The Tibet Post International Online Newspaper

His Holiness the Dalai Lama CommencesTeachings to Southeast Asian Devotees

Dharamshala: At the request of a group of Southeast Asiandevotees, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet continued teachingstoday (September 4th) on Shantideva's ‘A Guide to theBodhisattva's Way of Life’.Warmly greeting a vast audience of visitors from around the world,as well as local residents, His Holiness led the first of three days ofteachings in the Main Temple (Tsuklakang) in Dharamshala, NorthIndia.Drawing upon a mixture of His own past experiences andwisdom, as well as Dharma teachings and the Shantideva’s guideitself, His Holiness enthralled a rapt audience with His vastknowledge, patience and humour to the gathering.Continuing from previous teachings of the Buddhist script, HisHoliness commenced from Chapter Five from Shantideva's ‘A Guideto the Bodhisattva's Way of Life’. However, for the new visitors,and those unfamiliar with Buddhism itself, the Dalai Lama gave abrief, engaging introduction into Buddhism and religion itself; amasterful stroke by one the most revered spiritual leaders on earth.His Holiness reiterated to the audience His message that: “We areall the same human beings”, urging the audience to look past theboundaries of race, religion, gender and nationality. He alsoaddressed the need to re-examine the system of education welearn by, highlighting the need to encourage a motivation ofcompassion rather than greed.Drawing upon the Buddhist scriptures, His Holiness addressedthe audience for both a morning and afternoon session, discussingthe chapter thoroughly to verse 58.During the teachings, HisHoliness stated:“Religion can become hypocrisy when religious people saysomething nice, but think something different. That is hypocrisy”Adding: “Religion should be sincere”.His Holiness also drew upon the need to develop one’sconcentration, drawing upon the physical, verbal and mentalpowers of the individual.“As practitioners of religion, you have toshow restraint, and refrain from selfish behaviour and from harmingothers. You have to show mindfulness and vigilance”.In a quote directed particularly at students, His Holiness stated:“You have to show mindfulness and vigilance”, due to the natureof the mind. He re-iterated that if you are not mindful, you willforget what you have studied. He added that even if you havekept what you have studied in your mind, such learning will becomedefaulted.

By: Samuel Ivor, Tibet Post International

Demonstration in the Capital of Finland

Lhasa Remains Off Limits to Natives of Tibet’sAmdo and Kham Regions

Dharamshala: Natives of Amdo and Kham regions of Tibet are beingbarred from freely travelling to the capital city of Lhasa. Radio Free Asia(RFA) in a recent report states that China has taken the step to furtherintensifying the crackdown, as they fear the spread of protests fromTibet's Amdo and Kham regions to Lhasa.In addition to this, China has already taken up measures to expel Tibetansfrom other parts of Tibet that are not registered residents in the city.Asource said, "The Chinese authorities and police are stricter on Tibetansfrom Amdo region." He added that, "The natives are seen as thorns intheir eyes."Amdo, historically a Tibetan-populated region, is nowincorporated into Qinghai province and parts of Sichuan.

lhasa, Photo: kailashtrek.com

By Amanda Peters, Tibet Post International

Businessmen Rescued a Truckload of Sheep

Dharamshala: On the 29th of Lhakar ‘White Wednesday’, agroup of Tibetan businessmen from Dzadu village in KhamRegion purchased a truck full of sheep from Chinese businesspeople in hope of saving the sheep lives.Before the rescue, the sheep were arranged to be sent to variousChinese cities to be slaughtered. After the purchase, the sheepwere sent to Zelkar monastery in Dzadu village, and thereafterwere care for by a Tibetan villager. In return, the Zelkar monasterygave the businessmen Khadak scarves to thank them for savingthe animals. By saving the animal lives, they hope for the longlife of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for a resolution to theTibetan crisis.

‘Tibet and Taiwan: Prospects and Challenges’

Nomads Protested Against Chinese Miners

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H.H Holiness the Dalai Lama Teaches a Group of Southeast Asians at the Main Temple, Dharamshala, North India. 4th of August 2012. Photo:TPI/ Sangay

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Bi-MonthlyB o d - K y i - Cha- Trin Rs.5Vol. 02, Issue 73, 15 September 2012 www.thetibetpost.comA Message For The Voiceless

By: Samuel Ivor, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Celebrating the exchange of ideals andcommonalities, a conference discussing ‘Tibet and Taiwan:Prospects and Challenges' was held on September 12th atthe Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies.Bridging the gap between the two cultures, and drawingcarefully upon academic knowledge and first hand research,the Taiwanese visiting delegation discussed a wide range oftopics; from political sovereignty, to European-Chinese

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By: Thu Flower, The Tibet Post International.

By: Thu Flower, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: On Saturday evening of September 8, hundredsgathered around the Havis Amanda statue in Finland for a protestdemonstration in support of the Tibetan cause.The demonstration began at the center of Market Square inHelsinki, passed through Senate Square, and continued alongthe Parliament House. Anyone who is in either support of Tibetanindependence or autonomy was encouraged to participate.In addition, those who joined in the march also paid tribute andremembered previous Tibetans who committed self-immolationsto protest Chinese oppression in their country.

Protesters holding pro-Tibet slogans in Helsinki, Finland.

“Tell All Tibetans ThatWe Feel Guilty and -

We are Sorry!" Mrs Qi

Panel discussions at Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies aboutprospects and challenges of Tibet and Taiwain.

Dharamshala, 31 August, 2012: Groups of Tibetan nomadsfrom Gade County in Golog (Chinese: Guolo) TibetanAutonomous Prefecture carried out a protest against Chineseminers to protect the local sacred mountain called DringyeNgo Sorma.On 10 August, 2012, Chinese gold miners arrived at a valleylocated next to the mountain in Tsangkor Village of GadeCounty and proceeded to set up their camp in the area.

Dharamshala: Eleven Tibetan NGOs invited Tibetan reporters toattend a press conference on September 6 at Bhagsu Hotel inDharamsala, northern India, in response to recent allegedaccusations against His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritualleader of Tibet.The eleven NGOs claimed that accusations that His Holiness has'withdrawn' (Tibetan: 'shirdu') the Tibetan government-in-exile hadbeen circulated by some individual Tibetans and the Tibetan YouthCongress (TYC).However, when questioned by reporters, theNGOs said they did not have any direct evidence that the TYC hadmade any statement to this effect, but rather that they were referringto a speech made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.The controversy has arisen against the backdrop of the Tibetanparliament-in-exile's decision to refer to itself as an 'administration''as opposed to a government.The eleven plaintive NGOs were: U-Tsang Cholka, ChushiGangdruk, Dhome Cholka, Dharamshala Dhotoe Cholka, ChigdrilTsokpa, Ngari Chithun Tsokpa, Cholsum Tsokpa, Chabsi TsondrolTsokpa, Tsongkhang Kyiduk, Sakhang Kyiduk and Umei LamMimang Legulkhang.On 7 June 2011, TYC vowed to "respect and continue to recogniseand retain the name of 'Tibetan Government-in-exile'', at a pressconference held at its headquarters, and issued a statement sayingit was "highly critical of the 14th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile'sdecision to change the name of the Tibetan Government-in-exileto Organisation of the Tibetan People."

Tibetan NGOs Criticised Tibetan Youth Congress

Mining Protests in Tibet

By: Thu Flower, The Tibet Post International.

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Eleven Tibetan NGOs holding a press conference in Dharamshala, India, on Spetember 6,2012. Photo: TPI

Dalai Lama’s Vision ofDemocracy Blossoms On

52nd Anniversary

“We make a lot of mistakes because of not being alert and vigilantof what we are doing”.Amid a climate of global financial troubles,His Holiness also gave comfort and wisdom regarding family, wealthand comradeship:“I think [a] poor family maybe more trust eachother, ready to share each other’s problems…With economicimprovement often comes jealousy, suspicion, distrust, anger; thesethings are more easy to come…more education, better facilities,should help to increase these [family] values”.The inspiringteachings drew to a close during an afternoon of rain and thunderin the exile community of Dharamshala. However little could dampenthe spirits of the buoyant audience as His Holiness drew the speechto a close, and the ocean of umbrellas wound their way along thenarrow streets of the Tibetan community in exile.The SoutheastAsian guests certainly seemed impressed, having been treated to

a typical Tibetan breakfast, tea and monetary offerings to monksand nuns of the audience. The second in the series of threeteachings continue on September 5th in the main temple, for whichthe visitors will certainly be eagerly anticipating.

After two Tibetans from Ngaba prefecture self-immolated in May, atthe central square, in the heavily guarded capital city, the police andsecurity forces started to enforce the travel ban especially for peoplefrom Amdo region.Travel is not completely off limits. Exceptions aremade by the authorities, if one can produce a residence permit, a policeclearance and has no record of being involved in any political activities,including demonstrations. However, the degree of restrictions variesfrom one region to another, but is especially enforced against monksand younger Tibetans.The report also cites that if Tibetan youthassemble in a group of three to four, they are held for questioning orharassed in other ways.

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The Tibet Post International 15 September, 2012 DharamshalaTPI NEWS2 EXILE & TIBET

Persecuted Chinese Author LiaoYiwu Visited the 17th Karmapa

By Thu Flower, The Tibet Post International.

Dharamshala: Distinguished Chinese author andpoet Liao Yiwu, who is persecuted for his critics ofChina's Communist regime, was scheduled to meetwith the 17th Karmapa in Dharamshala, North Indiain an effort to arrange the exiled leader's visit toGermany.The meeting took place on Saturday morning ofSeptember 8 in Gyuto Monastery, with the purposeof discussing the Karmapa's future travel plans toBerlin, one of which will likely prove to be a difficulttask due to his travel restrictions. Since his fleet toIndia in 2000, he has only been able to set footoverseas twice, with both times being in the US.Nevertheless, the Karmapa has expressed his desireto visit Berlin and to pray for "the departed souls"who have self-immolated.For the past several months, Liao has beenpersistently trying to get visitation rights for theKarmapa, stating that one of the last obstacles isthe permission from New Delhi. "We are facing thelast gateway: the exit permission for the 17thGyalwang Karmapa..we are waiting to see what theIndian government is going to treat this invitationof the Berlin visit," stated Liao.The author, who was recently awarded the 2012Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, is one of themost persecuted writers in China. After publishinghis poem titled "Massacre" in 1990, he was arrestedand detained for four years in prison. ThereafterLiao endured harsh punishments and torture while

English Version of "Iron Hare 2011"Reaches Daylight

By Ruta Vilkaite, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: The 12th of September marked thebook's "Iron Hare 2011-Flames of Resistance"publication in English language.The book in its original Tibetan language waspublished on 16th March 2012. Half a year later,English version of the book, translated by MatthewAkester, reached the light to uncover sheer facts oflast year's self-immolations within and outside ofTibet. The book's translation into one of the world'smost spoken language enables to spread awarenessabout the grim situation in Tibet under communistChinese rule to a?wider audiences.The Dhomay Exile Solidarity Alliance has compiledthis chronicle to record Tibet's heroes and heroinesactions so those who gave up their lives for thecause of Tibet's religious and political integrity willnot be forgotten."Iron Hare2011-Flames of Resistance" contains ofmore than 440 pages which are divided into foursections- Chronicle of the Iron Hare year fireprotests; Self immolation protest in exile;International statements of support for Tibet; andSolidarity initiatives by exile Tibetan Communityorganizations. The book also includes photos ofself-immolators and international supporters,detailed accounts and published articles on theissue.The first self immolation act in Tibet's historyoccurred in 1998 when Thubten Ngodrup set himselfon fire during a hunger strike in Delhi organised bythe TYC. Around 11 years later, another Tibetantook the same action in protest against Chinese rule.In 2011 alone, more than 22 self-immolations actsoccurred in China's occupied Tibet while todaynumbers increased up to 52.The event was marked by Tibet's Prime Minister

Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay and Dr. Chenrap present English version of the book. Photo: TPI/Ruta Vilkaite.

The 17th Karmapa honoring Liao Yiwu with white scarf.

in prison, leading him to have several psychologicalbreakdowns and two suicide attempts.Currently, his books are translated in severallanguages and sold overseas, with the mostpopular being "The Corpse Walker: Real-Life

Stories, China from the Bottom Up," which wasprohibited in China soon after it was published.After meeting, Liao stated that he is "veryconfident that the Karmapa is the new hope forTibet."

Lobsang Sangay's, other parliament members andthe Dhomay Exile Solidarity Alliance members'presence and speeches.Dr. Chenrap, associate of The Dhomay ExileSolidarity Alliance, gave the main reasons forpublishing this book in English. He said, that it isvery important to keep the records of today's' eventsand to prove the number of self-immolations as oneday it will be history and the book could be usefulin research. "It reflects the reality of many Tibetanand therefore we would like to show solidarity toTibet's heroes and heroines, their family members,other relatives and friends", said Dr. Chenrap.He also spoke of the future of the book. "Due to thelack of time, it was unsuccessful to include self-immolations that occurred after the book'spublishing. However, The Dhomay Exile SolidarityAlliance is gathering information on the latest non-violent protest actions in order to publish a secondbook that would include all of the self-immolations.Other speaker at the event, Kalon Tripa LobsangSangay, remembered his presence at the launch ofthe first book and said that the team working on thisproject put lots of effort in gathering latestinformation. "Kashag (Cabinet of TibetanAdministration) believes the book to be veryimportant and therefore I am here in the launch ofthis book".Lobsang Sangay said that the translation will helpto receive international attention and support to theissue. Tibetans in exile know all about the incidentsthat occur in Tibet and the book would spread thenews to international audiences as well as educatingthem about the current issue. "Most importantly,this book shows support and acknowledgment toself-immolators and their families' members".

Joint Effort to Address Oppressions in Tibet and Taiwan


tibet-taiwan-2012-sept-7

Dharamshala: On September 7, the Gu Chu SumMovement of Tibet, in partnership with TaiwanFriends of Tibet, invited Mr Chang Yen Hsien,president of Taiwan Association of UniversityProfessors, to a press conference inDharamshala, northern India, to discuss issuesconcerning the recent wave of self-immolationsin Tibet, as well as future joint campaignsbetween the two organizations.Held at Gu Chu Sum exhibition hall in McleodGanj, the event addressed the following issues:1. Recent acts of self-immolation in Tibet andcampaign strategies regarding the situation.2. The exchange of books relating to testimoniesof political prisoners between Gu Chu SumMovement of Tibet and Taiwan Association ofUniversity Professors.Following the 1947massacre of thousands of Taiwanese by theChiang Kai-shek’s army, the second longestperiod of martial law in history began, which inturn gave rise to a period of oppression in Taiwanknown as the ‘White Terror’. As many as 140,000people were imprisoned or killed during this era,some of whose testimonies were published bythe Taiwan Association of University Professors.

