TIBETAN BulletiN

The Official Journal of the Central Tibetan Administration

Volume 21 - Issue 1 January - February 2017

Focus

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Confers the 34th Kalachakra Initiation in Bodh Gaya **** Feature

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Speaks to Delegates of First Tibetan Women’s Em- powerment Conference **** World Press

Rights Groups Ask China to Free Tibetan Education Advocate

****

www.tibet.net/en/tibbul His Holiness the Dalai Lama giving the 34th Kalachakra discourse on the final day of teaching at Bodh Gaya, 13 January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang of Department of Home and members of the organising committee and speakers of the first ever Tibetan Women’s Empowerment Conference at His Holiness’ residence on 23 February 2017. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay extended Losar greetings to Tibetans inside and outside Tibet on the occasion of traditional Tibetan New Year – Losar 2144 – the year of the fire bird. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR www.tibet.net/en/tibbul

Focus 13. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Begins Preliminary Teachings of 34th Kalachakra TIBETAN 14. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Leads an Interfaith Prayer for ulleti World Peace at 34th Kalachakra B N Tibetan Bulletin is an official bi-monthly journal of the Central Tibetan 16. Sikyong Pays Tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Indian Government Administration. on Auspicious Initiation of 34th Kalachakra

19. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Calls for Practical Compassion and Warm Heart on 34th Kalachakra

Signed articles or quotations do not Feature necessarily reflect the views of the Central 22. His Holiness Participates in Inauguration of National Women’s Parliament Tibetan Administration.

24. Ground-breaking Ceremony for the South Asia Hub of the Dalai Lama Contributions are welcome and may be Center for Ethics and a Public Talk addressed to the editor, Tibetan Bulletin. However the publisher regrets its inability 25. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Speaks to Delegates of the First Tibetan to return unused articles unless they are Women’s Empowerment Conference accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage.

Tibetan Bulletin is distributed free of charge. To subscribe please email the circulation manager or see back cover. World Press Editor Jamphel Shonu 26. Tibetan PM-in-Exile Lauds Indian Government’s Open Support Email: [email protected]

- Hindustan Times Asst. Editor Tenzin Phende 27. Rethink in New Delhi: Dalai Lama, Karmapa to be in the Public Gaze. Tenzin Saldon

- Indian Express Layout & Design 28. Hundreds of Tibetans Defy China, Gather at Birthplace of Buddhism in Tenzin Phende India. - Washington Post Circulation Manager Tenzin Rabka 29 Rights Groups Ask China to Free Tibetan Education Advocate. Email: [email protected] Tibetan Bulletin is published by: - New York Times Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala - 176 215 H.P. India Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457 Regulars Vol. 21, Issue 1 News From Tibet & Exile ...... 4 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2017 Contact ...... 31 Quotes ...... 32 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

UN Special Rapporteurs Question China on Larung Gar and Yarchen Gar

UN Special Rapporteurs Question The report further mentioned Larung 3. Please indicate what measures have China on Larung Gar and Yarchen Gar is a “living, vital center of Tibetan been taken to ensure that persons belong- Gar, Seeks Response to Nine Areas of Buddhist teachings that is renowned ing to national, or ethnic, religious and Concern in Tibet. worldwide and across China, and is of linguistic minorities, including the Bud- great significance in terms of Tibetan dhist Tibetans, have the right to protect On the eve of the 34th session of UN language, culture and religion as well as their own cultural and religious heritage Human Rights Council, the Special for a new generation of Chinese Buddhist and sites, to study, profess and practise Procedures of United Nations Human scholars and pilgrims. In September their own religion freely and without in- Rights Council made public a joint 2016, it was reported that many Tibetan terference or any form of discrimination, intervention communication made to religious practitioners had faced mass and to enjoy their right to take part in the Chinese Government on the case expulsions from Larung Gar and cultural life without any discrimination. of Larung Gar and Yarchen Gar, both Yachen Gar, two of the major Buddhist Buddhist learning centres in Tibet facing Tibetan institutions that have become 4. Please indicate what measures have wide-scale demolition. important centres for study, practice been taken to ensure that the right to and promotion of Buddhist teachings in housing of the monks and nuns as well The mandates of the Special Rapporteur recent years. At least half of more than as other lay practitioners is protected. in the field of Cultural Rights; the Special 10,000 monks and nuns at Larung Gar Please provide detailed information of Rapporteur on the issue of Human rights face eviction following the demolition resettlement and compensation plans for obligations relating to the enjoyment of of numerous residences. Reportedly, those people made homeless or expelled a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable about 1000 religious practitioners were from Larung Gar and Yachen Gar. environment; the Special Rapporteur compelled to leave Yachen Gar. Family on the rights to Freedom of Peaceful members of certain nuns at Larung Gar 5. Please indicate if all feasible Assembly and of association; the Special and Yachen Gar were allegedly pressured alternatives to eviction and demolitions Rapporteur on Adequate Housing as a by the authorities to summon them home have been explored in consultation component of the right to an adequate or face punishment, such as confiscation with the residents of Larung Gar and standard of living, and on the right to of family identity cards.” Yachen Gar and if so, please provide Non-discrimination in this context; The UN experts sought the Chinese details of the process and results of those the Special Rapporteur on minority Government’s response to the following consultations. Please also explain why issues; and the Special Rapporteur on eight areas of concern… proposed alternatives to the eviction Freedom of Religion or Belief made the have been deemed unsuitable. communication on November 7 last year 1. Please provide detailed information and was kept confidential till now. concerning the legal grounds for the 6. Please confirm whether a court order demolition of the monastic residences was issued authorizing the eviction, Communications report to session 34 and expulsion of nuns and monks as whether the religious community of the Human Rights Council include referred to above, specifying how was provided a copy of the order in communications sent from 01 Jun 2016 these measures are compatible with advance, and whether they were given to 30 Nov 2016 and their replies are international human rights norms and the opportunity to appeal such decision received until 31 Jan 2017. The report standards, in particular those relating to before a court. In addition, please is put together thrice a year by special freedom of religion or belief and cultural explain what administrative or judicial procedures to the HRC. When the report rights, including the right to access and mechanisms are available for individuals is issued the communications send in the enjoy cultural heritage. to challenge their immediate eviction prior months become public. from their homes. 2. Please explain the rationale for the According to the report, the experts lack of consultation with local religious 7. Please indicate what measures have brought attention to “the severe restric- leaders in relation to the decision of the been taken to ensure that the mining tions of religious freedom in Tibetan Au- demolitions that took place in Larung projects in Amchok Township do not tonomous Prefecture: mass expulsion of Gar. Please explain the need for limiting adversely impact the environment of religious practitioners from Larung Gar the number of monks, nuns and lay the holy site areas. Please also specify and Yachen Gar, demolitions of monas- practitioners in Larung Gar to only 5,000 how these measures are compatible with tic homes in Larung Gar and the cultural people in total by 2017 as described in the laws on environmental protection and environmental impacts of the min- the seven point demolition order. Please stipulated in the Chinese constitution. ing activities at the Holy Gong-ngon also provide explanation in relation to the Lari Mountain as well as excessive use need for involving Government officials 8 . Please provide detailed information of force against, and arbitrary arrest and in the monastic affairs. indicating what measures have been detention of, peaceful protestors.” taken to ensure the right of all persons to

4 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE peacefully assemble in accordance with international human rights standards. Niece of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche among “UN Have the authorities investigated the Human Rights Heroes” in Geneva Summit incidents that took place on 1 June 2016 in Amchok? While awaiting a reply, we In the lead up to the UN Human Rights safety of her aging mother and 6-year urge that all necessary interim measures Council opens its 2017 session, with old daughter to speak about the story be taken to halt the alleged violations China starting a new three-year term, of her uncle Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, and prevent their re-occurrence and in Human Rights Defender, escaped a Tibetan spiritual leader who died of the event that the investigations support Activist and niece of Tenzin Delek torture, ill-health and under suspicious or suggest the allegations to be correct, Rinpoche, Nyima Lhamo addressed the circumstances in a Chinese prison in to ensure the accountability of any 9th Geneva Summit for Human Rights Tibet. person(s) responsible for the alleged and Democracy’s session on “the Fight violations. For Freedom and Democracy.” Nyima Lhamo confessed that her uncle’s only crime was his faith in His Holiness The Official website of Office of High the Dalai Lama, his leadership in the Commissioner for Human Rights community and his work as a social and mentioned that the Chinese Government environmental advocate. has responded to the questions on December 5 last year and is being She further said, “while incarcerated, translated and said they would be my uncle would secretly send recorded presented to the Human Rights Council messages advising us to stop harming for its consideration. all sentient beings including small Nyima Lhamo speaking at the Geneva Summit. insects like ants. He confessed saying Larung Gar, one of the largest Buddhist the thought of harming others had study centers in the world is facing wide- Nyima Lhamo along with other guest never crossed his mind. He was a man scale demolitions under the directions of speakers held a closed-door meeting with of principles who put the welfare of the Chinese authorities. In July 2016, the UN Diplomats at the office of permanent Tibetans before himself. While in prison, authorities began as a part of a multi-year mission of Canada. She briefed the my uncle recounted his experience of plan aiming to downsize the institute diplomats about the pressing human torture in prison and told my mother that by 50 percent. The demolitions paused rights abuses facing Tibetans in Tibet the prison authorities subjected him to in October last year and is reported to and urged the diplomats to engage with severe torture and consequently made resume in February this year but owing China to ameliorate the deteriorating him subconscious. The prison authorities to communications crackdown, no human rights situation inside Tibet. repeatedly beat him up and ridiculed further updates are made available. “No country is immune to pressure. his title as ‘spiritual leader’ and asked International pressure and attention him to display his spiritual prowess by On September 16 last year, Swiss alone can make China accountable for deflecting the beatings,” Nyima Lhamo Tibetan communities and Tibet support its human rights violation in Tibet,” said reveled how her uncle was subjected to groups organized a ‘Tibet Solidarity Nyima Lhamo. torture. Rally for Larung Gar’ in Geneva which was attended by over thousand people. Besides Nyima Lhamo representing She concluded with final words, “I Escaped activist, human rights defender Tibet, other guest speakers represent am committed to call for international and niece of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, investigation into the case of my uncle. Nyima Lhamo addressed the rally. Vietnam and other countries. I stand here today, with the hope that international community who stands for On December 5 2016, both Sikyong Dr. Mr Hillel Neuer, Executive Director human rights, freedom and justice will Lobsang Sangay of Central Tibetan Ad- of UN Watch said some of the most thoroughly investigate and press China ministration and TPIE Speaker Khenpo honorable “UN human rights heroes” to come clean on the circumstances that Sonam Tenphel addressed a joint press are gathered to testify their personal led to the death of my uncle in prison. conference urging the UNHCHR to take struggles for human rights, democracy Therefore international pressure alone immediate action to save Larung Gar. and freedom. can make China accountable for its gross Paralleling the press conference, Office human rights violations in Tibet.” of Tibet in Geneva sought various urgent Nyima Lhamo moved the 300 plus meetings with Special Procedures Of- audience including UN diplomats, Finally, I truly believe that a peaceful fice. This was followed by a high level human rights NGOs by narrating solution for Tibet advances respect for weeklong lobbying in Geneva undertak- personal anecdotes of her life in Tibet international human rights and human en by Department of Information and In- and why she risked her own life and the dignity.” ternational Relations (DIIR) along with Office of Tibet Geneva early this year.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 5 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE Strengthening Political Group for Tibet and lobbied UK Conference held in government officials and members of Advocacy for Tibet in the UK Parliament – Tim Loughton, European Parliament – Chair of the All Party Parliamentary the United Kingdom Group for Tibet; Catherine West, Labour Reincarnation of Dalai The Office of Tibet London organised Party, Shadow Foreign Minister; Tom Lama: Why it Matters a weeklong official visit of Dhardon Brake, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson Sharling, Secretary of Department of for Foreign Affairs and Marion Fellows, to China Information and International Relations Scottish National Party. Office of Tibet Brussels organised a two- (DIIR) from February 4-12, 2017 hour long conference in the European to United Kingdom. The weeklong The visit featured interactions with Parliament (EP) on Reincarnation of engagements aimed to strengthen journalists specialising in Asia from Dalai Lama: Why it Matters to China, academic discourse, advocacy for and leading global news organisations and yesterday. And it was co-hosted by the political engagement on the Tibet issue discussions with China experts from key major political groups in the EP, European in light of the changing international London based think tanks and academic Peoples Party (EPP), Socialists and political climate and shifting positions institutions. Democrats (S&D), Alliance of Liberals of governments on China. and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and Secretary Dhardon also held detailed the Greens/European Free Alliance. discussions with representatives of UK based Tibet Support Groups. The visit Two experts on the subject presented concluded with an interaction with the their views. At first Ven. Dagpo Rinpoche council and members of the Tibetan drew the attention of the conference Community in Britain on CTA’s future dispassionately on how the reincarnation priorities and role of Tibetans in diaspora system came into being in the Tibetan in strengthening CTA’s 5/50 vision. society, how the system has benefitted the society, what are occasional pitfalls Dhardon Sharling, Secretary of Department of Richard Gere talks of the system, who has the authority to Information and International Relations (DIIR) decide the reincarnation of a particular with All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet Tibet with German reincarnate and what has been the Chair Tim Loughton MP, Marion Fellows MP and Chonphel Tsering, Representative, Office of Tibet, Chancellor Angela process of seeking the reincarnation of London. the Dalai Lama. His presentation brought Merkel out the singular aspect of this tradition in Secretary Dhardon was invited by the the Tibetan society as a societal custom Borderline Conferences as one of the Hollywood actor Richard Gere met and tradition. speakers for the conference ‘Religion, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Nationalism and Identity’ held at the Thursday morning in the Chancellery. Ven. Dagpo Rinpoche is a highly re- University of Cambridge. Dhardon According to Chancellor Merkel’s spected Tibetan Buddhist master who spoke on the topic ‘Diaspora Identity: the spokesperson Steffen Seibert, the talk studied under eminent masters in sev- Notions of Belonging in, and Longing for, between Gere and Merkel was officially eral monasteries, notably at Dagpo She- a Homeland,’ along with distinguished “about the current situation in Tibet.” drupling. He arrived in France in 1960 speakers such as Sir Jeremy Greenstock, with a scholarship from the Rockefeller former UK Ambassador to the UN and Further details of the talk are not Foundation and taught Tibetan language UK Special Envoy for Iraq and Karen revealed. and philosophy at INALCO (Paris-Dau- Armstrong OBE Historian of Religion phine University) for nearly thirty years. among others. Richard Gere is a long time supporter of Tibet, a devout Buddhist and a friend of Ms Marie Holzman on the other hand The University of Westminster hosted His Holiness the Dalai Lama. highlighted the contradictory outlook a talk by Dhardon on the topic – of a Communist Chinese regime vis-à- ‘Resolving the Tibet Question: The Kai Muller, the Executive Director vis religion. While China is an atheist Strategic Relevance and Importance of International Campaign for country currently there are over 10 mil- of the Middle Way Approach.’ Prof Tibet, Germany said “his high level lion Christians, 20-30 million Muslims Dibyesh Anand, Head of the Department engagement on Tibet in Germany is and over 300 million Buddhists. In her of Politics and International Relations very encouraging at a critical time. view, the practice of spirituality is a way at the University of Westminster, Richard Gere updated the Chancellor on of dissent in the highly material and con- moderated the discussion. recent developments in Tibet and spoke about ways in which the international trolled society. The Chinese interest to have the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama Secretary Dhardon held a meeting with community could help mitigate the is a way to control Tibet. members of the All Party Parliamentary plight of the Tibetan people.”

