lack of modern education one of the reasons why Tibetans were such an easy prey for the Chinese government.

She told TPI that there are currently 72 Tibetan schools operating in India and Nepal and that 14 of these schools are directly under the Department of Education. The Central Tibetan Administration is now trying to take control of the other Tibetan schools that are run by the Indian Government in order to further fortify the teachings of Tibetan culture and language.

On a more personal level, Tenzom told TPI about her feelings as a Tibetan and her thoughts on the future of the Tibetan community in exile. She is struggling with her own identity. She has not seen her parents since she was 6 years old and considers her English

better than her Tibetan – problems that many Tibetans born in India face today.

She feels that the Tibetan zeitgeist is losing its momentum. When the first Tibetans came to India, they expected to go back to Tibet in a couple of years.

Things did not happen this way and the Tibetans have been in exile for more than 50 years. Naturally, a new Tibetan generation has arisen, a generation that has little or no connection with Tibet. She thinks that if the situation remains the same, without any concrete developments, the intensity of the Tibetan cause will decrease.

“I know the struggle will continue as long as there are Tibetans living in exile but the intensity of the struggle will wear out. I really hope something happens in the next 10 or 20 years because if it doesn’t, the next generation will be completely disconnected from Tibet,” she told TPI. “Especially if His Holiness passes away, I don’t really know what will happen then! He is the soul of Tibet,” she added.

Another issue is that the Tibet cause is slowly losing International awareness and support as it has been in crisis for more than half a century and has shown no positive results, despite all national and international efforts.

She concluded the interview by saying, “These are scary things to think about when I sleep at night.”

Tibetan Department of Education oversees 73 Tibetan schools, which have 24,000 students and 2,200 staff members in total. Photo: CTA