The Taiwan association presented theircollections of testimonies, and in return Gu ChuSum Movement presented ten books aboutformer Tibetan political prisoners.3. The exchageof national flags between Gu Chu Sum and

Taiwanese Friends of Tibet, to symbolise theirmutual support for Tibetan and Taiwaneseindependence.The organisations also discussedcollaboration on future political and culturalcampaigns.

Tibet’s Activists Meet China’s DefenseMinister with Burning Chinese Flag

By Ruta Vilkaite, Tibet Post International

Tibet’s flag is raised by activists in Delhi on the arrival of China’s Defense Minister, Liang Guanglie.

Dharamshala: As part of the pledge to intensifyglobal actions on the on-going wave of self-immolations, Tibetan activists (Students for a FreeTibet, India & Regional Tibetan Youth Congress)have launched a protest for the arrival of the China'sDefense Minister, Liang Guanglie and commanderof the Tibet's military district, Yang Jinshan.On early morning of the 5th of September, crowdgathered in front of the Chinese Embassy in Delhiwhere they unfurled charts reading ‘51 Self-immolated: Tibetans are dying for Freedom' and‘Tibet's Independence, India's Security' followedby burning of the China's national flag.

"As the world's largest democracy with history ofstruggle based on Mahatma Gandhi's principles ofnon-violence and non-cooperation, India has amoral obligation to stand in solidarity with theTibetan people's nonviolent struggle for freedom,"said Dorjee Tsetan, National Director of Studentsfor a Free Tibet, India. "Now is a critical time forIndia to add her voice to the multilateral pressureon China to stop the crackdown in Tibet. Tibet'sresolution can only bring a true solution to thecurrent Sino-India matter."With recent two self-immolations of 18 years oldmonk Lobsang Kelsang from Kirti Monastery, and

17 years old Damchoe, on the 27th of August,the total number of the self sacrifices havereached 51.Self-immolation, as a non-violent protest actionagainst Chinese rule, has emerged as the mostdirect and drastic form of protest in Tibet. Astaggering five decades of self-immolations havetaken place since 2009. The call of freedom forTibet and the return of the Dalai Lama have beenon the lips of self-immolators and thousands ofother protestors. These actions were met by theChinese authorities with violent force- open fireon the crowds, arrests and ‘disappearances'followed by security strengthening in the self-immolation areas."We call on India to join like-minded governmentsto immediately establish strong, public,multilateral mechanisms to hold Beijingaccountable for its atrocities in Tibet," saidDorjee Tseten. "The global community cannotstand by while China commits atrocities in Tibet.We've planned series of actions to unwelcomethe visit of Liang Guanglie. "Tibet's support groups in several continentsjoined a Global Day of Action on September the5th to urge Foreign Ministries to take joint actionfor Tibet during upcoming United NationsHuman Rights Council and General Assemblymeetings in September. Calls for more public andvisible multi-lateral action on the situation inTibet received a significant boost in August whenUS Congressmen Frank Wolf and JamesMcGovern have sent a letter to the Secretary ofState Hillary Clinton in which whey requestedthe US government to host an internationalconference on Tibet's issue, hold periodic publicmeetings and set up a group of like-mindedgovernments at the UN General Assembly.

Global Press Watchdog Condemns China for

Detaining Five Monks

Chinese security forces surrounding Zilkar monastery inKyegudho, Kham region of eastern Tibet, on September

1, 2012. Photo: TPI

Paris, September 7, 2012: The Paris basedinternational press freedom watchdog, "ReportersWithout Borders" condemns the Chinesegovernment's frequent arrests of Tibetan monks whotry to inform the international community about theway they are persecuted.In the latest case, four monks were detained in a 1September raid by soldiers and police on Zilkarmonastery in Yushu prefecture, in the eastern part ofthe Tibetan region, in response to the circulation ofreports and photos outside Tibet. A monk whophotographed the raid was also arrested.Reporters Without Borders calls on the Chineseauthorities to end their policy of imposing a newsblackout on Tibet and to adhere to the internationalundertakings they have given to respect human rights.The authorities continue to ignore the law in theTibetan region and to treat Tibetans in a discriminatory

manner.The conditions in which the detained monksare being held are unknown. Reporters WithoutBorders is worried about the fact that they are in poorhealth. Two of them are reportedly paralyzed and onehas a kidney ailment.The raid began at 10 a.m. on 1September, when hundreds of police and soldiersarrived at the monastery in around 60 military vehiclesand started to search the monks' rooms, seizingcomputers, DVDs, documents and photos.Lobsang Jinpa, Tsultri Kalsang, Ngawang Monlamand Sonam Yignyen were arrested for allegedlydistributing reports and photos of two Tibetan monkswho set fire to themselves in June after five othermonks were detained. Local sources said they werealso accused of having photos of the exiled DalaiLama. The fifth monk arrested for filming the raid wasSonam Sherab.The police presence was increased around themonastery after the raid and the power supply andphone lines continued to be disconnected.The authorities have for months been stepping uparrests and seizures of computers and IT media usedfor circulating information. The monk Yonten Gyatsowas sentenced to seven years in prison on 18 Junefor disseminating information about the situation inTibet.Three monks from Zilkar monastery, Sonam Gewa,Lobsang Samtem and Lobsang Nyima, were given jailsentences in March for similar reason. China wasranked 174th out of 179 countries in the 2011-2012Reporters Without Borders press freedom index andis one of the countries on the 2012 Reporters WithoutBorders list of "Enemies of the Internet."

15 September, 2012 Dharamshala The Tibet Post InternationalTPI NEWS 3H.H THE DALAI LAMA

Inspiring Teachings Continue By H. H. theDalai Lama for Southeast Asian guests

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post International

Buddhist monks from Singapore reciting prayers at the first day of the first day of Holiness the Dalai Lama's threeday teaching requested by a group of Southeast Asia at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on September

4, 2012. Photo: Abhishek Madhukar

Dharamshala, 5th September 2012: As the main temple inthe Tibetan-exile community filled with an eager audience;ranging from the visiting Southeast Asian delegation, torobe-clad Buddhist monks and nuns, a sense ofanticipation mixed with the plumes of incense that waftedthrough the rafters of the roof.The second day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teachingson Shantideva's ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way ofLife' were about to commence, and a hushed silence filledthe sacred building before the arrival of the great spiritualleader for day two of the event.Opening with prayers andrecitations, His Holiness gave an introduction to theawestruck audience into the fundamental teachings ofthe Buddha and the ‘Four Noble Truths'."All our suffering,happiness, pain and pleasure come from these conditions"His Holiness stated. "You don't willingly and happilycause suffering yourself", He said, adding that you mustdevelop a path to aspire to reach the path to enlightenment;that you need preparation to experience emptiness toreach the path of seeing itself."Buddhism is about making transformations in ourmind...we have to use reasoning, not just because Buddhahas said so".He re-iterated the message that: "Angerharms our health. When you have love and compassion,it benefits us".Continuing the teachings of Shantideva's ‘A Guide to theBodhisattva's Way of Life' from the previous day, verse59 of Chapter 5, His Holiness clearly and conciselyexamined and explained the text, adding His wealth ofexperience, wisdom and warm-hearted humour.The DalaiLama highlighted:"Our bodies should be in the service of other sentientbeings...If you are selfish, you will only have suffering inthis life. If you can help those who are helpless, the sufferingand the sick; this will give rise to great virtue"."You shouldnot leave these teachings in words, but put them intopractice" He concluded, as chapter five drew to a close,and the audience were dismissed for a lunch break and a

EU to Raise Human Rights During the UpcomingEU-China Summit

By Central Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet

Tibetan Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering (2nd left) and Representative Ngodup Dorjee (1st right) during theirmeeting with Dr Gerhard Sabathil of EU’s European External Action Service (2nd right) in Brussels, Belgium, on 6

September 2012/OoT Photo

Brussels: European Union external officialsexpressed their deep concern on the currentsituation in Tibet and promised to continue raisingEU's voice over Tibet's human rights issue withChina.Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of TibetanParliament-in-Exile, who is currently on a 5-day visitto Brussels and Amsterdam, met with Dr GerhardSabathil, Director East Asia, Pacific and Australia,of EU's European External Action Service (EEAS) atlatter's office in Brussels yesterday. The Speakerwas accompanied by Representative Mr NgodupDorjee and Secretary, Bureau du Tibet, Brussels.During his one-hour meeting with Dr Sabathil, MrPenpa Tsering briefed him on the current humanrights situation inside Tibet, particularly on thespate of self-immolations taking place in Tibet. Healso apprised him about repercussions of therepressive and discriminatory Chinese government‘spolicies on political, social, economic andenvironmental rights of the Tibetans in Tibet.He urged the European External Action Service tocontinuously engage the Chinese government toend the crisis in Tibet, which he described isincreasingly volatile and depressing.Dr Sabathil welcomed the Speaker and expressedhis happiness to see him in person. He said thatEEAS is keeping track of the current situation insideTibet and had raised the issue of human rights

violations in Tibet with the Chinese government inthe past.He expressed his deep concern on thedeteriorating human rights situation in Tibet andpromised that EEAS will continue to raise Tibet'shuman rights issues with China and particularly

during the upcoming EU-China summit.Mr PenpaTsering presented to Dr Sabathil documents withupdates on the current human rights situation inTibet and thanked him for his support andconsiderations.

period to reflect.For the afternoon teachings, His Holinessdrew upon humour and past experiences, adding colourto the text regarding anger:"The moment anger arises in us, you will lose peace ofmind...if you are angry all the time, it eats into your immunesystem". He stated, drawing upon proven scientificresearch into the topic."If you have peace of mind, yourimmune system is strengthened. Anger has no benefitwhatsoever. When you become angry, immediately, itmay seem anger is helping you, giving you morecourage...but it is a blind, foolish courage. If you developcourage through reasoning, this is ok. [But] if you developresentment towards those who harm you, what benefitdoes it have?"His Holiness then drew upon the memoryof a mechanic from Norbulinka in Tibet, who becamevery angry while repairing a car. The mechanic becameenraged, and: "he hit the car he was repairing, whichmade the situation worse" His Holiness chuckled, to theamusement of the audience.Twice during the teachings, generous amounts of teawere offered to the vast crowd, who drank happily whilethey listened to the words of the great spiritual leader. Asthe afternoon continued, the clear morning skies turnedto a blanket of cloud, which enveloped the temple in athick mist. His Holiness drew the teachings to a close atthe end of Chapter 6, and explained the following day'ssession would include a ceremony of the regeneration ofBodhisattva, and stressed the importance of therelationship between both Lama and disciple.As His Holiness left the temple, with an audience ofdevoted followers and students bowed respectfullybefore Him, the threatening storm clouds finally let loosean outburst of monsoon rain, and a river of colourfulumbrellas jostled their way skyward on the crowdedstreets below. Though the Southeast Asian guests weretreated to a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and culturefrom the great Tibetan leader in exile, they were also treatedto the mercy of the seasonal Indian climate too.

...Against Chinese Miners Over Sacred Mountain...From front page

University of Delhi Hosting Tibetan ‘International

Day of Disappearance’

Presentation slide on Gedung Choekyi Nyima, the youngest Tibetan political prisoner

By Thu Flower, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: University of Delhi organized anevent for the ‘International Day of Disappearance'(1st September) to raise awareness about theconditions and continued detainment of the politicalprisoners inside Tibet. Many Tibetan organizationsand supporters, including the Student for a FreeTibet (SFT), participated in the events by hostingseries of presentations and sharing theirperspectives.With the rising of both individual and mass arrestsin Tibet, the ‘International Day of Disappearance'not only serves as a reminder of those who wentmissing for the Tibetan cause, but also to raiseawareness on current well-beings of Tibetan

political prisoners. During one instance in theprogram, a signature campaign was conducted forthe release of Gedung Choekyi Nyima, theyoungest political prisoner recognized as the 11threincarnation of the Panchen Lama, as well as NorzinWangmo, Rugye Adak, and Dondup Wangchen.Furthermore, the event highlighted the repressive‘patriotic re-education' policies of Chinesegovernment, which many believe are attempts toforce Tibetan Buddhists to denounce theirpractices.The event hopes to raise awareness of Tibetanpolitical prisoners as well as reinstating the hopeand determination of the Tibetan cause.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Concludes Teachings toSoutheast Asian Devotees

Dharamshala: On the concluding day ofteachings to the Southeast Asian visitors, HisHoliness the Dalai Lama warmly addressed theaudience to the main temple of Dharamshala,preparing the gathering for a deeperunderstanding into the meaning of the sacredtext; Shantideva's ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva'sWay of Life'.As the morning rain receded, and the enormouscrowd settled, fixing their attention to the greatspiritual leader, His Holiness commenced theteachings by drawing upon the life of the BuddhaHimself. The Dalai Lama began by drawing uponhow the Buddha had accumulated merit andwisdom over countless aeons:"If Buddha didn't exist after His death, onlyserving human beings over a few decades doesn'tactually become compatible to the time He spentto reach that goal"."According to Sanskrit tradition, there are fiveBuddha bodies. These are not actually taught atthe first sermon of the Buddha. They came in thesecond turning of the wheel of Dharma".The audience were again treated to the generoushospitality of Tibetan and Buddhist spirit, as teawas served from enormous pots with elegant skillfrom the resident monks, and bread wasdistributed to the entire gathering. With graceand speed, the monks had soon attended toeveryone's needs.His Holiness explained how we fall into Samsara,and how we can get out of it: "The first teaching

Buddhist monks from Singapore reciting prayers at the start of the first day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's threeday teaching requested by a group from Southeast Asia at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on