6 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

about this. Bear in mind that, apart from MOS, Lungta, Forum2000, Tibetan the reincarnation recognized through Community and Tibet Open House and such legitimate methods, no recognition representative from People in Need, or acceptance should be given to a NGO in Prague. candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Trump Administration Republic of China”. to Support Tibet Issue The conference was attended by 7 (L-R) MEP Tokes, MEP Scott-Cato, MEP Mann, MEPs, 15 Parliamentary Assistants, the MEP Preda, Ven. Dgapo Rinpoche, Ms Patton Press, Politicians, NGOs, Tibet Support (translator) and Ms Holzman Groups and the staff of Office of Tibet Ms Marie Holzman is a Sinologist spe- with total of 60 participants. It may also cialising on Contemporary China. She be recalled that this is one of the series also taught at Paris 7 University for of advocacy events being carried out by twenty years, gives conferences in a the Office of Tibet, Brussels. number of circles and is an active con- In response to written questions on Tibet tributor to various monthly and quarter- Representative Ngodup from members of the Senate Foreign lies such as Politique Internationale. Dorjee Meets Vice-Prez Relations Committee in the process of confirmation of Rex Tillerson, Cabinet The conference was opened by MEP of Czech Republic nominee of President Trump for the Thomas Mann. MEP Preda moderated Senate Secretary of State, responded favorably the panel. MEP Molly Scott-Cato and to all the questions. MEP Laszlo Tokes made opening Representative Ngodup Dorjee, the remarks strongly expressing their views Tibet Bureau in Geneva, met Ms. Miluse In his reply, Mr. Tillerson said that he in support of Tibet and the incredulous Horska, Vice-President of the Senate commits to ensuring Human Rights way China is misrepresenting world- of the Czech Republic, Senator Petr issues including the cases of political wide the concept and the tradition of Bratsky, Petr Silar and Jiri Sestak and prisoners that will be incorporated reincarnation. MEP Csaba Sogor also Member of Parliament Mr Marek Benda into US Diplomatic engagements recalled his country’s experience under on 18 January 2017 in Prague. with China. He considers the issues of the Communist regime of Ceausescu. religious freedom of Christians, Tibetan He said that spirituality will not be Buddhist, Uygyur Muslims, Falun Gong cowed down by military and forcible practitioners as high priority. He added Communist theology. that evaluations on state of religious freedom should continue to be included Representative Tashi Phuntsok made the in the annually released International closing remarks. He reiterated that the Religious Freedom report, while reincarnation is a Tibetan tradition and emphasizing that in 2016 China was not Chinese system. He recalled that His From left: Senator Mr. Petr Bratsky, Senator Mr. re-designated as a country of particular Petr. Silar, Senator Mr. Jiri Sestak and SEnator Holiness the Dalai Lama had made clear Mrs. Miluse Horska, Vice President of the Senate concern. as early as in 1969 that the institution of the Dalai Lama will be decided by the Representative updated the Vice In response to US commitment on Sino Tibetan people. He quoted the recent President and group of Senators on Tibet dialogue he mentioned that while remarks of His Holiness the Dalai Lama current human rights situation inside recognizing Tibet as part of the People’s made in Delhi repeating the stand. Tibet and presented briefing note with Republic of China, he will continue to Finally he quoted from His Holiness the list of consolidated documents on encourage dialogue between Beijing and Dalai Lama’s 2011 September 24 public Chinese violation of basic fundamental Representatives of Tibet’s “Government statement on the issue, “When I am about rights in Tibet in 2016. The briefing note in Exile” and/or the Dalai Lama. He ninety I will consult the high Lamas included pressing issues on Serta Larung will also encourage Beijing and the of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Gar and Yarchen Gar nunnery. Governments of all nations to respect Tibetan public, and other concerned and preserve the distinct religious, people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, Representative also had chance to meet linguistic, and cultural identity of the and re-evaluate whether the institution of with Mr. Mark Martin, President of Tibetan people worldwide. the Dalai Lama should continue or not… Amnesty International office in Prague responsibility for doing so will primarily and discuss in detail about the current On whether he would commit to meeting rest on the concerned officers of the human rights situation inside Tibet and with the Dalai Lama, he answered with Dalai Lama’s Gaden Phodrang Trust… particularly on Larung Gar. He also an emphatic ‘Yes’. He also said denial I shall leave clear written instructions met with all TSGs in Prague, Potala, of visas to media, civil society actors, JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 7 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE diplomats and others to places like Tibet Many of Phuljung’s songs, including that restrict freedom of movement and Kind Lama, Yeshi Norbu expresses information as ‘problematic’. his reverence and admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Sikyong Mr. Tillerson further commits to assess Dr Lobsang Sangay. His songs, the as to what should be the best policy, Heroes and We have Support reflects the recognizing that reciprocity in treatment sufferings of Tibetans inside Tibet. is a principal in bilateral relations in response to whether it would be At the time of his release, the local Sikyong’s public talk for writers, journalists and advisable to limit the number of visas Chinese authorities had warned the Tibetan supporters on the way forward to resolve allowed to executives or administrative family members against gathering near the problem of Tibet in Tokyo. personnel from Chinese state owned the prison to welcome him. said Sikyong. US Secretary of State media enterprises operating in the US or Rex Tillerson said he will continue to on Chinese officials who are responsible Singer Amchok Phuljung is a native of encourage dialogue between Beijing for denying access to Tibet to US citizens Kakhok County in Ngaba town, Amdo and representatives of the Dalai Lama or with visa sanctions. region of eastern Tibet. He was 33 years Tibetan “government in exile”. I will also old when he was arrested in 2012. encourage Beijing and the governments Tibetan Singer of all nations to respect and preserve Sikyong Urges Japan the distinct religious, linguistic, and Phuljung Released cultural identity of the Tibetan people After Serving Four to Support Middle Way worldwide. Approach Years in Prison Sikyong said to understand China, one must understand Tibet. “China is The Tibetan political leader Dr Lobsang everywhere in Asia. All these happened Sangay urged the Japanese government because people did not paid attention to to support the Middle Way Approach what happened in Tibet 60 years ago. Had of the Tibetan people towards seeking Tibet was supported by the International genuine autonomy for Tibet as it does community by all the Asian Buddhist not contradict China’s sovereignty and countries, then we could have put a wall is a win-win solution for Tibetans and to China to move forward. When China Chinese. occupied Tibet, many Asian countries or the international community supported “We are seeking genuine autonomy for us, then it kept expanding its influence Tibet through non-violence and Chinese A popular Tibetan singer named Amchok to South East Asia and Senkaku island in government can’t say no to this. During Phuljung, imprisoned for singing songs east China sea,” Sikyong said. of praise for His Holiness the Dalai their meetings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, former US Presidents Lama, was released from Sichuan’s Underlining the importance of Tibet’s Barack Obama have expressed their Mianyang Prison on 2 February, after natural environment, Sikyong said Tibet strong and consistent support for the serving his four-year sentence. is considered as the water tower of Asia Middle Way Approach as it does not as 10 major rivers of Asia originate from contradict China’s sovereignty and One According to TCHRD reports, this is the the Tibetan plateau. Besides Antarctic China Policy. Your support is not for the first information on Amchok Phuljung and Arctic, Tibet has the largest reserve 6 million Tibetans but it is a support for after his arbitrary detention on 3 August of ice. When ice in Antarctic and Arctic justice, human rights and environment 2012 in Barkham County. The physically melts it flows into ocean, but when the of Tibet,” Sikyong said during a public challenged singer was held in prolonged ice in Tibet melts it forms rivers which talk on the way forward to resolve the incommunicado detention and sentenced becomes lifeline for more than a billion problem of Tibet in Tokyo. Around 300 in secret on unknown charges. In June people in neighbouring Asian countries people including writers, journalists and 2012, following an arrest warrant issued like China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tibetan supporters attended the talk. in his name, Phuljung went into hiding Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. for about two months but was eventually Responding from question from Kyodo captured by the police. Sikyong said His Holiness the Dalai news agency, Sikyong said, “We also Lama assured us that he will live up Phuljung was arbitrarily detained in hope President Trump will continue the to 100 years and when he visits Japan August 2012 shortly after the release of past tradition of US presidents meeting this year, you will see him healthy and his music DVD that contained songs of with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, robust. He has outlived many Chinese praise for His Holiness the Dalai Lama support the Middle Way Approach and communist leaders. Tibet is a land of and the Tibetan political leader Sikyong human rights of the Tibetan people,” Lobsang Sangay. 8 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE Chenresig, the Buddha of Compassion, Sikyong addresses Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay addressed Tibet cannot be separated from the Dalai the members of the Parliament on Tibet Lama. Japanese Parliament and freedom. Members at Parliament There over 300-400 million Buddhists in Congratulating the establishment of China and thousands of Chinese come to Building Japanese Parliamentary Support Group Dharamsala in India to meet and listen for Tibet consisting of 87 members Tibetan political leader Dr Lobsang to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Few of parliament, which is largest in the Sangay received multiple rounds thousands came to Kalachakra teaching parliamentary support group in the of applause when he addressed the in Bodh Gaya. So there is no problem world, Sikyong said the group sends members of the Japanese Parliament between Chinese and Tibetan people. a very powerful message of hope and at the National Diet building which The problem of Tibet is not Chinese encouragement to Tibetans suffering is Japan’s bicameral legislative based people, but the Chinese government’s repression inside Tibet.” in Tokyo. Members of Parliament, hardline policy. including advisers to Japanese Sikyong congratulated Japanese Prime government agencies and committee on Earlier in the morning, Sikyong Dr Minister Shinzo Abe’s successful foreign relations welcomed Dr Sangay at Lobsang Sangay visited the Office of meeting with US President Donald the Parliament of Japan. 70 members of Tibet and addressed members of the Trump. As Prime Minister Abe has Japan’s parliament attended the address Tibetan community. said Japan will play a leading roles by Tibetan political leader Dr Lobsang in the international community by Sangay. Sikyong explained that in the short, coordinating its foreign policies with mid and long term interest of Tibet, the US, Sikyong urged him to support the present Kashag has envisioned Middle Way Approach of the Central 5/50 policy in its effort to preserve the Tibetan Administration towards seeking identity of the Tibetan people and restore genuine autonomy for the Tibetan freedom and dignity of the Tibetans. In people. order to realise our goal, we need to preserve our unique language, culture “Tibet was historically an independent and religion. To keep alive our identity, nation and a great empire which at we should have a sound knowledge of one time extended to China, central our religion, language and culture. As Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the mem- and south Asia. But it is now under long as Tibetans remain, Tibet and our bers of the Japanese Parliament at the National occupation of China and there is political Diet building in Tokyo. cause will remain alive. repression, economic marginalisation, social discrimination, environmental In his address, Mr Shimura Hakubun, Underlining that Tibetans in exile have destruction and cultural assimilation,” former Education Minister of Japan the sacred duty to realise the Middle he said. and the current Chairman of Japanese Way Approach, Sikyong said the Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, Central Tibetan Administration, in the “China’s constitution allows for religious underlined the need to support the five years. will focus its effort towards freedom and Chinese government claims preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture, resuming dialogue between His Holiness there is religious freedom in Tibet, but which says is spreading across the world the Dalai Lama’s representative and the destruction of Larung Gar and other and effective in dealing with conflicts in the Chinese government to end the monasteries clearly demonstrate that the the world. ongoing political repression, cultural reality is otherwise,” he added. assimilation, economic marginalisation Describing Japan as the country which and environmental destruction. Sikyong said Tibetans in exile under respects human rights, democracy and the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai morality, Ms Yoshiko Sakurai, a veteran Lama rebuilt all the major monasteries journalist and head of think tank, Japan brick by brick that were destroyed in Institute of National Fundamentals, Tibet and managed to revive Buddhism urged Japan to reinvigorate their effort to in Tibet. “That is spirit of the Tibetan support the Tibetan people. She appealed people. No matter how much you to the members of Japanese parliament destroy us, we will rise up again and to host His Holiness the Dalai Lama again,” he said. and Tibetan political leader Dr Lobsang Sangay whenever they visit Japan. “This www.mwa.tibet.net Sikyong reiterated that the Chinese will send a very important message to communist government has no the international community,” she said. legitimacy and credibility in recognising

