TIBETAN BulletiN

The Official Journal of the Central Tibetan Administration

Volume 21 - Issue 6 November - December 2017 Focus

The Genesis of Tibetan Self-Immolations is China’s Repressive Policies in Tibet

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Feature

His Holiness Gave a Public Talk at Somaiya Vidyavihar

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World Press

Dalai Lama: We need an education of the heart

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www.tibet.net/en/tibbul www.tibet.net/en/tibbul

Focus 14 The Genesis of Tibetan Self-Immolations is China’s TIBETAN Repressive Policies in Tibet BulletiN Tibetan Bulletin is an official bi-monthly 15 The Need for a Tibetan Reading Revival: journal of the Central Tibetan My observation on reading among Tibetan children Administration.

Feature

22 His Holiness the Dalai Lama Travels to Bhubaneswar, Odisha

22 His Holiness the Dalai Lama Addresses Students of Signed articles or quotations do not Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences necessarily reflect the views of the Central Tibetan Administration. 24 His Holiness Addresses Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata Contributions are welcome and may be addressed to the editor, Tibetan Bulletin. 25 His Holiness Gives Public Talk at Somaiya Vidyavihar However the publisher regrets its inability to return unused articles unless they are accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage.

Tibetan Bulletin is distributed free of World Press charge. To subscribe please email the circulation manager or see back cover. 26 Dalai Lama: We Need an Education of the Heart Editor By Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama Los Angeles Times Jamphel Shonu Email: [email protected] 27 Beijing Hinders Free Speech in America Asst. Editor By Wang Dan, The New York Times Tenzin Phende Tenzin Saldon 29 Dalai Lama to Obama: ‘You are Young and Can do a Lot’ Layout & Design By CNN Tenzin Phende

Circulation Manager Norbu Wangdue Email: [email protected] Tibetan Bulletin is published by: Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala - 176 215 H.P. India Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457 Regulars Vol. 21, Issue 6 News From Tibet & Exile ...... 4 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 Contact ...... 31 Quotes ...... 32 FROM THE EDITOR With the ‘New Era’ proclaimed by President Xi Jinping, China has declared itself as one of the superpowers of the world. Superpowers, by nature, purport to portray an air of confidence and security, and China is no exception.

With a newfound confidence, Chinese government and its leaders have been singing – ad nauseam – a song of a new world order led by China and its economic prowess. So much so that they are often caught sanctimoniously lecturing other governments of the world.

The outward appearance of confidence and security however seem to conceal a deep sense of insecurity: a fear of its own people and nervousness about its territorial integrity. This insecurity was exposed once again in the recent case of Marriot Hotel’s questionnaire gaffe.

The Marriot gaffe is not the first incident to invite the anger of China’s paid nationalist netizens. Like Marriot, US based Delta Airlines, European fashion line Zara and medical device maker Medtronic have also attracted the ire of China over similar gaffes recently. These companies were also forced to offer apologies and take immediate measures to amend their ‘vices.’

However, these recent incidents represent just the tip of the iceberg in the corporate world’s faustian relationship with China. Multinational corporations have repeatedly sacrificed their moral stand to secure the prospect of a vast market. Even industry leaders like Apple has been known to kowtow to China and turn a blind eye to China’s blatant violation of human rights, transgression of international rules and fair trade practices to gain access to its huge market.

China’s economic intimidation and coercive tactics have become a routine affair of late and it has induced self-censorship and nervous adjustments from companies, universities and governments over the past few years. These incidents have signified mounting control and domination of these foreign corporations by China and the growing dependence and erosion of independence of the other.

While these instances may depict confidence and strength of China, it also underlies an insecurity complex. This insecurity emerges from the fact that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation or Xi Jinping’s China Dream rests on a fragile foundation of national integration.

Driven by a false notion of irredentism, China has occupied its smaller neighbors such as Tibet and Inner Mongolia et el in a quest to reclaim what they call ‘lost lands’ and attain past greatness. However, these regions still remain restive and haven’t completely accepted Chinese rule. And the reality is not lost on China’s leadership.

As a result, China’s leaders harbor a deep fear and nervousness that these regions could one day rise up. Already, popular sentiments against Chinese rule in places like Hong Kong are gaining ground. In Tibet, sentiments are currently bottled up under strict surveillance and draconian rules. However, despite China’s fear of its own people, the solution to these issues is not inconceivable. The Tibetans led by the Central Tibetan Administration have renounced separatism and have called for genuine autonomy of the Tibetan people based on the Buddhist notion of the Middle Way Approach conceived by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

President Dr Lobsang Sangay of the Central Tibetan Administration, the political leader of Tibet, has called on China to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people. If China reforms its policies and resolve the Tibet issue based on the Middle Way Approach, at least the territorial integrity of the Chinese nation will be safeguarded. That would be one monkey off China’s back, to say the least.

But the Chinese leadership is known to be paranoid. Instead of redressing the Tibetan people, and reforming its failed policies, China have resorted to imposing harsher measures generating even more resentment and the possibility of unrest.

The underlying question is how long can China maintain stability by relying on repression borne out of paranoia? Andy Gove of Intel has said that ‘only the paranoid survive’. But the paranoia that afflicts China is borne out of its own misdemeanors and historical fallacies. It’s time the Chinese leadership see sense and wisdom in the Tibetan approach to resolving the issue of Tibet and thereby harness the potential of the Middle Way Approach.

Jamphel Shonu, Chief Editor NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE CTA President Drums to speak for Tibet not just for the sake of Tibetans, but more so for freedom, Up Norway’s Support human rights and environmental rights for Tibet and human values that the Norwegians strongly believe in. The President of Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay Dr. Sangay also met with Mr Bjorn called on Member of the Norwegian Engesland, Secretary general of Parliament Ola Elvestuen, from the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, a non- Liberal Party and Petter Eide from governmental human rights organisation, CTA President at the Halifax International the Socialist Left Party and former over a working lunch. Security Forum in Canada. Secretary General of Amnesty Norway today’s world, Dr Sangay said that apart at the Norwegian parliament and President Dr Sangay concluded his two- from Tibet’s environment on which advocated the cause of Tibet and lobbied day visit to Oslo in November with an hinges the global weather conditions, for stronger political support for Tibet. interview with Aftenposten, Norway’s even the cell phones made in China that largest circulated newspaper. are cheap and available in the market is made of lithium mined from Tibet’s sacred mountains. Advocating for the Restore Tibet as stewardship of Tibetan people, Dr Buffer Zone Between Sangay said the Tibetan Plateau needs to be protected and Tibetans must be made India and China: CTA the stewards of their own land so that the President at Halifax roof of the world can be protected. International Security Dr Sangay also dwelled on how China’s CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay with MP Petter eide and MP Ola Elvestuen overseas influence operations have Forum rubbed off on every country from The parliamentarians voiced their The President of Central Tibetan Denmark to Australia to South Africa. clear support for human rights and Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay environmental issues in Tibet and spoke at the 9th Halifax International The other speakers on the panel on expressed their commitment to re- Security Forum that concluded on 20 ‘India-China Relations’ were Dr. Alyssa establish a Parliamentary Support Group November. Dr Sangay was featured as Ayres, Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, for Tibet in the Parliament. Dr Sangay one of the speakers at the panel session and South Asia, Council on Foreign expressed his gratitude for their support titled ‘India-China Relations’. Relations, Ambassador Husain Haqqani, and welcomed their statement on setting Director and Senior Fellow, South and up a Parliamentary Support Group. Dr Sangay affirmed that Tibet remains Central Asia, Hudson Institute, Dr. the core issue in the India-China relation, Daniel Twining, President, International President Dr Sangay began the final given its significance as Asia’s water Republican Institute. The session lasting day of his visit to Oslo by addressing a tower and the 3500 km border Tibet 90 minutes was moderated by Dr. breakfast meeting at CIVITA, a leading shares with India. He made a premonition Carla Robbins, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Norwegian liberal think tank on the of destabilisation and tension between Council on Foreign Relations. topic “Economic interests or human the two Asian giants so long as the Tibet rights: How should liberal democracies issue remains unresolved. Over 300 participants from 80 countries interact with China?” along with fellow attended this year’s forum organised by panellists John Peder Egenæs, Secretary “India and China never shared a border, Canada’s Ministry of National Defense General of Amnesty International it always was between India and Tibet. led by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. Norway and Stein Ringen, Visiting It best serves India’s interest to restore Professor, Department of Political Tibet’s status as a buffer zone between This year marks President Dr Sangay’s Economy, King’s College, London. India and China,” said President Dr fourth consecutive participation in the Sangay. forum which is North America’s leading Dr Sangay stated that the question is not foreign affairs and defence conference about how liberal democracies should Commenting on the Doklam issue, Dr that brings together government officials, interact with China, but rather the Sangay’s postulation evinced it as only media personals and scholars who are question is of choice, a choice that the the beginning of China’s expansionist at the forefront of decision-making and liberal democracy can either choose their design and not a one-off standoff. policy formulation impacting the global way of liberal democratic culture or that political discourse. of China’s. He urged the Norwegians Speaking on the relevance of Tibet in

4 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE Taiwan Parliament Forum organised by Department of Integrate but don’t Information and International Relations assimilate: CTA Passes Bill to Dissolve in October this year. Speaking at the Mongolia Tibet Affairs concluding session, MP Kolas reassured President to Young the audience that the bill to dissolve the Canadian Tibetans Commission Mongolia Tibetan Affairs Commission will be passed in less than two months According to a report filed by the Office The President of the Central Tibetan time. Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay in- of Tibet based in Taiwan, the Taiwan Legislative Yuan has approved a bill to teracted with young Canadian Tibetans Welcoming the historic move, President dissolve the Mongolian Tibet Affairs in Toronto on 22 November. The im- of Central Tibetan Administration Commission (MTAC). portance of embracing and preserving Dr. Lobsang Sangay said, “MTAC Tibetan identity was the highlight of the interaction.

Speaking on the existential question that the younger generation sometimes is faced with, Dr Sangay affirmed that one remains Tibetan regardless of the citizenship one holds. He further added that though one must integrate into the Canadian system, but one must not as- similate. “You can be a proud Canadian but you are always a Tibetan. We should be who we are,” he added.

Elucidating on the importance of recon- necting with one’s roots, Dr. Sangay iterated the importance of learning Ti- betan language. “My Tibetan was bad,” Member of Taiwanese Parliament Kolas Yotaka, of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at the said Dr. Sangay. Recalling his own ex- Five-Fifty Forum, Dharamshala, 8 October 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR perience, he shared how he put in hours Ruling Democratic Progressive Party of hard work to improve his knowledge has been a sore point and source of legislator Lee Chun-yi, also a member of Tibetan language. “I am still learn- misunderstanding between Tibetans and of the committee for dissolving the ing, I am still working hard and there is Taiwanese. Personally, I have opposed commission, said, “As things change no end to learning. It’s not easy but one MTAC since my college days and I am with time, our concerns for issues must strive forward,” he said. glad to see it shut down.” regarding Mongolia and Tibet should have changed course much earlier. Speaking of the various platforms and Members of the Taiwanese Parliament What we should do is protect the resources one can avail to learn Tibetan who tabled the bill are Tsai Yi-Yu, Chen Mongolian and Tibetan community in language, Dr Sangay urged the audience Chi-Mai, Xu Guoyong, Kolas Yotaka Taiwan, and guarantee that Mongolian to participate and make use of such plat- and Lai Jui-lung. The bill won with a and Tibetan culture will continue to forms. majority of 65 votes against 30. be respected in Taiwan. Here we ask to disband the Mongolian and Tibetan Iterating the significance of the CTA, On 14 August, the Taiwan Executive Affairs Commission. The remaining Dr Sangay emphasised that the CTA is Yuan announced that the MTAC would 46 members of the commission will be the nerve centre of the Tibetan freedom be dissolved by the end of the year. It transferred to the culture ministry and movement and the custodian of Tibetan was also disclosed that no budget would the Mainland Affairs Council, so we can culture and Identity. He also highlighted be allocated to the MTAC for 2018. the role of Tibetan schools, monaster- officially dissolve the commission. Let us respect the people of Mongolia and ies and the Tibetan settlements in exile Originally set up as a bureau under Tibet and their culture. This is what we in preserving and inculcating the es- the interior ministry of Taiwan, the should do.” sence of our identity. “If CTA collapses, commission was renamed to MTAC in Tibetan movement collapses and if the 1929 in accordance with the Nationalist Member of Taiwanese Parliament Kolas schools, monasteries and the settlements Government Organizational Law. The Yotaka, Democratic Progressive Party collapses, our identity collapses and it is founding of the MTAC can be traced (DPP) who was among the legislators important to remember that,” he said. back to the Qing dynasty in 1636, when to table the bill attended the Five-Fifty it was founded as the Mongolian Bureau.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 5 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE Representative Ngodup CTA Holds Prayer and UN officials to meet the Panchen Lama who has been forcibly kidnapped Tsering Takes Charge Service for Self- since the age of six. The United Nations of OOT DC immolaters Konpe and has also released a report on the situa- tion inside Tibet based on five urgent Tenga researches conducted between February The Department of Religion and Cul- and August this year,” he said, and urged ture, Central Tibetan Administration the international community to do more organised prayer services for Tenga and to alleviate the sufferings of the Tibetan Konpe who died after burning himself in people inside Tibet. protest against the Chinese government on 26 November and 24 December re- President Dr Sangay also underlined spectively. non-violence as the principal approach undertaken by the Tibetan people in New Representative Ngodup Tsering and outgo- The prayer service was presided over by their struggle for freedom including the ing Represnetative Penpa Tsering with OOT Bra- Lopon Thupten Choephel of Namgyal self-immolaters. sil representative Tsewang Phuntso as the official witness. Monastery, and attended by members of the Kashag, members of the Tibetan “At least 150 people have set themselves The handing over of charge between Parliament, chief justice commissioners on fire in protest since 2009. However, outgoing Representative of Office of and staff of the Central Tibetan Admin- not even a single person has resorted Tibet, Washington DC, Penpa Tsering to violence or attempted to hurt some- and the incoming Representative one while staging their protest. This is Ngodup Tsering took place successfully something that the world should know,” on 1 December. he said.