September 4, 2012. Photo: Abhishek Madhkar

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post International

of the four noble truths teaches this precisely"."We have to know the mind which shows thetrue nature of things...defilements are temporaryregarding the mind. In one day we go throughthese experiences where we see things with oureyes, and hear things with our ears; we cannotdistinguish between good and bad things. Thisis done with thought".Regarding the nature of the mind, and drawingupon His warm hearted wit and humour, HisHoliness joked to the Southeast Asian delegationthat perhaps: "While your eyes are fixed on me,your mind will be fixed on Singapore or HongKong".His Holiness then spoke of the nature of the mindwith inspiring depth and logic, bridging the gapbetween science and religion seamlessly:"I have talked with scientists about these things;sensory perceptions, looking at which part of themind works more with sensory perceptions...thereis also thought in the awakening state, thedreaming state, and the deep thought state.Through the power of meditation, people candissolve the states of mind".The Dalai Lama then addressed the Tibetanlaypeople of the gathering, asking those whowished to take the Bodhisattva vows to do sowith His guidance. As His Holiness led the vows,Tibetan members of the audience followed theirrevered spiritual leader's guidance, and took thesacred oath.The taking of the vows by the laypeople includes

a vow to refrain from alcohol, for which HisHoliness drew upon His past, highlighting thestory of [Kyabje] Ling Rinpoche. The Dalai Lamastated that, regarding the vows, Ling Rinpocheonce spoke to an elderly Tibetan man regardingthe observance and keeping of the promise. Hequestioned the man on his commitment to thevows; however the old man replied that he wasunable to give up alcohol. Ling Rinpoche replied:"If you cannot give it up, just take a little" HisHoliness said, laughing. "These five precepts arenot very difficult to take are they?" He asked, asaudience laughed. Afterwards, His Holinessguided the vows carefully, stating:"First get rid of non-merited actions, then get ridof self-grasping, then get rid of distorted views."Following the vows of the laypeople,Bodhisattva vows for the entire delegation wereoffered.Highlighting personal experience, the Dalai Lamaconfided: "I too take the vows every day, and itreally helps my own mind". The White Tarapermission initiation was commenced for thevows, for which His Holiness also guided andexplained:"Wisdom appears in the form of a deity in Tantra.You have to be able to see that deity in front ofyou. Tara is the purified state of wind energy."Drawing upon vivid visual descriptions, HisHoliness implied a focus on the body, the speechand the mind, and a need to meditate on theselflessness of the person:"Absorb you mind in emptiness, dissolveyourself into emptiness".Having concluded the vows, and as the morningdrew to a close, the Seventh Chapter ofShantideva's ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Wayof Life' was carefully read and explained to thedelegation. Before concluded the teachings, HisHoliness Dalai Lama wisely cautioned:"If you are self-centred with Tantric practice, youwill not fulfil your goals".Amid an atmosphere of revered respect, HisHoliness blessed and smiled to the humbledaudience of bowed heads and closed palms, asHe left the temple complex for the final of thethree days of teachings. The continuation ofShantideva's ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Wayof Life' teachings by the Dalai Lama, havecertainly granted inspiring depth and wisdominto the lives of both believers and non-believers of the teachings. However it is theSoutheast Asian guests who can certainlyreflect with awe and amazement, as a light wasshone on to one of the mos t impor tan tteachings for practicing Buddhists, by one ofthe most revered and respected spiri tualleaders of our lifetime.

Simultaneously, local officials held a meeting towarn the Tibetans inhabiting the areas to notinterfere with the mining project, stating that it isa government project. However two daysfollowing the meeting, the miners' tents were burndown mysteriously during the night. Fortunately,

the miners have received an anonymous tip aboutthe fire before the tents were lit and managed toescape.Four days after the tents incident, the ViceChief of Gade County and the head of miningorganization came to the village and once againurged the locals to support the miners and warned

them to not interfere with the mining. Nevertheless,the villagers continued to guard is the deity of thevillage, their dharma protector, as well as the god oflivestock. Therefore disturbing the mountain isdisrespectful to the gods, and thus, "even one handfulof soil" cannot be extracted.

The Tibet Post International 15 September, 2012 DharamshalaTPI NEWS4 INTERNATIONAL

'Flame Of Truth" Torch for TibetCause Reaches in Taiwan's Capital

By The Tibet Post International

Taipei: Tibetans and supporters in Taiwanesecapital Taipei Monday (September 3, 2012)began a motorcycle ride across Taiwan, as partof a global campaign to raise public awarenesson the current tense situation in Tibet and tocelebrate the 52nd Tibetan Democracy Day.After congregating in front of LongshanTemple in Taipei, dozens of Tibetans and theirTaiwanese supporters marched from the templealong Tibet Road to Liberty Square, where theeight cross-island riders were given a 'Flameof Truth' torch and khatas - traditional Tibetanscarves made of s i lk presented to showhospitality or respect.The second leg of the "Flame of Truth" globaltorch relay was started Sep 2, which is alsoobserved as Tibetan democracy day, in fivecontinents - North America, Europe, SoutheastAsia, Africa and Australia - to highlight thecritical situation prevailing in Tibet. In its firstleg, the freedom torch relay travelled to 48regions in India covering more than 12 states.Taipei Tibet Religious Foundation of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama chairman, Mr DawaTsering, who is the head of the Central TibetanAdministration in to Taiwan urged Taiwanesepeople to express their strong concern overthe current tragic situation inside Tibet."The action is aimed at raising internationalawareness about the ongoing tragedies inTibet, and to urge the Chinese government tostop its repression of Tibetan people," Dawasaid before the march in front of LongshanTemple .He sa id tha t fo l lowing se l f -immolations by more than 50 Tibetans inprotest against Chinese repression since

Tibetans and supporters carrying the "Flame Of Truth" in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, September 3, 2012.Photo: TPI

...Prospects and Challenges’Conference Held to Acclaim

economic relations. Additionally, the Tibetandelegation highlighted key topics, such as thethreat to environmental damage on the Tibetanplateau, and the risk of global warming to theplanet's ‘the third pole', Tibet.Organised by the Tibet Policy Institute, theaudience, which consisted of students trainingat Sarah College for the CTA, were addressed byKalon DickiChoeyang;Kalon for the departmentof information and international relations.Visiting professor; Tseng Chien Yuan, of ChungHua Universitybegan by discussingthe topic:‘Referendum in Taiwan: System and Vision'.Following this speech, Mr Tenzin Norbu gave anengaging talk on the environmental importanceof Tibet as the ‘third pole'. Drawing upon newresearch, Mr Norbu discussed vividly the mannerin which Tibet, which acts as the ‘water tower ofAsia', recharges the rivers of central Asia, and isfacing imminent threat. A mixture of mining,Chinese damming projects and global warmingthreaten the unique ecosystem on the roof of theworld.The Taiwanese delegation then led aspeech by Chu Cheng Chi, on‘The transformationof the Democratic Progressive Party, China'sPolicy and Tibet ' from the esteemed Phdstudent, of the department of sociology,Nat ional Taiwan Univers i ty.French PhDstudent, Julie Couderc, from the NationalTaiwan University, then spoke on ‘The TibetI ssue and Contemporary Perspec t ive :Construction of Political Relations and Scalesof Connections'. Highlighting the similaritiesbetween France and Tibet, she stated: "for

both the French and Tibetans, language veryimportant".Drawing upon His Holiness theDala i Lamas emphas i s on the need foreducation, she called for dialogue and a strongrelationship between the Central TibetanAdministration and French education systems,which, she added, are far cheaper than othercountries in Europe and America.When questioned about the similarities anddifferences between Taiwan and Tibet, sheadded:"I think when looking at independent nations,we have to look at identity. Do the Tibetansidentify with the Chinese government? Is itthe same with Taiwan? I don't care about thehistory, people look at history how they wantto. Look at what the people want"."The main difference for Tibet and Taiwan isthat Tibet is fully controlled by china, Taiwanis not".Wang Qin concluded the series of speeches,drawing upon political issues for cross-straitrelations in the region.The inspiring words of the visiting Taiwaneseacademics cer ta inly seemed to make animpression on the audience of students andmembers of the CTA, as the conference drewto a close. After a quest ion and answersession, which finalised some of the finerpoints of the conference, the delegationconcluded. Inspiring debate and new thoughtinto the minds of future leaders and researches,the conference was deemed a success bystudents.

...From front page

Dharamshala: To celebrate Tibet's 52nd Democracy Day,Qi Shi Cultural Foundation, a Chinese social activist groupbased in Australia, held a function in tribute to imprisonedTibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen.On September 2, the famous filmmaker was honouredwith a special award for his 2008 documentary film ‘LeavingFear Behind'.The Amdo region native is currently serving a six yearsentence following his arrest in March 2008. He wascharged with "state subversion" after his documentarywas smuggled abroad and distributed on the internetand at film festivals around the world.Dhondup Wangchen along with his friend, a seniorTibetan monk, Jigme Gyatso conceived the idea for‘Leaving Fear Behind.' They spent five monthsdocumenting interviews of 108 Tibetans discussing thepolitical situation, all of whom agreed to have their facesshown on camera.The 25-minute documentary shared Tibetans' views onHis Holiness and the Chinese government in the yearleading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and their hopesand frustrations living under the Chinese regime.Dhondup Wangchen's daughter Lhamo Dolma waspresent at the ceremony to receive the award held at theTibet Museum in Mcleod Ganj, India.Kalon Dicki Chhoyang from the Department ofInformation and International Relations spoke at theevent. She expressed her gratitude to the foundation forawarding the prize to a Tibetan and acknowledged thefoundation's contribution towards human rights andjustice.Following her, Mrs Qi Jia Zhen, President of the foundationspoke. She commended Dhondup Wangchen for hiscourage and sacrifice."He went on to shoot and distributethe film; even though he knew the repercussions thatwere in store for him."To serve his sentence, Dhondupleaves behind a broken home. His wife and loving childrenwait day and night for his return. Mrs Qi thus, calls on theChinese Government to immediately and unconditionallyrelease him. In addition, she implies that they take care ofDhondup's rehabilitation to compensate for all the

qi-jia-zhen-20120-sept-2nd


hardship he and his family have been put through."As members of a Han Chinese NGO we should feelashamed and thus would like to take this opportunity totell the several million Tibetan brothers and sisters thatwe feel guilty and - We are Sorry!" Mrs Qi added, "2012has been a very unfortunate year with many Tibetanschoosing to highlight the "No freedom or give me death"concept. Most of those that sacrificed their lives by settingthemselves ablaze were young blooming flowers of life."On behalf of all the members, she expressed her deepsympathy for the self-immolators and stated that, "Tocombat human rights abuses in Tibet, Tibetans and otherminorities in China should join hands and work togetherto change this unreasonable state."Revealing why thishonour was bestowed on the filmmaker, Mrs Qi Jia Zhensaid, "We hope that this award is a small step forward inpromoting understanding between both the Tibetan and

Chinese people. Only in this way will there be progressiverealization of national unity based on equality."This sentiment is shared by many, not only in the Chinesecommunity, but worldwide. Numerous human rightsorganizations have condemned the arrests of JigmeGyatso and Dhondup Wanghcen. Amnesty Internationalprotested the arrests of both men and labelled the filmmakera prisoner of conscience.Many other groups such asHuman Rights Watch, Front Line, The Committee toProtect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, and theTibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy haveall advocated on Dhondup Wangchen's behalf.A coalition of human rights and Tibetan activistgroups calling for Dhondup Wangchen's release helda rally in New York City's Times Square on 9 March2012, the 53rd anniversary of the 1959 Tibetanuprising.

A Chinese NGO Apologises to Tibet andHonours Tibetan Filmmaker

March 2009, the Tibetan parliament-in-exileadopted a resolution earlier this year askingTibetans around the world to take action toraise awareness of the Tibetans' sufferingunder Chinese rule."Some marched, some had marathon runs andTibetans in Taiwan chose to ride motorcyclesaround the island. Tibetan communities indifferent countries do it in different ways,"Dawa said."We choose to begin the action today becauseSept. 2 is Tibetan Democracy Day, because theTibetan parliament-in-exile was created on thisdate 52 years ago."In a statement, the Tibetans called on theinternational community - especially the UN -to show i t s concern over human r igh tsviolations inside Tibet, and asked the UN toorganize a special investigation team toinvestigate human rights conditions in Tibet.Decorating their motorcycles with Tibetanflags, the Tibetan riders plan to make overnightstops in Hualien, Taitung, Kaohsiung andTaichung, before returning to Taipei onThursday afternoon.Taiwanese Students for a Free Tibet convenerFong Jyun-shan told Taipei Times that thesymbolism behind marching from Tibet Roadto Liberty Square was meant to show that theparade is a march toward freedom for Tibetans.Over 50 Tibe tans have repor ted ly se tthemselves on fire to protest against Chineserepressive policies since 2009 and they calledfor the return of Tibet's exiled spiritual leader,His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom inTibet, before setting themselves alight.

Entire Tibet Under Undeclared Martial Law: ExileGovt. Calls for Help

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet.Net

Dharamshala: With the wave of self-immolationprotests spreading across Tibet, the entire region isnow 'under undeclared martial law.' The Chineseregime has now been banned international touristsand journalists from entering the all parts of Tibet,exile Tibetan government said on Thursday, August30, 2012."The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is gravelyconcerned by the deteriorating situation in Tibet.Despite repeated appeals by the Central TibetanAdministration to refrain from drastic actions, over 51Tibetans have now set themselves on fire in protestagainst the Chinese government's repressivepolicies," said CTA in a statement."Since March 2009, over 51 Tibetans between age of16 - 64, comprising of monks, nuns, student, nomads,farmers, have now set themselves on fire asking forthe return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet andfreedom for Tibetans," the statement said.The Tibetan government in exile said that the "wholeof Tibet is effectively under undeclared martial law,

YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

and remains closed to foreign tourists and journalists.Such brutal response from the Chinese governmenthas pushed an increasing number of Tibetans tocontinue taking drastic steps. The responsibility forthe tragic self-immolations in Tibet lies entirely withthe Chinese government, so does the solution.""The international community, including governmentsand parliaments of countries such as Australia,Canada, the Czech Republic, European Union, France,Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, South Africa, and theUS, have expressed serious concern over the criticalsituation in Tibet," CTA said."Resolutions have been passed and statements issuedurging the Chinese authorities to take proactive stepsto ease security clampdown in Tibet, address theunderlying grievances of Tibetans through dialogue,and cease promoting policies that threaten the Tibetanlanguage, culture, religion, heritage and environment.Central Tibetan Administration urges the Chinesegovernment to heed the urgent appeal of theinternational community," the statement further

added.However, the authorities have simply ignoredor disregarded those resolutions call upon Hu's regimeto respect human rights and religious freedoms ofTibetan people.CTA also said, "the Chinese people, who have theright to know the real situation in Tibet, includeindividuals who have expressed their concern overthe grim situation in Tibet. This included renownedBeijing-based artist, Ai Weiwei, who recentlyexpressed his personal embarrassment at how theChinese government is dealing the tragic self-immolations of Tibetans in Tibet.""We appeal to individual governments to use theirgood offices to engage the Chinese government toend the crisis in Tibet at the upcoming UnitedNations General Assembly meeting in September,to allow fact-finding delegation and internationalmedia to visit Tibet, and to pursue substantivedialogue with the Central Tibetan Administrationto resolve the issue of Tibet," the statementconcluded.

Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Tibet addressing during a conference being held in Dharamshala, India inJune 2012, by all India Tibet Support Groups. Photo: TPI

YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

15 September, 2012 Dharamshala The Tibet Post InternationalTPI NEWS 5

Expressions of Support for TibetanCause in Kham Region


Dharamshala: Two acts of defiance againstthe Chinese authorities have recently takenplace in the Kham region of Tibet.On the night of September 7, a Tibetan flagwas raised by unidentified individuals at theBonpo Township school in Zachu County(Kham region, Eastern Tibet).Jamyon, a monk from Sera Monastery in SouthIndia, sent the latest information on theincident saying that the Chinese flag waslowered during the night and the Tibetan flagraised in its place. Concurrently, many hand-written flyers with the slogan "Free Tibet"were thrown all over the school's grounds.The next day, according to Jamyon, localChinese officials removed the flag and arecurrently looking for the individuals whostaged the incident.On September 5, a Tibetan business woman,Soyak (40), was arrested for encouraging otherTibe tans to par t i c ipa te in the Lhakarmovement.Lhakar, or 'White Wednesday' is aself-reliance movement that started after the2008 Tibetan uprising. Each Wednesday,Tibe tans make a spec ia l e f for t to wear

Golden Jubilee of CTSA Attended byHis Holiness


His Holiness the Dalai Lama visiting the CTS school in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, South India, during a visit in theearly 1970?s. File photo/OHHDL

Dharamshala: This morning His Holiness the DalaiLama has left Dharamsala for the visit to Delhi wherethis afternoon he attended the 50th anniversary ofthe Central Tibetan Schools Administration (CTSA).At the event the Dalai Lama was joined by UnionMinister of Human Resource Development, ShriKapil Sibal, Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay, JointSecretary and Chairman of the CTSA, Shri ApurvaChandra, and the Secretary for School Educationand Literacy, Shrimati Anshu Vaishji.CTSA opened their first school in Mussoorie where50 students attended lessons. Later on, schoolswere opened in Shimla, Dalhousie and Darjeeling.As for today, approximately 8750 students receivemodern education in 67 schools opened by CTSA.Lobsang Sangay, Tibet's Prime Minister, formerstudent of the CTSA school in Darjeeling, expressedhis gratitude to the association, especially for HisHoliness's vision, which the CTSA has put into effectand India government for providing moderneducation to Tibetan children. "It's easy to thankyou on the one hand, but difficult on the other,because we can't thank you enough", said LobsangSangay.The other speaker at the event Kapil Sibal, theminister for Human Resource Development in theUnion Government, mentioned that as today theycelebrate this Golden Jubilee, they should moveforward and try to improve their work. He quotedDouglas Adams: ""The best way to predict thefuture is to build it," which is exactly what we shouldbe doing".As His Holiness the Dalai Lama startedhis speech, he remembered Pandit Nehru with a smileon his face. After the arrival to India in 1959, theDalai Lama immediately got concerned about thefuture of about 80,000 Tibetan refugees."He [PanditNehru] came to meet me soon after my arrival in

Chinese national flag was replaced by Tibetan flag overnight in Bonpo Township’s school.

India; when we were discussing education, he toldme that the best way to keep the Tibet issue alivewas to educate our children. There was discussionabout what the medium of instruction should be,whether it should be Hindi or English. Nehrurecommended English because it is an internationallanguage. After lunch he insisted that we announcethe formation of the CTSA. Now, 52 years later, thisorganization is still looking after our schools", saidHis Holiness.He also spoke about the history of Tibet andIndia, when Tibetan Emperors during the 7th, 8thand 9th centuries have invited Indian teachersto educate locals. Even today, Tibetans prefer to

learn Buddhism directly from Indian sources."Iregard India as our Guru and us as your chela,because, just as in ancient times you taught usBuddhism, so in the present you have given usmodern education. We are grateful to everyonewho has contributed to this. I thank you on myown part, on behalf of the Tibetan refugeecommunity and on behalf of the 6 millionTibetans", concluded his speech His Holinessthe Dalai Lama.During his 8 day visit in Delhi, His Holiness willbe also giving talks on The Importance of Non-Violence and Ethical Values as well as teachingsand conferring the Avalokiteshvera Initiation.

traditional clothes, speak their own language,eat in Tibetan restaurants and shop at Tibetan-owned businesses.Information about the arrest was received fromKynrab Nyima, a resident of Dharamshala,northern India. He explained that Soyak is thedaughter of well-known businessman NamsiLhakyab, and that she has always been activein the Tibet cause. Nyima reported that, andevery Wednesday - Wednesday being the dayof Dalai Lama's birth - she followed theTibetan tradition of doing good deeds.Nyima cont inued tha t bus iness people ,including Soyak, were trading traditionalTibetan jewelry and caterpillar fungus in YakSquare , Yushu County, where they a lsodecided to wear traditional clothing everyWednesday to show their support for peacefulresistance. When Soyak met Tibetans whowere not participating in this activity, shereportedly encouraged them to engage morewith this special occasion.Shortly after her actions, at 6pm, Soyak wasarrested and taken away by police officers.

Current Update on Jigme Dolma'sSentence, Karze, Eastern Tibet


Dharamshala: Jigme Dolma, 17 years oldTibetan, who carried out the protest action onthe 24th June this year, was sentenced for 3years of imprisonment by Karze CommunityCourt on the 25th of August, according to alatest report received by The Tibet PostInternational.Dolma staged a solitary peaceful action in themain market area of Karze County on June 24,2012.She threw leaflets in the air and, as duringmany previous protest actions, called out forHis Holiness the Dalai Lama's return, freedomfor Tibet and release of the Panchen Lamatogether with other political prisoners. Justminutes later, Chinese police have beaten herand hauled away.

Jigme Dolma, 17 years old Tibetan Gril From karze County in Kham Region.

It has been reported previously, that JigmeDolma's father has been denied access to seehis daughter. However, after he has heardabout Dolma's bodily injuries.His father has waited at the hospital entrancewhere she was kept and later had a glimpse athis daughter's condition, it said.He noticed injuries on Dolma's hands, backand legs while she was being escorted by localpolice personnel.Af te r the verd ic t o f her sen tence waspronounced, Jigme Dolma got to see her familyonly twice, while on the 28th of the same monthshe was moved from Karze County's DetentionCentre to the unspecified prison in China toserve her 3 years imprisonment.

Arrests, Protests and Unrest inTibet's Chamdo Region


Dharamshala: The conditions of Tibetans residingin eastern Tibet have recently worsened, withnumerous cases of unexplained arrests and publicprotests in Chamdo Region, Kham Prefecture.On August 30, Chinese police arrested around 70monks from four monasteries in Gonjo County,Chamdo. The reasons for the arrests remain unclear,and the Chinese authorities claim the monks weretaken to "legal education classes" for 15 days. Manylocal people believe they are actually being held indetention, and the authorities have not specified whattheir fate will be upon the conclusion of the 'classes'.Further, monks and lamas of Chamdo Region havebeen instructed to seek permission from the Chinesegovernment before travelling to other counties.If they are caught travelling outside of their countywithout permission, they face the threat of beingcharged and punished.Meanwhile, local Chinesegovernment officials faced resistance from the otherend of Chamdo Region when they tried to commencea mining project at Samlong Mountain near Rajamonastery (one of the monasteries where the 70 monkswere arrested). On August 19, county officials arrivedat the mountain but faced oppositon from localvillagers.

Samlong Mountain Near The Raja Monastery, Amdo Region East Tibet

Many villagers camped around the holy mountain,holding protest posters, including one emphasisingPoint 44 of the Chinese Constitution, which focuses

Former Tibetan Political Prisoner in PoorHealth After Release

Kardze (Ch: Ganzi) town in June 2011.

Dharamshala,11 September 2012: A Tibetan politicalprisoner who was released last year after serving a three-year sentence is in poor health with multiple healthcomplications, reported his niece, Nyidon, in a recentinterview with TCHRD.Born in Kora Township in Karze (Chinese: Ganzi) County,Nyidon escaped into India with an overriding mission:"to tell the story of my uncle to the world" as Chinacontinues to keep a tight lid on information coming out ofTibet.Chime Gonpo, now 41, was detained on 18 March2008 for staging a peaceful protest against the Chinesegovernment in Karze County in Kardze TibetanAutonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Around 2pm (local time) on 18 March 2008, Gonpo along with tenother Tibetans held a protest, calling for the return of theDalai Lama from exile, and freedom in Tibet, and the releaseof all political prisoners in Tibet including the 11thPanchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Minutes afterthe protest, local armed police arrived on the scene andstarted beating the protesters before taking them away,according Gonpo's niece, Nyidon, who arrived in Indialast monthNyidon left her farming village in Kardze inApril 2012 and reached Nepal in May the same year beforearriving in India in August.Like every family member or relative of former politicalprisoners in Tibet, the lives of Nyidon and her familymembers were turned upside down since the arrest andsubsequent sentencing of her uncle to three years inprison for non-violent protest.A week after Gonpo's releaseon 17 March 2011, his family including his aged motherbegan to notice drastic changes in his health. "Unclebegan to lose weight and his body turned darker day byday," Nyidon remembered in her interview with TCHRD.

By TCHRD

Gonpo's family immediately took him to three differenthospitals in Chengdu but the doctors failed to make anydiagnosis. Gonpo was then taken to a hospital in Beijingwhere he was diagnosed with hepatitis and kidney disease.Nyidon said her family had all along suspected that thefailing health of Gonpo, who was a "healthy and energetic"man before he went into the prison, was due to thebeatings and torture he suffered during his three-yearimprisonment. Gonpo's family later took him back homeafter his condition improved. However, even as Gonpowas recuperating at his home, the local police continuedto make weekly visits, asking him all sorts of questionsand to see he has not left anywhere without theirknowledge.The fact that Gonpo had completed his sentence did notcount as he and his family continue to be under thesurveillance of the security officials. Their movementsand activities and constantly monitored and controlled.Gonpo's family had to seek permission from the local

police station and other government offices to take Gonpofor treatment in Chengdu and Beijing."It is normal for family members and relatives of a formeror current political prisoner to face many hardships at thehands of the police and other government officials,"Nyidon said.Before leaving her hometown for Lhasa in April 2012,Nyidon had to get permission from five different Countyand Township level offices including the local policestation, the Public Security Bureau (PSB) office andgovernment offices. In order not to draw their suspicions,she told them she was leaving for a pilgrimage toLhasa.After his violent arrest by armed police on 18 March2008, Gonpo's whereabouts remained unknown for oneyear and three months. Despite consistent efforts by hisfamily members to find information about his detention,Gonpo remained ‘disappeared'. "I remember mygrandmother (Gonpo's mother) calling out his name,saying prayers, and then breaking down in tears thinkinghe might have already died," Nyidon said. Gonpo'simprisonment in Mianyang Prison (Sichuan Province)led to the rapid deterioration of his mother's health.Manyothers, some of whom Nyidon knew personally, werealso sentenced along with her uncle, Gonpo. Nyiga, 50,from Sershul Township was sentenced to eight yearsand Goga, 45, who hails from the same village as Nyidonwas sentenced to three years in prison. Another man, afriend of Nyiga and Goga, whose name Nyidon cannotrecall was sentenced to seven years." All that they did to get such heavy sentences was tohold peaceful protests," said Nyidon. "My uncle is a manof conscience; he wouldn't hurt anyone."

on environmental preservation. They also sent lettersof complaint to province officials, but reportedly haveyet to receive any response.

TIBET

The Tibet Post International 15 September, 2012 DharamshalaTPI NEWS6

TYC’s Three Hunger Strikers Vow toContinue Indefinite Fast from Tihar Jail

EXILE TIBET

H.H Dalai Lamas' Vision of DemocracyBlossoms on 52nd Anniversary

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post International.

Dharamshala: Passing a historic milestone inTibetan history, the 52nd anniversary ofTibetan Democracy Day was celebrated withthe Kalon Tripa, Lobsang Sangay, holding fullpo l i t i ca l power o f the Cent ra l T ibe tanAdminis t ra t ion for the f i rs t t ime in theinstitution's history.Amid a morning of celebrations, music andjubilation in the Main Temple, the exilecommunity in Dharamshala, India, were metwith a buoyant celebration of Tibetan cultureand pride of stoic democracy in exile.His Holiness the Dalia Lama, the spiritualleader of Tibet was greeted at colourful theevent by a broad delegat ions of guests ,including Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay, andthe Tibetan Parliament in Exile.Members of the audience watched in awe asperformances by the Tibetan Institute ofPerforming Arts commenced the anniversarywith a musical bagpipe entrance, followed bya new song for Tibet cause.The Kalon Tripa, Dr Sangay, ra ised theTibetan national f lag to a chorus of thenational anthem, symbolically reminding theaudience of Tibetans of their roots, identityand homeland in the Land of Snows.In a statement by the Kashag (ExecutiveCabinet) on the auspicious day, greetings andobeisance were made to His Holiness andfellow Tibetans; both in Tibet and in Exile. TheKashag stated:'We can take pride in the fact that Tibetans inexile have proven that Buddhism is compatiblewith democracy', adding:'As we commemora te th i s impor tan tanniversary, our thoughts remain with ourbrothers and sisters in Tibet aspiring forfreedom and the return of His Holiness theDalai Lama to His homeland...Tibetans aroundthe world offer our prayers to those Tibetanswho have succumbed to self-immolations andexpress solidarity with the arrested, tortured

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Top Officials Celebrating the 52nd Democracy Day at Main Tibetan Temple in Dharanmshala, in india. September 02nd 2012. Photo:TPI

and imprisoned, including all the Tibetans wholive in Tibet under repressive rule''To fellow Tibetans, this is the time for unity

and so l idar i ty as expressed though theprayers, songs and last wishes of the self-immolators. We must remain vigilant to counter

the hard l ine Chinese leaders ' efforts toundermine the Tibetan cause. We have laid asolid foundation that will only grow stronger

if we follow the three guiding principles ofunity, innovation and self-reliance. Tibetansare fortunate to be the beneficiary of HisHol iness the Dala i Lama ' s v i s ion of ademocratic Tibetan polity.His unceasing efforts to bring us to thismoment have helped to unleash Tibetans'dynamic energy and empowered them todetermine their own future.''We pray for the long and healthy life of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama. May the aspirationsof all Tibetans within and outside Tibet, befulfilled'Amid speeches by the Kalon Tripa, and thespeaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile,Penpa Tsering, the morning drew to a closebeneath the gaze of an enormous Tibetannation flag strung across the temple complex,and to the harmonious singing of traditionalTibetan performers.Immediately after the celebrations, on thebalcony of the Tibet Museum, within the MainTemple premises , The 'Qi ' s Cul tu ra lFounda t ion ' , a Chinese NGO based inAustralia, recognised the plight of DhondupWangchen, who created the film 'Leaving FearBehind', and is currently in prison underChinese rule. Wangchen ' s f i lm insp i red and c rea tedawareness about the plight of Tibetan peopleand the current situation in the region, despiteenormous risk to his freedom. His sacrificewas made all the more poignant on a day spentobserving the long struggle and need for truedemocracy for the Tibetan people.September 2nd 2012 marked a historic day;under the fu l l po l i t i ca l gu idance of ademocratically elected leader for the first time,surely His Holiness' cherished wish of a trulydemocratic Tibetan institution has come intoblossom, as the future of His people marchesone step closer to democracy and justice.