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 9 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE the next Dalai Lama. “Look at their track record. They have destroyed Sikyong Inaugurates First Ever Tibetan Women’s 98% of the monasteries and nunneries, Empowerment Conference expelled 99.99% of monks and nuns and criticised His Holiness the Dalai The Tibetan political leader, Sikyong Lama throughout his lifetime. So what Dr Lobsang Sangay inaugurated the credibility they have in recognising the first ever CTA-organised ‘Tibetan reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Women’s Empowerment Conference’, Lama. So it is similar to Fidel Castro at Gangchen Kyishong on 21 February recognising the pope and expecting 2017. Christians to follow which is not going to happen,” Sikyong said. The Tibetan Women’s Empowerment conference–an undertaking of Women’s Sikyong said “China’s expansion in Empowerment Desk of Department Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and members of the borders of India, neighbouring Asian of Home­–witnessed an awe-inspiring 15th Kashag with members of the organsing com- countries and Senkaku Islands has attendance of more than 340 participants, mittee of the first ever ‘Tibetan Women’s Empow- already happened in Tibet over 50 including Tibetan nuns, lay women and erment Conference’ on 21 February 2017. years ago. Satellite images showing men, from across the social and political the building of airfields on the disputed spectrum. “The Charter for Tibetans in exile and islands by China. But China has already CTA rules and regulations provide for 5 airfields in Tibet. Hence, had the The inaugural ceremony was attended equal opportunity for men and women. neighbouring countries prevented China by Chief Justice Commissioner Kargyu Women parliamentarians were elected from invading Tibet, its expansion Dhondup, Justice Commissioners as early as 1964 when even some would not have happened.” Ngawang Choedak Choetri Tengpa advanced economies still did not have and Dr Ngawang Rabgyal, Speaker of women parliamentarians. In fact, today Sikyong said China is controlling Tibet, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Khenpo women constitute over 20% of the known as water tower of Asia, and its Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker elected representatives in the Tibetan rivers which are the lifeline of billions Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, members of parliament. Women now make up forty- of people in neighbouring downstream the Kashag and officials at the helm of five percent of the overall workforce Asian countries including India, China, the Central Tibetan Administration. of the Central Tibetan Administration Bangladesh and Asean countries. (CTA). Forty-eight and sixty percent “Experts and scientists says before Unveiling its premier Women’s of the staff of Education and Health wars were fought over land, nowadays Empowerment Conference, Sikyong departments respectively are women. wars are fought over oil, and soon wars Dr Lobsang Sangay said that the Over half of all new and incoming CTA will be fought over water. In the last organisation of the conference is a step staff are women,” Sikyong prided. 50 years, 50% of glaciers in Tibet have in the right direction to carry forward melted and disappeared, and by the year the shared vision of His Holiness the As part of its commitment on women 2100 the remaining glaciers will melt Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan empowerment, the Tibetan political and disappear. If that happened there Administration to promote leadership leader also announced that 12 March will be major crisis of Tibet in the Asian and compassionate qualities of women on every year will formally be observed continent.” in social and political development of as Women’s day. “The observance of the Tibetan community. Tibetan Women’s Day on 12 March will Sikyong said “Tibet is a litmus test for reflect the collective will of the Tibetan countries for their moral standard and Sikyong also lauded Tibetan women’s leadership and people to accelerate their expectation for human rights. So it crucial role in safeguarding Tibet’s the Women’s Empowerment Policy is a collective responsibility of the Asian unique and rich religious, linguistic and agenda. Also with the implementation countries who share Tibet’s Buddhist cultural traditions beginning from the of affirmative action through various civilisation and those who depend on non-violent Tibetan women’s uprising upcoming initiatives, the departments of Tibet for water to address the issue of against the repressive policies of the CTA will continue to prioritise Tibetan Tibet.” Chinese government on 12 March 1959. women’s empowerment initiatives as its flagship agenda,” he said. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay addressed Highlighting the consistent increase the parliament with national flags of in representation of women in Tibetan Introducing the background and Japan and Tibet in the background. administrative bodies, Sikyong said that objective of the three-day conference, the vision of the conference is aimed Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang of the beyond gender equality and on furthering Home Department said the conference women’s role in all socio-economic and aims to rake in intellectual and public political activities. discourse on the understanding of the 10 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE revised ‘Women’s Empowerment Policy’ senior women officials of the CTA and for those who have experienced gender and to garner recommendations on the was adopted by the Kashag following based harassment and discrimination. effective implementation of the clauses due consultations and comprehensive of the policy. He further highlighted His deliberations with women from all Based on the WEP policy, the Holiness the Dalai Lama’s emphasis on walks of life including ground level conference will feature four plenary promoting women’s leadership in the women leaders, students, teachers, nuns, sessions–Governance and Leadership, world, and quoted a recent remark made homemakers, etc. Mainstreaming Gender Perspectives into by His Holiness at a National Women’s the Development Process, Achieving Parliament that ‘In order to produce The revised women empowerment Social Empowerment of Women and warm hearted and compassionate policy outlines seven key points in Tackling Sexual and Gender Based humanity, women should take more its stated objective of making Tibetan Violence. Today’s plenary session on active role in promoting deeper human women equal partners in all aspects Governance and Leadership will be led values. In all professions, we need of Tibetan society. The points include by esteemed speakers including Kalon promotion of values.’ Women and human rights, Education, Karma Gelek Yuthok, Department of Health, Economy, Governance and Religion and Culture, Mr Lobsang Jinpa, The Home Kalon hoped that the vast Leadership, Social, and Sexual and Secretary of His Holiness the Dalai participation of over 300 Tibetan women Gender-based Violence (SGBV). On Lama, Ms Lynda Lepcha, corporate and women will bode well for further Sexual and Gender-based Violence, the trainer and author, Kalon Ngodup scope in empowering our community. Kashag has promised to adopt a zero Tsering, Department of Education, The revised seven-point women tolerance policy. It further promised to Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, Health empowerment policy was drafted by a sensitise community members on SGBV Department, Ms Asha Ramesh, Gender committee composed almost entirely of and establish a redressal mechanism and Development Activist.

Sikyong wishes everyone on Losar (Tibetan New Year) Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay extended Losar is an important traditional festival 34th Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya Losar greetings to Tibetans inside of Tibet, and therefore it is celebrated and the Kalachakra initiation turned out and outside Tibet on the occasion of with wholehearted thrill and joy to bring exceptionally well and successful for all traditional Tibetan New Year – Losar auspiciousness. However it is also an devotees. 2144 – the year of the fire bird. The occasion to look forward with renewed Tibetan new year begins from 27 – 01 hope and faith. Tibetan people have the During the Initiation, His Holiness the March 2017. Click here to watch the most precious responsibility to preserve Dalai Lama affirmed the prayers of the video message. our unique identity, rich culture, heritage Tibetan people and promised to live for and Tibetan Buddhist tradition. over a hundred years. This is an immense Sikyong’s Message: blessing to the Tibetan people. On that Meanwhile, the situation inside note, Tibetans should express gratitude in I, personally as well as on behalf of the Tibet continues to remain grim under their hearts and earnestly work towards Kashag, extend my heartiest greetings repression and oppression. Those of us fulfilling the aspirations of His Holiness and wish a happy Tibetan new year who are in exile should be aware of it the Dalai Lama. (Losar 2144 – Year of the Fire Bird) to and summon courage and determination our deeply revered spiritual leader His to carry forward the Tibetan freedom In conclusion, expressing my profound Holiness the Dalai Lama, heads of the movement-based on truth, justice and prayers for long life of His Holiness the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and non-violence. Dalai Lama, I once again extend my Bon religion, Tibetans living inside and heartiest greetings on the Tibetan new outside Tibet, the people and government This year, as requested by the Central year, and hope that Tibetans inside and of India, and friends of Tibet from all Tibetan Administration, His Holiness outside Tibet reunite soon. over the world. the Dalai Lama consented to give the

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Commences Ritual Ceremony for 34th Kalachakra Initiation Historically the Kalachakra is closely “Teaching on Shantideva’s A Guide to associated with the Dalai Lama and the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Chodjug) Namgyal Monastery, His Holiness said. and Kamalashila’s The Middling States His Holiness the 7th Dalai Lama first of Meditation (Gomrim Barpa). began providing Kalachakra Initiations to large communities of ordained and On the next day His Holiness the Dalai lay practitioners in Tibet during the 18th Lama, along with monks of Namgyal century. Since then the subsequent Dalai Monastery, led the Kalachakra venue Lamas have continued this tradition of consecration ceremony at the Kalachakra bestowing the Kalachakra Initiations. His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers prayers before teaching ground. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has the base for the Kalachakra Sand Mandala on the bestowed 33 Kalachakra Iitiations first day of the Kalachakra ritual ceremony at Bodh As part of the consecration ceremony, the Gaya, 2 January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR through out the world. monks of Namgyal Monastery performed for transformation of your mind and to ‘Earth Ritual Dance Ceremony’ later in the best your ability, try to integrate the Enlightening his disciples on motivation the afternoon. teachings and train your mind.” for drawing blessing from the Kalachakra “The purpose of receiving the Kalachakra teachings, His Holiness said: “Many of initiation is to make transformation you have come here, leaving the comforts within oneself. Therefore, having come of your home, for spiritual practice here for the Kalachakra, your goal and dharma. But regarding spirituality, should be that you will become better in you need to practice in order to draw your spiritual practice. If you can do that, the purpose of coming here is served.” His Holiness advised his devotees.

Regarding the transformation of mind, it His Holiness the Dalai Lama looks on as monks cannot happen by receiving teaching in from Namgyal Monastery perform the Earth Ritual Dance on the second day of preparations few days. You are sowing the seed for for the Kalachakra Empowerment in Bodhgaya, enlightenment, he said. Bihar, India on January 3, 2017. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL His Holiness conduct the ritual ceremony His Holiness concludes the ritual His Holiness the Dalai Lama walking towards to consecrate venue for the next two ceremony following which he start the the main chapel of the Kalachakra teaching days and therefore, told the devotees to accompanied by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, 2 preliminary teachings on Shantideva’s use the time to make pilgrimage at holy January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of places in and around Bodh Gaya. blessings of the Kalachakra. Through Life (Chodjug) and Kamalashila’a The mere prayers, you can’t draw this kind of Middling States of Meditation. On 5 January, His Holiness begins the inspiration and therefore you must strive Obituary: Karma Tsewang Gyurmey, former settlement officer of Pokhara Tashi Palkhyil Mr Karma Tsewang Gyurmey was born cooperative society till 1991 and was the in 1927 in Ngari region of western chairman of the local Tibetan assembly Tibet to father Dawa Tenzin and mother for many years. Rinchen Khando. Before coming into exile in 1962, he served as the headman He has spent more than 29 years of his of Dong Bharyang, his ancestral village life in the service of Tibet and the Tibetan in Tibet for several years. people. Late Mr Karma Tsewang Gyurmey (1927 – 2017) Mr Karma Tsewang Gyurmey, former After coming into exile, he was appointed The Department of Home, Central Tibetan settlement officer of Tashi as the settlement officer of Tashi Palkhyil Tibetan Administration, expressed its Palkhyil in Pokhara, Nepal, passed away settlement in Pokhara, Nepal, by His deep condolences and prays for his noble on 6 January 2017 after a prolonged Holiness the Dalai Lama. He also served rebirth. illness. as the manager of the regional Tibetan 12 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2017 FOCUS

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Begins Preliminary Teachings of 34th Kalachakra His Holiness the Dalai Lama began the first of the four days preliminary teachings on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisatva’s Way of Life (Tib: Chodjug) and Kamalashila’s The Middling Stages of Meditation (Tib: Gomrim Barpa) at Bodh Gaya.

The preliminary teachings began with recitation of Heart Sutra in Pali, Sanskrit and Tibetan language, salutation from Abhisamayalankara and one verse of the mandala offering.

