Tibetans are not anti-Chinese: His Holiness
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See Page 5.... Vol. 02, Issue 96, Print Issue 20, 15 October 2013 The only Nobel Peace price winner in prison
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His Holiness’s disappointment is not caused by TYC pursuing independence See Page 3.....
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Responsible citizenship beyond boundaries: His Holiness By Adrivit Bhattacharya: 11 October 2013
Report filed by RSF: 10 October 2013
Paris: - Awaiting the announcement of the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Reporters Without Borders issues a call to remember that dissident Liu Xiaobo, the 2010 laureate, will mark his sixth year of imprisonment in December. Notably absent from the ceremony to grant him the award, Liu Xiaobo is serving an 11-year sentence at Jinzhou Prison in Dalian, Liaoning Province, east of Beijing. Liu Xiaobo is one of the founders of “Charter 08,” a daring public call for fundamental political reforms, democracy and human rights in China. The text prompted a charge of “inciting subversion.” Liu Xiaobo’s harsh criticism of the Chinese government in his writings and his online information work led to systematic official harassment, and repeated incarcerations. “We are keeping Liu Xiaobo and his wife, Liu Xia, in our thoughts,” Reporters Without Borders said. “They embody the courage and determination of cyber-dissidents and human rights defenders in China.
Popularizing hands-on science among Tibetan students. By Adrivit Bhattacharya: 08 October 2013
Dharamshala: - Science is not just to be read and understood, but done and experienced ! - With this primary objective of making science more interesting, acceptable and fun among young Tibetan students, the Tibetan Children’s Village School TCV, Selakui (in association with the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration) has recently organized ‘Mobile Science Exhibition Program-2013.’ An enthusiastic team (comprising of 76 students and 6 science teachers of TCV Selakui), led by their principal Mr. Duke Tsering started the exhibition tour on 17 September covering a total of 6 Tibetan schools ( namely CST Mussoorie, THF Mussoorie, CST Herbertpur, THF Rajpur, STS Paonta Sahib and TNMF Clementown)in 2 weeks around the Dehradun region. 3 months of rigorous preparation by the team for the exhibition, resulted in some very interesting exhibits. To name a few - the water cycle dance, impersonation of great scientists, skit show on ‘scientific method’, release of hot air balloons, science magic show, and 25 exciting science models prepared by these students were a big hit. The tour ended with a grand program being organized at the TCV Selakui school premises on October 26, which is also the school’s annual “Science Day”. The program, funded by USAID through the Tibet Fund, will organize similar events in Karnataka cluster schools next year.
Discussion on “Mangtso/Democracy
Atlanta, Georgia: - As part of his ongoing two week tour of the USA , Mexico and Poland - His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke at the Gwinnet Arena in Atlanta, Georgia at a talk on “The Pillars of Responsible Citizenship in the 21st Century Global Village” organized by the Emory University. His Holiness commneced his speech with the notion that todays young generation belong to the twenty-first century and have the future ahead of them.”We must reflect back to human history and humanity to realize the necessity of secular ethics and how increasingly relevant it has become in todays society. Historians say 200 million people died violently during the twentieth century, despite many wonderful developments, it was a period of bloodshed and violence. I believe that if we think of others as our human brothers and sisters there will be no room to cheat, deceive and fight them. We need to change our way of solving problems and conflicts; instead of force we need to rely on dialogue. We need to think less of ‘them’ and ‘us’ and take others into account. There will always be sources of conflict between us, but when they arise we need to talk them through not fight about them. We need to make this new century the century of compassion”, he said. “Nowadays we are so interdependent that the destruction of our neighbours means our own destruction too. This is why we have to think of building a more compassionate society and we need to do it less on the basis of faith than on reasoning. If we apply common sense we can see that among our neighbours families who love and trust each other and greet others in a friendly way. On the other hand, even when a family is materially better off, if they lack warm feelings for each other, if they are jealous and mistrustful, moved by suspicion, they’re not very happy.” To ensure our physical health we need peace of mind. Therefore, just as we need to observe physical hygiene to stay well, we need to develop emotional hygiene too.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during his talk on ‘The Pillars of Responsible Citizenship in the 21st Century Global Village’ at the Arena at the Gwinnet Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 8, 2013. Photo/Sonam Zoksang
“Society will not be changed by UN intervention or by rulings from Capitol Hill. Society is made up of individuals, so change must start with individuals. Change will come not from giving or spending money, but from changing our minds. We can overcome our problems by applying secular ethics based on common sense, common experience and scientific findings. Thank you - now
Central Tibetan Administration extols Gandhi’s non-violent freedom struggle
questions.” Post lunch, he met key members of the Emory-Tibet Medical Science Initiative and Tibetan Medicinal Research who explained some of the scientific research they are conducting on Tibetan medicine. See Page 7......
Support Lhamo Tso for her family reunionfamily
By Adrivit Bhattacharya: 10 October 2013
Dharamshala: - The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Wednesday, September 2 observed the 144th birthday anniversary of the world’s icon of non-violence and truth, Mahatma Gandhi. Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Tibet called on “Tibetans inside and outside Tibet to reaffirm their commitment to nonviolence in the freedom struggle.” “On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, we offer our profound reverence to Mahatma Gandhi and gratitude to the people and government of India,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay told reporters at a ceremony marking the occasion at the secretariat. “Tibetans are leading a successful non-violent freedom struggle and we rededicate ourselves to non-violence,” Sikyong said, adding, “the world trend has shown that countries regained freedom in their pursuit of non-violence.” Sikyong also said: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama had shared inspiring news that the Middle-Way approach will succeed in resolving the Tibet issue. Tibetans will see the day when the issue of Tibet is resolved within the lifetime of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” Sikyong called on Tibetans inside and outside Tibet to imbibe and rededicate themselves to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings of peace and non-violence.”
Lhamo Tso, wife of imprisoned Dhondup Wangchen. Photo: TPI By Tenzin Tselha: 9 October 2013 Dr Lobsang Sangay during the International Day of Non-violence, Oct. 2, 2013. Photo: TPI
Observing the commemorative event this morning at the Kashag hall, Dr Sangay said “we wish all Indians a purposeful Gandhi Jayanti”. The Sikyong along with his Cabinet Ministers, Secretaries of departments and senior staff members of the CTA attended the prayer service and offered traditional Tibetan white scarves to the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October is also marked as the International Day of Non-violence as per a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on 15 June 2007.
Elderly Tibetan sentenced to 2-1/2 years in prison for shouting slogans
(San Francisco) October 9, 2013 - Lhamo Tso, wife of filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen, accompanied by actor Mr. Peter Coyote, went today to the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco to handover letters and pictures for her husband who is in a Chinese prison and whose birthday is on October 17. Mr. Coyote said that he was told about the case of Dhondup recently and decided to accompany and support Lhamo Tso in her struggle to reunite her family: “It is hard to imagine a great country like China, threatened by a documentary film maker. Keeping him imprisoned can only make the world suspect that he must have been telling inconvenient truths. See Page 7...
Monk arrested for allegedly sending protest reports
By Bhattaya: 10 October 2013
NDPT president Mr Gelek Jamyang addressing during the discussion forum in Dharamshala, India, on October 5, 2013. Photo: NDPT By Yeshe Choesang: 6 October 2013
Dharamsala: - A discussion forum was held by Dharamshala based National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT)to promote a better understanding of democratic processes in exile. The discussion on “Mangtso/Democracy” was held at the TCV Day School in McLeod Ganj Town of Dharamshala, India. A distinguished panel of speakers, including Mr. Penpa Tsering (Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile), Dawa Phunkyi (MP) and Kalsang Gyaltsen (mp). The collaborative undertaking aims to facilitate the general Tibetan public a space to have a better understanding of various contemporary issues concerning Tibet and Tibetans by moderating public discussions at varying levels. NDPT is the first ever democratic political party formed in the history of Tibet. It was founded on September 4th, 1994 with the initiative of the Tibetan Youth Congress.
Dayang, a 68 year old Tibetan man from Driru County of eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala: - Reports surfaced of an elderly 68 year old Tibetan man named Dayang being detained and allegedly beaten by the Chinese police for shouting pro Tibet independence slogans. Latest reports emerge of him being sentenced to a two-anda-half year jail term. Dayang was arrested on September 3, 2013 in Driru (Kham region of eastern Tibet) and picked up from a cultural show organized by the Chinese authorities. Three weeks later, on September 24 the local People’s Court announced the verdict and sentenced the 68 year old to a two-and- a-half years in prison. Sources state the alleged torture of Dayang, while in police custody and he is currently said to be recuperating in a local hospital from severe internal injuries. This incident highlights the widespread protests and chaos prevailing in Driru due to the Government’s recent efforts to force Tibetans to display their acceptance of the authority and express their “forced” happiness.
Kalsang Choedhar. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 15 October 2013
Dharamshala: - A Tibetan was detained by Chinese authorities for his role in allegedly sending out information on the recent mass protest in Kham Driru County of eastern Tibet. “Kalsang Choedhar, a monk from Palyul monastery in Palyul County was arrested by Chinese police on October 12 (3pm Local Time) in the main market in Sog County, eastern Tibet,” Ngawang Tharpa, a Tibetan journalist living in exile told The Tibet Post International. See Page 7...
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The Tibet Post International
The Liberty Bell of Tibet– To be or not to be? Part I
If the world is so concerned, why is there still pain in Tibet? 15 October 2013
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the world and bleeding heart NGOS have put forward. If only the Tibetans weren’t setting themselves ablaze by the score in protest against the Chinese brutal repression that is crushing the life out of their occupied country, it would easier to ignore them and return with a temporary economy benefit. No need for concern over the issues of Tibet, because it can be safely dealt with in a cosy private talk with the Chinese leaders. It has became a system crushed in their minds, they knows the rules. It’s only when you raise Tibet and human rights concerns publicly that the Chinese leadership takes exception. The totalitarians fields many world leaders’ politelyconstructed queries about the worsening situation in Tibet. They know they have to do it. The totalitarians know they have to do it. After all, what people of the world have seen is that those leaders never have been taken a serious concern over the long-lasting cry of Tibetan people, one of the world’s most oppressed people for nearly six decades. So when it comes to criticising China over Tibet and human rights, does any government have a moral leg to stand on, seriously considering taking up major issues of the region, including historical facts? With a nod and a wink, the closed door conversations whose actual contents will never be made his/her public draws to a close. Beijing offers carefully-worded reassurances that something will be done without a single written word promise. And then, with a mental sigh of relief, many governments tick off the little human rights items and moves on to free and open trade, including currency exchange deals. The sweet words of free and open trade, the silent or peaceful human rights discussions is just so no one is offended. What they have chosen is, letting the totalitarian regime to oppress the Tibetans and demolish their cultural identity.