Indian Police arrest an activist carrying the Tibetan national flag outside the Chinese embassy in New Delhi


Dharamshala: Day two of the Tibetan YouthCongress' "Indefinite hunger strike" did not turnout as planned with the three hunger strikers beingdetained in prison for two nights in a row.Despite Indian authorities assuring that the hungerstrike would be allowed to go on, it was a constantstruggle to continue the strike.A report released by the Tibetan Youth Congress(TYC) recounted details of the last two days of thestrike. Three TYC Central Executive members; VicePresident, Dhondup Lhadar, OrganizationalSecretary, Penpa Tsering and Cultural Secretary,Jigme Shoipa started their indefinite fast onSeptember 3 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.Trouble started around 8:30 pm IST when the Indianpolice came to the protest site to take away thethree hunger strikers and two activists toConnaught Place Police Station. The authoritiesmaintained that this was done as a preventivemeasure, as the hunger strike was a security risk tothe Chinese Defence Minister's visit to India.However, they assured the people that the strikewould be allowed to carry on.On September 4, at 7:00 am IST the detainees werereleased and allowed to go back to the protest site.However, an hour and a half later the police wereback under the guise of requiring signatures fromthe ones taken away. Uncertain about theauthorities' true intentions, the rest of the protestorswaited till 12:30 pm for their return to Jantar Mantar.There was still more to come when ten policemenarrived at Jantar Mantar at 8:00 pm. They forciblytook away the three hunger strikers and activists,

arresting them this time and putting them in cells atTuglak Marg Police Station. FIRs were also filedagainst the arrested.Meanwhile, about 30 TYC activists staged aprotest during the meeting between ChineseDefence Minister, Liang Guanglie and IndianPrime Minister, Manmohan Singh, at 6:00 pm nearIndia Gate.The shouting out of anti- China slogans resultedin the arrests of all the 30 TYC activists. Theywere also imprisoned at Tuglak Marg PoliceStation.Despite the constant hindrances, the threehunger strikers unanimously vowed to continuetheir fasts in jail.Later that evening, the Delhi police issued furtherorders notifying TYC to remove their hunger striketent from Jantar Mantar, warning that it would bebroken down and dismantled if left standing.Furthermore, at 12 am, the hunger strikers,protestors and activists, were sent to Tihar jail underthe orders of the Special Court of Magistrate, NewDelhi.TYC in their report maintains that their form ofexpression would continue to be peaceful and non-violent, despite the disappointing response andtreatment the Indian Police have shown the lastfew days towards the Tibet issue.They vowed to keep their mission going to appealto the European Parliament, United Nations andthe international community to immediatelyintervene and compel the Chinese government todouse the fiery protests inside Tibet.

10th Day Indefinite Hunger Strike Campaign at theUnited Nations Office

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) prostration campaign asthey marched to the UN Information Centre. Photo:

TPI/TYC

Thu Flower, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: 12 September, 2012. The 10th day ofIndefinite Hunger Strike was marked by a demonstrationoutside of the United Nations Information Centre in NewDelhi to appeal for the UN intervention in ending theundeclared martial law situation in Tibet.Amidst the barricades and guards outside of the UNbuilding, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) protestors wereadamant in speaking directly to the UN about theworsening conditions in Tibet, as well as the UN previouspromises in addressing those issues. Tibetan studentsfrom various Delhi universities, led by TYC FinanceSecretary, Konchok Yangphel, marched towards the UNinformation Centre while chanting prayers. The aim ofthe demonstration was to submit memorandums to theUN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon and HighCommissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay.TYC President, Tsewang Rigzin gave a speech tosupporters and the media outside the UN office, informingthem about the critical status of Tibet under Chineseoppressive policies. Furthermore, he spoke about theMarch 2012 hunger strike in New York, which was calledoff due to the UN's pledge to send one of their delegations

to Tibet and to promptly contact Chinese governmentabout the predicaments. Up until recently, nocommunication has been made by the UN and norepresentative has visited Tibet as the situation in thecountry worsened. "We are holding UN responsible forwhatever happens to the three hunger strikers. We are

appealing and will continue on until concrete actionshave been taken by the UN," stated TsewangRigzin.Shortly after his statement to the gatherings,security guards and police officials escorted him alongwith Joint-Secretary, Tenzing Norsang to the UN visitor'sgate. Thereafter an official greeted the TYCrepresentatives outside of the gate and subsequentlyinformed them that "they will not be allowed inside as therules have changed and even the Speaker of the Tibetanparliament in exile and delegation weren't allowed insiderecently." Eventually the unyielding TYC representativesmanaged to persuade the official to allow them inside totalk with UN officials, including Ritch Millers. After theofficials were briefed about the urgent situation inTibet, they ensured TYC that the memorandums willbe immediately sent to the Secretary General andHigh Commissioner to be examined bythem.Although the hunger strikers are steadily losingtheir body weights and have become dramaticallyweaker, their hope for Tibet is ever stronger as theywere notified about the progress the campaign hasmade.

NGOs Demand Global Diplomatic Interventionin Occupied Tibet

On August 29, 2012, members from Students for a Free Tibet India and Tibetan Women’s Association and supportersgathering to protest against Chinese repressive policies in Tibet, that causing the recent wave of self-immolations in

their homeland. Photo: TPI

By Amanda Peters, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: In a joint press release on August 29,Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) India and the TibetanWomen's Association (TWA) pledged to intensify theiractions demanding global diplomatic intervention to endChina's failed policies in Tibet.The statement was issued in the wake of the recent self-immolations in Tibet which brought the total to 51 casessince 2009.Lobsang Kelsang (18), a monk from Kirti Monastery, andDamchoe (17) set themselves ablaze on the morning ofAugust 27 in Ngaba region, eastern Tibet. Reportsconfirmed that both died soon after, due to their injuries."The Chinese government has driven more than 50Tibetans to burn themselves in protest," said ExecutiveDirector of SFT India, Tenzin Dorjee. "Beijing has thepower to change its policies, withdraw its troops, andend the self-immolations overnight, but instead itcontinues to exacerbate the Tibetan people's sufferingand grievances."TWA President Tashi Dolma urgedworld governments to apply multilateral pressure andtake action against China to end the crackdown. "Weremain deeply saddened that India has not spoken onthis issue," she said. "Thus we request for concretetangible support from the Indian government."•Sincelast year, 49 self-immolations have taken place, of whichseven have occurred in August 2012 alone. At least 40 ofthese protestors have died. These tragic events mark thelargest ever group of self-immolation protests for a singlecause in history.Yet these actions remain barely reportedinternationally and fail to enlist support to pressure Chinato take responsibility for its actions and ensure Tibetanstheir rights. The Chinese government deems these as'terrorist acts' and refuses to examine their root causes.In spite of government crackdowns on travel and

communications, Ngaba region has seen significantprotests in recent weeks, following the self-immolationsof two Tibetans on August 13. On August 14, a massdemonstration took place in Rebkong, Amdo region,outside the police station to protest the unprovokedbeating of four Tibetans by intoxicated police officers theprevious day."We call on India to join like-mindedgovernments to immediately establish strong, public,multilateral mechanisms to hold Beijing accountable forits atrocities in Tibet," said DorjeeTseten, President of

SFT India.SFT has launched a petition urging Shri S MKrishna, the Minister of External Affairs, to support astrong multilateral action for Tibet. The petition will bedelivered to his office on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti(Gandhi's birthday - a public holiday in India).Urgentresponse protests will also be held in other continents.During the upcoming United Nations Human RightsCouncil and General Assembly meetings, SFT memberswill join a Global Day of Action on September 5 to urgeforeign ministries to take joint action for Tibet.

15 September, 2012 Dharamshala The Tibet Post InternationalTPI NEWS 7Protestors Outlined 51 Bodies in Front

of German Chancellor's Office


Dharamshala: On Tuesday (28 August, 2012),Tibetan supporters stage a protest in front ofGerman Chancellor's office to urge her toaddress the crisis in Tibet for her upcomingvisit to China.With the recent onset of self-immolationsfollowed by heavy crackdown from Chineseauthority, Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID)staged a "Crime Scene: Tibet" in front ofGerman Chancellor, Angela Merkel's office.Protestors drew 51 bodies on the floor usingchalk to symbolize the 51 Tibetans who setthemselves on fire in protest against Chineseoppression in Tibet. "We are calling on her topublicly condemn China's crackdown in Tibetand to demand unlimited access for diplomatsand foreign journalist," said Nadine Baumann,

INTERNATIONAL

On Tuesday (28 August, 2012), Tibetan supporters stage a protest in front of German Chancellor's office.

Democracy Day Highlighted by the Tibetan ParliamentIn-Exile's Speech

Tibetans offering prayers at the prayer service; Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the prayer service.

By Ruta Vilkaite, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Today, Sunday, August 2nd 2012, isthe 52nd anniversary of Tibetan democracy thatthousands of Tibetans and supporters together withtop officials of the three pillars of democracy andHis Holiness the Dalai Lama have gathered tocelebrate at the His Holiness temple in Dharamshala,India.The speech was given at this event by the TibetanParliament-in-Exile members who talked about thehistory of the democracy which unfortunately didnot evolve the same way for the Tibetan nation.The temporal and spiritual leader of Tibet, the DalaiLama, wished to introduce these democratic ideasto his own people. While Chinese occupied thecountry in 1949 and burdened the people withvarious repressions, the goal of making Tibetdemocratic country was lost temporary.Tibet's leader, followed by noble people, into exilehas encouraged them to elect their ownrepresentatives and on 2nd of September 1960 thefirst Tibet's government was born to lead the people.The idea of free Tibet turned into a draftconstitution for the future. From that time, theParliament -in-Exile became law making organ.Sincelast year, His Holiness the Dalai Lama "devoted allhis political and administrative powers to the leadersdirectly elected by the Tibetan people", spokeParliament's member Penpa Tsering. The works ofthe Carter of Tibetans in Exile and the Central TibetanAdministration in Exile were amended accordinglyand organizations work towards the Tibetan causeuntil the issue will be resolved.Penpa Tsering said that for the last 53 years whenChinese armed forces entered Tibet, people havebeen deprived of their right to practice religionfreely- thousands of monasteries have beendestroyed, various restrictions have beenimplemented on monks and nuns- all in order todestroy the religion. Nomads are also facingdifficulties as they are forced to change theirtraditional lifestyle. Damage to the land and itswildlife in particular is another part that is beingdestroyed by the Chinese communists in Tibet. "The

people [...] continue to suffer hell on earth throughendless days and nights of strike-hard campaignsof various kind which deprive them of the right topeaceful enjoyment of all their rights and freedoms",stated the speaker of the Parliament.The Tibetans always stood strongly and foughtnon-violently against the Chinese occupation. Atotal number of 51 of lay and clergy people haveself immolated in order to draw the attention of theworld while the Chinese government reacted tothese protest actions with the unleash of the People'sArmed Police in Tibet area. These clashes ended incountless deaths, detentions anddisappearances.Innumerable non-violent actionsand peaceful projects have been held since 1959.This year the Tibet Parliament-in-Exile has launchedthe freedom movement known as the Flame of Truthrally on 6th of July. Started in three places in India itwill continue through more than 30 countries aroundthe world raising awareness of the cause andcollecting signatures for the petition which will be

presented to the UN.Member of Parliament-in-ExilePenpa Tsering had a message to the People'sRepublic of China as well as other countries of theworld. He encouraged the Chinese Government tonot ignore Tibet issue and take responsibility for theactions in the occupied country. As for the freecountries of the world, the message sent wasencouragement to not only look at their own economicinterests, but to spare some time and deeds insupporting the Tibetan cause."We would like to callwith emphatic stress on the UN and many of its membercountries, as well as on governments, people,organizations of various kinds, prominent publicfigures, journalists, and so on who support freedomand justice to carry out thorough investigations tofind out the truth about the aspirations of the Tibetanpeople, the brutally inhuman policies being pursuedby the government of China in Tibet, and trulyvoluminous streams of misrepresentations, lies anddistortions of the facts that China continues to bringout", ending his speech underlined Penpa Tsering.

Executive Director of TID.Chancellor AngelaMerkel is arranged to meet with ChinesePremier Wen Jiabao in order to discuss vastrange of current global issues includingEuropean debt crisis and plans for economicrevival. Germany is China's biggest Europeantrading partner and the Chancellor wants toassure China that European's bonds andinvestments are safe.Some Tibetan supportersfear that issues relating to human rights havebeen completely ignored due to the debtproblems and economic crisis. By outlining the"v ic t im 's" bodies on the f loor, Tibe tansupporters hoped to set a reminder aboutthose who self-immolated for the human rightscause.