Before commencing the main teaching, His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeted the audience and met with members of sponsors and dignitaries. Members of audience listening to His Holiness’ teaching on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisatva’s Way of Life (Tib: Chodjug) His Holiness said that he had been keen contributing to the world through their communities as well. Living divided on giving teachings to the devotees rich traditional knowledge. “The cultural won’t fit in today’s reality.” that would really benefit them in their tradition and knowledge of Tibet is a daily lives. The chosen texts: Chodjug, treasure for the world. Through the “Although we pray for all sentient beings, Bodhisattva’s way of life consists of ten knowledge of our cultural heritage, we we cannot really do much for them. In chapters dedicated to the development of could make immense contribution to the the practical sense, what we can do is Bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment) world. Tibetan ancestors worked really promote love and compassion through through the practice of the six perfections; hard to have the study of logic, science secular means and not through religious The Middling Stages of Meditation lays of mind and epistemology translated views,” His Holiness observed. emphasis on the sequential understanding in Tibetan language. We should strive of the practice of teaching of Buddha. to benefit the world with these ancient Contending that people of all faiths knowledge.” should respect and accept the common His Holiness said he received the message, His Holiness said, “All explanatory transmission of the He emphasised that his main religions and beliefs are beneficial for Bodhisattva’s Way of Life from Khunnu commitments, since he devolved the the followers and therefore it all must Lama Rinpoche in Bodh Gaya and the political authority in 2011, has been to co-exist peacefully. But all traditions transmission of The Middling Stages of work for promotion of human values; have same message and that is love, Meditation from a Sakya abbot. promotion of religious harmony; and compassion, helping heart. The goal is the preservation of Tibet’s rich cultural to promote love and compassion. The His Holiness explained that it is more heritage. philosophical differences are needed important to put dharma to practice, because of the difference in our mental rather than praying and performing Speaking about universal responsibility dispositions.” rituals. “Whatever dharma discourse and promotion of oneness of humanity, we do, its important to turn the dharma His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he “As a Buddhist monk, even in dreams I into practice. We are doing this dharma considers himself as one among the always feel that I am a monk. From my discourse in accordance to perfection of seven billion human beings. “Although own experience I know that the practice wisdom teaching, therefore we will have I am sitting on this throne to introduce of teaching helps me and therefore I feel to do the practice of cultivating spirit of the teaching of Buddha, we are all same that people who follow their religion enlightenment in order to pray for all human being. Irrespective of whether sincerely, could really benefit from their sentient beings.” we are believers or non-believers, we practice,” he opined. all want happiness and do not want His Holiness, very passionately, spoke suffering. Moreover environmentally His Holiness then started the formal about the need for Tibetan Buddhists and economically, we are living as one teachings of the text of Shantideva’s A to bring primary focus on quality in human community. If something is going Guide to the Bodhisatva’s Way of Life their religious pursuits and focus on wrong in one community, it affects other (Tib: Chodjug).

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Leads an Interfaith Prayer for World Peace at 34th Kalachakra

encouraged them to continue the efforts.

A Jain representative, in his remarks, expressed deep reverence and admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his leadership in promoting religious harmony. “His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is supreme leader among the global interfaith congregation. He has taught the world the teaching of all religions are to bind people together; not break them. Due to the blessings of His Holiness, this kind of conference are going on all over the world,” he said.

Describing His Holiness as an world icon for love and compassion, a Sikh His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the leaders of major world religious traditions at the 34th Kalachakra representative said, “His Holiness the at Bodh Gaya. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR Dalai Lama is the only leader who can On the occasion the 34th Kalachakra mental dispositions and mindsets. It drive the world citizens towards the path Initiation for world peace, The Tibetan is impossible to have all the 7 billion of compassion and peace. In this world, spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai people follow one religion and be able to if everyone should look up to someone Lama, inaugurated an interfaith prayer, benefit from it as effectively.” for guidance in compassion, it can only along with representatives of major world be achieved through the teachings of His religious traditions at the Kalachakra He further emphasised that even within Holiness the Dalai Lama.” teaching ground, Bodh Gaya. one tradition as Buddhism, there are different vehicles and philosophical The representatives had attended the Inaugurating the ceremony, leaders of tenets to benefit different followers. ceremony of 350th birth anniversary of major religious traditions including “Similarly, we are all following the same Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru, Hindu, Islam, Jain and Sikh joined message but practising different religions at Patna. Prime Minister Shri Narendra together in prayers for world peace, inorder to reap effective benefits.” Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Shri promotion of religious harmony and Nitish Kumar had graced the celebration. promotion of common message of love Offering India as a model of religious and compassion. harmony and brotherhood, His Holiness said, “I think religious harmony in His Holiness the Dalai Lama exchanged India is truly wonderful. Although there an emotional greeting with the are occasional problems created by representatives and expressed his delight mischievous people, India is one among at being able to gather the major religious the 200 countries in the world where all leaders and share their messages of love different religions coexist harmoniously and brotherhood at the holiest Buddhist since thousands of years.” pilgrimage in the world. Inorder to mark the auspicious event, Reiterating one of his lifelong His Holiness and the religious leaders His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the commitments for promotion of participated in symbolic ceremonies interfaith gathering and prayer held on fifth day of 34th Kalachakra teachings at Bodh Gaya, 6 religious harmony, His Holiness said such as tree-planting and pouring water January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR it’s important to establish harmonious over a model of globe which symbolises relationship among religious beliefs cleansing and rejuvenating the earth. His Holiness resumed his teachings on the understanding that different on Shantideva’s A Guide to the philosophical views suit and benefit His Holiness applauded the spirit and Bodhisatva’s Way of Life (Tib: Chodjug) different people. “For 7 billion contribution of the representatives and Kamalashila’s The Middling Stages human beings, there are different in their respective communities and of Meditation (Tib: Gomrim Barpa).

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I hope His Holiness will Confer the Kalachakra in Tibet in the Future

As the most prominent Buddhist didn’t have any money then”, chuckled Loseling monastery, Tibet said, “Some teaching, the Kalachakra Initiation Lobsang. people opined that this could be the last concludes in Bodh Gaya, one could see Kalachakra. But I don’t think it’s true. thousands of devotees, young and old, Like Lobsang Choedon, Thupten I have seen His Holiness up and close. throng the streets to receive a glimpse of Ngodup, a 78-year-old destitute, from His Holiness is very healthy. I hope His their most revered spiritual leader, His Phendeling Old People’s Home and Holiness the Dalai Lama will confer the Holiness the Dalai Lama. 93-year-old Choedon from Kalimpong Kalachakra in Tibet in the future.” have both received the first kalachakra Among the sundry of devotees, an old teachings in Tibet. man, bundled in a puffer jacket, smiles The Central Tibetan Administration through his toothless lip and prays From the pain of leaving behind one’s arranged for over four hundred senior with his rosary. 90-year-old Lobsang home-country to coping with challenges citizens to receive the 34th Kalachakra Choedon from Phendeling Old People’s in exile, one thing the senior citizens Initiation at Bodh Gaya. Home, Mundgod has received 11 remain hopeful about is a future in Tibet. Kalachakra teachings from His Holiness While their life were spent in the throes Although their body has shrunk into lean the Dalai Lama. The first time being in of unrelenting challenges in exile, it is sloughed shoulders, eyes bespectacled Tibet in 1954 in Norbulingka, Lhasa yet again made beautiful with their hope and voices childish treble, yet within before the Chinese invasion of Tibet. to return once again to their motherland. them burns the flame of hope, the hope to His eyes sparkled as he reminisced see His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibet, the first Kalachakra conferred in exile 87-year-old Dakpa Sangyal from conferring the Kalachakra teaching once in Dharamshala in 1970. “That time Lugsam Samdupling Old People’s again. there were very few people because we Home, Bylakuppe, a former monk at

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Sikyong Pays Tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Indian Government on Auspicious Initiation of 34th Kalachakra

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, in to receive the teachings virtually from an address at the 34th Kalachakra their respective settlements.” gathering, expressed his profound gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai “Most importantly, as His Holiness Lama for conferring the 34th Kalachakra has affirmed, our brothers and sisters teaching at the request of Central Tibetan living inside Tibet can also receive the Administration, and also thanked the blessing of the Kalachakra teaching central and local Indian administration through prayers,” Sikyong exulted, for support and assistance. welcoming the auspicious start of the 34th Kalachakra Initiation. “On behalf of the Tibetan people, I offer Sikyong addressing devotees at the 34th Kalachakra my deepest gratitude and reverence to Sikyong further informed that the teaching at Bodh Gaya, 7 January, 2017. Photo/ His Holiness the Dalai Lama for blessing Tibetan spiritual leader is very healthy Tenzin Phende/DIIR us with the 34th Kalachakra Initiation. and urged Tibetans to continue their Secondly, I extend special thanks to efforts in accumulating collective merit He further informed the gathering that Bihar CM Shri Nitish Kumar for taking a of Tibetan people. secular ethics as prescribed by His personal initiative and all the concerned Holiness the Dalai Lama will soon authorities for providing us as much “The Central Tibetan Administration be implemented in Tibetan schools facilities and assistance as we sought has fervently encouraged Tibetans to education system. in organising the Kalachakra.” Sikyong accumulate and enhance collective merit said. of the Tibetan people inorder to ensure Concluding his remarks, Sikyong long and healthy life of our supreme appealed all devotees to participate in Marking the soaring number of physical leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. the teaching in good and kind spirit. and virtual participation in the 34th The most effective means is through “As attendees of the teaching, you are Kalachakra teaching, he said. “On top accumulating virtuous deeds and all now spiritual friends for this life of the 200,000 devotees attending the implementing his teachings.” and therefore begin the practice of His teaching here at Bodh Gaya, we have over Holiness’ teaching from here and move 150,000 people from all over the world The Tibetan political leader prided the on to spread to the world,” he told. participating in the Kalachakra teaching growing acclamation for His Holiness through our live telecast. For those the Dalai Lama across the world and said The Tibetan political leader also thanked Tibetans who were not able to attend His Holiness’ noble vision and thoughts sponsors of 34th Kalachakra, the staff this teaching, CTA arranged a direct are being implemented as models in of Central Tibetan Administration and WiFi access and enabled thousands of schools and in the leading modern volunteers for their selfless work. Tibetans in over 15 Tibetan settlements science communities. Obituary: CTA Mourns Demise of Mr Ngawang Dhondup Narkyi

As a mark of respect to the deceased, a completed Tsedung in 1948. He was prayer service was organised at Gangkyi member of Reformation Committee in Nyatri hall from 02:00 -03:00 PM to pray 1957. He also did Mayor of Lhasa in for his noble rebirth. All the offices of 1958. In 1959 he escaped from Tibet and the Central Tibetan Administration were continued his service in Central Tibetan shut after the prayer service as an official Administration. gesture of mourning. He worked as Secretary for Department The eulogy for the late former Secretary of Information and International Late Ngawang Dhondup Narkyid (1931-2017) was delivered by Topgyal Tsering Relations from 1960-68. He also worked Zongkha, secretary of the Kashag. in Library of Tibetan Works and Archives The Central Tibetan Administration from 1971-78. (CTA), expressed its deep sympathies Ngawang Dhondup Narkyid was born in and condolences at the demise of Mr 6 September 1931 in Dagpo in U-tsang Since 1983, he worked in Private Office Ngawang Dhondup Narkyid , a former province. He had an illustrious education of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and even Secretary. He passed away at 09:05 PM in 1942 beginning from his schooling worked on biography of His Holiness the on 13 February 2017 at the age of 87. at the Tse School in the Potala and Dalai Lama. 16 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2017 FOCUS Kalachakra Organising Committee Provides the Best Facilities Leaving the Devotees Happy and Contented Devotees residing in the tents provided staying in the tents. The subcommittee The subcommittee on electrical power by the organising committee of the has provided four different kinds of supply is headed by Mr Sonam Tenzing, 34th Kalachakra expressed their deep tents, namely EP tents, Dormitory tents, Additional Secretary of Tibet Policy satisfaction over the excellent facilities Swiss cottage tents and Plywood rooms. Institute. This subcommittee works made available for them. in close cooperation with the Bihar There are 855 EP tents with Governemnt and India Power House. accommodation capacity of 8 This subcommittee provides electricity individuals each, 40 dormitory tents to 2735 electric bulbs, 3645 sockets and with accommodation capacity of 30 charging points through four electric individuals each, 170 premium quality transformers. Four large generators are Swiss cottage tents with accommodation always on standby to provide instant capacity of 4 individuals each and 285 electricity in case of power cuts. plywood rooms with a capacity of 6 individuals each. The sound and display subcommittee is headed by Mr Jigme Tsering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay inspection visit to the The tents are guarded round the clock Acting Secretary of the Public Service temporary tent city near Magadh University on by volunteers from the Tibetan Youth Commission. The subcommittee handles Monday, 9 January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR Congress to pre-empt thefts or any the sound system and telecast of the other untoward incidents. Fifty students Kalachakra teachings through 16 large Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay made an from Benares Hindu University are also LEDs and 18 television in the main inspection visit to the temporary tent city providing voluntary services in terms teaching ground and at the two mega near Magadh University on Monday, 9 of keeping the area clean. The state tents outside the teaching ground. The January, housing a major chunk of the government of Bihar has also provided subcommittee also facilitates media over 2 lakh devotees. assistance in terms of security personnel section of DIIR and the 20 FM booths and emergency fire relief services as well established to provide simultaneous During the visit, Sikyong held frank as regular transport vehicles to and from translations of His Holiness the Dalai interactions with the residents and the main teaching ground. Lama’s teachings in various languages. inquired about the availability of regular The Kalachakra Reception subcommittee power and water supplies, maintenance The subcommittee for water and headed by Mr Tashi Topgyal, Acting and cleanliness services, and suggestions sanitation is headed by Mr Karma to further improve the facilities. Choeying, Additional secretary from the department of Home. This sub The devotees expressed their contentment committee takes care of water supplies with the facilities and thanked the Central for the devotees staying in the tents and Tibetan Administration for the effective provision of running water in the toilet organising of the Kalachakra. and bathrooms- over 300 toilets, 160 urinals, 260 bathrooms and more than The 34th Kalachakra initiation by His one hundred water taps. Holiness the Dalai Lama, which is on The subcommittee for water and sanitation pro- its way to becoming one of the largest The public health and education vides drinking water to residents. Photo/Tenzin congregation of Tibetan Buddhists in department of the Bihar Government Phende/DIIR recent history, is organised by the Central has also facilitated five borewells at Secretary, Office of Auditor General, Tibetan Administration. the request of the Central Tibetan CTA oversees reception arrangement for Administration to provide adequate revered lamas, rinpoches and dignitaries. The Central Tibetan Administration has water supply to the devotees. They have The subcommittee has provided 11 constituted a core organising committee also provided a 5000 litre water tank to vehicles for the use of CTA officials and and sub-committes to oversee the store water during the teachings. dignitaries. preparations of the Kalachakra. This subcommittee is also looking after The subcommittee for collection of The subcommittee for tents is headed the maintenance of the more than 200 donations offered by devotees during the by Karma Senge, Acting Secretary of temporary toilets and urinals set up for teachings has provided 9 swipe machines Department of Education and looks after the devotees. for the convenience of devotees and is the accommodtion needs of the devotees supervised by 6 staff of CTA.