The handing over ceremony took place Addressing the Tibetan diaspora, he said in the presence of Representative of the Tibetan people in exile should heed South America Tsewang Phuntsok, who the profound aspirations of the Tibetan was appointed to oversee the handing people inside Tibet i.e, restoration of freedom inside Tibet and the return of President Dr Lobsang Sangay of the Central His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Tibetan Administration delivering the Kashag’s “We should treat the aspirations of the condolence remarks at the prayer service for self- Tibetan people inside Tibet as sacred immolater Tenga, 2 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin and exert our concerted effort to fulfill Phende/DIIR their aspirations by preserving the unity istration along with local Tibetan public. of the Tibetan people,” he said.

In his condolence remarks, President Dr Dr Sangay further urged Chinese presi- Outgoing Representative Penpa Tsering with new Lobsang Sangay expressed the Kashag’s dent Xi Jinping to reform China’s failed Representative Ngodup Tsering. profound sadness at the two self-immo- policies in Tibet in his second term, and lations and read out a brief biography of said that repressive, hard line policies and taking over of the Office. the two self immolaters. will never work, but rather they should address the genuine grievances of the He expressed his satisfaction over the He highlighted the growing internation- Tibetan people to resolve the Tibet issue. smooth transition. al attention on the situation inside Tibet, citing the coverage of the latest self-im- Despite the Central Tibetan Administra- As per the Kashag’s directive, the molation protest in leading international tion’s repeated appeals not to resort to process of Handing over started on 28 dailies and the discussion on status of drastic actions such as self-immolation, November. “The three-day handing over Tibetan political prisoners in the Cana- at least 151 Tibetans have set themselves process, which began from 28 November, dian parliament. on fire inside Tibet since 2009. Out of has been very sucessfully conducted the 151, 129 of them have died while the and organised by the staff and outgoing “The Canadian senate recently raised status of the rest remains unknown. Representative. I would like to thank the issue of five Tibetan political pris- all of you,” said new Representative of oners including the status of Panchen The two self-immolaters have raised Office of Tibet, Washington DC. Rinpoche. The Canadian foreign minis- calls for freedom in Tibet before suc- ter also stated in the parliament that Chi- cumbing to injuries that they have sus- The new representative, Ngodup Tsering na should allow human rights activists tained during the fiery protest. took charge from 1 December.

6 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE His Holiness the Dalai they envision for the world.” the Central Tibetan Administration. In a press release issued by the White Lama Meets Former “His Holiness also expressed that there House in 2016, then President Obama US President Barack have been a couple of meetings of the pronounced his strong support for His Nobel peace laureates but there were Holiness the Dalai Lama’s “Middle Obama in Delhi very less action and more of words on Way” approach and the preservation paper. His Holiness told Obama that of Tibet’s unique religious, cultural, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met former linguistic traditions and the equal US President Barack Obama in New protection of human rights of Tibetans Delhi on 1 December. in China.

The meeting of the two Nobel Peace Obama has arrived in India from China laureates, which is sixth in series, took on 30 November. In Beijing, he met with place at the ITC Maurya. Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Responding to press queries at Gaggal In India, Obama spoke at a leadership airport on his return from Delhi His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting former US meeting in New Delhi and met Prime regarding the meeting with the former President Barack Obama at ITC MArya in New Minister Narendra Modi. U.S. President, His Holiness said, “It Delhi on 1 December 2017. was very good, I think we are really He also held a town hall meeting for two old trusted friends. I mentioned to laureates should meet to effect changes young people hosted by his foundation. him that now time has come for us to for the immediate future. promote the sense of oneness among Obama visited China, India, France seven billion human beings. It is sad to “His Holiness also said that since he during his world tour. see there are so much differences among is based in India, he is committed to people.” reviving the ancient Indian thoughts to Mundgod Doeguling promote peace and compassion. Tibetan Settlement In an exclusive interview with DIIR media, Kasur Tempa Tsering, who is “To Obama, His Holiness said, ‘You are Receives Record of the India and East Asia Coordinator for not only a former US president but you Tenancy Certificate Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, are a Nobel laureate, you are young and said that His Holiness had expressed you can do a lot. We should fulfil our (RTC) from State interest in meeting with Obama, and aspiration for world peace. Maybe my accordingly Obama responded the same. generation will not see the results, but Government of your generation will definitely see the Karnataka “His Holiness was very happy to meet results,” Kasur Tempa Tsering said. Under the guidance of Department of his fellow Nobel laureate and also a Home, Central Tibetan Administration, friend,” he said. Both of them have met After Obama arrived in India last night Dharamsala, the Tibetan Rehabilitation five times in the past and have developed His Holiness flew out from Dharamshaa Policy was formulated in the year a unique friendship. at 7.30 this morning and arrived at 2014. Thereafter, at the Karnataka around 8.30. State level, after much deliberations “The meeting lasted for 45 minutes. The and perseverance from the Office of the meeting of the former Nobel Laureates The former US President has previously Chief Representative, CTA (South Zone) dwelled on various topics pertaining to described His Holiness as a good friend and also, at the District level the Tibetan promoting peace in today’s world torn and commended his commitment to Settlement Officer, Mundgod along with by strife and violence. peace and nonviolence. Doeguling Tibetan Co-operative Society had put great efforts in pursuing with “During the 45-minute meeting, both During his eight-year presidency, Obama concerned Karwar District authorities. spoke about promoting compassion and has hosted His Holiness four times in altruism in human beings. His Holiness the White House: 18 February 2010, On 11 December, on the auspicious visit remarked that although basic human 16 July 2011, 21 February 2014 and 15 of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the nature is compassionate, the materialistic June 2016. They first met in September Doeguling Tibetan settlement, Shri. S.S. orientation of education today tends to 2005 when Obama was a member of the Nakul, I.A.S. Deputy Commissioner instil a sense of selfishness and self- Senate Foreign Relations Committee. of Karwar Distt presented Record centeredness, while not doing enough of Tenancy Certificate, RTC to His to discourage the sense of ‘us’ and In the series of meeting, the former US Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Deputy ‘them’ that leads to conflict. Both peace President has repeatedly emphasised Commissioner said that a simple laureates discussed the kind of future US support for Middle Way Policy of

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 7 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

Guangchen, democracy activist Yang Dr Sangay also underlined the ongoing Jianli, attended the rally. demolition of Larung Gar and Yarchen Gar by Chinese authorities as trampling Addressing the rally, President Dr on the rights of the Tibetan people and Lobsang Sangay, appealed the United said that China should immediately Nations to protect the basic fundamental stop the demolitions and restore the rights of the Tibetan people and said monastery to its original settings. that the issue of Tibet bears worldwide ramifications. He said that the rally “Larung Gar monastery with more than Shri S S Nukul, IAS Deputy Commissioner of Kar- was a wake-up call to the UN and the 12000 monks and nuns was demolished war District, presenting the RTC to His Holiness international community, explaining that from last August to this August. From the Dalai Lama in Mundgod on 11 December ignoring the just cause of Tibet is akin to 12000 monks and nuns, it was reduced 2017. ignoring human rights, democracy and to just 5000. 7000 of the monks were function will be held at a later date in violence. expelled, never to return again. Three order to distribute RTC to individual nuns from Yarchen Gar committed Tibetan farmers of the settlement. His “For the last six decades, Tibet has been suicide. Such is the situation inside Holiness the Dalai Lama thanked the suffering under a brutal occupation. Tibet. So, is there any justice? No. Deputy Commissioner for providing And that is unacceptable. Tibetans Sixty years is too long, demolition of such benefits to Tibetan farmers. are suffering and they are saying Larung gar is unacceptable, demolition it’s unbearable. They are burning of Yarchen gar is unbearable. We want The RTC will benefit Tibetan farmers the UN and the international community to get all subsidies, grants and schemes to know that the tragedy of Tibet is real, from the State Government of Karnataka and the sufferings of the Tibetan people as well as from the Central Government are real,” he said. of India as extended to local Indian farmers. President further emphasised that The Solidarity Rally Tibetans in Tibet have clearly protested the political repression, economic is a wake-up call to marginaliztion caused by the Chinese President Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the Ti- government’s policies. “The issue of the United Nations betan solidarity rally in New York City on 10 De- Tibet not only concerns the 6 million and the International cember 2017. Photo/Goms Vision Tibetans but that 1.4 billion people in Asia that depend on Tibet’s rives,” said Community: CTA themselves; not just one or ten or twenty, Dr Sangay. but one hundred and fifty Tibetans have President in New York burned themselves asking for basic To mark International Day of Human freedom and the return of His Holiness Rights, thousands of Tibetans and the Dalai Lama to Tibet,” Dr Sangay Tibet supporters from across the United said. States and Canada took part in a mass solidarity rally in front of the United Citing William Herschel’s quote “you Nations headquarters in New York City may chose to look the other way but on 10 December. you cannot say that you didn’t know,” President Dr Sangay said “We are here The rally, organised by a committee today in front of the United Nations Participants of the rally holding photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, chaired by Pema Chagzoetansg and to tell you today about the tragedy Martin Luther King, and nelson Mandela. Photo/ Tsewang Rigzin, the two members of unfolding in Tibet.” Goms Vision the Tibetan Parliament representing North America, was part of the ‘Year of “Next year marks the 70th year since the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament, Campaign’ declared by the Kashag on Universal declaration of human rights Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, recalled the 10 March this year. was made. But where is our human contribution of His Holiness the Dalai rights? Where is our basic freedom? Lama to the Tibetan people and to President Dr Lobsang Sangay of the That’s why we are here today in front of the world. He highlighted the current Central Tibetan Administration, Speaker the UN headquarters to tell the UN and critical situation in Tibet, pointing out Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan the international community about what the cases of Tashi Wangchuk, late Tenzin Parliament-in-Exile and many Chinese is going on inside Tibet for the last sixty Delek Rinpoche and Larung Gar as scholars and dissidents including years.” examples of how China was mistreating Prof Ming Xia, Chinese activist Chen Tibetan people and destroying Tibetan 8 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE culture and tradition. He spoke about Chorig Kalon Elected The second day of the meeting dwelled the past resolutions on Tibet by the on discussion on the topic “Buddhist United Nations and sought its support Vice President of Heritage, Asokan Legacy and Way to the Tibetan people, including in the Governing Council of Forward for IBC” where many scholars resumption of dialogue with the Chinese and researchers debated and presented leadership. International Buddhist research papers on various issues. During the session a video message Richard Gere, Actor and Chairman of Confederation of Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche was the International Campaign for Tibet, Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok of screened and a reading of message from who was unable to attend the rally, sent a Department of Religion and Culture of Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and written message expressing his solidarity Central Tibetan Administration has been Drikung Kyabgon Chetrsang Rinpoche. with the Tibetan people. He expressed elected as one of the Vice Presidents of his hope that everyone can “be united the Governing Council of International The International Buddhist in our nonviolent struggle to fulfill the Buddhist Confederation. Kalon Yuthok Confederation was formed in autumn vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama returned to Dharamsala after attending of 2010, during Ven. Lama Lobzang’s and honor the voice of Tibetans inside the two-day General Assembly Meeting visit to Sri Lanka. Some respected Tibet.” Saying that there were many Sangha members suggested that India people who care deeply about Tibet, he host a large-scale international Buddhist said ICT remains committed to being conference. The planning then began for proactive on the issue of Tibet. one of the largest international gatherings of Buddhists ever to take place on Indian Tibetan Parliamentarian Pema soil – the Global Buddhist Congregation. Chagzoetsang offered her gratitude The purpose of this body is to create a to all those who had helped with the role for Buddhism on the global stage organization of the events. Tibetan so as to help to preserve our heritage, parliamentarian Tsewang Rigzin said Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok, Department of share our knowledge, and promote our all the participants should go back home Religion and Culture, CTA among the other 11 values and to represent a united front Vice President of the Governing body of IBC. knowing that they were successful in Photo/Department of Religion and Culture for Buddhism to enjoy meaningful delivering the three objectives that he participation in the global discourse. had outlined that sent strong messages to of International Buddhist Confederation China and the international community. held in Delhi from 10 -11 December. China’s Decade Old The day-long rally began from the United Chief guest Shri Kiren Rijiju, the Reincarnation Policy Nations building, through the streets Minister of State for Home Affair, of New York, and culminated in front Government of India, and spiritual Cannot Replace of the Chinese consulate. Participants heads of the Combodia and Bangladesh Tibet’s Millennia raised slogans of peace, human rights, and Kyabji Gaden Tri Rinpoche, Tibetan non-violence, dialogue and His Holiness representative graced the inaugural Old Tradition: CTA the Dalai Lama, during the rally. ceremony of the General Meeting. The morning session of the meeting began Spokesperson Since the declaration of 2017 as ‘Year of with screening the video message of His It has been a decade since China Campaign’ by the Kashag, over 30,000 Holiness the Dalai Lama followed by announced its infamous ‘Order no 5’ in Tibetans residing in North America welcome speech by Professor Kyabje 2007, decreeing that all the reincarnations have organised and participated in Samdhong Rinpoche, the presiding or tulkus of Tibetan Buddhism must get various rallies and campaigns to president of IBC. government approval, explaining that highlight the Chinese government’s anyone otherwise would be “illegal or atrocities in Tibet and have called for Shri Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State for invalid”. the resumption of dialogue between Home Affair gave the key note address. Chinese representatives and envoys of In the afternoon session, the Chairman The Chinese government has justified His Holiness the Dalai Lama. of electoral committee introduced the this step as an effort to institutionalize the voting procedure and then voted new management of the Tibetan reincarnation President, Vice President and Members system and curb fraudulent activities. of Governing Council of IBC. For detailed news visit: The self-described ‘atheist’ state, even www.tibet.net Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok has been took the unusual step of publishing elected as one of the Vice President of a list of “authentic living Buddhas” the Governing Council. on the official website of its State

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 9 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE and antagonised the majority of the Indian Government population including inciting several popular uprisings. Streamlines Stay and

