TIBETAN BulletiN

The Official Journal of the Central Tibetan Administration

Volume 20 - Issue 4 July - August 2016

Focus

Celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 81st Birthday **** Feature

Monkey Year Tse-chu Ceremony Observed at Tso-pema **** World Press

A Writer’s Quest to Unearth the Roots of Tibet’s Unrest

**** Last Page Tent and Plywood Rooms Available for Rent During Kalachakra Teaching

www.tibet.net/en/tibbul His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during the first day of teachings at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on August 29, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with five oracles of Tibet during celebrations of Guru Padmasambhava’s birth at Orgyen Herukai Nyingma Monastery at Tso Pema, (Rewalsar) HP, India on July 14, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phuntsok/OHHDL

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with local religious leaders cutting the cake present- ed to him during celebrations honoring his 81st birthday at Drepung Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka, India on July 6, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL www.tibet.net/en/tibbul

Focus 9. Celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 81st Birthday

10. Celebrations Mark 81st Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Dharamshala TIBETAN

12. Shillong Celebrates 81st Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama BulletiN Tibetan Bulletin is an official bi-monthly journal of the Central Tibetan 14. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 81st Birthday Celebrated in Russia Administration.

Feature

20. Monkey Year Tse-chu Ceremony Observed at Tso-pema

22. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits the Villages of Saboo and Stok

24. Fourth Great Summer Religious Council at Thiksey Monastery Signed articles or quotations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Central 26. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Islamia Public School, Tibetan Administration. Contributions Buddhist Nunnery and Shia Shrine at Leh Ladakh are welcome and may be addressed to the editor, Tibetan Bulletin. However the publisher regrets its inability to return unused articles unless they are accompanied by a self-addressed envelope World Press with adequate postage.

27. US Condemns Demolition of Tibetan Buddhist Institute by China Tibetan Bulletin is distributed free of charge. To subscribe please email the - Indian Express circulation manager or see back cover.

28. A Writer’s Quest to Unearth the Roots of Tibet’s Unrest Editor Jamphel Shonu - New York Times Email: [email protected]

29. Support Dalai Lama for Return to Tibet: Lawmakers to Barack Obama Asst. Editor Tenzin Phende Tenzin Saldon - Indian Express Layout & Design 30. China’s Communist Party Names New Chief for Tibet in Party Reshuffle Tenzin Phende

- The Canberra Times Circulation Manager Tenzin Rabka Email: [email protected] Last Page Tibetan Bulletin is published by: 30. Tents and Plywood Rooms for Rent During Kalachakra Teaching Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala - 176 215 H.P. India Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457 Regulars Vol. 20, Issue 4 News From Tibet & Exile ...... 4 JULY-AUGUST 2016 Contact ...... 31 Quotes ...... 32 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE 28th Task Force bet’s role in Sino-Indian security and diplomacy practices through the talks relations vis-à-vis Tibet to explore the of Indian and Tibetan experts and hoped Meeting on ‘tricks and trade’ of international di- the knowledge will come handy when Negotiation Held plomacy and advocacy in the face of she starts her job. China’s growing economic and political The 28th meeting of the Tibetan Task leverage in international politics. DIIR earlier organised a similar training Force on Negotiations was held in in Washington DC in 2015 with a spe- Dharamshala from 15 - 16 July. Dr Shashi Tharoor, former Foreign Sec- cial focus on diplomacy practices in the retary Lalit Mansingh, Nirupama Rao, United Nations and other international The two-day meeting included candid Shyam Saran and Shivshankar Menon organisations. The current training is discussions on the political develop- are among the prominent Indian political specially designed in keeping with the ments in China and on issues relating to figures who shared their expertise in in- dynamics of international diplomacy the future of dialogue with the PRC lead- ternational diplomacy in general and in vis-à-vis Tibet’s standing in the current ership. It also noted the developments in China dealing in particular with respect international political landscape. the international political landscape to the Tibetan issue. Tulku Tenzin Delek Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, who Mr Thupten Samphel, Director of Tibet Rinpoche’s Niece chaired the two-day meeting, reiterated Policy Institute, Former Kalons Tashi the Tibetan leadership’s commitment for Wangdi, Dongchung Ngodup and Tem- Nyima Lhamo the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan pa Tsering, Information Secretary Tashi Speaks to Press issue through dialogue. “The Tibetan Phuntsok and International Relations leadership remains firmly committed to Secretary Sonam Norbu Dagpo are Ti- The UN, EU & Human Rights Desk of the Middle Way Approach, and strongly betan resource persons for the training Department of Information and Inter- believes that the only way to resolve the and covered topics such as China’s in- national Relations, facilitated a press issue of Tibet is through dialogue,” he terpretation of ancient Tibetan history, conference for Ms Nyima Lhamo – late said. Tibet in UN and EU, Relations between Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s niece, at Tibetans in Tibet and CTA, 17-point Lhakpa Tsering hall on 28 July. The Task Force on Sino-Tibetan Nego- agreement, Indo-Tibetan relations, tiations was constituted to help recom- CTA’s presence in South Africa, and Nyima Lhamo, 26, who recently es- mend policy matters and strategies to Core responsibilities of Office of Tibet. caped to India from Tibet, spoke about find a peaceful and mutually acceptable the situation before and after the death of negotiated resolution to the issue of The training also covered media man- Rinpoche, and the ongoing grim situa- Tibet. agement strategy, Introduction to Bud- tion in Lithang pertaining to Rinpoche’s Second International dhism, CTA’s fiscal efficiency and bud- case. getary management and the resource Diplomacy and persons include Indian media person- Addressing the press conference, Nyima Advocacy Training alities Mr Karma Paljor and Ms Indrani Lhamo said she confronted many chal- Bagchi, Ven Dorje Damdul, Director of lenges and problems inorder to share the Concludes Delhi-based Tibet House and Mr Kel- suffering of her late uncle Tulku Tenzin sang Lhundup, senior accountant of Delek Rinpoche and of Tibetans inside A five-day training in International Di- Department of Information and Interna- Tibet. “Despite all the challenges and plomacy and Advocacy was organised tional Relations. hardships, I managed to escape Tibet. by Department of Information and In- My uncle Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche ternational Relations (DIIR) for a select The interactive sessions that followed suffered immensely and passed away in staff of the Central Tibetan Administra- the presentation by the resource speak- Chinese prison. Likewise many Tibet- tion from 18 - 22 July at Manesar, Hary- ers widely reflected concerns pertaining ans have suffered and continue to suf- ana. to mobilizing and winning international fer under the repressive Chinese rule. opinion in favor of ‘Tibetan narratives’ My hope is that the Chinese allegation About 35 participants, representing the against China’s aggressive propaganda against Rinpoche be thoroughly inves- Offices of Tibet, staff of the Department on its Tibet policy in various interna- tigated in accordance with Chinese and of Information and International Rela- tional forums. International law, and the Chinese au- tions and other departments of CTA, thorities to reveal the true circumstances took part in the training. Underscoring the significance and time- that led to Rinpoche’s death.” ly relevance of the training, Ms Tsering The five-day training extensively - cov Tsomo who is soon to be posted as a Recounting the details of circumstances ered some vital topics including India’s staff in one of the Offices of Tibet said, during the time of Rinpoche’s death, role in Sino-Tibetan issue, United Na- the training is highly “empowering” in Nyima Lhamo narrated, “Soon after tions, Chinese outreach diplomacy, Ti- that it helped her understand different we were informed of Rinpoche’s death,

4 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE around 300 Tibetan people gathered at and one of the most prominent Tibetan Meeting’ organised at Sherab Gatsel the Lithang county office to demand for political prisoners. He died under mys- Lobling, Dharamshala. return of Rinpoche’s body to perform terious circumstances on Sunday, 12 final rituals. After repeated appeals, the July 2015, while serving a life sentence Education Kalon Mr Ngodup Tsering local Lithang county officials finally -al in Chuandong prison in the southwest- of Central Tibetan Administration, Mr lowed nine people to appeal at Chengdu ern Chinese Provincial city of Chengdu. Karma Chungdak, Director of Sambhota county office.” Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was widely re- Tibetan Schools Society (STSS), Mr vered by Tibetans for his efforts to pro- Tenzin Dorjee, head of Academic section Although Nyima was not among the tect the degradation Tibetan culture and of Department of Education, executive nine people, who were allowed to ap- religion from the onslaught of repressive staff of Sambhota Tibetan Schools peal at Chengdu, she somehow managed Chinese policies. He was also known for Society and Department of Education to reach Chengdu and staged protests his efforts to safeguard Tibet’s fragile along with heads of various Sambhota against the local police authorities de- environment by advocating against ille- Tibetan schools were present at the manding for the return of Rinpoche’s gal mining and pollution of river waters inaugural ceremony of the meeting. A body. Nyima revealed that only after she in Tibet. total of 21 principals and headmasters attempted suicide by hang herself with participated in the three-day special a scarf outside the Chengdu Prison, the He was arrested by Chinese authorities meeting. Chinese prison authorities stopped her in 2002 in a politically motivated charge and gave access to see Rinpoche’s body. accusing of being involved in a bomb The meeting focussed on improving “I noticed Rinpoche’s lips were black. blast that occurred in Chengdu city. The students’ education and enhancement But his body was covered. Following real reason for his arrest by Chinese au- of the efficiency of Tibetan schools which, we accused authorities of hav- thorities is believed to be his growing administration. ing killed Rinpoche by poisoning.“ Af- popularity among the public and for his ter making the accusations, Nyima and staunch loyalty to His Holiness the Dalai In his inaugural address, Sikyong Dr her mother were detained for 18 days in Lama. He was sentenced to death with a Lobsang Sangay emphasised the Chengdu on charges for “leaking state two-year reprieve on 2 December 2002 importance placed on the role of school secrets to the outside world.” even though Rinpoche has maintained administrators, including principals innocence in all the Chinese allegations. and headmasters, in promoting welfare While in detention, they were repeatedly Rinpoche’s death sentence was later of students and facilitating a holistic interrogated by the Chinese authori- commuted to life imprisonment on 24 environment for learning and growth. ties. The authorities also demanded that January following massive campaigns Nyima and her mother sign a document, by Tibetans in exile and appeals from Sikyong urged the school heads to focus containing three conditions for their international human rights organisations on moral development of students by release. The conditions were: no infor- for his release. introducing His Holiness the Dalai mation on Rinpoche shall be shared in Lama’s thoughts on secular ethics and Tibet and China, no accusations shall Sikyong Inaugurates human values in the school curriculum. be made against the Chinese authorities Sambhota Tibetan that Rinpoche had died of poisoning and Expressing concerns over the no discussion on Rinpoche’s death at School Heads’ Special administration of newly transferred any public gathering and to the outside Tibetan schools – previously under the world. Meeting CTSA – Education Kalon urged the concerned school heads to discharge Nyima and her mother categorically re- their responsibilities with highest fused to sign the conditions. They were efficiency and address the important informed later that the village leader had areas of improvement in respect to signed the conditions on their behalf and students’ education and growth. were strictly instructed to follow his di- rections on their release. Mr Karma Chungdak, Director of STSS extended greetings to all participants Addressing the ongoing situation in Heads of various Sambhota Tibetan schools with and introduced the aims and objectives Lithang, she disclosed that Chinese au- Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Education Kalon of the meeting. “One of the objectives is thorities have issued legal orders in a Mr Ngodup Tsering, Director of STSS Mr Karma to provide guidance for newly appointed covert attempt to discredit Rinpoche and Chungdak and executive staff of Department of school heads in execution of their Education, CTA, 27 July 2016. his position as a revered Tibetan spiri- duties.” He added that out of 21 school tual master. heads participating in the meeting, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay inaugurated around 13 have been recently appointed Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was a the first ‘Sambhota Tibetan School as heads of their respective schools. highly respected Tibetan spiritual figure Society (STSS) ‘Special School Heads

JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 5 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

Tibetan Parliamentary Medicare System (TMS) team of the the Central Tibetan Administration par- Department of Health, Central Tibetan ticularly the health department has been Delegation Meets Administration for its effective and ef- doing good work,” he said. Indian Leaders at ficient management of funds and imple- mentation of TMS projects. “This is a first such letter of appreciation New Delhi that the Central Tibetan Administration The certificate was presented by As resolved during the standing commit- has received from a foreign organisa- Mr Jonathan Addleton, Mission Director tee meeting of the Tibetan Parliament, tion. Moreover, to receive it from a per- of USAID to India at a ceremony held a delegation of the Tibetan Parliament son of stature like Ambassador Jonathan at Nyatri hall, Gangchen Kyishong to visited New Delhi from 25 July to meet Addleton means so much to the CTA as launch the assessment report of the Ti- leaders of the Indian government and a whole and particularly to the health de- betan Health System Capacity Strength- members of the Indian parliament. partment,” he added. ening Project. The Tibetan parliamentary delegation Health Kalon Mr Choekyong Wangchuk Mr Addleton was accompanied by Mr was comprised of Ms Dolma Tsering delivered a brief introduction of the Xerses Sidhwa, Director of Health and Mr Lobsang Choejor and led by Ven health department and its various proj- Services, USAID and Mr Arvind Ku- Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Deputy Speak- ects. He emphasised the importance of mar, Agreement Officer Representative er of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. preventive healthcare initiatives to en- (AOR). hance the overall Tibetan public health. The delegation met Indian lawmakers In his remarks, Mr Addleton said that from both houses of the parliament and USAID is a US governmental aid organ- this certificate is recognition of the qual- apprised them about the current situation istaion that works to end extreme global ity health service being provided by the inside Tibet, the wave of Tibetan self- poverty and enable resilient, democratic health department, and reaffirmed US- immolation protests and the state-spon- societies to realise their potential. It is AID’s deep commitment to helping the sored environmental destruction taking also one of the primary donors of CTA’s Tibetan community improve their edu- place inside Tibet. health and education projects. cation, economic as well as their health status. New Representative The delegation also urged the Indian leaders to pass a resolution in the Indian of Delhi Bureau Takes parliament in support of the Middle Way Charge Approach urging the Chinese Govern- ment to resume dialogue with the rep- resentatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Admin- istration. They further urged the Indian Mr Jonathan Addleston, Mission Director of Government to make Tibet issue a pri- USAID, presenting a certificate of appreciation to ority in India-China relationship and Health Kalon in recognition of CTA’s make India’s position on Tibet more exemplary work. pronounced. He lauded the Tibetan Medicare system, a community based health insurance In the last three days from 26 to 28 July, scheme, initiated by the department to the delegation met with five Union Cab- serve the health care needs of the public Mr Tempa Tsering greeting Mr Ngodup Dongc- inet Ministers and 29 parliamentarians by creating a more sustainable financ- hung, the new Representative of His Holiness the from eight different political parties. The ing source. “Tibetans certainly deserve Dalai Lama during the ceremony at New Delhi, 10 August 2016. delegation also met top police officers of the healthcare they need at the right time the city and scholars and political ana- without struggling to pay medical bills A brief ceremonial session of handing lysts. that they cannot afford,” he said, refer- over of the Representative of His ring to TMS. Holiness the Dalai Lama to Kasur USAID Awards Ngodup Dongchung was held at Bureau Letter of Appreciation Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay thanked of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New the USAID for their continued assis- Delhi on 10 August. to Health Department, tance and expressed that the certificate CTA of appreciation would further inspire the A customary Tibetan butter tea and sweet staff to work harder. rice was served to all the staff of Bureau. United States Agency for International Kasur Tempa Tsering, the outgoing Development (USAID) awarded a Cer- “This Certificate of Appreciation is a re- Representative introduced his successor tificate of Appreciation to the Tibetan affirmation of the fact that the staff of Kasur Ngodup Dongchung and then