RTYC Belgium Stages a Protest Outsidethe Chinese Embassy in Brussels

By Amanda Peters , Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: To express their discontent withthe intensified crackdown inside Tibet, theRegional Tibetan Youth Congress in Belgium(RTYC) organised a demonstration in front ofthe Chinese embassy in Brusse l s , onWednesday, September 12.20 people in to ta l pa r t i c ipa ted in thedemonstration; among them were four WesternTibe t suppor te r s . There was a l so arepresen ta t ive f rom the Unrepresen tedNations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), toshow their support for the Tibetan cause.A reliable source said, “Although there werenot too many people at the demonstration, thisaction has upset those working at the Chineseembassy. Several people visited the embassythat day, thus witnessing the protest.”The demonstration ended with the singing ofthe Tibetan National Anthem, followed by aminute of silence for those Tibetans that diedunder the Chinese regime.Ever since the peaceful demonstrations duringthe 2008 Bei j ing Olympics , China hascontinued to violently suppress any form ofexpression, enforcing a crackdown on mediaand travel inside Tibet. As a repercussion tothis, Tibetans are driven to take up more

Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) in Belgium chanting protest in front of Chinese Embassy. Photo: TPI/Dennis Barbion

extreme ways to be noticed and heard.Since March 2009, 51 Tibetans have setthemselves on fire to publicly protest againstChina’s rule in Tibet and to call for the returnof their spiritual leader, His Holiness the DalaiLama, to Tibet.This form of protest was undertaken to call onworld leaders and organizations, such as theUnited Nations to intervene and help find apeaceful solution to the Tibetan issue.The RTYC Belgium believes that the globaldesire for freedom and democracy should alsomanifest itself in Tibet.The aim of the demonstration was to urge theUN to send an independent observer to assessthe on-going situation in Tibet, to demand thatworld leaders and international bodies; suchas the European Parliament, take thoroughmeasures for a peaceful and sustainablesolution for Tibet, to release all politicalprisoners and lastly, to commence negotiationsbetween China and Tibet.The RTYC Belgium calls upon all regional,national and European politicians, as well asthe general public to learn about the realsituation in Tibet and support their peacefulstruggle for freedom.

Tibetan Women’s Association Marks Its28th Anniversary in Exile


A Tibetan woman showcasing her support during Tibet Women Uprising Day on 12th March 2012 In Dharamshala,India. Photo: TPI/Pema Tso

Dharamshala: September 10, 2012, Dharamsala; Incommemoration of the ‘Twenty Eighth Years in Exile’since its establishment, the Tibetan Women’sAssociation (TWA) on its 28th re-foundinganniversary in exile, pays heartfelt tribute to Tibetanmartyrs for their supreme sacrifices which continuesto keep the spirit of Tibet alive and hopeful even after53 years of China’s brutal suppression.The TWA was founded in Lhasa on March 12, 1959,when Tibetan women from all three provinces of Tibetgathered and stood united for the first time in Tibetanhistory and challenged the brutal clampdown by theChinese government.The Tibetan women started a peaceful resistanceagainst the repressive Chinese regime. Under theindomitable leadership of His Holiness the 14th DalaiLama, the peerless efforts of the Tibetan women inexile resulted in the reestablishment of TWA onSeptember 10, 1984 in India. TWA is not just the mostpowerful women’s organization in Tibetan history, butalso an only Tibetan women’s NGO in exile. TWAadvocates human rights for women inside Tibet andis committed to empowering women in exile. TWAremains steadfast in resolving Tibet issues throughtheir actions in exile.Committed to resolve the injusticeinside Tibet, TWA’s expansion of 56 regional chaptersspread across four continents: Asia, America, Europeand Australia, totalling about 16,000 members in exile,further strengthens the advocacy objective for socialjustice. At TWA, they consider themselves as thesuccessful continuation of the absolute determinationand efforts put forward by their elder generation.Considering the critical on-going situation inside Tibet,more than 50 Tibetans have opted for supremesacrifice by offering their lives for the nation; callingfor the freedom inside Tibet, return of His Holinessthe 14th Dalai Lama and restoration of basic humanright in Tibet. TWA remains gravely concerned aboutthe status of the martyrs whose status remainsunknown or involves hospitalization and the denialof family visitation rights. TWA pays tribute to theirsacrifices and deem their act as the ultimate form ofnon-violent protest.Thus to draw attention to the on-going situation insideTibet and to garner international support:· TWA has come out with a short documentaryfeaturing the martyrs’ acts and their appeals.· Theyhand out pamphlets casing the photos of the martyrs,along with their appeals to the masses. This pamphletwill be also distributed all over by their regionalchapters through local newspaper.· They have alsoorganized a panel discussion in the evening at TCVDay School Hall at 5:30 pm on the topic: ‘Middle WayApproach; its Past, Present and The Future’. Ms.Dhardon Sharling, Mr. Thupten Lungrik and Mr.

Kalsang Gyaltsen, all members of the TibetanParliament in Exile are the panellists of thediscussion.[Statement of appeals from Tibetan WomanAssociation]We witnessed 38 cases of self-immolations in 2012and 51 inside Tibet since February 2009. Forty two ofall those self-immolated have succumbed to theirinjuries and the status of the rest remain unknown.Central TWA, joined by its 56 chapters, on its 28th re-founding anniversary would like to make the followingappeals and requests to the worlds’ leaders and themasses.· To the global leaders and the communityWeTibetans, numbering among the 7 billion humans inthis world, have suffered tremendous oppressionunder the Chinese communists for the past 53 yearssince the occupation of Tibet in 1959. We urge you allto speak for Tibet and save Tibet from the on-goingoppression by China. We ask the governments tourge the UN High Commissioner for Human rights tovisit China and Tibet.· To the Chinese Governmentand the people of ChinaChinese Governmentallegations against His Holiness the Dalai Lama andthe Tibetan Government-in-Exile as the perpetrator ofthe self-immolations are completely untrue andgroundless. We, in fact, hold the Chinese Governmentand its hard-line policies on the Tibetan peopleresponsible for these immolations. The same is sharedby people of conscience around the world, which have

been evident through various news outlets. Therefore,TWA holds the Chinese Govt. accountable for theseimmolations. To the Indian Government and the peopleof India.So far more than 40 countries including theGovernment of the United States and Europeancountries have expressed their solidarity and passedresolutions expressing concerns on the self-immolations yet it pains us to see that till date, India,a country close to Tibet and dear to its people, hasnot officially voiced on this issue.India and Tibet bothin culture and in religion share a very strong historicalrelationship which is emphasized often by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama through that of the Guru andthe Chela/ Teacher & the disciple relation. Moreover Tibet and India share a geographical andenvironmental significance for which it is vital thatboth countries continue this cordial relationshiptherefore, we urge the Govt. of India and its people topay immediate attention to the plight of the Tibetanpeople.The Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) has56 regional chapters and over 16, 000 members outsideTibet. Today, TWA is the second largest Tibetan NGOand the only women's NGO in exile that advocateshuman rights for Tibetan women in Tibet and worksto empower Tibetan women in exile, in particular newrefugee women from Tibet. TWA's tag-line is'Advocacy for home, Action in exile.'

The Tibet Post International 15 September, 2012 DharamshalaTPI NEWS8 EXILE TIBET

TYC Hunger Strike in Limbo; Indian Authorities DetainMajor Participants

By Amanda Peters, Tibet Post

Dharamshala: September 3 marked the first day of theindefinite hunger strike organized by the Tibetan YouthCongress (TYC) in New Delhi. They said that it wasplanned in “solidarity with the self-immolators inside Tibetand to appeal for immediate international intervention”with regards to the deteriorating human rights crisis inTibet.Three TYC Central Executive members took part in thestrike; Vice President, Dhondup Lhadar, OrganizationalSecretary, Penpa Tsering and Cultural Secretary, JigmeShoipa. It was scheduled to start at 10:00 am IST. However,due to police presence it finally kicked off at 12:00 pm IST.In a release, TYC said that previously organized hungerstrikes in April 2011 at Jantar Mantar, Delhi and February2012 outside the UN Headquarters, New York, were calledoff after the European Parliament committed to supportthe peaceful struggle against the oppressive Chinesegovernment and promised to keep the Tibet issue highon their agenda. In the second instance, the strike wascalled off when representatives of the UN Secretary-General, Ban-Ki-Moon, handed over a letter of assurancesigned by the UN High Commissioner for Human RightsNavi Pillay.“Since none of the promises have been put into action,and the alarming rise of the number of self-immolationsinside Tibet is a huge cause for concern for everyone,TYC decided to launch another hunger strike and showthe willingness to sacrifice until the world bodies keeptheir promises,” said the hunger strikers.With the launchof this hunger strike, TYC hopes to appeal to the EU, UN,world governments and NGOs to immediately fulfill the

Core Group for Tibetan Cause Joins the‘Global Tibet Advocacy Action’

Members of Core Group Delhi team meeting with Shri Inder Singh Namdhari, Parliamentary Standing Committeemember on Foreign affairs at his residence on Monday, 3rd September, 2012. From Left: Dr. Manoj Kumar, National

Organizing Secretary,ITFS; Shri Vijay Kranti, National Co-Convener, Core Group; Shri Inder Singh Namdhari,Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha; Dr.N.K.Trikha, National Convener, Core Group; Tenzin Paljor, ITCO From

back left: Mr. Tenzin Jigdal, SFT India; Mr. Tsering Choedup, International Tibet Network's Asia RegionalCoordinator.Photo:International Tibet Network

Dharamshala: Last Wednesday, September 5, the CoreGroup for Tibetan Cause joined the ‘Global TibetAdvocacy Action', a global effort to build pressure onworld governments by submitting a memorandum to theForeign Affairs Minister to call for greater multi-lateralaction on China over Tibet.Due to the inadequate international response over theTibet crisis, Pro Tibet campaigners have started to criticiseworld governments. They have thus launched acampaign, the ‘Global Tibet Advocacy Action', to seekgreater multilateral action by international governmentsover the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet.In a coordinated action, advocates across the world arepressing Foreign Ministries to act for Tibet in conjunctionwith other governments during the forthcoming UnitedNations Human Rights Council and General Assembly,both of which meet in September.International TibetNetwork's Asia regional office assisted in coordinatingthis campaign.Dr NK Trikha, National Convener of theCore Group for Tibetan Cause expressed hisdisappointment with the international community forfailing to protect Tibetan people from gross human rightsviolation."Previous inaction by world governments andinternational bodies has allowed the crisis in Tibet toworsen with now more than 50 individuals choosing toset light to themselves in protest against Beijing's harshrule." Dr Trikha also stated that India needs "to urgentlyundertake stronger, more coordinated, multi-lateral actionon Tibet and seek a long overdue solution to this spirallingtragedy."There was a substantial boost in August of calls for morevisible multi-lateral action on the situation in Tibet,including a letter to Hillary Clinton from two USCongressmen. The letter suggested the US governmenthost an international conference on Tibet, conveneperiodic public meetings on Tibet and hold discussionswith other governments during the UN General Assemblyabout setting up a contact group.Before submitting thememorandum to the External Affairs Ministry, the CoreGroup members met with six members of the parliamentary

standing committee on External Affairs. They requestedfor their support in the Tibet issue and the need for amulti-lateral action in the forthcoming committee meetingwith the External Affairs Ministry. They also requestedparliamentarians to invite Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangayto the committee to discuss the triangular relationsbetween India, Tibet & China.Referring to the recent stringof self-immolations, Mr Vijay Kranti, National Co-convenerof the Core Group for Tibetan Cause said that although itis a sad event, it strongly reveals the real truth about the


(From right to left) TYC Organisational Secretary Penpa Tsering, Vice President Dhondup Lhadar, and Cultural Secretary Jigme Sholpa begin their indefinite hunger strike inNew Delhi on 3 September 2012.

promises made by them during the earlier TYC hungerstrikes through a multilateral approach and demand thatChina give immediate access to governments, internationalorganizations and the media to travel in Tibet to learnabout the true situation and aspirations of the localTibetans. Lastly, to release Tibetan prisoners ofconscience including The Panchen Lama, GedhunChoekyi Nyima, and Tulku Tenzin Delek, and stop thewitch hunts in Tibet that target public intellectuals,religious leaders, poets, musicians and singers andartists.Tibetans from all over, especially students, plannedto take part in the strike. When the event finally begantwo hours later, Tenzin Norsang, TYC Joint Secretaryexplained the reason for the delay was the police’spreventive measures of barring and surrounding majorareas, thus stopping a large number of Tibetans fromparticipating.The former chief minister of the Indian stateof Uttrakhand, which shares borders with Tibet, assuredthe Tibetans that as long as the Brahmaputra River flowsdown form Tibet to India, “The cause of Tibet will beupheld and truth shall prevail.” Also present were AashaReddy, an ardent supporter of Tibet and Acharya YeshiPhuntsok, member of Tibetan parliament.Tsewang Rigzin, President of TYC, called on Tibetans inexile to heed to the sacrifices and aspirations of Tibetansin Tibet and take active participation in the campaignsbeing led by exile groups. He also urged US Secretary ofState, Hillary Clinton, to raise the issue of Tibet withChinese leaders during her two-day Beijing visit beginningon August 4.TYC Vice-President Dhondup Lhadar, whofasted for the second time, said that fasting was “one of

the most effective means of non-violent protests.” Hungerstriker, Jigme Shoipa shared that it is “his turn (now) tomake the sacrifice and is (thus) here for the indefinitehunger strike.”However, later in the day reports came inthat the three Tibetan hunger strikers were detained byIndian authorities. They were forcibly removed from JantarMantar, sometime around 8:30 pm IST. The police citeddue to the Chinese Defence Minister, Liang Guanglie,visit to India, for security reasons they were begindetained at the Connaught Place police station.Authorities reinforced that the three would be released inthe morning.“Despite our repeated appeals, the policemaintained that the hunger strike was a security risk tothe on-going visit by the Chinese Defence Minister,”Norsang said.Liang Guanglie arrived in India on Sunday, September 2,on a four-day visit from Sri Lanka with a 23-memberdelegation.It is uncertain whether the fast will continue, although thehunger strikers and TYC were adamant about the protestgoing on.The first day of the strike ended with a protestmarch against the visit of Liang Guanglie to India.TYC has also called for a ‘Global Day of Protest’ onSeptember 18 to appeal to the UN to “immediatelyintervene and pressure China to douse the fiery protestsinside Tibet.”The Tibetan Youth Congress also urged Tibetans andsupporters to take part in a ‘Global Day of Action’ onSeptember 24 by contacting the UN, EU, world leadersand parliamentarians through email, phone and fax forconcrete support to resolve the issue of Tibet.

Tibetan situation."It proves that Tibetan's desire forfreedom, their deep faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lamaand the commitment of the people of Cholka Sum to seeTibet free once again. Since most of these self-immolationshave happened outside TAR, it clearly exposes theChinese falsehood that only TAR is Tibet."In the last twelve months there have been as many as 48self-immolations inside Tibet, with about seven alone inthe month of August 2012. Up until now 51 such protestshave occurred, of which at least 42 are confirmed dead.