Sensing the futility of their approaches, Travel Regulations for the Chinese government has Tibetans in India implemented various carrot and stick In what comes as a good news for policies to woo the Tibetan people but Tibetans living in India and abroad, the failed. They have now realised that it government of India has streamlined cannot rule Tibet forever without the Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Secretary for International stay and travel regulations for Tibetans. relations and Spokesperson of the Central Tibetan influence of the Dalai Lama institution on the Tibetan people. This has prompted Administration. According to a circular issued by the China to devise a strategy to ensure that Administration for Religious Affairs. Ministry of Home Affairs/Foreigners the next Dalai Lama will align with its Division, regulations regarding renewal goals. Unsurprisingly, the move was widely of Residential/Registration certificates criticized by Tibetans as interfering for Tibetans in India have been slightly In other words, Beijing wants to control in their religious belief. They called it relaxed, and the validity and the number the selection process of the next Dalai China’s latest attempt to legitimise the of entry for return visas for those Lama; so that the next Dalai Lama is occupation of their country by co-opting who wish to travel abroad have been seen hand in glove in furthering China’s Tibetan Buddhism, the spiritual glue increased from single to multiple entry political ambitions. that binds Tibetan people into a single lasting a year. political entity. However, despite best efforts and Responding to the decision which millions of dollars down the line, China “Interfering with Tibetan people’s faith was made public on December 7 this has emerged from this whole saga as for political gains has been an age-old year, the President of Central Tibetan ‘ridiculous’ and has invited itself much practice of China’s political game. During Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay derision and mockery. the cultural revolution, they destroyed thanked the government of India for Tibetan monasteries and cultural relics relaxing the regulations and said: President Dr Lobsang Sangay, political in the name of modernization, and head of the Tibetan people, has compared disrobed and disbanded monks and China’s meddling in the issue with Fidel nuns from monasteries in an effort Castro appointing the next pope. to brainwash Tibetans with socialist propaganda,” Sonam Norbu Dagpo, He also exposed the irony of China’s Secretary for International Relations policy wherein they scramble to hijack and spokesperson of the Central Tibetan the legacy of the Dalai Lama institution, Administration said. while rejecting the current Dalai Lama who has given the institution “They are now manipulating people’s unparalleled gravitas and international faith in Tibetan Buddhism particularly recognition. the millennia–old tradition of “Over the years, Kashag and the Bureau reincarnation to control Tibet. It’s of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has Hence, for now, the rule by reincarnation obvious that their ultimate goal is to grab been pursuing the matter with the Indian strategy of China in Tibet is currently Tibet’s institution of the Dalai Lama and Government and on many occasion have seen as ‘flawed’ and ‘suspicious’. use it as a political tool to legitimize diligently requested for provisions to Early indications from the international their occupation,” he added. ease travel for Tibetans holding Identity community towards the issue has also Certificate and to facilitate easy process pointed toward similar articulations. “However, China should understand that for renewal of Registration Certificate the reincarnation system is a millennia for Tibetans living in India.” old tradition that is deeply embedded in the Tibetan people’s culture, and China’s “On behalf of CTA, I want to extend decade old policy cannot replace this my deepest appreciation and gratitude tradition,” he explained. to the Government of India for not only heeding to our requests, but for putting Since 1951, China has controlled Tibet in place all possible measures for CTA with a high-handed approach to its www.mwa.tibet.net and the Tibetans people.” culture and religion. This overbearing The circular reads as follows: attempt has won them few supporters

10 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

(i) Tibetan migrants who are registered applicable to other foreigners. online may be granted Residential/ 1. Collect, or pool, a small amount Registration certificate for 5 years 3. All authorities concerned are of money from each person in the and such certificates may be renewed requested to strictly comply with the community to cover the cost of Tenzin’s for five years on each occasion as above mentioned instructions. hospitalization, or and when applicable. However, if a 2. Make Tenzin cover the cost on his Tibetan Migrant faces difficulty in 4. These instructions shall come into own – which could potentially push him online registration and desires renewal force with immediate effect. into poverty – and set the precedent that of Residential/ Registration Certificate everyone must pay their own healthcare without online registration, his/her costs, regardless of how high it might be. Residential/Registration Certificate may Press Release: be renewed as per extant instructions Enrollment for Tibetan The first option is an example of i.e registration will be valid for one how health insurance works. Each year with provision of extension Medicare System person in the community makes a by one year on each occasion. The 2018 – 2019 small contribution and eventually the present instructions of issuing five-year community shares the burden of the large Health Insurance works by spreading extension of Residential Certificate to expense incurred for the hospitalization the risk of healthcare expenses over a those Tibetan Migrants, who have stayed of one. in India for more than twenty years, will number of people so that the financial burden of unfortunate few who need continue to remain valid. What is Tibetan Medicare System? healthcare is shared by the many fortunate who remain healthy. (ii) Transfer of Residential/Registration Tibetan Medicare System is a holistic Most of us, at some point in our lives, certificate in case of migrants shifting Secondary and Tertiary Health Care will need to seek expensive healthcare from one place to another may also be Program meant for all Tibetan refugees done online, avoiding need for personal under the direct cover of Tibetan visits and delays in manual transfer of Voluntary Health Association (TVHA), registration. registered under the Societies Act 1860. TMS is a nonprofit and charitable (iii) In case of delays in renewal of Health Plan that aims to improve public Registration Certificate by any Tibetan health and well-being of the Tibetan Migrant due to any unavoidable community in-exile. The Department of reason or oversight, stringent action Health launched TMS on 1st April 2012. like prosecution/imprisonment may It is running on its 6th year now and 7th be resorted to only if a serious offence year will be started from 1st April 2018. has been committed which is not services e.g. hospitalization or surgery. With the present day stress, sedentary compoundable. In normal cases, Status of Tibetan Medicare System for life-styles and pollution, an increasing pecuniary fine/penalty as per provisions year 2017-18 of Law/Rules/Instructions may be number of people are being diagnosed with heart ailment, cancer and other imposed. 1. Total number of member: 24155 critical illness that are expensive to treat. 2. Total number of beneficiaries from 1st A few days of hospitalization, major (iv) Tibetan migrants, who wish to Apr 2017 to Dec 2017 (In 8 months) – surgery or chemotherapy can cost lakhs visit abroad, may be granted one year 1554 of rupees. multiple entry Return Visa which may 3. Total amount of reimbursement Rs: be issued by FRRO/FRO, or Indian 13715849/- In India, many of us pay directly to the missions abroad. This one-year Return 4. 37 Settlements and including doctor, the chemist and the laboratory for visa will be given to Tibetan migrants Organizations are covered under TMS day to day ailments, since treatment of whose cases are recommended by the in India. Central Tibetan Administration. these are generally low-cost. However, the cost of hospitalization is expensive Period of Cover for a year starts from and most of us find it unaffordable. 2. All concerned authorities may be 1st-April 2018 and ends on 31st-March sensitized that as a general policy 2019. Tibetan migrants in India may be dealt Health Insurance protects us against with dignity. It should be the endeavor unexpected financial loss. It empowers of officers concerned to facilitate us to access and afford needed healthcare For detailed news visit: them within the provisions of Law/ services. Let us see an example: Tenzin Rules. However, in case of any specific has fallen ill and requires hospitalisation, www.tibet.net violation of any provision of Law/Rules/ which will cost Rs. 50,000. There are instructions, due action may be taken as two different ways to cover this cost:

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 11 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE Tibetan Parliamentary and solidarity for the Tibetan cause. The Thangso Baite and others took part and Indian leaders earnestly pledged to do deliberated on the Tibet issue. Due to Delegation Holds their utmost for Tibet and especially as- sudden extension of the Parliament ses- week-long Tibet sured to discuss and deliberate on Tibet sion over a voting motion on a vital Bill, issue with colleagues, Party leaders and many lawmakers who confirmed their Advocacy Campaign in the Government of India whenever op- participation failed to make it in time portunities arise. Many earnestly offered for the meeting. The meeting success- New Delhi their valuable guidance regarding the fully adopted four resolutions on Tibet. A three-member Tibetan Parliamentary future course of actions for Tibet. For The meeting was also participated by the delegation led by Deputy Speaker Acha- example, Shri Vivek Tankha suggested Tibetan Parliamentary delegation, Kasur rya Yeshi Phuntsok successfully con- that a formal meeting of certain number Ngodup Dongchung, Representative of cluded the week-long Tibet Advocacy of Indian MPs with His Holiness the Da- Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama campaign in Delhi on 22 December. lai Lama, coinciding with His Holiness’ in Delhi and the Coordinator, Karma Th- visit to Delhi, to discuss ways to create The delegates met over 40 Indian par- momentum for Tibetan freedom struggle liamentarians and Party leaders from 11 would be a major bolster for the Tibetan different political parties belonging to 19 movement. different states of India. Since 2014, the Tibetan Parliamentary delegations have While commending the success of ex- successfully called upon over 210 Indian ile Tibetan movements and the undying MPs of the 16th Indian Parliament dur- spirit and commitment of the Tibetans ing various Parliament sessions. in carrying forward the Tibetan freedom struggle, they expressed anguish and “The current Advocacy campaign condemnation of the Chinese illegal oc- proved a major success with meetings cupation of Tibet. They also emphasised Tibetan parliamentary delegation with Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal. Photo/Tibetan and interactions being successfully held that they be kept updated on the Tibet Parliamentary Secretariat with over 40 Indian lawmakers in a situation and to call on at regular inter- short span of 5 days. Most importantly, vals in future. argyal and other staff of ITCO. as requested, many Indian MPs affirmed their visit to Dharamshala in future and The Tibetan delegates formally thanked Among the leaders the Tibetan parlia- to participate in Tibetan official pro- the Government and the people of India mentarians met during the 5-day lob- grammes and events of the exile Tibetan for their continuous support for Tibet. bying included prominent Indian MPs: communities and Administration. These They apprised them on the critical situa- former Defense Minister Mr. Mulayam visits have helped garner major Tibet tion inside Tibet and the ongoing Tibet- Singh Yadav, Mr. Moti Lal Vora, Mr. supporters among the Indian lawmakers an freedom struggle. While advocating D Raja, Mr. Subhash Chandra, Mr. K in the past,” said Deputy Speaker Acha- for greater support for Tibet, the del- T S Tulsi, Mr. Rajiv Shukla, Mr. Thup- rya Yeshi Phuntsok, head of the delega- egates urged the Indian MPs to stand up ten Tsewang, Mr. Vivek Tankha, Rev. for Tibet by taking up the issue of Tibet Prasanna Kumar Patasani, Mr. Shadi during the Parliamentary proceedings Lal Batra, Mr. Pradeep Tamte, Col and bolster their support through vari- Chaudary Sona Ram, Mr Gopal Na- ous platforms. The delegates also urged rayan Singh, Mr. Dinesh Kashyap, Mr. them to seek further support from their K Bhabananda Singh, Dr. Boora Narsaih respective leaders and Government for Goud, Mr. Vinod Kumar Bolanapalli, immediate intervention to end the crisis Mr. Daddan Mishra, Mr. Santuise Kujur, inside Tibet. Mr. BN Chandrappa, Mr. Sunil Baliram Gaikwad, Mr. Thangsoe Baite, Mr. CL Tibetan Parliamentary delegation, Kasur Ngodup Most importantly, the Indian MPs as- Raula, Mr. Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu, Dongchung, Representative of Bureau of His sured their participation in the upcoming Mr. Virendra Singh, Mr. Harivansh, Mr. Holiness the Dalai Lama in Delhi and Indian MPs 7th World Parliamentarians Convention Rangasayee Ramakrishna, Mr. Vikas at the meeting of All Party Parliamentarian Forum for Tibet (APIPFT),21 December 2017. Photo/ on Tibet. Mahatme, Mr. Janak Ram, Mr. Bhushan Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat Lal Jangde, Mr. Mekapati Rajamohan On the evening of 21 December, a meet- Reddy, Mr. Devender T Goud, Mr. Vi- tion. ing of the members of All Party Parlia- nay Dinu Tendulkar and Mr. N. Thota. mentarian Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) During the entire campaign, the del- was held in the Constitutional Club, egates were received with great admi- where over 7 Indian Parliamentarians ration by the Indian counterparts and including Mr. P D Rai, Dr. Arun Kumar, were assured of their strong support Mr. Ninong Ering, Ravi Prakash Verma, 12 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE Kalon Karma Gelek Canadian Senators tens, the director of policy, Public Policy Forum, who currently leads the PPF Yuthok to take Launch Inquiry into consultative forum on China. Additional Charge of State of Political Interacting with CBC, an english lan- Education Department Prisoners in Tibet guage broadcast network, Dr. Sangay apprised CTA’s commitment to the Mid- Since Kalon Ngodup Tsering has been Canadian Senators have launched an in- dle Way Approach to resolve the Tibet appointed as the Representative of quiry into the state of political prisoners issue through peace and dialogue seek- His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the of Tibet in Canadian Senate chamber on ing a genuine autonomy for Tibet. Office of Tibet, North America based 23 November 2017. in Washington DC, he relieved his Upon meeting with the Tibetan com- responsibilities as Kalon of Education Five senators led by Senator Dennis Glen munity, Dr Sangay spoke of the journey Department from 1 January 2018. Patterson have highlighted five political the Tibetans have made in exile under prisoners of Tibet who are languishing the visionary leadership of His Holi- In his place, Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, in Chinese prison for peaceful expres- ness the Dalai Lama. He further added sion of views in asserting their national the importance of preserving the Tibetan identity and defending their culture. identity and strengthening unity among Tibetans. The other four senators who have raised strong voice in support of Senator Pat- Tibetan Parliament terson were Senator Marilou McPhe- Greets Australian dran, Senator Thanh Hai Ngo, Senator Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok of Department of Opposition) and Senator Linda Frum. Delegation Religion and Culture. “I am concerned and disturbed to learn Kalon of the Department of Religion that a child (Panchen Lama) was ab- and Culture, took additional charge of ducted by the state and that his where- Department of Education from the said abouts and current condition remain un- date, according to a circular issued by known………I do hope that this inquiry Kashag Secretariat on 29 December will serve, as our government reaches 2017. out to engage with China, to emphasize that in doing so we must also reinforce Brief Biography of Kalon Karma and advocate for the basic human rights Members of thre Standing Committe of the Gelek Yuthok and freedoms that we cherish and protect Tibetan Parliament with the visiting Australian Parliamentary delegation. in Canada,” said Patterson in the Senate. The Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parlia- Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok was born in ment-in-Exile Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok the year 1955 in Tibet. After completing He further added that His Holiness the and the members of standing commit- his studies in Buddhist dialectics and Dalai Lama only wants to restart a dia- tee met with the four member Australian Masters in Arts (MA) degree, he joined logue with the Chinese government to- Parliamentary Delegation led by Senator the Central Tibetan Administration in ward making Tibet a truly autonomous Derryn Hinch, Justice Party of Australia, 1986. province as provided for in the Chinese Hon Kevin Andrews, former Defence Constitution. Minister, Liberal Party of Australia, Since then, he has served in various CTA President Senator Kimberly Kitching, Labor Party capacities including as the Secretary of of Australia, Meryl Jane Swanson labor the Department of Religion and Culture, Strengthens Tibet Party of Australia along with Lhakpa Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Tshoko, Office of Tibet, Canberra on Lama at OOT Japan, Secretary of the Advocacy in Ottawa Monday, 20 November. Department of Education, and finally as The President of Central Tibetan Admin- Secretary of the Kashag Secretariat from istration Dr Sangay met with parliamen- Tibetan parliament secretariat hosted a 2012 until his nomination as a Kalon tarian Arif Virani, Chair of Canadian dinner reception in honour of the Del- in the 15th Kashag led by President Parliamentary Friends of Tibet (CPFT), egation at the Norbu House. At the din- (Sikyong) Dr Lobsang Sangay in June parliamentarian Garnett Genuis, PFT ner gathering, Deputy Speaker Acharya 2016. vice-chair, Gayle Turner and Paul De- Yeshi Phuntsok welcomed the Delega- giacomo from the AgriTeam Canada. tion to Dharamshala and introduced the standing committee members. Dr Sangay also met with Linsay Mar-