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Dharamshala: - Chinese leaders are aware that Western politicians are under major pressures from their people to raise Tibet, human rights and other so called “sensitive” issues to visiting Chinese officials. So a mechanism has been created to cater for their economic needs to silence the peoples pressure. It consists of a meaningless talks of show otherwise known as the obligatory-behind-closed-doors-humanrights-discussion and western powers need for Chinese monetary support. We can imagine from the media reports that the elected foreign officials who head towards Beijing on a trade mission with thousands of Human Rights petitions, accompanied by a selected media circus and yet praise the rule of a totalitarian government. It is all about commercial priorities under the red star flag that shakes up millions of individuals in China, including Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Eastern Turkistan, but the world leaders feel obliged to pay little or no attention to Human Rights concerns that pushy Tibetans in exile and international lobby groups for Tibet around
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By Jack Fenton: 15 October 2013
Symbols elected to articulate or answer the weight of a massive wrong might not at first glance appear to volunteer much to the cause of a people seeking the restitution of their homeland and the redeeming of their independence - but if a particular symbol of freedom were to be cast successfully into a vibrant visible form, and the tangible form was pervaded of enough meaning and inherent power - if it were to have the singular capacity in its manifestation to stop someone in their tracks, that symbol might very well take on the life-affirming force of a vivid talisman informed of a universal sentiment. Its arrival on the Tibetan scene welcomed and deeply associated to, not just by their specific group, but also if the symbol is a sensitively layered and potent creation designed in every aspect as a vocal piece for freedom, and if the object is worthily contained of enough magnetism and charisma in that respect, its brought forward existence might easily become a celebrated affair appreciated by an ever widening body of people. In that case the true value of the symbol’s worth in being transformed from an idea to a tangible reality is not under question. It has something of a vibrant inevitability and a quality of insistent life attached to it that is all of its own; and the urgent voice to the realization of its physical creation speaks out worthily, over and beyond the measure of its material cost. Symbols of this special kind, backed by the heart of a people, are destined to become a tangible beacon proclaiming their service to a particular reality in plain public sight. If they truly have enough grit at the heart of them, and if they have enough emotive power backing them too, they may even gain the fortunate distinction of becoming unusually famous and even extraordinary visual objects of collective regard. They can only perform this alchemy successfully if primarily both the object’s outward visible form, and the symbol’s inward intensity of deep sentiment accorded to it, are both synchronized and touched unlimitedly at the very heart of their expression by the participation of a radical empathy and the good pulse of something that originates from our share in the universal spirit. The freedom and destiny of Tibet is by no means an isolated, forgettable or other-worldly matter! It is no exaggeration to say that the freedom of Tibet
CARPE DIEM
concerns anybody and everybody today who is vitally alive to preserving and defending the issues of human rights, free speech and the core validity of democracy in our time. With this consideration in mind, I humbly venture to propose that the foundation of a Dharma site and the creation of a Tibetan Liberty Bell – if the concept and its implementation is seized soon enough - may well combine to raise a place of special note, and the bell by its own strength become one those aforementioned extraordinary symbols that capture the imagination with great impact. If the architecture, features and the considered placement of the bell are boldly inspired in their choice, the entity of the Tibetan Liberty Bell will but gain in great esteem, and be well versed in every way to articulate expansively the living attributes of non-violence, though still defiant resistance and dignified grace under pressure that are a key part of the Tibetan ethos. The Tibetan Liberty Bell’s arrival within the Tibetan community, if inaugurated on the 6th July by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, would seize all the witnessing hearts on that very day with great significance and evoke the unprecedented moment in a poignant and remarkable event of lasting influence! So what might it look like, this Tibetan Liberty Bell? And where might it best be located? To answer the second part of the enquiry first: the bell and its structure must, without any reservation whatsoever, sit squarely in the grounds at the Main temple in Dharamshala! There on the paved grounds, directly in front of the office, is a location too perfectly appropriate for words! The area is ample and the monument site would in no way crowd the space unduly or intrude on any of the existing structures that would be adjacent to it – not even a single tree in the area need be removed from its present place! There in that secure spot, the Tibetan Liberty Bell will enjoy its highest prominence in the Tibetan community. In addition to this consideration, its instalment there in a place of special focus would place its notable presence within fine, accessible sight from the higher quarters attached to the larger complex at the back of the office - One might easily imagine that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, might possibly
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pause from the affairs of his busy agenda to stand poised at an upper window; there taking marked note of the substantial arrival of the Liberty Bell, whose presence is now ornamenting and lending a decided air of gravitas to the grounds of the temple. There is no question that this place, and this place alone, is the only and the best location - An undisturbed place, according the monument safety from petty vandalism, and the bell’s maximal felt presence kept right at the very hub of Tibetan activity and interest. So imagine a pink-sandstone arch – precisely the same stone chosen by H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to realize his vision of the construction of the many stupas that now grace every place associated with the life of Lord Buddha – both splendid and yet austerely simple in design. The arch stands on a circular platform bearing the voluminous design of the Dharma Wheel, and the outer surface of the meter high foundation wall is clad in a deep green, reflective stone overlay. Around the circumference of the wall are the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan lore. A judicious selection of texts, invocations and symbolic characters are carved about the arch’s columns. And it is there, at the high-point of the sweeping arch we are contemplating, that it suddenly departs from the more benign and restrained expressions of its iconography, and takes on an altogether more formidable and challenging aspect at its central highpoint, in the glowering shape and fearsome lineaments of ‘Mahakala’. He growls in confederate protection – a jet-black face, three wild eyes, sharply gaping fanged-mouth and flurrying headdress of grimacing skulls - the undisputed tantric guardian and defender of Buddhist religion since antiquity. The Mongol Emperor himself, Kublai Khan, who on the esteemed advice of his Tibetan spiritual mentor, Phags-pa, duly elected to pay homage to the tutelary power of this deity in support of his eventually successful bid to overthrow Song China! How apt now that the potent and prescient visage of the earthshaking Tantric deity should grace it’s fearsome presence - allied now to the present-day Tibetan imperative to overcome the oppressive grip of the Chinese regime – to pose conspicuously at the central high-spot of the Liberty Arch! Shifting the focus of our vision directly below the savage face of the tutelary deity, we notice there is attached there, a hefty chain of sturdiest-link, whose plain function it is to bear the austerely beautiful, imposing shape of a voluminous, yet decidedly quiescent bell. There is no doubt that this is the massive and unmistakable singular presence of the Tibetan Liberty bell. A tremendous object that compels the eye and manifestly rules the whole of its space with a special sense of order and meaning that immediately communicates itself to the onlooker. The bell is deeply, deeply silent! Picture now this bell in its formidable expression of compelling sobriety, some twelve feet high and resounding – auspiciously- to the mind’s eye with an almost palpable edge of latent power. There is much of a confiding gravitas and a great sense of significance informing its solemn presence, for the bell was inaugurated on the birthday of His Holiness, by his hand; and the love and the hopes for his people reside not only in his heart, but also to some degree in vital expression here. On one side of the bell is a memorably striking depiction of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama : His Holiness is observed seated cross-legged in a serene pose expressive of an implacable inner strength and radiant contemplation that is true of his reputation as long-time spiritual head of Tibet. Hovering above his right shoulder – relevantly, as we shall see - is a depiction of the risen sun, while just above his left shoulder is the correlating form of the freshly arrived crescent moon. Further to this and adding to the pictorial vision most strikingly, is appearing in exalting ascendance above the crown of the Dalai Lama’s head, an unfolding column of combining visages that appear from the deepest root of his meditation and reveal his identity unmistakably as none other than the incarnated Avalokiteshvara: the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Directly below the venerable form of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is inscribed: “ There are three things that cannot be hidden : the sun, the moon and the truth.” Part II to be continued on next issue. You can reach him at jack-bluelotus@hotmail.com
3 TPI NEWS exile news I Exiled Tibetans held prayer Tibetan Youth Congress observes 44th Founding Anniversary for solidarity with Shichung The Tibet Post International
15 October 2013
By Yeshe Choesang: 07 October 2013
By Yeshe Choesang: 07 October 2013
Dharamshala: On October 4, 2013, a prayer service was held for the Tibetan self-immolator Shichung at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India. Shichung, a 41-year-old father of two children, died on September 28 after setting himself on fire outside his home and running about 40 steps towards the main road shouting slogans against the Chinese repressive policies in Tibet. Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay spoke ‘about the continued repression of Tibetan people by Chinese authorities in Tibet.’ He expressed his condolences to the family of Shichung and all the other Tibetan self-immolators.’ According to the CTA. ‘Sikyong also aired his disapproval of high-handedness by Chinese authorities while dealing with peaceful Tibetan protesters.’ The prayer service organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration was presided over by Tromthok Rinpoche, abbot of Namgyal monastery. Over one hundred Tibetans, including monks, nuns, supporters, and the heads of the three pillars of Tibetan democracy attended the prayer gathering as a mark of respect and solidarity with all those Tibetans who set themselves on fire for
the just cause of Tibet. Shichung who died in the latest self-immolation protesting about Chinese rule in Tibet had told many of his friends a few days before his protest that “the Chinese would not let us live”. Soon after the incident, Beijing deployed heavy security forces in the area and imposed severe restrictions. The burning protest by Shichung brought to 121 the total number of self-immolations since the wave of burnings began in 2009 in protest against Chinese repressive rule and of them 104 reportedly passed-away from their severe injuries. The Tibetan self-immolation protesters called for freedom for Tibetan people and the return of their spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. In 2013 alone, 23 Tibetans set themselves on fire to protest against the Chinese government’s hardline policies towards Tibet and the Tibetan people. The Central Tibetan Administration said the Chinese government’s continued occupation of Tibet and policies of political repression, cultural assimilation, economic marginalisation and environmental destruction are solely responsible for pushing Tibetans to take drastic forms of protests, including self-immolations.
