Tibet in Sydney

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to be among circa 5000 people in attendance at HHDL's teachings on Nagarjuna. This was a major event for myself, as I am sure it was for many of those attending this and the other recent events offered. I had never before attended an event with HHDL.

Several things stood out for me. Firstly, although the crowd was not entirely made up of Tibetan Buddhists, there was a strong representation of such among those present. Having had no contact other than through written word and online groups with such, it was a relaxing and enjoyable experience to be in the same building with so many people practicing the same path as I for the first time.

Secondly, I noticed the importance of HHDL to the Tibetan population. Whereas I and many others both respect and appreciate HHDL, the Tibetans seem to cherish him considerably. This was brought out strongly when a chanting-meditation session lead by a Tibetan woman occurred shortly before an afternoon session. It made me realize just how important HHDL is to the Tibetan people and allowed me to appreciate and understand his presence even more, myself.

Finally, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect to the Tibetan people and learn a little more of the culture of an amazing country. Among the various activities, were Tibetan music played during the lunch break, stalls with information, books, and contact with Tibetan people and groups, and a display of traditional Tibetan dancing performed in front of HHDL!

THE UNMISTAKEN CHILD

The Buddhist concept of reincarnation, while both mysterious and enchanting, is hard for most westerners to grasp. Israeli filmmaker Nati Baratz uses the story of monk Tenzin Zopa's search for the reincarnation of his own master to exemplify the power of that concept. Unmistaken Child (http://www.unmistakenchild.com/film.php) is a new documentary that simply  follows Tenzin Zopa as he embarks  on what becomes afour-year search by foot, mule and helicopter for the reincarnation of Lama Konchog, a world-renowned Tibetan master. Christal Smith speaks with writer and director Baratz about the journey, the challenges and the mixed reactions from westerners grappling with this very different perspective on life after death. 

 

http://www.unmistakenchild.com/film.php  

Article from: http://thetibetconnection.org/index.html

Chinese Army violates int’l border in Ladakh

Sept 6 – After helicopter incursions into Indian airspace, the Chinese Army has brazenly violated the International Border in Ladakh region and painted boulders and rocks in the area red. The Chinese troops entered nearly 1.5 kilometres into the Indian territory near Mount Gya, recognised as international border by India and China, and painted the boulders and rocks with red spray paint, official sources said.

The incursions were reported from the area, generally referred in the Chumar sector in east of Leh, and painted “China” in Cantonese with red spray paint all over the boulders and rocks, they said.

The 22,420 ft Mount Gya, also known as “fair princess of snow” by Army is located at the tri-junction of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, and Tibet. Its boundary was marked during the British era and regarded as international border by the two countries.

The border patrol discovered the red paint markings on various rocks and boulders along the Zulung La (pass) on July 31 and that the Chinese had entered into the area and written “China” all over the place, the sources said.

When asked to comment on the issue, an Army spokesperson declined to answer any queries regarding this saying it was an operational matter.

Though the spokesperson refused to answer further questions, senior Army officials said the issue was being downplayed as three of its Generals were currently in Beijing and Lhasa under an exchange programme.

This incident was viewed with seriousness by the officials as the Chinese have made foray into these areas for the first time since independence and sprayed the area with red marking as deep as 1.5 to 1.7 kilometres of the Indian territory.

The border forces talked to the locals located along the border in Ladakh and Spiti from where they came to know about the incursions by the People’s Liberation Army of China in this area.

River Pareechu, which runs through Himachal Pradesh, has been a headache for frequent floods, enters Tibet from this region only.

Before this, Chinese helicopters had violated the Indian air space along the Line of Actual Control in Chumar region only in June and also helli-dropped some expired food.

Reacting to this, the Army spokesperson had said “there was a report of a helicopter flying in the area south of Chumar, where India and China have differences in perception on the Line of Actual Control. It was reported by grazers.”