Kalon Tripa Inaugurates a New TraditionalThangka Painting Institute


Mr Kalsang Dhamchoe, Teacher and director of Kalsang Tibetan Traditional Art of Thangka Painting Givingintroductory speech. photo: TPI/Sangay

Dharamshala: In the l a te even ing ofSeptember 7, Kalsang Tibetan Traditional Artof Thangka Painting opened its doors for thefirst time. The inauguration ceremony was heldat the Club House Hotel in Mcleodganj,Dharamsala, northern India.The chief guest for the evening, Kalon TripaDr Lobsang Sangay, and guest of honourJetsunma Tenzin Palmo, head of DhongyuGatsel Ling Nunnery, unveiled the institution’sinsignia and lit butter lamps, to commence theevent. Soon after, there was a minute of silencein honour of those who have sacrificed theirlives for Tibet.The second chief gues t of the evening,Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, andother members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, attended the event, which hosted morethan 250guests, including representatives ofvarious NGOs.First up to the stage was Kalsang Dhamchoe,teacher at and director of the Kalsang TibetanTraditional Art of Thangka Painting institute.He began with a brief introduction to thetraditional art of Thangka painting and wenton to explain the urgent needs and reasonsbehind setting up such an institute.“It is vital to know about the origins andhistory of traditional Thangka painting," hesaid. We need to know how and where thepainting comes from - Its background andsymbolism. It is also equally important toknow, once the painting is created, where it isgoing - how to display and sell it correctly.”Mr Kalsang explained that Thangka paintinghas a history that is deep and stretches acrossmany generations. Each painting has manylayers. True Thangka painting is not donecommercially to produce large quantities thatlack quality, he said, adding that each paintingneeds to be nothing short of perfection, thereare rules to even selling and displaying suchpaintings, and that Thangka painting comeswith great responsibilities.Mr Kalsang talked about incidents in Tibet inwhich Thangka paintings, which were not up

to the mark, were created and sold. “Thecreation and selling of such paintings is aresul t of insuff ic ient knowledge on thecreator’s behalf. It is the lack of advice theyhave on the rules and traditions of this artform.”He then spoke about the 20 or more trainees atthe institute. “Their experience in the fieldstretches from three years to 20. They all loveto paint Thangkas and hopefully they willbecome professionals at it.”Mr Kalsang ended his speech by stating thatat the institute they have tried to embody thethree basic principles of the 14th Kashag—Unity, Innovation and Self-reliance.Dr Lobsang Sangay then picked up where MrKalsang left off, saying, “It is true that theKalsang Tibetan Traditional Art of ThangkaPainting is based along the lines of the threeprinciples of the Kashag.“All the trainees of the institute come fromthe three traditional provinces of Tibet. Thisshows unity. The institute takes this form ofpainting in a new direction while still stayingtrue to its roots, displaying innovation. Andlastly, self-reliance is demonstrated throughthe fact that, each of the trainees here canstand on their own two feet and look afterthemselves with taking up this age-old art form.“The last speaker of the day was KhenpoSonam Tenphel. He stressed that it was theresponsibility of all such institutes to preserveand develop Thangka painting. On behalf ofthe Tibetan Parliament, he expressed greatadmiration towards Mr Kalsang for startingthis endeavour.“Kalsang Dhamchoe must beproud of himself," he said. "He has helpedcreate an avenue to spread information aboutthis traditional art form, with setting up theKalsang Tibetan Traditional Art of ThangkaPainting. I hope all gathered here will sharewhat they have heard today about the need topreserve this form of art.”The night ended with a dinner for all theattendees.

Solidarity Vigil in Memory of TeenageSelf-Immolators in Tibet


Tibetan people and supporters gathered at the MainSquare in Mcleod Ganj in solidarity for a candlelight vigil

to commemorate the recent loss of yet another twoself-immolators.

Dharamshala (29 August, 2012): Tibetan peopleand supporters gathered at the Main Square inMcleod Ganj in solidarity for a candlelight vigil tocommemorate the recent loss of yet another twoself-immolators.On Monday morning of 27, August 2012, twoTibetans set themselves aflame in Ngaba County,north-eastern Tibet (Chinese: Aba-TibetanAutonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province) toprotest Chinese authority in their homeland. Thetwo young teenagers, 18-year old monk from KirtiMonastery, Lobsang Kalsang, and 17-year oldformer monk from the same monastery, Dhamchoe,

emerged engulfed in flames while shouting protestslogans before they collapsed after taking abouttwenty steps.The event, organized by Regional Tibetan YouthCongress and Regional Tibetan WomenAssociation, started at the Main Square and endedat the Tibetan Museum located in HH the Dalai LamaTemple. An estimated 200 people attended the event,all of whom were holding candles while bowing toshow respect for the Tibetan self-immolators.Shortly after, a few people gave speeches in front ofthe hero and heroine statues in the TibetanMuseum."They must listen to the Tibetan reasons as to whythey are setting themselves on fire...It is the failpolicies of Chinese government. It is the brutalityof these policies in targeting the life, culture, andthe whole race of Tibetan people. These are theonly option left because there is no sense ofdemocracy and freedom for people to express theiropinions and frustrations. Instead of coming downon the people with violent and oppression, Chinesegovernment must find a way to talk to Tibetan peopleand find a real solution," said Tenzin Tsundu, formerpresident of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress.Including the recent incidents of the twin self-immolation, 51 people have ignited themselves onfire to protest against Chinese oppressive policiesas well as advocating for the return of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama.

15 September, 2012 Dharamshala The Tibet Post InternationalTPI NEWS 9Tensions on an Increasing Rise in Tibet

as Basic Rights are Violated

By Amanda Peters,The Tibet Post International.

Dharmashala: It was 18 June 2012, when 35 yearold Tibetan monk, Tansel, was arrested by theChinese police. Further details of his arrest orwhereabouts still remain unclear. Due to thelack of informat ion about his detent ionTansel’s mother has passed away. Now onlyhis 80 year old father remains, waiting for anyinformation about his son.Tansel came from Nynlong Village of SarthaCounty in Karze province. Soon after hisa r res t , the po l ice ra ided h i s home andconfiscated many of his books and CDs.In another story reported by Radio Free Asia(RFS), a monk named Kalsang Gyatso wastaken into custody on August 28, in TsudCounty. No further details about his arrest areavailable at the moment.Kalsang is a 27 years old native from BoraVillage, Sangchu County of Kansu province.The report also said that since 2008 theChinese government has stationed a largenumber of army and police personnel in allcorners of the three Tibetan regions.This has resulted in restricting movements of

Five Monks Detained in Crackdowns atZilkar Monastery of Tibet

By YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Chinese authorities arbitrarilyarrested five Buddhist monks during raid atNyatso Zilkar Monastery in Kyegudho Countyin Kham region of eastern Tibet and situationa t the monas tery s t i l l remains tense ashundreds of armed Chinese military forces andpolice were deployed."Before the incident , the local Chinesegovernment officials of Tridu county andGatoe Yultso town told the working officialsat Zilkar Monastery, that some officials willvisit the monastery, to handle the governmenthouses being built for earthquake survivors,"sources from inside Tibet said.But, around 10-am, (Tibet Time), Over sixtybuses and cars load of over two hundredarmed Chinese security forces and policearr ived, they have soon surrounded theMonastery and immediately started raidingmonks' residences. The authorities detainedfive monks and took away their computer,printer, CDs and so on, Sangyal, a Tibetanfrom Kyegudho, currently living in South Indiatold TPI.Accord ing to a repor t rece ived by theDharamshala based exile independent media'The Tibet Post International' (TPI), SonamSherab, 45, son of Tsondue Dhonden fromGyachen village, Lobsang Jinpa, 30, son ofTagyal and Pema Tso (mother) from Geshingvillage, Tsultrim Kalsang, 25, son of Athup andDolkar from Khar-rong village, NgawangMonlam, 30, son of Samyag and Tsewang Pemafrom Geshing village, and Sonam Yignyen, 44,son of Tsondue Loden and Wangmo Dolma,were detained by security personnel on 1September 2012 from their residence atGyalrong Tsodun Monastery. Their currentcondition and whereabouts remain unknown."Several monks have been severely beaten upwho had tried to complain about the detainingand beating of their colleagues," sourcesadded."According to local people near the monastery,over sixty military vehicles load of over two

The five Tibetans monks who are being detained by the Chinese authorities are as follows; 1-Sonam Sherab, 45, 2-Tsultrim Kalsang-25, 3-Ngawang Monlam-30 4-Lobsang Jinpa-30 and 5-Sonam Yignyen-44. Photo: TPI

hundred armed Chinese security forces andpol ice passed through that on Saturdaymorning headed for the Zilkar Monastery," thesources said."It is not about the government built housesfor earthquake survivors, the four monks'arrest was also as part of a previously plannedmilitary crackdowns and raid," he added.Sonam Sherab was arrested for PhotographingChinese armed police and forces when theyfirst arrived. However, it is not clear on whatcharges the four other Tibetan monks weredetained and there is no information on thelocations of their detention.N y a t s o - S i l k a r - M o n a s t e r y - K h a m - T i b e t -2012Security presence and surveillance havebeen s tepped up . The au thor i t i es a l soal legedly cut of f the power supply andte lephone connect ion of the monastery,

sources from Tibet continued.In June, 2012, Ngawang Norpel, 22, and TenzinKhedup, 24, died in self-immolation in TriduCounty, Kyegundho, where five tibetan monkswere detained.In February this year, three Tibetan monksfrom the Zilkar monastery- Sonam Gewa,Lobsang Samten, and Lobsang Nyima werearrested. Sources said, it is widely suspectedthat the Tibetan monks were arbi t rar i lydetained in connection with the recent self-immolations and mass protests that occurredin the region.Sangyal said that the Zilkar Monastery inKham region has a long history, currentlyintroduce hundreds of students to the methodsand skills involved in Tibetan language andto develop their ability to keep cultural identitywithin the field of Buddhist Studies.

the locals in the area. According to Chineseauthorities, Chamdo , the center of Khamregion, has many monasteries that are underconstant surveillance. The police patrol thearea around the monasteries and record all thecomings and goings of all the monks.On 1 September 2012, monks from U-Tsangreg ion were compel led to s tay in the i rmonasteries and not allowed to travel to Amdoand other regions.To be granted permission to leave, they hadto possess four to five documents that wereissued by the regional and county offices.These documents al lowed them to movearound the region only for fifteen days.If they were not back home within this timeframe, they would be deemed as “hindrancesto national security.”Under these circumstances monks, nuns andlaymen find it very difficult to live and travelinside Tibet. With the passing of each day,the human r ights s i tuat ion cont inues todeteriorate resulting in amplified tension andunrest in the region.

Tibetan Monk Disappears Amid Aftermathof Re-Education Programmes

By Thu Flower & Samuel Ivor

Dharamshala: On 3rd Sept, 2007, the Chinesegovernment held a re-education movement inLithang County, titled: ‘Love Country, LoveReligion” – try to re-educate Tibetan peopleand inform them about the Government. At thesame time, they had a six-point document thatall the villagers had to sign.During that time, Jamyang Tenzin; a Monk ofYonru Geyden Rabgaylhing Monastery inLithang County, (Kham) told officials that theChinese government’s words about givingmoney to the poor and helping Tibetan peopleare just propaganda. He stated that in reality, local Tibetans arege t t ing abso lu te ly no th ing f rom thegovernment and that it was all just for show.He said, if Tibetan people cannot wear a DalaiLama picture, or have His photograph in theirhouse, where is the religious freedom? He alsostated that on 1 August, 2007, one Tibetannomad named Ronggye Adak was arrested byChinese police for protesting and JamyangTenzin demanded a reason for his arrest.Thereaf ter, he was ar res ted by Chineseofficials and was in prison for 3 years.During his detainment, he endured torture andwas diagnosed with kidney damage after hisrelease. He came out of prison mentallyunstable. After he was released, he received

Jamyang Tenzin 30 Year old monk from Lithang Monastery of Lithang county.

Tibe tan medic ine in Amdo f rom highlyregarded Tibetan doctors, and took it 3 monthsfor his condition to improve. When he returnedhome, he organized many prayer meetings inthe village and engaged in other altruistic actsfor the Tibetan people.On 28 August, 2012, there was a prayer meetingin Lithang Monastery and he attended themeeting. During his presence at the meeting,Chinese officials came to his house and itwithout his consent. Thereafter, JamyangTenzin disappeared myster iously so thevillagers went to the county officials to askthem about h i s whereabouts . Of f ic ia l sresponded that he was arrested. In turn localmonks demanded a reason for his arrest –officials responded that was unnecessary andthat they had no time to explain his arrest atthe time.It is currently unclear as to Jamyang Tenzin’swhereabouts or of his condition.Tenzin is 30 yrs old, from Sakor Village,Lithang County, Kham Region. His father isThingly Tsering, his mother, Tashi Dolma.Before the 2007 arrest, he studied in GadenMonastery in South India. Later, in Tibet onhis return from India, he was arrested andtransferred to seven different prisons.