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Confers the 34th Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya

inside Tibet and thousands of Chinese in ourselves. So, in order to invigorate this China who couldn’t attend the teachings potential, we are taking the initiations,” because of a travel restrictions imposed he told the devotees. by the Chinese government. His Holiness said, “There are people in China and His Holiness advised the devotees to Tibetans inside Tibet who have difficulty reflect on the principles of Bodhichitta coming here. So I have told them that if and wisdom of emptiness at all times they could keep their devotion strong and during the teachings. He said the union direct their mind towards the Kalachakra of wisdom and compassionate action is teachings for today and following days, indispensable for a practitioner to attain His Holiness the Dalai Lama preside over the torma, ritual cake offering ceremony to confer the they could receive the initiation through higher realisation, adding that every 34th Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya, the power of their faith and will.” individual with intelligence has the 11 January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR potential for altruism. The Tibetan spiritual leader His “As mentioned in Vinaya, there was Holiness the Dalai Lama conferred the an ordination given by way of letters. Adressing the practitioners, His Holiness actual Kalachakra Initiation for World So similarly with the modern tool of said the wish to free from cyclic existence Peace and Harmony in the most sacred communication, the Tibetans and Chinese is the most important requirement for Buddhist pilgrimage site, Bodh Gaya. could visualise taking the initiation. As a practitioner inorder to receive the we go through the teachings here, if Kalachakra yoga tantra initiation. He The key purpose of the initiation is to they could accordingly, think and follow said, “To confer the highest yoga tantra provide an opportunity for people from my instructions, then they will receive initiation, as i explained if you don’t have all walks of life to gather in a peaceful the initiation from today onwards,” His wish to be free from cyclic of existence atmosphere to listen to teachings on Holiness said while offering prayers for it is difficult to become Buddhist compassion and to reinvigorate the dispelling any obstacles that they may practitioner. With an understanding of compassionate and enlightened nature face in taking the initiation. impermanence and enlightenment, you of all beings. For vigorous Buddhist Leading into the main initiation, His should identify the negative emotions practitioners, the Kalachakra initiation is and have the wish to overcome them. the foremost tantric yoga practice. Most importantly, cultivate the wish to liberate all sentient beings across the The main teaching ground and the space from suffering.” adjoining streets were packed with devotees including monks, nuns, Inorder to motivate devotees towards incarnate lamas and laypeople. compassionate action and thought, His According to the Kalachakra Organising Holiness bestowed the Bodhichitta vow Committee, the 34th kalachakra has and tantric vows. attracted more than 200,000 devotees Thousands of devotees following the instructions from 92 countries, making it one of the of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he confers the Sakya Gongma Rinpoche, Gyalwang 34th Kalachakra Initiation, 11 January 2017. Karmapa Rinpoche, Gaden Tripa highest attended Kalachakra in recent Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR history. Lobsang Tenzin, Rizong Rinpoche, Holiness guided his disciples on grasping former Gaden Tripa, Taklung Shabdung The conferment of the main initiation the essence of the Kalachakra teachings. Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche, Kalon trisur began with recitation of heart sutra, “We have come across the profound and Professor Samdong Rinpoche, Jangtse offering of homage to holy dharma and extensive teaching of Buddha, which has Choje Rinpoche, Sharpa Choje Rinpoche the emaculate masters of the Tibetan been clarified by masters like Nagarjuna and many other venerable lamas took part Buddhist tradition, ritual cake offering and his disciples. The essence of these in the first day conferment of Kalachakra and the offering of mandala by Sikyong teachings come down to bodhichitta Initiation at Bodh Gaya. Dr Lobsang Sangay. and wisdom of emptiness. It is not just about recieving some blessing, but since Kalons, secretaries and officials of While introducing the Kalachakra we have the potential for attaining the Central Tibetan Administration, along teaching to the devotees, His Holiness four buddha bodies and these potentials with sponsors and other dignitaries were the Dalai Lama remembered the Tibetans are manifested more and more within also present.

18 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2017 FOCUS Connecting Faith Through Technology—Why the 34th Kalachakra is a Divine Gift for the World The 34th Kalachakra Initiation by His could visualize taking the initiation. As Holiness the Dalai Lama, which attracted we go through the teachings here, if they people of faith from across the globe, is could accordingly, think and follow my special for many reasons. It is taking instructions. I will pray for all of them place in Bodh Gaya, the land where and then they will receive the initiation Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, is from today onwards.” being organized by the Central Tibetan Administration for the first time in exile Beijing based Tibetan writer Tsering history and the entire initiation was Woeser, winner of 2010 Courage broadcast Live on Tibet TV. in Journalism award expressed her Beijing based Tibetan Writer Tsering Woeser indomitable faith in His Holiness the receiving the Kalachakra Teachings via Live According to Tibetan Political Leader Webcast. Photo: Pazu Kong Dalai Lama and her spiritual fulfillment Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, “Besides over having received the Kalachakra the 200,000 devotees attending the “The response from across the globe is Initiation through the Live Webcast. teaching from 92 countries here at Bodh overwhelming. We are inundated with Gaya, we have over 150,000 people online messages from viewers from Tibet based Tibetan writer Tashi Rabten from all over the world participating in scores of nations: from China to Chile, (Theurang) shared a moving image the Kalachakra teaching through our live from South Africa to Sri Lanka, thanking of an elderly Tibetan woman in Tibet broadcast of the event.” us for the broadcast,” said Tsering receiving the Kalachakra teaching online Yangkey, Additional Secretary, DIIR. and wrote ‘travel permits can be seized The Office of His Holiness the Dalai but the devotion in our heart cannot be Lama broadcasted the Kalachakra Tibetans in Tibet who couldn’t attend subdued.’ Initiation in eight languages: English, the Kalachakra initiation owing to travel Chinese, Tibetan, Vietnamese, Hindi, restrictions and China’s recall policy, CTA arranged for public screening of the Korean, Russian and Mongolian. have been assured by His Holiness the Live Webcast in the Tibetan settlements Dalai Lama that they will receive the in India to benefit the exile Tibetans, mostly the senior citizens who couldn’t attend the Kalachakra.

“It is my dream to attend the Kalachakra but I couldn’t do so because of my age and ill-health. It is quite unbelievable that I am able to receive the teachings daily through Tibet TV and attain ordination despite being away in a remote village in Ladakh. I now feel blessed by the living Buddha, His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” said Tseten Dorjee, 80, Ladakh.

Organized screening of the Live Webcast were also arranged by volunteer groups in India, Nepal and the United States.

Public Screeing of Live Webcast of Kalachakra in Majnukatilla. Photo: Kalsang Jigme/ In Frame “The Live Broadcast of the Kalachakra Tibet TV, CTA’s official web-station initiation in spirit. is a successful model of connecting streamed the teachings live on its faith through technology. By leveraging YouTube and Facebook page. On the first day of Actual Kalachakra technology, we have been able to reach out Initiation, His Holiness remembered to a global audience including devotees “This is the first time we used the the absentee devotees and said, “As in Tibet and China, and offer them the Facebook live video feature for mentioned in Vinaya, there was an divine gift of virtual participation in Kalachakra. Tibet TV’s Facebook page ordination given by way of letters. the auspicious Kalachakra Initiation,” registered a record 3-million reach So similarly with the modern tool said Dhardon Sharling, Information during the Kalachakra and garnered over of communication, the Tibetans and Secretary, DIIR. 200,000 views for a single broadcast,” Chinese and devotees across the globe said Namgyal Tsewang, Tibet TV. having faith in the Kalachakra Teachings JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 19 FOCUS

34th Kalachakra Initiation Concludes with Long Life Prayer Offering

On the finale of the 34th Kalachakra Initiation, a day marked with spectacular offering of long life prayer to the highest revered spiritual leader of the Tibetan people by Central Tibetan Administration, International Tibetan Business Association and Worshipping Congregation from the Himalayas of Nepal, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a powerful moral message for all Tibetan people across the world from Bodh Gaya on 14 January 2017.

Tibetans worldwide have gained a reputation as being kindhearted and generous people, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, while presiding over the Avalokiteshwara empowerment ceremony in the morning. “Many of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay the Chinese visitors to Tibet have said and Richard Gere, longtime Tibet supporter during the closing ceremony of the 34th Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya, 14 January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR Tibetans in Tibet are very good people and Tibetans in other countries across are followers of the same teaching of Tibetans had come from Tibet to attend the world, are equally praised for their Buddha and the 17 Nalanda masters.” the teachings but they were called back. kindness and warmheartedness. We They were told that their family members must hold up these good qualities and The Tibetan spiritual emboldened the will be punished if they didn’t return. continue expressing these values for the spirit and aspirations of the Tibetan So these actions, on the part of Chinese people by reasserting that he would live government, do not help anyone. They for atleast 100 years and take rebirth talk about harmony and stability but their to continue to serve humanity. “I have actions are opposed to these goals,” His reached 81 years of age and I can see the Holiness criticised. benefit that I can do to others. Tibetans have a special karmic connection with The closing ceremony of the 34th me. As long as i am able to benefit you, I Kalachakra was hailed as an unmitigated should live to that extent to do my best,” success with the presence of honorable His Holiness said, during the long life Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish prayer offering ceremony led by Central Kumar as the chief guest, District His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing Tibetan Administration, International Magistrate, dignitaries of the Gaya devotees during the closing ceremony of the 34th Tibetan Business Association and district administration, heads of the Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya, 14 January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR Worshipping Congregation from the various schools of Tibetan Buddshim, Himalayas of Nepal. other leading members of the monastic people of the world,” he said, expressing communities, sponsoring party of gratification over the relentless Recalling to mind a prayer made by His the 34th Kalachakra, leading and perseverance of the Tibetan people. Holiness the first Dalai Lama, Gedrun former dignitaries of Central Tibetan Drup, on taking rebirth in impure lands, Administration, actor and longtime Tibet He told them to move on with those to assuage sufferings of sentient beings, supporter Mr Richard Gere, members of principles in heart and to shed the warped the 14th Dalai Lama said he feels organising committee and packed crowd sense of biases to regions and sects. “I inspired to follow the example. of 200,000 devotees from all corners of urge Tibetans everywhere to remove the world. their regional and sectarian partisanship Addressing the Chinese government’s from their thoughts, words and actions. recall of Tibetans devotees attending the Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, in It is wrong to create these superfluous Kalachakra Initiation, His Holiness said his address, conveyed deepest gratitude differences as sects and regions; its such actions on the part of the government to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for small minded. Remember that all of us only contradicts their proclaimed goal conferring Kalachakra teaching for the of harmony and stability. “So many of fifth time in the state of Bihar.