India and China have been engaged in talks over the Line of Actual Control and had exchanged maps in 2002. In the western sector (East Jammu and Kashmir), the Samar Lungpa area, between the Karakoram Pass and the Chipchap river, is contentious, with Chinese maps showing the LAC to be south of the Samar Lungpa.

This is the northernmost part of the border, far to the north of Leh. But while the Indo-Tibetan Border Police operates north of the line the Chinese claim to be the border, they remain south of the Lungpa.

South of the Chipchap River are the Trig Heights, comprising Points 5495 and 5459.

Chinese troops frequently enter the area and in fact, they have a name for Point 5459; Manshen Hill. The area, south-east of Trig Heights, called Depsang Ridge is also contentious. Differences were found when Chinese small-scale maps were interposed on large-scaled Indian ones.

Article from Phayul.com

Four Tibetan monks sentenced up to ten years in prison

From Phayul[Friday, August 21, 2009 12:34]

Dharamsala, August 21- Four monks of Sera monastery who, along with ten others, carried out a protest at Bharkor street in the Tibetan capital Lhasa last year on March 10 had been sentenced to varying prison terms, according to the Voice of Tibet radio service. Chinese police immediately arrested the fourteen monks who carried the banned Tibetan national flag and shouted slogans calling for Tibet's independence.

Lodoe had been sentenced to ten years in prison and is currently detained at Chushul prison near Lhasa. Lodoe’s family in Sershul, Zachukha, had received an official intimation of the sentencing of Lodoe in April this year and were warned against publicizing the sentencing of Lodoe.

On July 14 this year, Lodoe’s family paid a visit to his prison where they knew that two other companions of Lodoe, 29 year old Lobsang Ngodup and 30 year old Mangay Soepa, had been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

A native of Zachukha and presently a monk at Sera monastery in south India, told the radio that there is no news about another monk named Thinlay Namgyal, who was arrested on charges of setting ablaze a house in Lhasa last year during the protests.

The same source said another monk named Sonam Dakpa who had visited India a few times was arrested on his way back to Tibet last year around the time of unrest in Tibet and sentenced to ten years in prison. He is detained at Chushul prison.

Since the majority of the fourteen monks arrested were from Zachukha the Chinese authorities suspected Ari Rinpoche’s (spelled as pronounced) hand behind the fourteen monks and arrested him from Lhasa. Ari Rinpoche is the head of Wonpo (spelled as pronounced) monastery in Zachukha and his whereabouts are unknown. Another monk named Draklha, a scripture master at Sera monastery had also been arrested and whereabouts not known.

Mining projects continue to cause a problem within Tibet

There has been further mention of problems caused by Chinese mining facilities within Tibet. On Tuesday, the news from Dharamsala was that toxic waste was causing animal deaths and additionally a potential danger to humanity. On this occasion, the problem stems from the toxic waste created by the mining operations.

The mine currently in question is situated close to Lhasa, in Meldro Gungkar and has already been responsible for more than a thousand cattle deaths. Residents from nearby township Gyama created a petition requesting that mining operations cease. They fear not only that the water contamination will be harmful to cattle and wild animals, but that local plant species and humans will be affected detrimentally.

Due to the Chinese so far ignoring both the problem and petition, the local community is counting on international assistance to prevent a catastrophe. Tibetan residents who spoke to visiting official in June were rewarded with a temporary withdrawal of miners; however, they have since been warned not to interfere with mining activities and been threatened with punishment for political activity.

As the Chinese authorities continue to disregard the local population and sweep aside protests, Tibetans are counting on the world as a whole to step in and put an end to the mining activities. Hopefully, the threat to wildlife will bring in support from nature conservation enthusiasts along with the danger to the human population from the contaminated water urging human rights and health groups to take a stand. The Tibetans themselves now risk being arrested, beaten, tortured, or killed if they continue with their objection beyond the warnings.

Nepal and China to discuss border security next week

 Chinese and Nepalese security authorities will hold a meeting next week to discuss matters related to security along the border between the two countries, reported Nepalese media.