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 13 FOCUS The Genesis of Tibetan Self-Immolations is China’s Repressive Policies in Tibet By Jamphel Shonu As the wild fires that engulf southern Tibet. These failed policies have time Moreover, the Chinese government’s California continue to grab headlines and again exposed China’s disregard for efforts to assimilate Tibetans into the across the world, another fire, seemingly the legitimate aspirations of the Tibetan mainstream Han culture and undermine larger and more widespread, has been people, and evinces China’s imperialist Tibetan language and expressions of silently raging on in Tibet, the roof of designs over Tibet and establishes its cultural identity has left the Tibetan the world. position as a colonial master. people deeply suspicious of China’s motives. Of the 151 people who have been forced With history dating back to more by circumstances to set themselves on than 2,000 years, Tibet existed as an By encouraging mass migration of Han fire, the burning flame has consumed independent nation prior to China’s Chinese people into Tibet, China has 129 lives. The sweeping wave of illegitimate occupation. However, effectively made Tibetans a minority in self- immolation began in 2009 in the despite Tibet’s unique cultural and their own land. As a result, the six million aftermath of the nationwide uprising linguistic heritage, China has looked at Tibetans are vastly outnumbered today against China in 2008. Between 2012- Tibet solely through a constricting prism by Chinese immigrants, who are given 13 alone, over a hundred people of safeguarding their territorial integrity preferential treatment in education, resorted to this desperate act to express and maintaining stability. jobs and private enterprises, making their anguish at China’s increasingly Tibetan language redundant and leaving repressive policies in their homeland. In their quest to maintain this cult of the Tibetan people disenfranchised and stability, China has devised numerous marginalized in almost all sectors. The spate of self-immolations abated policies, a combination of reward since last year after the Chinese (economic) and punishment strategies In the field of education, Tibetan government imposed heavy security to induce a desired behavior from the students bear the brunt of prohibitive measures and resorted to criminalization Tibetan people. and discriminatory fees set in place by of self-immolators and family members Chinese authorities, and inadequate in a bid to curtail this expression of However, the truth of Chinese rule in facilities in rural areas. discontent. However, news of sporadic Tibet is that, despite its arm-twisting, incidents of self-immolation still trickles economic and financial inducements, the It is because of such predatory nature from inside Tibet. Last month, when Tibetan people have defied and resisted of the Chinese rule in Tibet and the the rest of the world was in a festive and instead expressed unflinching lawlessness it spawns that has driven mood to ring in Christmas, elsewhere faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama Tibetans to resort to extreme measures in northeast corner of Tibetan plateau, and allegiance to Central Tibetan such as self-immolation to protest Konpe, a former Buddhist monk in his Administration which is the moral and against the very policy that threatens 30s, set himself alight and a day after, legitimate representative of Tibetan their identity and engenders cultural on the eve of Christmas, succumbed to people inside and outside Tibet. annihilation. his injuries. To wean the Tibetan people off from their On the other hand, Tibet’s traditional The burning question is, why do sublime devotion to His Holiness the leaders, the lamas and spiritual teachers Tibetans, young and old, resort to Dalai Lama, China has waged multiple who, preaching simple living, has given such painful act of setting themselves campaigns that force the Tibetan people them a sense of identity, unity and on fire and risk their precious lives? to denounce His Holiness the Dalai spiritual belonging at a time of great The President of Central Tibetan Lama. This attempt at delegitimizing uncertainty and disorientation. Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay His Holiness the Dalai Lama has only attributed the genesis of Tibetan self- led Tibetans to sense the void of His And this is China’s real dilemma in immolations to the repressive policies of Holiness and express their aspiration for Tibet. Although China physically rules the Chinese government in Tibet. the return of His Holiness back to Tibet. Tibet, it could not win the hearts of the This is best illustrated in the slogans Tibetan people. It is the very conquering Religious repression, social raised by each self-immolator that called nature of Chinese rule in Tibet that has marginalization, treating Tibetans as for the return of His Holiness back to alienated Tibetans from their colonial second-class citizens in their own land, Tibet and freedom inside Tibet. masters. exploitation of the poor, discriminatory policies undermining Tibetan language, For Tibetans inside Tibet, His Holiness The Chinese government is wary of the among others, have been some of the is the custodian of their cultural identity self-immolation protests, and is sensitive key facets of China’s six-decade rule in and the symbol of freedom in Tibet. to anything that can be remotely

14 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER- DECEMBER 2017 FOCUS interpreted as challenging Chinese rule. The Need for a Tibetan Reading Revival: Speaking about the self-immolation My Observation on Reading Among Tibetan protests, Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Secretary Children of International Relations and official By Jigme Namgyal spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration, said: “China is obsessed Current observation and research has with controlling every aspect of Tibetan prompted me to invite every Tibetan to lives. The fact that China monitors consider reviving reading as a priority virtually every step of Tibetans has left in our system of educating children. The Tibetans with no alternate agency to reasons unfold below and I welcome express their dissent but through self- your thoughts. immolation.” As Noble Laureate Ernest Hemingway In the Buddhist world, self-immolations said, "There is no friend as loyal as have been one of the long-standing a book". It is true since from our forms of protests. The image of Thich childhood, be it at home or school, we Nhat Hanh’s lotus in a sea of flame still have been told that, books are your best Jigme Namgyal, Additional Secreatry of resonates across the world. In Tibet, the friend. Many explanations were given Department of Education self-immolations are an expression of on how it is your best friend, why it is These are huge challenges which must anguish and dissent. It is also symbolic important to read books etc. However, I be addressed collectively. of Tibetans reclaiming their control over observed a hard truth, that most of the their lives. Tibetan children do not have the habit of It is even more challenging, if it is indeed reading nor is the importance of 'reading' true as psychologist Keith Stanovich It in a way has sent a message to China correctly understood by them. Parents explains. He has done extensive research that that they may control Tibet, but they are either busy for the livelihood of the on reading and language disabilities cannot control the hearts and minds of family or are uneducated and don’t know where his concept of the 'Matthew Tibetan people. what ‘reading’ means. Teachers are Effects' says, if children fail to learn overloaded with a number of additional reading and writing at an early years China’s handling of the self-immolations: responsibilities and even the timely then he/she dislikes reading gradually. complete censorship and criminalization completion of the prescribed syllabus "As a consequence, they do not gain of self-immolators evince China’s itself was sometimes challenging vocabulary, background knowledge, and growing insecurity, and needless to say, for them. Whereas students are in an information about how reading material their embarrassment over the same. atmosphere where passing exam is what is structured. In short, the word-rich get they think they are for. But ultimately richer, while the word-poor get poorer". Vivid images of the red and yellow it is the larger community that has to But one should also know that, there are flames that have engulfed Tibet over bear the brunt of this negligence, which cases where children pick up reading at the last nine years has captured the thereby affects our strength, struggle a later stage when he/she enjoys reading. imagination of Tibet in the world’s and very survival! Why is it so? What So how pervasive his concept is a matter eye. The only way forward for Chinese went wrong that even after more than of further research. leadership to stop the self-immolation five decades of providing education protests is to review their six decade we failed to have sufficient numbers In any case, being a father of 5-year- old failed policies in Tibet and address of scholars, statesmen, opinion makers old daughter, who is about to enter her the genuine and legitimate grievances etc.? It is a known fact that education prime years, led me to some readings. of the Tibetan people inside Tibet, that was not universal in free Tibet, I say prime years, because expert says is, freedom for Tibetan people and the nevertheless we produced numbers of that, after first three years of children's rightful return of His Holiness the Dalai renowned scholars and practitioners pre-schooling (ngon-dro-lo-sum/ Lama back to Tibet. These demands (nyam-len-pa). Study shows that in most ), it is the first five years of the have been echoed by every Tibetan of the Tibetan schools, reading is limited primary school (she-rim-oag-ma-lo-nga/སྔོན་འགྲོ་ self-immolator as they breathed their to language classes which emphasize ལོ་གསུམ། ) that shapes their mind, last amid the fiery flame that blazed and more on memorization than on reading let alone reading skills. Therefore, I razed their body to ashes. itself. Students were not encouraged wouldགཞི་རིམ་འོག་མ་ལོ་ལྔ། prefer to call it ‘ngoe-she-lo-nga’ enough to use libraries effectively or ( ) in Tibetan. to develop reading skills in them. The For detailed news visit: other factor could be socio-economy of Inདངོས་གཞི་ལོ་ལྔ། the course of my search for children's www.tibet.net the society, where reading is not being books, I have encountered many good given much importance as it should be. works initiated by the Education

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 15 FOCUS

Department, in the last more than three related to developing and improving of 'Matthew Effects' I believe reading and half years, to create an atmosphere reading skills. Parents were equally can be 'cultivated' at any stage - better for reading in Tibetan schools. Some engaged in these similar workshops, late than never. Therefore, I welcome of these are good to be known by all of which helped them to understand the the above initiatives taken by the us. Under their Early Grade Reading importance of reading for children. Department and schools like TCV (EGR) program they brought out 40 Suja. It is very encouraging to learn Graded Reading Series (GRS) called These initiatives are amazing. Perhaps from one of my colleagues about Sontsa Series for early graders to fulfill we would have been different people the 'Readers of Dalai Lama' reading the demand for children’s story books had we received such encouragement program run by the school. There may in Tibetan, which was written along and facilities during our school days. be similar activities by other schools as the lines of Barkha Series of NCERT. I still remember very clearly that well. These programs, including EGR, These books were based on Tibetan during my high school days we used are some of the key factors to achieve folk tales, festivals, popular Tibetan to have a 'library period'. The Library competent readers, which I think should customs, children’s games etc. They are was somewhere near the staircase in a be promoted on a large scale by the indeed, very suitable for early graders. somewhat low illuminated room. During school and administration alike. Maybe Around 18 high quality children's the period we did go to the library but all the stakeholders should ponder upon story books were also translated from did not really use it for what it is meant them seriously. No wonder this kind other languages. Record also shows for. We just talked among ourselves, of initiatives take years, but as Tibetan 159 books, including above DoE turned a few pages of magazines lying says, ‘dhon-chen-drub-par-ngang-ring- publications, were distributed to all the on table that didn’t need stock entry in goe’ ( ) meaning schools. Many of these are available the school records. I must confess I had ‘patience is required for the success of on www.bodyiglobjong.com Under the never read one complete book in my an importantདོན་ཆེན་གྲུབ་པར་ངང་རིང་དགོས། matter’. Tibetan Early Grade Reading (TEGR) school days. It is so surprising, as far as itself 4,70,500 copies of children’s I remember, that none of us ever thought Education in fact begins with good books along with 42,127 copies of of borrowing books from the library. In reading. It is seen that children who other books were printed. Similarly 224 fact, whatever books the school library read books often are more skilled than Classroom Reading Corners (CRC) were had, most of them were locked, or those who don’t when they lead people introduced in 63 schools like Teacher secured in a shelf where students could or get themselves employed. As such the Reading Corner (TRC) were installed for ever reach! Thanks to our Gandhian greatest gift we can give to our children teachers. Not to mention teacher training English teacher and friends from senior and to the country is to create a passion and Teacher Professional Development class at Sarnath Institute who constantly for reading in them. And this could be (TPD) is one of the intrinsic parts of encouraged us for reading. your and my 5/50 vision for our children. their area of work. Workshops were also organized for primary teachers as well as Indeed, some of the above facts are The views expressed in this article are for librarians on methods and activities disheartening but unlike the concept the personal opinions of the author.