New York host 3rd Tibetan Language Schools conference
Representative Kaydor Aukatsang addressing the conference in New York. Photo: TPI By Adrivit Bhattacharya: 09 October 2013
Dharamshala: - After the grand success of the first two conferences being held in Michigan (2008) and San Francisco Bay Area (2012), this years “3rd Conference of the North American Tibetan Language Schools” was held from 28-29 September in New York City. The conference, hosted by the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey under the patronage of the Office of Tibet, was inaugurated by Mr. Kaydor Aukatsang, Representative of His Holiness The Dalai Lama to the Americas. Distinguished delegates from 12 North American Tibetan language schools, lecturers teaching Tibetan language in American universities and other experts were among the attendees invited to attend the conference. The conference’s agenda was made on the recommendations being made at last years conference hosted by the Tibetan Association of Northern California. During the two day event, the final draft of the text books for KG to Class II (Level One) and initial draft of the work books and text books for Class III to V (Level Two) were presented and discussed in detail.These text books were revised as per the common curriculum set at the first such conference(Michigan, 2008). The decision to adopt such a common curriculum for Class VI to VIII (Level Three) was taken as a result of which a 7 member committee responsible for the recommendation of revised text books, was set up under the leadership of Gen Wangyal Ritzekura of the Tibetan Association of Minnesota. The final drafts of the revised text books for Level Two and Three will be presented at the 4th conference scheduled to be held in Washington DC next year, the working committee decided. The decision to have a common classroom syllabus to be uniformly implemented across all the North American Tibetan Language Schools was also taken. The common syllabus will be carefully formulated,
keeping in mind the fact that only 40 classes/sessions can be conducted a year on average - as the schools operate only on weekends, the working committee said. Furthermore, it was decided to create a single website (common for all the North American Tibetan Language Schools) where all the information including text books, classroom syllabus, teaching resources, and other materials required by the schools and the students can be made available. Since its first conference held in Michigan back in 2008 (hosted by the Office of Tibet with the logistic support from Jewel Heart Buddhist Centers headquartered at Ann Arbor, Michigan), which coincided with the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the event has come a long way - growing bigger and better - and already looking forward to its 4th. chapter (to be hosted by the Office of Tibet), scheduled to be held in Washington DC in August 2014
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Dhramshala: - Tibetan youths in Dharamshala and all around the world on Monday, October 7, 2013 observed the 44th founding day anniversary of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC, the largest non-governmental organization in the exiled Tibetan community. The Dharamshala ceremony started with one minute silence to mourn the Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Tibet, followed by singing of the Tibetan national anthem. Rtyc Dharamshala’s education Secretary Tenzin Tsundue thanked guests and fans for showing their support and solidarity with Tibet. He also spoke about some of the major challenges faced by the RTYC, adding their commitment to the cause of Tibetan freedom will remain strong. A group of young Tibetans, joined by a number of international supporters participated in the “RUN FOR TIBET,” to commemorate the occasion. The winners of ‘Run for Tibet’ marathon race; 5 boys and 5 girls were given special medals. The event was organized by Rtyc Dharamshala. The chief guest Major (Retd.), Vijay Singh Mankotia, former Minister of Himachal Pradesh praised the efforts made by the TYC members over the past 44-years, saying it has displayed “outstanding courage” for the Tibetan cause and helped the movement go forward. He also expressed his strong support and solidarity for the Tibetan struggle. He says he hopes “the dream for a free Tibet is not faraway.” “On this auspicious occasion of the 44th founding day anniversary of TYC, we the Central Executive Committee members of the 15th administrative body of TYC, in lieu of our 35000 active members worldwide, wholeheartedly express our deeply felt homage and gratitude to our beloved leader - His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama,” the newly elected TYC President Tenzing Jigme said in a statement to commemorate the anniversary. “We also extend unwavering respect and support to the indomitable courage and dedication of our martyrs and express sincere greetings to all our brothers and sisters inside Tibet and in exile,” the statement said. “In 1959, subsequent to the invasion of Tibet by the red Chinese; thousands of Tibetans were persecuted, brutally oppressed and endured insurmountable suffering resulting in our beloved leader and government to seek asylum in exile. This resulted in the advent of the Tibetan Diaspora. The trauma of death, repression, exile and separation between families produced an indefinite number of courageous, dedicated Tibetans infused with a pure and passionate sense of restoring our nation,” it stated. The statement further added that “they gathered to discuss strategies and initiatives in order to garner momentum and support and bring about a resolution to the Tibet’s issue and congregated to combine the strength, enthusiasm and resources of Tibetans spread all over, in particular, the youth. This prompted the inception of a movement and the formation of Tibetan Youth Congress on this very auspicious day 44 years ago thus inscribing a crucial chapter in the history of our struggle.” “In this prolonged 44-year history of Tibetan Youth Congress, during the first general convention, in the presence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Kalons of Central Tibetan Administration, it delivered genuine discourses and gradually formulated the objectives, structural form and aims of this organization where resolutions were passed unanimously and accordingly. Since its inception, TYC convenes Working Committee Meetings annually and General Body Meetings persistently every three years. Deliberating on numerous issues such as politics, democracy, religion, preservation of Tibetan culture and literature, and social services, TYC formulates pragmatic action plans and resolutions. In accordance with the primary objective of Tibetan Youth Congress and the fundamental principles of resolutions passed in consecutive conventions, it is a fact that our organization has strived consistently to amass the strength of Tibetans in general and particularly the youth.” “As for the spiritual and political aspect of Tibet, our organization has performed numerous activities and services benefiting our community and our struggle. Also scores of pragmatic capable leaders have cultivated and evolved through this organization serving our community today in various capacities and have dedicated and brought immense benefit towards
The 44th TYC Founding Anniversary Day function held at TIPA Ground 7th October, 2013. Photo: TPI
sustaining our culture and contributing to the democratization of our society. With the blessings and kindness of our leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the unwavering support of Tibetans in exile, coupled with the trust and unfaltering conviction of those Tibetans inside Tibet, and sacrifices made by former members of TYC, today it is an organization which is heavily relied upon by both Tibetans inside and in exile and one which the government of China fears and worries. However, in the last decade, due to lack of coordination and unity among its members, the organization has suffered a setback in its smooth functioning. Additionally, we have experienced immense regret and remorse that some of these incidents and activities have disappointed our supreme and beloved leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The occurrence of these isolated incidents has caused loss not only for our organization but also for Tibetans and the greater cause in general. It is a matter of intense despair and inconceivable disappointment experienced by all members of TYC.” Thus from this 15th Executive Committee members of Tibetan Youth Congress, we sincerely and wholeheartedly express heartfelt repentance regarding incidents or actions conducted out of ignorance or obscuration which has caused disappointment to His Holiness and earnestly wish for his forgiveness. We sincerely pledge that this will not happen in the future and have subsequently submitted an apology letter to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In relation to this important issue, TYC adopted certain resolutions during the 15th general body meeting this year some of which we would like to reiterate today: 1) TYC withdraws the resolution passed during the 43rd Working Committee Meeting which states: TYC will work to persuade or appeal the central Tibetan administration to initiate change in their official policy from Middle Way to Independence struggle. We also refrain to behave as a political party/opponent of the CTA in future. 2) Since we were unable to dispense required time during recently convened general body meeting, but in concordance to the fundamental principles of our code of conduct, we have adopted a resolution considering the re-amendment of article four of TYC aims and objectives at the next General Body Meeting. The resolution states: Tibetan Youth Congress will continue to strive or struggle for the attainment of unified independence of all three provinces of Tibet; however in future, under the direction of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we will respect and support, the ultimate majority decision of Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, when Tibet’s issue reaches the juncture of contended settlement. 3) We have withdrawn the statement, concerning the issue of alteration or change in the title of Tibetan Government in Exile to Central Tibetan Administration, released during a press conference convened by executive committee members of TYC on 7th June 2011. 4) In this year’s 10th March TYC Statement, the assertion made that, ‘the present Kashag is open-minded in terms of policy and attitude and we hope this will continue’, was not made to offend previous Kashag or His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Therefore, we adopt a resolution to withdraw this statement. 5) Tibetan Youth Congress pledged and passed a crucial resolution not to support or provide a platform to those individuals who disparage and
dishonor His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Moreover, due to some misunderstandings, there has been a variety of opinions and discussions going on in our community, with the notion that striving for Independence for Tibet has been the cause of His Holiness’s disappointments. At the 15th General Body Meeting of TYC, representative of HH the Dalai Lama’s office, former Kalon Tripa Samdong Rinpoche, specifically clarified this misunderstanding and said, “to have diversity in political views is both a right and a duty in a genuine democratic society and His Holiness has never said that Tibetan Youth Congress should not pursue its independent stand and will not ask them to change their policy now or in the future”. On September 5th 2013, in a speech to the working committee meeting of Middle Way Approach association, Prof. Samdong Rinpoche reiterated “it is not true if we say those who either don’t agree or don’t support the policy of Middle Way Approach are not following his Holiness’s guidance and acting against His Holiness’s wishes. The common purpose of both sides is set on the same goal which is to call for changes in those brutal policies advocated by People’s Republic of China on Tibetans residing in Tibet. Therefore, both sides wish for the same result, that is, to save all the Tibetans in three provinces from oppressions and sufferings and to restore the necessary freedom of Tibet. Thus, these two different approaches are aimed at the same objective; the well being of all Tibetans”. Rinpoche added that when India was struggling for its independence, two different political views had obviously existed amongst Indian leaders as well. He said, “Mahatma Gandhi was always speaking for autonomy and not independence but on the other hand leaders such as Nehru were struggling for independence rather than mere autonomy”. So it has been made very clear that His Holiness’s disappointment is not caused by the Tibetan Youth Congress pursuing complete independence. Hence, there is no reason that we should be creating more controversies causing a division in our community because of differences in political beliefs. It is very important that we, both members of Tibetan Youth Congress and all other patriotic Tibetans, should try our best to understand and avoid any possibility of misinterpreting the true content of the guidance felicitated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Communist China has been struggling hard to demolish our identity, religion and culture. They have also managed to infiltrate our community and create troubles and disputes among us to weaken our strength and power for the struggle. We request everyone to be vigilant and to continue our fight for justice with firm determination. Inside Tibet, under China’s invasion and occupation for about 54 years now, Tibetans have been suffering beyond measure, but the sense of courage and solidarity of our brothers and sisters is stronger than ever and protesting activities have reached the highest level now. As we all know, the Communist Party of China has been implementing different policies with an ultimate objective to eradicate the unique Tibetan language and culture. I n n o c e n t Ti b e t a n s i n s i d e Ti b e t a r e unconditionally subjected to suffer under those polices with brutal laws and regulations ammended specifically for them. Moreover, continuous exploitation of natural resources of the Tibetan plateau is another simultaneous act of the Communist government. See Page 6...