Additional Inspector General Kishor Lama of the Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal will lead the Nepalese delegation.

Chief District Officers (CDOs) of various hill and mountainous districts including Mustang, Solukhumbu, Sindhuli, Taplejung, Dolakha and Sankhuwasabha and security experts will be included in the Nepali team. The delegation will also include officials from Nepal Police, APF and the National Investigation Department.

Tibetan authorities had closed the Korala Nechung border point in Mustang district time and again as they failed to come together for such meetings.

People living in upper Mustang trade with the border towns of Tibet. The closure of the border along that area had affected residents of Chhoser, Chhunag, Chhonupu, Lomanthang, Ghami, Charang VDCs.

According to local businessmen, Chinese authorities have restricted the movement of Nepalis traders and visitors in the Tibetan market for fear of anti-China activities.

Sundar Raj Adhikari, CDO of Mustang, said his office has started issuing identity cards to traders importing and exporting goods between Tibet and Nepal.

A report recently published by the US based International Campaign for Tibet The ICT documents the insecurity and danger for Tibetans who enter India through Nepal which, it says, has beefed up security at the border with Tibet by deploying Armed Police Force under China’s instruction. “Somewhere between 2,500 and 3,500 Tibetans are registered each year by the UNHCR as "persons of concern" and provided assistance at the Tibetan Refugee Reception Center in Kathmandu.” However, since March 2008 only 652 Tibetans arrived safely at the Kathmandu reception center last year and just over 300 Tibetans have arrived this year.

It also says that the Nepalese government has adopted a hard line against expressions of the Tibetan identity in Nepal, despite strong cultural and religious ties among the Himalayan peoples that have existed for centuries.

Source: Phayul

Chinese consulates in Germany face Free Tibet protests

 Frankfurt, July 31:

Some 20 Free Tibet activists on Friday gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate General in Frankfurt to call for the release of Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen.

Chinese authorities arrested Wangchen and his monk assistant Jigme Gyatso in March 2008, amidst growing anti-China unrest in Tibet, for their role in making the documentary “Jigdrel” or “Leaving Fear Behind.”

The 25-minute film was intended to shed light on lives of Tibetans under the Chinese rule in run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The peaceful protest before the Chinese consulate today came amidst fear that Wangchen could face trial in Chinese court anytime soon after spending more than 18 months under detention. If convicted, Tibetans and activists fear that Wangchen will face imprisonment sentence of up to 15 years.

The small group of protester displayed a huge Tibetan national flag and portraits of Dhondup Wangchen across the street facing the Chinese Consulate here as German police kept a friendly but close watch on them throughout the peaceful demonstration.

The protesters repeatedly shouted “Free Tibet”, “Release Dhondup Wangchen” and “Leaving Fear Behind- Nothing but the Truth!” slogans on loud speakers. Other slogans included “Shame on Chinese Government” and “Release the Political Prisoners”.

The protest demonstration, which lasted for more than an hour, was led by a 22-year old David Demes, a staunch German Tibet supporter and National Director of the Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) Germany.

“We are holding this protest to demand a fair trial and subsequent release of the Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen,” Demes told Phayul.


Source: Phayul
Article by:  Phurbu Thinley
(Photo: Phayul.com) 

Mining in Tibet

Recent news relating to Tibet has included the latest updates concerning the Chinese mining companies attempting to extract mineral resources from Tibetan land. This problem is not new; for more than two years mining companies have been 'stealing' the natural resources from Tibetans. You can read a 2007 report relating to this matter here: http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=1056.

The latest problem refers to a Chinese plan to develop a gold mine on a traditionally sacred site. Despite several weeks of Tibetan protest to the proposed mine, police and security arrived at the site during mid May. Circa 500 Tibetans cared sufficiently to group together to protect the sacred site where Tibetans have traditionally worshiped.