Tibetan Scholarship Program 2018 The Education Department of the Online Application Form: https://goo. NEPAL Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) gl/forms/nTiShl7aBLubBAz53 is pleased to circulate the announcement Tsering Topgyal of 2019 Tibetan Scholarship Program If you have any question, please contact Email: [email protected] (TSP) sponsored by the Bureau of the respective offices: Phone: +977-1-5000036/5000002 Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US State Department. It is being INDIA administered jointly by the Tibet Fund & the Department of Education, CTA. Ngawang Yonten Total of six (6) candidates from India Email: [email protected] and one (1) from Nepal will be selected Phone: +91-1892-222572 & 222721 to this program. Application will be Facebook: facebook.com/doe.lobyon/ accepted from eligible Tibetan refugees residing in India and Nepal for two-year USA Master’s Degree programs in the United www.mwa.tibet.net States. Tenzing Choephel Email: [email protected] Announcement: goo.gl/Nf4FDN Phone: +1.212.213.5011

16 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER- DECEMBER 2017 DOCUMENTATION Statement of Kashag on the 28th Anniversary of Conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama On this joyous occasion of the 28th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, the Kashag, on behalf of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet pay obeisance and bow down in deepest reverence and express our highest form of gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the supreme saviour of all sentient beings, the master of all teachings of the Buddha, a great champion of peace in this world, the human manifestation of the Bodhisattva of compassion, the spiritual sovereign of the three realms of existence and the saviour and supreme leader of Tibet and the Tibetan people. by Tibetans for thousands of years. His Peace Prize has further strengthened We also extend our warm greetings to the Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that and the cause of Tibet has also gained Tibetan people, friends and well wishers he has committed the rest of his life to widespread international awareness and around the world. promoting this ancient Indian wisdom. support. He has therefore stressed and urged the His Holiness the Dalai Lama has made revival of these ancient traditions in the His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s meeting a lifetime commitment to make today’s home of their origin, India. The similar with his fellow Nobel laureate and world a more peaceful place for its efforts made by the Centre and State former U.S President Barack Obama in inhabitants. He continues to travel across Governments of India towards this end India earlier this month brought much the world, promoting the basic human is commendable. joy in all of us. This marks the sixth values of love, compassion, altruism meeting: four times when Barack Obama and justice and religious harmony, Even though the situation inside Tibet is was the U.S President. His Holiness have which he firmly believes are the inherent critical, Tibetans under the leadership of expressed happiness over the meeting of goodness that exists in all human beings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has never two old trusted friends and mentioned To encourage these inherent values to wavered from the principles of non- that time has come for Nobel laureates practically affect change in the society, violence and has maintained a steadfast to promote the sense of oneness of seven His Holiness has always encouraged the commitment to resolve the issue of billion human beings. common people and the youth to embrace Tibet through dialogue and through these values. His Holiness the Dalai the mutually beneficial solution of the It gives us much delight to congratulate Lama has consistently worked towards Middle Way Approach. These core tenets this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, making this world peaceful, devoid of of such benevolent approach should the International Campaign to Abolish war, famine and nuclear arsenals. similarly form the basis for international Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Their tireless conflict resolutions and resolving work to completely ban and eliminate In today’s competitive world driven issues of human rights violations and the creation and use of all nuclear by technology and materialistic desire, environmental crisis. His Holiness the arsenals are highly commendable. His modern knowledge has failed to provide Dalai Lama has always advocated that Holiness the Dalai Lama has over the true happiness to mankind. His Holiness universal responsibility exists not only years strongly advocated for a nuclear the Dalai Lama is therefore committed to between human beings but should also free world. bringing true happiness by introducing extend to the protection of the natural a rational and peaceful approach to environment and the sentient beings Today is also observed world wide as solving problems. For this he has time inhabiting it. For His Holiness the Dalai World Human Rights Day and marks 69 and again stressed to his global audience Lama’s tireless promotion of human years since the Universal Declaration the importance of studying the ancient values, peace and compassion, he was of Human Rights was issued. Sadly, Indian wisdom based on the teachings awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. the human rights situation in many of the Nalanda tradition. The major Today, he is one of the most admired countries including Tibet continues classical texts of Nalanda tradition on leaders of the world and an icon of peace. to be deplorable. We are taking this psychology and dialectics provide an opportunity to remind the United Nations important field of study for everyone, With His Holiness the Dalai Lama as and the UN Human Rights Council irrespective of differences in their faiths. one of its laureate, the stature of Nobel and all other peace and justice-loving This ancient tradition has been kept alive

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 17 DOCUMENTATION individuals and governments about the and governments around the world. independence. It is time the Chinese ongoing repression and oppression still In October this year, both the Senate government enables the resumption of rampant in today’s world. and the House of the US Congress dialogue with the envoys of His Holiness have unanimously passed a resolution the Dalai Lama. The ever-increasing repression and supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama lack of real human rights and religious and the issue of Tibet. The unanimous As mentioned in the statement of the freedom in Tibet does not need more approval of a bill to dissolve the 58th commemoration of the Tibetan deliberation. The UNHRC, the Foreign Mongolian Tibet Affairs Commission National Uprising Day, the Central Relations Council, Freedom House (MTAC) in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan is Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan and so on have clearly documented the a welcome step. Similarly, the issue of people across the globe will mark 2018 ground reality in their annual reports. Tibet has gained commendable support as Thank You Year. The year 2018 will from the European Union and countries mark the beginning of 60th anniversary In Tibet, mere expressions of their cultural such as United States, Canada, Australia, since His Holiness the Dalai Lama and rights and dissent against the government Norway, Sweden and Denmark. about 100,000 Tibetans first arrived in lead to arrest and detention devoid of exile. From March 31st to April 4th, proper trials. This is despite the fact that Last month five Canadian Senators led 2018, the Central Tibetan Administration the Constitution of the People’s Republic by Senator Patterson have launched will observe a series of ‘Thank You India’ of China and the National Regional an inquiry into the state of political events in Delhi to publicly express our Autonomy Law stipulates provision for prisoners of Tibet in the Canadian Senate gratitude to the people and government religious freedom, protection of culture, chamber. They have highlighted five of India. Similarly, Tibetans living in language and environment. political prisoners of Tibet and the case other countries will also organise similar of Panchen Lama. Canada’s Minister of programs to express their gratitude to The repressive policies of the Chinese Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Chrystia their host countries. These countries government have caused 150 Tibetans Freeland, called on China to allow the have been instrumental in keeping alive to self-immolate. Of the 150, 128 have United Nations High Commissioner for the Tibetan cause and by generously lost their lives and whereabouts and the Human Rights and the United Nations hosting the Tibetan communities they condition of 22 remains unknown. The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of have supported in terms of education and self-immolators have called for freedom Religion and Belief to visit Gedhun livelihood. for Tibet and the return of His Holiness Choekyi Nyima. Minister Freeland the Dalai Lama to Tibet. reiterated Canada’s commitment to On this most special occasion, we take continue to have open discussions with the opportunity to express our deepest This year alone, five Tibetans have China on the issues of human rights and gratitude to the people and government self-immolated, four of whom are rule of law in Tibet, and to seek greater of India for their continued hospitality young Tibetans between the age group access to Tibet for Canadian diplomats and unflinching support for the Tibetan of 20 and 30 and a 63-year-old monk. and delegations. people. We also express our heartfelt The Chinese government, instead of thank you to all the friends of Tibet, addressing the legitimate grievances At the United Nations, between February freedom and justice loving people, of the Tibetan people have resorted to and August, in a span of six months, governments, leaders, parliamentarians greater repression and in worst cases, UN Special Procedures have made four and organisations across the globe who the criminalization of self-immolation, urgent and joint communications to have continued to champion the cause of causing the arrest of family members China regarding pressing human rights Tibet. and the refusal to return the bodies of the cases in Tibet. self-immolators. The abject disregard for Finally, for the benefit of all sentient basic human rights is a travesty of justice The Chinese government’s efforts to beings and particularly on behalf of all and a violation of the basic principles assuage Tibetan people by bringing Tibetans, we pray for the long life of His of the Universal Declaration of Human economic development have failed. Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Rights. Therefore it is in China’s interest to Tibet. May all his wishes be fulfilled. We address the long-standing issue of Tibet hope and pray that the non-violent cause Despite the worsening situation inside by heeding the calls for dialogue and of Tibet will prevail. Tibet, the sprit and resilience of the in seeing the wisdom and magnanimity Tibetan people have been rock solid, of the mutually beneficial solution KASHAG thanks to the support and solidarity that the Middle Way Approach which December 10, 2017 from justice and freedom-loving people seeks genuine autonomy and not