6 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE thanked his staff for their dedication Mr Tashi Phuntsok, who has been Aukartsang. and commitment for the service of the appointed as the new representative for Tibetan people. Office of Tibet, Brussels, formally took A brief ceremony of handing over was charge from Acting Representative of held on 26 August 2016. Mr Tsewang The New Representative, Kasur Office of Tibet, Brussels, Mr Kelsang Phuntso, Representative of His Holi- Dongchung Ngodup appreciated his Gyaltsen. ness the Dalai Lama at Office of Tibet, predecessor for his elaborate guidelines Brazil, attended the ceremony as the of- in handling the Bureau affairs. He A brief ceremony of handing over ficial witness. The Tibetan community assured his commitment to do the best was held at Office of Tibet in Brussels of Washington also organised a farewell for the service of His Holiness the Dalai on 24 August. Mr Ngodup Dorjee, cum dinner reception for both the outgo- Lama, Central Tibetan Administration Representative of Office of Tibet, ing and the new representative. and the Tibetans. Geneva, attended the ceremony as the official witness. Mr Tsering Dhundup, The new Representative was greeted by Mr Sonam Norbu Dagpo, International Secretary, Bureau du Tibet, Paris was the staff of the office of Tibet and del- Relations Secretary of the Department of present to hand over the charge of that egations of the Tibetan community and Information and International Relations office as well. associations. witnessed the handing/taking of the two Representatives and acknowledged the Guests at the ceremony included In his farewell remarks, Mr Kaydor Au- importance of Bureau of His Holiness president of the Tibetan Community, katsang, expressed his gratitude to the the Dalai Lama. He thanked Kasur and representatives from the various staff and public for their cooperation Tempa Tsering for his mentorship and Tibetan associations as well as the staff during his time in office and urged them the successful accomplishment of his members of the office of Tibet, Brussels. to extend the same towards the new lifelong services in the Central Tibetan Representative. Administration. He also wished the new During the ceremony, a customary Representative great success and good Tibetan butter tea and sweet rice was He also emphasised Tibetan unity and health. served to all the guests. Later, the staff urged them to unitedly work for the and the guest greeted the outgoing and Tibetan cause with wholehearted dedi- Later, the staff of Bureau greeted in line the new Representatives by offering cation. Mr Aukatsang will leave for In- by offering Khatag to both the outgoing scarves. dia to serve in the Social And Resource and the new Representatives. Development desk of the Department of Mr Tashi Phuntsok has dedicated more Finance. Kasur Ngodup Dongchung is a senior than 35 years in service of Tibetan bureaucrat who served more than 40 community since 1977. He has served in Mr Penpa Tsering, in his inaugural re- years in Central Tibetan Administration. various capacities in CTA, notably as the marks, said, “Every representative of the Since September 2007, he remained as Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Office of Tibet hold office in the name of the Kalon of Department of Security Lama in South Africa from 1997 – 2001. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and have until his recent resignation from the post He then served as the Representative special responsibility to uphold the rep- on 6 April 2016. for Office of Tibet in Brussels and Paris utation.” He paid gratitude to His Holi- from 2001 – 2005, and as the Chief ness the Dalai Lama’s constant guidance New Representative Representative of the Southern Tibetan and blessings towards the Tibetan peo- Settlements, Bangalore from 2010- 2012 ple and movement. Tashi Phuntsok Takes and as the Secretary of Department of Information and International Relations, Mr Kaydor Aukatsang will take his new Charge of OOT Dharamsala on 8 February 2013. charge in Department of Finance under Brussels New Representative SARD in October 2016. Mr Penpa Tsering Takes Charge of OOT, Washington Mr Penpa Tsering, former Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, formally took charge as the new Representative of His Mr Tashi Phuntsok formally taking charge of Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Office OOT Brussels from Mr Kelsang Gyaltsen, former of Tibet, based in Washington DC, from New representative Mr Penpa Tsering and special envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama outgoing Representative Mr Kaydor outgoing Representative Mr Kaydor Aukatsang to Europe. exchanging pleasantries at the event.

JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 7 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE Sikyong Inaugurates 2nd Tibetan Entrepreneurs’ Game Changers Conference 2016 Responsibility (CSR) among Tibetan businesses and entrepreneurs. “If Tibetan entrepreneurs succeed, it would help in developing the macro Tibetan economy. Successful Tibetan businessmen could also contribute towards social causes like businessmen in the west do,” he said.

Sikyong also expressed optimistically that in the next 15-20 years time, the Tibetan community should be entirely self-reliant without depending on foreign funds and contributions. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd Tibetan Entrepreneurs GameChangers Conference, 30 August 2016. Finance Kalon Mr Karma Yeshi, in Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay inaugurated is not money that starts a successful his address, explained the aims and the second Tibetan GameChangers business, it is an idea that creates the objectives of the conference and Conference organised by Tibetan spark for a successful business,” he said, underlined self-reliance as one of the Entrepreneurship Development (TED), adding that if the idea is there, the CTA, most important goals to achieve based an initiative of the Department of through the Finance Department, will on the three guiding principles of the Finance, Central Tibetan Administration render whatever assistance is required in Kashag. (CTA) on 30 August 2016. terms of training and capital loans. He also gave an introduction of the At least eighty Tibetan entrepreneurs and Sikyong further gave a rough outline Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development budding businessmen including clothing of the financial structure of the Tibetan and the initiatives taken by the section designers, cycling tour managers, people as a whole. “Around 526 crores to boost entrepreneurship in the Tibetan photographers, coaching institute (in INR) are deposited in banks as sav- community. managers, retailers, tour operators, etc ings by the Tibetan people and over 1570 participated in the two-day conference. crores are available in liquid assets. At “We have introduced many the same time, the Tibetan people have initiatives through TED to bolster the Inaugurating the conference, Sikyong taken 620 crores as loans from banks to entrepreneurship knowledge such as urged the Tibetan public to cultivate start businesses,” he said. Pre Incubation training for budding ideas of economic development through entrepreneurs, legal and advisory entrepreneurship and investments. He “It is an interesting scenario,” he noted. support to entrepreneurs, business also recalled a statement His Holiness “If you look at the disposable assets and plan competitions, incubation support, the Dalai Lama made in San Francisco the savings deposits, it is a huge amount nurturing youth entrepreneurs and TED a few years back where His Holiness as compared to the loans taken by the Ti- Nepal initiatives, etc,” Kalon said. expressed a desire to see self-made betan people to start businesses. There- Tibetan millionaires and billionaires in fore, it goes on to show that the Tibetan “TED has also sent six Tibetan students the future. people are generally risk averse and that in the last three years to participate in we are content with the minor interest the Global Scholar’s Program in South Sikyong therefore – to fulfill His rates being provided by banks as op- Africa,” he added. Holiness the Dalai Lama’s noble posed to taking risks to start businesses.” vision – reaffirmed the CTA’s full The two-day GameChangers assistance through seed funding and “We Tibetans also suffer from a chronic conference, in line with the objectives investment awards and guidance though imitation business culture. If one indi- of TED, is aimed at creating an annual comprehensive training and workshops vidual succeeds in a particular business, platform for collaboration, innovation to promote entrepreneurship and others follow suit expecting similar and networking between Tibetan economic development in the Tibetan results. However, a healthy economy Entrepreneurs and the world. It enables community. doesn’t work like that. We need to be di- Tibetan entrepreneurs to build networks, verse and creative,” he added. enrich knowledge, and connect mentors Sikyong further emphasised the and investors to pitch their business importance of generating creative Sikyong further emphasised business ideas on the given platform. business ideas to start a business. “It with ethics and Corporate Social

8 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 FOCUS Celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 81st Birthday On the occasion of his 81st birthday His former Prisoner-of-War Camp at Buxa Holiness the Dalai Lama joined a large Daur, West Bengal, where unhealthy assembly of monks from Tibetan mon- conditions led to many deaths. He was asteries of all traditions across India, full of praise for the hard work of the ini- who had gathered to make a Long Life tial settlers due to whose efforts a thriv- Offering to him. The event was orga- ing settlement eventually emerged. nized by representatives of the Gelug During a formal inauguration of Dre- Order of Tibetan Buddhism and the pung Loseling Monastery’s new Debate Doeguling Tibetan Settlement where Court His Holiness noted the unique ap- His Holiness has been a guest for nearly His Holiness the Dalai Lama with local religious proach to study that Tibetans have pur- a week. leaders cutting the cake presented to him during sued: celebrations honoring his 81st birthday at Dre- “We don’t merely read the commen- The Long Life Offering was followed pung Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka, India taries, each word of the text in hand is on July 6, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL by a public celebration in front of Dre- considered and analyzed, and what is pung Monastery’s main assembly hall. have been working hard to support; understood is further explored and rein- The entire local Tibetan community of I urge you too to join me in this effort.” forced in formal debate. This approach, 14,000 congregated under an enormous employing logic and reason, is unique to awning. They were joined by local dig- When His Holiness was presented with the Tibetan tradition of Buddhist prac- nitaries, as well as local Christian, Hin- a birthday cake, a group of young school tice.” du and Muslim leaders who paid their children broke into peals of “Happy respects to His Holiness, presenting him birthday to you.” Finally, His Holiness met with senior traditional gifts of shawls and garlands members of the Tibetan community at and wishing him a happy birthday. In his In addition to marking His Holiness’s the Old People’s Home. He praised the words of thanks His Holiness praised In- birthday the day also saw celebrations devotion and hard work they shown in dia’s longstanding tradition of religious of the 50th anniversary of Doeguling Ti- their lives and encouraged them to keep tolerance and harmony. He remarked, betan Settlement. In a brief address His up their religious observances. Holiness recalled the hardships faced by His Holiness drove to Goa, from where “Inter-religious harmony is something I monks who had escaped Tibet in 1959. They had initially been housed in a he flew to Delhi and on to Dharamsala. Birthday Wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama from the European Parliament the European Parliament in Brussels and ing the demonstration on the Schuman of course in Strasbourg”, said Mr. Mann. square in Brussels.”

“Since 15 years, I am privileged to be “As president of Tibet Interest Group, I leader of European parliamentarians was a member of a International Election who support your middle way approach, Observing Mission to Dharamshala, to- Your Holiness the Dalai Lama. Every gether with parliamentarians from three year we celebrate your birthday in Brus- different countries. I spent one week in sels last week in the very famous Albert the political capital of the Tibetans in ex- Hall. I am happy to say that our work ile. The overall impression was that the as a cross party group reaches visible Tibetans hold their elections democrati- results. in February 2014, we celebrated cally, professionally and with great pas- Mr Thomas Mann, a German MEP from our 100th TIG meeting with 300 par- sion. A personal high was of course, the the European People’s Party, the biggest ticipants all over the world. We fight private audience of our team with you Political Group in the European Parlia- against torture, suppression and illegal holiness.” ment and the Chair of the Tibet Inter- imprisonment. In December 2015, the est Group (TIG) extended his warmest European parliament passed a report on “For your 81st birthday, we promise to birthday wishes to His Holiness the Da- the EU China relations. We successfully continue our work here in the European lai Lama as he marked his 81st birthday. integrated a large number of amend- Parliament in Brussels and of course in ment about the human rights situation, Strasbourg. Again, Happy birthday Ho- “You are and you will be a role model environmental pollution and the law on liness and Tashi Delek,” Mr Mann said of a peaceful human approach in every counter terrorism. We published state- in a video message to His Holiness the situation of life. For your 81st birthday, ments about the Tibetan uprising on the Dalai Lama on his 81st birthday. we promise to continue our work here in 10 March 2016 and we were present dur- JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 9 FOCUS Celebrations Mark 81st Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Dharamshala Tibetans, friends and devotees of His Holiness the Dalai Lama gathered in large numbers at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, to participate in the official 81st birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 6 July.