Contact between the local village and the villagers situated at the mine site was terminated by a cut on all their phone systems. These villagers are willing to die for making their stand to protect this sacred area. Further troops have since appeared threatening to force their way through if they need to.

One of the ways those of us who care about this situation can show our support is to sign an endorsement for a moratorium. This is being organized by 'students for a free tibet' and the link to follow if you wish to show your support is http://www.stopminingtibet.com/moratorium.php There is also further information about this issue at their website.

The climate and the economy

Over the past week and a half, items making the news in relation to Tibet have mostly centered on the worsening conditions of the country's climate and the Dalai Lama's discussion regarding the global monetary problems. The global warming problems of melting glaciers are not contained within the Artic and Antarctic regions; Tibet too is suffering, according to the Chinese Meteorological Administration.

The increasing likelihood of floods and drought is stemming from the rising temperatures that are resulting in melting glacial formations and the consequential swelling of lakes upon the Tibetan Plateau. With the localized temperature rising 0.32 degrees per decade over the past 4-5 decades, the district is one of the worst affected worldwide.

Both the Chinese Meteorological Administration and the Tibetan Regional Meteorological Bureau are in agreement that another cause for concern is the retreating permafrost in the vicinity of the railway link between the Tibetan Plateau and Qinghai Province. If neither problem is addressed in time, the loss of millions of lives and the railway link could easily lie ahead. Hopefully, this joint recognition will bring a joint response.

Meanwhile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been offering his Tibetan advice concerning another global problem - the economy - with Steve Hamm. Amongst his comments, the Dalai Lama offered the following Tibetan saying - "Nine times failure, nine times effort, without discouraging oneself." - and suggested that those hit hard by the economic crisis try to refrain from further anger and frustration. His Holiness puts the worldwide monetary crisis down to greed, and the lack of morals and ethics. He suggests that we focus less on money and more on alternative values, such as family and compassion

(Sources of information: www.tibet.net & Business Week.)

Investigation, promotion of peace, and the future leadership of Tibet

Over the past week or so, much news is pouring in concerning Tibet. The excess official chaperoning so often reported from Chinese hosts within Tibet has once again been mentioned. This time, a four-person delegation of human rights experts from Germany were left with unanswered questions, after a force-fed one-sided portrayal that everything was fine within Tibet.

Noticing a large and continual presence from the Chinese army, the quartet was forbidden the right to visit a jail whilst investigating the city of Lhasa. They noted that monks were being forced to attend 'voluntary' education campaigns aimed at Chinese patriotism. The German delegation has also discovered that there has been no accusatory evidence presented at the trials involving four Tibetans held under the sentence of death for recent fatal arson attacks. A second deputation investigated another area of Tibet, and discovered complaints of oppression due to the Chinese government.

In more harmonious and hopeful news, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been promoting peace. Last Saturday, the Dalai Lama issued a gift to Archbishop Desmond Tutu on the occasion of his receiving a spiritual leadership award from Humanity's Team in Freedom Park, Pretoria. Although proffered by his representative rather than in person, the Dalia Lama's traditional Tibetan gift of respect of a white scarf was symbolic of both peace and respect. This closely follows another recent event, where Archbishop Tutu and FW De Klerk opted out of a peace conference when the South African government refused to issue His Holiness the Dalai Lama with a visa. The peace conference was subsequently canceled.

Since January 2000, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa has also been in exile from Tibet. He recently spoke with Jaideep Sarin from the Indo-Asian News Service, stating his wish to return to Tibet someday, providing there was sufficient freedom. The question of his possible leadership of the Tibetan community pursuant to the eventual passing of His Holiness leads supporters and Tibetans alike to take another look at Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who confirmed the previous system of choosing reincarnations was in need of an upgrade to address the current situation of Tibetans living both within and without of Tibet and showing his acceptance of a recently made decision that high profile lama reincarnations might only be taken from the exiled population.