TPI NEWS
The Tibet Post International TIBET NEWS Beatings, arrests, threats after rejecting China’s policy in Tibet Amnesty Int’l condemns Chinese firing on peaceful people in Tibet
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15 October 2013
Photo 1: Chinese security forces arrive in Diru County. Photo 2: Chaos outside the County Primary school in Diru County and Photo 3: A partial view of hunger strikers outside the Diru County government office. Photo courtesy of TCHRD Report filed by TCHRD: 07 October 2013
Dharamshala: - China’s domestic security forces including the armed police and the army have engaged in beatings, and the detention of 40 Tibetans even as local government and party authorities used threats and intimidation tactics to enforce the so-called “mass-line” policy in Diru (Ch: Biru) County in Nagchu (Ch: Naqu) County in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Touted by the Chinese government as a means to bring the party leadership closer to the needs and concerns of the masses, the reality is the policy is aimed at bringing every Tibetan under the direct surveillance of the party’s human and technological surveillance machinery. Many of the mass propaganda and surveillance campaigns implemented in TAR since October 2011 are now being grouped under the new president Xi Jinping’s “mass-line” policy. A host of highlyintrusive mass surveillance campaigns such as the “Benefit the Masses, Solidify the Foundation”, “The Grid Management” system, “New Socialist Villages” and the recently-announced “Advanced Joint Household” system are now being implemented in TAR. The official justification behind all these campaigns is that these campaigns would benefit the Tibetans in two ways: by providing long term stability and prosperity. However, upon implementation, the ‘stability maintenance’ measures, which also include punishing those who refuse to comply with the party’s political ideology, have been enforced with merciless force and unchecked power. The ‘prosperity’ part of the campaign, in the form of economic benefits or state handouts, is in fact used unabashedly to blackmail or force defiant Tibetans to comply with China’s ‘stability maintenance’ policy. On 28 September 2013, a serious confrontation lasting about three hours broke out between armed Chinese security forces and local Tibetans in Mowa Village in Diru County. It was caused due to the mandatory nature of China’s “Nine Must Haves” campaign which requires, among others, every Tibetan family to put the five-starred Chinese flags on their rooftops. Local Tibetans in Mowa had refused to fly Chinese flags on their rooftops, a space traditionally reserved for sacred prayer flags; instead they threw the flags into a nearby river to express their disapproval. Armed police and the military arrived later to rein in the Tibetans. This led to open confrontation between the two sides as Tibetans used sticks and stones to respond to the firing from Chinese security forces. TCHRD cannot immediately verify the claims that police had indeed shot into unarmed Tibetans. The same day, as news of the crackdown in Mowa spread, about 40 Tibetans from neighbouring villages of Taklha, Baro, Neshod and Taring appealed to local authorities to refrain from using force on Tibetans. But they were beaten up and detained by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers. According to TCHRD sources, local authorities in Diru County have announced punishment for Tibetans who refuse to comply with official diktats. Authorities have issued threats against Tibetan protesters that their children would be expelled from schools; their sick relatives will not receive medical care in hospitals; and they will not be allowed to harvest the coveted Yartsa Gunbu (caterpillar fungus) medicinal plant. Tibet remains one of the most impoverished regions with one the highest infant and maternal mortality rates. Educational and healthcare facilities are scarce with the handful of schools and hospitals owned and controlled by the Chinese government. In a nomadic
area like Diru, where the number of former nomads is growing thanks to China’s nomad resettlement policy, an overwhelming majority of former nomads now rely on caterpillar fungus as a major source of income. Last year, authorities in Malho (Ch: Huangnan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Qinghai Province) used the same intimidation tactic by threatening to cancel state aid to those villages where self-immolation protests occurred, a typical example of China’s collective punishment. According to sources from inside Tibet, since 10 September 2013, TAR authorities have sent in more than 18,000 Chinese cadres to Diru to intensify the party’s ‘mass line’ policy. These cadres have been conducting ‘patriotic education’ campaigns among local Tibetans, demanding them to pledge their ‘love and gratitude’ for the party and the nation, and to put up the 5-star Chinese flags on their rooftops. The mass campaign to extract political compliance has added fuel to the fire, making the situation more volatile in Diru. The dumping of Chinese flags in Mowa was the logical culmination of the “Nine Must Haves” campaign. On 28 September 2013, at around 7 pm, soon after the Mowa crackdown and detention of 40 Tibetans, more than 1000 Tibetans staged a 24-hour hunger strike in front of the County government office. The strikers called on the authorities to release the 40 Tibetans and to put a halt to the flag campaign. That same evening, acting on direct orders from TAR deputy party secretary Wu Yingjie, and TAR Party Committee member and Nagchu Prefecture Party Secretary Dothog, the 40 Tibetans were released. Sources said many of them have sustained serious injuries as they were beaten up with iron batons. Sources said that on the evening of 29 September 2013, protest erupted among 4,000 students of County Primary and Middle schools after news spread that the authorities had threatened to expel students whose parents had participated in protest against the government. Sources told TCHRD that the County Middle School has been closed indefinitely. In the County Primary School, only 60 students, all children of Chinese government employees, have stayed behind. The rest have left the school although some students have not returned to their homes. On 2 October 2013, local Tibetans in Diru County again defied the security forces by putting up human blockades along the major highways which have been occupied by the security forces since protest broke out in Mowa. Sources said local Tibetans view the recent campaign as ploy to destroy Tibetan identity. Many in Diru fear a return to the dark years of Cultural Revolution. All villages in Diru have been brought under the control of the security forces. Restrictions on Mowa, Monchen and Taring villages are exceptionally severe. Six security checkpoints have been set up in Diru. Security forces run regular patrols in villages watching over each family. Since 28 September 2013, more security forces from Lhasa and Shigatse have been sent to Diru. Sources believe that many more unidentified Tibetans might have been detained although no information is available due to a total blockade on all communication lines in Diru. On 4 October 2013, sources said sai that the mobile phones of many Tibetans were seized and photos of the recent unrest deleted. Some Tibetans complained that their phones have not been returned. According to sources, the authorities last year failed to make Tibetans fly Chinese flags on their rooftops in Diru. This year, they have asked everyone to comply or face punishment. Diru County has
continued to defy official orders. Moreover, four known Tibetans from Diru County have died of selfimmolation protests since October 2012, making this part of eastern Tibet a thorn in the eyes of ‘stability maintenance’ officers. Last month, official Chinese media reported that the Chinese authorities had sent in 60,000 cadres to be permanently stationed in 5459 villages and 1877 monastic institutions in TAR. These cadres will either work as a village level party secretary or as ‘work team’ cadres running political education campaigns and espionage activities under another controversial campaign known as “The Six Ones”. The deputy director of TAR People’s Congress, Ma Bizi, said the campaign was “the largest and most extensive coverage” of TAR by grassroots cadres “since the peaceful liberation of Tibet in 1951.” According to official Chinese media, the “Nine Must Haves” campaign is now being implemented in villages and monastic institutions in TAR. This is in addition to other mass monitoring and surveillance campaign being implemented in TAR under the guise of “stability maintenance” policy. Latest official reports show that The Grid Management system and Advanced Joint Household campaign are successfully being implemented in Lhasa and Shigaste prefectures. Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that the “Benefit the Masses” campaign discriminates against Tibetans” according to their religious and political thinking, and establishing institutions to monitor their behavior and opinions.” Calling the Grid Management system Orwellian, HRW said in a statement that the purpose of the Grid Management “appears to be surveillance and control, and it encroaches on Tibetans’ rights to freedom of expression, belief, and association.” In May 2013, the TAR authorities announced the implementation of another campaign called the “Advanced Joint Household” under which all Tibetan families or households are divided into small units, each unit consisting of five to 10 households, making it easier for the authorities to monitor and control every member of the household. For instance, in Shetongmon (Ch: Xietongmon) County in Lhasa Prefecture, each unit comprises of 10 households: one household with party members, three rich households, three moderately rich households and three poor households. The presence of a household with party members is obviously aimed at ensuring stability inside the unit. This campaign is the basic level of the Grid Management system, with ‘joint household’ unit leaders or inspectors acting as the foot soldiers of the grid system. On 25 July 2013, the official Tibet Daily quoted Choedak , member of TAR Party Standing Committee and head of TAR United Front Work Department as saying that the ‘advanced joint household’ campaign is aimed at “fighting against the 14 Dalai Lama and other overseas Tibetans, and hostile foreign forces” in Tibetan areas. He said the campaign would stabilize the opinion and thoughts of the masses thus ensuring long term stability. “The Advanced Joint Household campaign should turn into a basic level of the Grid Management system.” The campaign is being implemented under the joint leadership of five levels of administration: autonomous region, prefecture, county, township and village. Lhasa and Shigatse Prefectures are projected as models for successful implementation of the ‘joint household’ campaign. In Lhasa Prefecture, the authorities have set up 14304 ‘joint household’ units, covering 144263 families and 430185 people. In Shigatse Prefecture, there are 18929 units. The total number of units in TAR stands at 77000, covering 70000 households and about three million people. In 2010, the population of TAR, according to the official census, was little over three million. The campaign is ostensibly designed as a stateorganised contest among citizens for periodic ‘advanced joint household member’ awards which carry cash prizes. For instance, in Sakya County in Shigatse Prefecture, cash prizes for each ‘advanced member’ ranges from 1000 to 3000 yuan. But refusal to join the campaign in the face of pressure from thousands of cadres is near impossible for many Tibetans. Chinese state media reported that the reward system would over a time inculcate a sense of voluntary initiative among Tibetans to dispense their ‘stability maintenance’ responsibilities under the campaign. Irrespective of the state media reports, the ‘mass line’ policy has all the makings of a police state. In Rinpo (Ch: Renbu) County in Shigatse, all unit inspectors have been given red armbands, helmets, whistles, flashlights, boots, and ID cards. See Page 6...
By Yeshe Choesang: 14 October 2013
Dharamshala: - Chinese authorities must end excessive use of force against peaceful Tibetan protesters, Amnesty International said after Chinese police and security forces fired into a crowd of Tibetan protesters in Driru County, eastern Tibet, which left over 60 Tibetans injured. “It is outrageous for the police to start firing on a peaceful gathering. This latest incident shows that the Chinese authorities have done nothing to rein in excessive use of force by their security forces or to increase respect for Tibetans’ right to freedom of peaceful assembly,” Corinna-Barbara Francis, Amnesty International’s China Researcher, said in a statement on 9 October. “Across the Tibetan region the situation remains tense, the Chinese authorities are doing nothing to improve it by continuing to deny Tibetans their most basic human rights. The daily harassment and humiliating treatment has to end,” said Francis. According to the sources, ‘three Tibetans from Sengthang Shari village and one Tibetan from Tinring village were killed when the Chinese opened fire on protesters on October 8, 2013.’ According to the sources from inside Tibet, checkpoints in Lhasa, the administrative capital of Tibet, has increased security implemented by the Chinese forces. Reports also mention that the Chinese officials are harassing Tibetans from Driru and two adjacent counties in Ngachu Prefectures. Sources stated that over 40 local Tibetans were detained when they protested against the recent repressive measures in a village in Driru. Since then their whereabouts and well-being also remain unknown. Photographs received from the region show a strong presence of Chinese paramilitary forces
at the areas in Driru County in eastern Tibet, warning of further crackdowns on Tibetan protesters. Meanwhile ‘the government of Tibet Autonomous Region has issued a notification aimed at restricting the activities of Tibetans in Driru County, particularly those who are traveling. They must be carefully checked and requirements met for special permission before entering other areas, including Lhasa City, the capital of Tibet.’ Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 3 million supporters, members and activists in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights. Its vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.
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Driru County of Tibet remains tense, three reported killed
Two Tibetans can be seen in the photos carrying bullet holes in the stomach area. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 10 October 2013
Dharamshala: - At least three Tibetan protesters have been reportedly killed after Chinese police and security forces fired into a crowd of protesters in Driru County, eastern Tibet. Chinese authorities have issued a notification aimed at restricting the movements of Tibetans. Photographs received from Tibet show a strong presence of Chinese paramilitary forces at the areas in Driru County in eastern Tibet, warning of further crackdowns on Tibetan protesters. Latest reports to The Tibet Post International said “at least three Tibetans have been killed so far in the security forces’ crackdown on two week-long protests. It was sparked after residents refused orders to display Chinese flags to celebrate National Holiday. But details of their death have not yet been found.” Since September 3, the situation was reported to be grave and remained tense after a massive crackdown carried out by armed Chinese military forces to disperse Tibetans peacefully protesting against the government political campaign. At least two Tibetans can be seen in the photos carrying bullet holes in the stomach area while
another Tibetan man has blood coming out of bullet injuries on his head. Latest photos received from the region also show large numbers of armed Chinese police and paramilitary forces marching in the areas to warn of further crackdown (October 8), while other Images show Chinese troops and police standing around their trucks at another area in the county. Some images show the increasingly tense situation in the region and many large military trucks loaded full of Chinese security forces still arriving, sources added. Dayang was arrested on September 3, 2013 in Driru (Kham region of eastern Tibet) and picked up from a cultural show organized by the Chinese authorities. Three weeks later, on September 24 the local People’s Court announced the verdict and sentenced the 68 year old to two-and- a-half years in prison. According to the sources, ‘the government of Tibet Autonomous Region has issued a notification aimed at restricting the activities of Tibetans in Driru County, particularly those who are traveling. They must be carefully checked and requirements met for special permission before entering other areas, including Lhasa City, the capital of Tibet.’