The celebration was attended by Tibetan Justice Commissioners, Kalons, mem- bers of the Tibetan Parliament along with staff of the Central Tibetan Administra- tion and representatives of Tibetan non- governmental organisations. Other dig- nitaries include Mr Ajai Singh Mankotia, President of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship School children performing a group song to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 81st birthday at Tsuglagkhang, 6 July 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR Association. years to democratise the Tibetan admin- Holiness the Dalai Lama with utmost As Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and istrative system. earnestness. Accordingly, despite being Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel are only sixteen years of age at that time, both in Mundgod, the official statements “His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, he assumed his position as the temporal of the Kashag and Tibetan Parliament even at a young age, had the vision of head and spiritual leader of the religious- were read out by officiating Sikyong a strong united Tibet. Enthroned as the ly and politically governed Snowland of Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang and 14th Dalai Lama at the age of five, he Tibet. He then at once set up a Reform Deputy Speaker Ven Acharya Yeshi had to take over the spiritual and tempo- Bureau as a separate office in an effort Phuntsok respectively. ral authority of Tibet at the tender age of to transform the prevailing political and 16, at a time when the People’s Republic administrative system in Tibet in all their Expressing warm greetings to His Holi- of China illegally occupied Tibet. The aspects into one based on democracy and ness the Dalai Lama, Kalon Sonam young Dalai Lama immediately formed liberty. He thereby initiated a process to Topgyal Khorlatsang said: “On this jo the Reform Committee to cater to the enable the citizens of Tibet to carry on ous occasion of His Holiness the Great welfare of poor Tibetans, irrespective of their lives in an atmosphere of freedom.” 14th Dalai Lama’s 81st birthday, on be- their provincial or religious affiliations. half of Kashag and Tibetans inside and This committee intrinsically helped Mr Ajai Singh Mankotia, President of outside Tibet, I would like to express our strengthen Tibetan unity,” he said, read- Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, deepest reverence to His Holiness the ing from the kashag’s statement. expressed his heartfelt greetings and Dalai Lama.” birthday wishes to His Holiness the Da- Delivering the statement of the Tibetan lai Lama on behalf of the local Indian “On this very day in 1935, following Parliament, Deputy Speaker Acharya community. He extolled the efforts of numerous auspicious signs and sym- Yeshi Phuntsok highlighted the achieve- His Holiness the Dalai Lama to bring bols, Lhamo Dhondup was born to father ments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama peace and foster harmony in the world Choekyong Tsering and mother Dekyi and the unique, indispensable leader- and urged everyone to practice the val- Tsering in Taktser village, located in ship provided by His Holiness the Dalai ues embodied by His Holiness. the Amdo region of Tibet. We owe deep Lama during one of Tibet’s most tragic gratitude to the great parents for blessing periods. He also appealed everyone to exert ef- us with their precious son. His Holiness’ forts towards making Dharamshala a birth at the fringes of the Tibetan plateau “In 1949, communist China began its truly spiritual destination which reflects is similar to previous great Lamas and invasion of Tibet from its eastern bor- the blessings and teachings of His Holi- several Dalai Lamas who have chosen ders; as a result, the political situation in ness the Dalai Lama. specific birthplaces to signify unity in the country became highly precarious. Tibet,” he added. The country was plunged into a situa- Born on 6 July 1935 to a peasant fam- Applauding and paying gratitude to His tion of emergency and insurmountable ily in Takster village in the Amdo region Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision for a difficulty. Such being the criticality of of Tibet, His Holiness the great 14 Dalai democratic Tibetan polity, the officiating the situation, the deities and subjects of Lama was recognised as the reincarna- Sikyong explained the efforts exerted by Tibet, without any exception, acted as tion of the 13th Dalai Lama when he was His Holiness the Dalai Lama over the one, making a spontaneous appeal to His two years old.

10 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 FOCUS Monks in Ngaba Warned Against Staging Peaceful Protests in New State-issued Handbook In a newly issued handbook, local The bilingual handbook, written in However, Chinese authorities have Chinese authorities in Ngaba county Tibetan and Chinese, was circulated responded to such protests with (incorporated into China’s Sichuan among all monks of Kirti Monastery. heightened repression and severe province) have warned monks of Kirti Each monk was given strict instructions punishments to the family members of monastery against staging any form to abide by provisions in the handbook. the self-immolators. of peaceful protest and sharing of information from inside Tibet to abroad The Chinese authorities have reportedly Last year in August, Dolma Kyab, via social media platforms. conducted a meeting of representatives 32, was sentenced to death by an of all the monasteries in Ngaba to intermediate people’s court in Ngaba On 28 July 2016, the Chinese authorities declare enforcement of the handbook in (Ch: Aba) prefecture for allegedly killing in Ngaba district issued a handbook, each of the monasteries. his wife, Kunchok Wangmo. Kunchok containing a set of decrees, criminalising Wangmo, aged in her 30s, was believed all forms of peaceful protest, silent Tibetans inside Tibet describe it as by Tibetans to have set herself on fire in march, self immolation and the use of a conspicuous move by the Chinese protest against the repressive policies of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait government to justify its brutal the Chinese government. during protest as an act of “disrupting repression of peaceful dissent. social stability”. In a similar case, Lobsang Tsundue, who Since 2009, a total of 144 Tibetans have is a paternal uncle and teacher of the Another provision in the handbook set themselves on fire in protest against deceased Phuntsok (who self-immolated prohibited the monks from sharing the Chinese government’s repressive on 16 March 2011) was sentenced to 11 information on social media to the policies in Tibetan areas. Many such years in prison on charges of “intentional outside world, declaring it as an illegal protests have taken place in Ngaba homicide for hiding Phuntsok and act of “leaking state secrets” and region, especially by the monks of Kirti preventing him from getting medical “engaging in separatist activities.” monastery. treatment after he set himself on fire”.

Senior RSS Leader Calls on China to Officially Recognise the Central Tibetan Administration Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh occupation. Therefore, it is clear that China wants to (RSS) functionary and convener of occupy the entire Himalayas for its ne- Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch Shri In- “Historically, Tibet was never a part of farious ambitions,” he noted. dresh Kumar reaffirmed his continued China. It was only because of China’s support for the cause of Tibet at a press aggressive occupation that Tibet and a The RSS leader also pointed out that conference held at Hotel Centre Point in slew of other nations like Mongolia be- China should respect the Tibetan peo- Lower Dharamshala, 20 August. came a part of China,” he said. ple’s aspirations and should not under- take activities to annihilate Tibet’s cul- He also called on China to officially rec- “Most of the colonised countries includ- tural heritage, its pristine environment ognise the Central Tibetan Administra- ing India got their independence around or violate their fundamental rights in the tion and urged the Chinese government 1940s in the aftermath of the Second name of development. to engage in constructive dialogue with World War. Unfortunately, Tibet lost its Tibetan representatives. independence around that time.Howev- He further expressed his gratitude to His er, the Indian government has never ac- Holiness the Dalai Lama for making The press conference was organised by cepted that Tibet was historically a part Dharamshala an international destina- the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat of China,” he added. tion known for its peace and tranquility. and attended by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Acharya “Tibet used to be a peaceful buffer be- Acharya Yeshi Phunstok, Deputy Speak- Yeshi Phuntsok along with officials of tween the two Asian nations. India and er of the Tibetan Parliament, thanked the the Tibetan Parliament. Tibet used to share a 4000km-long bor- RSS leader for his support to the Tibet der but there were never any skirmishes cause and called him ‘a long time friend’ Shri Indresh Kumar emphasised the his- along the border. However, since Tibet’s of the Tibetan people. torical independence of Tibet and the occupation, the peaceful border has role played by Tibet as a peaceful buffer been heavily militarised with soldiers, The press conference was followed by a between the two nations prior to its air force bases and missile launchers. brief question-answer session.

JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 11 FOCUS Indian Writer Pays Tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama As a tribute to His Holiness the Da- Mr Vijay Kranti is a senior Indian jour- lai Lama, on his 81st birth anniversary, nalist and an internationally-renowned Journalist and Tibetologist Vijay Kranti photographer. During the past four de- released the Hindi edition of his comic cades he has written frequently on vari- book Dalai Lama – The Soldier of Peace. ous aspects of Tibet, and extensively photographed the cultural and social life The Chief Justice Commissioner of the of the Tibetan community — in exile as Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, well as inside Tibet. He was the founding Mr Kargyu Dhondup inaugurated the editor of Tibbat Desh, a magazine in Hin- book at the official ceremony held at the di which he edited for its first 30 years, Chief Justice Commissioner Mr Kargyu Dhon- main temple Tsuglagkhang, to mark His dup inaugurating the launch of the Hindi version until 2010. Currently, he is Chairman of Holiness’ birthday. of Vijay Kranti’s comic book ‘Dalai Lama – the National Union of Journalists (India) Soldier of Peace’. School of Journalism and Communica- In Hindi, the book is titled “Dalai Lama dian students and communities living tion. NUJ(I) is the largest body of work- ki Saahas Katha” (‘Thrilling Story of Da- around Tibetan settlements and in the ing journalists in India, and the School lai Lama”). It tells the story of His Holi- neighbourhood of Tibetan establish- focuses on upgrading professional skills ness the Dalai Lama through an interest- ments across India. I sincerely believe of working journalists and also functions ing sequence of comic-style sketches, that if the Indian neighbourhoods of as a think tank on profession-related is- drawn and painted by Tibetan illustrator Tibetan settlements know the true story sues, especially professional ethics. Sodhon. The book tells the story of how of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan refugee China occupied Tibet and His Holiness’ community, they will be more sympa- For detailed news visit: escape to exile in India. thetic towards their Tibetan neighbours and will be more forthcoming with their “The focus audience of my book is In- support for the cause,” said Kranti. www.tibet.net

Shillong Celebrates 81st Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

front of the portrait of His Holiness the munities and peace loving people around Dalai Lama on the golden throne while the world. the monks of Gaden Choling monastery recited the Mangalacharan. Mrs Yangchen Dolkar, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, delivered Students of Sambhota Tibetan School the Statement of Tibetan Parliament-in- led the national anthem of Tibet and In- exile. dia with their school band and later beau- tifully sang a tribute song of His Holi- Representing Sikyong Dr Lobsang ness the Dalai Lama. Sangay, Guest of Honor, Mr Choekyo- ng Wangchuk, Kalon, Department of Mr Choekyong Wangchuk, Kalon, Department Gathering of more than 700 people com- Health, Central Tibetan Administration of Health is addressing the audience during the auspicious occasion on the dais. prising Tibetans, Nepalis, Garo, Khasi, delivered the Kashag Statement in Jainti, Bhutanese and other tribal com- English as most of the audience speaks The hilly town of Meghalaya observed munities and also representation from English. The honorable Kalon further for the first time a grand celebration of college and school students observed 1 brief the statement in Tibetan, in gist 81st Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai minute silence in honor of Tibetan mar- he said that the Kashag calls for unity Lama and Tibet festival at Auditorium, tyrs who selflessly sacrifice their life for amongst the Tibetan people and focus on Shri Aurobindo Ashram, Shillong. the Tibetan cause and those who still suf- bringing forth unified front to resolve the fer on day to day under the communist issue of Tibetan cause. The program commenced with the light- Chinese rule inside Tibet. ing of butter lamp by the Chief Guest Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay was not Dr D.D.Lapang, former Chief Minister Shri R.K.Khrimey, National Convener, able to take part in the festival due to his of Meghalaya and Kalon Choekyong Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India de- prior engagement to attend His Holiness Wangcchuk, Dept. Of Health,CTA, livered the introductory remarks and said the DalaiLama’s 81st birthday’s official Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Fol- that 6th July is not only celebrated by the celebration held at Mundgod, Karnataka lowed by offering Khatak (silk scarf) in Tibetans, but also by the Buddhists com- on the same day.

12 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 FOCUS

Dr D D Lapang, the Chief Guest is a different Chams (religious dance). former Chief Minister of the State and he mesmerise the crowd with praises Mr Tsering Dorje, office secretary, for His Holiness life struggle of exile at Shillong Tibetan Settlement office gave the young age of 25, building the exile the thank you note. community from nothing to one of the most successful exile community in the Guest and the audience also enjoyed world. Further, said that in these difficult the grand photo exhibition of Tibet times of intolerance and terrorism he Tibetan community in Shillong performing the Museum, under Department of is promoting a culture of freedom and Tibetan cultural dance on 81st birthday of His Information and International relations, dialogue for a better world. Holiness the Dalai Lama. CTA, Dharamsala. The travel exhibition guest all cheer to the cultural dances showcase, ‘Biography of His Holiness Other dignitaries present during the and songs by the students of Sambhota the 14th Dalai Lama’ and ‘The Three program are Mr James A Sangma, Tibetan school Shillong, and also commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Member of Legislative Assembly, traditional Tibetan dances from Tibetan Lama’. It also aims to create awareness Meghalaya, Shri Manas Chaudheri, community of Shillong and Miao about the unique Tibetan history and renowned Social Activist and Prof B (Arunachal Pradesh), Bhutanese cultural culture to the local public of Shillong. B Dutta, Chairman of Sri Aurobindo troupe, traditional Tamang dances by Ashram also graced the occasion and Tamang college students, people also Staff of ITCO, Delhi and Tibet Museum, delivered memorable speeches. enjoyed Bharatnatyam dance (Indian Dharamsala distributed Tibet related classical dance) by Ms Jordan Kargunka, books, leaflets and comic book on His Later, the limelight of the celebration Tukmen Lomeykhar dance group from Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to the was a cultural program where people and Rupa Arunachal Pradesh presented participants.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 81st Birthday Celebration in London

The Office of Tibet, London hosted a in his address welcomed the guests and The Tibetan Community in Britain ob- reception at the historic St Ethelburga’s thanked them for joining in the cel- served the 81st birthday celebration of Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, ebration. He mentioned about the three His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama central London, on 6 July to celebrate commitments of His Holiness the Dalai at a magnificent venue in north east Lon- the joyous occasion of His Holiness the Lama: promotion of basic human values, don, attended by more than 300 people. Dalai Lama’s 81st Birthday. promotion of inter-religious harmony On behalf of the Office of Tibet, London and the preservation of Tibet’s rich Bud- Mr Tenzin Kunga in his address, called More than 90 guests joined in the dhist cultural heritage which His Holi- for unity and preservation of Tibetan lan- celebration, including London based ness is totally committed to. guage and culture. He also distributed diplomats, two former Representatives, Community Awards to four individual Heads of religious organisations, Ti- Mr Tsering called upon all the guests Tibetans – for their invaluable contribu- bet charities and Tibet Support Groups to join him in wishing His Holiness tions to the Tibetans community in UK. based in London, representatives from the Great 14th Dalai Lama ‘‘a long and the regional chapters of Tibet Support healthy life.’’ Groups, academicians, donors linked to Tibet House Trust and long-time friends A short video clip containing His Holi- of Tibet, as well as Chairman of Tibetan ness the Dalai Lama’s message urging all Community in Britain. his friends and well-wishers to be more compassionate in their daily lives, which The celebrations began on a spiritual he considers as the best birthday gift, note with a short Tibetan Buddhist was played for the guests. prayer. A representative from the Centre Guests listening to His Holiness the briefly spoke about the history behind A young Tibetan singer from Bristol, Dalai Lama’s message the venue and mentioned how the work Tashi Dhundup, performed two solo- at the Centre is very much aligned with songs in tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Likewise, Tibetans and friends from the Buddhist values of peace, compassion Lama’s 81st birthday; while the cultural other countries under the jurisdiction of and tolerance. group of Tibetan Community in Britain, Office of Tibet, London celebrated the led by its three experienced artists, per- 81st Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Mr Chonpel Tsering, Representative of formed dranyen-shabdro, much to the Lama with Events to mark the special His Holiness the Dalai Lama for North- delight of everyone present. occasion. ern Europe, Baltic States and Poland,