Information source: http://www.tibet.net

Thank You, India

For fifty years, India has been home not only to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, but also to many thousand of the Tibetan exiles. At the end of March, the Dalai Lama offered 'Thank You India Address on the Occasion of 50 Years in Exile', posted in full at http://www.tibet.net/. Within his speech, His Holiness offered his own thank you message to India, (Quote) 'On behalf of all Tibetans, both those inside and those outside Tibet, I fervently wish to express our profound gratitude by saying “Thank You” over and over again to you, the people and government of India.'

Along with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people, supporters of Tibet around the world can offer their own thank you to India in a number of ways. India has given long-term support to Tibetan exiles, and anybody with an interest in the Tibetan situation can offer their ongoing support to India as a thank you. Here are a few suggestions that you might wish to consider:

* On one night of each week, have an Indian meal for dinner. This can be done by purchasing 'made in India' groceries or ready-made meals from an Indian or Asian supermarket. If the food has been made in India that is where some of the money will end up, further supporting the Indian Government for their decision to assist the Tibetans.

* Whether purchased at a store or online, many items that are made in India come directly from India. Purchasing such items will increase the Indian economy and show your thanks to India for their having given so much to Tibet. Items such as clothing, incense, Yoga accessories, spices, movies, and books are examples of products that can be bought directly from India to show your gratitude to India.

* Visit India for your next overseas vacation. This is a great way to give direct financial assistance and tourist support to a country that has shown its continued assistance to Tibetan refugees. Not only can you thank India for its humane stance, but also you can learn more about the country, and perhaps additionally meet with some of the Tibetan population now living there.

* Letters to your government and local council showing your support for trade deals with India and an interest in making purchases from India are a cheaper way to say 'thank you' to India. Many of these can be sent by email, making them a free offering on the part of an individual, leading towards financial and political benefit for a country that has given to Tibet when its very own were in need.

Tibetan monk shares life story

Arjia Rinpoche escaped from what he called a “political asylum” in Tibet in 1998. Since 2006, he has been in Bloomington promoting Buddhist teachings, educating the community about Tibetan and Mongolian cultural events, and telling his life story to those who will listen.

On Wednesday, Rinpoche shared his story with students in Swain Hall East. He said his life is the inspiration for an upcoming memoir.

Rinpoche was recognized as the incarnation of the father of Lama Tsong Khapa, the great thirteenth-century Buddhist reformer, and as such became the Abbot of Kumbum Monastery in eastern Tibet.

He said his eventual move to Bloomington began in 1958 at age seven when the Chinese Communist government had a political campaign called “The Great Leap Forward.”

“My teachers, my tutors and people who taught me all I know about Buddhism were arrested,” Rinpoche said. “Monks were de-robed and became social workers and coal miners.”

He said the Dalai Lama, whom he met for the first time in 1954, escaped from Tibet in the 1960s when issues with the government weren’t getting better. He said he worked under the Panchen Lama, who was denounced by the Chinese government for being “contra-revolutionary.”

Rinpoche said he worked with the Kumbum Monastery in eastern Tibet and promoted spiritual leadership until 1998.

He then fled to a Chinese airport and flew to New York where he met the Dalai Lama once again. The Dalai Lama encouraged him to spread Buddhist teachings in America. Later, Rinpoche renovated the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington.

Rinpoche concluded his presentation with photos he had taken and said he edited in Photoshop. He created captions for each one that he said gave voice to his ultimate missions.

One reads “Wishing for Democracy in China,” while another reads “Wishing for compassion and compromise. Not confrontation and conflict.”

During a question-and-answer session after his presentation, Rinpoche was asked if he would go back to China if something happened there.

“My hope is after 10 years, I can go back,” he responded. “If something happens, like a war, my monastery, my monks are all still there.”

Students who attended Rinpoche’s presentation said they believed he had a lot to offer Bloomington.

“It is cool to learn of someone who was raised like that on a special path, has evolved as a spiritual leader,” junior Ben Fearnow said.