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Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the patron individual with a warm heart and healthy of the Kalachakra organising committee body can help other people and they and the political leader of the Tibetan will in turn help the next person, that people, extended hearty greetings in way the practice of compassion could different languages. He exhorted that exponentially increase throughout the the most important reciprocation for world. Bodhichitta is sense of taking His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s blessings responsibility of all sentient beings. and teachings is to heed his advice and It is not only matter of dharma but in continue to strengthen the collective accordance with reality. Buddhism merit of the Tibetan people. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the emphasises the practice of love and closing ceremony of the 34th Kalachakra Initiation compassion through reason. From your Celebrating the auspicious and smooth at Bodh Gaya, 14 January 2017. Photo/Tenzin individual pursuit of happiness, or for conclusion of 34th Kalachakra, Sikyong Phende/DIIR world peace and harmony, you need the said, “To all those who have attended boundless teachings that has united principles of Bodhichitta,” His Holiness the teaching in person, and all those all the people of different culture and said firmly. in Tibet, China and around the world nationality together to take part in the who were following the teachings, His teaching. The practice of the Kalachakra Calling attention on preserving the Holiness the Dalai Lama have blessed Initiation is for the benefit of all sentient classic teachings of Buddha, he pressed each one of you to receive the teachings. beings and it will really enhance love the leaders of Buddhist community to The 34th Kalachakra, organised with the and compassion in the world.” focus on producing more learned people sole objective to spread peace around the in the study of Buddhism. “If we are world, has been exceptionally successful He offered prayers for His Holiness to live able to produce more learned people in and best organised.” for 113 years as revealed in prophecies the study of Buddhism, the teaching will and thanked him for supporting the be preserved for long time. Otherwise, There is no greater venue to receive the complete alcohol ban in Bihar, a policy mere festivities will not preserve the kalachakra teachings than the seat of initiated by the CM himself. The Indian teaching,” His Holiness said, adding that Buddha’s enlightenment and no greater leader said he feels inspired by His the Tibetan people with its knowledge teacher than the Buddha of compassion Holiness’ words and will do more for the of nalanda tradition has been able to himself, Sikyong said in words of betterment of the people of Bihar. preserve the Buddhist tradition alive. reverence for His Holiness the Dalai His Holiness commended the excellent Lama. He further offered prayers for His Hollywood actor and long time supporter preparation by the organising committee Holiness the Dalai Lama to be able to of the Tibetan people, Richard Gere said of 34th Kalachakra and said there was no confer Kalachakra Initiation in Lhasa in in his brief address, “Tibetan brothers and future. sisters inside Tibet are really the focus of our love and compassion. For many of The Tibetan political leader reiterated his them, the voyage to Bodh Gaya has been commitment towards the welfare of the made especially difficult by the Chinese Tibetan people, especially on educating government. Many of them who came Tibetan youth. here had to go back for fear of losing their job, education, identity and security.” He He thanked the Chief Minister Shri hoped that the extraordinary teachings Nitish Kumar for taking a personal of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will inspire more kindness, compassion and His Holiness the Dalai Lama waves to devotees as initiative in the organising of the the 34th Kalachakra Initiation concludes at Bodh kalachakra, the Indian finance ministry transformation in the world. Gaya, 14 January 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/ and RBI for granting special ATM DIIR facilities, District Magistrate Kumar The loudest applause at the ceremony Ravi, SSP Mrs Garima Malik, all the was reserved for His Holiness the Dalai dearth of facilities and arrangements on security personnel and staff of the 34th Lama, the supreme spiritual leader of the part of Central Tibetan Administration Kalachakra organising committee for the Tibetan people, who called all his in ensuring smooth teaching experience their support and concerted efforts in the devotees to carry a warm heart as they for all. success of the Kalachakra. return home and practice the Bodhichita, mind of compassion and view of The chairman of the organising “As people of Bihar, we are honoured emptiness in their thoughts and actions committee, Kalon Ven Karma Gelek and privileged to be able to serve in from today onwards. Yuthok recited the financial account organising the 34th Kalachakra teaching of the 34th Kalachakra Initiation. The here in Bodh Gaya, for the fifth time “Having discussed dharma for the last vote of thanks was delivered by vice by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is many days, you should be able to go chairman Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, the blessing of His Holiness and his back home with a warm heart. An Department of Health, CTA. JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 21 FEATURE

His Holiness Participates in Inauguration of National Women’s Parliament dalailama.com It was chilly and dark when His Holiness the Dalai Lama left his Delhi hotel and start a journey that would take him to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. Fog at Gannavaram Airport delayed the landing of his flight, but Andhra Pradesh Speaker, Dr Kodela Siva Prasada Rao, Ministers Palle Raghunatha Reddy and D Umamaheshwara Rao as well as Vijayawada Police Commissioner Gautam Sawang were waiting to welcome him with bouquets and breakfast. He told journalists who flocked to catch a word from him that peace of mind was essential to human happiness and that he was happy to return to Andhra Pradesh, which he regards as home to great Buddhist masters of the past like Nagarjuna. His Holiness the Dalai Lama along with fellow speakers at the National Women Parliament’s inaugural ceremony pose for a group photo after lighting the traditional lamp in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India on February 10, 2017. Photo by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL Morning was warm and bright as His Holiness drove to the venue of the first of the Krishna and Godavari rivers and “Although I usually start by greeting my National Women’s Parliament, a huge adjacent to a region associated with brothers and sisters, today I’d like first marquee at Ibrahimpatnam on the way Nagarjuna of whom His Holiness counts to salute my elder sisters and younger to Amaravati. Andhra Pradesh Chief himself a student. He added that NT sisters, and then my younger brothers as Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu was Rama Rao, founder of the Telugu Desam well. delighted to receive him and escort him Party that he now leads had paved the way inside. His Holiness spent some time in by introducing women’s property rights It is my fundamental belief that we are all conversation with him and fellow guests and better educational opportunities. He the same as human beings. All 7 billion Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Smt Kiran Bedi, reiterated his aim of fully empowering human beings alive today are essentially Smt Ela Ben Bhatt before they took their women and introducing 33% reservation the same physically, mentally and places on the huge stage. for many opportunities for women. He emotionally. I believe we need to work hoped women’s dreams would become together with a sense of the oneness of The National Song and State Anthem a vision that in turn would become a humanity. Many of the problems we face were sung and an inaugural lamp reality. today are of our own making, deriving as was lit. Chairman of the Conference, they do from our tending to view others Speaker Dr Kodela Siva Prasada Rao Chief Guest, Union Minister for Urban in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’. welcomed guests and participants alike Development Shri M Venkaiah Naidu and introduced the occasion saying spoke spiritedly in a mixture of English, “Children don’t discriminate in this how privileged and happy he felt to Telugu and Hindi. He too announced way, they take others as they are. But, be participating in this first National how happy he was to attend the National as they grow up, they pay more attention Women’s Parliament. The aim, he said Women’s Parliament where women’s to the differences between us—such was to achieve women’s empowerment issues could be discussed, debated as nationality, religion and gender— and their increasing participation in and decided—the very principles of rather than to what we have in common. decision making as leaders. democracy. He noted that women Fundamentally, as human beings, we are already do a great deal of work caring the same. In a long, rousing speech, mostly in for their children, their families and their English, Chief Minister Chandrababu homes, but this work is not included in “I’m committed to the promoting a sense Naidu welcomed all the guests and the national GDP. He referred to women of sisterhood and brotherhood, based on members of the 10,000 strong audience. as unsung heroes. the oneness of humanity. I often tell people He expressed his deep happiness to be that in the early days of human society, hosting the event, remarking that he A short film introduced the extent of people hunted and gathered their food, regarded it as historic and significant that His Holiness’s activities to the audience sharing what whatever they had. Later, it should be taking place at the confluence before he was invited to address them. as agriculture and an idea of property emerged a need arose for leadership. And

22 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 FEATURE since physical strength was the criterion, perspective, whereas education should Opposition are women, asked why we men became predominant. Since then strengthen our basic human values. are still talking about the empowerment improved education has brought about of women, offering the reply that it’s the prospect of equality, but today our “Women should develop greater self- because it is still not a reality for most education system itself is inadequate. confidence. Don’t think of yourselves as women. She clarified that participatory Children are naturally honest, open and meek. You already have the potential to democracy has to be inclusive compassionate, but since these qualities develop compassion, but what you need democracy. are not regarded as relevant to making in addition is steadfast determination.” money or exerting power, they grow up Patron of the event, veteran Gandhian to adopt more material goals. His Holiness concluded that he had little Smt Ela Ben Bhatt asked if women really to add to the rousing ambitions of the have a voice if 48% of voters are women, “We have to make a greater effort to previous speakers who had spoken so but they only have 11% representation. promote kindness and compassion, eloquently, but he joined them in looking She added that women’s issues are the qualities in which women are more forward to the real uplift of women. nation’s issues. naturally adept, so the leadership of women is necessary if we are to succeed. Convenor of the meeting Shri Rahul Actress and goodwill ambassador Smt Karad explained how he had brought Manisha Koirala asked if anyone has seen “If the 21st century is to be different from the idea of a Parliament for Women to a bird fly with only one wing, suggesting the 20th we cannot be complacent with Shri Chandrababu Naidu’s attention and that it was as absurd as promoting the things as they are, if nothing changes had won his support. However, Naidu interests only of men, but limiting the there’ll be nothing but suffering. Here stipulated that it should take place under empowerment of women. She suggested and now we are peaceably discussing the auspices of the State Assembly which that in a patriarchal society the birth of a the empowerment of women, while is how the Speaker became Chairman of boy is celebrated with joy. Is it the same elsewhere people are killing each other. the meeting. Karad was fulsome in his for a girl? She reported that when she We have to recognise others as like our praise for the Chief Minister’s vision and was born and her grandfather was told sisters and brothers and if we do, we can commitment. he pulled a face. Her mother was hurt make the 21st century an era of peace. and wouldn’t speak to him for weeks and Kiran Bedi, who was the first woman to she herself was hurt when the story was “Peace in the world depends on peace be an officer of the Indian Police Service told to her much later. She recounted that within. If we have that we’ll approach and who has, since her retirement, when she was younger and encountered problems in a spirit of dialogue, become a social activist and politician, such double standards in the way men compassion and respect for the rights spoke next. She began by repeating and women were treated she rebelled of others—always a better solution “Hello everybody” until she received against them. than resorting to a use of weapons and an audible response from the audience. force. External disarmament depends She declared that women are as good as As His Holiness left the event, a steady on inner disarmament in which women the opportunities they get, whether they stream of well-wishers and other have a special role to play. In my are in the family, the village or wider members of the public hoping to pay own experience, my first teacher of community. If they get the opportunity their respects or take selfies with him compassion was my mother. I never saw there’s nothing to stop women reaching clustered around him. At the same time anger on her face. All 7 billion human for the top. Using opportunity to create journalists hefting video cameras and beings are born from a mother and most opportunity is a way to create leadership. others thrusting microphones in his of them enjoy the shelter of her affection. With courage women can be better direction clamoured to catch his views in parents, teachers and leaders. response to their questions. Eventually “Through experiment and investigation he reached his car and was able to leave scientists have concluded that basic She cited the example of the Swachh for his hotel. human nature is compassionate. This Bharat or Clean India campaign and her is a source of hope. They have also experience as Governor of Pondicherry established that women are more of the amount of money being poured For detailed news visit: sensitive to others’ suffering and distress. into cleaning drains that would not need www.tibet.net Since warriors and others who disrupt cleaning if people were more attuned to the peace are men, if the majority of our the disposal of rubbish. She believes that countries were led by women, I believe such common sense leadership comes the world would be a much safer place. easily to women and the money saved could be better used to support education. “We need not only warm-heartedness, but also to use our intelligence to the Smt Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker full. Anger clouds our intelligence and of the Parliament of Bangladesh, where our ability to look at things from a wider both Prime Minister and Leader of the

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Ground-breaking Ceremony for the South Asia Hub of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and a Public Talk dalailama.com are kings, queens, spiritual leaders or will be some problems, but we need to beggars. This is why having a sense of learn to deal with them through dialogue the oneness of humanity is important. without resort to the use of force. This Wherever I go and whoever I talk to I try will entail developing moral principles to promote this idea in an effort to break because it won’t be achieved on the basis down barriers between us. Whenever I of mistrust and jealousy.” can I smile which mostly prompts others to smile in return, making us both happy. Comparing the ancient civilizations of “Although we are physically, mentally Egypt, China and the Indus Valley, His Governor of Telangana State Mr. Ekkadu Srini- and emotionally the same, there are Holiness suggested that the Indus Valley vasan Lakshmi Narasimhan and His Holiness the differences between us. I’m Tibetan, I’m ultimately gave rise to the greatest Dalai Lama unveiling the foundation stone for the South Asia Hub of The Dalai Lama Center for Buddhist and I’m the Dalai Lama, but number of thinkers and varied schools Ethics in Hyderabad, Telangana, India on Febru- if I emphasize these differences it sets of thought, including Buddhism. Ancient ary 12, 2017. Photo by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL me apart and raises barriers with other Indian psychology with its profound His Holiness and HE ESL Narasimhan, people. What we need to do is to pay understanding of the workings of the Governor of Telangana, unveiled the more attention to the ways in which we mind and emotions has much to teach us foundation stone together and then took are the same as other people. today. part in a symbolic planting of saplings, which will grow on the campus. They “Most of the problems we face we “More than 30 years ago I entered into were joined in these observances by create ourselves by stressing secondary discussions with modern scientists Deputy Chief Minister, Mohammad differences of nationality, religious faith that have allowed Buddhists and Mahmood Ali and Minister of Industries, and so forth. How sad it is that today contemplatives to learn more about the MA&UD and IT Kalvankutla Taraka religion is becoming a cause of conflict physical world, but also for the scientists Rama Rao. The Governor remarked that and violence. When people are being to learn about the mind and emotions. peace is commonly invoked in Hindu killed in other parts of the world, we Ahimsa—non-violence motivated by ceremonies. His Holiness agreed and can’t remain complacent, we have to karuna—compassion is a way of dealing suggested that prayer also needs to be think of how to ensure the well-being of with destructive emotions. For more than augmented by action such as training the these suffering people.” 1000 years we Tibetans have kept these mind. traditions that flourished at Nalanda “Differences of nationality and ideology alive. Modern Indians today have a At the Hitex Open Arena nearby Ven that were important in the early 20th special opportunity to combine modern Tenzin Priyadarshi, founder of the century seem less powerful today. In education with the values and insights of Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Europe, having fought and killed each this ancient Indian heritage. Many young Transformative Values greeted an other for generations, after the Second people are already doing so. This Center audience of more than 1000 in the World War the European Union was for Ethics with its various programs and marquee and another 15000 online. He created. My physics tutor von Weizsäcker activities is making a contribution in this requested the Deputy Chief Minister, told me that in his youth in every French direction. I appreciate my friend here and Mohammad Mahmood Ali to formally and German eye the other was an enemy. the State Government for supporting it. welcome His Holiness and then invited But, by the 1990s, he said that had all KT Rama Rao to introduce him. His changed. Recognising that nothing good “The Center is named after the Dalai Holiness began his address in his comes from the destruction of war, Lama, but I am just one student of customary way. people had realized that it’s better to live the Nalanda Tradition, a student of together. It is this spirit of the European Nagarjuna. Nevertheless, when I visit “I always begin by greeting an audience Union that I admire and that we need to other countries I often tell people I meet as brothers and sisters, because I consider see adopted in other parts of the world— that I’m a messenger of ancient Indian myself to be just one among the 7 billion in Africa, Latin America and Asia. knowledge—a son of India. I justify this human beings who I view as brothers because my mind is filled with Nalanda and sisters. The way we are born and “In the long run I look forward to a global thought, while my body has been the way we die is the same whether we union and a demilitarized world. As long nourished for 58 years by Indian rice, dal as human beings are involved there and chapatis.”