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18 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 DOCUMENTATION Statement of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the 28th Anniversary of Conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama We are gathered here today to mark the 28th anniversary of a momentous occasion when His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the guardian protector and guiding light of all Tibetans, whether living in exile or those left behind in their homeland, and a champion of world peace was conferred the Nobel Peace Prize, an award renowned across all corners of this globe. For his accomplished and still continuing secrets of body, speech and mind deeds of truly vast expanse, expended with free abundance to suit all desires for the benefit and wellbeing of all sentient beings, resulting in debts of gratitude impossible of repayment, I, on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament in natural environment. These have won And he also made an appeal to everyone Exile, offer my commemorative tribute him spontaneous attraction from people to practice compassion and to recognize and greetings of auspiciousness to His across the world and led to the awarding the fact that all human beings are same Holiness the Dalai Lama with utmost to him of an honour of such repute as the in their essential nature. In addition, he body, speech, and mind obeisance. Nobel Peace Prize. said the real source of peace of mind was love and compassion, not just the It was on the 10th of December 1989 In this year of 2017, His Holiness the love that that we feel for those who are that His Holiness the Dalai Lama Dalai Lama has continued to carry close and already affectionate towards was presented with this globally most forward his highly admirable deeds, us, but an unlimited sense of altruism, a acclaimed of award, the Nobel Peace visiting four countries – namely the love that could be extended to all beings, Prize. In this connection it bears pointing United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and including one’s enemies, adding that this out that all the deeds of His Holiness the Latvia – as well as New Delhi and other was something well within the capability Dalai Lama were designed to serve others cities in India, which he still continues to of a human being to achieve. Also during in general terms and, in particular, the tour. During the visit to Italy, His Holiness his recent visit to Italy, His Holiness the Tibetan people and their culture to ensure the Dalai Lama said that millions of Dalai Lama was honoured with awards their sustenance, progress and revival in people had lost their lives as a result of which recognized him as a champion of ways which are beneficial to the whole violent conflicts afflicting mankind. In world peace through non-violent means, world. For these purposes, His Holiness addition, he added, the world’s economic as well as with citations and an honorary the Dalai Lama steadfastly adhered to situation as well as the conditions of the citizenship in recognition of his work the method of nonviolence rooted in the natural environment were continuing to towards global peace and justice, and, profound Buddhist teachings. It was on deteriorate. He continued that we should likewise, for his enormous deeds in terms the bedrock of this foundation that His therefore strive to make the 21st century of imparting knowledge about science Holiness the Dalai Lama made efforts to a century of tolerance and the recourse and philosophy based on his knowledge accomplish the just cause of Tibet and, to dialogue as the means to resolve of Buddhist teachings. likewise, to bring effective benefits to disputes. He said that to bring that this world from the perspective of a long about, education had become of utmost The Nobel Peace Prize for the year 2017 term vision by means of bringing into importance. However, he expressed has been awarded to the International existence mutual appreciation, fraternal disappointment that the education Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons relationship, justice and compassion, in system today lacked emphasis on (ICAN) which had indeed made this world. On this basis, His Holiness the developing innate human values. And he vigorous continued efforts to eliminate Dalai Lama has made, and continues to said that it was therefore most important nuclear weapons from across the world. make, admirable noble efforts directed at that the modern education system should However, there is no certainty at all the realization of meaningful peace that incorporate the promotion of secular what transformative turn the situation is beneficial in the attempts to resolve ethics and the positive values inherent in in this world today will take in the near the different kinds of conflicts taking human nature as they are closely related future. Not only that, there is unsettled place in this world, to the assumption to our emotion, so that we may thereby turbulence in the situation in many of responsibilities based on respect for be able to raise understanding about the parts of this world. Given such a state human rights, and to the protection of the system and working of the human mind. of affairs, there is no doubt about the NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 19 DOCUMENTATION fact that the need for the work of this by the United Nations Organization between human and nature’, and campaign organization has become directed at protecting human rights. ‘promoting the building of a community ever more urgent and imperative. Likewise, the State Department of with a shared future for mankind’. And This and the campaign organization’s the United States government in its it is not as if one cannot entertain any resolute and determined efforts carried International Religious Freedom hope as much for China as especially out with courage have been given a Report for 2016 presented a detailed in the case of Sino-Tibetan relations for clear recognition with the awarding picture of how Chinese authorities had these to lead to a change in the positive of the Nobel Peace Prize for this year. engaged in widespread interference direction. In fact, it has become a matter This being the case, we too take this through restrictions and harassment of of importance for Chinese President Xi opportunity to offer the International Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns in Jinping to adopt a policy of liberalism and Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons their routine religious practices in their thereby make efforts to gain a position our compliment and congratulations, monasteries and nunneries. This report of respectability in the international expressing it with appreciations for its surely afforded a clear understanding of community and, in particular, to strive to noble efforts. the human rights situation in Tibet today. resolve the issue of Tibet on the basis of Likewise, Professor Philip Alston, the taking due cognizance of the aspirations The Tibetan struggle is also strongly Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty of the Tibetan people. concerned with issues of justice and and human rights of the United Nations, human rights. It was for this reason that recently undertook a visit to China in Since the 27th of September 1987, Dr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Huessein, the United order to gain first-hand knowledge on there have been a series of peaceful Nations High Commissioner for Human the situation there and in Tibet. And he protest rallies in Tibet led by the new Rights, discussed the human rights reported that there had so far been no generation of Tibetan people from situation in Tibet at the 36th session of the positive change in the state of extreme among those who had been left behind United National Human Rights Council, poverty in Tibet and other ethnic in their Chinese ruled homeland. These which is the world body’s apex human minority areas of the People’s Republic included, in particular, the large-scale rights forum. Not just that, he, at that time, of China. On the contrary, he pointed peaceful Tibetan uprising protests of strongly highlighted the situation of the out, the reality of the situation in Tibet the Earth-Mouse Year in 2008 and the human rights and religious freedom of was that there was still no bridging of peaceful protest by self-immolation by the Tibetan people with particular focus the gap in disparity in income and wealth the monk named Tenga-la on the 26th on the late revered Tulku Tenzin Delek which he added was deeply problematic. of November this year in Karze Dzong, Rinpoche and the Tibetan language making a call on the government of campaigner Mr. Tashi Wangchuk. In this In October 2017, the 19th National China for freedom in Tibet. The monk connection he, likewise, expressed his Congress of the Communist Party of passed away after holding that protest. serious concern on the circumstances China was held in Beijing at which the Since 2009, a total of 150 Tibetan people surrounding the death in prison of Tulku members of the Political Bureau of the in Tibet, including the young, adult and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and the ethnic Central Committee of the Communist old; men and women; monks and nuns, Chinese democracy activist and Nobel Party of China, the members of the as well as laypeople, have been driven to Peace Prize winner Mr. Liu Xiaobo, Standing Committee of the Political make a high sacrifice of giving up their citing them as a reflection of even more Bureau, and the General Secretary of precious lives by setting themselves on serious deterioration of the human rights the Communist Party of China were fire as an act of peaceful protest. What situation in China. Besides, the United elected. It was decided at the congress all these show is obvious to everyone States of America, The United Kingdom, to incorporate President Xi Jinping’s that they resulted from the government the European Union, Switzerland, and thought into the constitution of the of China’s continued implementation Germany made calls for more efforts Communist Party of China. And so, of a hardline policy on Tibet whose than ever before by the international like Marxism and Leninism and the consequence is a brutal violation of community to safeguard respect for Mao Tsetung thought, the position and the human rights of the Tibetan people human rights. the powers of the President Xi Jinping beyond all limits. With this perspective in were made supreme through the party view, we once again take this opportunity Outwardly, China presents a dignified congress. Among the 14 bullet points in to emphatically remind the leaders of the facade of being a respectable and which President Xi Jinping put forward People’s Republic of China to bear full responsible government. However, in his thought for attaining comprehensive responsibility for this tragic situation in reality, in September this year, the United accomplishments, one could discern Tibet today. States-based human rights monitoring such positively termed section of goals as group Human Rights Watch stated in ‘continuing to comprehensively deepen Regarding information about the its annual report that the government reform’, ‘seeing that the people run the situation in Tibet today, it continues to be of China had made every possible country’, ‘ensuring every dimension as difficult to obtain as ever. And this year, effort by deploying all the enormous of governance is law-based’, ‘ensuring in the run up to the holding of the 19th resources at its disposal to obstruct all and improving living standards through National Congress of the Communist the ongoing measures being undertaken development’, ‘ensuring harmony Party of China in Beijing and thereafter, 20 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 DOCUMENTATION restrictions on the ordinary Tibetan may possibly surrender to this threat from Dalai Lama’s instructive teachings about people on accessing the internet through Beijing, countries of power and those the importance of adhering to the path of their mobile phones were considerably that give importance to human rights nonviolence and, on that basis, to bear strengthened. In its report ‘Freedom will surely never cower to implement responsibility to work for the benefit of of the Net 2017 – Manipulating Social such a demand. What is of real, practical the world in general and in particular for Media to Undermine Democracy’, value, on the other hand, is that there is the immediate and long term interests of Human rights organization Freedom an urgent need to realize that a peaceful Tibet as a whole, for they are concerned House – which is based in Washington, resolution for the immediate as well as not just with a sense of love for ourselves DC, capital of the United States of long term interests of both Tibet and but also with the need to take active and America – ranked China as the country China, and for the mutual benefit of diligent interest in matters of concern for with the world’s worst internet freedoms the two sides, is the real need of the the general good of everyone. This then for the third consecutive year. The hour and accordingly efforts should be is the essence of the objective underlying report found that a new set of internet made as soon as possible to establish our commemorating of the gratitude we regulations which took effect this year contact and hold discussions between owe to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and had further tightened already heavily representatives of His Holiness the Dalai our observance of this anniversary. We restricted access to cyber space for Lama and the government of China. We are accordingly emphatic in appealing Chinese citizens. Likewise, the report take this opportunity to reiterate our call to everyone to keep this in mind and also highlighted the fact that China had accordingly. implement it in the day to day conduct frequently imposed restrictions on the of their life. use by the ordinary Tibetan people of We have nothing but praises of the their mobile phones to access the internet highest order with a sense of solidarity Likewise, this day is also being marked and that this practice was still continuing. for the patriotic Tibetan men and women with a grand International Himalayan in Tibet, whether since dead or alive, Festival of Dharamshala. This festival From about the year 1974, His Holiness for their selflessness, heroism, and is an occasion for the people of the the Dalai Lama has, in a desire to make fortitude and for their incomparable local host community to offer their an effort to reach a peaceful settlement deeds. We are also appreciative of all high salutations to His Holiness the between Tibet and China, and with the Tibetan people living in exile for Dalai Lama for his noble deeds and it utmost sincerity of purpose, adhered to a safeguarding their ethnic identity and also symbolizes ties of friendship and mutually beneficial Middle Way Policy. for their continued active assumption of unassailable sense of fraternity between This Middle Way Policy has also been responsibility in the struggle for Tibet by the community and the Tibetan people. formally adopted by the democratically all means at their disposal. At the same Hence, we offer our appreciations to elected law-making body of the Tibetan time it bears reminding that all Tibetans everyone involved in organizing this people, the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, should strive to accumulate merits by festival. Besides, to all the concerned by means of a resolution passed. And carrying out positive deeds in an effort to nations offering support for the Tibetan it is absolutely clear to the government achieve the realization in all speediness cause, and, in particular, to the central of China that this policy which calls the just cause of Tibet and so that His as well as concerned state governments for a genuine and meaningful regional Holiness the Dalai Lama may live for a and the people of India, who have given ethnic autonomous governance for all hundred aeons and all his wishes may be support and material facilities for the the Tibetan people is fully in accord with seen fulfilled in a spontaneous manner. general wellbeing of the Tibetan people the rights legally guaranteed to them And in order that the fraternal bond and and in the efforts to realize their just within the framework of the Constitution unity of the Tibetan people may endure cause, we owe such gratitude as could of the People’s Republic of China. And for all times to come, all Tibetans should hardly ever be forgotten and we take it knows that this policy is not in any never slacken in making their efforts the opportunity offered by this occasion sense separatist in nature and character. for their cause in the right direction by to express our heartfelt appreciations to Nevertheless, the government of China exercise diligent care at all times. On them. keeps using the term ‘separatist’ in this the other hand, we deem it particularly context at every opportune moment. It necessary to be emphatic in appealing Finally, to conclude, we pray that His was in keeping with this attitude that to everyone to ensure that they do not Holiness the Dalai Lama may live a long this year, an official of the United Front allow to slip on the internet social media life and, on that basis, see all his wishes Work Department of the Communist forums any message which is of such fulfilled in a spontaneous manner, with Party of China proclaimed to the world extreme nature as to have the effect of peace and wellbeing prevailing among his government’s hardline policy of gladdening our enemies’ hearts and all the sentient beings of this world and not showing any leniency for all times rendering those close to us crestfallen, the just cause of Tibet being seen realized to come to any leader of any foreign so to say, for they will be the cause of in all speediness. country who had met with His Holiness the destruction of the Tibetan people’s the Dalai Lama. Nevertheless, although fraternal unity. Likewise, we should some nations which are under China’s keep with deep fondness in the very dominion economic power and influence centre of our hearts His Holiness the Delivered on 10th of December 2017. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 21 FEATURE His Holiness the Dalai Lama Travels to Bhubaneswar, Odisha OHHDL Before setting out for Bhubaneswar His Outside the airport Tibetans who are Holiness the Dalai Lama met members of settled in Odisha had gathered to greet an Australian Parliamentary Delegation His Holiness, who laughed and waved to who were on their way to Dharamsala. them. A scrum of members of the media After a comfortable two hour flight were also eager to record his arrival and from Delhi, His Holiness arrived at he had a few words for them about the Biju Patnaik International Airport, need for people to gain better control Bhubaneswar. He was received on behalf of their negative emotions to be able to of the State Government of Odisha by contribute to a more peaceful world. Surya Naryana Patra, Minister for Civil Supply & Consumer Affairs; Ashok Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik looks on as Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik His Holiness the Dalai Lama answers questions Panda, Minister for Culture & Tourism; from the media at the Chief Minister’s residence received His Holiness at his residence in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India on November 20, and the two shared a few minutes 2017. Photo by Tenzin Choejor conversation. Once again His Holiness Mrs Mona Sharma, Principal Secretary spoke briefly to members of the media for Tourism and Nitin Jawale, Director outside, acknowledging that Mr of Tourism. Prof Achyuta Samanta, Patnaik is one of the longest serving founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Chief Ministers in the country. He also Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga expressed gratitude for the hospitality Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), who shown to Tibetans who have settled in the extended the invitation to His Holiness, state. Arriving at his hotel, His Holiness the Phuntokling Tibetan Settlement retired for the day. Tomorrow, he will His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Odisha Chief Officer and Lhunpo Rinpoche, were also speak to more than 20,000 students at Minister Naveen Patnaik exchanging greetings at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhubaneswar, on hand to welcome him. the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences. Odisha, India on November 20, 2017. Photo by Tenzin Choejor His Holiness the Dalai Lama Addresses Students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences OHHDL

The air was clear, the sun was shining inviting him to address the students. and Bhubaneswar’s broad roads were relatively uncongested as His Holiness His Holiness began as he usually does by the Dalai Lama drove to the campus of greeting the older and younger members the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences of the audience as brothers and sisters, (KISS) University. On the last stretch, telling them how happy he was to be the road was lined by smiling students, among them. some holding placards inscribed with greetings, welcoming him to the “I always consider that the shape of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to a crowd University. On arrival, he was received of over 25,000 students at KISS University in future is in our hands,” he observed. by Dr Achyuta Samanta, founder of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India on November 21, “The past is past and can’t be changed, KISS and KIIT, and university officials. 2017. Photo by Tenzin Choejor but the future has not yet arrived. Young Groups of energetic dancing drummers light the lamp to inaugurate the occasion. people like you have the opportunity and lined the path as he entered the campus. responsibility to shape it by creating a He was invited to garland a statue of the Speaking in Oriya, Dr Samanta better world. Despite many remarkable Buddha, then unveil a plaque and plant a introduced His Holiness to the audience developments, the 20th century was sapling that will commemorate his visit. of more than 25,000 students, explaining an era of violence, a time when, what the words Dalai and Lama mean and sadly, scientists’ brilliant brains were His Holiness drove to the stage, set up at what the training of a Tibetan Buddhist put to destructive use. For example, the head of large field, in an electric golf monk entails. Mentioning that he invited they participated in the design and cart. Once again the road was lined by His Holiness to come to the University in manufacture of nuclear weapons that students, some performing yoga, others 2015 he declared his happiness in being were used twice against Japan. dancing and playing drums. He clearly able to actually welcome him at last. He “Although killing has continued since enjoyed this display of ebullience. then proceeded to offer His Holiness the the beginning of the 21st century, steps Reaching the stage he was invited to 10th KISS Humanitarian Award before should be taken to make this a century

22 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 FEATURE of peace. Since peace is destroyed In the auditorium of the Kalinga Institute filled the KIIT auditorium. To begin with by negative emotions like anger and of Industrial Technology (KIIT) nearby, the Settlement Officer gave a report, jealousy, we have to find ways to develop His Holiness mentioned to a capacity mentioning the start of the settlement inner peace if we are to create peace in crowd of 1600 that he considers the in 1963 on 849 acres of land, when the the world. It’s worth asking yourself Buddha to have been a great thinker and community included 300 monks and whether you feel happy when you’re something of a scientist. He remarked nuns. He described the development of angry. Anger and extreme irritation all that he thinks of himself too as half a schools, the construction of a hostel for too easily lead to violence. So, how are monk and half a scientist. old people with the support of Tibetans we to reduce anger? By increasing our in Switzerland and the offer of 4 post- sense of love and compassion. graduate places for Tibetan students at KIIT University. “Scientists have evidence that basic human nature is compassionate. If it were His Holiness regaled the audience with not, there would be no hope. However, the importance of study for personal our common experience is that we are satisfaction and to preserve the Buddha’s all born from a mother and survive in her teaching. He told them that 40 years ago care. Common sense tells us that even if he urged monasteries and nunneries that our neighbours are poor, if they shows had previously concerned themselves signs of affection, we think of them as His Holiness the Dalai Lama reaching out to some mostly with performance of rituals, to good neighbours. What’s more, anger of the more than 25,000 students gathered at KISS develop programs of study. One result University for the KISS Humanitarian Award and violence bring disaster. They make presentation in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India on was that last year 20 nuns were awarded you lose your peace of mind. They spoil November 21, 2017. Photo by Tenzin Choejor Geshe-ma degrees in recognition of the atmosphere wherever you are. their completing their rigorous Buddhist He highlighted one of the unique aspects education. Similarly, Penor Rinpoche’s “When we are young we appreciate love of the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition— determination to encourage study and and compassion, but as we grow up we that, in addition to revealing profound debate at his monastery Namdrolling become more interested in money and philosophy and psychology, it embraces in South India, contrary to the advice status. One of the reasons for this is that reason and logic. It is this that makes of Chatral Rinpoche, has meant that modern education is inadequate because it of interest to scientists. He reported today there are a good number of well- it tends only to have material goals with that the Buddha’s own advice to his qualified Nyingma Khenpos. little scope for inner values. followers not to rely on blind faith, but to subject his teaching to reasoned He concluded, “We live as refugees, but “It’s worth reminding ourselves that all investigation, has allowed him to reject we have kept our traditions alive. Our 7 billion human beings are physically, traditional Buddhist cosmology. spirit is resilient and strong. The time mentally and emotionally the same. But will come when Tibetans in Tibet and if we allow ourselves to think in terms Reverting to the shortcomings of those in exile come together again.” of being privileged or under-privileged, modern education by itself, His Holiness belonging to higher, lower or no caste, repeated how important and more Then, remarking that he might not it will only fortify division. This is realistic it is to incorporate a secular visit them again so often, His Holiness unhelpful, out of date and undemocratic. approach to universal values. decided to lead the community in a brief Reminding ourselves of the oneness of ceremony for generating the awakening humanity, that we are all the same in In his answers to several questions from mind of bodhichitta. He took time to being human, is, on the other hand, a the audience, His Holiness noted that all describe the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great source of confidence. human beings wish to be happy and that Indian and Tibetan masters they could happiness is their right. He mentioned visualise before them in witness to “The modern world lacks moral the recent publication of two volumes, their aspirations. He encouraged them principles and doesn’t understand how the ‘Compendium of Science’ and the with the advice that all the happiness to tackle negative emotions. Because ‘Compendium of Philosophy’, derived in the world comes from ensuring of this, what we can learn from ancient from material extracted from the that others are happy. He ended by Indian knowledge of the workings of the Kangyur and Tengyur, the collections of giving transmission of the mantras of mind and emotions can be very relevant translations of largely Sanskrit Buddhist Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Tara. today. Many Indians today neglect this literature. They focus on the science of knowledge, but I am encouraging young the mind and correct views based on Many in the crowd clamoured to receive Indians I meet, like you, to pay attention reconciling the gap between appearance His Holiness’s smile or touch as he to it because it’s on the basis of this kind and reality. slowly left the auditorium and made his of understanding that we can build a way to his car. more compassionate society.” After lunch, 1600 Tibetans from the Phuntsokling Settlement in Chandragiri

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 23 FEATURE

His Holiness Addresses Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata OHHDL In his homily to about 150 Tibetans— sweater-sellers, students and monks— this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama remarked that he had been familiar with Calcutta since his childhood. Tibetans who had been to the city had described its sights to him. Then, on his first visit to India in 1956, he made he became acquainted with the city himself.