For sophomore Jamie Hammond, Rinpoche’s visit was more of a cultural experience.

“Seeing something like this gives a chance to become more worldly and to learn about an experience different from what you normally experience,” she said.

 By  Mickey Woods | IDS 
Photo by Ryan Dorgan | IDS
Story from: http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=67301

NEW WAYS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR TIBET

With the recent publication of shocking and brutal video evidence of Chinese torture, the world is once more paying attention to the situation in Tibet. Furthering the fresh attention, 28-year-old Tibetan monk Tashi Sangpo made the news when jumping into the Machu River, shortly after being accused by the Chinese of secreting a Tibetan national flag and suspect documents.

A single day later, farmers in the Karze region of Tibet went on strike. The result being the Chinese government issued warnings that those families who strike risk being arrested and having their land impounded. The forced suicide of Tashi Sangpo also sparked new activity in Gyala, where the police station was attacked. This has led to circa 95 monks surrendering or being arrested.

(information source: http://www.tibet.net/)

With the rising attention to Tibet, comes a new way that supporters can peacefully demonstrate their support for Tibetan harmony. The following link will take you to a recent development issued from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in which he calls for 'Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, human rights leaders and concerned individuals' to express their concern and pledge their support to the Dalai Lama in his quest for a peaceful solution.
http://www.thecommunity.com/publish/home/Archbishop-Desmond-Tutu-Statement.php

A second opportunity to show that you care about the Tibetan situation is available at http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=1905

FIVE SIMPLE WAYS THAT EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAN HELP TIBET

1. Join groups and online communities to show your support.
If the member numbers continue to increase and remain solid, our world's governments will not be able to continue to pay only minimal attention to the situation. The more people who support Tibet, the more the governments will have to do so to continue to receive support at election time from the populace. Large group membership numbers show that everyday people support Tibet. Some groups are officially run and have more ideas, petitions, and power, whereas others may have more information on the Tibetan culture, religion, or discussion boards where like-minded people can share new assistance ideas.

2. Reduce China's economical hold over the world.
More and more products seem to be 'Made in China' as time passes. The growing economy of the Chinese nation makes it harder for world governments to stand up in defense of Tibet, being at risk of falling out with a 'great economical power'. If everyday people stop buying Chinese products, we can not only turn the economy around to lessen China's hold over the world, but also prevent excess money being used to purchase torture and murder weapons for use on the Tibetan population. Refusing to buy Chinese is a simple way that everyday people can show their support for Tibet. If China does not get as much income, it will be forced to spend its income on its own population rather than harming other cultures.

3. Support countries that have supported Tibet.
Many nations around the globe have offered support to Tibetans in exile. India and Bhutan have large Tibetan refugee populations, and other countries such as Switzerland have shown support as well. Buying products from these countries not only enables them to be repaid for their generosity to the Tibetan refugees, but additionally puts the economic favor into the hands of kinder people. Supporting these countries with your purchases allows them to grow and diminishes Chinese domination of the world market. It is like saying 'thank you' to them for helping Tibet and saying 'no thank you' to China for its continuing damage.

4. Wear a symbol of your support.
Spreading the word verbally is not the only way to increase awareness of the continuance of the Tibetan troubles. Several lines of T-shirt have been developed depicting 'Free Tibet' and these can show your support in an easy and everyday way. Many people only see the news printed in their newspaper or heard on their TV or radio - and soon forget the problems that remain when they are not headlines. Wearing a pro-Tibetan T-shirt will remind other people about Tibet as you walk through your daily life. Tibetan jewelry is another option. Wearing a prominent necklace for example, will bring people to admire the craftsmanship of Tibet as well as putting Tibet in focus.

5. Sign petitions.
Keeping up to date on relevant petitions is another way that everyday people can assist. Share the link to these petitions with your family and friends, as well as informing any Tibetan groups that you may belong to. The more signatures on each petition, the more impact it will have.