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Speaks to Delegates from the First Tibetan Women’s Empowerment Conference dalailama.com His Holiness attributed this confidence to His Holiness also touched on recent the rigorous training he’d undertaken in proposals for the Dalai Lama Institute Tibet, which was founded on the system for Higher Education in conjunction originally established in the 8th century with the University of Mysore to offer by Shantarakshita. This combined an PhD programs for lay-people to study exploration of philosophy with a strict Buddhism and the inner science of the command of reason and logic. This mind. approach encourages investigating the topic in hand from different angles, Alluding to the position of women in something that can be useful in any Buddhism, His Holiness affirmed that His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at his residence to delegates participating in the first branch of education. the Buddha had described men and Tibetan Women’s Empowerment Conference in women as having equal potential and Dharamsala, HP, India on February 23, 2016. He observed that since scientists are had provided full ordination for both. Photo by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL increasingly recognising that a disturbed He discussed the as yet unresolved His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed state of mind is bad for our health, there difficulties in introducing or restoring the more than 300 delegates participating in is a growing appreciation of the need to Bhikshuni tradition, but pointed out that the first Tibetan Women’s Empowerment learn more about our emotions and most a specific Vajrayana precept encourages Conference. The conference, organised particularly how to tackle our destructive respect for women in forbidding looking by the CTA, has been taking place in emotions. down on them. Furthermore, in Tibet Gangchen Kyishong and has involved there was an established tradition for representatives of the Tibetan settlements “Many of the world’s problems can recognising female reincarnations such right across India. He began by asking if be attributed to anger,” His Holiness as Samding Dorje Phagmo. they were happy with the discussions explained. “The ever growing arms trade they’d been having and suggested that is based on a mixture of anger and fear Referring to the role of women in the rather than simply talk about gender and yet weapons bring no benefit. They world, His Holiness reported scientific equality it was better to work on putting don’t provide food. Their only function findings that women are more sensitive it into effect. is to maim and kill other human beings.” to the sufferings of others in addition to the great affection they provide as “We are all part of the 7 billion human Many Indian traditions pursued mothers. He explained how human beings alive today, but some of us are concentration in meditation and gathered society has developed from a time very well off, while elsewhere others are a deep understanding of the workings when hunter gatherers simply shared starving. I believe we can address this of the mind. Although this ancient what they had to the emergence of disparity if we work hard and develop knowledge has tended to be neglected agriculture and a sense of property. This self-confidence. That in turn depends on more recently in India, it was kept alive led to a need for leadership and since the cultivating inner strength and the root of in Tibet. What’s more, the efforts that criterion was largely physical strength, inner strength is developing compassion were made to translate mostly Sanskrit male dominance emerged. Education for others.” Buddhist literature into Tibetan resulted has since restored a degree of equality in a profound enrichment of the language between men and women. His Holiness Noting that Tibetans have been in exile such that today Tibetan is the medium wryly observed that since women are for almost 58 years, His Holiness recalled through which this ancient knowledge generally less aggressive than men, if meeting Indian leaders like Rajendra can most accurately be conveyed. more countries were led by women, Prasad and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the world would probably be a more who, in addition to being President His Holiness mentioned how he had peaceful place. and Vice President of the country encouraged monasteries that traditionally respectively, impressed him with their focussed on rituals to introduce study and His Holiness concluded by congratulating scholarship. Listening to Radhakrishnan education. Similarly he had encouraged the Kashag on taking the responsibility elegantly declaim verses from Nagarjuna nunneries to do the same. One result, he to promote women and encouraged the and Chandrakirti in Sanskrit brought proudly declared, was the recent award women to take full advantage of the tears to his eyes, he said. However, he of the first Geshe-ma degrees to twenty opportunity. The meeting ended with his added that he also secretly suspected that fully qualified nuns. Addressing the three posing for photographs with different he both understood and could explain Geshe-mas in the room, he advised that groups who are attending the conference. better what the verses meant. it was now their responsibility to teach in their nunneries and schools.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 25 WORLD PRESS Tibetan PM-in-exile Lauds Indian government’s Open Support Hindustan Times and Modi government had ‘publically acknowledged’ the obvious.

China had raised objection to the Dalai Lama being invited to the ceremony as it considers the spiritual leader a ‘splittist’.

The Tibetan sovereignty issue continues to remain a speed bump in the India- China ties but Sangay said that sending a direct message to China was the best option. “Sending the message upfront to China is the best way… For ten years now, countries took up the human rights issues with China in private, in bilateral formats. They didn’t want to be seen confronting China in public. The human The Narendra Modi government’s public in ceremony of the Modi government in rights situation in China and Tibet display of traditional Indian support to 2014, said President Pranab Mukherjee showed no improvement all this while”, the Tibetan cause is a welcome move that hosting of the Dalai Lama at the he said. would send a direct message to China, Rashtrapthi Bhavan last year was an Prime Minister of Tibetan government in example of this policy. Sangay criticised Nepal for being hand in exile Lobsang Sangay said on Tuesday. glove with China and said the Himalayan The President had hosted the Dalai Lama country was behaving like the dragon The 48-year-old leader said that while all and other Nobel Peace laureates at a nation’s “satellite”, which has resulted in Indian governments followed the stated conference on children’s rights. those trying to escape to India from Tibet Indian policy on the issue of a sovereign being sent back. Tibet, the Modi government has decided In an interview with HT, Sangay said to make ‘the obvious’ public. that political leaders in the past had met He also hoped the new US president Dalai Lama in private but by hosting him Donald Trump would support the Sangay, who had attended the swearing- at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President Tibetan cause. China admits it discouraged Tibetans from attending Kalchakra ritual in Bodhgaya Chinese officials have confirmed that the A Chinese official said there were still about separatism, and also due to tight- government was discouraging people some pilgrims with Chinese passports ened border control,” Zhu Weiqun, chair- in Tibet from visiting India to attend attending the ceremony in Bodhgaya. man of the Ethnic and Religious Com- the Buddhist ritual, Kalchakra, which mittee of the Chinese People’s Political will be attended by the Dalai Lama this “Therefore, the government by no means Consultative Conference, told the paper. month. But they rejected allegations that threatened them to return, although the the Chinese government was forcing Ti- government does not encourage them to “Considering that the large-scale ritual betan travellers who are visiting India to attend the ritual,” Xu Zhitao, deputy di- needs years of preparation, the India- return to China. rector of the bureau of the Tibet question based ceremony frequently degenerates at the United Front Work Department of into a political tool,” he said. The ritual Earlier, Karma Gelek Yuthok, chairman the Communist Party of China Central is used as an opportunity to meet the Da- of the Kalchakra organizing commit- Committee told the Global Times. lai Lama and see him propagate ideas of tee, alleged that nearly 7,000 pilgrims “hating the Chinese government,” Zhu from China had gone back to the coun- Another official said that the Chinese said. try because local officials were putting government had told Tibetans to avoid pressure on their relatives back home. attending the ritual in India because it Last July, the Chinese government en- Preparations for the ritual, which will be has a political purpose. couraged Panchen Lama to organize and presided over by the Dalai Lama, began “The number of Tibetans attending the preside over a Kalchakra event, the first at the place where Buddha attained en- ritual decreased dramatically in recent by the Panchen Lama in 60 years, in Ti- lightenment, on Wednesday. years after the local governments clari- bet. It was attended by 426,000 pilgrims fied to local Tibetans that the ritual is over four days, the official media said.

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Rethink in New Delhi: Dalai Lama, Karmapa to be in the Public Gaze Indian Express Tibetan spiritual leader to attend While the Karmapa is expected to soon leading the charge on the invocation of international meet in Rajgir-Nalanda in visit Sikkim — the only state in the Buddhism as strategic gain. Minister of March, Karmapa will travel to Sikkim. country from which he had been barred State (Home) and MP from Arunachal for the last 17 years, because the Rumtek Pradesh Kiren Rijiju has been the public Two years after he was taken in a car with monastery located there contains the go-between the Dalai Lama’s people and darkened windows and no personal aide ceremonial “Black Hat”, said to be the the government. Foreign Secretary S to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi ultimate adornment of the rightful heir of Jaishankar, who wears a Buddhist rosary at his residence in New Delhi, Tibetan the Karma Kagyu sect — although not since he went to China as ambassador Buddhism’s holiest leader, the Dalai yet to Rumtek, because a case against his just under a decade ago, is brushing up Lama, is being given pride of place at an presence there is still valid in court. his contacts with the Tibetan community international Buddhist conference to be in India. held in March in Rajgir-Nalanda, Bihar. The Nalanda conference, called “Buddhism in the 21st Century”, is Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Equally significant, Delhi has finally being formally hosted by the Ministry of Affairs is carefully watching the come around to accepting that the Culture. The presence of the Dalai Lama unfolding spat between Mongolia and Karmapa Lama, the head of the Karma for two whole days at Nalanda, along with China, in the wake of the Dalai Lama’s Kagyu sect, is “not a Chinese spy” 17 all the top Buddhist monks, especially visit to Ulaanbaatar. years after he fled from the Tsurphu from Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar monastery in Tibet, but a genuine leader. — as well as, possibly, Richard Gere, After a Chinese paper called it “politically who is attending the ongoing Kalachakra hare-brained” for Mongolia to seek help These moves are being quietly welcomed celebrations in Bodh Gaya and may or from Delhi at the same time it has asked by the large Tibetan community as may not be able to come back to Bihar so for a cash loan from Beijing, Mongolian well as the influential strategic affairs soon — is certain to draw international foreign minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil establishment which believes “there is attention. told the local ‘Onoodor’ newspaper that nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed he “feels sorry” for allowing the Dalai about” publicising the Dalai Lama’s Lama to visit and that he “probably wont activities even if it bothers Beijing. be visiting Mongolia again during this administration”. Delhi, highly placed sources said, has come to the realisation that the Dalai The Dalai Lama’s emergence from Lama is an “asset, not a liability”. purdah in recent weeks has been nothing short of extraordinary. He was seen As China exercises its muscle vis-à-vis at Rashtrapati Bhavan, sitting beside Buddhist leaders living in India or those PresidentPranab Mukherjee, only a few visiting abroad — for example, the Dalai Dalai Lama at the Kalachakra in Bodhgaya on weeks ago. During his visit to Mongolia, Tuesday. PTI photo Lama’s visit to Mongolia in November he announced that the Jebtsundama was so heavily criticised by Beijing Khutuktu — the third most important that the Mongolian foreign minister Government sources said it is one way leader in the Gelugpa school, after the has since promised it will never happen of returning the compliment to the Dalai Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama again — Delhi has taken the decision to Lama, who has always said that as a “son — had been reincarnated. And his nevertheless allow Tibetan Buddhism’s of India,” he owes a great deal of his teachings, in Dharamsala and Delhi, in two most senior monks to increasingly learning to the “Nalanda masters”. several languages including Russian, move into the public gaze. have only grown. But in the new year, Delhi wants to The Dalai Lama will travel to Arunachal take a leaf from Beijing’s book — as Pradesh from the Buddhist conference in well as its calendar, which has marked For detailed news visit: Rajgir-Nalanda, which takes place from 2017 as the Year of the Rooster — and www.tibet.net March 17-19. hopes to crow about its own strengths as well. “Buddhism took birth in India, Beijing had objected to the visit at the so we must use it as our soft power,” the time it was announced in October last sources said. year. It will be the Tibetan leader’s fourth visit to that state. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 27 WORLD PRESS