15th Tibetan Parliament's 4th SessionBegins Amid Crisis in Tibet

Dharamshala: The 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exileconvened its 4th session Friday, September 14. Itwas held in Dharamshala, India, the heart of Tibetansin exile.At the beginning of the session the Speaker of theTibetan Parliament, Mr Penpa Tsering spoke aboutthe Tibetan self-immolations as well as current tensesituation in Tibet."Since March 2009, there have been 51 cases ofTibetans setting themselves on fire. Of them, 41 areconfirmed dead." He admitted that these numbersmay not be accurate, due to the lack of detailsavailable about such incidences.In his opening address, Mr Penpa Tsering, Speakerof the Tibetan Parliament, said over 51 Tibetans haveset themselves on fire in Tibet and their familymembers are living under an extremely difficultsituation.He said the Chinese government, instead of lookinginto real causes as to why Tibetans are settingthemselves on fire, has exacerbated the crisis inTibet by stepping up military crackdown in theTibetan areas. "So, a motion will be tabled on thefirst day of this session to express our solidaritywith our brethren who are continuously sufferingthe under the Chinese government's repressiverule," he added.He said given the gravity of the situation in Tibet,the entire first day of this parliament session will bekept for deliberation on the Chinese government'spolicies in Tibet and the developing situation inTibet.Speaker Penpa Tsering spoke about the upcomingspecial general meeting of Tibetans from 22-28September, and the efforts made the Kashag andthe Parliament to garner international community'ssupport to end the Chinese government's repressionin Tibet. "We need to strengthen our campaigns asno concrete action has come from the internationalcommunity in view of the urgency of the situationin Tibet," he added.He said there is no clarity on how the new Chineseleadership will handle the crisis in Tibet, adding thatin order to resolve the issue of Tibet throughdialogue with the Chinese government, Tibetans inexile must sustain our movement to draw the worldattention to the plight of Tibetans in Tibet.Commending the campaigns carried out by theTibetans such as the ongoing flame of truth relayacross the world, the Speaker urged Tibetans toactively participate in such movements.He said this session will debate on the annual workreport of the Kashag and the review report by thestanding committee. The last day of the session willbe kept for Kashag's statement and response toquestions, he said.Speaker Penpa Tsering underlined

Speaker Penpa Tsering addressing the opening session of the Tibetan Parliament at the Kashag auditorium inDharamsala on 14 September 2012/Photo/Tenzin Norbu/Parliamentary Secretariat

the responsibility of the Tibetan Parliament torespond to baseless claims made by a small groupof Tibetans causing distress to His Holiness theDalai Lama. He said the Tibetan Parliament has theresponsibility to pre-empt such things fromhappening again as the matter is concerned withthe democratisation of the Tibetan polity."Instead of doing their duties, a small group ofTibetans have engaged in making groundless claimson matters concerning the general meeting, specialparliament session and His Holiness the Dalai Lama'sdevolution of political authority to thedemocratically-elected CTA leadership, to creatediscord in the community. Such people are concernedonly with their opinion whenever the parliamenttried to clarify the matter," he said."Though His Holiness the Dalai Lama has initiatedthe recent move to further democratise the Tibetanpolity, it was ultimately the parliament whichapproved the final decision. So the responsibilitylies with the parliament to prevent things whichcause distress to His Holiness. Not only the speakerbut the entire parliamentarians and theadministration must act to deal with such matter. Itis very important that the parliamentarians shouldmake clear position mandated by the general publicduring their official visits to Tibetan settlements andcommunities. But if you expressed own personalviews, then you are not carrying out yourresponsibilities of being a parliamentarian," he said.

He underlined that the parliament should pledge toprevent things which could bring distress to HisHoliness the Dalai Lama in future, adding theKashag, Parliament and the NGOs have equalresponsibilities to deal with such matter.He also emphasised that importance of raisingawareness and understanding among the generalpublic on the issue, failing which will causedisagreement between us and those who are makingthe baseless statements.He said His Holiness theDalai Lama takes every decision to carry out hisvisions only after long-term consideration anddiscussion. Tibetan public should understand thatit is wrong to speak out without understanding thereasons behind His Holiness's initiatives, he added.He said the media plays a very important role indisseminating information in our society, but it canalso become a medium to spread discord within thecommunity. He said some people write underpseudonyms articles and comments in websites todestablise the community and denigrate His Holinessthe Dalai Lama. It is of utmost importance for thosemanaging the news websites to properly verify thecontents of and intentions behind such articles andcomments, he added.The Parliament thendeliberated on a resolution expressing solidaritywith the Tibetans living inside Tibet.Two condolenceresolutions were passed to mourn the sad demiseof former speaker Kasur Alak Jigme ThinleyLhundup and Mr Nyisang, a former parliamentarian.

By Central Tibetan Administration Media

TIBET

The Tibet Post International 15 September, 2012 DharamshalaTPI NEWS10

Different Approaches Needed toAchieve Inner Peace: His Holiness

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: The spiritual leader of Tibet, HisHoliness the Dalai Lama took part in an all-faithprayer meeting on September 12, and inauguratedthe World Meet for Peace and Harmony in Indiancapital New Delhi. During his four-day visit, he alsoaddressed the International Federation for theSurgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disordersconference."I am grateful for all our religious traditions," HisHoliness told the prayer meeting, "because, despitetheir differing philosophical views, they all conveythe same message of love and compassion andcounsel us to live a simple life. In a world of sevenbillion human beings with different ways of life,these different traditions are necessary for humanity.Realistically speaking, we need these differentapproaches to achieve inner peace and peace inthe community."He went on to say that, while prayer is good on apersonal level, he has come to the conclusion thatit is not always effective in the wider world - thatviolence and war persist in many places and prayerseems insufficient to stop it. "What we need to dois to take action," he said. He also advised that, "Ifreligious teaching remains in a book that we onlyread occasionally, while we lead our lives in anotherdirection, there is something wrong and it does notserve much purpose."His Holiness also praised India for its longstandingtradition of religious harmony, saying, "Occasionaloutbreaks of religious friction may take place, butthese are understandable and of minor significancecompared to the example of harmony and respectthat otherwise prevails."The World Meet for Peace and Harmony formedpart of the Ramakrishna Mission's celebrations ofthe impending 150th anniversary of SwamiVivekananda's birth. Former of Indian president, DrAPJ Abdul Kalam, was chief guest at the inauguralsession.Guest of honour Srimat Swami SmarananandaMaharaj was unable to attend for health reasonsand was represented by Swami Vagishananda, whosaid that, although we have a dream of peace andharmony, division persists. He quoted SwamiVivekananda, saying, "If you want peace of mind,don't find fault with others."His Holiness expressed his admiration for his friendDr AJP Abdul Kalam, saying, "He comes from aMuslim family, trained as scientist and becamepresident of the most populous democratic countryin the world - in fact the country where the mostsophisticated philosophical views havedeveloped."He continued, "As I mentioned earlier, all the world'sreligions are found in this country - bothhomegrown religions like Hinduism, Buddhism,Sikhism and Jainism and others from outside likeChristianity, Islam, Judaism, Zoroastrianism andBahá'í. They all flourish and live together inharmony, so in India this harmony is not just anidea or an aspiration, but a reality."Swami Vivekananda is no longer with us, but thespirit of what he achieved is alive and growing. Hehad great foresight and I feel I am a follower, tryingto implement his dream of creating inter-religious

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, during the Inaugural Session of the World Meeting for Peace and Harmony in New Delhi, India,on September 11, 2012. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Tibet Adds Another "Disappearance"Case to Its Already Infinite List

Dharamshala: Reports coming out of Tibetsaid that a monk official from Kirti TsodunMonastery, in the highly volatile Ngaba region,has vanished since he was picked up by policeon the night of August 19.Locals and monastery residents have searchedhigh and low for Lobsang Rabten, a 33 yearold official of the monastery 's rel igiousmanagement office.Gyalrong Tsodun Kirti Monastery is locatedabout 85 km from Barkham County, Ngabaregion in north-eastern Tibet.There has been talk that Lobsang Rabten isbeing detained at an undisclosed location inBarkham County in Ngaba region. However,his health condition or the charges for hisarrest still remain a mystery.Two days prior to Rabten's arrest, an 18-year-old monk of the monastery, Lobsang Lozin,self- immolated to protest against China's rulein Tibet.Meanwhile, on August 14 and 17, two monksof Kirti monastery - Lobsang Sangay, 30, andLobsang Kunchok, 40, - were arbitrarilyde ta ined on unknown charges . The i r

LobsangRabten, a 33 year old official of KirtiTsodun Monastery'sreligious management office. He has not been seensince his arrest on August 19.

whereabouts and well-being st i l l remainunclear.The coordinator of Tibetan issues inKir t i Monas te ry, Dharamsha la , KanyakTsering, said, "On the afternoon of August 27,two law enforcement Lamas and a supervisorof Kriti Tsodun Monastery attended a meetingin Ngaba County City. However, at this momentthe agenda of the meeting is unclear.""To prevent the news and photo rumours aboutthe se l f - immola t ions f rom ge t t ing ou t ,authorities immediately sealed off micro-communication channels. Telephones, mobilephones and use of Wechat services weretemporarily suspended. However, everythingwas back to normal by the morning of August28."The "disappearance" cases continue to mountin Tibet. Locals, monks and nuns that stagepeaceful protests are being branded by Chinaas "threats to national security" or "terrorists"without any accurate proof. They are thenarrested, beaten and tortured in prison. Afterbeing put through extreme physical and mentaltrauma, they finally break and become completevegetables.

By Amanda Peters,The Tibet Post International.

Indefinite Hunger Strike Continued atthe EU Office in Delhi

TYC members walking toward EU office in New Delhi,the capital of India, on September, 2012. Photo: TPI

The Tibet Post InternationalHimalayan Literacy Trust(Head Office)1st Floor, Exile HouseRoad, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.Kangra H.P 176219 India

Advicer Mr. Thomas KeimelAdvicer Dr. Vincent BrucelEditor in Chief Mr. YC. DhardhowaChinese Editor Ms. Keary HuangProject Manager Mathew Singh ToorTibetan Editor Mr. Sangay DorjeeAssistant Editor Ms. Pema TsoCircular Ven Phuntsok DhondupPublisher Mr. Sonam SangayEditor, Tibet Post Europe Mr. James DunnDesigner Ms. Pema Tso

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E-mail: [email protected]

Contributors for this Editon

Keary Huang TaiwanMathew Singh Toor IndiaAmanda Peters IndiaSamuel Ivor UKThu Flower USRuta Vilkaite AustraliaYC. Dhardhowa IndiaSangay Dorjee IndiaPema Tso India

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

By Thu flower, The Tibet Post International.

Dharamshala: 13 September, 2012. On the 11thday of the Indefinite Hunger Strike, TibetanYouth Congress (TYC) and demonstratorsmarched towards the Delegation Office of theEuropean Union in New Delhi to inform themabout the dire situation in Tibet and appealfor support from the union.Unlike the demonstration that took place atthe UN Information Centre the day before,which was marked by the presence of younguniversities students, the 11th day campaignwas peacefully carried out by TYC and Tibetanelders. To display the non-violent nature ofthe event, everyone who was involved carrieda flower and wore traditional scarf. By doingso , the campaigners hoped to send themessage to the European Union that they arepeacefu l ly reques t ing for the long dueassistance with the worsening conditions inTibet.Earlier on April, 2011, the Indefinite HungerStrike was promptly called off due to the EU'swritten promises to take action to improve thesituation in Tibet. Up until today, not muchhas been done while the oppression in Tibetcontinued to escalate on a day to day basis.And thus, the hunger strike resumed onceagain from 3 September, 2012, but this time thestrikers will not stop until concrete actions canbe seen taken by the EU.

harmony in the world. However, while respectingSwami-ji's vision, I would like to say something aboutthe Parliament of World Religions, which I haveattended in Cape Town and Melbourne. I think thereis a risk of these meetings just becoming occasionsfor religious leaders to exchange calling cards. I feelwe need to make more effort if we are to activelyfoster harmony among our traditions. In MelbourneI said that effects come from actions not mere talk."As a Buddhist monk, I pray, and it is of some helpfor my own peace of mind, but as for world peace, ithas little effect. A couple of years ago in Patna I wasinvited to attend the inauguration of a Buddhist park,during which the chief minister asked that, by theBuddha's blessings, his state might prosper."When my turn came to speak, I said that if thestate's prosperity depended on the Buddha'sblessings it should have happened long ago andthat what was really needed was for a capable chiefminister to take action. Action is the meaning ofkarma, while prayer is a little like wishful thinking.For example, climate change is a reality that I thinkprobably cannot be affected by prayer."His Holiness commended the RamakrishnaMission's emphasis on education, saying it is theway to achieve far-reaching results and the properway to promote compassion and tolerance in society."Compassion and peace of mind bring a sense ofconfidence that reduce stress and anxiety," he said,"whereas anger and hatred come from frustrationand undermine our sense of trust."His Holiness described many of our problems asbeing of our own creation. "Why? Because ofignorance. Education, however, is the instrument thatincreases our ability to employ our own intelligence.

His Holiness also asked the Ramakrishna Missionto consider how to introduce moral ethics into themodern curriculum. He said he thought it waspossible to talk about warm-heartedness withoutneeding to talk about God or Buddha.Finally, he mentioned the increasing gap betweenrich and poor and the problem of corruption, saying,"When so many people are still poor, how can youlet corruption go on? In this country people arevery religious minded...and yet in their daily lives itseems to make little difference when it comes toissues like corruption. If you believe in God andkarma, how can you not care when this kind ofbehaviour goes on? If I have been too frank today,or have offended anyone with what I've said, Iapologise."During his address to the International Federationfor the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders,His Holiness observed that as human beings we areall the same, physically, mentally and emotionally."Violence seems to be part of human history," hesaid, "but it does not arise because of the thingsthat unite us. Rather it arises because we make toomuch of the differences between us. These becomeexaggerated to the point where we divide peopleinto "them" and "us," and it is this division thatleads to bullying, cheating, lying and war."On September 14, during his four-day visit toDehradun, His Holiness will visit local monasteriesand other institutions in Norling Park, DekyilingTibetan Settlement, and teach the first chapter ofNagarjuna's Precious Garland.On September 17, he will participate in the celebrationsfor the 50th founding anniversary the Tibetan HomesFoundation in Happy Valley, Mussoorie.

The march began at the Khan market and goingforward to the EU Delegation Office. Uponreaching the office, an EU official emerged andescorted TYC President, Tsewang Rigzin andJoint-Secretrary, Tenzing Norsang into thebuilding to meet EU representative, Mr. EdMarshall. Subsequently, TYC representativehad a long discussion with the EU officialabout the dilemmas in Tibet, as well as lastyear's pending pledge by the EU to addressthose problems. Mr. Marshall assured themembers that the EU "have been supportingthe Tibetan cause so far and will definitelycontinue doing so." In addit ion, he wil lforward the memorandums of Tibetan demandsto EU President, Martin Suhulz for him to lookover.The TYC Pres iden t emerged f rom thed iscuss ion to address the ga ther ings ,including the media. He first thanked everyonewho took part at the campaign, making itpossible to hand over the memorandums to theEU officials. Furthermore, he updated thecrowd about EU's willingness to assist theTibetan cause and he hope that they will holdChinese government accountable for theirhuman rights violations. Mr. Tsewang Rigzinalso mentioned that the event is not to protestthe EU, but to appeal to them.Many visited the hunger strikers, includingcurrent Member of Parliament of Tibetangovernment in Exile, Choekyong Wangchukand Welfare Officer of Samyeling Tibetansettlement. One of the visitors, named Mr.Vijay Kranti, who has been a firm supporter ofthe Tibetan cause for the las t 30 yearsexpressed in his own words -" I stand by TYCand the brave hunger strikers in their strugglefor the freedom of Tibet and people of Tibet.TYC observes my respect for being an honestand courageous organization who is the bestrepresentative of people of Tibet."An estimated 500 North East students were atthe event for their own human rights cause,but show just as much enthusiasm for theTibetan cause. They gathered around thetable, got in line to retrieved pamphlets, andsigned their signature in the campaign book.It was a final encouraging sign of the evening.

WORLD PEACE

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