The Tibet Post International
TPI NEWS
H.H the Dalai lama
15 October 2013
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Tibetan culture is a culture of peace Tibetans are not anti-Chinese, says His Holiness the Dalai Lama and non-violence: His Holiness By Yeshe Choesang: 10 October 2013
Members of the audience listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the Global Spa and Wellness Summit in Guragon, India on October 6, 2013. Photo/Jeremy Russell/ OHHDL By Yeshe Choesang: 07 October 2013
New Delhi, India: - At the start of a two week trip that will take him to USA, Mexico and Poland, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke at the Global Spa and Wellness Summit in Gurgaon Sunday, October 6. Having flown from Dharamshala to the Indian capital Delhi, His Holiness drove directly to the gathering where he was met on arrival by his host and old friend, Analjit Singh, founder and chairman of Max Healthcare, according to the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Once the friendly welcoming applause had died down, His Holiness began by addressing his ‘respected brothers and sisters’ explaining that he always likes to start this way because he believes that the 7 billion human beings alive today are the same. They all wish for happiness and all have a right to achieve it. With a twinkle he added: “Of course, what we also have in common is that we all face problems of one sort or another too. Anyway, I am very happy to be here and I thank my old friend Analjit Singh for the invitation.” Noting that wellness was the key theme he declared that having a compassionate attitude is the ultimate basis for living a happy life. Happiness is directly related to warmheartedness, which is more important than having a brilliant brain. “Everyone wants to live a happy life,” he said, “but we tend to look for happiness and satisfaction in material things. However, several scientists I have spoken to now acknowledge that having a happy mind is crucial to physical health. This is why I propose that in addition to physical hygiene we also need to cultivate a sense of emotional hygiene.” Recalling the violence of the wars of the twentieth century, particularly the horrors of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, His Holiness observed that today, across the world, public opinion is more inclined towards peace and non-violence. He suggested that this is important since by the end of this century climate change is likely to generate natural disasters and the increasing human population will introduce pressure on resources. “However, as social animals,” he added, “we must be concerned for others’ well-being. If we can cultivate such concern there’ll be no room for us to cheat, bully or deceive others. Warm-heartedness is related to co-operation. Co-operation depends on trust and trust arises if we live according to basic human values that I refer to as secular ethics.” He added that he does not think mental wellbeing will be achieved simply by praying for it, but by actually cultivating a sense of warmheartedness for others. This, he said, is what he
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wanted to share with the audience. Next, he invited questions which were moderated by Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier. The first related to how to deal with negative emotions. His Holiness’s answer was through awareness. He pointed out that when we want to rest or reduce stress we have to have a calm mind, lying down with a mind full of anger does not work. In order to develop emotional hygiene he suggested that we need a map of the mind. He also said that the ancient Indian practices for developing concentration and insight are very helpful too. Since one of the themes of the summit was “a defining moment”, His Holiness was asked if he would share a defining moment from his own life. He replied: “At 16 I lost my freedom, at 24 I lost my country, in fact I was only 5 when I lost my individual freedom and the opportunity to play with other children. So, when I was still young I used to sit in meditation retreat in the Potala with my stern-faced teacher and in the evenings I would hear the shepherds singing as they brought their flocks back from grazing. And I used to think I’d like to be like them. Then at the age of about 13 or 14 I began to take a real interest in study and spiritual practice, so I suppose that was a defining moment for me.” Asked about the basis for his optimism, His Holiness replied that he believes in human intelligence and warm-heartedness, because of which human beings have a great positive potential. Finally, a question was asked about how he views Tibetan culture and what people outside Tibet can do to support it. He answered: “Tibetan culture is a culture of peace and nonviolence; it’s a culture of compassion. More and more people are coming to appreciate such values, which are related to our Buddhist tradition, the Nalanda tradition. We Tibetans are the chelas of Indian gurus, but these days, as far as Buddhism is concerned, we chelas are more active than our gurus. I believe we can look at Tibetan Buddhist culture in terms of science, philosophy and religious practice and I feel that the science part can be of universal interest and benefit. Nowadays too, surveys have suggested that there are 300 million Buddhists in China, many educated people among them, and many interested in Tibetan Buddhism. “As to what you can do to support our culture, I often advise people, go to Tibet and see for yourselves what’s happening there. Pay attention to Tibet’s delicate ecology that has been described as like a Third Pole because of its influence on climate and water supplies. So, go there, look, observe and report back. Thank you.”
Atlanta, Georgia: - “Tibetans are not anti-Chinese” said the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his meeting with members of the China-Tibet Initiative at the Emory University Campus in Atlanta, Georgia, US. According to the office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, a Chinese student gave a brief introduction explaining that initially five students had agreed the need to arrange meetings between Chinese and Tibetan students and that their number has grown to eighty. The Nobel peace laureate said getting to know each other was the most important thing and suggested theirs was a model for conflict resolution among students. The Tibetan spiritual leader reiterated his often expressed belief that as human beings we are all the same. He approved of the students’ initiative saying “Whenever we have the opportunity to improve things we should take it. On the other hand, no matter how difficult it may be, we should always deal with the problems we face in a non-violent way.” He recalled the unraveling of the confidence and optimism with which he had returned to Tibet from Beijing in the summer of 1955 after meeting Chairman Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Resentment of reforms forcefully imposed on Tibetans without regard for their different conditions in 1956 and 1957 led to the crisis in Lhasa in 1959 in the course of which His Holiness left. There was hope in 1980 when Hu Yaobang took a more conciliatory stance, which eventually came to nothing. His Holiness explained the origins and development of the Middle Way Approach. Asked what Chinese and Tibetan students could learn from each other he said he didn’t know, but the main thing was to make clear that Tibetans are not anti-Chinese. As to what he would say if he were to meet President Xi Jinping, His Holiness said he didn’t know, but would decide when that happens. He mentioned friends who suggest that Xi Jinping is more realistic and expressed admiration for his tackling of corruption. In the Glenn Memorial Auditorium, twelve hundred students and staff were gathered to listen to a dialogue between His Holiness and President James Wagner on the topic of Secular Ethics. “I feel it a great honour to be here again at this distinguished university which has developed such
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during Emory University’s Ethics 101 class at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia on October 9, 2013. Photo/Emory University
strong relations with Tibetans,” His Holiness began. “You have made me an honorary Professor, but I describe myself as a hopeless professor, because I am a somewhat lazy person and I haven’t done any homework.” This drew much laughter from the audience. “Day by day, if we watch television news, read the newspapers or listen to the radio, there is a constant stream of grim news about people being killed here and there. Many of these events are due to an excess of suspicion, anger and fear. They are evidence that human beings today are facing a moral crisis. Why is this? Because of a lack of real conviction in moral principles that would be a source of inner strength.” He said there is a gap between appearance and reality that science and education try to close. In the past, ethics was the preserve of the church, but now that the influence of church and family values has declined, responsibility falls upon the education system. His Holiness quoted friends who agree that there is a moral crisis. In the USA, the greatest democratic nation on earth, the leader of the free world, he said the gap between rich and poor is growing, as it is in India and China. In such circumstances His Holiness feels that educational institutions have a responsibility to find a comprehensive solution.
Compassionate action must not be treated as a business: His Holiness the Karmapa
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17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, addressing students and faculty of the Ambedkar University Delhi, on October 3, 2013. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 04 October 2013
Dharamshala: - His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, addressed students and the faculty of the Ambedkar University Delhi on Thursday, October 3 on a range of topics relating to emotional wellbeing. After a brief opening address to the
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“Here in my university, this hopeless professor can at least express a warm-hearted concern for the world,” His Holiness added. The dialogue between His Holiness and President Wagner that followed touched on several issues. The achievements of the Robert A Paul EmoryTibet Science Initiative were celebrated at the Cox Ballroom. A short video including some of the activities in Dharamshala, India was shown. Faculty members were presented certificates of appreciation and several participants in the initiative shared their experiences with the gathering. Tribute was paid to His Holiness’s far-sighted inspiration as many of the Initiative’s substantial achievements in terms of programs designed, students trained, technical terms coined, textbooks designed and translations completed were outlined. An audience of 800 gathered in the afternoon to listen to a panel discussion involving His Holiness and Emory scholars from the Department of Religion and the Center for Ethics. Wendy Farley asked His Holiness what to say to her students who open their hearts to compassion and then can’t bear it. His Holiness explained that there are different levels of compassion. There is compassion that is a simple wish, ‘May these beings be free from this suffering’ and the more engaged intention to
packed hall at the university’s Kashmere Gate campus, the Karmapa engaged in extended dialogue with MPhil students from a number of departments. This interaction at Ambedkar University Delhi marked the Karmapa’s first major visit to a university in India. Known for its commitment to social justice, Ambedkar University Delhi is the first university in the region dedicated entirely to postgraduate education and research in the social sciences and humanities. Describing the ideal spiritual practitioner, or bodhisattva, as “an activist working solely for others”, the Karmapa explored the responsibility we have to care for others with whom we share the global village. He particularly addressed the way that clinging to our identities can separate human beings and impede the development of love and compassion. “When we cease to see
ourselves as separate, we do not disappear, but rather we see ourselves as part of others,” the Karmapa said. Otherwise, as long as we hold to our separate identities, divisions and selfishness inevitably arise and love cannot flourish, he said. “Compassionate action must not be treated as a business,” the Karmapa told the student. “Rather, it can be seen as a creative, rather than a commercial, undertaking. Our compassion can be something that beautifies the world, rather than something we do in the hope of gaining something for ourselves.” Halfway into the interaction with the students, the Karmapa particularly invited women to participate fully in the discussion, observing that only male students and no women had asked questions up to that point. The Karmapa’s address was delivered at the invitation of the Department of Psychology, with students from the development practices, education, human ecology, psychology and sociology departments also participating. Professor Dr. Honey Oberoi Vahali, Dean of the School of Human Studies, commented that the interaction with the Karmapa was the most lively she had ever seen in that hall. At the conclusion of the event, Vice Chancellor Professor Shyam B. Menon commented that beneath the Karmapa’s “veneer of youth, light-heartedness and candour was profundity and depth.” The Vice Chancellor noted that the university generally restricts itself to matters of rational and empirical study and does not often address matters pertaining to spirituality and the self. He observed that these areas of human activity have too often been appropriated by zealots and sectarians. “We need to re-appropriate these two as resources and not allow these important aspects to become distorted,” the Vice Chancellor said.
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TPI NEWS
15 October 2013
exile news II
The Tibet Post International
Top Spainish national court probes Kalon appraises chief minister about eviction faced by Tibetans Hu Jintao ‘genocide’ in Tibet case By Yeshe Choesang: 04 October 2013
By Yeshe Choesang: 02 October 2013
Chinese former President Hu Jintao. Photo: Media file
Dharamshala: - Spain’s top National criminal court last week accepted a Tibetan advocacy group’s appeal in a case asserting that that Chinese former President Hu Jintao committed genocide in Tibet. According to media reports, Judges ruled that they were competent to handle the case because one of the activists, Tibetan monk Thubten Wangchen, is a Spanish citizen. Hu Jintao was the Communist Party leader in Tibet in 1988-1992, when Chinese troops quelled mass protests. China imposed martial law in Tibet. The remote mountainous territory is an autonomous region ruled by Beijing. In their lawsuit against Hu Jintao the Madrid-based Tibetan Support Committee allege that as Communist
leader in the region he was ultimately responsible for actions “aimed at eliminating the uniqueness and existence of Tibet as a country, imposing martial law, carrying out forced deportations, mass sterilisation campaigns, torture of dissidents”. The Spanish legal system recognises the universal justice principle, under which genocide suspects can be put on trial outside their home country. But for Spain to hold the trial there is a requirement that at least one victim of alleged genocide must be a Spanish citizen. In Tibet today, Tibetans are being arbitrary arrested, imprisoned and tortured for merely expressing their suffering under Chinese rule. The authorities however still claims that “China ‘peacefully liberated’ Tibet, and Tibetans today are happy under Chinese rule.” China however immediately criticised the Spanish criminal court’s decision to indict the former Chinese president Hu Jintao for genocide as part of an investigation into whether his government committed abuses in Tibet. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said: “We firmly oppose any country or person attempting to use this issue to interfere with China’s internal affairs.” Genocide, the gravest crime against humanity, is understood to mean actions aimed at the mass extermination of a whole group of people.
