TibetJanuaNry – March 201e4. Vol. 2w1. No. 1. ISSNs 1328-2964

NEWSLETTER OF THE INFORMATION OFFICE FOR AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & SOUTH EAST ASIA HH the Dalai Lama meets with President Obama

22 February, 2014 meetings, also in the White House, took interfaith dialogue and preservation of Tibetan WASHINGTON DC: HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA place on 18 February, 2010 and on 16 July in people’s unique culture and rich tradition. The MET WITH President Obama 21 February at the 2011 respectively. two leaders also discussed issues related to White House. This was the third meeting In an almost hour-long meeting, His morality and leadership, and how one can between the Tibetan spiritual leader and the Holiness shared his core commitment related produce a new generation of ethical leaders in sitting American President. The earlier two to promotion of human values, fostering the 21st century. continued page 2

President Barack Obama meets with the Dalai Lama in the Map Room of the White House, Feb. 21, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) Tibetans in Australia REPORT 'monitored by China'

By Rowan Callik be alerted," Ms Choyyang said. 29 January, 2014 She said people of Tibetan background -- IN THIS ISSUE TIBETANS LIVING IN AUSTRALIA -- most of them of whom there are about 1000 in Australia - now Australian citizens -- face intimidation - had to travel to Canberra to apply in person Self-immolation at Tsekhog County 2 from Chinese representatives here when for visas. The Chinese authorities, she said, Tibetan Student in Australia awarded they seek visas to visit relatives. "monitor the Tibetan community here Medallion for Academic Excellence 3 Dicki Choyyang, the Foreign Minister of closely". A Successful Visit of Kalon Dicki the Tibetan government in exile, yesterday People from Tibet were routinely asked Chhoyang to Australia 3 made the allegation after holding meetings whether they were members of the Scottish Parliament Discuss with members of the Tibetan and Chinese Australian Tibetan Association, whether they Self-immolations in Tibet 5 communities in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra had participated in any demonstrations Two Tibetans Sentenced to Varying and Melbourne during her visit. while in Australia, and whether they had Prison terms in Driru 6 "This is a development to which the made contributions to the Central Tibetan His Holiness the Dalai Lama Spends Australian government and people have to continued page 2 the Day on Capitol Hill 7

January –March 2014 continued from page 1 worsening human rights situation in Tibet and President Obama said that he was honoured Tibetan areas in China. to meet His Holiness again. He reiterated his Honorable Dr. support for the preservation of the unique welcomed the meeting between His Holiness religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of the 14th Dalai Lama and President Obama. “I Tibet. The President extended support for His welcome President Obama’s strong Holiness’ Middle Way Approach policy and endorsement of the Middle Way Approach reiterated that Chinese government should policy and constructive dialogue without any Tibet News have constructive dialogue with His Holiness’ precondition. This meeting sends a powerful representatives without any precondition. message of hope to Tibetans in Tibet who are Tibet News is the Newsletter of the President Obama asked His Holiness the Dalai undergoing immense suffering. The meeting Tibet Information Office, Canberra Lama about Tibet and His Holiness explained reflects the American government and the current situation. President Obama people’s continued commitment to freedom Address expressed his deep concern about the and democracy,” said the Sikyong.  Tibet Information Office 8/13 Napier Close, Deakin, ACT 2600 Self-immolation at Tsekhog County Australia 7 February, 2014 the self-immolation reaching Phone: 61-2-6285-4046 DHARAMSHALA: Phagmo the media. Fax: 61-2-6282-4301 Samdrup, a 27-year-old Prior to Phagmo Samdrup’s Email: [email protected] TIBETAN set himself on fire self-immolation, there were Website: www.tibetoffice.com.au at Tsekhog (incorporated reports of heightened security into China’s Qinghai and military clampdown in Representative of Province) in an apparent various parts of Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama protest against the Tibetan areas ahead of the Sonam N. Dagpo repressive policies of the upcoming Tibetan New Year Chinese government on celebrations, which fall on Wednesday. It was the first 2 March. Editors Tibetan self-immolation Phagmo Samdrup was a Sonam N. Dagpo and Karen Collier protest of 2014, taking the Tibetan tantric practitioner. He total self-immolation toll to is married with two kids. His Production 126 since 2009. mother’s name is Drugmo. Karen Collier and Tenzin Norzom Phagmo Samdrup burned himself at around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday near the Panchen Day Wave of Self-Immolation in Tibet Contact the Office for copies of School in Dokarmo township in Tsekhog (in The wave of self-immolation in Tibet began in Tibet News . Chinese, Zeku) county in the Malho (Huangnan) 2009 when Tapey, a young monk of Kirti We welcome donations to defray Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. monastery burned himself protesting against production costs. Chinese police reportedly arrived at the the Chinese government’s violent clampdown immolation site and took his body away. His in Ngaba county (incorporated into China’s Please make cheques payable to: current whereabouts and condition remain Sichuan Province) in response to the peaceful ‘Tibet Information Office’ unknown at the moment. protest of 2008. Chinese authorities deployed massive Since then, over 126 Tibetans from various Signed articles do not necessarily security forces in the wee hours of the night, parts of Tibet, set themselves on fire in protest reflect the views of the Tibet tightening security and restricting the against the repressive policies of the Chinese Information Office. movement of Tibetans around Tsekhog and government in Tibetan areas. Out of them, 107 nearby Rebgong County, where several self- have died while the whereabouts and condition OFFICES OF TIBET immolations have taken place earlier. of the remaining self-immolators are unknown. (worldwide) All communication lines in the area were Most of the self-immolators have called for reportedly disconnected after the self- the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to New Delhi, India immolation, in an attempt to prevent reports of Tibet and freedom for Tibetans. New York, USA  Geneva, Switzerland Kathmandu, Nepal continued from page 1 Melbourne Ports and chairman of the All- Tokyo, Japan Administration based at Dharamsala in Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, said: London, UK northern India. "The intimidation of Australian citizens is very Moscow, Russia "They are free as Australian citizens to concerning, and should not be put up with. I'll Paris, France participate in any lawful, peaceful activities," be writing to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Pretoria, South Africa Ms Choyyang said. "This is a blatant to investigate these reports." Taipei, Taiwan infringement of Australia's sovereignty. For The Department of Foreign Affairs and Brussels, Belgium people involved, this is emotional blackmail." Trade and the Chinese embassy declined

Michael Danby, the Labor MP for to comment. 

2 TIBET NEWS January –March 2014 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Tibetan Student awarded Medallion for Academic Excellence Tibetans in Australia 3 January, 2014 Commemorate the Self-immolation at Tsekhog County TSERING SAMKHAR , A YEAR 12 STUDENT of the Class of 2013 was awarded a Medallion 55th Tibetan National for Academic Excellence at a recent graduation ceremony at the St Francis Uprising Day Xavier College in Canberra, Australia. Throughout her school and college 11 March, 2014: TIBETANS ALL OVER the by Nigan Gotsang, President, Australian life, Tsering maintained a steady record world commemorated the 55th Tibetan Tibetan Communities Association, Dolkar of academic achievement and was National Uprising Day on 10 March by Kyab, Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, awarded the above Medallion for both organizing rallies, meetings and gatherings to Chin Jin, Chinese Democratic Forum and her 2012 and 2013 performance as the protest against the Chinese government’s others. The demonstrators later marched to top student of History as well as top continued repression in Tibet. Tibetan the Australian Parliament House and student of Legal Studies for both 2012 communities, supporters and Chinese friends addressed by Sonam Norbu Dagpo, and 2013 academic years. Ms Tsering staged demonstrations before the Chinese Representative of His Holiness the Dalai received her ranking out of a total embassy and consulates in different parts of Lama, Dolkar Kyap, Mike Zhong, Chinese number of 198 students from her Class Australia. Alliance for Democracy and others. Members of 2013. On 11 March, about two hundred Tibetans, of the Tibetan Youth Congress staged a skit With a final Australian Tertiary supporters and friends staged a protest depicting atrocities perpetrated by Chinese Awards Rating (ATAR) of 98%, Tsering Samkhar hopes to pursue her demonstration before the Chinese Embassy at security officials on the Tibetan students in university education at the Australian Canberra. The protestors raised slogans Tibet who were demanding the right to learn National University in Canberra with a against Chinese government’s oppression and Tibetan language in the schools.  double Law Degree with International demanded to respect human rights in Tibet and resolve the issue of Tibet through The protest demonstrations in Canberra were organised by Relations in February 2014.  the Australian Tibetan Communities Association. Tibetans dialogue. The demonstration was addressed and friends came from across Australia. A Successful Visit of Kalon Dicki Chhoyang to Australia

31 January, 2014 At the Festival of Tibet in Brisbane she AUSTRALIA: KALON DICKI CHHOYANG OF THE spoke on the Women of Wisdom and Department of Information and International participated in the panel discussion: Why Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Dalai Lama Matters . She also gave a public Dharamsala visited Australia from 19 to 30 talk at the Crystal Castle in Byron Bay. January 2014. She was invited by the During the visit she met Australian organizers of the Festival of Tibet in politicians and public and Chinese scholars Brisbane as the chief guest and keynote and friends and reiterated Central Tibetan speaker of the festival. Administration’s policy of not seeking She visited Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane separation or independence but genuine and Melbourne and spoke to the Tibetan autonomy within China to preserve Tibet’s Communities on the Middle Way Approach culture, religion, language and environment. to resolve the issue of Tibet and policies of She appealed to the Australian public to the 14th (Cabinet). In Sydney, she support the rights of the . gave a briefing about the work of the Central She was interviewed by various TVs, radios Tibetan Administration to Tibet Support and newspapers on the issue of Tibet.This Groups and spoke at ATC’s Tibet Talks titled first successful visit of Kalon Dicki Chhoyang “Australia and the West can become a true to Australia was organised by Tibet

friend of both China and Tibet”. Information Office at Canberra . 

January –March 2014 TIBET NEWS 3 AUSTRALIA

Tibet’s Culture Showcased at Annual Festival

10 February, 2014 visitors. Ven. Thupten Khedup was invited Momo stall was a hit of the event and CANBERRA: TIBETAN CULTURAL CENTRE AND THE from Melbourne to prepare a sand mandala reported in the Canberra Times. “Through Tibetan Community of ACT, Australia during this year’s festival. Presentation of these exhibits, we were able to introduce to showcased Tibet’s rich cultural heritage at the intricate sand mandala became one the the public about Tibet’s rich and unique the National Multicultural Festival held in attractions of the Tibetan exhibit and was culture and religion,” Ms. Dadon, an official Canberra from 7-9 February. The Tibetans well appreciated by a stream of visitors. The at the Tibet Information Office, told

won the top spot for best cultural exhibit Tibetan Cultural Centre displayed Tibet.Net.  during the festival in 2011. information kits on Tibet, including the list The annual event, which attracted over of books authored by His Holiness the Dalai Photos quarter of a million visitors this year, served Lama, websites and newsletters, on the Left: Tibetan artists present folk songs and as an important platform for different issue of Tibet. dances at the Festival communities in Australia to showcase their The Tibetan community in Canberra Middle: Visitors at the Tibetan stall during culture, art and cuisines. presented folk songs, dances and throat the Festival Tibet’s unique religious artefacts and prayers by Ven Thupten Khedup and Right. Sand Mandala presentation by Ven. scroll paintings were put on display for the cuisines of Tibet. Tibetan Communities’ Thupten Khedup

INTERNATIONAL

Tibet’s Environmental and Political Situation Showcased at Festival of Tibet

5 February, 2014 Chinese companies backed by the Chinese Documentary films on Tibet “Red Flag DHARAMSHALA: THE RAPID DEGRADATION OF government for causing long-term over Tibet” and “Tibet’s Stolen Child” were Tibet’s fragile environment and the critical ecological imbalance in the region. screened during the day. Stalls showcasing political situation prevailing inside Tibet The Tibet Museum of the Central Tibetan Tibetan medicine, Tibetan food, Tibetan were showcased on the second day of the Administration held a photo exhibition at the literature and traditional Tibetan Festival of Tibet being held in Guwahati, AC Art Gallery. The exhibitions titled “Long handicrafts were also on display and for Assam. Look Homeward” and “The Burning sale to the public. Mr Tempa Gyaltsen, staff of the Question: Why are Tibetans turning to Self- Local populace from Assam and Environment and Development Desk of the immolation” depicted the critical political neighbouring states thronged the venue in Department of Information and situation prevailing inside Tibet. large numbers to savour the unique taste of

International Relations, CTA gave an in The Art gallery also featured an exhibition Tibetan culture and tradition at the festival.  depth presentation on “Tibet’s Environment on Tibetan Butter Sculpture and Sand & Its Impact on the Asian Sub-continent”. Mandala by Nechung Monastery and Photo: Visitors at Tibet Museum’s photo He blamed the rampant mining of Tibet’s Thangka Art by the Institute of Tibetan exhibition at the festival. Photo/Tempa rich natural resources by unscrupulous Thangka Art. Gyaltsen

4 TIBET NEWS January –March 2014 INTERNATIONAL Scottish Parliament Discuss Self-immolations in Tibet

February 7, 2014 The parliament stated that 11 countries Maureen Watt is a Scottish politician who urged China to improve the human rights has served as a Scottish National Party of Tibetans at the UN Human Rights Member of the Scottish Parliament for Council in Geneva on 22 October 2013, and North East Scotland since 2006. commends the work of the Scottish Centre DHARAMSHALA: THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ON for Himalayan studies at the University of 4 February held a lengthy debate on the Aberdeen, the Grampian Tibet Support wave of self-immolations in Tibet. The Group and other groups across Scotland in debate was held as part of a motion highlighting human rights and supporting proposed by Maureen Watt, a Scottish cultural and educational links with Tibet politician and Member of Parliament, to and beyond. highlight the extraordinary and distressing MP Maureen Watt, in her statement, situation prevailing inside Tibet. have criticised the repressive policies of She spoke about the Tibetan people’s right The Scottish Parliament noted with the Chinese government leading to to preserve their language, culture and the grave concern that at least 127 (sic) Tibetan self-immolation and the rampant mining of Tibet’s natural resources Tibetans have self-immolated, often subsequent military crackdown by without any regard to the Tibetan people’s fatally, since February 2009. It said it Chinese authorities on the Tibetan people. religious sentiments. She also raised the understands that these actions are largely She said that friends and relatives of self- issue of mass relocation of ethnic Chinese acts of protest against restrictions on immolators are being threatened or into Tibet which is drastically changing the religion, the Tibetan language, access to bribed by officials to cover up the genuine demographic outlook of the region. employment and the degradation of water aspirations of the Tibetan self- She urged the Scottish parliament to resources and grazing lands. immolators. persuade China to end the repression in It expressed concern at China’s attempts She raised the issue of, massive Tibet explicitly saying, repression of culture to prevent accurate reports of self- surveillance and restrictions on movement, is not a sustainable way forward to any immolations reaching the media and imposed on the Tibetan people by the culture or any country. She also urged the condemns the criminalisation of family Chinese authorities in an attempt to create a cabinet secretary to write to UNESCO members and sometimes witnesses to communication blackout and curb the flow encouraging them to do more to protect

the incidents. of information outside Tibet. Tibetan heritage and culture .  Chinese Microbloggers Reveal China’s REPORT Systemic Militarization of Tibet

9 March, 2014 site Sina Weibo, which enabled use of the internet service are turned off in Tibetan INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET: crowd-sourced perspective of Chinese tourists areas, revealing government efforts to block CHINESE TRAVELLERS TO TIBET are revealing the to document conditions inside Tibet. ICT’s Tibetans’ communication. extent of the militarisation and repression analysis of these messages finds that: Chinese state-run media has sought to inside Tibet that the Chinese government is 1. Chinese tourists have evidenced through portray Tibet as idyllic and Tibetans as tranquil attempting to cover up through propaganda social media the reality of the militarization and grateful. To aid this narrative, Chinese and censorship, according to a ground- and repressive measures that the government authorities severely restrict access by breaking report released today by the is implementing in Tibet and seeking to cover foreigners to Tibetan areas. Foreign travellers International Campaign for Tibet on the 55th up through propaganda. have been forbidden to enter the Tibetan anniversary of the 1959 uprising and the 2008 These Weibo observations are possible Autonomous Region since February, in an protests in Tibet. because Chinese travellers get access to annual blackout to coincide with the ‘sensitive’ “Chinese tourists are exposing the harsh Tibetan areas that are denied to foreign anniversaries in March, including March 10, the truth of life in Tibet and undermining the diplomats and journalists day Tibetans designate as their National Day to peaceful narrative portrayed by Party 2. Use of social media demonstrates a commemorate the flight of the Dalai Lama into propaganda,” said Matteo Mecacci, President double standard in Tibet: Chinese travelers exile following the People’s Liberation Army’s of the International Campaign for Tibet. “The posting Weibo messages on Tibet appear to be attack on the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Internet postings of Chinese travellers provide afforded greater leeway by the government, As noted in the report, domestic tourists an undistorted window into the smothering while Tibetans who pass on information about from Chinese areas of the PRC are not subject security apparatus imposed on Tibetan Tibet are considered suspect by the state to the same travel restrictions. Thus, their communities. Social media in China, which is 3. Chinese tourists find a reality in Tibet that postings on Weibo provide documentation of facing increasing restrictions, is providing a differs sharply from expectations formed the reality on Tibet that diverges from the useful tool to document the tense reality in through official propaganda about Tibet. official narrative on Tibet.  Tibet and get around the government’s Chinese tourists express confusion and at To read the full report, Has Life Here censorship regulations.”. times fear over checkpoints and ID searches Always Been Like This? visit: ICT collected hundreds of images and in Tibet. http://www.savetibet.org/newsroom/has- messages from the Chinese microblogging Chinese tourists find their cell phone and life-here-always-been-like-this/

January –March 2014 TIBET NEWS 5 INTERNATIONAL Two Tibetans Sentenced to varying prison terms in Driru

10 February, 2014 Tarmoe Monastery, was sentenced to ten whereby Tibetans were forced to raise the DHARAMSHALA: CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN TIBET 'S years in prison on charges of “illegally Chinese national flag atop their houses. Driru County have sentenced two Tibetans up gathering a crowd”. Local Tibetans say he was Since his arrest on October 3, 2013, Dorje to 11 years in prison in January for "illegally likely charged of “illegally gathering a crowd” Dragtsel went missing. Hundreds of Tibetans gathering crowd" and "leading a although they believe the charges are false, sat on a hunger strike outside the Chinese demonstration against mining activities". according to the TCHRD. “Kelsang Choklang is police station on Oct. 6 demanding his release. According to Dharamshala based right known for his great love and respect for However, police fired upon the protestors group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and traditional Tibetan culture. He has always injuring several Tibetans. Democracy, Kelsang Choklang, a monk from called for protection of Tibetan culture and The right group also noted that hundreds of harmony among different Tibetans have been targeted, arrested or nationalities,” TCHRD disappeared since crackdown began last year quoted its source. in Driru County in the name of Chinese Dorje Dragsel, a layman, President Xi Jinping's “mass line” campaign was sentenced to 11 years last year. "Many are targeted and arrested on in prison for leading an false pretext and the fate of many more remain anti-mining protest at the unknown due to restriction on communication sacred Naglha Dzamba lines." The right group cited its sources saying Mountain in Driru last year. that communication lines have been blocked Dorje Dragtsel was in at least three counties in the eastern part of

allegedly involved in many Nagchu Prefecture including Driru.  anti-China protests including protests against Source: Phayul, February 10, 2014 government's forced Left: Dorje Dragtsel/file/TCHRD expression of loyalty Right: Kelsang Choklang/file/TCHRD

TWO MORE TIBETAN MONKS SELF-IMMOLATE

16 March, 2014 Chinese security forces in the subsequent DHARAMSHALA: A T IBETAN MONK FROM KIRTI crackdown across Tibet. Monastery in Ngaba County has set himself Similar self-immolation protests by on fire to protest against the repressive monks of Kirti monastery the same day took policies of Chinese government in north- place in 2011, 2012 and 2013. eastern Tibet, according to sources in exile. Meanwhile, China’s official Xinhua news Meanwhile, China’s official Xinhua news agency today said a Tibetan monk has self- agency said a Tibetan monk from Shaderi immolated. “The monk was from the monastery in Zekog county (Tib: Tsekhog) in Shaderi Monastery in Huangnan Tibetan Huangnan prefecture (Tib: Malho) has self- autonomous prefecture in Qinghai province. immolated. The report said police were rushing to the Lobsang Palden of Kirti Monastery in his site and gave no further details,” the 20s set fire to his gasoline soaked body on Associated Press said quoting Xinhua’s the Martyrs Street in Ngaba County report. ”A man at the Zekog county public (incorporated into China’s Sichuan Province) security bureau confirmed the immolation around 11:30 am Sunday. He then walked and said it took place outside the monastery. few steps raising slogans and was He said he had no other information and immediately bundled away by police in a refused to be identified,” AP reported. vehicle. His whereabouts and well-being The total number of self-immolation Tibet and the alarming escalation in the remain unknown since then. protests by Tibetans in protest against the protests witnessed in the last few years. Local Tibetans shut down their shops and Chinese government’s repressive policies The principle reasons listed in the 91- restaurants to mourn and express solidarity has risen to 128. The self-immolators have page report for Tibet’s fiery protests are with the monk’s family members. The called for the return of His Holiness the political repression, Chinese communist situation in the area remains tense with Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for leader’s views and policies on Tibet, and heavy deployment of police and security Tibetans. cultural assimilation, destruction of Tibetan forces. Despite repeated appeals by the Tibetan Buddhism. Besides, social discrimination, Today’s protest marks the sixth leadership in exile not to engage in such strangling the Tibetan language, anniversary of the massacre of monks of drastic actions, the self-immolations have environment destruction, Tibetan Nomads Kirti monastery by Chinese forces on 16 continued. and ending their way of life and economic March 2008, a few days after the A white paper released by the Tibetan marginalisation, population transfer and unprecedented protest against the Chinese leadership in Dharamshala last year western China Development Programme broke out in Tibet’s capital Lhasa on 10 explains the fundamental reasons behind are the other reasons given in the report. March. Hundreds of Tibetans were killed by the ongoing wave of self-immolations inside (Read and download the White Paper) 

6 TIBET NEWS January –March 2014 INTERNATIONAL

establishment. At such a time the support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama the free world and particularly the US is significant. In the past, when China’s Most spends the day on Capitol Hill Favoured Nation status was being debated, I said they should have it. The free world has a responsibility to guide China into the 6 March, 2014 preparing to take a photograph and a local mainstream of democracy. There is a Tibetan WASHINGTON DC, USA: HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI Tibetan insisted on posing for him holding a saying about one medicine for 100 illnesses; LAMA ’S DAY on Capitol Hill began with his being photograph of His Holiness at his heart. democracy in China will be the solution to 100 invited to offer prayers at the opening of “In doing this he risked imprisonment, so problems around the world.” proceedings in the Senate. He was first why did he do it? Because people elsewhere His Holiness stated that the Chinese people welcomed and introduced by Majority Leader have to know the faith Tibetans have in His want reform. Wen Jiabao even said that China Sen. Harry Reid who described him as an Holiness.” need American style democracy; activist Liu inspiration to others across the world. After Shortly afterwards His Holiness met with Xiaobo has said that there is both a need and a reciting a short salutation to the Buddha in House Speaker John Boehner and House desire for reform. Therefore, His Holiness Tibetan, His Holiness read the following Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, telling them repeated, there is a need for more freedom prepared verses, first in Tibetan and then in what an honour it was to be with them and and a relaxation of censorship. Mrs Pelosi English: reiterating his three commitments to human noted that in addition to meeting with His values, religious harmony and the preservation Holiness, President Obama had expressed With our thoughts we make our world. Our of the peaceful Buddhist culture of Tibet. He support for the Middle Way Approach. His mind is central and precedes our deeds. Speak explained how Tibet had gained Buddhist Holiness concurred, noting that whatever or act with a pure mind and happiness will knowledge from India in the 8th and 9th happened in the past is past. Today, Tibet is follow you, like a shadow that never leaves. centuries, knowledge that at the time derived materially backward and will receive help to From the ‘Dhammapada’ from the renowned Nalanda University. develop within the People’s Republic of China, “We have kept the Nalanda tradition alive provided Tibetans are granted genuine May there be joy in the world, with bountiful and along with it knowledge of the mind and autonomy, as guaranteed by the Chinese harvest and spiritual wealth. emotions that scientists are eager to learn constitution. May every good fortune come to be; and may from today. This is timely, since across the At a meeting with several hundred all our wishes be fulfilled. materially developed world, people experience Congressional Staffers in the Congressional As long as space remains, and as long as too much stress. Fuller understanding of the Visitor Center Auditorium, His Holiness was sentient beings remain, mind and emotions can be very useful. An asked if he ever feels sad and frustrated and if Until then, may I too remain and help dispel the additional aspect of my concern for Tibet he does what he does about it. misery of the world. relates to the environment.” “Firstly, as a simple Buddhist monk and a Minority Leader Pelosi noted that support long-term friend of this country, a great He pointed out that the last verse, from for Tibet is bipartisan and that His Holiness has admirer of this great nation, it’s an honour for Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of been received by Republican as well as me to be here. Sadness and frustration are Life’, is his favourite prayer, expressing a Democratic Presidents who regard him as a experienced by all 7 billion human beings alive thought he tries to put into practice every day champion of democracy and freedom. In his today, although maybe less among children. of his life. reply, he said: People ask me if human nature is destructive Sen. Reid, in his appreciation mentioned His “Despite the challenges of the last 60 years and humanity doomed. I tell them that when Holiness’s efforts to spread the message of the Tibetan spirit remains strong. Tibet is no something sad happens, it is linked to many peace in the world and quoted him as saying: longer a fresh issue, yet awareness of it other factors. And whenever you feel “Be kind whenever possible; it’s always remains alive thanks to people like you. frustration it always seems less significant if possible” and “The best way to solve problems Friends tell me that Xi Jinping is more realistic. you look at the situation from a wider everywhere is to sit down and talk”. Sen. He’s courageously tackling corruption and perspective.” Patrick Leahy, another old friend, took up the talking about the legal system and the needs of Sen. John McCain took the platform and theme, praising the way His Holiness has the rural masses. Some suggest there is a spoke of Human Rights not being American, worked long and hard for the Tibetan people. sense that existing policy on Tibet isn’t working but universal. They distinguish us as human He recounted an incident several years ago in so he is looking for a more realistic approach, beings; they cannot be rescinded or granted the streets of Lhasa, Tibet, as he was but there may be resistance within the Chinese because they belong to us. He said His

January –March 2014 TIBET NEWS 7 Holiness has given his life to the struggle to “I am hopeful. We have had relations with “My mother’s affection. That’s the seed of fulfil the just cause of Tibet. In his China since 7th century. China is a Buddhist any compassion I’ve been able to develop determination he is an inspiration to all people. country and these days many Chinese today.” Saying that His Holiness inhabits Tibetan Buddhists are showing an interest in Tibetan After lunch with seven Senators, His hearts and they inhabit his, he quoted John Buddhism. We Tibetans have our own Holiness met with the Senate Foreign Donne’s Meditation XVII: language and script, which is the best Relations Committee over coffee and tea, “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I language in which to explain Buddhism.” followed by a meeting with Senators Reid and am involved in mankind; and therefore never When Nancy Pelosi, who had been delayed McConnell. His Holiness remarked that he had send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for by business in the House, arrived and took the always known that United States was a great thee.” platform, she recalled visiting Dharamsala and nation, recalling its action to defend democracy Questioned about whether he would see meeting with Tibetans who had just come out and the rule of law in World War II and the change in China and Tibet in his lifetime, His of Tibet, with harrowing tales of what they’d Korean War. The U.S. Capitol is filled with Holiness mentioned the changes that have been through. She reiterated the bipartisan statues and busts of men who have contributed already taken place. He described China in a nature of support for Tibet, noting Sen. to that greatness. Their words, inscribed on the series of eras: Mao Xedong’s era characterised McCain’s presence and the His Holiness’s walls, include the following in Cox Corridor II by ideology gave way to Deng Xiaoping’s era of meetings with both President Bush and from Franklin D Roosevelt, the President who economic development. Jiang Zemin’s era then President Obama. She said America’s long ago sent a watch to His Holiness: extended the scope of the Party to include the relationship with His Holiness is long-standing, “We must remember that any oppression, better off and Hu Jintao, faced with growing recalling that President Roosevelt sent a gift of any injustice, any hatred is a wedge designed to

inequality, sought harmony. Xi Jinping’s era a watch to the young Dalai Lama. Saying, “I attack our civilisation.”  will be the fifth. Over the last 40 years China thought you might bring that up, here it is!” His has changed a great deal, but because of Holiness held up the watch for all to see. Photo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting Senate entrenched views within the established Asked what his favourite lesson from his Chaplain Barry Black, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on his collective leadership further change may take childhood was, His Holiness replied without arrival at Capitol Hill in Washington DC on March 6, time. He said: hesitation: 2014. Photo/Sonam Zoksang

IN BRIEF

Left) 3 March, 2014: Joining the Tibetans 'Peace and Compassion Day of the Dalai staff at the Congressional Visitors’ Center residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March Lama' in Minneapolis. Auditorium at Capitol Hill in Washington DC. 1, HH the Dalai Lama celebrated Losar , His Middle) 6 March, 2014: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Right) 26 March, 2014: First Lady Michelle first Tibetan New Year outside India in 55 Sangay, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Obama greeted by Tibetan students at the years. During the Losar ceremony, Mayor of (D-CA), Senator John McCain (R-AZ), His Zangxiang Village Tea House in Chengdu, the Minneapolis, Besty Hodges read the Holiness the Dalai Lama and His interpreter, capital of Sichuan province, following a week Proclamation of declaring March 2 as the Thubten Jinpa during a talk to Congressional long trip to China, 19-26 March.

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8 TIBET NEWS January –March 2014