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 81st Birthday Celebrated in Russia In his opening remarks Telo Tulku 26 talented artists traveled all the way Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai La- from Kalmykia, Elista, to show their ma’s representative to Russia, Mongo- exquisite performance in Moscow as a lia and CIS countries, talked about the heartfelt offering to their spiritual leader importance of His Holiness message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The play love, kindness and compassion for to- was staged by acclaimed theater direc- day’s world torn apart by wars, conflicts tor Boris Mandzhiev with the support of and misunderstanding among people. the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Kalmykia and the main Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Representative of His “His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been Kalmyk temple “The Golden Abode of Holiness the Dalai Lama to Russia, Mongolia and CIS countries, speaking at the 81st birthday traveling unceasingly around the globe Buddha Shakyamuni”. celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at giving lectures and teachings, speak- the Moscow Institute of Aviation, Russia, ing at various conferences and forums, Over 1300 people attended the celebra- bringing blessings and consolation to tion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s thousands of people”, said Telo Tulku 81st birthday celebrations in Moscow, stressing that every follower of His Holi- the capital city of Russia. ness should consider spreading his mes- sage of love, kindness and compassion to The event held at big concert hall of the be his or her personal responsibility. Moscow Institute of Aviation was jointly organized by the Moscow Tibet Office “Commitment to love, kindness and and Save Tibet Foundation. compassion is the best birthday present More than a thousand people gathered at Moscow each of us could give to His Holiness” Institute of Aviation to mark His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 81st birthday. Among the high dignitaries who attend- concluded Telo Tulku addressing both ed the celebrations were Deputy Perma- traditional Buddhists of the Russian Fed- nent Representative of the Republic of eration (people from Kalmykia, Tuva, At the end of performance Telo Tulku Kalmykia to the President of the Russian Buryatia and Transbaikalia) as well Rus- Rinpoche offered each artist a white Federation Mr Baatr Lidzhiev; Deputy sian admirers of His Holiness. khata and a newly realized two volume Permanent Representative of the Repub- edition that includes two major recent lic of Tuva to the President of the Rus- All of them joined the visiting Tibetan books by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, sian Federation Mrs Svetlana Namchak Buddhist and Bon monks praying to- “Beyond Religion” and “Towards the (Republic of Tuva); Deputy Permanent gether for the long life and fulfillment of True Kinship of Faiths”. Yulia Zhironki- Representative of the Zabaikalsk Re- the great deeds of His Holiness the Dalai na, Director of Save Tibet Foundation gion to the President of the Russian Fed- Lama. publishing the books, mentioned that eration Mr Ochir Damdinov, Mongolian a new two volume edition reflects two Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipo- The participants of the celebratory event main commitments of His Holiness the tentiary to the Russian Federation Mrs B had a wonderful chance to see a musi- Dalai Lama, the promotion of basic hu- Delgermaa and representative of Ulan- cal play “I am the Buddha” staged by man values or secular ethics in the inter- Bator on Moscow Mrs M Munkhtsetseg. the B Basangov National Drama The- est of human happiness and fostering of ater (Elista, Kalmykia). The troupe of inter-religious harmony. Thank you from His Holiness the Dalai Lama! My dear brothers and sisters,

I would like to thank you for your greetings and good wishes on the occasion of my 81st birthday.

What would make me happier still would be if these good wishes were transformed into a wider sense of warm-heartedness; if people acted more out of a genuine concern for each other's well being. Simply put, this means: Be of help to others if you can. If you can’t, at least avoid causing harm to others.

On 8th July, I returned to Dharamsala after a week’s stay in Tibetan settlements in South India, preceded by a three-week visit to the USA. I have always been deeply touched by the affection and friendship shown to me by people from all walks of life.

With my prayers and good wishes, Dalai Lama

14 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 DOCUMENTATION

Kashag’s Statement on the Eighty First Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama On this joyous occasion of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama’s 81st birth- day, on behalf of Kashag and Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, I would like to express our deepest reverence to His Ho- liness the Dalai Lama.

On this very day in 1935, following nu- merous auspicious signs and symbols, Lhamo Dhondup was born to father Choekyong Tsering and mother Dekyi Tsering in Taktser village, located in the Amdo region of Tibet. We owe deep gratitude to the great parents for blessing us with their precious son. His Holiness’ Home Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang delivering the statement on the birth at the fringes of the Tibetan plateau 81st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR is similar to previous great Lamas and Kashag of the Tibetan Administration- members of the parliament are referred several Dalai Lamas who have chosen in-exile affirming their commitment to to as Chithue (people’s representative) – specific birthplaces to signify unity in fostering unity among Tibetans. In May delineating their representation of Tibet Tibet. 1960, the Central Tibetan Administra- and the common aspirations of Tibetan tion was moved to Dharamsala and to people devoid of regional and sectarian The three Great Dharma Kings of Tibet ensure administrative effectiveness, His biases. united the land like no other kings did Holiness announced the portfolio of the before them. After Tibet disintegrated Kalons. His Holiness from the early years of into small kingdoms, the Great Fifth Da- exile history sensed the imperative of lai Lama united the whole of Tibet under On November 17, 1959 in Mussoorie creating able leaders both in the secular a single administration of the Gadhen and on July 1st, 1960 in Dalhousie, His and monastic communities, who would Phodrang government. Holiness shared his vision of democracy. provide able leadership to the cause of He said, “It is wrong and very dangerous Tibet. Accordingly, education was given His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, to harbor prejudices between U-Tsang, the top priority and Tibetan schools were even at a young age, had the vision of Amdo and Kham. You should continue established discarding any preference a strong united Tibet. Enthroned as the to develop. for regional or sectarian connections. 14th Dalai Lama at the age of five, he Tibetan settlements were set up, allow- had to take over the spiritual and tempo- internal harmony and be as firmly united ing people from all provinces and sects ral authority of Tibet at the tender age of as an iron ball.” With a steadfast commit- to be common Tibetan citizens and coex- 16, at a time when the People’s Republic ment to represent unity among Tibetans, ist peacefully. Monasteries and nunner- of China illegally occupied Tibet. The leaders of all three provinces, monastic ies were established so that monks and young Dalai Lama immediately formed institutions and former staff members of nuns could be educated and be foremost the Reform Committee to cater to the the Gaden Phodrang government in Tibet Tibetans. His Holiness has worked hard welfare of poor Tibetans, irrespective of gathered at Bodhgaya and took the Na- to ensure that unity is the thread that ties their provincial or religious affiliations. gyen Chenmo (great oath) and pledged Tibetans together during trying times. This committee intrinsically helped iron-like unity under the leadership of strengthen Tibetan unity. His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Our exile history tells us that for the first few decades, there have been instances At the age of 24, when His Holiness’ On September 2, 1960, Tibetans elected of regional and sectarian discord but efforts for a peaceful resolution with the members of parliament and subse- they have been diluted overtime. Since China did not materialize, he declared quently the first parliamentary meeting the 90s, for two decades, harmony and the continuation of the Gadhen Pho- was held on the very same day now be- unity among Tibetans was widespread drang government as the legitimate ing commemorated as the Tibetan De- and were at its peak. Hence in 2011, His government of Tibet and its temporary mocracy Day. The very formation of the Holiness believing in Tibetan unity and establishment at Lhuntsedzong. After parliament on the basis of the three tradi- political maturity accordingly devolved His Holiness sought refuge in India, it tional provinces and four religious sects his political authority to the elected was in the hilly Indian town of Mus- and Bon was to institutionalize the unity leadership. soorie that His Holiness instituted the of Tibetan people. By the same token, the However, during the final round of the

JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 15 DOCUMENTATION

2016 election of Sikyong and the mem- provinces of Utsang, Kham and Amdo, President lauded His Holiness the Da- bers of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, risking arrest and imprisonment cel- lai Lama’s commitment to peace and traits of regionalism was raised. His ebrated His Holiness’s 80th birthday in nonviolence and expressed support for Holiness was hurt as made clear from the grandest manner possible. They con- His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s “Middle his speech during the 2016 swearing-in- tinue to gather in droves to offer prayers Way” approach. The CTA profoundly ceremony of Sikyong. “I was pained to for His Holiness’ long life. On the other thank President Obama and the US Gov- see the degradation of morality and the hand, exile Tibetans are fortunate to be ernment. We remain firmly committed overtones of regional biases during the in close proximity to His Holiness. The to the Middle Way Policy and will take election campaign. It is very unfortunate. least we can do is to heed to his advice concrete measures to ensure that dia- The unity of the three traditional prov- by upholding the principles of unity and logue with China takes place in the near inces of Tibet is of primary importance. preserving our unique language, religion future. Therefore, we should do away with this and culture. Unity is the only way to warped sense of biases to regions and move forward. Globally, His Holiness the Dalai Lama move on as one. If you consider me your is recognized as a messenger of peace friend, please pay attention to what I We vehemently condemn the fringe and harbinger of hope and harmony for have said.” group of extremists who bear the name which he was awarded the Nobel Peace of Shugden and have been making con- Prize. He was awarded the Templeton This remark by His Holiness the Dalai certed efforts to denigrate the work and Prize for his fervent advocacy of reli- Lama bears a disconcerting resemblance accomplishments of His Holiness. While gious harmony. The US Congressional to the ones given in 1959 and 1960. In- we deplore the planned demonstrations Gold Medal was conferred on him for his stead of progression, the final elections orchestrated by the Chinese government efforts towards realizing a one world, one witnessed regression. Regional biases against His Holiness, we avow to take humanity and one environment. The UN were not only expressed, but acted upon, the strictest possible action to confront Earth Prize was awarded to His Holiness thereby creating disharmony. However and challenge these matters. Likewise, for his efforts to preserve the global envi- there is a window of opportunity for us to we admonish the acts of few individuals ronment. Over the last few decades, His rectify our mistakes and redefine our des- using social media and other networks to Holiness has visited 67 countries span- tiny. Mahatma Gandhi had said, “Your engage in irresponsible acts of staging ning 6 continents and authored over 100 beliefs become your thoughts, thoughts baseless and malicious attacks against books, advocating global peace and har- become words, words become actions, leaders of Central Tibetan Administra- mony. His Holiness’ magnanimity and actions become habits, habits become tion (CTA). We urge the public to remain his pioneering accomplishments have values and values become your destiny.” cautious and vigilant and not be gullible provided a firm support for the cause of Therefore, we urge Tibetans everywhere to these anti-social behaviors of few peo- Tibet. to remove their regional and sectarian ple with vested interest. partisanship from their thoughts, words On this most special occasion we extend and actions because we cannot afford to When US President Barack Obama met our deepest gratitude to the citizens and churn them into our destiny. His Holiness at the White House on 15 Government of this great country India June this year, he discussed the critical for their continued hospitality and un- His Holiness has graciously bestowed political situation of Tibetans inside Ti- flinching support towards the Tibetan upon us an opportunity to start fresh. On bet and the implications of environmen- people. We also express our sincere June 19, 2016 at a gathering of Tibetans tal degradation on the Tibetan plateau. thanks to all the Governments, Parlia- living in California, he said, “In the re- The President encouraged meaningful mentarians, friends of Tibet and freedom cent election, although there have been and direct dialogue between His Holi- loving people across the globe who sup- a little dust storm, the sky and the earth ness the Dalai Lama and his representa- port the cause of Tibet. is now clear and pure.” Every Tibetan tives with Chinese authorities to lower should not only pay heed to His Holi- tensions and resolve differences. The I once again express my deepest grati- ness’ precious advice but also channel it President also welcomed His Holiness’ tude to His Holiness the Great 14th Da- into action. Now that the dust has settled, leadership on climate change issues, and lai Lama for his benevolent presence let us take a moment to look forward to expressed support for his efforts to raise amongst us. With immense respect, we our future with a renewed sense of con- awareness of the importance of limiting pray for his long life, to the age of one viction, purpose and action. global warming, including to protect the hundred and thirteen as graciously ex- Himalayan glaciers and the environment pressed by him. We reaffirm our unwav- Tibetans inside Tibet revere His Holiness on the Tibetan plateau. ering loyalty and devotion to him. May as manifestation of Chenrezig (Buddha all his wishes be fulfilled. May the non- of Compassion) and as the life and soul President Obama emphasized his strong violent cause of Tibet prevail. of Tibet. The spate of self-immolations support for the preservation of Tibet’s in Tibet saw Tibetans calling for the re- unique religious, cultural, and linguis- KASHAG turn of the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Tibetans tic traditions and the equal protection across the length and breadth of the three of human rights of Tibetan people. The July 6, 2016 16 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 DOCUMENTATION Speech of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile on the Occasion of Celebrations Marking the 81st Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

knowledge in both the general and spe- cialized fields, including in the aspects of hearing, thinking and contemplating, and in the aspects of teaching, debating, and composing, becoming the apex ornament in Buddhist learning in the Snowland of Tibet.

In 1949, communist China began its in- vasion of Tibet from its eastern borders, as a result, the political situation in the country became highly precarious. The country was plunged into a situation of emergency and insurmountable dif- ficulty. Such being the criticality of the situation, the deities and subjects of Ti- bet, without any exception, acted as one, making a spontaneous appeal to His Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok delivering the statement of the Tibetan Holiness the Dalai Lama with utmost Parliament-in-Exile on the occassion of 81st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. earnestness. Accordingly, despite being Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR only sixteen years of age at that time, Today marks the 6th day of July in 1935, tude we owe to him. With offering of he assumed his position as the temporal which corresponded to the 5th day of prostrations, we on behalf of all Tibetans head and spiritual leader of the religious- the 5th month of the Tibetan Wood-Hog in Tibet and in exile, offer our greetings ly and politically governed Snowland of Year, when His Holiness the Dalai Lama and felicitations to His Holiness with Tibet. He then at once set up a Reform took birth at Tagtser Village in the Kum- feelings of joy, faith, and contentment. Bureau as a separate office in an effort bum area of Domey as foretold in unmis- It bears no mentioning that by reincar- to transform the prevailing political and takably discernible terms by enlightened nating in unimaginable range of births administrative system in Tibet in all their deities and Lamas alike, with his actual as kings, ministers, scholars, yogis, and aspects into one based on democracy and birth being indicated by wondrously mi- so on, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has liberty. He thereby initiated a process to raculous appearances of numerous aus- guided infinite numbers of devotees to enable the citizens of Tibet to carry on picious omens. This joyous occasion is the noble path of becoming exalted and their lives in an atmosphere of freedom. the fruition of the accumulated merits of enlightened beings, with those who fol- Unfortunately, however, because the in- the sentient beings of the snowland of low him in his all-pervasive, timeless vading army of communist China took Tibet on the one hand and compassion- noble deeds being extant across all The control of the whole of the Snowland of driven prior prayers of His Holiness the Three Realms of existence. The institut- Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had Dalai Lama on the other hand, who is the ing by His Holiness the Great Fifth Dalai no option but to leave his homeland in designated deity of Tibet Chenresig, the Lama of the system of governance which 1959 and seek political asylum in neigh- supreme embodiment of compassion in combined both the temporal and spiritual bouring India. Immediately after setting human bodily manifestation among the aspects ensured that under the comfort foot on Indian soil, His Holiness met pantheons of bodhisattvas, the spiritual of a common administrative canopy, the with leaders of the government of India lord of The Three Realms, a champion happiness and well-being of all sentient at the various different levels and re- of global peace, the master on this earth beings of the Snowland of Tibet was quested their help. These led to the estab- of all the teachings of the Buddha, the ensured. In particular, His Holiness the lishment for the first time of a Central Ti- patron-protector of all Tibetans, and the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama took birth betan Administration in exile in order to unexceptionable leader of Tibet. This is a to assume command at a time when the look after the well being of the many tens grand occasion celebrating his 81st birth- humanity in general lived in a degener- of thousands of Tibetans who had arrived day according to the universal calendar ate period and the religiously imbued in exile in his footsteps with a great sense year system and his 82nd birthday ac- Tibet, in particular, was plunged in such of caring. In this milieu, religious centres cording to the Tibetan calendar system. critical situation as today. Endowed with were set up without any sectarian bias On this happy occasion we remember all the symbols of a noble being in his and wherein the followers of the four him with infinite fondness for his kind- perfect physical attributes, His Holiness great schools of Tibetan Buddhism and ness and the limitless amounts of grati- became an accomplished bearer of all the followers of the Bon religion could

JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 17 DOCUMENTATION carry on their own traditions in their own mediate as well as long term fundamen- of his taking of initiatives to organize places of practice, worship, and study. tal interests of the Tibetan people, His on successive occasions discussions Likewise, settlements, schools, handi- Holiness the Dalai Lama devolved all based on indepth research in their re- craft centres, places of business, and so the political and administrative powers spective fields, unbiased scientists who on were set up in keeping with the per- held over the past nearly 400 years by the are experts in their fields have taken to ceived requirements under different cir- Ganden Phodang to the leaders directly undertake indepth research in Buddhist cumstances. They all flourish today with elected by the Tibetan people. Through- science. And they have concluded that stellar vibrancy owing to the nobility of out the above period, His Holiness the in order to ensure a happy society in this purpose and kindness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama strived to, and succeeded in, world, the main requirement is for one to Dalai Lama. transforming the Central Tibetan Admin- be warm-hearted within. And they have istration into a modern democratic setup come to understand that Buddhism, or, With regard to the Middle Way Policy which is both outstanding and stable. rather, Buddhist science can help accom- for resolving the issue of Tibet, which The above are but some examples of plish the realization of such a society. On is mutually beneficial to China and- Ti His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s outstand- this basis, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s bet alike, His Holiness the Dalai Lama ing accomplishments in boundless fields deeds of immense benefit have been has, since 1974, held discussions on both spiritual and political. There is no aimed at transforming this world into a successive occasions with the speak- way we the entire people of Tibet can peaceful and compassionate one. ers and deputy speakers of the Tibetan ever repay His Holiness for the gratitude parliament in Exile, the Kalons, the of- we owe to him. Recently, His Holiness the Dalai Lama ficials of the Central Tibetan Adminis- visited cities in five states of the United tration, and delegates representing the His Holiness the Dalai Lama has received States of America, during which he car- Tibetan public. In 1979, Deng Xiaoping, hundreds of globally famous awards, in- ried forward his noble mission of pro- the leader of communist-ruled China at cluding the Nobel Peace Prize. Likewise, moting peace, love and compassion, and that time, put forward the condition that he has also undertaken – as he continues universal responsibility in this world. anything except independence could be to – numerous trips for noble and admi- In particular, while visiting the capital discussed and resolved. And on 18 Sep- rable causes to a number of countries. In Washington, DC, His Holiness was hon- tember 1997, the Tibetan Parliament-in- this respect, he has, for the benefit of the oured and praised while meeting with top Exile unanimously passed a resolution sentient beings across the world in gen- congressional leaders and other lawmak- to adopt the Middle Way Policy for the eral and for the sake of Tibet and the Ti- ers, as well as other prominent leaders resolution of the issue of Tibet. This has betan people in particular, set for himself both in the government and in the oppo- become a policy of the Central Tibetan three main commitments: That as a hu- sition. In the Congress, a call was issued Administration and has been repeatedly man being, he undertakes to promote hu- emphasizing the importance of support- reaffirmed as such. The policy has also man values; that as a practitioner of the ing the struggle of the Tibetan people if received support from the international Buddhist religion, he undertakes to pro- their religion and culture, language and community, both from collective bodies mote harmony and friendship among the script and so on were to be protected. and at individual levels, including from followers of the different religions in this Through actions such as these, the Tibet- many governments. Besides, and in par- world; and that as a Tibetan in general an issue received strong and meaningful ticular, a truly great number of intellec- and especially as someone who is greatly support. In particular, on 15 June 2016, tuals and others in China extend support looked up to and trusted by all Tibetans despite strong objections and pressure for it with gladness and this remains a both in Tibet and in exile, he undertakes from the government of China issued continuously growing trend. Develop- to work for the fundamental cause of Ti- through various channels of communi- ments such as these are results of adher- bet and to act as a free spokesperson for cation, President Barack Obama of the ing with fundamental importance to the the Tibetans suffering repression under United States of America and His Holi- wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama alien domination in their homeland. He ness the Dalai Lama met in the White whose practical approach to resolving has hence become an outstanding sym- House. And in that meeting the United the issue of Tibet is based on the reality bol of admiration by all for acting true States president expressed respect, praise of the current situation. to his noble commitments of universal and admiration for His Holiness the Dalai concern in this world. Lama’s efforts to promote compassion. In order especially to transform the po- The two leaders discussed the situation litical system of Tibet into one that is Another highly admirable deed of His in Tibet and on Tibetan religion, culture, based on the noble democratic way, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been his and human rights of the Tibetan people. Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1960 newly initiation of a hitherto non-existent in- The president, in his turn, expressed sup- established a Tibetan parliament in Exile teraction between Buddhism and mod- port for the middle way policy and called with its members being elected by the ern science in an era when the strength for the resumption of dialogue between people. In 2011, out of exceptional con- of the influence of science has become the government of China and representa- cern and keeping solely in view the im- unavoidable in this world. As a result tives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in

18 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 DOCUMENTATION a message directed at Beijing. This was catch antelopes in a forested mountain in California state of the USA during his a result of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s area at a place called Dege Menshoe, recent meeting with them that all the dis- perseverance in continued efforts to they at once complained to the local gov- cordant issues which cropped up during achieve the just cause of Tibet. In view ernment authorities. However, the offi- the recently concluded Tibetan general of this fact, we take this opportunity to cials did absolutely nothing. In fact, the elections had now completely subsided, express limitless thanks and gratitude to government of China has been cracking like the sky being cleared of all tarnish His Holiness the Dalai Lama on behalf down violently on Tibetans who cam- and the earth of all dust. He assured of all Tibetans in Tibet and in exile. paign to protect the environment, or who them that they could all now afford to engage in activities to preserve the Ti- be at ease. Receiving this comforting as- Also, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has betan culture, or who involve themselves surance has filled our hearts with infinite continued to show great concern about in similar kinds of other initiatives by joy. At the same time, we deem it impor- the environmental situation across the subjecting them to arbitrary arrest or de- tant that all Tibetans vouch to henceforth world in general and especially on the tention. It was in keeping with this situ- continue to adhere without any cause for situation in Tibet. In this connection, it is ation that on 25th June, the Chinese po- degeneration to their ethics of Tibetan- understood that the environmental situ- lice took away without any clear reason ness and preserve their unity and on that ation in Tibet has a direct effect on the the prominent Tibetan film director and basis move forward with confidence and well being of the situation in neighbour- writer Mr. Pema Tseden from the Xining in accordance with the great wishes of ing India as well as across the whole of airport and subjected him to detention His Holiness the Dalai Lama without any the Asian continent, particularly in Chi- and beating. It resulted in Pema Tseden let-down and violation of this oath. In na. For many thousands of years, Tibet- being required to be taken to hospital this period of such critical situation for ans in Tibet had nurtured their country’s for treatment because of the seriousness Tibet, it is of the essence of the matter environment to protect it from harms of his physical conditions. To sum up, that all Tibetans strongly adhere to this in keeping with their tradition, custom, for all the numerous kinds of projects requirement and we reiterate our appeal and culture. However, ever since it was the government of China carries out in to everyone to bear in mind the impor- invaded and occupied by communist Tibet in the name of development, the tance of appreciating the need for it. China, the whole of Tibet’s environment end result invariably remains that there has suffered devastating and irreparable is inevitable devastating destruction of It has now been more than 57 years since destruction to limitless extents and this the environment which has effects not Tibetans who fled their homeland sought situation continues today. Recently, the only across the world in general but refuge in foreign countries, including local Tibetans in Domey Sangchu Dzong also especially across Southeast Asia especially India. In particular, India has staged a series of protests against min- and, in particular, in Tibet whose terri- been like a second home to us. Govern- ing activities being carried out at a sa- tory and human inhabitants and natural ments both at the centre and the states, as cred site called Gong-Ngon Lari located resources suffer. It is therefore of utmost well as people across India have all pro- in Amchok Township. The government importance that everyone pay sufficient vided us wide-ranging help, protection, of China responded by sending a large attention to this critical situation and we and fraternal friendship. In appreciation number of army troops to the mining reiterate our appeal to this end accord- at all times of the rendering of these help, site to carry out a violent suppression of ingly on this occasion of His Holiness we take the opportunity provided by this the protestors, resulting in many of the the Dalai Lama’s birthday. festive occasion to express our thanks protesting Tibetans getting serious inju- and gratitude to the government and ries. Some of them had to be rushed to During the course of the recently con- people of India and, likewise, also to the hospital in urgent efforts to try to save cluded elections for Sikyong and Mem- governments, political leaders, the Tibet them from life-threatening injuries. Also bers of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Support Groups community, and the in- recently, the government of the so-called there has been a fair amount of internal dividual supporters across the world. Tsolho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture bickering rooted in parochial concerns in Qinghai Province had, in an action which were not in keeping with the eth- Finally, we pray that His Holiness the smacking of ethnic discrimination, is- ics of being Tibetan. However, the Si- Dalai Lama live for a hundred aeons, sued a dictatorial order, banning the lo- kyong and parliamentary elections are that all his desires may be seen fulfilled cal Tibetans from pitching tents along a now behind us and everyone gets on with spontaneously, and that the just cause of stretch of the Qinghai Lake which they his and her duties. The Tibetan public Tibet may be definitely achieved. were using to cater to visiting tourists for also carries on its concerned cooperative their livelihood. Army troops and police role in keeping with the requirements of forces were sent in to carry out indis- the democratic principles. Tibetans at the Tibetan Parliament in Exile criminate beating of the Tibetan people, grassroots level have united as one like resulting in serious injuries. Likewise, a single pointed chisel. And because this Dharamshala when local Tibetans learnt that Chinese fact had become manifest, His Holiness businesspeople had been setting traps to the Dalai Lama told the Tibetans living 6 July 2016

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Monkey Year Tse-chu Ceremony Observed at Tso-pema dalailama.com Celebrations of Guru Padmasambhava’s once more. As their trances came to an do they remove their sufferings with their birth, which is observed on the 10th of end the mediums were swiftly carried out hands. Their kindness is to reveal reality the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, and relieved of their elaborate costumes. and the path to liberation. Ignorance can began at 4 am at the Orgyen Herukai Restored to their normal state, the medi- be merely not knowing something or it Nyingma Monastery in the presence of ums re-entered the temple and received can involve having a wrong view of real- His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Boom- ity. It is this wrong view that the Bud- ing horns announced the start of a ga- dhas help us correct. Our pervasive mis- nachakra or tsog offering based on the conception of reality is that things have Rigzing Dungdrub cycle. This was fol- intrinsic existence. We tend to think of a lowed, after a brief interval nearly three self that is the ruler or controller of our hours later, by an invocation of oracles, body and mind. No such intrinsically ex- commemorating the occasion in the 8th istent self exists apart from the self that century CE when the Great Abbot Shan- is merely designated on the basis of our tarakshita, Acharya Padmasambhava and body and mind. What the Buddhas reveal Dharma King Trisong Detsen bound the is the Dharma by which we will be liber- Dharmapala Pehar by oath to protect ated. Tibet’s spiritual and temporal traditions. The State Oracle Nechung invoked as part of celebrations of Guru Padmasambhava’s birth at “When things are going well we eas- The five oracles variously invoked Orgyen Herukai Nyingma Monastery at Tso Pema, ily remember the Buddha, Dharma and within the temple by monks chanting to Rewalsar, HP, India on July 14, 2016. Sangha, but we forget them when things Photo/Tenzin Phuntsok/OHHDL the accompaniment of drums and cym- go wrong. There’s a story I heard and re- bals included the State Oracle Nechung, peated to Karmapa Rinpoche of a nomad Nyenchen Thangla, Dorje Yudronma, silk scarves as a gesture of gratitude. from Kham bringing his yaks to Lhasa. Gyalchen Karma Trinley and an as yet In the afternoon, the crowd that had When they had to cross a river he called unidentified female presence whose me- grown to an estimated 10,000 gathered on the blessings of the Karmapa saying dium comes from Zanskar. They each at the teaching ground beside the lake. ‘Karmapa khyen-no’, but after losing approached His Holiness and paid their On his way there His Holiness stopped respects to him. He in turn reminded briefly to give his blessings to the Pad- them of their pledge to protect the Bud- masambhava Public Library Society, dhist traditions of Tibet and called on founded by a former student of TCV, them to redouble their efforts to fulfil it which presently has a collection of 7000 at this critical juncture. books. Arriving at the venue he climbed onto the platform, greeting and teasing old friends as he came and sat before the mandala to perform the preparations for the Rigzin Dungdrub empowerment. Some of the over 5,000 attending His Holiness the When he was ready he took his seat on Dalai Lama’s teaching at Tso Pema, Rewalsar, the throne and addressed the assembly. HP, India on July 14, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR “It’s through our body, speech and mind that we create good and bad karma. Once one of the yaks in the water he changed you gain control of your mind, you’ll be his tune muttering ‘Karmapa to hell with able to discipline your acts of body and you’ instead.” speech. Generally, although we don’t His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to over want suffering, we willingly engage in His Holiness remarked that it’s the un- 5,000 gathered at the teaching ground at Tso acts of harm that give rise to it. We think wholesome actions and negative emo- Pema, Rewalsar, HP, India on July 14, 2016. that if we have health and wealth they’re tions that arise as a result of our mis- Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR enough to be happy, but actually happi- conception of reality that give rise to Emulating a ceremony that used to be ness depends on the state of our minds. suffering. However, if there were no way observed at Nechung Monastery in Ti- In tackling the negative emotions that out of suffering the Buddha would not bet, the energetic oracles in trance left disturb our minds we need to overcome have talked about it. The wisdom real- to make a procession around the temple our misconception of reality. izing selflessness is one of the factors accompanying a statue of Guru Padma- that put an end to ignorance and once sambhava carried on a palanquin. They “The Buddhas don’t wash beings’ un- that is clear we see that the Buddha’s returned and approached His Holiness wholesome deeds away with water, nor teaching is based on reason. His Holi-

20 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 FEATURE ness reported another story from Kham Monastery and in which the Fifth Dalai of someone visiting the abbot of a mon- Lama participated.” astery and, finding him absent, being told that he had gone to the village to frighten As a preliminary to the empowerment, the old people. His Holiness stressed that His Holiness led the assembly in a cer- there is no place for fear in teaching the emonial generation of the awakening Dharma. mind of bodhichitta. At the point in the empowerment where it is customary to “Much more effective is knowledge and toss a flower into the mandala, His Holi- understanding, which is why I’ve been Parliament Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenpe and ness called on the Speaker of the Tibetan Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay tossing flowers into encouraging friends to transform even the mandala as part of the Rigzin Dungdrub em- Parliament in Exile, who also happens to small temples into libraries and places of powerment at Tso Pema, Rewalsar, HP, India on be a Nyingma Deputy, Khenpo Sonam learning. The more than 300 volumes of July 14, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phuntsok/OHHDL Tenpe, to represent the monastics in the the Kangyur and Tengyur should be read enlightenment. When we enter into audience. He then called on Sikyong Dr to form the basis of study rather than Tantra, this can also involve introducing Lobsang Sangay to represent the lay- stored on shelves and treated as objects the disciple to the mind of clear light. people. of veneration. “I received this empowerment from Trul- His Holiness’s motorcade was slowed “In the ‘60 Stanzas of Reasoning’ Nagar- shik Rinpoche who, in addition to adopt- as he drove round the edge of the lake juna says ‘May I complete the two col- ing a genuinely non-sectarian approach, to return to the monastery because of lections that give rise to the two bodies was a truly great practitioner. This Rig- the number of people lining the road to of the Buddha’. Those two collections zin Dungdrub cycle was revealed by catch a glimpse of him. Several times he don’t just involve accumulating merit, Rigzin Godemchen, a forerunner of the stopped his car to give blessings from the but wisdom too. It’s by understanding the Chang-ter Northern Treasure tradition vehicle to people in wheelchairs waiting Two Truths that we enter into the path to that was later maintained by Dorje Drak to greet him.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Two-day Teaching at Rewalsar

He was escorted to Ogyen Heru-kai teaching of Za Patrul Rinpoche’s Heart Nyingma Monastery Phodrang for Treasure of the Saints, The Practise of luncheon before starting the teaching. View, Meditation and Action: Speech that is Virtuous in the Beginning, Middle His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his and End. (thog tha bar sum du ge bai tam teaching in the afternoon. He briefly in- ta gom chod sum nyam len dam pai ny- troduced the four noble truths, emptiness ing nor). and prajnaparamita hradaya sutra. His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the monks of He related to one of Za Patrul Rinpoche’s Orgyen Herukai Nyingma Monastery in Rewalsar, He said, “One must study and have verses with emptiness, “He who hold HP, India on July 13 2016. Photo/Tenzin Phende/ thorough knowledge on prajnaparamitra on to the word ‘I’ clings to everything. DIIR as it is one of the important in Tibetan Which will lead to fear of doubting ev- His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at Buddhism.” eryone near you. Rewalsar (Tso-Pema) in the morning of 13 July. More than thousand Tibet- He emphasised all sentient beings’ com- In the end you will end up alone. So it is ans and Himalayan Buddhists lined the mon want of happiness, including even better be friendly and equal to everyone streets to express their reverence and de- the tiniest of creatures. After brief intro- without any sense of hierarchy or light to His Holiness’s visit. ductory, His Holiness started the highness.”

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JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 21 FEATURE

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Ngagyur Dragthok Monastery in Ladakh As requested by the monastic authori- warm-hardheartedness and compassion ties, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited alongside material development. Ngagyur Dragthok monastery, located about 40 kms away from Shiwatsel Pho- Ngagyur Dragthok monastery is a drang, the official residence of His branch of the Thupten Dorje Drak Evam Holiness the Dalai Lama in Ladakh. Chogkar Choekhor Namgyaling monas- tery of Ngagyur Nyingma lineage based His Holiness was invited by the monas- in Shimla, HP. The patron lama of the tery to inaugurate its new prayer hall and monastery was the late Taklung Tsetrul confer teachings to the monks and public Rinpoche who passed away in Decem- His Holiness the Dalai Lama offering prayers to of the locality. images of Guru Padmasambhava, Guru Dorje ber 2015. The monastery currently has Drolo and Guru Pema Gyalpo at Dragthok mon- 28 resident monks. Upon arrival at the monastery, His Ho- astery, Ladakh on 5 August 2016. liness was accorded a rousing reception The main attraction of the monastery is by the monks and lamas. His Holiness tees, numbering over a hundred, who a giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava was then offered the traditional Mendrel have gathered outside the monastery. with Guru Dorje Drolo on its right and Tensum representing the Buddha’s body, In his address, His Holiness urged the Guru Pema Gyalpo on its left. Guru Dor- speech and mind. public to study the Buddhist texts and je Drolo and Guru Pema Gyalpo are two called for a faith based in logic and rea- of the eight manifestations assumed by His Holiness then recited prayers of son. His Holiness further spoke about Guru Padmasambhava at different points blessings before addressing the devo- the need for inner development such as in his life. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits the Villages of Saboo and Stok

Participating in the opening ceremony of Director and staff of the Institute are pro- lives in the shelter of our mother’s love the Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialec- viding the students under their care. His and affection. Today, scientists are find- tics, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was Holiness stressed the need for knowl- ing evidence that basic human nature is warmly received by the Director of the edge in the 21st century. compassionate and that giving in to neg- Institute, Geshe Tsewang Dorje, Ganden ative emotions brings us harm. Tripa Rizong Rinpoche, invited guests, “As Buddhists,” he said, “we need to and local people from the village of study Buddhism. We need to use our in- “Despite differences in their philosophi- Saboo. telligence to understand what the teach- cal outlook, all the world’s major reli- ings mean. It’s not enough just to rely on gious traditions teach the importance of In his welcoming remarks, Geshe rituals and recitations. As human beings, love, compassion, forgiveness and toler- Tsewang Dorje reminded His Holiness we have a wonderful intelligence, which ance. It’s because of this common pur- that when the school was founded 11 we should use to the full. However, we pose that religious people should develop years ago a group of 25 students was must also be careful to use it effectively respect and admiration for each other.” selected from families facing economic for the benefit of others rather than caus- hardship. Today, the school has 49 stu- ing them problems. In conclusion, His Holiness reiterated dents from all over Ladakh, including the importance of education. He present- Changthang and Zanskar. He said the “Many educationalists from the United ed a statue of the Buddha to the school’s school, which aims to provide educa- States, Europe and India have realized French sponsor, planted a sapling to tional opportunities to the underprivi- that modern education, with its mate- commemorate his visit and posed for a leged, will continue to be guided by His rial goals, is not adequate. There is also photograph with the students. Holiness’s advice. a need for inner peace. What we need to do is take a more holistic approach to His Holiness drove on to the village of A group of 5th grade students then combine an education of the heart with Stok, where his first stop was the- Sid recited the ‘Eight Verses for Training the an education of the mind. dhartha High School. He was received Mind’ by the school’s founder, Khenpo “Whether we believe in religion or not, Lobsang Tsetan of Tashi Lhunpo Monas- In his response, His Holiness expressed there’s no denying the importance of tery. On his way to the podium, His Holi- appreciation of the opportunities the love and compassion. We all began our ness observed three groups of

22 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 FEATURE students engaged in Buddhist philosoph- ceived by the young reincarnation of the should start by studying and discussing ical debate. late Bakula Rinpoche, who had earned a the Four Noble Truths and the view of Geshe Lharampa degree from Drepung emptiness as explained in Tsongkha- On behalf of all the staff and students, Loseling College before 1959 and later pa’s ‘Great Stages of the Path’. Bakula Director Geshe Tsewang Dorje wel- was of great support to Tibetan exiles in Rinpoche too should study well and not comed His Holiness to the school, India. His Holiness advised the young just be content with having the name of remarking that this was the third time monk to engage well in his study of the a Lama.” they had been able to receive him. He classics. thanked His Holiness for his continued The entire populace of Stok had assem- interest and guidance. In his turn, His Entering the main temple, His Holiness bled around a newly constructed statue Holiness expressed deep appreciation of paid his respects and took his seat. He of Shakyamuni Buddha. This construc- all those who for years have worked tire- lessly at the school, as well as those who have given the school financial support. He continued:

“We need to work to create a more com- passionate humanity. This is not a reli- gious aspiration, but a question of the survival of the 7 billion human beings alive today and to some extent the very survival of our planet. We can no longer be short-sighted, thinking only of tempo- rary rewards. We all want to live a happy life and seek to avoid suffering, but un- fortunately, a great deal of our suffering is our own creation.

“The violence we see and hear about in many parts of the world today is rooted His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at Stok Monastery in Stok, Ladakh, J&K, India on August 8, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL in our seeing people in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’. If we don’t overcome this way of thinking, it’s possible the 21st century asked about the origin of the monastery tion was mainly funded by Ladakhi ex- will be an era of violence like the century and what was studied there. The monks servicemen, who proudly saluted His before it. It is time for us to change this. replied that it was founded by a direct Holiness as he arrived. His Holiness ad- The realistic way to create more peace- disciple of Khedrup Gelek vised the gathering to regard the statue ful human beings is not through prayer Palsang (1385-1438), one of the princi- as a reminder of the Buddha’s principal and religious teaching, but through edu- pal disciples of Je Tsongkhapa (1357- teaching: to treat others with love and cation. We must use common sense to 1419), the founder of the Gelug tradition. compassion and keep in mind the inter- understand the destructive consequences They explained that the monks learn to dependent nature of things. of anger and stress. A sense of concern perform the Preliminary Practices, study for others is what compassion means. It’s the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, He said the first part of that advice is not something sacred; it’s a simple sense and follow the practice of Vajrabhairava. held in common with all other major re- of concern for the well-being of others, The fifteen resident monks of Stok Mon- ligions, but the second is unique to Bud- including animals and insects.” astery join their mother monastery of dhism. Spituk for the bi-monthly monastic Con- His Holiness urged the students to study fession Ceremony and when entering the He said that as Buddhists training our hard. He commended them for learning Rainy Season Retreat. minds, understanding the dependent na- about logic and debate, suggesting it ture of things helps us counter our dis- would help them in their academic ca- His Holiness advised the monks to study turbing emotions as we work to achieve reers. He told them they were the hope the classic scriptures, as is done in the the goal of enlightenment. for the future and completing a full Tibetan Monastic Institutions re-estab- education would enable them to build a lished in South India, to which Spituk His Holiness was invited to lunch with happier world. Monastery is sending its monks. the Ladakh royal family at the Stok Palace before returning to Shiwatsel At Stok Monastery His Holiness was re- “In the meantime,” he continued, “you Phodrang.

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Fourth Great Summer Religious Council at Thiksey Monastery

His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove from ourselves by focusing instead on second- “Here in Ladakh, I am happy to see that his residence in Choglamsar to Thiksey. ary differences between us such as race, Buddhists and Muslims have good re- On the way, he made a brief stop in Shey colour, religion or whether we are rich or lations and live together in peace and Village to bless a new memorial stupa. poor. Much more important are the ways that Shia and Sunni Muslims also live His Holiness was received at the Thiksey in which we are the same. together in harmony. This is something Monastery teaching ground by Thiksey very precious about Ladakh that you Rinpoche, the head lama of the monas- must preserve. It’s a treasure that others tery and 9th reincarnation of Jangshem in India and the world at large may ad- Sherab Zangpo, a disciple of Je Tsong- mire. You show by example that a multi- khapa. Thiksey Rinpoche studied at religious community can live together is Drepung Monastery in Tibet from 1953 peace and harmony.” until 1959. Addressing Buddhists in particular, His His Holiness had been invited to Thiksey Holiness said: Monastery to inaugurate the 4th Great His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the open- Summer Religious Council (Yarchö ing session of the Fourth Great Summer Religious “It is your choice whether to be a Bud- Chenmo) that is being held 9th- 22nd Council at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh, India on dhist or not, but if that is what you August. The first such council was held August 9, 2016. choose, you should be a 21stcentury Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL in 2012 and His Holiness advised that it Buddhist. You should study and learn should become an annual event. Bud- what it means to be a Buddhist. Blind dhist monks and nuns from all traditions, “As I travel the world and meet people, faith alone is not sufficient.” school children from twenty participat- I always consider myself just one of the ing schools in Leh, as well as members seven billion human beings alive today. He urged the monks to study hard, advis- of the public are attending the Council I don’t think of myself as a Tibetan or ing them to use logic and debate as a tool this year. a Buddhist or even as the Dalai Lama. to extend their understanding, remark- I have lots of friends because I treat ev- ing that this is not some new advice, but Before entering the newly constructed eryone equally as another human being. something he has been saying for the last teaching hall, accompanied by Ganden If I were to think of myself as something nearly 60 years. We exhorted them not Tripa, Rizong Rinpoche and Thiksey special or as the Dalai Lama, I would be narrow-minded, but to broaden their Rinpoche, His Holiness cut the ribbon at have no friends. outlook. the door to signify its inauguration while auspicious prayers were recited. Taking “These days the world is witnessing After lunch His Holiness returned to the his seat inside, His Holiness was present- more frequent natural disasters. We are Thiksey teaching hall to answer ques- ed with a medal by Thiksey Rinpoche in adding to these problems by adopting a tions from among 350 school children celebration of his 80th birthday. Thiksey negative attitude. This might be under- from Leh. A student from Jamyang Rinpoche, Dr. Sonam Dawa, Chief Exec- standable if we were animals, but we are School asked how we could achieve real utive Councillor of the Ladakh Autono- intelligent human beings with the ability peace when there is so much violence in mous Hill Development Council, Sheikh to discriminate what is helpful from what the world. His Holiness replied that we Javed of the Shia Muslim Community, is not. Only by extending help to each have to remember that, despite differenc- the Molvi of the Sunni Muslim Commu- other will we be able to make the 21st es of race or religion, for example, we are nity, Tsering Dorjee, Jammu & Kashmir century an era of happiness.” all the same as human beings. Focussing State Minister, and Ganden Tri Rinpoche on secondary differences creates barriers addressed the gathering. Between their Observing how sad it is that religion has between us. We must remember instead speeches, groups of students as well as become a cause of conflict in the world, what we have in common. We all want monks and nuns engaged in debate. His His Holiness said: to be happy and just as we don’t want to Holiness was requested to present a cer- come to harm, we shouldn’t do harm to tificate and medal to Thiksey Rinpoche “All religions teach love, compassion, others. Whether we have a religious faith to mark the people of Thiksey’s grati- forgiveness and tolerance, so there is or not, we are all human beings. tude. no basis for conflict between them. As a Buddhist monk I have for many years “Scientists have demonstrated that con- His Holiness opened his remarks by ob- tried to promote religious harmony and stant fear and anger undermines our serving that as human beings we are all understanding. Since in practice we have immune system. They have also found fundamentally the same. Unfortunately, so much in common, we should treat evidence that basic human nature is com- he said, we create many problems for each other with respect. passionate. When I learned this it gave

24 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 WORLD PRESS me real hope and confidence. If it was that at the age of 6-7 years old, he had no out of fear. Eventually, however, I came our basic human nature to be angry there interest in studying. His lack of enthusi- to understand how important education would be no hope. Unfortunately, edu- asm because he did not know the value is.” cation today tends to focus on external of education was an obstacle. goals. But if its purpose is to create hap- His Holiness advised the students that pier, healthier human beings, it should “My elder brother and I studied to- when they feel stressed they should re- also focus on warm-heartedness. This is gether,” he recalled. “My tutor kept two lax. He said it’s important not to study common sense.” whips—an ordinary one for my brother for too long at one go, but to take rest and a yellow one, a ‘holy whip’, for me. in between. He told them that Shantideva Asked what students can do when fac- However, I knew that the ‘holy pain’ says that when you’re studying seriously ing obstacles in their studies, His Holi- would be just as bad as ordinary pain, so and become exhausted, it’s important to ness said this is not unusual. He reported to start with I paid attention to my studies take some rest. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Teaches ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ Almost thirty thousand devotees fruitful, both teacher and students must lead to that awakening. These bodhisat- thronged the Shiwatsel ground to attend generate a pure motivation. Otherwise tva practices are commonly known as the teachings by His Holiness the we’ll just be wasting our time.” Six Perfections and first among them is Dalai Lama. Four days of teachings, with the perfection of generosity. sessions in the mornings only, have been organized by the Ladakh Buddhist Asso- “Every sentient being, including ani- ciation of Leh in collaboration with mals, seeks happiness,” His Holiness various volunteer organizations. remarked. “Therefore, showing others respect and trying to understand and help As a prelude to His Holiness’s teachings, them solve their problems is a source of monks and scholars from various mon- happiness.” asteries participated in formal debates with each other, employing dialectical “We have two enemies, the self-cherish- methods to explore the niceties of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama reading from ‘A ing or self-centred mind and the miscon- Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ during his doctrine. teachings in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on August ception of self. Crucial to Buddhism in 19, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL general, but especially the Nalanda tradi- Beginning his explanation of the 8th tion, is the need to use our intelligence century CE Nalanda master Shantideva’s and transform our emotions. This will be ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ Under the harsh Ladakhi sun, the crowd, a far more effective source of happiness (Bodhicharyavatara; spyod-jug), His Ho- consisting of Ladakhis, Tibetans, West- than resorting to the short term pleasures liness addressed the congregation on the ern devotees and tourists, listened to His of drinking alcohol or taking recreational importance of learning and understand- Holiness call for harmony between all re- drugs.” ing what the Buddhist scriptures actually ligious traditions. In discussing the ben- teach. “Faith without understanding the efits of the awakening mind of bodhichit- His Holiness highlighted the verse in the essence of what the Buddha taught is ta, he said it is this spirit of awakening, first chapter of ‘Guide to the Bodhisat- merely maintaining tradition as a kind of the aspiration to attain enlightenment to tva’s Way of Life’ that describes sentient social custom,” he advised. benefit all sentient being that motivates beings’ predicament: the Bodhisattva’s way of life. The text “We are not gathered here to witness he is teaching explains how to cultivate Although seeking to avoid pain, some sort of performance nor even just and sustain this altruistic aspiration. They run headlong into suffering. to hold a meeting together. We are here There are two aspects to the awakening They long for happiness, but foolishly to explore the teachings of the Buddha. mind—the aspiration, the wish to awak- Destroy it, as if it were their enemy Therefore, if our endeavours are to be en and actually engaging in practices that

We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection -

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

For detailed news visit: www.tibet.net

JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 25 FEATURE

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Islamia Public School, Buddhist Nunnery and Shia Shrine at Leh Ladakh ing compassion, friendship and brother- logic and reason and not on mere faith hood among the various religions, na- or devotion. He encouraged the nuns to tionalities and diverse communities in study the classical Buddhist texts and the the world. He emphasized the urgency of canons of Tibetan Buddhism accompa- action towards shaping a more peaceful nied by rigorous practice and investiga- 21st century, devoid of violence, war and tion. destruction of human lives. His Holiness announced that he will be His Holiness the Dalai Lama answering questions As a token of respect and gratitude, the taking part in a ceremony to award from the audience during his talk at Islamia Pub- lic School in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on August staff of Islamia Public School presented Tibetan nuns with Geshema degree soon 17, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL a memento and a Tajweed Qur’an, digi- this year. tal book of Qur’an to His Holiness. Later at Imambargah Chuchot Gongma, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke Following the function, His Holiness members of Chuchot Gongma Muslim to students and staff of Islamia Pub- paid a short visit to the Thupten Choek- community hosted a lunch in honour of lic school, local Muslim community horling nunnery at the request of Lada- His Holiness the Dalai Lama where His members of the Imambargah Chuchot kh Nunnery Association, where he was Holiness was greeted by hundreds of Gongma and Buddhist nuns of Ladakh received by senior nuns and executive Muslim friends. Nunnery Association at their respective members of the Ladakh Nunnery Asso- institutes at Leh Ladakh, J&K. ciation. Gaden Tri Rinpoche, Thiksey Khen Rinpoche, Bakula Rinpoche, leaders of In the morning, His Holiness visited the Speaking to a huge assembly of Buddhist the Shia and Sunni communities and Islamia Public school and spoke to an nuns, His Holiness explained that the es- members of Ladakh Muslim commu- audience of 600 students and staff on sence of Buddha’s teaching can only be nities attended the event to honour His the role of younger generation in build- understood through realization based on Holiness. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Began Four-day Teaching on Nagarjuna’s The Precious Garland of the Middle Way

His Holiness the Dalai Lama began aspect.” His Holiness even mentioned a four-day teaching on Chapter II of a few Universities in western countries Nagarjuna’s The Precious Garland of the that have started a curriculum on it and Middle Way (uma rinchen trengwa) at suggested the practice of compassion the request of a group from Asia includ- and sense of oneness of humanity. ing Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singa- pore, Thailand and Vietnam at the Tsug- His Holiness added that friendship is lagkhang. Over 5000 devotees from 57 built on trust, and that trust can only be countries had come to attend the teach- gained through love and compassion in ing, of which 1200 were Buddhist monks the absence of pride, jealousy and mali- and nuns. The remaining include devo- His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting audience cious thoughts. “We should all keep our tees from Mainland China, India and lo- members gathered from over 57 countries as he identity and religion aside and consider cal Tibetans along with 1500 from south arrives at the Main Tibetan Temple on the first ourselves humans first. At the funda- east Asian countries of Singapore, Ma- day of his four day teaching in Dharamsala, HP, mental level, we all seven billion human India on August 29, 2016. laysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR beings are the same wishing for a happy life,” he said. The teaching began with a recitation of Sherab Nyingpo or Heart Sutra in differ- Emphasising the importance of moral “It is matter of great sadness and loss if ent languages. ethics, His Holiness said: “Years of dis- religion becomes a tool of these negative cussions with many scholars and educa- afflictions,” His Holiness noted. His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeted all tionist friends have led to the decision of the devotees who come from different coming up with a curriculum on moral part of the world. ethics without touching any religious

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Still Young at 81, It’s to do with Peace of Mind, says Dalai Lama

By Vishal Gulati, IANS Eighty-one and still young. The Dalai not have dinner. Before retiring for the thing is that while it’s fine to look good, Lama believes it’s to do with peace of night, he prays and meditates for two what’s even more important than exter- mind. hours. nal beauty is the inner beauty of having a warm heart.” Turning 81 on July 6, his age is no bar Taklha says his daily schedule changes to campaign for global peace, happiness if he’s travelling out of Dharamsala, the But the Dalai Lama, who chuckles and, of course, saving the small blue headquarters of the Tibetan government- throughout his talks and often slaps visi- planet from the effects of climate change. in-exile he once headed. tors on their back, says he gets angry too.

His Holiness, an honorific given by his “When I was on my way to the US, at “You never stop getting angry about followers, starts his day as early as three Heathrow airport, someone told me that small things. In my case, it’s when my in the morning with prayers and medita- although I’m now 81, my face looks only staff does something carelessly, then my tion, say his aides. that of a 60-year-old and asked what’s voice goes high. But after a few minutes, the secret,” a post on his website quoting it passes,” the high priest of Budhism After that, he takes a short morning stroll the Dalai Lama told Times magazine last year. in his official palace or even loves to said. trudge on a treadmill to stay fit. The Dalai Lama, winner of the Nobel “I first teasingly said ‘It’s my secret and Peace Prize in 1989, believes in the “mid- “He attends his office from 12.30 p.m. I don’t want to tell you’, but then ex- dle-path” policy that demands “greater until around 3.30 p.m. He normally re- plained that it’s to do with having peace autonomy” for the Tibetans. He’s viewed tires in the evening by 7,” Tenzin Taklha, of mind,” the post added. by the Chinese as a hostile element bent joint secretary at the Dalai Lama’s office, on splitting Tibet from China. told IANS. “I personally find analytical meditation more effective and more satisfying,” The office of the Dalai Lama, based in For breakfast, the Dalai Lama typi- the elderly monk told US pop diva Lady this north Indian hill station, said His cally has hot porridge, tsampa (barley Gaga in an interview for her Facebook Holiness would participate in the con- powder), bread with preserves, and tea. live broadcast in the US last week (June cluding ceremony of his yearlong 80th Lunch is served at 11.30 a.m. 26). birthday celebrations in Mundgod in Karnataka on July 6. Strictly vegetarian, when in Dharamsala, At a public talk in the US last week, he the globetrotting Buddhist monk, known jokingly said: “Sometimes I tease young The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in In- for wearing his trademark maroon robes, women who go to such lengths to make dia since fleeing Tibet during a failed up- drinks a cup of tea at 5.30 p.m. He does themselves beautiful. But the important rising in 1959.

US Condemns Demolition of Tibetan Buddhist Institute by China Indian Express

Larung Gar is said to be the biggest Ti- institute’s leaders to address any safety betan Buddhist institute in the world. concerns in a way that does not infringe on the right of Tibetans to practice their The US has condemned demolition of religion freely,” she said in response to Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute, a question. one of the largest centres of Buddhist learning in Tibet, by China. Larung Gar is said to be the biggest Tibetan Buddhist institute in the world. “We are concerned that Chinese authori- A photo of Larung Gar valley Chinese officials began demolishing ties initiated the demolition of residences (Representational image). Source: Fickr many of the monastic homes last month. at Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute without the consent of the institute’s Human Rights Watch has demanded that “We urge authorities to cease actions leaders,” State Department spokesper- China suspend plans to demolish build- that may escalate tensions and to pur- son Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters at ings at Larung Gar. sue forthright consultations with the her daily news conference on Monday.

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A Writer’s Quest to Unearth the Roots of Tibet’s Unrest By Luo Siling, New York Times

Generations of Chinese have been taught gan, the Dalai Lama secretly escaped, Some of the most frightening reports had that the Tibetan people are grateful to and on March 20, Chinese troops began to do with the disappearances of Tibetan China for having liberated them from a concerted assault on Lhasa. After tak- leaders in Sichuan and Qinghai. It was “feudalism and serfdom,” and yet Tibet- ing over the city in a matter of days, in- party policy to try to pre-empt Tibetan an protests, including self-immolations, flicting heavy casualties and damaging rebellion by luring prominent Tibetans continue to erupt against Chinese rule. In heritage sites, they moved quickly to from their communities with invitations “Tibet in Agony: Lhasa 1959,’’ to be pub- consolidate control over all Tibet. to banquets, shows or study classes — lished in October by Harvard University from which many never returned. People Press, the Chinese-born writer Jianglin Why did the Dalai Lama flee to India? in Lhasa thought the Dalai Lama could Li explores the roots of Tibetan unrest in be next. China’s occupation of Tibet in the 1950s, Mainly he hoped to prevent a massacre. culminating in March 1959 with the Peo- He thought the crowds around his palace You’ve documented the massacres of ple’s Liberation Army’s shelling of Lha- would disperse once he left, robbing the Tibetans in the Chinese provinces in sa and the Dalai Lama’s flight to India. Chinese of a pretext to attack. In fact, not the late 1950s. In an interview, she shared her findings. even his departure could have prevented the blood bath that ensued, because Mao In 2012, I drove across Qinghai to a re- You’ve drawn parallels between the Zedong had already mobilized his troops mote place an elderly Tibetan refugee in killings in Lhasa in 1959 and the1989 for a “final showdown” in Tibet. India had told me about: a ravine where military crackdown on a flood one year brought down a torrent pro-democracy protests in Beijing. When the Dalai Lama left, he didn’t plan of skeletons, clogging the Yellow River. to go as far as India. He hoped to return From his description, I identified the lo- China was better able to cover up its ac- to Lhasa after negotiating peace with the cation as Drongthil Gully, in the moun- tions in Lhasa in 1959, before the advent Chinese from the safety of the Tibetan tains of Tsolho Tibetan Autonomous of instantaneous global media coverage, hinterlands. But once he heard about the Prefecture. I had read in Chinese sources but the two have much in common. In destruction in Lhasa — several days into about major campaigns against Tibetans both, the Chinese Communists used mil- his journey — he realized that plan was in that area in 1958 and 1959. About itary might to crush popular uprisings, no longer feasible. 10,000 Tibetans — entire families with and both involved egregious massacres their livestock — had fled to the hills of civilians. But for Tibetans, what sets Why were the Tibetans afraid the Chi- there to escape the Chinese. At Drongthil the Lhasa massacre apart is their bitter nese would abduct the Dalai Lama? Gully, the Chinese deployed six ground sense of China as a foreign occupying regiments, including infantry, cavalry power. The Tibetans were subjugated by For Tibetans, he is a sacred being, to be and artillery, and something the Tibetans force, and they are still protesting today. protected at all costs. He had traveled to had never heard of: aircraft with 100-ki- Beijing to meet Mao in 1954 without set- logram bombs. The few Tibetans who What happened in 1959? ting off mass protests. By 1959, howev- were armed — the head of a nomad er, tensions had risen, and Tibetans had household normally carried a gun to pro- The crisis began on the morning of reason to fear the Chinese theater invita- tect his herds — shot back, but they were March 10, when thousands of Tibetans tion might be a trap. no match for the Chinese, who recorded rallied around the Dalai Lama’s Norbul- that more than 8,000 “rebel bandits” ingka palace to prevent him from leav- The trouble actually started in the Ti- were “annihilated” — killed, wounded ing. He had accepted an invitation to a betan regions of nearby Chinese prov- or captured — in these campaigns. theatrical performance at the People’s inces — Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai and Liberation Army headquarters, but ru- Gansu, home to about 60 percent of the I wondered about the skeletons until mors that the Chinese were planning to Tibetan population. When the Chinese I saw the place for myself, and then it abduct him set off general panic. Even Communists forced collectivization on seemed entirely plausible. The river at after he canceled his excursion to mol- these Tibetan nomads and farmers in the the bottom of the ravine there flows into lify the demonstrators, they refused to latter half of the 1950s, the results were a relatively narrow section of the Yellow leave and insisted on staying to guard his catastrophic. Riots and rebellions spread River. In desolate areas like this, Chinese palace. The demonstrations included a like wildfire. The Communists respond- troops were known to withdraw after a strong outcry against Chinese rule, and ed with military force, and there were victory, leaving the ground littered with China promptly labeled them an “armed terrible massacres. Refugees streamed corpses. insurrection,” warranting military ac- into Tibet, bringing their horror stories tion. About a week after the turmoil be- into Lhasa. The Tibetans in Sichuan, Yunnan,

28 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 WORLD PRESS

Gansu and Qinghai were already un- The new weapons included 10 Tupolev military document I found in a Hong der nominal Chinese administration TU-4 bombers, which Stalin gave Mao Kong library, more than 456,000 Tibet- when the Communists took over in in 1953. Mao tested them in airstrikes ans were “annihilated” from 1956 to 1949. How was Tibet annexed? at three Tibetan monasteries in Sichuan, 1962. starting with Jamchen Choekhor Ling, It was Mao’s goal from the moment he in Lithang. On March 29, 1956, while How does this history relate to recent came to power. Tibet “is strategically thousands of Chinese troops fought Ti- Tibetan self-immolations? located,” he said in January 1950, “and betans at the monastery, two of the new we must occupy it and transform it into a planes were deployed. The Tibetans saw I think they’re a direct consequence. I’ve people’s democracy.” giant “birds” approach and drop some compared a map of the self-immolations strange objects, but they had no word for with my map of Chinese crackdowns on He started by sending troops to invade airplane, or for bomb. According to Chi- Tibetans between 1956 and 1962, and Tibet at Chamdo in October 1950, forc- nese records, more than 2,000 Tibetans there’s a striking correlation. Most of ing the Tibetans to sign the 17-Point were “annihilated” in the battle, includ- the self-immolations and the worst cases Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of ing civilians who had sought refuge in of historical repression are in the same Tibet, which ceded Tibetan sovereignty the monastery. spots in the Chinese provinces near Ti- to China. Next, the People’s Liberation bet. Army marched into Lhasa in 1951, at the Mao used his most seasoned troops in same time — in disregard of the Chinese Tibet. Gen. Ding Sheng and his 54th How did you get interested in this? promise in the agreement to leave the Army, veterans of the Korean War, had Tibetan sociopolitical system intact — gained experience suppressing minority Like everyone in China, I was raised on smuggling an underground Communist uprisings in Qinghai and Gansu in 1958 the party line. I never thought to question Party cell into the city to build a party before heading to Tibet in 1959. it until I came to the U.S. for graduate presence in Tibet. study in 1988 and discovered how differ- ently people here think of Tibet. Meanwhile, Mao was preparing his mili- tary and awaiting the right moment to Since 2007, I’ve been making annual re- strike. “Our time has come,” he declared search trips to Asia, where I’ve recorded in March 1959, seizing on the demonstra- interviews with hundreds of Tibetan ref- tions in Lhasa. After conquering the city, ugees in India and Nepal, including the China dissolved the Tibetan government Dalai Lama and his brother. In 2012, I and — under the slogan of “simultane- explored Tibetan historical sites in Si- ous battle and reform” — imposed the The Dalai Lama meeting with Mao Zedong in chuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan and full Communist program throughout Ti- Beijing on Oct. 13, 1954. interviewed people there. I crosscheck bet, culminating in the establishment of what I learn in the field with written the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1965. How often was the Chinese military data: official annals of the Tibetan- re used against Tibetans, and how many gions, Chinese documents, and Tibetan How did Mao prepare his military for Tibetan casualties were there? and Chinese memoirs. Tibet? We don’t have an exact tally of military How has the Chinese government Mao welcomed the campaigns to sup- encounters, since many went unrecord- responded to your work? press minority uprisings within China’s ed. My best estimate based on official borders as practice for war in Tibet. Chinese materials — public and classi- The only official response to my books There were new weapons for his troops fied — is about 15,000 in all Tibetan re- has been to ban them, but I’ve been to master, to say nothing of the unfamil- gions between 1956 and 1962. denied a visa since my trip to sensitive iar challenges of battle on the Qinghai- Tibetan regions in 2012. This has been Tibetan Plateau. Precise casualty figures are hard to come painful because my 84-year-old mother by, but according to a classified Chinese still lives in China. Support Dalai Lama for Return to Tibet: Lawmakers to Barack Obama Indian Express The letter asks Barack Obama to pub- publicly support the right of the Dalai forts in support of the Tibetan people licly and regularly call for the immediate Lama to return to Tibet and call for an during your remaining months in office. and unconditional release of all Tibetan immediate and unconditional release of We believe it is critically important to political prisoners held by the People’s all Tibetan political prisoners move beyond words to actions,” the law- Republic of China languishing in China. makers said in a letter to Obama. A group of 72 American lawmakers have asked US President Barack Obama to “We write to ask that you redouble ef- “The Tibetan people view the US as their

JULY - AUGUST 2016 TIBETAN BULLETIN 29 WORLD PRESS friend. It is time to honour that friendship quences given Tibet’s fragile environ- including Tibetan-Americans, who seek with new, creative strategies to encour- ment, rapid warming and critically im- to travel to Tibetan areas of China. age meaningful dialogue, protect Tibetan portant reserves of freshwater. rights, and preserve their unique cultur- The letter also seeks enforcement of al, religious and linguistic identity,” the Urging the US government to publicly norms of reciprocity to ensure that senior three-page letter, dated August 17, said. support the right of the Dalai Lama to Chinese officials responsible for restrict- return to Tibet, the letter asks Obama to ing the access of US officials, journalists, The letter, organised by Congressman publicly and regularly call for the im- Tibetan- Americans and other citizens to Jim McGovern, urged Obama to invite mediate and unconditional release of all Tibetan areas of China are themselves the Dalai Lama to every event, on every Tibetan political prisoners held by the restricted in their travel when they are in occasion, where his knowledge and de- People’s Republic of China whose cases the US. cades of reflections would be helpful for have been documented by the Congres- addressing the world’s problems. sional-Executive Commission on China. Prominent among those who signed the letter are Congressman Eliot Engel, The letter, released on Thursday, call It seeks establishment of a US consular Ranking Member on the House Foreign for the US government to facilitate the office in Lhasa, Tibet to help the US Affairs Committee Nita Lowey among involvement of the Dalai Lama or his observe and address the obstacles to others. representatives in the global debate on freedom of movement that affect both climate change and its potential conse- Tibetans within China, and US citizens, China’s Communist Party Names New Chief for Tibet in Party Reshuffle The Canberra Times China’s ruling Communist Party ap- be taking another position, without giv- replaced Li Jiheng, while in Hunan, Du pointed a new senior official on Sunday ing further details. Jiahao has assumed the party’s top job, to run Tibet, considered one of the coun- Xinhua said. try’s most politically sensitive positions Communist troops marched in and took due to periodic anti-Chinese unrest in the control of Tibet in 1950 in what Beijing Both Chen and Du worked with President devoutly Buddhist Himalayan region. calls a “peaceful liberation”. Tibetan Xi Jinping when he ran China’s commer- spiritual leader the Dalai Lama fled to cial capital, Shanghai, as its Communist The official Xinhua news agency named India in 1959 following a failed uprising Party chief for a year in 2007, according Wu Yingjie as Tibet’s next party secre- against the Chinese. to their resumes. tary. New leaders were also appointed in two other key provinces, part of a broad China says its rule has bought prosper- The party will hold a once-every-five- reshuffle ahead of an important party ity and stability, rejecting claims from years congress next autumn where Xi is meeting next year. Tibetan exiles and rights groups of wide- expected to further cement his hold on spread repression. power by seeking to appoint close allies Wu has worked almost his entire career into the party’s ruling inner core, the po- in Tibet, according to his official resume, Xinhua said new party bosses had also litburo and the politburo standing com- having previously served as a deputy been appointed to serve in the strategi- mittee. governor and propaganda chief, among cally located southwestern province of other roles. Yunnan and the populous southern prov- The year leading up to that will see Xi ince of Hunan. appoint more new people into major pro- Wu, like his predecessor Chen Quanguo, vincial and government positions, sourc- belongs to China’s majority Han Chinese In Yunnan, which sits of the borders of es with ties to the leadership say. ethnic group. Xinhua said Chen would Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, Chen Hao Tents and Plywood Rooms for Rent During Kalachakra

The Tent Committee of the upcoming 34th Kalachakra at Bodh Gaya has invited the public to book tents and plywood rooms available for rent during the teachings. .

Those interested can submit their names to the local settlement officer which in turn should send the list to the Kalachakra Tent committee not later than 10 October 2016.

For more details: visit www.tibet.net announcement

30 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2016 Tibetan Media Sheja (Official Tibetan monthly) NewsTibet Department of Information & International 241 E. 32nd Street Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India New York, NY 10016 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tibetoffice.org Web: www.bod.asia Tibet Bulletin (Official Chinese bi-monthly) Tibetan Freedom (Official Tibetan weekly) Department of Information & International Department of Information & International Relations, Dharamshala-176 215, HP, India Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India Email: [email protected] TIBETAN Email: [email protected] Web: www.xizang-zhiye.org Web: www.bod.asia www.tibetonline.tv BulletiN

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QUOTES

“From the beginning, we are accustomed to being ignorant about reality and adopt a self- cherishing attitude. Now, due to encountering the teaching of the Buddha, we are awakening from the slumber of ignorance. Therefore, we should try to generate the awakening mind of bodhichitta. In the immediate short term it will bring us peace of mind and better health, while in the longer term it will ensure that we take a higher rebirth.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama during teachings on Shantideva’s ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ on 21 August 2016. ****** “Thanks to the tireless efforts of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama and our elders, the Tibetan refugee story is a positive one and Tibetans continue to enjoy the goodwill and support of many throughout the world. We have come a long way, but we still have ways to go. The young Tibetans attending the Summit represent our present and future. Because of the sacrifices of so many and through your own hard work, you are the blessed and fortunate ones. Much will be expected of you and you must step up and take on the responsibility of being change agents and model Tibetans within the Tibetan community and externally,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay during Young Tibetan Leaders Summit 2016 (YTLS2016) ****** “As I travel the world and meet people, I always consider myself just one of the seven billion human beings alive today. I don’t think of myself as a Tibetan or a Buddhist or even as the Dalai Lama. I have lots of friends because I treat everyone equally as another human being. If I were to think of myself as something special or as the Dalai Lama, I would have no friends. These days the world is witnessing more frequent natural disasters. We are adding to these problems by adopting a negative attitude. This might be understandable if we were animals, but we are intelligent human beings with the ability to discriminate what is helpful from what is not. Only by extending help to each other will we be able to make the 21st century an era of happiness.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama during 4th Great Summer Religious Council at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh, J&K, India on 9 August 2016. ****** “It has now been more than 57 years since Tibetans who fled their homeland sought refuge in foreign countries, including especially India. In particular, India has been like a second home to us. Governments both at the centre and the states, as well as people across India have all provided us wide-ranging help, protection, and fraternal friendship. In appreciation at all times of the rendering of these help, we take the opportunity provided by this festive occasion to express our thanks and gratitude to the government and people of India and, likewise, also to the governments, political leaders, the Tibet Support Groups community, and the individual supporters across the world. Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile statement during celebrations honoring His Holiness 81st birthday at Dharamshala, Himachal, India on 6 July 2016. ******

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