China: Stop shooting Tibetans in Driru County, Eastern Tibet
Tibetans and supporters marting into the Mcleod Ganj Himalayan town, India, on October 9, 2013. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: 10 October 2013
Dharamshala - In light of the recent deadly crackdown by the Chinese armed forces on Tibetans living in Kham Driru, Tibet, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress-Dharamshala and Students for a Free Tibet-India network organized a solidarity march by raising hundreds of Tibetan Flags in the street of McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. On October 6th, Chinese forces opened fire on a group of Tibetans in Tibet. At least 60 people were injured and two are in a critical condition. The group was peacefully protesting the arrest of a Tibetan man who refused to fly the Chinese flag on his home to mark China’s National Day on October 1st. China’s crackdown in Driru is escalating and residents are being forced to attend government propaganda meetings against their will. Just last month, an elderly Tibetan man was brutally beaten after he called for Tibet’s independence. Now Tibetans are being shot for joining a peaceful demonstration and Chinese forces have flooded the area. Nyima Yangtso, Vice President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamshala said, “ The very denial to raise China’s flag by the Tibetan people in Tibet highlights the height of resistance of our people. We stand here today in solidarity with our people who have been resisting China’s illegal occupation of Tibet for over 50 years.” “We condemn China’s shooting of innocent Tibetans in Driru and call for the immediate withdrawal of troops and the release of all those detained. China’s recent order that Tibetans must fly the Chinese flag is part of a propaganda campaign in Tibet, which according to Tibetans is no less different to the days of the Cultural Revolution. Tibetans want the freedom to fly their own flag and will continue to resist until Tibet is free,” said Dorjee Tseten, Asia Director of Students for a Free Tibet. “It is now the responsibility of international
governments to make China accountable for the gross Human Rights violations in Tibet. The world must act and take the opportunity to highlight China’s crime in Tibet in the upcoming China’s Universal periodic Review on 22 October in the UN”. Solidarity campaigns have been planed across the world by various networks of Students for a Free Tibet and Tibet groups. Protests outside Chinese embassies and public areas will be organized to highlight the crisis in Driru. An urgent online petition has been launched directed at China’s security chief Meng Jianzhu and Tibet Autonomous Region head Chen Quanguo, calling on them to order an end to the violence in Driru by Students for a Free Tibet. Please visit petition link.
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Dharamshala: - Kalon Ms. Dolma Gyari of the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration called upon Shri Virbhadra Singh, honourable chief minister of Himachal Pradesh at Shimla on 1 October 2013. Home Kalon appraised the chief minister about the eviction notices issued by the Forest Department to Tibetan refugees living in the peripheral areas of Mcleod Ganj and the difficulties faced by roadside Tibetan vendors in pursuing a livelihood. There are about 210 Tibetan families living on the peripherals of TIPA and Bhagsunag road. According to the Tibetan administration, Dolma was accompanied by Mr. Tsering Dorjee, Joint Secretary, Home Department and Mr. Sonam Dorjee, the Tibetan Welfare Officer, Dharamshala. Kalon Dolma Gyari informed the chief minister that these Tibetans will have no place to live if their homes are demolished. She made it clear that Tibetans harbour no intent whatsoever to claim the ownership of the area as they would vacate the area the day the Tibet issue is resolved and all Tibetans are able to return to Tibet. Local Indian civic organizations like the McLeodganj Vyapar Mandal, Bhagsu Taxi Operators, The Hotel and Restaurant Association, Autorickshaw Union, Trekking & Mountaineering Association, and IndoTibetan Friendship Association have submitted
Home Kalon Dolma Gyari with Shri Virbhadra Singh, chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. Photo: CTA
representation to the chief minister appealing to the government to address the problem of Tibetans living in Dharamshala sympathetically. Kalon Dolma Gyari also informed the chief minister that currently Tibetan roadside vendors have been denied by the district authority to open shops and requested him to allow Tibetans to carry out their livelihood pursuits. The chief minister assured them that he would ask for a report from the Deputy Commissioner and explore a way to resolve the issues related to Tibetan settlers and vendors. Home Kalon Dolma Gyari also paid courtesy
Tibetan Youth Congress observes 44th ...... Tibetans, therefore, have been standing up and speaking out against the unjust treatment and exploitation of our natural resources. However, Tibetans have never been satisfied with the responses received from the Communist government resulting in hundreds being imprisoned, beaten up or killed. Tibetans have finally decided to step onto the ultimate stage to appeal for their rights and speak out against the victimization under Communist reign to the world by self-immolating themselves. Since 2009, over 121 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet to reveal the real plight of Tibetans inside Tibet. The Communist government has responded by forcefully confiscating the corpse of self-immolators, arresting relatives and family members of those martyrs who have been beaten or threatened. Instead of giving the basic fundamental rights to Tibetans as they have been appealing, the Communist government has sent spies to different Tibetan localities like villages, monasteries and small towns. Simultaneously they have intensified the “patriotic re-education” campaign by sending reinforcements of military personnel into the more restive towns. Such reactions by the CCP has undoubtedly seized breathing space and shattered peace for every Tibetan. Beside these visible cruel acts of the Communist government, they have also invested thousands of US dollars towards making propaganda films and TV shows distorting and misrepresenting the facts of Tibetan history and culture. We, the members of TYC, hereby demand the Communist Party of China to stop these inhuman acts and policies against Tibetans. We also demand the quick release of all innocent imprisoned Tibetans, especially, Mr. Dolma Kyab, husband of Martyr, Mrs. Kunchok Wangmo, who selfimmolated on 13th March 2013. We strongly assert that the death sentence handed to him by the Communist government is completely unacceptable and we demand justice on the basis of International Human Rights Laws. We also humbly request all world-wide Organizations and Nations for your support towards the Tibetan crisis. The Chinese Communist government will have to take complete responsibility for future Self-Immolations and resistance, as Tibetans will not hold themselves back until there are fair amendments in the Laws of Communist government for Tibetans, based on the principles of basic human rights. During the 15th TYC General Body Meeting this year, members of our organization elected new executive board members. We hereby, take this opportunity and wish to inform all TYC members and Tibetans in general that; we will work to do our best with a true spirit keeping within TYC’s aims and objectives and try to fulfil every single expectation that has been bestowed upon us by all Tibetans both in exile and inside Tibet.
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We would also like to extend our deep-felt respect and appreciation to Central Tibetan Administration in Exile for its tireless efforts and indomitable determination working for Tibet’s freedom and happiness especially in preserving our unique culture and language. We extend our heartfelt respect to the courage and spirit of all martyrs who have sacrificed their valuable human lives for the cause of our nation’s freedom. Despite differences in ideologies, we would like to request every Tibetan inside and outside Tibet to be united and struggle to achieve the wills of the dead and hopes of the living which are, the return of His Holiness Dalai Lama back to Tibet and to realize the day for Tibetans in exile and inside Tibet to unite. Finally, we wish for a long life for our spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, pray for his immediate return to Tibet and may the Tibetan issue be resolved as soon as possible.”
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calls to Shri T.G. Negi , Advisor to the Hon. chief minister, Shri Subash C.Negi , Commissioner of HP State Electricity Commission, Shri. P.M. Negi, Deputy Attorney General to the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh and Smt. Rani PratibhaSingh Ji, Hon. Member of Parliament and Shri Brij Behari Lal Butail, Speaker of Vidhan Sabha. She also had a meeting with Shri Sudripta Roy, Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh and Shri V.C.Pharka, Principal Secretary in connection with official business of the department.
...... rejecting China’s policy in Tibet ...... continued from page 4 Recently, Chinese state media reported that in each ‘joint household’ unit, unit inspectors are required to monitor and ‘educate’ a special group of people, such as youngsters, former political prisoners and others with a political history. Each household should watch over activities of other households to fight challenges and create social stability, exhorted the state media reports. In particular, each unit should prevent protests and petitioning by a large group of families against the state development projects especially during relocation programs. Reporting on the successful implementation of the ‘joint household’ campaign in Lhasa, state media quoted local authorities as saying that the campaign played a major role in preventing any protests against the forced relocation program when renovation work began this year in the traditional Tibetan neighborhood in Lhasa city. Many Tibetan shopkeepers and others who have lived there for generations were relocated to government-built houses in the outskirts of Lhasa city. The official Tibet Daily reported that unit inspectors in Lubuk neighborhood in Lhasa city pay extra attention to crowded places such as tea houses to collect information. The unit inspectors in Lhasa’s Kundeling Street maintain constant contact with guards manning “convenience police stations”. Whenever unit inspectors hear about suspicious information, they lose no time in relaying this information t o “ c o n v e n i e n c e p o l i c e s t a t i o n s ” . H RW reported that by July 2012, 676 permanent “convenience police-posts” (Ch.: bian minjing wu zhan) had been set up in TAR. These are manned by police officers who are on duty around-the-clock. Far from benefiting the Tibetans, the mass monitoring and surveillance campaigns seek to control all aspects of Tibetan life with raw, unrestrained state power. No distinction is drawn between individual freedom and socalled national security measures. It will be only a matter of time before China’s ‘mass line’ policy turns Tibet into a police state. The Nine Must Haves are: Must have portraits of Chinese leaders Must have five-starred Chinese flags Must have roads Must have water Must have electricity Must have radios and TVs [only official channels allowed] Must have communication facilities Must have newspapers [only official newspapers] Must have cultural libraries
The Tibet Post International
TPI NEWS
International
15 October 2013
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China detains popular writer and Chinese Government has failed to address the his colleague over unrest in Tibet grievances of Tibetans: US annual report By Yeshe Choesang: 13 October 2013
Tibetan writer Tsultrim Gyaltsen and his colleague Yulgyal. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala: - In further crackdown on the dissents in the Himalayan region, a popular Tibetan writer, and his colleague were arrested by Chinese police in Driru County of eastern Tibet for their political activities allegedly engaging in destroy social stability and for splitting the Chinese motherland. “Chinese police have detained Tsultrim Gyaltsen, a 27-year old Tibetan writer in Khardrong village of Shamchu township, Driru County on October 11, 2013,” Nyima, a Tibetan living in exile told The Tibet Post International (TPI), adding “the two were charged with allegedly engaging in activities to destroy social stability and for splitting the Chinese motherland.” Sources stated that “the Chinese security officials suddenly arrived at his home (Approximately 1am-night) and raided his house. The security personnels have secretly detained him and confiscated his personal belongings, including his computer, mobile and books with force.” The detention came amid tensions in several Tibetan areas in Driru County of eastern Tibet on the weeks-long protests against Chinese repressive rule that have led to a deadly security
clampdown- killed three Tibetans, wounded over 60 people and many were detained. “The next day, Tsultrim’s colleague Yulgyal, 25-year old, a former police has also been arrested on similar charges- political activities allegedly engaging in “destroy social stability and for splitting the Chinese motherland.” He said, “since then their whereabouts and wellbeing remain unknown.” “The two were accused of being involving with the recent unrest in Driru county and accused of spreading rumors and inciting sentiment against the state and public safety,” Nyima added. In 2009, Tsultrim joined the Northwest University for Nationalities. After his fouryears’ study, Tsultrim along with other students however expelled from the university in Many this year for allegedly organizing discussions on sensitive issues related Tibet. “After returning to Nagshoe township in Driru County, he founded a school called ‘Guest House for the new generations’ - offered free lessons in Chinese and Tibetan language,” sources added. “Tsultrim, better known by his pen name “Shokdril” has written two books on Tibet- ‘A Voice of Loving Snow’ and ‘The Karma of Snow Mountains’,” said the sources. He also worked as the editor of a Tibetan language magazine- ‘The New Generation.’ In Tibet today, Tibetan writers, intellectuals, musicians, artists, environmentalists, and religious figures are being arbitrary arrested, imprisoned and tortured by Chinese authorities for merely posting an article to a blog, writing an essay, editing a magazine, sending information by text message, or singing songs that express the suffering of the Tibetan people.