“Since 1959, as refugees,” he told them, “we Tibetans have been able to reveal our culture to the world. Wherever we live, whether we’re in India, Europe, Australia or America, we have maintained our identity and shared His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to over 250 members and guests of the Indian Chamber of in the spirit of being Tibetan. Those of Commerce in Kolkata, India on November 23, 2017. Photo by Tenzin Choejor us who live in the free world represent will be possible to better understand the we arrive in and how we leave the cycle those who live in Tibet. I’m grateful to Buddha and the Sangha. He said that to of existence. all Tibetans for keeping that spirit alive. understand the Dharma you have to have Engendered by valid cognition, our faith some idea what is meant by emptiness. in the three refuges will be firm. “Soon after we arrived in India, with the Not just a nihilistic idea, what it means is May I be blessed to establish the root of help of the Government of India, we set that whatever exists arises in dependence the path to liberation. up schools for our children. After that, on other factors and therefore is empty in the settlements in South India, we of intrinsic existence. This corresponds On this occasion His Holiness came to re-established our centres of learning to quantum physics stating that things Kolkata at the invitation of the Indian where we have upheld the Nalanda have no objective existence. Chamber of Commerce (ICC). An Tradition, which was brought to us by audience of 250 members and invited Shantarakshita in the 8th century and His Holiness encouraged the students in guests made him welcome. Once he had Atisha in the 11th, both of whom hailed the audience not to forget their Tibetan lit the inaugural lamp, he sat down to from where we are now, Bengal. One of but to make an effort to keep it up. He speak to them. the features of the Nalanda Tradition is recommended that they pay attention to its reliance on reason and logic. Indeed, Buddhist philosophy and psychology in “I always start my talks by greeting the the Buddha advised, ‘O monks, just as an academic way, not necessarily from a audience as brothers and sisters, because the wise test gold by burning, cutting religious point of view. that’s how I feel about all 7 billion human and rubbing, Examine my words beings alive today. Each of us was born thoroughly And accept them only after The Buddha taught the two truths, from our mother and then basked in her you have investigated them—not just conventional and ultimate, which affection. That’s the seed that enables us out of respect for me’.” concern the gap between appearance and to show affection to others. Scientists reality. When, in the ‘Heart Sutra’ it says observe that our basic human nature is His Holiness emphasized the value ‘form is empty’, it means form has no compassionate. As social animals, we all of the Tibetan language as a means of intrinsic or inherent existence. It exists have a sense of compassion, but it tends accurately expressing the psychology, in dependence on other factors. On the to lie dormant. We need a sense of the reason and logic of what the Buddha basis of these Two Truths, the Buddha oneness of humanity, a sense that we are taught. He reminded his listeners that taught the Four Noble Truths concerning all like brothers and sisters, to awaken it is the language of the Kangyur and suffering and its origin, cessation and it. As a human being, I am committed to Tengyur, the body of largely Buddhist the path to it. His Holiness remarked that encouraging people to appreciate this. literature translated from Sanskrit. he made this clear in one of the verses of the Praise to the Seventeen Masters “As a Buddhist monk, I am committed As he prepared to lead a simple ceremony of Nalanda: to fostering religious harmony. India for generating the awakening mind of is a vivid example that religious bodhichitta, His Holiness explained that By understanding the meaning of the traditions can live together. Indigenous when it comes to the Buddha, Dharma two truths, the way things exist, traditions like the Samkhyas, Jains, and Sangha, it is essential to understand We ascertain through the four truths how varieties of Hinduism, Buddhism and what the Dharma is. On that basis it 24 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 FEATURE later Sikhism, have for centuries lived the workings of the mind and emotions, Asked how to apply the Buddha’s in peace alongside Zoroastrianism, and the uses of reason and logic, remains advice in modern life, His Holiness Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which relevant and helpful in the world today.” recalled a conversation with a Swami are traditions that originated elsewhere. in Bangalore in which they agreed that His Holiness explained his conviction Buddhist and Hindu traditions have “As a Tibetan, I have retired from that the world is facing a moral crisis. ethics, concentration and wisdom— temporal responsibility since we elected Many of the problems we face today shila, shamatha and vipashyana—in leaders in 2001 ns 2011. I have also put come about because we lack moral common. They may differ on their an end to Dalai Lamas occupying such principles—we lack compassion. One stance towards atman and anatman, but a position in the future. Because the reason for this is that modern education that is a matter of personal practice. custom is related to feudalism, it’s out of is oriented to material goals with little Many Indian traditions involve an date and time to change it. Incidentally, time for inner values. He suggested that inner transformation that His Holiness I feel the same about the caste system, if we really believed that other human has described as cultivating emotional the classification of some people as beings were like our brothers and sisters, hygiene. untouchable, while others are privileged. we couldn’t let children die of starvation, It too is out of date and undemocratic. nor stand by while people killed each Whereas there is evidence that constant It’s time it was changed. other as they do today. anger, hatred and fear undermine our immune systems, warm-heartedness and “Anyway, I am committed to drawing His Holiness noted that in an increasingly a compassionate outlook bring a smile to attention to the need to protect the natural globalised world, national boundaries the face. environment of the Tibetan Plateau. This have less significance than they did. is of importance not only to Tibetans, He reported California Governor Jerry After the formal words of thanks, His but also to the 1 billion people across Brown’s telling him that national Holiness had a few final words for the Asia who depend for their water supply boundaries are nowhere to be seen when audience. on rivers that rise in Tibet. this blue planet is viewed from space. He reiterated his admiration for the spirit “Don’t think there isn’t much you can “In addition, I’m concerned about of the European Union, the placing of a do. Change always begins with an keeping our Tibetan cultural heritage common European interest before that inspired individual, who then influences alive. In the past you Indians were our of individual states. He cited the fact ten others, who in turn may influence Gurus and Tibetans were your chelas that, in a historical precedent, peace has ten more—that’s how ideas spread and or students. What we learned from you prevailed amongst members of the EU change comes about.” about philosophy and psychology, about over the last 70 years. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Speaks on Education for Wisdom and Compassion in Bengaluru

Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the ASKiran Kumar, Shri NR Panditharad- secondary level of differences such as Dalai Lama gave a Silver Jubilee lecture hya, President of Seshadripuram Edu- different race, country and religion. on ‘Education for Wisdom and Compas- cational Trust and Dr Woody P Krishna Therefore in order to reduce this what I sion to Rebuild Nation’ at Tripura Va- lighted the butter lamp. called human created problem must be sini, Palace ground, Bengaluru today. solved through consideration of funda- Addressing a packed crowd of Vice mentally being human.” Seshadripuram Educational Trust had Chancellors of different universities, requested His Holiness to grace the Staffs and Students of Seshadripuram His Holiness said his second commit- Silver Jubilee celebration of Seshadri- group of institute, His Holiness the Da- ment is the promotion of religious har- puram First Grade College, Seshadri- lai Lama greeted by saying, “Respected mony and understanding among the puram Primary and High School, Ses- elder brothers and rest of brothers and world’s major religious traditions. “De- hadripuram Pre-University College of sisters, I always emphasise we are same spite philosophical differences, all major Yelahanka and Seshadripuram Higher human being. I, myself consider one of world religions have the same potential Primary School of Kumara Park West. 7 billion human being. Which gives me to create good human beings. It is there- immense benefit. I don’t care about for- fore important for all religious traditions The function began with introductory mality, there isn’t any formality when to respect one another and recognise the speech by Dr Wooday P Krishna, Gen- we are born or die.” value of each other’s respective tradi- eral Secretary of Seshadripuram Educa- tions,” he said. tional Trust. His Holiness briefly talked about his four main commitments. “All this prob- As a Tibetan, His Holiness said his third His Holiness the Dalai Lama along Shri lem starts with too much emphasis on commitment is to work towards the

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 25 FEATURE preservation of Tibet’s fragile environ- Unity of Three Provinces of Tibet is Most ment and Tibet’s Buddhist culture, a cul- ture of peace and non-violence, which Important: His Holiness the Dalai Lama are both under threat inside Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave an His Holiness briefly explained He further talked about Tibetan lan- audience to new arrivals from Tibet and about Middle way approach and its guage being the richest in preserving the a group of Tibetan teachers gathered appreciation from Chinese intellects. Nalanda tradition of India and Tibet’s for Secular ethics workshop on 22 ecology which holds great importance December. President Dr Lobsang Sangay, Central with regard to ecology of neighbouring Tibetan Administration also addressed countries and Asia as whole. “Tibetans in Tibet are the real masters the new arrivals and the participants of of the country. Despite facing immense the workshop on Secular ethics. He recalled the times he had memorised hardship, you have kept your spirits up. Buddhist root text when he was eight In 1959, the whole of Tibet was thrown In his talk, he emphasised that Middle years old and how he has kept on study- into turmoil. There is a story that after Way is best approach to have win-win ing it with rigour. the bombardment of Lhasa, Mao Zedong situation and expressed hope for positive asked what happened to the Dalai Lama. changes to take place within China. “Among our refugee community of Ti- When he heard that I had escaped to “The present situation inside Tibet is betan, handful people are preserving India, he is said to have replied, ‘Then indeed sad and unfortunate, but I am rich cultural Nalanda tradition of India we’ve lost.” hopeful that in time, changes will take through rigorous study,” the Buddhist place within China.” leader said. “The Chinese authorities thought the issue of Tibet would simply fade away, “We are seeking genuine autonomy for “My fourth commitment is try to revive but even after 58 years it hasn’t. In 1959, Tibet through non-violence and Chinese ancient Indian knowledge in modern many countries had no idea about Tibet; government can’t say no to this as it India. This ancient knowledge is really they do now,” His Holiness said, urging does not contradict China’s sovereignty helpful and I had serious discussion with them to uphold the spirit. and One China Policy,” he said. many scientists mainly on cosmology, neurobiology, nuclear physics particu- “What is important,” he said, “is that all Enumerating the practicality of Middle larly in quantum physics and psychol- three provinces of Tibet remain united, Way Approach, under the prevailing ogy over 30 years.” standing together in solidarity,” His situation inside Tibet and exile, Dr Holiness told the gathering. Sangay highlighted the widespread “Therefore I’m fully convinced and ac- support and appreciation expressed by cording to my own experience, this an- “Tibetans should pride themselves of world leaders for the policy envisioned cient Indian knowledge is not only an- its thousand millennium old cultural by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. cient but also very relevant to today’s heritage, rooted in the profound Nalanda world. Emotional problem won’t be teachings.” He further said, “Tibetan in exile solved through materialistic approach practice full democracy rather than rather it could be tackled with knowl- “We started appealing to the UN late Chinese communist party of holding edge of emotion,” His Holiness re- 1959, but, as Pandit Nehru advised power by few people. Many of high- marked. me, the USA will not go to war with level authorities are mostly Chinese. So China over Tibet. We concluded that we seek to genuine autonomy, which is His Holiness mentioned that materialis- eventually we would have to deal with within framework of Peoples Republic tic development alone is not enough to the Chinese government. Until now the of China’s constitution.” have mental peace. He urged India to Chinese policy has been to denigrate pay attention to include study of inner the Tibetan people and their culture, President Dr Sangay urged people to value. nevertheless we remain hopeful of being invest in education rather than wasting able to preserve our culture and values money on luxury. “Since 2011, Kashag While returning to his seat His Holiness within the People’s Republic of China” has given top priority to education and said, “You are exploring external space, he added. will continue to do so.” I’m exploring internal space.” His Holiness emphasised “Tibetan Towards the end, he urged for the The program was followed by question language is the key to hold Tibetan alive Tibetans to stay united. “Keeping and answer session. and unity. Nothing can exterminate differences aside, if we all work together, Tibetan language which started more the dreams and the aspirations of the www.mwa.tibet.net than 1000 years ago.” Tibetan people in Tibet and in exile will be fulfilled,” the President said.