Hundreds of Tibetans defy China, Gather at Birthplace of Buddhism in India The Washington Post The young Tibetan monk was taking his The Dalai Lama told reporters that the Buddhist thought. As darkness descend- elderly aunt and uncle on the trip of a move was “unfortunate.” ed, many of them performed prostrations lifetime — a tour of holy Buddhist sites and encircled the ancient stupa next to in India and a chance to meet the Dalai China has denied threatening pilgrims the tree — a descendant of the original Lama. But halfway through, word came or blocking their departures, but local — where the Buddha is believed to have from China: The family was to return authorities in ­Tibet declared this ritual attained enlightenment. right away. gathering, called the Kalachakra, illegal in 2012, the last time it was held in Bodh Since the Dalai Lama escaped over the Chinese police had descended on the Gaya. Most of the 7,000 already had mountains from Tibet to India in 1959, monk’s home five times in December, traveled legally to India and were forced Indian governments have treated him as fingerprinting his parents and forcing to return early. Only 300 have remained. an honored guest in Dharamsala, a hill them to sign documents guaranteeing his town in the country’s north, but they return. “The government by no means threat- long kept him at arm’s length to avoid ened them to return, although the gov- offending the Chinese. Now, that may be But the monk and his family were de- ernment does not encourage them to changing. termined to see the Dalai Lama speak attend the ritual,” Xu Zhitao, an official at Bodh Gaya, the Indian city that many with the Central Committee of China’s The Dalai Lama appeared prominently at consider the birthplace of Buddhism. So Communist Party, told the Global Times, an event with India’s president in Delhi they defied Chinese authorities and con- a tabloid associated with the party. last month. And Prime Minister Naren- tinued their journey, risking imprison- dra Modi has made preserving India’s ment, harsh questioning or loss of iden- Since unrest broke out across the Tibetan ancient heritage a priority, becoming the tity cards on their return home. plateau in 2008, the Chinese government first prime minister in decades to visit has enacted sweeping measures that have Bodh Gaya. “I’m very worried,” the monk said on curtailed freedom of expression, notably a chilly evening, sitting in a tent not far by prioritizing Chinese over the Tibetan “I don’t believe it’s a fundamental shift from a teaching ground where thousands language in schools, posting police in of position, but certainly what you’re have gathered daily since Jan. 3 to pray, monasteries and increasing surveillance. seeing is trending towards perhaps a less meditate and hear their religious leader. self- “If we are put in prison, they will interro- Activists say the Communist Party seeks conscious expression of our sentiments gate us: ‘Why did you go to India?’ This to break the connection between Tibet- and our support for the Tibetan cultural can be very dangerous.” ans and their revered leader to ensure identity and the high standing the Dalai compliance with ambitious party objec- Lama enjoys here in India,” said Niru- Authorities from the Tibetan govern- tives in Tibet, a region rich in mineral pama Menon Rao, a former foreign sec- ment-in-exile say the Chinese govern- and water resources. retary and ambassador to China.­ ment barred an estimated 7,000 Tibetan pilgrims from attending this month’s 10- “What we’re seeing is new,” said Kate The support is key, as the Tibetan exile day gathering in India, an unprecedented Saunders of the International Campaign community faces uncertain times. The move that further erodes the rights of 6 for Tibet. “It’s a systematic attempt to Dalai Lama has said that when he dies, million people who live in the Tibetan prevent Tibetans from having any access he may choose not to be reincarnated, as region of China. It was also a fresh re- at all to the Dalai Lama.” Buddhist belief holds, or that he could minder that the Chinese are threatening come back as a woman. But China has to control the selection of the next Dalai An estimated 10,000 Tibetans attended signaled that it will control the search Lama after the eventual demise of the re- the 2012 Kalachakra in Bodh Gaya, but for the next Dalai Lama by anointing its nowned religious leader, who is now 81. many were jailed or detained for “re- own Panchen Lama, another important education” in military camps when they religious figure in Tibetan Buddhism. “It’s tragic,” said Lobsang ­Sangay, the returned, Saunders said. head of Tibet’s ­government-in-exile, Some of the attendees said they are wor- which is based in India. “It’s a once-in- About 200,000 maroon- and saffron- ried that this year’s Kalachakra will be a-lifetime trip for Tibetans, like Muslims robed monks and nuns as well as Bud- the last the Dalai Lama will perform. The going to Mecca. It’s a sad commentary dhist devotees from around the world — octogenarian moves and speaks more on the Chinese claim to have religious including American actor Richard Gere slowly now, and he had to be helped to freedom — or any kind of freedom in — converged on the town in eastern In- the elaborate throne on the dais by two Tibet.” dia for days of chanting and lessons on monks.

28 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 WORLD PRESS

“He can’t go into top gear anymore,” to take him to Kathmandu, where he re- only to have their passports sliced into said Gaden Tashi, a Tibetan from Kath- ceived legal papers from the Indian Em- pieces by police. mandu, Nepal. “But he keeps saying he’s bassy to make the pilgrimage. happy and healthy.” He said he now feels he cannot return to Almost immediately, he said, speaking China, but he believes his sacrifice has One young Tibetan-language tutor who on the condition of anonymity, fright- been worth it. made the risky journey from China re- ening messages began appearing on his called that when he unrolled his prayer WeChat, China’s popular social-media “Every Tibetan has a dream — to meet mat at Bodh Gaya and got his first platform. He said police sent a warning the Dalai Lama,” he said. “I told my par- glimpse of the Dalai Lama, “I couldn’t through his parents that he should return ents I have no regret, even if I die.” control myself; I thought it was a dream.” by Jan. 3, the day the Kalachakra would The tutor, 29, arrived Jan. 3, weeks af- begin. His mother cried and begged him Luna Lin in Beijing and Swati Gupta in ter his trip began in a small village in the to come home soon. Others sent photos New Delhi contributed to this report. Tibetan area of Amdo. He paid a guide of pilgrims who were met at the airport Rights Groups Ask China to Free Tibetan Education Advocate New York Times International human rights groups are calling on China to drop charges against a Tibetan entrepreneur and education advocate who was indicted by court officials this month for “inciting separatism.”

The Tibetan advocate, Tashi Wangchuk, was detained nearly one year ago after speaking to The New York Times for a documentary video and two articles on Tibetan education and culture.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both issued statements in recent days asking for China to release Mr. Tashi, 31.

A lawyer for Mr. Tashi, Lin Qilei, said Defendants who go on trial in China are Amnesty said Mr. Tashi was a “prisoner judges in the Yushu Intermediate Court, almost always convicted. In political of conscience, detained solely for in western China, would probably not cases like that of Mr. Tashi, orders are exercising his right to freedom of schedule the trial until after the annual sent from senior officials to the court. If expression.” Lunar New Year holiday, which runs convicted, Mr. Tashi could be sentenced from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. to up to 15 years in prison. Human Rights Watch released a detailed chronology of the case and called it Mr. Tashi said he was not guilty of the Mr. Tashi’s legal case has taken some “politically motivated.” separatism charge, Mr. Lin said. In unusual turns. The groups issuing interviews in 2015 with The Times, statements are hoping that Mr. Tashi’s “Tashi Wangchuk has joined the ranks Mr. Tashi said he did not support case will not go to trial and say of those prosecuted in China by simply independence for Tibet. international pressure could be critical calling for rights to be respected and now. the law to be upheld,” said Sophie Another lawyer for Mr. Tashi, Liang Richardson, the group’s China director. Xiaojun, has said the Yushu police Amnesty International said in a “Cultural rights, which include the right focused their investigation of Mr. Tashi statement Wednesday that it was calling to use one’s own language, are protected on the nine-minute Times video produced on the public to ask specific officials in under both the Chinese Constitution and by Jonah M. Kessel, which showed Mr. China to free Mr. Tashi. It listed contact international human rights law.” Tashi’s attempts to file a lawsuit against information for prosecutors and the Mr. Tashi’s case has drawn intense local officials to compel them to expand police in Yushu, Mr. Tashi’s hometown, international attention. In December, Max Tibetan language education. Mr. Tashi and Qinghai Province, as well as the Baucus, the United States ambassador to had also written about the language issue governor of Qinghai. China, mentioned Mr. Tashi and several on his blog. JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 TIBETAN BULLETIN 29 WORLD PRESS other political prisoners in China in a long publication of the video and articles, indict Mr. Tashi and schedule a trial, but statement emphasizing the importance of given the political sensibilities in China then took the case back in December for human rights. PEN America, a group that over Tibet. further investigation, a move that was promotes freedom of expression, noted “very rare,” Mr. Lin said. Prosecutors Mr. Tashi’s detention in a 76-page report Mr. Tashi traveled to Beijing in 2015 resubmitted the case in early January. in September that criticized China’s to look for lawyers to help him file his attempts to censor foreign reporting. lawsuit and to try to get China Central Tibetans living under Chinese rule Television, the state network, and foreign often say they are concerned about A campaigns director with Students for journalists to document his efforts and the dwindling use of their language, a Free Tibet, based in New York, said the lack of robust Tibetan-language especially among younger Tibetans. Wednesday that the group planned to ask education in public schools in Tibetan Tibetan teachers and students in Qinghai its members to publicly advocate for Mr. regions. Province have held protests over Tashi. language education in recent years. Mr. Tashi said he wanted to use Chinese Mr. Tashi ran a shop in central Yushu Lawyers for Mr. Tashi were allowed to laws to expand language education, from which he sold local goods in visit him briefly last year in a Qinghai and he praised President Xi Jinping for person and online. Alibaba, China’s detention center. Mr. Lin said Mr. having “promoted a democratic and law- biggest e-commerce company, chose Tashi was in good spirits, given the abiding country these last few years.” Mr. Tashi to be featured in a video for circumstances, and was writing up the company’s investor roadshow before points to make in his defense during a Mr. Tashi was detained by the Yushu a high-profile initial public offering. The trial. When interviewed by The Times in police on Jan. 27, 2016, two months founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma, met with 2015, Mr. Tashi insisted repeatedly that after publication of the video and the President-elect Donald J. Trump in New his remarks be on the record and said first article. Prosecutors sent the case to York early this month. he knew he could be imprisoned after the court in September to have the court Letter to the Editor: Why I’m Against My Chinese Peers at UCSD The Triton This letter is a response to “Chinese stu- for the culture and religion of the Tibetan keeps on reminding me how fortunate I dent organizations denounce Dalai Lama people. am now to live in America and have the as commencement speaker.” freedom to speak without fears. 3) It would be His Holiness’s right to I am a Chinese student from the Univer- speak freely and truthfully on his peo- 7) The Communist regime is kidnapping, sity of Georgia. Here is a comment (in ple’s plight, including China’s ongoing torturing and imprisoning less fortunate English) and a personal statement (in demolition of the Larung Gar Academy millennial dissidents at home, including Chinese, I’m sure you have some people and its recent arrest of Tashi Wangchuk, my ethnic Korean friend Kwon Pyong, who read Chinese) which I would like to an educator of the Tibetan language. an Iowa State University alumni, who is share with The Triton. waiting behind bars for an imminent trial 4) It was the ruling Communist Party that on his outspoken opposition to Commu- As one of the “countless Chinese stu- compromised the territorial integrity of nism. dents in the U.S.”, despite studying in China by establishing a Soviet satellite another school, I very much like the idea state during the Japanese invasion and 8) The CSSA, a self-proclaimed apoliti- of having His Holiness the Dalai Lama splitting the country across the Taiwan cal independent student body, admits on to speak on such a special occasion and I Strait through a bloody rebellion. Chinese social media that it reports to a feel insulted by being forcibly represent- foreign consulate and follows its instruc- ed by the Chinese Students and Scholars 5) The Communist regime, which my tions, violating the law and school rules. Association (CSSA) which states that Chinese peers in your university are ac- “our” feelings have been hurt. Here are tually defending, is no synonym for the 9) Their attempt to curb free speech on a few points: motherland of the Tibetans and Chinese an American campus indicates that the whose lost their beloved ones in the evil hand of Communist censorship has 1) It is intolerant of the CSSA to demand barbarian air raid on the Byams-chen- reached us by the agency of patriotic the university cancel an apolitical spiri- chos-skor-gling Temple in 1956 and the Chinese students. tual speech by a speaker whose politics murderous bloodbath of Beijing streets they dislike. in 1989. Yi Sulaiman Gu is a member of the Inde- pendent Federation of Chinese Students 2) In disparaging this globally-revered 6) My experience of being a young dis- and Scholars and a student at the Univer- sage, they lack the fundamental respect sident who narrowly escaped prison sity of Georgia.

30 TIBETAN BULLETIN JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 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

““I urge Tibetans everywhere to remove their regional and sectarian partisanship from their thoughts, words and actions. It is wrong to create these superfluous differences as sects and regions; its small minded. Remember that all of us are followers of the same teaching of Buddha and the 17 Nalanda masters.”” His Holiness the Dalai Lama during 34th Kalachakra Initiation Concluding with Long Life Prayer Offering on 14 January 2017.

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“Most of the problems we face we create ourselves by stressing secondary differences of nationality, religious faith and so forth. How sad it is that today religion is becoming a cause of conflict and violence. When people are being killed in other parts of the world, we can’t remain complacent, we have to think of how to ensure the well-being of these suffering people.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama during Ground-breaking Ceremony for the South Asia Hub of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and a Public Talk on 10 February 2017.

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“The Central Tibetan Administration has fervently encouraged Tibetans to accumulate and enhance collective merit of the Tibetan people inorder to ensure long and healthy life of our supreme leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The most effective means is through accumulating virtuous deeds and implementing his teachings.,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay during the 34th Kalachakra at Bodh Gaya on 7 January 2017.

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“Referring to the role of women in the world, His Holiness reported scientific findings that women are more sensitive to the sufferings of others in addition to the great affection they provide as mothers. He explained how human society has developed from a time when hunter gatherers simply shared what they had to the emergence of agriculture and a sense of property. This led to a need for leadership and since the criterion was largely physical strength, male dominance emerged. Education has since restored a degree of equality between men and women. His Holiness wryly observed that since women are generally less aggressive than men, if more countries were led by women, the world would probably be a more peaceful place.,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama during public talk to delegates from the First Tibetan Women’s Empowerment Conference on 23 February 2017.

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