Akong Rinpoche reportedly ‘assassinated’ in China
Akong Rinpoche, a Buddhist master. Photo: Media File By Yeshe Choesang: 9 October 2013
Dharamshala: - Akong Rinpoche, a respected Tibetan Buddhist master who founded first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in UK, reportedly killed in China. Akong, 73, who had lived in UK since 1963, founded co-Samye Ling in 1967 in a former nurses’ home in Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway. According to media reports, it was the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West. ‘Three Tibetans confronted Tarap Shetrup Akong, a British national, at his residence in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 and stabbed him to death along with his nephew and a driver,’ Chinese police in Chengdu City claimed in an official statement. The Chinese police claimed that ‘the men were attacked after negotiations over a financial dispute soured, but the victim’s brother, Lama Yeshe Rinpoche, issued a statement saying the three had been “assassinated,”
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though he did not elaborate. The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche expressed his shock and sadness over the tragic passing away of Dr. Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche. “Akong Tulku had been my friend from the time I was seven. A social activist, he showed great kindness to Tibet by founding schools and hospitals, printing old texts, and helping many people,” the Karmapa Rinpoche said in his condolences letter. “Thus I am shocked to hear that he, along with two others, has been taken from us so suddenly,” he added. “I would like to offer my condolences to his family members, everyone at Samye Ling Monastery, the Rokpa Foundation, and all the persons involved in his projects in Tibet as well as to all of the students whose lives he touched,” Karmapa stated, adding “I hope that all of his visions and aspirations may continue to be fulfilled.” A statement posted on the Samye Ling website based in UK by Akong’s brother Lama Yeshe Rinpoche said: “To all dear friends of Samye Ling and Choje Akong Rinpoche, I am very, very sorry to inform you all that tragically, my brother Choje Akong Rinpoche, my nephew and one monk who was travelling with then, were all assassinated in Chengdu today. “Rinpoche’s body has been taken to hospital where a post mortem will be carried out. That is all the news I have so far. If I receive further news I will let you know.” Chengdu police further said the suspected assailants have been detained and have admitted carrying out the killings. The case remains under investigation. Akong fled from Tibet into India in 1959, following the Chinese occupation of the country, in an arduous, ten month journey as one of the leaders of a 300-strong party, of which only 13 people made it safely to India. But in recent years he had established unusually good relations with the Chinese government, and was able to travel in the country supervising schools and medical programmes that had been established by his charity ROKPA International. He was on a visit to these projects when he was killed. The UK based monastery said that ‘Samye Ling is a monastery and international centre of Buddhist training, known for the authenticity of its teachings and tradition. It offers instruction in Buddhist philosophy and meditation within the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also a centre for the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture, medicine, art, architecture and handicrafts.’ ‘He had established unusually good relations with the Chinese government in recent years, and was able to travel in the country supervising schools and medical programmes that had been established by his charity ROKPA International,” according to the media reports.
By Yeshe Choesang : 14 October 2013
Dharamshala: - There was a significant rise in the number of self-immolation protests by Tibetans in the reporting year, the report said, adding that the Chinese government failed to address the grievances of Tibetans and its policy of repression and blame -game worsened the prevailing situation in Tibet. “Instead of addressing the grievances, the Chinese authorities strengthened a security crackdown based on the premise of ‘stability maintenance’ that infringed on Tibetans’ freedoms of expression, association, and movement,” said the annual report of the US Congressional Executive Commission on China. The report on human rights and developments in China, including the situation in Tibet, released Thursday, October 10, noted the efforts made by the then US Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Maria Otero, who urged the Chinese government to “engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions” amid a wave of self-immolations since 2009 of Tibetans protesting over Beijing’s rule.. Otero, in December 2012, cited severe government controls on Tibetans, undermining of the Tibetan language, intensive surveillance and forced “disappearances” of peaceful Tibetan protesters and intellectuals as some of the reasons for the Tibetans’ resentment. O n t h e S i n o - Ti b e t a n n e g o t i a t i o n s , t h e Congressional commission noted with optimism the views of a senior official of the Central Party School, Jin Wei, who said the Chinese government should resume talks with the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “In June 2013, Professor Jin Wei, with the Central Party School, stated in an interview that, if the Party ‘can use creative ideas to break the impasse’ in dialogue, it would ‘promote social stability and prevent the creation of long-lasting nationality wounds’.” Jin Wei noted that the Party cannot simply treat (the Dalai Lama) as an enemy, recommending restarting the talks, and suggesting discussing the Dalai Lama visit Hong Kong ‘in his capacity as a religious leader’, the report said. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China however cited initial “potentially hopeful signs” from the new leadership, which took power in March, but said it soon became clear it would not “engage with or even tolerate” public discussion on key reforms. “The report also recommended that Members of Congress and the Administration urge China to commit to a specific timetable to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to raise this issue at the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review of China’s human rights record on October 22, 2013” the statement noted. The US commission urged US policymakers to press China to “stop coercion and violence against women during population-planning implementation and to clarify provisions under Chinese law that would protect women against such rights abuses.” “The U.S. Government has repeatedly urged the Chinese government to address the counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions that threaten the distinct religious, cultural and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people,” the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Otero said in a statement issued on January 24, 2012. “As I have noted previously, these policies include dramatically expanded Chinese government controls on religious life and practice; ongoing “patriotic education” campaigns within monasteries that require monks to denounce the Dalai Lama; the permanent placement of Chinese officials in monasteries;
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US Congressional Executive Commission on China: File
increasingly intensive surveillance, arbitrary detentions and disappearances of Tibetans; and restrictions on and imprisonment of some families and friends of selfimmolators. Over the last year, Chinese government security and judicial officials have also detained and imprisoned Tibetan writers, artists, intellectuals, and cultural advocates who criticized Chinese government policies,” Otero stated. “We call on the Chinese government to resume substantive, results-oriented dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to address
the underlying grievances of China’s Tibetan population,” she further added. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China was created by Congress in October 2000 with the legislative mandate to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China, and to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. The Commission consists of nine Senators, nine Members of the House of Representatives, and five senior Administration officials appointed by the President.
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have had and will continue to have a role in fostering qualities like love and compassion. However, each religion has limits or boundaries and what we need today is a sense of ethics that goes beyond such boundaries. Hence the need for secular ethics. Before the day’s discussions came to an end, Emory University President Wagner presented certificates of appreciation to Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi and his mentor Dr Robert Paul for their work in co-ordinating the EmoryTibet Partnership, which has given rise to the RobertAPaul Emory-Tibet Science Initiative. His Holiness added his own appreciation that like himself Geshe la came from a remote village, and has proved to be very useful. In his usual uncanny humbleness and intellect, the Dala Lama mesmerized the 10,000 strong audience that had gathered there.The underlying common idea that emerged was, the need for a sustainable sense of compassion that responds to all humanity - and this is not just about helping others but training the mind and realize that helping others in turn benefits us.
Responsible citizenship beyond boundaries......
Back in the Arena for a panel discussion on ‘Secular Ethics and Education’ His Holiness remarked that while modern science has tended to focus on material, measurable things, mind is also part of reality, so science should include mind and the emotions in its field of study. He noted that many of the problems we face are our own creation and their source is not something physical; the trouble maker is within us. “Destructive emotions like anger and fear destroy our peace of mind and when our peace of mind is gone, our physical well-being is gone too. Through education and awareness we can learn to reduce our negative emotions. I have been working with scientists, like Richie Davidson here, who has been studying this for 20-30 years, not for wealth or fame, but to make the world a better place. And I’d like to thank them very much and ask them to keep it up.” His Holiness responded to a question about the role of religion by explaining that the major religions
Support Lhamo Tso for her family reunionfamily...... continued from Front-Page......
Even if that were the case, are we to believe that China would so publicly disdain the human right of free expression by keeping Dhondup Wangchen behind bars for a movie?” Lhamo Tso said: “The reason for my growing worry is an observation that is shared by many people: In the past few months a wave of releases of Tibetan writers and activists has taken place. The health conditions of all the released men were deplorable. I urge you to help me to bring the father of my children back.” Lhamo Tso, who has been invited by various groups
from all over the world to speak about her husband, now lives in San Francisco. Her four children are in India, in an exile-Tibetan orphanage and are expected to join her as soon as possible. The Bay Area Friends of Tibet helped Lhamo Tso to settle in San Francisco. Dhondup Wangchen’s case is known internationally. He was awarded by different groups for his courageous documentary. The self-taught camera man and film maker travelled across Tibet with his assistant Golog Jigme in 2007/2008. His film “Leaving Fear Behind” (28 min.) was translated in a dozen languages and screened in more than 30 countries worldwide.
Monk arrested for allegedly sending protest reports...... continued from Front-Page......
“Hundreds of Tibetan monks from Palyul monastery gathered at a government office in Palyul County to call for the release of the monk, who was detained for allegedly spreading information on the recent two week-long deadly crackdown in Driru County,” he said. “His mobile phone was also confiscated by the Chinese authorities,” Tharpa further said, citing
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the sources in the region. According to the sources, “many locals, inclung Buddhist nuns later joined the monks in front of the police station to demand his release from Chinese custody,” Since then his whereabouts and well-being remain unknown.” The protesters however were told that the monk has already been moved to Chamdo county”, sources added.
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15 October 2013
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McLeod Ganj: Fast food for the body and the soul By Adrivit Bhattacharya: 15 October 2013
McLeod Ganj: - In this age of instant gratification, where the young are always restless and wanting more (many a times not sure what), there is hardly any time to look into oneself, the urge to spend some “me time”! An age when more frequently and aptly you could use the F-word the “smarter” people think you are – an age when the hot and cool mean the same - people at cafes love to seem always super busy, juggling with an array of “smart” gadgets – life has visibly taken a back seat for some or has become “out-of-control” complex. The “smart and the wise” have enough justification for it though – we always have more opinions than we have facts don’t we? But like even the darkest nights wakes up to a morning, the greatest fears see a distant light of hope – some fortunate few (the “wise and smart” call them freaks) off late are a little disillusioned with the “smart” way of life and are beginning to realize it probably makes sense to try to go somewhere slowly instead of going nowhere fast! Hence a journey for those souls has started. A journey to know thyself, a journey to learn what to hold on to and what to let go, a journey to learn how to live simply – so that people around you can simply live, a journey to be happy – to find peace ! And then it’s quick? Remember instant weight loss programs? A 12 hr. night bus journey from the Indian capital of New Delhi, takes you up the narrow, winding mountain roads. The cacophony and pollution of the city slowly fades into the night, the air gets thinner and colder. You reach Dharamshala at around 4 in the morning. You are half asleep and half awake and it’s still dark and misty outside. A little impatient and a lot tired you reach the small sleepy bus stand in McLeod Ganj at the break of dawn. The Sun is out, the darkness and the fog clears to reveal the majestic mountains in the backdrop. That’s a little symbolic of you waking up and seeing light finally? – sigh! Tucked away in the laps of the Dhauladhar, McLeod Ganj has been the HOME of many Tibetans in exile for many years now. His Holiness the Dalai Lama calls this heaven on earth his home too. For people like me with an awful sense of direction, McLeodGanj has made things simpler. (You can call that the beginnings of the Divine touch already!) There are only two major roads namely the Temple and the Jogibara road that runs across the town (approximately 5 sq. Km). From the Tibetan family run small and cozy restaurants, the meditation and refuge centers, shops selling the khatas (traditional white scarf) and souvenirs, hotels and guesthouses to the pharmacy stores dot the narrow, winding lanes. You would probably find everything you need, along these two roads. Did you say McDonalds? Well, no – the small town is fighting hard to hold intact its charm and culture but not sure how long it can. There are a few swanky Italian pizzerias, coffee shops and wellness centers that have come up in the recent past. But then who am I to have an opinion if that’s good or bad for McLeod ganj - McLeod ganj will decide for itself .If it works out good for some and makes them happy – so am I! In the words of HH the Dalai Lama, it’s time we must realize that we can be happy if the society around us is happy – so we must make a conscious and honest attempt to find a sustainable sense of compassion that responds to all humanity - and this is not just about helping others but training the mind and realizing that helping others in turn benefits us. “Nowadays we are so interdependent that the
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destruction of our neighbours means our own destruction too. This is why we have to think of building a more compassionate society and we need to do it less on the basis of faith than on reasoning. If we apply common sense we can see that among our neighbours families who love and trust each other greet others in a friendly way. On the other hand, even when a family is materially better off, if they lack warm feelings for each other, if they are jealous and mistrustful, moved by suspicion, they’re not very happy.” To ensure our physical health we need peace of mind. Therefore, just as we need to observe physical hygiene to stay well, we need to develop emotional hygiene too – says The Dalai Lama. Well, back to where we were – you would find home stays and guest houses that come cheap and clean. From Rs.150-200/day (shared toilets) to Rs.300-400/ day (private toilets) to the more luxurious ones (Rs2000 and up). You would probably get a place to stay without any prior booking – so all you need is to hit the road and leave your worries behind. For those “wanderlust” souls – McLeodGanj won’t disappoint you either. The landscape is serene and beautiful. Bhagsu waterfall - 20 min. walk from McLeod is a treat to the eye with beautiful views of the valley around. You can stop for a “chai” at the small shack at the foot of the falls and admire the views if you wish. Triund – 3-4 hrs of trek depending on your age and fitness levels. Close to the snow capped Dhauladhar mountains, you will get panoramic views of the Dharamshala valleys and mountains below. A favourite with trekkers, many of them choose to camp and bring their own food. Bring all weather clothes if camping is your choice. Weather conditions change quickly so assessing safety is essential. The Main Temple and The Dalai Lama’s Residence - 5 min. walk from McLeod Ganj. You can take a serene morning or evening walk around the temple and residence. Tibetans call this ‘Ling Kor’- a place for circumambulation with beautiful views of the Dharamshala area. You can see many traditional Buddhist “stupas” and prayer flags fluttering. At the main temple you can meditate while listening to monks chanting from 6-8am and in the evening you can watch the monks debate between 4 -7pm. There are wonderful statues of Buddha, Chenrezig and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in the main temple alongside many Buddhist scriptures. You are unable to visit the Dalai Lama’s residence for security reasons unless the Dalai Lama is giving a public audience in the residence grounds. The Tibetan Museum - The Tibetan Museum is within the temple area and has a very well presented permanent display of pictures depicting Tibet’s recent history. Open 10am- 6pm Tues-Sunday. The Tibetan Library - 15 min. walk. Two Geshes (Doctors in Buddhism) give teachings Mon to Friday, 9-10 and 11-12pm; the Dharma class at 11 has an excellent English translator. Between Dharma classes, 10-11 you can study the Tibetan language. There is also a small museum here and a good bookshop. There is a small monthly fee for attendance at classes. GU-CHU-SUM - 5 minutes from Main Square. Established in 1991, Gu Chu Sum provides support to ex-political prisoners and their families. There is a permanent photographic exhibition hall here where you can learn more about Tibet’s history under the Chinese occupation.
Norbulingka Institute - 20 mins from Dharmashala bus station + 15 min walk, or 20 minutes from McLeod in a taxi. Norbulinka Institute promotes and preserves Tibetan traditional arts and culture as well as offering apprenticeships at both degree level and for craftspersons. You can see artists at work on Thangka painting, appliqué, woodcarving, metalwork and tailoring. The grounds are peaceful and beautiful, a true sanctuary, with Japanese style gardens and water features. The temple is also stunning with a giant statue of Buddha and many beautiful frescoes. Most of the restaurants are small but cozy and family run. The food is mostly vegetarian and is delicious and healthy. Probably reminds you of the times when food was not fast - they may not be served with an option of mayonnaise or mustard but with love and warmth for sure. But then a few have come up in the recent times that serve Italian gourmet pizzas and beer! As Marie who has been coming here from the UK for 10 years now finds it “pleasantly shocking” on how the times have changed since she first came here in 1999. She would think this is the last time that she’s here but would end up being here every year. Is it the innocent smiles of the Tibetan toddlers at the children’s home she volunteers at or the warmth of the locals or a sense of satisfaction of doing something for others or is it the atmosphere in McLeod ganj is simply charged by His Holiness’s presence? – She like the others are not sure what really draws her here back again and again … Though McLeod ganj is small and in a time warp, you would find a steady inflow of tourists/volunteers from the West and East alike. You would find a young and energetic Cathy from Germany travelling solo all of India and is stuck here – happy and at peace working with the kids at Rogpa or a Jane teaching the monks English. There are quite a few NGOs operating at the grass root level namely Tibet Charity, Lha Social Work and Hope Center, trying to make things better for the Tibetans in exile. People coming to McLeod ganj with the primary objective to doing something worthwhile to help those who need it, would contact these NGOs and find some suitable voluntary work that’s available. I met some young men and women who were born in Tibet but have then crossed into India. They explained to me with utmost eagerness and innocence on how they crossed on foot and how they escaped the patrol in night to get here. Some looked a little sad when I asked if they wanted to go back? And then I realized, going back is far from reality in the current situation. Most still have their aging parents or some siblings left back in Tibet but haven’t seen them for years. But there’s hope - that things would be better one day – said one and the others joined in and rejoiced. They were all smiling. But it struck me like a sledge hammer on the head. Almost all of “us” have taken for granted that we have a free country, a home, a family to go back to – and blame and complain about the small things in life. We have enough for our needs but our greed for more is taking our lives away from us – and there’s on the other hand (not very far away) many who have the “real” problems, where survival is at stake but still are trying to live life with dignity through the odds. Maybe it’s this feeling of hope that binds all who come to McLeod Ganj for a week or so but the lessons learnt stay for life! So next time you walk into a fast food joint to “buy” happiness, think twice, McLeod ganj is not that far away that offers happiness for a relatively longer period of time. Burrrp – Check please !
language notification issued on 8 October 2013 by Old Lhasa Neighbourhood Committee: To All Convenience Police Stations in [Lhasa’] Old Neighbourhood, To thoroughly implement the spirit of stability maintenance meeting held in Lhasa City and to normalise the stability maintenance regulations in the old neighbourhood, following instructions must be followed when using secret codes to identify and share information about three eastern counties in Nagchu Prefecture: How to Use Secret Codes: When using secret codes [to identify Nagchu Tibetans], Nagchu men must be called “male tourists” while Nagchu women must be called “female tourists”. Likewise, secret code for Biru County is “A”; secret code for Suo County is “B”; and secret code for Bachen County is “C”. How to Send Secret Codes: For instance, if a convenience police station no. 89 learns that three male individuals from Diru County have entered the area under convenience police station no. 91, police station no. 89 must relay this information to station no. 91 through mobile handsets by saying: “Station No. 91, three male tourists from “A” have entered your area, please extend hospitality!” First, police checkpoints in the inner circle of Barkhor must keep track of Nagchu Tibetans in areas under their jurisdiction. The movement and activities of Nagchu Tibetans must be monitored all through their stay in this area. If [Nagchu Tibetans] leave this area for another, police officers in the previous area must inform a police checkpoint closest to the next area where they have entered. Security checkpoint 1 and 2 must inform police station no. 89 located in front of the Jokhang Temple square
when they see learn about Nagchu Tibetans entering the old neighbourhood. Security checkpoint 3 must inform Xia Sasu [Tib: Shasarsur] police station no. 92 when they learn about Nagchu Tibetans entering the old neighbourhood. Security checkpoint 4 must inform police station no. 93 in the northern part of Barkhor market area when they learn about Nagchu Tibetans entering the old neighbourhood. Security checkpoint 5 must inform Tsetan Khangsar police station no. 94 when they learn about Nagchu Tibetans entering the old neighbourhood. Security checkpoints 6 and 7 must inform police station no. 95 in the eastern part of Barkhor market area when they learn about Nagchu Tibetans entering the old neighbourhood. Security checkpoint 8 must inform police station no. 96 in the southern part of Barkhor market area when they learn about Nagchu Tibetans entering the old neighbourhood. Security checkpoints 9 and 10 must inform police station no. 97 in the southern part of Barkhor market area when they learn about Nagchu Tibetans entering the old neighbourhood. Second, security checkpoints located in the outer circuit of Barkhor must monitor the movement and activities of Nagchu Tibetans and share information through mobile handsets. Third, be careful when using secret codes through mobile handsets to monitor the above mentioned individuals. And suspicious persons must be subjected to thorough search and vigilance. Issued by Old Lhasa Neighbourhood Committee, 8 October 2013.
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Dharamshala: - Days after the violent crackdown on local Tibetans in Diru County in Nagchu (Ch: Naqu) Prefecture, Chinese authorities in Lhasa City have issued a notification to various ‘convenience police posts’ in Lhasa and Nagchu to monitor the movement and activities of Nagchu Tibetans. Human Rights Watch had earlier reported that by July 2012, 676 permanent “convenience police-posts” (Ch.: bian minjing wu zhan) had been set up in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). These are manned by police officers who are on duty around-the-clock. According to the notification, police officers would use secret codes when relaying information in real time about the movement and activities of Tibetans visiting Lhasa from Nagchu. The notification mentions that police officers would use secret codes for Diru (Ch: Biru) County, Drachen (Ch: Bachen) County and Sog (Ch: Suo) County, all located in the eastern part of Nagchu Prefecture, when relaying information about individuals from these areas. For instance, the secret code for Diru County is “A”. It appears that each county in Nagchu Prefecture has been assigned a secret code for police surveillance. The notification seeks to bring Nagchu Tibetans in Lhasa particularly those visiting and living in the traditional Tibetan neighbourhood under 24-hour police surveillance. Police officers manning ‘convenience police stations’ would constantly share information in real time about the whereabouts of Nagchu Tibetans in Lhasa, making it convenient for the authorities to immediately arrest potential ‘trouble makers’. Following is a rough translation of the Chinese
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Zurich: The political leader of the exile Central Tibetan Administration in India, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, arrived in Switzerland on April 10 for a 12-day visit.
Dr Sangay was scheduled to address the Swiss Tibetan community on April 14 in Fribourg, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama was also set to give a teaching. From April 20 to 21, the Sikyong
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Official notification puts Tibetans under police surveillance Report filed by TCHRD: 11 October 2013
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