26 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 FEATURE His Holiness Attends Inter-Religious Conference at JNU OHHDL own free will, with no force involved.” forgiveness and the way of service. He explained his father’s role in bringing He mentioned the example of Jesus’s people together, to act in the interest of washing the disciples’ feet and the the greater good. parable of the good Samaritan, who acted out of a fundamental responsibility Jain leader, Acharya Lokesh Muni, spoke to help another human being. In such a about peace and harmony in Hindi. He way, he said, we need to join hands to was followed by Shri Gaurgopal Das build a better world. who stated that all our different religious His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the inter-religious conference at Jawaharlal Nehru traditions share a message of peace and Justice Ahmadi, former Chief Justice of University in New Delhi, India on December 28, harmony. He illustrated the need for work India, noted that people of all the world’s 2017. Photo by Tenzin Choejor to improve harmonious co-existence faiths are found living together in India. His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove to with a story about the willingness of Expressing reluctance about the use of the extensive campus of Jawaharlal pigeons to share their living space the word tolerance when it implies, “I Nehru University (JNU) to attend the wherever they were—on the roof of a don’t like you, but I’ll tolerate you”, inaugural session of an inter-religious temple, mosque or church because they he suggested that we need instead to conference. The meeting took place were just pigeons. A young pigeon was actively embrace and accommodate at the initiative of the Qutbi Jubilee bewildered that the people who used each other. He was pleased to announce Scholarship Program and the Centre of these buildings seemed less generous the award of the Syedna Qutbuddin Arabic and African Studies of JNU. and more concerned with being Hindus, Harmony Prize, in memory of the 53rd Muslims or Christians than just fellow Da’i al-Mutlaq, Leader of the Dawoodi Once His Holiness and other eminent human beings. Shri Gaurgopal Das Bohra people, to His Holiness the Dalai spiritual leaders had settled on the pointed out that those who experience Lama. then presented His Holiness, stage, the Vice Chancellor of JNU, Prof God experience harmony because they spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, Jagadesh Kumar gave a short welcome recognise the whole world as their and advocate of peaceful non-violent introduction. He stressed the importance family and everyone in it as brothers and co-existence, with a plaque. of nurturing inner peace, suggesting that sisters. only when we have peace of mind within “Respected brothers and sisters, it’s been us will we properly appreciate harmony Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar declared a great honour for me to listen to these in the world around us. that he was an Indian first and a Jew marvellous speakers,” His Holiness second because India is the only responded. “There isn’t much else for me Prof Tahera Qutbuddin, in her country in which Jews have not been to say. We human beings are wonderful introduction as Co-Director of the Qutbi discriminated against. He suggested that in some ways, but act as trouble makers Jubilee Scholarship Program, explained concern for humanity is the only real in others. Because we rely on violence that the present meeting was part of a religion and that ahimsa would be better and the use of force, we spend money Taqreeb Conference Series that began translated as ‘love’. and ingenuity on developing powerful, in Kolkata. She clarified that ‘taqreeb’ complex weapons. Despite talk about means to bring closer. She remarked that Sadar Manjit Singh said that every eliminating nuclear weapons, and the the Prophet Muhammad, the Buddha religion preaches equality and love for knowledge that if they were used they and many other religious teachers each other. He cited the Sikh founder, could destroy the world, no concrete highlighted the importance of kindness Guru Nanak’s efforts to convey respect steps have been taken. What will happen and education in the spread of harmony. by engaging in dialogue and visiting if we go on like this? others’ places of worship. He informed Syedna Taher Fakhruddin Saheb the gathering of his community’s efforts Finally, His Holiness drew attention welcomed everyone present as members to serve displaced Rohingyas and to to the treasure that is India’s ancient of one family, for, he said, that was the provide food and shelter to those who knowledge of the workings of the mind spirit in which the conference was taking come to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar, and emotions. He suggested that this place. As to why such meetings were near to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. profound psychology is relevant today being convened, he pointed out that, at when tackling destructive emotions is the present time violence is rife. “Since Dr Ali K Merchant speaking as a so urgent. Learning to achieve peace people regularly enter into dialogue representative of the Bahá’í faith of mind is the basis for establishing after conflict has taken place, how much emphasized the need to recognise the peace in the world, he said. And India better it would be if they were to talk to oneness of humanity. Archbishop Anil is the one country that has the potential each other in the first place. All religions Joseph Thomas Couto spoke of Jesus to combine its ancient knowledge with teach that people should believe of their Christ’s having come to teach love, modern education for the wider benefit.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 27 WORLD PRESS

Dalai Lama: We need an education of the heart By Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama Los Angeles Times

warm-heartedness, a sense of oneness, humanity and love.

I see with ever greater clarity that our spiritual well-being depends not on religion, but on our innate human nature — our natural affinity for goodness, compassion and caring for others. Regardless of whether we belong to a religion, we all have a fundamental and profoundly human wellspring of ethics within ourselves. We need to nurture that shared ethical basis.

Ethics, as opposed to religion, are grounded in human nature. Through ethics, we can work on preserving creation. Empathy is the basis of human Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets people in Huy, Belgium on May 29, 2006. (Geert Vanden Wijngaert / Associated Press) coexistence. It is my belief that human development relies on cooperation, not When the president of the United States ethic that can accept both believers and competition. Science tells us this. says “America first,” he is making his nonbelievers, including atheists. voters happy. I can understand that. We must learn that humanity is one big But from a global perspective, this My wish is that, one day, formal education family. We are all brothers and sisters: statement isn’t relevant. Everything is will pay attention to the education of the physically, mentally and emotionally. interconnected today. heart, teaching love, compassion, justice, But we are still focusing far too much forgiveness, mindfulness, tolerance and on our differences instead of our The new reality is that everyone is peace. This education is necessary, from commonalities. After all, every one of us interdependent with everyone else. The kindergarten to secondary schools and is born the same way and dies the same United States is a leading nation of the universities. I mean social, emotional way. free world. For this reason, I call on its and ethical learning. We need a president to think more about global- worldwide initiative for educating heart The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is level issues. There are no national and mind in this modern age. the spiritual leader of Tibet and a Nobel boundaries for climate protection laureate for peace. He wrote this op-ed or the global economy. No religious At present our educational systems are with Franz Alt, a television journalist and boundaries, either. The time has come to oriented mainly toward material values bestselling author. This piece is adapted understand that we are the same human and training one’s understanding. But from their new book, “An Appeal to the beings on this planet. Whether we want reality teaches us that we do not come to World: The Way to Peace in a Time of to or not, we must coexist. reason through understanding alone. We Division.” should place greater emphasis on inner History tells us that when people pursue values. only their own national interests, there is strife and war. This is shortsighted and Intolerance leads to hatred and division. narrow-minded. It is also unrealistic and Our children should grow up with the outdated. Living together as brothers idea that dialogue, not violence, is the and sisters is the only way to peace, best and most practical way to solve compassion, mindfulness and more conflicts. The young generations have justice. a great responsibility to ensure that the world becomes a more peaceful place Religion can to a certain degree help to for all. But this can become reality only overcome division. But religion alone if we educate, not just the brain, but also will not be enough. Global secular the heart. The educational systems of the For detailed news visit: ethics are now more important than the future should place greater emphasis on www.tibet.net classical religions. We need a global strengthening human abilities, such as

28 TIBETAN BULLETIN NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 WORLD PRESS Beijing Hinders Free Speech in America By Wang Dan, The New York Times

critics abroad, reaching into Western carefully. Many have become too afraid academic communities and silencing to attend open forums like my salon, and visiting Chinese students. Through those who do show up mostly keep a low a campaign of fear and intimidation, profile. Beijing is hindering free speech in the United States and in other Western Not all Chinese students in the West countries. condemn their government. Many, in fact, actively support Beijing, often The Chinese government, or people by shaming their fellow students who I spent nearly seven years in a Chinese sympathetic to it, encourage like- criticize Beijing. prison for being a leader of the 1989 minded Chinese students and scholars in Tiananmen Square protests. I was freed the West to report on Chinese students Nationalism is rampant in China and in 1998, and the Chinese government let who participate in politically sensitive many students, who grew up subjected me leave the country. I chose to go to activities — like my salons, but also to the full force of the Chinese the United States, where I could freely other public forums and protests against government’s “patriotic education speak my mind without fear of being Beijing. Members of the China Students program,” carry it abroad. They blame thrown in prison. and Scholars Association, which has Western powers for causing a “century chapters at many American universities, of humiliation” before the Communist I earned a doctorate in history in 2009 maintain ties with the Chinese consulates takeover in 1949 and for instigating and took a teaching position in Taiwan. and keep tabs on “unpatriotic” people trouble and constraining China’s growth I taught contemporary Chinese history and activities on campuses. Agents or as a global power. These “patriotic” and led a weekly seminar — a “China sympathizers of the Chinese government students and scholars team up with the salon” — of open discussions about show up at public events videotaping Chinese consulates to sabotage protests Chinese society and politics. Many of and snapping pictures of speakers, critical of the Chinese government. the seminar topics, like the 1989 protest participants and organizers. Many resort to online harassment of movement and political reform, were Beijing’s critics. taboo in the mainland but safe for public Chinese students who are seen with discussion in Taiwan. political dissidents like me or dare to In a typical example, Shuping Yang, publicly challenge Chinese government a Chinese student at the University of The salons drew large numbers of policies can be put on a blacklist. Their Maryland in May praised the “fresh mainland students attending Taiwanese families in China can be threatened or air of free speech” in the United States universities on exchange programs who punished. during her commencement address and were hungry for the truth about China’s then faced a barrage of threats online past. Many of them wondered about When these students return to China, from Chinese citizens and the state the Tiananmen Square crackdown, for members of the public security bureau media for “insulting the motherland.” example, because there is little mention may “invite” them to “tea,” where The China Students and Scholars of it in China’s history books. they are interrogated and sometimes Association encouraged people to rebut threatened. Their passport may not Ms. Yang’s views. Under the pressure, I returned to the United States earlier this be renewed. One student told me that Ms. Yang issued a public apology, year and brought the salons to American during one of his home visits to China asking for forgiveness and declaring that universities. Given the long tradition he was pressured to spy on others in the she did not intend to belittle her country. of free speech in the United States, I United States. assumed that the forums would fare even Even Western educational institutions better in America, where some 329,000 And in one egregious example of that have benefited from Chinese Chinese students attend college. I hoped intimidation, in March 2016, the police government funding, student enrollment that public discussions of topics off- in China abducted the relatives of the and Chinese private donations have limits in China might challenge visiting Chinese journalist Chang Ping, who lives succumbed to pressure from Beijing. Chinese students and encourage them to in exile in Germany, after he published Some have canceled activities or embrace Western democratic values. an article in a German publication that programs, and others have resorted to was critical of President Xi Jinping’s self-censorship. But instead, over the past three months, crackdown on free speech. my efforts on American campuses have Springer Nature, which publishes been stymied. The Chinese Communist Chinese students abroad hear these prestigious science magazines like Party is extending its surveillance of stories and, with good reason, tread Nature, recently blocked access to

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 29 WORLD PRESS some articles from China to avoid being Dalai Lama to Obama: ‘You are young and banned in the country. can do a lot’ The country’s growing influence CNN abroad has received a lot of attention in Australia, where journalists have detailed how Chinese money has infiltrated the political process. Chinese students in Australia can come under heavy pressure and shaming from other nationalist Chinese students for criticizing Beijing.

Recently, Clive Hamilton, a professor of public ethics in Australia, said that his publisher delayed the release of a book of his that investigates the rising influence of the Chinese Communist Party in Australia for fear that the Chinese government may sue for defamation. We can be certain that Mr. Hamilton’s name has been added to a Former US President Barack Obama met generation will not see the results, but list of Western scholars who are banned with the Dalai Lama on Friday in India, your generation will definitely see the from China, another common tactic used where they discussed “compassion and results,’ ” Kasur Tempa Tsering said, against outspoken China scholars whose altruism,” according to a representative according to the report. work the Chinese government dislikes. from the Tibetan spiritual leader’s office. The Dalai Lama officially retired in 2011 These threats to free speech should The meeting in New Delhi was the sixth from his political role as the leader of the prompt Western politicians to stand up between the two Nobel Peace Prize exiled Tibetan government but remains to China. I’m disappointed that President laureates, and the first since Obama left the head of Tibetan Buddhists and is Trump chose to focus mainly on trade, office in January. Obama is on a five-day scorned by the Chinese government. rather than human rights, during his world tour, including stops in China and While Obama’s meetings as president recent trip to China. There appear to France. with the Dalai Lama angered the Chinese, have been no attempts to push back the US under his administration did not against Beijing’s increasing proclivity The Dalai Lama said the meeting with support an independent Tibet or consider to commit rights abuses beyond its Obama was “very good, I think we the Dalai Lama a head of state. Instead, borders. Such appeasement will only are really two old trusted friend(s),” Obama backed what some Tibetans embolden Mr. Xi, further threatening according to a report from the India- call a “middle way” that preserves the Western democratic institutions. based Central Tibetan Administration, country’s religious and cultural heritage which is essentially a government in while maintaining China’s political rule. In recent months, the Trump exile. administration has restarted talks with The Dalai Lama himself has backed such its allies in Asia about how to counter Kasur Tempa Tsering, a representative an arrangement, repeatedly insisting that China’s growing assertiveness in the from the Dalai Lama’s office, told he is not a “separatist” despite Chinese region. It is equally important for the the administration’s Department of accusations. United States to shore up its policies at Information and International Relations home to stop China from undermining that the 45-minute meeting included A spokesman for Obama could not core democratic values — both on a discussion about “promoting peace be immediately reached on Friday for campus and beyond. in today’s world torn by strife and comment on the meeting. violence.” Wang Dan, a former leader of the 1989 According to the Central Tibetan Tiananmen Square protests, is the Tibet Fast Facts Administration, Obama hosted the Dalai founder of New School for Democracy, Lama four times in the White House: an independent think tank that promotes “To Obama, His Holiness said, ‘You are February 18, 2010, July 16, 2011, democratic reforms in China. This essay not only a former US president but you February 21, 2014, and June 15, 2016, was translated by The New York Times are a Nobel laureate, you are young and and the two first met in 2005, when from the Chinese. you can do a lot. We should fulfill our Obama was a member of the Senate. aspiration for world peace. Maybe my

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QUOTES

“I’ve had several dreams indicative of the past. In one I had been held as a prisoner in ancient Egypt and was released by order of the Pharoh. I’ve also had dreams indicative of my close connection to the Indian adept Krishnacharya and to the founder of Drepung Monastery Jamyang Chöjey. Be that as it may, every one of us has had a previous rebirth. The important thing is to lead a meaningful life here and now.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama answering the question of a girl from Ladakh during meeting with Tibetans and People from the Himalayan Region on 25 December 2017

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“I always consider that the shape of the future is in our hands,” he observed. “The past is past and can’t be changed, but the future has not yet arrived. Young people like you have the opportunity and responsibility to shape it by creating a better world. Despite many remarkable developments, the 20th century was an era of violence, a time when, sadly, scientists’ brilliant brains were put to destructive use. For example, they participated in the design and manufacture of nuclear weapons that were used twice against Japan.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama during dddress to the Students of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences on 21 November 2017

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“Even though the situation inside Tibet is critical, Tibetans under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has never wavered from the principles of non-violence and has maintained a steadfast commitment to resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue and through the mutually beneficial solution of the Middle Way Approach.” Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, Home Kalon during 28th Anniversary of Conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama on 10 December 2017

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“We have nothing but praises of the highest order with a sense of solidarity for the patriotic Tibetan men and women in Tibet, whether since dead or alive, for their selflessness, heroism, and fortitude and for their incomparable deeds. We are also appreciative of all the Tibetan people living in exile for safeguarding their ethnic identity and for their continued active assumption of responsibility in the struggle for Tibet by all means at their disposal. ” Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile during 28th Anniversary of Conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama on 10 December 2017

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Edited by Jamphel Shonu Printed and Published by the Secretary, Department of Information & International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA Printed at Narthang Press, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA