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Top image caption: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s emissary, Tenzin Dhonden, has been suspended after claims of corruption and extorting money from sponsors. In fact there are many such people surrounding the Dalai Lama and this is the very reason that there is division and disharmony within the Tibetan leadership.

A few days ago, on 27 October 2017, The Guardian, a British daily newspaper, published news of the suspension of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s personal emissary over corruption claims. Tenzin Dhonden, the news reported, was accused of having essentially extorted money from generous sponsors for the Dalai Lama to grace events and for certain privileged few to meet and have audience with the Tibetan leader.

While this may be the first time a prominent newspaper printed disclosures of such misdealings by personnel linked to the Tibetan spiritual leader, it is in fact nothing new, especially when it comes to Tenzin Dhonden. Accusations of fraud, cheating, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds and a litany of crimes have become synonymous with the 14th Dalai Lama and his government, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; the Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala). This has been around ever since the Tibetan cause became cause célèbre of the people of the liberal democratic West.

The former Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament is a known associate of Thinley Kalsang named in human trafficking and other vice operations

 

Corruption Is Common Amongst Tibetan Officials

  • In the year 2012, US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher wrote to the Tibetan Prime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sangay stating that the Congressman was aware that certain funds provided by the US intended to benefit the Tibetan people had been misspent
  • Also in 2012, the then-Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, Penpa Tsering was exposed as having links to a visa brokering and human trafficking ring. Nothing happened because Penpa Tsering had the blessings of the Dalai Lama
  • In June 2015, Maura Moynihan, a longtime supporter of the Tibetan cause, blew the whistle on the International Campaign of Tibet (ICT), which was set up with the assistance of the CTA. She highlighted the shocking fact that the bulk of the money that the ICT collects does not go to the Tibetan people, who are the intended recipients. Again, her warnings were not heeded as the image of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan issue continue to mesmerize the people of the world
  • In 2015 itself, tibetworlds.com posted an article that exposed the lack of transparency of the Tibet Fund (another extension of the CTA, set up to solicit funds under the same cause) and the blatant refusal of its President, Rinchen Dharlo, to respond to questions of embezzlement. Nothing happened to Dharlo because again, he was untouchable since he was backed by the Dalai Lama
  • 2016 saw the naming of Lodi Gyari, yet another Dalai Lama Special Envoy, in a money laundering scandal. No actions were taken;
  • And this is to make no mention of the multitude of accusations leveled at CTA politicians and bureaucrats in Dharamsala, all of which have been summarily dismissed as gossip and hearsay by those who were accused.

ICT failed to meet the financial transparency test. It is common for CTA-related entities and associated bodies to be vague about where its spends the money that it receives from donors and sponsors. They are rarely held accountable by supporters of the Tibetan cause, and never by the Tibetans themselves.

Therefore, the Dhonden story itself does not offer much original content, and in that, The Guardian missed the scoop. Tenzin Dhonden is nothing more than another cog in the CTA’s wheel, that has been spinning unfettered, preying on the kindness of the world and taking every Tibetan sympathizer on a merciless ride. The story is about when exactly the Dalai Lama’s inner circle stopped being leaders of perhaps an erstwhile cause, and began operating like unscrupulous robber barons, dangling the Tibetan refugees as bait for the world to keep giving; and how widespread the scam is.

 

Show Me the Money

Indeed, has anyone paused to ask exactly how much has been collected by the CTA in over the 50 years they have been soliciting funds, and attempt to see if the sum is somehow reflected in better lives for the average Tibetan refugee? We need to ask how much of the money given by governments, corporations, families and individuals to the Tibetans actually reached the poor Tibetan people after having survived the gauntlet of grabby hands of Dalai Lama insiders and CTA surrogates.

Tenzin Dhonden is a close ally of the Dalai Lama and it is difficult to imagine that neither the Dalai Lama and CTA have been unaware if Dhonden’s unsavory activities

Dr. Stephanie Röemer was one academic who attempted to make sense of the numbers. She spent years living in Dharamsala, investigating, observing and speaking to various officials and concluded in her book, The Tibetan Government in Exile, that not only has billions been received by the CTA since the early 1960s but also that the bulk of it was apparently spent on very general and vague items such “politically related affairs”. Where has all this money gone?

That the Tibetan leadership and its proxies around that world are dishonest is self-evident. In the IRS forms Tenzin Dhonden declared that the total revenue received by “Friends of the Dalai Lama Foundation” was no more than $50,000 for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016. In truth, we can see that one benefactor alone, in the form of philanthropist Daniel Kranzler, gave $250,000 just in one year. Not only has the Dalai Lama’s emissary committed a federal offense by falsely declaring the income of the organization, but we see that there is no hesitation whatsoever in a person chosen by the Dalai Lama to be in his inner circle, to mislead the government as well as private individuals sympathetic to the Tibetan cause.

Tenzin Dhonden is accused of corruption and extorting money from generous sponsors.

In the IRS forms Tenzin Dhonden declared that the total revenue received by “Friends of the Dalai Lama Foundation” was no more than $50,000 for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016. In truth, we see that one benefactor alone, in the form of philanthropist Daniel Kranzler, gave $250,000 just in one year. So where did the money go?

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

 

Conflict As A Trade

The Dalai Lama is surrounded by sycophants who use their position for their own selfish ends, rather than working for the welfare of the Tibetan people.

As we now begin to assemble the fragments of known complaints against the countless Tibetan NGOs set up by the Tibetan leadership, an ugly picture emerges. The picture is not that of a displaced nation of refugees being upheld by the courageous government of ‘a simple Buddhist monk’ but that of a callous and greedy corporation masquerading as an government in-exile plying Tibetan miseries into a lucrative trade. As long as the Tibetan refugees remain displaced and pitiable, and as long as the world public buys into the Tibetan leadership’s narrative, the money will keep rolling in unchecked, unaudited and unaccounted for.

Surely, this must be the best political gig in the entire world:

  1. To be accorded the honors and privilege of a ‘government’ official without the corresponding answerability of one
  2. To hold authoritative polity of a State without having the duties of one, without any industries to create, any economy to regulate, without delicate monetary or fiscal systems to balance, nor any goods or services to produce and hence no balance of trade to stress over
  3. Without an educated and vibrant population to appease and answer to, apart from a mere 150,000 who are either too loyal, too afraid and too dependent financially and emotionally to be a challenge
  4. And all this time, to have hundreds of millions as annual revenue that is tax free and free of responsibilities.

Surely this must be the most powerful, effective and untouchable corporation in the world. The ‘Tibetan cause’ then becomes not in fact an objective but a method employed by a small handful of people in authority to line their own pockets.

Dhardon Sharling, although disqualified as a CTA Cabinet member, was nevertheless placed in charge for her willingness to lead propaganda campaigns against Dorje Shugden Buddhist practitioners which she labels as a cult despite being a central practice of the Gelugpas for almost four centuries.

The corruption within the ranks of the Tibetan leadership is clearly rife and unbridled. There can no doubts about that and so Tenzin Dhonden is not an exception. When we examine what the Tibetan leadership has trained its focus on in recent decades, we see little or insignificant initiatives to improve the quality of life of the Tibetan people living in the refugee settlements. After 50 years of grants, donations and sponsorships from a tremendous network of Tibet Houses and NGOs scattered worldwide, we see no outstanding Tibetan personage in the arts or the sciences. Most remain poor and those who seem to have eked out a living and have some semblance of a future, do so not because of the CTA but in spite of the CTA.

Instead the Tibetan leadership has invested heavily in one single purpose – to preserve the status quo. In order for it to do so, it keeps the world public focusing on China as an external enemy, even as it distracts its own populace with internal bickering over CTA manufactured issues such as Rangzen and Umaylam, the Dorje Shugden controversy and the two Karmapas conflict. These are all cleverly crafted conflicts which could have been so easily solved had the Tibetan leadership wanted to. But there is no fortune to be made in an environment of peace and harmony. In the meantime, conflicts and intense quarrelling creates fortunes for some in power who profit from the miseries of others. It is an old story. We just did not expect it to be played out in Shangri-La.

Carrying out the Tibetan leadership’s instructions has its rewards. To be seen with the Dalai Lama is an important seal of protection and an increase in status within society. You become a mini-celebrity with instant and stable access to funding and sponsorship. In fact, many people vie with each other to have such an opportunity to receive gains for themselves.

It remains to be seen what happens to Tenzin Dhonden. If history is any gauge, then nothing much. As a matter of fact, if the victim in the Dhonden case had been anyone else besides a very wealthy and influential American, the issue would probably not have interested The Guardian. It is well known in Tibetan society that one is rewarded not by being diligent and honest and sincerely fighting for Tibetan progress. In fact, these people such as Lukar Jam, a popular candidate for the 2016 Sikyong position, are seen as nuisance for the Tibetan leadership to deal with. In the present construct of the Tibetan leadership, you rise when you are prepared to pull out all the stops when carrying out the instructions from the top, regardless of who you have to backstab, betray or step down on. Hence you have:

  • Lobsang Sangay who presides over the greatest division of the Tibetan people in modern Tibetan history as he executes campaign after campaign against Rangzen aspirants and Dorje Shugden practitioners
  • Penpa Tsering who is still dodging criminal complaints against him being recently appointed as the Dalai Lama’s representative in North America
  • Ngodrup Dorje who forcibly turned people from nine Tibetan settlements into a mob that attacked a Dorje Shugden monastic house, being rewarded by his appointment as the Dalai Lamai’s representative in Belgium
  • Dhardon Sharling rising as a star in the CTA despite being disqualified from elections because she is prepared to perpetuate programmes that keep the Tibetan people divided

Some of the serious crimes CTA officials have been accused of and yet they are protected as the CTA is said to be beyond the law

Thus, when you consider all these factors and evidence, Tenzin Dhonden is merely a subtext in a much bigger and sinister story. If Tenzin Dhonden is the symptom of the real ills of Tibetan society, then as long as the Tibetan leadership protects, rewards and encourages the exploitation of their own people, there is no hope that Tibetans will ever realize any of their dreams. And it will be clear for everyone to see that the responsibility for that lies squarely and solely on the shoulders of the CTA.

 

The Article in The Guardian (click to enlarge)

 

The Original Article (click to enlarge)

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54 Comments

54 Comments

  1. Tenzin Wangyal-ByLakuppe

    October 28, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    Why does the Dalai Lama persecute Shugden people so harshly but actual image breakers like Tenzin Dhonden is treated lightly for his embarrassing crimes? 😖

  2. Eli Buchen

    October 29, 2017 at 3:44 am

    It wasn’t so long ago an article, came up about Tenzin Dhonden, activities and now, this new article about embezzlement is out.

    Tibetans in exile need to come out of their bubble, CTA has not done much to help their cause, and is only interested in lining their pockets.
    CTA has not managed all these people that were set up to represent and be a liaison for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. On top of CTA doing such inappropriate actions, there is also people who are appointed by the CTA, so its no surprise that they are also on the take.

  3. Dondrup Shugden

    October 29, 2017 at 4:51 am

    This is such a clear analogy of why the Tibetans in exile never had a chance to progress and after 50 years still refugees.

    Why the status of the Dalai Lama is eroding.

    All because CTA leadership creates disharmony over Rangzen and Umaylam and the ban on DorjeShugden and distract the Tibetans of how they stole all the monies donated to Tibetans to line their pockets.

    😠😠😠

  4. Tibetlover

    October 29, 2017 at 8:23 am

    How come the Dalai Lama will get close and work with people like Tenzin Dhonden. Doesn’t the Dalai Lama have clairvoyance and extra-sensory powers to see through people. Tibetans consider Dalai Lama a bodhisattva Avolkitesvara so therefore he should not make mistakes right? 👍

  5. Hi I'm Lobsang Sangye I'm a liar

    October 29, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    It’s quite refreshing to have someone from the parliament speaking up and raising questions about the unjustness that’s been happening within its own “government”. Tenpa Yarphel is extremely brave to speak up like that, Tibetans HAVE TO WATCH IT! 👍

    1. Tibetan shaves off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel 2017 Sept
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA

    2. Tibetan Parliament member representing Kagyu School Ven. Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8

    Then of course, we have some intelligent individuals such as Geshe Dorje himself, who just wants attention, talks big but does nothing else 🙄 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8

  6. TseringD, Delhi

    October 29, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    I m think Nechung is one of d best when I m watch to dis video By Geshe Dorjee la but now I m think is not d truth n he is lie to Tibet people we are not back to Tibet yt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8 Chithue Tenpa Yarphel la tq for talk about truth of Nechung . I m watch to this video many time la https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8 n after I hear you talk I m not belief to Nechung

  7. Michaela Smith

    October 30, 2017 at 6:51 am

    Another proof that Nechung prophecy is not reliable. the Dalai Lama and the CTA should stop asking Nechung for advices as they are harmful and give people false hopes.

    Geshee Dorjee Youtube link:

  8. Namdrol

    October 30, 2017 at 7:45 am

    MP Tenpa Yarphel is very brave to questioned the validity and accuracy of the spirit Nechung who the Dalai Lama always consulted, apparently Nechung has been giving highly inaccurate prophecies, but people still keep using him because Dalai Lama keeps using him and nobody dare to say otherwise, although Nechung is full of mistake, no wonder Tibetans did not get back their country even after 60 years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A

    Look at this guy’s way of protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel and you know why the Tibetans will never get back their country:


  9. Michaela Smith

    October 30, 2017 at 8:08 am

    Finally, there is someone from within the CTA who is brave enough to speak up about the false prophecies and the division created by Nechung

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A



  10. Amber Sonam

    October 30, 2017 at 8:37 am

    Bravo to Tenpa Yarphel for speaking up so bravely! CTA has a lot of dodgy business going on even it’s own MP cannot keep quiet anymore. Watch what is being said here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8

    Yet, those in denial continue to support the corruptions within the CTA by shaving off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA

    He is also supported by Geshe Dorje himself who is riding on the Nechung issue giving no concrete proof as usual https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8

  11. Brian Little

    October 30, 2017 at 9:08 am

    The whole system is wrong! nobody to check and audit, even if there are, they would be CTA’s own people and carries no convincing powers. If only all countries who donated to CTA all these while declare how much they have given to CTA then we can counter check. You know there will certainly be something with the corruption given with the 👿👿👿 rumours surrounding CTA.

  12. tashi

    October 30, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Funds for impoverished Tibetans goes into his pocket. DISGRACE! SHAMEFUL!!
    👎👎👎😠😠😏

  13. nga

    October 30, 2017 at 10:21 am

    if we tibetans continue trust CTA leadership is very stupid.

    Any Tibetans that are still believing in CTA is paid 💰 by CTA or plain stupid. 🤡🤡

  14. poor

    October 30, 2017 at 10:27 am

    Tenzin Dhonden is not only one misusing the. There must be more out there like him. 😔

  15. Tibetlover

    November 1, 2017 at 12:03 am

    The so called “Tibetan govt’ in exile is small with so few members yet their corruption is so rife and among most of them. Secondly they are directly under the Dalai Lama who is a holy man. How can they be corrupt under a holy man? Doesn’t he have any influence on them or they have regards for him therefore be better in their ethics?
    Thirdly it shows that corruption is the way this ‘govt’ operates and it must have extended from Tibet. It has been their norm for centuries. No wonder Tibet was lost completely and so easily. No wonder after 60 years Tibet is not recovered.👎

  16. untomable

    November 1, 2017 at 3:05 am

    Tibetans already at India as refugee 60yrs ago, how much donation go to CTA, but can’t see any improve of the tibetans at all… sad

  17. Tiffany

    November 1, 2017 at 5:42 am

    CTA keeps saying DS practitioners take money from the Chinese government to create disharmony within the Tibetan community without any proof. At the same time, CTA is receiving billions of dollars from the international aids but they cannot provide any proof how the money is spent. I used to support the free Tibet cause or anything related to Tibet, but more and more news about how the fund is mismanaged and used inappropriately, I lost my respect and confident in CTA. They really are not doing any good to the Tibetans. So many Tibetans are still suffering, being stateless and continue to be a second grade residents, CTA leadership on the other hand is getting wealthier, how is that possible?

  18. Manjushri

    November 6, 2017 at 8:58 am

    How come HHDL has not spoken about this, where as he and the Tibetan Leadership always speaks against DS practitioners who have committed no crime?

    It is scary, how there has been a misappropriation of billions in funds by the Tibetan Leadership. From this article, it looks like they set up organisations, on the forefront, fighting for the Tibetan cause and for the Tibetan refugees, but in actuality, its for self-serving needs.

    Just by falsely declaring what the organisation has received is a crime! They’re misleading the kindness and generosity of the public, donors, sponsors, and students of HHDL! I’ll definitely be sure to be weary of any donations towards the Tibetan cause.

  19. Amber Sonam

    November 6, 2017 at 11:00 pm

    When I hear the name Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, the below will come to my mind immediately:
    – misspent donations
    – visa brokering and human trafficking ring
    – ICT collects donations that does not go to the Tibetan people
    – embezzlement
    – money laundering
    – backstab
    – betray
    – step down on
    – criminal
    and etc.

    I wonder why the kind donors still willing to donate to people who are legal criminals!

  20. Sujatha

    November 9, 2017 at 6:09 am

    In more progressive governments, people like Tenzin Dhonden will be stripped off his titles and work responsibilities whilst an independent investigation is conducted to ascertain the facts. Once proven he will have to persecuted based on the laws and receive the punishments for his wrong doings. His alleged wrong doings is criminal in nature and its a serious offence. The CTA must take these matters seriously to safeguard the nation and its people.

  21. Pema Drolma

    November 14, 2017 at 4:04 pm

    Have you guys read this???

    Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer appeals for peace
    By Lobsang Wangyal
    McLEOD GANJ, India, 14 November 2017

    Sensing the momentum gathering around a mass demonstration in Dharamshala against Kashag’s continuous silence over its decision to sack Penpa Tsering as the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in North America, the Tibetan Settlement Officer in Dharamshala has issued an appeal to the people to maintain peace and harmony.

    Calls for a demonstration were made after the Kashag (Cabinet of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) ) refused to divulge details of the reason for expelling Representative Penpa Tsering.

    Kashag issued an announcement about the termination of Penpa Tsering’s duties through their website on 7 November, stating that he will end his duty on 30 November, and the current CTA Education Minister Ngodup Tsering will replace him.

    The Kashag stated “dereliction of duty” as the reason, and said that three warnings had been served, but that Penpa Tsering didn’t show any improvement in his conduct.

    The actual nature of the warnings was also not clear when the officiating President of the CTA convened a press conference on 9 November.

    Penpa Tsering on the other hand denied any wrongdoing.

    Settlement Officer Dawa Rinchen said in his appeal message that since Dharamshala being the seat of the Dalai Lama and of the Central Tibetan Administration, he urged people to respect the sanctity of the place.

    Speaking to Tibet Sun, Rinchen said that he envisaged a demonstration on the 27th of this month, but couldn’t have any estimate of its size.

    The 27th came to be the date for demonstration after an activist in NYC suggested it through his article published on Tibet Sun.

    He said, ”There’s so much talk and discussion about the issue and preparations for the protest. Many people are seen registering and others giving donations towards this event.”

    President of CTA Lobsang Sangay, who is on a European tour, spoke on 13 November about the issue in Norway, but he also refused to give details as to why Penpa Tsering was suspended.

    He said that it is the prerogative of the Kashag to appoint and terminate representatives and staff members of CTA. Kashag is not required to explain the reasons for their termination.

    Some Tibetans in the United States are saying they would stop paying the annual tax to CTA (record maintained through the “Green Book”), and people in New York are calling for a boycott of an event in New York on 10 December, the Tibetan Rally for Peace and Non-violence, which is to be attended by CTA President Lobsang Sangay and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel. It is to be held at United Nations Plaza, led by North American Chithues and is organised by North American Tibetan Associations.

    However, Penpa Tsering has appealed in a video message to people in New York City and nearby areas to attend the event.

    Source: https://www.tibetsun.com/news/2017/11/14/dharamshala-tibetan-settlement-officer-appeals-for-peace

    ———————————

    Tibetan unity in peril: Call for massive street protest in Dharamshala
    By Mila Rangzen
    NEW YORK CITY, US, 11 November 2017

    Like most Tibetans, including those who voted for Sikyong Lobsang Sangay in the 2016 election, I am shocked by what Sikyong Lobsang Sangay did to former speaker Penpa Tsering — the Dalai Lama’s Chief Representative posted in Washington DC. He fired Penpa Tsering a few days ago for no reason other than political revenge.

    Penpa Tsering was Lobsang Sangay’s opponent in the 2016 Sikyong election, and a tough one at that. Penpa Tsering is the only Tibetan statesman who can stand up to Lobsang Sangay and speak the truth to his face for the good of our cause and our community as a whole.

    Stand up he did, in and outside the Parliament. With humility but firmly. Roughly twenty-eight thousand Tibetans in our small exile community voted for him.

    Recognizing Penpa Tsering’s capability, experience, and integrity, the Dalai Lama’s private office recommended Penpa Tsering as the right man for the Representative job. Sikyong had no choice but to relent. Also, to appear to be burying the election grudge and the regional hatchet, that was the best bet he had. No need to point out that Lobsang Sangay is a Khampa man and Penpa Tsering is an Amdo/U-Tsang man. Track the source of the conflict. It will help the reader understand the Tibetan domestic politics. To turn a blind eye because it makes you feel uncomfortable is, in fact, an endorsement for negative regionalism to continue.

    When the media asked for elaboration on why Sikyong fired him, the response from him and his subordinates was shocking. Sikyong, laughing sarcastically, avoided the question by telling the media to talk to the Cabinet Secretary. The secretary simply said Sikyong fired him because it is in his power to do so according to the exile charter. No specific reason was given.

    The Deputy Sikyong Youthok Karma Gelek responded, at an only 10-minute-long press conference, by saying that Sikyong had served three warning notices to Penpa Tsering to mend his ways in the past one year and that he was not respecting Sikyong. When pressed for what precisely wrong did Penpa Tsering do, Youthok became overbearing and left.

    CTA, where is the transparency?

    The Dalai Lama publicly rebuked both the candidates in Dharamshala in April 2016 for stirring regional tensions among the Tibetan community during the election. Both the candidates publicly apologized. And so, we believed the matter got settled there and then. Sangay even delivered tons of speeches on the importance of Tibetan unity.

    But to our dismay, Lobsang Sangay proved us wrong. The man is still in the election campaign mode despite being in office again for almost two years. This firing on unfounded grounds is an attempt to tarnish the image and reputation of Penpa Tsering. How vindictive can Sikyong get? This is absolutely unacceptable, and it also goes against the very teaching of the Dalai Lama.

    Penpa Tsering said on Voice of America that he was served only one warning notice, and that too without any explanation. Sikyong also denied Penpa Tsering his right to explain his position. Sangay revealed his actual colours. Also, the removal of Penpa Tsering from the office is a slap in Dalai Lama’s face, and a kick to the rear of the twenty-eight thousand Amdos and U-Tsangs who voted for him.

    What can we do now?
    When we think an issue is this important, we are left with no choice but a massive protest. Protesting can help raise public awareness and prevent a cheap political vendetta that can ruin the Tibetan unity thus far achieved.

    I call for the Tibetans to come out in thousands at Gangkyi on 27 November 2017 at 10 am sharp, and do the following.

    Picket by holding up large signs at the Cabinet building and demand detailed explanation for the firing of Penpa Tsering. Gather first at McLeod Ganj and march to Gangkyi, demanding the reinstatement of Penpa Tsering to the office. Hold a vigil at night in memory of Penpa Tsering’s dedication and service to our community. Do sit-ins at the Cabinet building lobby until the demand is met. Resist threats and violence with resolute non-violent action. Be the peace warriors!

    Organise a core group of U-Tsang Association and Amdo Association if the Cholsum Association fails to do so. Assign roles to members pertaining to media coverage, permits, equipment, safety, transport, signs, and placards.

    Gather as many people as you can to help out on the day. Remember to contact them the night before to remind them about the protest. Put the word out through emails, posters and flyers, local media, social media, word of mouth, and any other way you can.

    Organise speakers for they can inspire and educate the Tibetan public, but keep the speeches short and powerful.

    Thunder into the streets! Pound sense into the head of Sikyong! Lead by example, not by ego!

    Source: https://www.tibetsun.com/opinions/2017/11/11/tibetan-unity-in-peril-call-for-massive-street-protest-in-dharamshala

  22. Tenzin Ngawang

    November 17, 2017 at 8:31 am

    Now we only have the corrupt CTA to rely on

    Growing public anger as Kashag reluctant to give clear statement on NA Rep. row

    DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 16: Following the announcement to relieve North America CTA mission representative and former Speaker Penpa Tsering from his position on Nov. 7, there has been a general sense of dissatisfaction among sections of the community with some even suggesting protests and boycott of events where President Sangay is scheduled to attend. 

    While the Kashag asserts that the issue was handled as per the binding rules and with rightful authority, the handling of the situation, many say, has rolled back on President Sangay’s campaign claims of transparency and unity. An official announcement and a press briefing by Kashag have not mentioned a clear reason for Penpa’s ousting other than vague reference to dereliction in his role there and hints at insubordination.

    Officiating President Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok told the media last week that the Kashag need not give a clarification over the transfer or firing of any staff and that the issue is an “internal matter”.

    The growing impasse between the public and Kashag’s (cabinet) reluctance to give a clear explanation over the cause of Penpa’s ousting has escalated over the last week. A New York based individual going by the name of Mila Rangzen has called for a non-violent mass protest at the end of the month here in Dharamshala, prompting the settlement officer here to issue a public appeal, urging peace and order in the community. 

    Dharamshala settlement officer Dawa Rinchen told Phayul, “While I have no knowledge of when and how many people are going to hold a protest, my prerogative is to avoid any incidents here in Dharamshala where His Holiness the Dalai Lama resides where the CTA is based and subsequently where the eyes of the international community is transfixed on. Hence I appealed the public to maintain peace here.”

    Sporadic posts and videos on social media sites such as Facebook and WeChat expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the situation calling for a transparent approach to the matter by President Sangay led Kashag. A Tibetan nitezen Tsering Chomphel wrote on Facebook, “I personally think transparency is the first rung of so called democracy ladder. In today’s world, we cannot and should not trust any individual or group blindly. If PT is innocent this time, he needs to speak out. It’s not about PT or Kashag. It’s about peoples trust. People will surely lose trust and interest in our politics if things are not made clear this time.” 

    Tsering Samdup, a Tibetan sweater seller, said that it would be inappropriate if the Kashag issues a clarification simply because some section of the community demands it. “The concerned individual here is Penpa Tsering and if he denies Kashag’s decision and seeks clarification then Kashag might be obliged to give one. Otherwise, there is no need to clarify.”

    Another nitezen opined that three advisory letter/directives were enough caution by the Kashag. Tenzin Kunkyab wrote, “He got fired after three written warning (three yellow cards) after that they pulled red card, I don’t see any wrong with that unless PT himself have some explanation.” Penpa Tsering however claimed he only received one letter prior to his termination letter and has maintained he is not at fault.

    Some people have even called for more dramatic action to boycott the ‘Solidarity with Tibet rally for peace and non-violence’ on 10th December in New York where President Sangay is scheduled to attend. Penpa Tsering, the outgoing representative urged Tibetans in North America to participate in the event with the broader sense of the Tibetan issue at mind and not divisive politics.

    Meanwhile the Tibetan President who is currently on an official visit to northern Europe indicated that the Kashag might not budge and give a clear-cut answer on the issue. He said that Penpa Tsering has accepted the Kashag’s decision to remove him from the Washington office and his cabinet’s decision to remove and appoint liaison officers abruptly, is neither unprecedented nor illegal. 

    The NA office remains the most crucial position in the hierarchy of outposts of the Tibetan polity. The new man in that seat, Education minister Ngodup Tsering today said he has gotten the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his new role in Washington.

    http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39805&article=Growing+public+anger+as+Kashag+reluctant+to+give+clear+statement+on+NA+Rep.+row

    Citing Fatigue, Dalai Lama Appoints Personal Emissaries
    November 16, 2017 12:29 PM

    WASHINGTON — The Dalai Lama says he has appointed emissaries to attend international engagements or speak on his behalf indefinitely.

    Citing increasing physical fatigue, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader made the comments while meeting with a group of international youth leaders brought to Dharmsala, India, by the Washington-based Institute of Peace.

    “I’m 82 years old, and since last year [my] feeling of tiredness has been much increased,” he told the group during video-recorded meetings last week.

    Because he may not be able to maintain a regular international travel schedule, he said, the president of Tibet’s current government-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, along with prominent Buddhist scholar and former prime minister in exile, Samdong Rinpoche, would act as his official emissaries.

    These “trusted friends, they know my thinking,” he said. “Our work, continuously, should be more active [and internationally engaged], so in these two persons,” he said, pointing to Lobsang and Samdong, “I have full trust.”

    Looking to the dialogue moderator, USIP President Nancy Lindborg, the Dalai Lama said: “If your side … or your government’s side” has concerns, “then these two persons, either one, can participate as my representative or my personal emissary.”

    Penpa Tsering, representative for the Office of Tibet in Washington, which represents the Tibetan government-in-exile, downplayed the significance of the Dalai Lama’s statement.

    “I think this was more of a general statement,” he told VOA. “His holiness is sometimes too tired to travel, and his April visit to the United States has been suspended indefinitely, but he will continue to travel in India, and Europe is only a seven hour flight.”

    Adding that Lobsang’s presidential term is limited to five years, and the fact that Samdong has long served as a kind of unofficial deputy to the Dalai Lama, he said the November 6 comments do not represent a major diversion or change in Dharmsala’s official representation on the world stage.

    Symbol of Tibet
    However, Carole McGranahan, a University of Colorado anthropologist and historian of Tibet, says although prioritizing the Dalai Lama’s health requires a reduction in his international travel schedule, his physical absence from global engagements cannot be substituted via proxy.

    “So much of the goodwill and attention Tibet receives in the world is due to his holiness, and specifically due to his personal interactions with world leaders and with the large audiences he draws around the world. His deep wisdom, his humor and charisma, his serious attention to pressing world issues, and, of course, his model of compassion and leadership, make a deep impression on people,” she told VOA’s Tibetan Service via email.

    “For so much of the world, the Dalai Lama is the symbol of Tibet. Will his trusted emissaries be able to achieve the same effects? Of course not, as no one can truly stand in for the Dalai Lama,” she wrote. “They will be able to represent him, but no one can embody the message of Tibet as he does. His holiness’s stepping back from international travel will signal a new era of Tibetan diplomacy in the world.”

    Robert Barnett, director of the Modern Tibet Studies Program at Columbia University, says the decision may be a signal to Beijing.

    “Of course, there’s always the possibility that this move is intended as a post-19th Party Congress signal to Beijing of increased openness to a resumption of talks, or possibly even a response to a request from there,” he said. “It certainly should make Zhang Yijiong happier,” he added, referring to Communist Party’s Tibet working group chief, who told reporters on the sidelines of a party congress that there could be no excuses to meeting the Dalai Lama.

    “Except that it seems unlikely that warhorses of that type can ever be appeased,” Barnett said.

    In the United States, a California-based Tibetan monk named Tenzin Dhonden, who chairs the non-profit Friends of the Dalai Lama and was secretary of the Dalai Lama Trust, a charitable organization chaired by the Dalai Lama, has acted as a gatekeeper between the Dalai Lama and American philanthropists, scholars, celebrities and donors.

    Late last month, Dhonden, who falsely named himself Personal Emissary of Peace for the Dalai Lama in 2005, was suspended from the trust over corruption allegations.

    This story originated in VOA’s Tibetan Service. Pete Cobus contributed original reporting.

    https://www.voanews.com/a/dalai-lama-appoints-personal-emissaries/4118315.html

  23. Ngawang Wangchuk

    November 17, 2017 at 9:08 am

    China knows how welcome President Trump… on the other hand, what happened with the CTA…

    https://youtu.be/Na3lcejmqZ4

  24. Geshe Monlam

    November 18, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK? DO YOU THINK THERE IS HOPE FOR US TO GET TIBET BACK WITH THIS KIND OF LEADERS? AREN’T THEY JUST SO GOOD?

  25. Ngodup Tsering

    November 20, 2017 at 7:28 am

    THE CTA CAN ONLY PRODUCE SCANDAL AND SHAME THE DALAI LAMA
    —-

    Kashag’s charges unacceptable: Representative Penpa Tsering

    By Lobsang Wangyal

    ON THE WEB, 19 November 2017

    Penpa Tsering refused to accept the Cabinet’s ten charges against him, and said he will challenge all of them after he leaves office on 30 November.

    He also hinted at filing a case in the exile Tibetan Supreme Justice, saying the charges are unacceptable as he hasn’t committed any mistake.

    In a clear demonstration of the power of the people, the Cabinet of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) finally issued a clarification as to why Penpa Tsering had been terminated of his duties as North America Representative. Ten reasons were given, but each would surely be scrutinised and analysed.
    Details of warnings remain unclear

    Penpa Tsering’s sacking was announced on 7 November. As the news shocked the Tibetan world, the demand for reasons of the ousting mounted on the Cabinet. Questions asked by journalists received no comments from the Cabinet and the President of the Central Tibetan Administration.

    Due to popular demand from the press and the public, a press conference was convened after two days. At the conference, the officiating President of CTA Karma Gelek said that Penpa Tsering was sacked due to “dereliction of duty”, and stated that three warnings had been sent to him in the last one year, with the last one being sent in July. Gelek refused to say what the warnings were about.
    On 18 November, CTA President Lobsang Sangay during his visit to Norway said, without giving any details, that the revelation would paint a bad image. He added that it was not required for the Cabinet to reveal the reasons for the ouster, as it was the Cabinet’s prerogative to appoint and suspend any staff subordinate to it.

    As pressure from the public mounted, Kashag came out with the ten-point explanation. However, the ten reasons given didn’t seem to support the severe picture painted by Sangay.
    The nature of the warnings still remained unclear, as well as the specific rules Penpa Tsering was supposed to have violated.

    *Penpa Tsering clarifies his stand*

    When contacted for explanation about the ten points, Penpa Tsering said that the Kashag has hacked together these ten points so they could say that there were ten reasons to dismiss him.

    Sticking to his claim of not having committed any mistake, he said, “I still stand by my earlier statement that I haven’t committed any mistake, and I do not accept any wrongdoing. But I am leaving office because that’s what Kashag (Cabinet) has ordered.”

    “I cannot publicly discuss the issue now as I am still bound by the rules. I will be free to speak after 30 November, and I will challenge all the ten points one by one,” he said by phone.

    He claimed that he received only one letter from the Cabinet that was stated as “the last warning” in July, which concerned the information that the USD 1.5 million dollars from Tibet Fund used to purchase DC office building was a loan.

    He said that as reported in Tibet Sun, the issue of the 1.5 million dollars came up during the meeting of the representatives after the 5/50 Conference. “There is no truth in how Kashag has framed the charges, but I will explain about the details after leaving the office.”

    “I didn’t get any any other warning letters. And the letter that said ‘last warning’ only mentioned about the loan issue. And now there are ten points accusing me of dereliction of duties. All the points they have mentioned were events that happened before the ‘last warning’ they sent.”

    However, he said that he did receive two letters from the Department of Information of the International Relations, but they were not warning letters.

    “One was about the appointment of Chinese liaison officer Kunga Tashi at the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC. I clarified that he would be appointed upon approval from Kashag, rather than I announce him as having appointed.

    “Let alone any warning about that issue after I clarified, there was no follow up on that.”
    With regard to the second letter, he said, “The other letter that I received from the Department was about a group of Shugden followers welcoming President Xi Jinping to the US in April. I was questioned about not sending a report about that. I replied to that, and if I clarify, it takes time to find out the details about who the people. But we send a report after we got all the information we could gather.”

    https://www.tibetsun.com/news/2017/11/19/kashags-charges-unacceptable-representative-penpa-tsering

  26. Ngodup Tsering

    November 20, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    Looks like Sangay has some fan — hate fans — he must feel important now? 😜😜😜

    Tibet Fund recorded 1.5 million USD as loan for legal purpose: President Sangay responds on ‘loan-gate’
    [Monday, November 20, 2017 19:36]
    By Tenzin Dharpo

    DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 20: The Tibetan President currently on an official tour in Canada on Sunday responded to queries on the “loan” of 1.5 million USD dollars from Tibet Fund, saying the non-profit organization had to record the amount as loan due to legal and regulation-bound reasons but is not a loan.

    President Sangay said that an agreement between Tibet Fund and Central Tibetan Administration recognize the amount to be a contribution to purchase the property that did not have to be paid back in the future but instead will be collateralized as payment for the lease for the office space by the Tibet Fund. Tibet Fund subleases office space at the Office of Tibet’s Washington DC office.

    The issue became a crucial element in the ousting of the North America representative and former Speaker Penpa Tsering by Kashag (cabinet).

    The Kashag among its 10 reasons, cited an incident of trust deficit when Penpa Tsering questioned President Sangay whether a sum of 1.5 million USD was a loan to Tibet-Fund. The Sangay led Kashag on Saturday released a clarification, which stated, “Sikyong clearly explained that it was not a loan, but an amount that Tibet Fund had contributed and did not expect to be paid back. Despite Sikyong’s clarification and without consulting and seeking guidance and approval from Kashag and DIIR, Representative Penpa Tsering reported to CTA auditors that a loan payment for OoT DC office was outstanding.”

    The financial statement of Tibet Fund for the year 2015 available on the organization’s website, clearly recorded a same amount of 1.5 million USD under Fixed Asset as “Loan receivables” that year.

    The auditor’s report also mentioned in the footnote that on, “March 31, 2014 the Fund entered into a $1,500,000 Loan Agreement with The Office of Tibet to purchase a building that will then be partially subleased by the Fund. The loan is partially collateralized by a lease agreement between the Fund and The Office of Tibet in an aggregate amount of $425,000. The loan matures on March 31, 2043 at which point the balloon payment of $1,500,000 will be due. The interest rate is 1% and the interest income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $15,000. The amount outstanding as of December 31, 2014 is $1,500,000.”

    The President told Tibetans in Toronto that repeated incidents of underperformance and questionable actions by the NA rep. Penpa Tsering led to his termination. “The Kashag could not trust Penpa Tsering in Washington DC office following multiple incidents that eroded the trust and expectations placed on him,” the President said. The Kashag stated that growing “trust and performance deficit” as well as “insubordination” as key reasons to remove the incumbent NA representative of the Washington CTA mission.

    Former Speaker Penpa Tsering in response told a Tibetan media agency that he will respond to the allegations soon after November 30. Some Tibetans carried out peaceful protest at the venue of the public event with placards that read, “We are not protesting against our government, all we ask is the truth.”

    The Washington CTA mission remains the most crucial position in the hierarchy of outposts of the Tibetan polity. Education minister Ngodup Tsering will take charge of the office beginning next month.

    Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39817

  27. Lobsang Dolma

    November 23, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Heart advice for the U-Tsang People

    The Modus Operandi to silencing us:

    “You are hurting the Tibetan cause.”

    ——

    MY HEART ADVICE TO MY DEAR U-TSANG PEOPLE PART II
    NOVEMBER 22, 2017 (WILD JEPA)

    This is Tibetan domestic politics, not Tibet-China politics. So, keep the debate in context.

    Their modus operandi in silencing us is this:

    (1) Your criticism will create division within our community along regional lines. But when Khampas do it, either people claim it as their fundamental rights, or they will just ignore it. Shugden activists (99% are Khampas) talked shit about the Dalai Lama and CTA on youtube for years, and nobody lifted even a finger. Why this double standard? Why is it wrong for a non-Khampa Tibetan— who has not sold his soul to the Chinese— to blow a whistle?

    (2) This “division” will upset the Dalai Lama, and he will not live long. If something happens to him, then you are responsible. Don’t do it near the CTA and HH. You are a Shugden follower.

    (3) Such criticism will make our enemy glad and our brethren sad. Why are we doing this to ourselves?

    (4) We are an exile community and not an independent country so don’t copy the West. Shame on you!

    (5) If you want to criticize, do so to the Chinese. When you do, they tell you to do the Middle Way, not the Rangzen way!

    (6) Your freedom of speech hurts our unity. Stop comparing our society to others because we are refugees.

    (7) Your freedom of thought is disturbing the minds of our people and the peace in our community.

    (8) Your freedom of expression is a bad example to the Tibetan youth.

    (9) Freedom of speech has limits. Why are you doing the work of Chinese–our enemy? You are one brainwashed idiot.

    (10) You are hurting the Tibetan cause.

    (11) You are anti-Dalai Lama, anti-CTA, anti-Tibetan, anti-Gaden Phodrang, un-Tibetan, un-Buddhist, CCP agent

    (12) If you want to protest, then go to the Chinese embassy.

    (13) One scare tactic they use quite successfully is “The ghosts of regionalism from the 60s up to 90s will revisit our small community and the Dalai Lama will be upset.

    Bottom line is STF! Follow the Chota Supreme Leader! Follow him blindly!

    Their objective is to create fear, guilt, and shame in you, so you get paralyzed even to react, and that’s when they gain total control over you with ease. Our job is not to behave slavishly. No response can be more fitting than this! Their deflection tactic for criticism will fail!

    Anytime you criticize a Utsang leader, Khampas will tell you ” You are an honest upfront brave man!” But when you criticize a Khampa leader they will tell you,” I thought you were brave and honest, but you are not! You are rude! You are regional!

    Dear U-Tsangs, I understand it is not easy for you to come out of your deep slumber. For centuries, we practiced pacifism after having been inspired by Buddhism. But the price we pay for pacifism and meekness is the erosion of our pride, courage, unity, and determination. It is psychologically harmful to our children. No more nyamchung crap!

    Sing this new prayer with the same Tsemay younten tune, and you will get the message.

    Tsemay younten gyatsoe pel nga shing

    Nyamchung go la dho tar shak sha rey

    Jigten dodhang dhinday yin na

    Dhue nam yang khur thuppa mindhuk !

    When my nine-year-old son Gyakhab Rangzen asked me one day out of the blue “Daddy, why are our U-Tsang people so meek? “

    At first, I was taken aback at his observation. Regaining my composure, I told him “Son, we are not cowards. We had a central government, and so we abandoned tribalism for unity long ago. We are used to peace for long, and hence we forgot the art of war. And to protect our skin, we now do become selfish not realizing that it is harder to break a dozen arrows than one. Remember, we U-Tsangs once unified the whole of Tibet and conquered distant lands through war. We were warriors once. History is the witness. We can be warriors again”.

    He hugged me with his chest puffed up with pride and confidence. I will never forget that day because I was the happiest daddy and he was the proudest son in the whole world, and we both are hardcore U-Tsangs.

    Yes, in pacifism, we become rats. And when the rats get disoriented with fear they will attack the victim, not the perpetrator because it is safe and comfortable. We allow Khampas to use U-Tsangs to attack our own. Remember Yapchen Passang Tsewang attacked our hero Dawa Tsering with false allegations. Who can forget it?

    Tenpa Yarphel and his ilk bullied him for fifteen years over the Yongling school despite losing the battle legally many times. They also brought up false murder allegations against Penpa Tsering to bring him down to ensure the victory of their root guru Lobsang Sangay. What U-Tsang attacked Khampas so mercilessly with such hate and jealousy raging in their eyes in the past six decades? None.

    We respected them for their courage, straightforwardness, decisiveness, resoluteness and the help they render to their tribe. But what have we got back? Nothing but negative regionalism, intimidation, hatred, jealousy, bullying, exploitation, discrimination, insults, death threats, and assaults. Nothing but attacks after attacks!

    Now we begin to witness our patience has both depth and limit. Always remember, when a Khampa hurls outrageous allegations on a U-Tsang, our leadership is silent. But when a U-Tsang fights back, the administration goes reciting the mantra,

    “Om, Unity! Unity! Unity!”

    Call me names or do what you can, I will not budge an inch so should you not. Let the sky fall; I don’t give a damn. If regionalism and disunity are suffering–let both, not one–suffer!

    I will never ever abandon the death-bed advice that my father gave me long ago, “Even if you are reduced to a life of slums and misery, never sell your soul to the Red China who is responsible for the loss of our country and our dignity. Fight if you can as a Tibetan for nothing less than total independence. But if Khampa regionalism urinates on the head of U-Tsangs, then you should stand up first and fight as a hardcore U-Tsang! And lead others by example. When in international politics, play your Tibetan role: When in Tibetan domestic politics, play your U-Tsang role. ”

    Vow not to shove shit in to the mouth of a U-Tsang who served you butter and honey!

    Vow not to kiss the ass of a Khampa who urinated on your head!

    If you stick to these two vows then you are a U-Tsang who will earn the respect and votes of all other U-Tsangs.

    Don’t forget November 27, 2017 Monday 10 am sharp!

    Blast the Kashag building with slogans !

    P.S. If you know of corruption or injustice at high levels and if you have facts, evidence, photos, audio, videos, contact me–the Tibetan WikiLeaks at [email protected]

    https://wildjepa.com/2017/11/22/my-heart-advice-to-my-dear-u-tsang-people-part-ii/

  28. Rakesh Chandra

    November 25, 2017 at 6:44 am

    Scandal, Corruption, Schism, Conflict and now rudeness – Tibetans are bad news for the Indians

  29. Badrapa

    November 25, 2017 at 7:47 am

    😧 Whole Nepal say Buddha born in Nepal, but DL says this is nonsense. DL lied and this is very shameful.

    💻 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxUI3_d6hQU

  30. Amber Sonam

    November 25, 2017 at 8:09 am

    This Nepali woman is very unhappy with the Dalai Lama. Listen to her here बुद्ध भारतमा जन्मेका हुन भन्ने दलाइ लामालार्इ बेलायतबाट इशा गुरुङले दिइन कडा जवाफ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoiHkF5Nz7Q. The whole world respected the Dalai Lama but not anymore. He has gone mental and is total wrong. People donated thousands of dollars and kept the Dalai Lama’s pictures in temples and houses and had great respect. But now no more. Dalai Lama has upset people all over the world and should be very careful what he says in the future.

  31. Tibetans Go Back

    November 25, 2017 at 8:45 am

    Have you seen this?

  32. Tibetans Go Back

    November 25, 2017 at 8:46 am

    Tibetans must read what the Dalai Lama said.

  33. Ngodup Tsering

    November 27, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    Penpa Tsering is sacked and now maybe Dhardon wants his cushy job in USA. So she has to be nice to her big boss Sikyong to get this job.

  34. Amdo Shapale

    November 28, 2017 at 12:02 am

    Very good this Kalon visited Jonang Temple, now he should visit a Dorje Shugden temple.

    Chorig Kalon Attends Special Conference on Jonang Tradition

    November 25, 2017
    Published By Jamphel Shonu

    DHARAMSHALA: Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, today attended a special conference on the evolution of Jonang tradition and its present status at Duekhor Monastery near Norbulingka institute. The conference was organised by Jonang wellbeing Association.

    The chief guests at the conference were Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok and Gyalwang Gyaltsab Rinpoche. Other guests at the conference include settlement officer Dawa Rinchen and representatives from non governmental organisations.

    Kalon Karma Gelek Yuhtok also inaugurated a compilation book of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s speeches and teachings published by the Jonang Wellbeing association.

    Tsangyang Gyatso, President of Jonang wellbeing Association, explained that the objective of the Special conference was to revive and spread awareness about the Jonang school of Tibetan Buddhism, and to acquire equal religious status as other schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

    http://tibet.net/2017/11/chorig-kalon-attends-special-conference-on-jonang-tradition/

  35. Ngodup Tsering

    November 29, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    The Dalai Lama said that he cannot change his religion to enter into the Hindu temple. He wants to visit the Hindu temple, but he cannot change his religion. Only those of Hindu faith can enter this temple. He tried to enter by saying indirectly make an exception. But the Hindu priest said no. Even for the Dalai Lama, a big celebrity, the rules cannot be changed. It would have been nice if the priest did change the rules because the temple is to be visited by all and blessings are for everyone.

    Similarly, Dorje Shugden people cannot change their religion so they cannot enter the Dalai Lama’s temple. So the situation is exactly the same. It would be nice if the Dalai Lama himself can change his rules too.

    Ngodup Tsering

    Dalai: Why Puri temple doors shut for non-Hindus?
    Minati Singha| TNN | Updated: Nov 22, 2017, 02:35 IST
    BHUBANESWAR: Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Tuesday questioned the practice of not allowing non-Hindus inside the Puri Jagannath Temple premises while criticising the Christian missionaries for trying to convert people of other faiths.
    “During my last visit to Odisha in 2010, I wished to go to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. I have a practice of visiting holy places wherever I go. I go to local places of worship like churches, gurdwaras, Hindu temples, Buddhist temples and mosques. I have made pilgrimages to Jerusalem (the holy city of the Jewish), the Syrian Christian Church and the Muslim sacred rock,” the Dalai Lama told TOI in an interview on Tuesday. He was responding to a question on the state’s unique Jagannath culture.
    The Dalai Lama, who is here on a two-day visit, said he cannot change his religion to enter the Jagannath Temple. “When I wanted to enter the Jagannath Temple in Puri, they said only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. So, in order to make a pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple, I have to become a Hindu, which is very difficult,” said the Nobel laureate.
    The Dalai Lama also questioned conversions by Christian missionaries. “I never say Buddhism is the best religion. I never try to promote it in non-Buddhist countries and in Christian countries like Europe and America. I admire Christian brothers and sisters but don’t like it when they try to convert people. Being secular, like India, is a very practical and wonderful approach,” he said.
    Reacting to the Dalai Lama’s comment, Jagannath Temple priests said not allowing non-Hindus inside t is an age-old tradition. “Non-Hindus have not been allowed into the temple for centuries and the rule cannot be changed,” said Ramkrushna Das Mohapatra, president of the Daita Pati Nijog (an association of priests).
    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/dalai-why-puri-temple-doors-shut-for-non-hindus/articleshow/61746509.cms

  36. Ngodup Tsering

    November 29, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    Picture caption:

    Sign in Sarnath that barred Shugden practitioners from a Gelug Monastery

    What the Dalai Lama said:

    “When I wanted to enter the Jagannath Temple in Puri, they said only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. So, in order to make a pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple, I have to become a Hindu, which is very difficult,” said the Dalai Lama ~ ya we knew that long ago

  37. Ngodup Tsering

    November 29, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    Picture caption:

    A Gelug monastery in Sarnath bans Shugden practitioners from their monastery and teachings

    What the Dalai Lama said:

    “When I wanted to enter the Jagannath Temple in Puri, they said only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. So, in order to make a pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple, I have to become a Hindu, which is very difficult,” said the Dalai Lama ~ ya we knew that long ago”

  38. Tashi Dolma

    December 6, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    Finally it’s apparent to the public the main reason why His Holiness recently appointed the former sikyong, Samdhong Rinpoche, as his personal emissary. Unlike the current sikyong, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, who is unable to build any rapport whatsoever with China, Samdhong Rinpoche’s term as Sikyong was marked by no less than nine rounds of negotiation with China. Not long after Samdhong Rinpoche recent appointment as personal emissary, he was able to convince China to go back to the negotiation table. Samdhong Rinpoche’s visit to China also shows that the Dalai Lama is serious about wanting to go back to China.

    Tashi Dolma

    Dalai Lama’s Envoy Samdhong Rinpoche Discreetly Visited China
    In one of the hottest news unfolding recently is that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s personal emissary, the former Prime Minister of Tibetan government in Exile, His Eminence the Samdhong Rinpoche is being said to have made a discreet visit to China! Besides the discussions going on in the Social media, an article in a major online media suggests the same.
    “In a rapidly-unfolding development, the Dalai Lama may have sent his envoy Samdong on a discreet visit to Kunming (China). Samdong’s visit, starting from mid November, must have been facilitated by no less than You Quan – newly-appointed head of the United Front Work Department that overseas Tibetan affairs. Quan, who formerly served as party secretary of Fujian, is a close associate of President Xi. He had earlier successfully dealt with Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan’s business communities.” suggested the report in The Wire.
    However, there are no any official information available about the visit. The article which titled as ‘The Dalai Lama Wants to Return Home’ suggested that the Dalai Lama appointing the emissaries and lessened foreign visits recently have significantly pleased China.
    “Appointing personal emissaries satisfies China. Beijing has been emphatically asking Dalai Lama to stop travelling to Western capitals, if talks are to be resumed. At the 19th party congress, the Tibet Work Forum chief told reporters that international figures have no excuse for meeting with the Dalai Lama. Recently, the Dalai Lama even had to abort his planned visit to Botswana, citing physical “exhaustion”.” added the report.
    Besides the article also suggested the while the former prime minister’s visit to China meant the working at the Five year’s plan to resolve the Tibet issue while the incumbent Prime Minister Dr. Sangay’s foreign visit during the same period meant the forming of sustaining the for the next fifty years if the need be for the struggle. This discusses about the Five-Fifty policy being endorsed by the Tibetan Administration.
    The article also noted that there is some hope in this juncture over the dialogue in view of the fact that the Chinese President Xi is reportedly known for having a soft side for Tibet while His Holiness himself has called President Xi has being open minded and a realist leader. However, the facts are yet to be seen and the past is very bitter as far as the dialogues despite having held more than ten rounds of talks having held between the two!
    http://www.tibetanjournal.com/index.php/2017/12/05/dalai-lamas-envoy-samdhong-rinpoche-visited-china/

  39. Chering Dorje

    December 6, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    The Dalai Lama has been steadily losing international support as China continues to rise as a world power. No country dares to receive the Dalai Lama officially. Although the Dalai Lama’s statement of not seeking independence and wants autonomy within China is not new, his statement that “he would return to Tibet at once, if China agrees” may be a clue that the Dalai Lama have been pressured to seize the opportunity before the window for a deal closes a few years from now. See the article below:
    The Dalai Lama Wants to Return Home
    BY P. STOBDAN ON 04/12/2017
    Is India bracing for the potential fallout?
    The impact of the 19th Communist Party of China congress and affirmation of President Xi Jinping as China’s ‘most powerful’ leader in decades seems already to be having a bearing on India – especially on the ‘Tibet Issue’ that deeply intersects with the boundary problem. Is India bracing for the potential fallout?
    There may be more to the Dalai Lama’s desire to return home than meets the eye. The Tibetan leader’s November 23 statement – “The past is past, Tibetans want to stay with China” – carries a serious political overtone, coming as it does immediately after the 19th party congress and the Doklam standoff between India and China.
    The Dalai Lama’s statement that he is “not seeking independence for Tibet and wishing to stay with China” is not new; however, his declaration that “he would return to Tibet at once, if China agrees” has sparked fresh speculation of a possible rapprochement with Beijing.
    The sign of rapid thawing strangely comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Beijing. Most likely, Trump wouldn’t have made Tibet a pressure point in his dealings with Beijing; rather he would have dumped the Dalai Lama (whom the US fostered for over half a century) on the altar of a better trade deal and for securing China’s commitment to exert more pressure on North Korea. During the trip US officials made to Dharamshala prior to Trump’s visit, this prospect would probably have been discussed.
    The inevitability of this change was clear when the US had started faltering on Tibet even earlier, when Barack Obama had to welcome the Dalai Lama through the back door of the White House, signalling Washington’s inability to withstand Beijing’s pressure.
    Trump was not even inclined to embrace the issue, as he refused to meet the Tibetan leader and instead proposed zero aid in 2018 to the Tibetans, reversing the decades-old American policy. The State Department has also not appointed a special coordinator for Tibet.
    Surely it couldn’t have been a coincidence that a week after Trump’s China visit, the Dalai Lama abruptly selected two personal emissaries (for an indefinite period) to represent him in all ‘global engagements’. He has cited increasing physical fatigue, but the decision to appoint two “trusted friends” – former ‘prime minister-in-exile‘ Samdong Rinpoche and current president of the ‘government in exile’, Lobsang Sangay – was meant to send a calibrated signal to China.
    Anyway, the Dalai Lama has been working on a new plan – 5/50 vision – that envisaged a five-year strategy for returning to dialogue with China, but preparing for a 50-year struggle if needed – along the “hope for the best and prepare for the worst” proverb. The 5/50 strategy reaffirmed his middle way approach (Umaylam) as a realistic political means of realising the dual aim of his early return to Tibet and fulfilling the aspirations of the Tibetan people.
    Appointing personal emissaries satisfies China. Beijing has been emphatically asking the Dalai Lama to stop travelling to Western capitals, if talks are to be resumed. At the 19th party congress, the Tibet Work Forum chief told reporters that international figures have no excuse for meeting with the Dalai Lama. Recently, the Dalai Lama even had to abort his planned visit to Botswana, citing physical “exhaustion”.
    Within this rapidly-unfolding scenario, the Dalai Lama appears to have sent Samdong on a discreet visit to Kunming (China). Samdong’s visit, starting from mid November, must have been facilitated by no less than You Quan – newly-appointed head of the United Front Work Department that overseas Tibetan affairs. You Quan, who formerly served as party secretary of Fujian, is a close associate of President Xi. He had earlier successfully dealt with Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan’s business communities.
    Clearly, Samdong’s visit forms part of the first five-year plan to engage with China, while Lobsang Sangay’s 17-day tour to Europe and Canada is meant to sustain the struggle for the next 50 years, if the first plan fails.
    Will the talks succeed now? In the past, Chinese leaders stymied the Dalai Lama’s desire to return to Tibet. But there is a distinct possibility that it may bear fruit this time.
    First, Xi, widely known to have a soft spot for Tibet, hitherto kept his own approach close to his chest, fearing resistance from hardliners. Unlike others, he held the view that the prospects for solving the Tibet problem would peter out once the Dalai Lama is no more. Xi now finds himself in a perfect position to resolve the issue as no other Chinese leader could do in the past, for he also stands to gain personally both in political and moral terms, to become the most credible leader in China’s history.
    Second, the Dalai Lama too long hoped for Xi to change tack, as he hailed him as “realist” and “open-minded” in contrast to his predecessors. In fact, the Tibetan leader has admitted to having received positive signals from top Chinese officials, especially from the moderate elements as streams of Han Chinese flocked to meet him during Xi’s first term. In May this year, the party was shocked to find their own party members clandestinely funding the Dalai Lama.
    But, most critically, Tibetans living inside Tibet may have pressured the Dalai Lama to seize the opportunity and resolve differences during Xi’s second term, before the window for a deal closes a few years from now.
    With time running out fast, the Dalai Lama can be anything but hopeful. He has been steadily losing international support in the face of China’s rise as a world power. No longer does any country dare to receive the Dalai Lama officially.
    Apart from his own ageing, the Tibetan leader faces the challenge of keeping his flock together. For example, the delay in reaching a solution causes anxiety, uncertainty and division among his people. Even inside Tibet, rising frustration and hopelessness have been highlighted by people resorting to self-immolation. The number stands at 149 so far.
    And so, in what must be an embarrassing climb-down for the exiled Tibetan leaders, all they can do now is settle for the cause of “development”, besides hoping that the Chinese will not resort to repression of the Tibetan people.
    Therefore, in a way, we are likely witness the curtains finally being drawn on Tibet’s quest for an independent state. Tim Johnson knew this when he aptly titled his book Tragedy in Crimson: How the Dalai Lama Conquered the World but Lost the Battle with China.
    And finally, for India, the question is whether New Delhi has any role to play in this rapidly-evolving scene, and if so under what political parameters. There is no sign of anyone having even considered the impact of this. But to be cautious, any Sino-Tibetan deal would seriously risk undercutting India’s position on the boundary dispute with China.
    Seemingly fretful about impending developments, the Dalai Lama now finds himself walking a political tightrope by espousing reconciliation between India and China, “living peacefully by putting the differences aside”. He maintained a hands-off position and tried not to get drawn even into the Doklam standoff – instead calling for a peaceful solution. One hopes he is successful this time.
    P. Stobdan, a former Indian ambassador, specialises in Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian and Uighur affairs.
    https://thewire.in/201726/dalai-lama-india-china-tibet/

  40. Tashi Dolma

    December 6, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    Instead of working to benefit the Tibetan refugees in exile, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is hit with scandal after scandal. The issues related to Penpa Tsering’s dismissal as the North American Representative based in the Washington DC could have been better managed if Sikyong Lobsang Sangay had launched a proper investigation into Penpa Tsering misconduct and obtained the related confirmation and evidence prior to dismissing him. Now, Penpa Tsering had nothing more to lose, and his only concern is to clear his name.

    On the positive side, it is good that Penpa Tsering came up with various refutation of the CTA’s claims regarding his performance. The public, the Tibetan refugees and the donors and sponsors need to know about the real truth of how the CTA operates, so they can make an informed decision as to whether they would like to continue their support for the CTA.

    Tashi Dolma

    Penpa Tsering challenges Cabinet to prove charges against him
    By Lobsang Wangyal
    McLEOD GANJ, India, 6 December 2017
    Penpa Tsering responded Tuesday to the Cabinet’s charges against him regarding his termination from the post of Representative of the Dalai Lama in North America. He presented a 97-page document which contained arguments refuting each point, and claimed that the charges were intended to blacken his reputation.
    He challenged the Cabinet to prove their allegations with documentation, and said that failing to respond, he will take further action.
    “I am a human being. I have family and friends. Even they will be dragged down because of the charges against me. I will not let this issue go scot-free,” Penpa Tsering said during a press conference that took more than three hours.
    He said that he didn’t start the fire, and that the current commotion in the Tibetan community was a result of the actions of the Cabinet of the Central Tibetan Administration led by its President Lobsang Sangay.
    He repeated his previous statements that although he did not accept the Cabinet’s accusations, he did accept the termination order, as it was the Cabinet’s prerogative to terminate the services of the Representatives.
    Penpa Tsering said that Sangay initially approached him for an appointment as the Representative in Belgium, a post the liaises with the European Union. But later, he was told that he has been appointed the North American Representative based in Washington DC.
    He felt there was a fissure even before going to DC to take over the position. He said that he met with Sangay in Delhi to seek his guidance, particularly to follow up on any CTA funding intiatives. Previous Representatives had the responsibility to manage the US government funds provided through the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). He felt that Sangay disconnected him from these responsibilities, signalling a lack of trust right from the beginning.
    The 10 points and rebuttals
    The Cabinet issued a 10-point clarification on 18 November of the reasons for Penpa Tsering’s termination on 7 November. Penpa Tsering said that the ten points were forced to create some reasons for his dismissal.
    The first point was an introduction stating that there was a growing trust deficit, under-performance, and insubordination. A few days before issuing the 10-point document, the Kashag said that three warnings were served, but Penpa said that he received only one.
    With regard to point two, which accused him of not submitting any formal reports, he said an order had been issued by the Department of Information and International Relations of the CTA to submit reports only on 20 April 2017. He showed documentation proof to that. He further said that the accusation that no reports were sent during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US was in early April, prior to the DIIR’s letter.
    Point three cited as a case of insubordination, his announcement of Kunga Tashi as Chinese Liaison Officer in New York, and he said this lacked any truth. “I didn’t announce him as an appointee. I told the people of New York that approval has been sought from the Cabinet, once approved he will be appointed.”
    “I have made this clear through the DIIR, and when they got the picture clear, I never got any further inquiries about that.”
    Point four concerned “not following DIIR’s mandatory standing order” and not reporting “Dholgyal-related activities.” He said that the welcome rally by some Dholgyal followers to Xi Jinping had been reported to the Secretary of the Department of Security of the CTA, and further, that the accusation of not following DIIR’s order to send reports was after the event, as Xi was in the US in early April, and DIIR sent the order to all the Representatives on 20 April.
    The juxtaposition of the Dholgyal’s welcome to Xi in April and the Dalai Lama’s visit to the US in June are precarious, and raises the question of the coorelation of the two events. “It feels like a design to look for faults in order to terminate me had already been happening.”
    The fifth point accused Penpa Tsering of being “unable to schedule any such meetings for Sikyong” with Speaker of the House, or the Majority Leader of the Senate, or even with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
    To this, Penpa Tsering stated that the documents would speak for themselves. He showed several documents to prove that he contacted and tried to schedule meetings, but because of scheduling conflicts of the US leaders, no meetings materialised. “We had short notice of Sikyong’s visit, and we were unable to resolve schedule conflicts. Would it be right to blame me for these things which are out of my control.”
    He questioned how many of his predecessors from 2011 had scheduled meetings of Sangay with US leaders. “Have they been warned about not arranging meetings?”
    Challenging the accusation of “negligence raising funds” in point six of the Cabinet’s reason, Penpa Tsering said that there was a new Donald Trump administration, and many new contacts to be made. But despite that, his requests to State and Foreign Operations ranking members helped to get continued funding assistance for Tibetans from the US government.
    To point seven, the “closure of five bank accounts” of the Office of Tibet in Washington, Penpa Tsering said that due to political reasons, CitiBank announced the closure of the five accounts. “There wasn’t anything we could do about the closure.”
    “We informed the DIIR Secretary, and acted promptly as per Sikyong’s order to disperse funds to other Offices of Tibet. Sikyong’s claim that a huge loss in tax had occurred was a lie, as there wasn’t any loss in tax. The closure was not due to my negligence. The closure notice came all of a sudden for political reasons.”
    He further added that Sikyong was misinforming the public, and providing incomplete information and twisting the facts.
    Regarding the 1.5-million-dollar issue raised in point eight, which stated “the amount was not a loan”, but an amount that Tibet Fund had contributed and did not expect to be paid back, Penpa Tsering said that the accounting of Tibet Fund shows the amount as a loan every year.
    The Office of Tibet building was purchased for 2.6 million dollars in August 2014, with a contribution of 1.3 million dollars from Ganden Phodrang and a 1.5-million-dollar loan from Tibet Fund.
    Penpa Tsering said that Tibet Fund continued to show 1.5 million as a loan, but there wasn’t any documentation showing that the Office of Tibet is liable for repayment of the loan.
    During the audit of the accounts of the Office of Tibet, Penpa Tsering asked the auditor how best to solve this issue so that there would not be a problem in the future. The auditor told him that he would ask his senior in Dharamshala about finding a solution.
    However, the matter appeared in the audit report. Sikyong then summoned the Auditor General twice for showing the issue in the audit report. Penpa Tsering was charged by Sikyong for instigating the auditor to mention the loan issue in the audit report, failing which he would not sign the report. “I never thought it would become an issue. I was only trying to find a solution. The charge that I will not sign the audit report if the issue was not mentioned was a lie. The auditor could be asked, and what I said to the auditor could be asked to all the staff members of the Office of Tibet.”
    “If raising such an issue was seen as insubordination, then why should there be meetings? If we are not able to raise issues and are to just follow orders, wouldn’t that be an autocracy, not a democracy?”
    Concerning point nine, Penpa Tsering accepted that he had a long chat one evening with Dhardon Sharling, the DIIR Secretary, but denied the Cabinet’s charge that “he tried hard to convince a female Kalon nominee against working with Sikyong.”
    He said, “all those present should be asked about what he had said during the gathering.”
    The tenth point was a summary of the firing of Penpa Tsering and of providing for his replacement.
    https://www.tibetsun.com/news/2017/12/06/penpa-tsering-challenges-cabinet-to-prove-charges-against-him

  41. Namdrol

    December 7, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    Tibet Fund confirms 1.5 million USD loan to grant agreement
    [Thursday, December 07, 2017 18:23]
    By Tenzin Dharpo
    DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 7: Non-Profit organization Tibet Fund in a statement on Wednesday said that the 1.5 million USD provided by the organization for the purchase of the Office of Tibet property is a “loan” which however was “expected and hoped” to be forgiven in the future. “We are issuing the statement to clarify Tibet Fund’s position on the loan issue,” the statement read.
    Tibet fund said they “entered into a $1,500,000 loan agreement with the Office of Tibet on March 31, 2014,” and that, “the loan was scheduled to be repaid in thirty years.” The organisation also mentioned that the agreement was “consistent with customary legal practice in New York.”
    Tibet fund cited an official correspondence from the organization’s Chairman to the CTA (Central Tibetan Administration) dated July 6, 2017 stating, “At the time the loan was made, both the Board of Tibet Fund and the CTA hoped and expected that at some point the loan would be forgiven and the full amount would then be deemed outright grant from Tibet Fund to the CTA, although the specific timing of this grant was never discussed or agreed. It was certainly our hope that after some number of years and experience working together, the board would feel that the time right to confer the loan to a grant.”
    However, the non-profit organization wrote that the conversion of the loan into an “outright grant” is condition upon the CTA honoring the terms and condition of the loan and where the relationship between CTA and Tibet is “one of mutual respect and support”.
    On Dec. 5, former North America envoy Penpa Tsering said that the agreement between the two parties concerning the 1.5 million USD, a part sum used to purchase a 500 square feet office space for the OoT in Washington was not as per laws of the host nation. Penpa Tsering said that the act was in violation of the the article 6 of the Tibetan charter where compliance to the laws of the host nation is stressed. A copy of the “promissory note” between Tibet Fund and CTA was shared by Tsering to the media yesterday.
    The acting-President Yuthok Karma Gelek today told Tibetan media that the Kashag maintains that the amount of 1.5 million USD is not a loan.
    Tibet Fund is an organization that is reliant heavily on US government funding and is essentially a social service outfit based out of New York, US, that has been involved in uplifting various spheres of the exile Tibetan community in the Indian sub-continent and in the west.
    http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39888&article=Tibet+Fund+confirms+1.5+million+USD+loan+to+grant+agreement

  42. Jinpa

    December 8, 2017 at 12:00 am

  43. Tenzin Monlom

    December 13, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    The Dalai Lama has banned the Dorje Shugden practice, yet millions around the world are exercising their democratic rights by practicing Dorje Shugden, so the CTA should not segregate and discriminate against them.

    The Dalai Lama has banned the Rangzen (Tibet Independence) movement, yet many are exercising their democratic rights by continuing to pursue for Tibet’s independence.

    Video: Rangzen people are more dangerous than Dorje Shugden people by Prof Samdhong Rinpoche: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn62-WmDFg4

    The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) are very defiant, within days after the Dalai Lama said that “Tibetans want to stay with China”, the TYC has announced it will take out a nationwide campaign in India calling for independence for Tibet. Shouldn’t the Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala and Dalai Lama take action against the Rangzen people? Dalai Lama has expressed that he wishes to visit Tibet and see the 6 million Tibetans before he passes. The only way to do this is to become friends with China. If that is the case, if Rangzen activist protest against China, would this not jeopardize his wishes? Tibetans are always saying they owe so much to the Dalai Lama and if this is so, shouldn’t they help the Dalai Lama return to Tibet by becoming friends with China? The first step is that the Dalai Lama and his exiled govt (CTA) in Dharamsala, North India, must start using the China flag. Show some concessions. Make China happy. If Dalai Lama wants to be an autonomous state of China under China, he has to be sincere by using the China flag first. After all, all the world leaders are now refusing to meet on official terms the Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama is being banned from more and more countries. More heads of state are scrambling to make friends with China and not Dalai Lama. To be friends or friendly with Dalai Lama will bring no economic benefits to their countries. China is the largest economy in the world now and is still growing. By being friends with China, many countries will benefit their economy and that is the first priority of all world leaders.

    More leaders are not meeting the Dalai Lama and his popularity is dropping. Even if Tibetans want to use violence to overcome China, it will be impossible. Six million Tibetans cannot withstand the might of the 1.2 billion Chinese in warfare. The best route is the Dalai Lama’s middle way which is to become an autonomous state under China and he can return to Tibet to visit and see his followers who are waiting for him. All countries should not use Dalai Lama as a trump card to irritate China because of the competition with China. It is better to be friends with a super-power such as China.

    Tenzin Monlom

    Tibetan youth plan march for freedom
    NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 08, 2017 22:18 IST
    by Suhasini Haidar
    New Delhi must review its policy… after Doklam, people of India realise what is going on: group leader
    Days after the Dalai Lama said that “Tibetans want to stay with China”, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest group of youth activists among the refugee population, has announced it will take out a nationwide campaign in India calling for independence for Tibet, highlighting the growing divide within the community in India.
    The march, called the “Bharat Jagran Yatra”, will also coincide with the arrival of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi who is attending the Russia-India-China (RIC) meeting in Delhi. The External Affairs Ministry declined to comment if the march would affect the talks in any way, but a senior government official who handles Tibetan refugee matters said the government “isn’t too worried”.
    While the TYC has carried out protests in the past, this is the first time it is attempting a march of this scale. “There is a sense of frustration among our people who have lived for 50 years in exile. We have to educate people about the need for an independent Tibet and why it is important for India, given Chinese intrusions at the border, as well,” TYC president Tenzin Jigme told The Hindu, outlining plans for the march beginning December 10 from Dharamshala, Chennai and Salaugara in West Bengal, to travel to 150 towns and cities.
    Among the TYC’s demands are that India must “review its policy” and support Tibetan independence. “We must seize the moment, as after Doklam, people of India realise what is going on. Already several [Indian] leaders have spoken of reviewing India’s policies [on Tibet],” Mr. Jigme said.
    India recognises the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China, and has reiterated that there has been no change in the official “One-China” policy. However, since 2014, the NDA government has toughened its stand on supporting the Tibetan community, beginning with an invitation to the ‘Sikyong’ or leader Lobsang Sangay to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
    Dalai Lama’s visit
    Analysts say the government has also increased security for the Dalai Lama, and will be facilitating another visit by him to Arunachal Pradesh shortly, which China has always objected to.
    However, the larger concern at present is over the growing divide between the Dalai Lama’s leadership, which advocates the Umaylam or middle-way approach that calls for more autonomy for Tibet within China, against the Rangzen or independence demand pushed by the TYC and their followers in the Tibetan diaspora. At a speech in Kolkata last month, the Dalai Lama said Tibetans “will have to look into the future” and seek development, not independence, following which his official envoy, Samdhong Rinpoche, reportedly visited China.
    “This Umaylam-Rangzen schism has been growing since elections were held last year,” says Jayadev Ranade, former Cabinet Secretariat official and author of a new book, Cadres in Tibet.
    Mr. Ranade, who has closely watched the Tibetan community in India, estimated to be between 1.5 lakh and 4.5 lakh, adds, “For us in India, the concern is about any law and order issue that would come out of it.”
    (With Vijaita Singh)
    http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/tibetan-youth-plan-march-for-freedom/article21340159.ece

  44. Namdrol

    December 14, 2017 at 2:24 am

    Tibet wants to stay with China, says Dalai Lama
    TNN | Updated: Nov 24, 2017, 15:42 IST
    KOLKATA: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said on Thursday that Tibet did not seek independence from China but greater development.
    Speaking at an interactive session hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here, he said, “We are not seeking independence… We want to stay with China. We want more development.”
    He added, “Tibet has a different culture and a different script… The Chinese people love their own country. We love our own country.”
    He said, “From Yangtze to Sindhu rivers, major rivers … come from Tibet. Billions of lives are involved. Taking care of the Tibetan plateau is not only good for Tibet but for billions of people.”
    He also lauded India’s “spirit of religious tolerance”, adding that there were “problems sometimes because of politicians trying to manipulate that”.
    He took a dig at the average Indian’s laziness as well — describing them as “lazier than the Chinese”.
    “I think Indian people are lazy but that may be due to the climate. But India is more stable and can play a role in the world stage,” he added. “India has a tradition of living together. (It is) a living example of different traditions being carried together,” the Buddhist monk said, adding: “I can proudly state the same about Tibetan culture.”
    India should combine modern education with basic human values rooted in its traditional teachings, he said. “This could pave the way for peace in the 21st century+ after the violence that has prevailed in the last 100 years,” said the monk. “Religion, too, has become a lip service and failed to bridge the divide between humans,” he added, blaming politicians for often using it in a wrong way.
    “India is rich in traditional teachings. These, rather than just religion, can help bring people together. If modern India can combine newage education with lessons on inner values in a secular way, then the country can head in the right direction. Modern education is a bit too materialistic,” he said.
    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tibet-wants-to-stay-with-china-says-dalai-lama/articleshow/61775261.cms

  45. Namdrol

    December 16, 2017 at 1:20 am

    CTA would like to downplay Samdhong Rinpoche’s private visit to China. The fact is, in order for him to go, he needs permission of India government, China government and Dalai Lama. For someone as high profile as him and who has criticised China for decades to be even allowed to go to China shows you that he is not going there for excursion, holidays or just to meet relatives. It will definitely be something official. Since he is going as the envoy of the Dalai Lama, it is definitely to negotiate with the China government regarding Tibet’s autonomy and Dalai Lama’a returning back, it could not be anything else. Therefore it is important for CTA and all Tibetans and their supporters to stop criticising China so that the negotiation goes through smoothly, and there will be a positive resolution for Tibet and a chance for the Dalai Lama to visit China and Tibet. The irony is, after Samdhong Rinpoche visited china, he is not accused to be colluding with China government for Tibet, HE HIMSELF is going to China. So there is no point in accusing Dorje Shugden people of befriending China, because the Tibetans exiled leaders are going to China themselves now.

    Cautious Sangay says Samdhong Rinpoche made a “private visit” to China
    [Friday, December 15, 2017 16:51]
    By Tenzin Dharpo
    DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 15: In the much speculated development over the visit of former Tibetan Kalon Tripa (then called Prime Minister), Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche to China, Tibetan President Dr. Lobsang Sangay said that the close aide of the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama did visit China. “It was at most, a private visit”, Dr. Sangay said on Thursday in New Delhi.
    The head of the exile Tibetan government (known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration), while responding to a question at the Prof. ML Sondhi Memorial Lecture in New Delhi said that he did not get any official confirmation on the front from Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.
    “He (Prof. SR) is yet to brief me officially, so I don’t know the details. But it’s out in the papers. But I think we should not read too much into it.” Dr. Sangay is seen responding in a video clip shared by Tibet TV of the Q&A session at the event.
    On Dec. 4, a former Indian Ambassador and columnist P.Stobtan wrote that Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche made a “discreet visit” to Kunming, China and met You Quan, head of the United Front Work Department that overseas Tibetan affairs. He also wrote that the Dalai Lama’s ‘right-hand-man’ and one of Xi Jinping’s closest aide met in November in Kunming, China.
    The Tibetan Prez, however, said that Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche went to Wutai-Shan mountains in Shanxi Province, just about 350 kms from Beijing, for the meet. The Wutai-shan mountains seem especially apt considering the holy Buddhist sites there and the fact that Dalai lama was reported to have expressed his wish to visit the same for a religious pilgrimage in the late 1990s.
    While the issue was widely discussed in the Tibetan community and Tibetan media with regards to resumption of dialogue between China and Tibet, the official confirmation for the same has not surfaced. The Dalai Lama’s private office has not made any disclosure on the incident.
    The Tibetan President also said that such developments should not be taken too seriously with regards to resolution of the Tibet issue as the previous nine rounds of dialogue between the Tibetan envoys and their Chinese counterparts have not borne result and further caused “regression” when it comes to the Tibetans exercising restrain in the global arena.
    http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39926&article=Cautious+Sangay+says+Samdhong+Rinpoche+made+a+%E2%80%9Cprivate+visit%E2%80%9D+to+China

  46. Namdrol

    December 16, 2017 at 1:27 am

    CTA would like to downplay Samdhong Rinpoche’s private visit to China. The fact is, in order for him to go, he needs permission of India government, China government and Dalai Lama. For someone as high profile as him and who has criticised China for decades to be even allowed to go to China shows you that he is not going there for excursion, holidays or just to meet relatives. It will definitely be something official. Since he is going as the envoy of the Dalai Lama, it is definitely to negotiate with the China government regarding Tibet’s autonomy and Dalai Lama’a returning back, it could not be anything else. Therefore it is important for CTA and all Tibetans and their supporters to stop criticising China so that the negotiation goes through smoothly, and there will be a positive resolution for Tibet and a chance for the Dalai Lama to visit China and Tibet. The irony is, after Samdhong Rinpoche visited china, he is not accused to be colluding with China government for Tibet, HE HIMSELF is going to China. So there is no point in accusing Dorje Shugden people of befriending China, because the Tibetans exiled leaders are going to China themselves now.

    ‘Former Tibetan government head visited China recently’
    Posted at: Dec 15, 2017, 2:07 AM; last updated: Dec 15, 2017, 1:58 PM (IST)
    Ajay Banerjee
    Tribune News Service
    New Delhi, December 14
    The Sikyong (head) of the elected Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay, in New Delhi confirmed that his predecessor Prof Samdhang Rimpoche did visit China recently. He, however, warned, “Don’t read too much into it. At most it’s a private visit and it’s too early to say anything.”
    He was answering a question by former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal on the sidelines of the Third ML Sondhi Memorial Lecture. Sangay delivered the lecture on ‘Tibet holds the key to Beijing’.
    Sondhi was an IFS officer who quit and won a Lok Sabha election in 1967 from Delhi on a Jana Sangh ticket.
    Sangay said India should make Tibet the lynchpin in changing Beijing, saying Tibet must be declared the “core issue”.
    “Either you transform China into a liberal democracy or it transforms you,” he said. Citing Norway and Denmark as examples of the transformation, he said the two nations had abandoned the cause of Tibetans to mend ties with China.
    Sangay, who spoke at the United Nations two days ago, warned India, saying: “China is already in Nepal. They have come to Doklam.” He repeated Mao’s words on Tibet being the “palm of China” and Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and North East Frontier Agency (NEFA, modern Indian province of Arunachal Pradesh) its five fingers. Mao, former Chairman of the Communist Party of China, had asserted it is China’s responsibility to “liberate” them all.
    On being asked if he agreed with the recent book, ‘China’s India War — Collision Course on the Roof of the World’, by Bertil Lintner, which said China had prepared for war in 1959, Sangay said: “China prepared for the 1962 India-China war in 1954 when it agreed to only a five-year renewal of the India-Tibet trade pact. In 1959, Tibet was attacked.”
    Sangay said: “China is worried as it now has the largest Buddhist community of 300 million — more than the 82 million strong Communist Party.”
    BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, who was the chief guest at the memorial lecture, said: “Maintaining good relations with China is the government’s priority. At present, negotiations are on between Tibet and China. Whenever required, India and its people will stand by them (Tibetans).” On the India-China standoff, he said: “Doklam is not over yet.”
    http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/dalai-lama-headed-to-china-on-pvt-visit/513541.html

  47. Thamchod Nyingma

    January 13, 2018 at 9:09 am

    China’s economic prowess is not to be underestimated. Leaders from various countries seek economic collaborations with China, who has been contributing to the world’s economic growth, especially in the past decade. The Indian Intelligence Bureau’s (IB) report highlighted the lack of opportunities in India for growth and advancement as the causes for Tibetan youth to willingly betray their host India and work as spies for China. Tibetan youth clearly have difficulties to survive in India as CTA failed to create sufficient jobs for the Tibetans in exile. This is a reality and we will see more and more trend like this and eventually Tibetans seeking improvement in their quality of life and intellectual advancement will leave India and ‘return’ to China.

    China recruiting “disgruntled” Tibetan refugees to spy on India: Intelligence Bureau
    Friday, January 05, 2018 19:56
    By Tenzin Dharpo
    DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 5: Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB) has reportedly said that China is recruiting Tibetan refugee youth in the Northeastern parts of India to provide strategic information in exchange for monetary gains.
    The IB, India’s internal intelligence agency, has issued a string of alerts that China is approaching Tibetan refugees settled in northeast India to provide strategic information about the area.
    According to The Print, a comprehensive report submitted to the central government will include how China had been targeting “disgruntled Tibetan refugees” in the region for the past two years and how many of the recruits have already left for China.
    An unnamed source from the IB was cited as saying “young Tibetan refugees” from Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and other parts of northeast India have been recruited as spies. “It appears to be China’s strategy to make a base in India to create a channel, through which it can constantly receive relevant strategic information,” the source told The Print.
    The same source also described the newer generations of Tibetans to be “volatile and vulnerable” whose desperation caused by unemployment and wish for a good lifestyle is tapped by China who assure money as well as job and education for their kids. 
    In addition to the report to be sent to Ministry of home affairs, the local police in the north east states have also been notified of the threat and may result in “scrutiny of Tibetan refugees” there soon.
    There are five Tibetan refugee settlements in the Northeast India; Choepheling- Miao, Dhargyeling –Tezu, Tenzigang- Bomdila and Tuting-Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh and Kunphenling- Ravangla in Sikkim as well as smaller pockets of Tibetans in Sonada and Darjeeling area overseen by the exile Tibetan government here in Dharamshala, known as the Central Tibetan Administration. 
    http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=40007

  48. Dekyi Wangmo

    January 13, 2018 at 10:53 am

    Instead of creating employment opportunities, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has nurtured a culture where Tibetans expect handouts and foreign aids to get by. As a result, they created a new generation of Tibetan refugees who are volatile and vulnerable, and always depend on others to help them out of circumstances. Now, Tibetan refugees in India do not even hesitate to compromise the security of their host country, India, who has been so kind to them, in exchange for monetary gain.

    China luring Tibetan refugees in India to work as its spies, Intelligence Bureau warns
    ANANYA BHARDWAJ | 5 January, 2018
    IB issues alert that many refugees settled in northeast India are being paid and offered jobs by China in exchange for strategic information.
    New Delhi: Amid rising India-China tensions along the Line of Actual Control, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has issued a string of alerts warning that Tibetan refugees settled in northeast India are being approached by China to provide strategic information about the area.
    While China has reportedly managed to convince a number of young Tibetan refugees to work as its spies in exchange for money, it is aiming to recruit many more, IB sources told ThePrint.
    According to the alert, based on which a detailed report will soon be submitted to the government, China had been eyeing disgruntled Tibetan refugees in the region for the past two years. Sources said that many of the refugees it has recruited have already left for China.
    “We received an alert stating that young Tibetan refugees settled in areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and other parts of northeast India are moving to China. We learnt that China is trying to recruit the refugees as spies in the area,” a source said. 
    “It appears to be China’s strategy to make a base in India to create a channel, through which it can constantly receive relevant strategic information.”
    The local police in the concerned states have also been sounded out about the alert. A report is being prepared and will be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, following which a scrutiny of Tibetan refugees in the area may start.
    “The present generation of Tibetan refugees is very volatile and vulnerable. While they wish to have a good lifestyle, they do not have any job opportunities. This is what the Chinese took advantage of to plant their spies,” the source said.
    “The Chinese reportedly not only promise them good money in exchange for information, but also a good job and education for their children in China. However, it is still not known as to how many refugees the Chinese have been able to mobilise.”
    Asked about the IB alert, a Home ministry official said: “It may be a possibility. We will look into it.”
    https://theprint.in/2018/01/05/china-luring-tibetan-refugees-india-to-spy-intelligence-bureau-warns/

  49. Yodon chela

    January 18, 2018 at 10:52 am

    China has been liberal towards Buddhist practitioners, including those who are practicing Shugden deity. In fact, there are 250 million Buddhists in China currently, almost three times more than communist party members. On the contrary, the Tibetan leadership in exile continues to discriminate against Shugden practitioners and politicizes the Shugden controversy to their benefit instead of promoting harmony among Buddhist practitioners. How ironic that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) continuously criticizes China for their human rights issue, and yet the CTA fails to respect even the most basic human rights of other people, freedom of religion.

    Three times as many Buddhists as Communists in China: Dalai Lama’s Tibet wish may require rapprochement with former adversaries
    01/16/2018 07:27 am ET
    By: Martin Desai, Contributor
    Journalist and financial investigator
    Whilst China technically remains a communist country, it has over the last two or three decades relaxed draconian Mao-era rules, for example by opening the door to private sector capitalism and by allowing individuals to practice a religion of their choice, so long as it is not to be perceived as a potential threat to the stability of the state or of the Communist Party.
    There are now almost three times as many Buddhists in China as there are Party members. An official communiqué released in July this year estimated the membership of the Communist Party of China at just under 90 million. Meanwhile, the State Bureau of Religious Affairs estimates there are some 250 million Buddhists in China, more or less evenly split between Tibetan Buddhism and Han Buddhism, and 200,000 registered Buddhist monks.
    Chinese authorities monitor religious adherence closely, and are extremely sensitive to any challenge, real or imagined, that certain religions may represent. While the Chinese regime’s approach to Buddhism has been liberal – for example, no bans have been issued and open religious expression is permitted – it clearly takes the religion’s influence seriously, given its importance in Chinese society.
    Above all the regime fears religious divisions or unrest, as evidenced by the swift outlawing of the Falun Gong movement and imprisonment of its leaders after a series of demonstrations by Falun Gong members prompted fears that the group’s swelling support could one day rival the Party. The regime is also acutely sensitive to the possibility of what it sees as external interference – especially on the delicate subject of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
    A particularly divisive issue for the Buddhist community, both within Tibet and abroad is the devotion to the Dorje Shugden deity, a 400-year old practice that began in the 17th century and has become a major practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Critics of Shugden devotion say worship of the deity promotes divisions among the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, all of which share the same fundamental philosophy, and whose differences lie in their interpretation of the extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures and the emphasis they place on various aspects of Buddhist philosophy.
    At the origin of the controversy lie a number of ambiguous declarations from the current (14th) Dalai Lama. On the one hand, he has appealed for non-sectarian cooperation among all branches of Tibet’s religions. However, he has also effectively excluded Shugden practitioners from such cooperation despite once regarding Dorje Shugden as an enlightened being and authoring one of the most popular liturgies to this deity. Some Shugden devotees have claimed that these ambiguous declarations amount to a de facto ban on their practice and this exclusion is tantamount to being exiled in their own communities. The Shugden de facto exclusion has already existed for two decades since it was initiated by the current Dalai Lama and has slowly stirred disunity in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China and among the exiled Tibetan communities.
    In 2014 the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet, which is chaired by the actor Richard Gere, said it had obtained a ‘directive’ from the Communist Party Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in China in February 2014 whose title translates as, “Some opinions on dealing correctly with the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue”[1].
    The International Campaign for Tibet’s evaluation of the directive accuses China of seeking to gain a political advantage from the controversy. Entitled “China’s new directive on (the) controversial Shugden spirit in Tibet in (a) further bid to discredit Dalai Lama”[2], even the title of the critique dispels any expectation of objectivity.
    While the Chinese position is that the authorities are aiming to guarantee the right of all Tibetans to choose who and how they worship, the directive issued by the Communist Party Committee of TAR is couched in rather divisive language. It calls the Shugden controversy “an important front in our struggle with the Dalai clique” and “a deceitful ploy by the 14th Dalai’s clique to split the country…”
    The Chinese directive was made in response to the de facto religious ban implemented by the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Government in Exile, and to their suspected destabilizing activities inside the TAR. The directive proposes educational and law enforcement measures to be implemented inside the TAR to mitigate the risk of division and unrest that the controversy may cause. Tashi Tadchen, a representative of the European Dorje Shugden Society which was set up to create awareness of the supposed ban, says that following the exiled Tibetan leadership’s edict against the Shugden practice, there have been frequent clashes which at times have led to loss of lives between those who feel obliged to follow the Dalai Lama’s decree and adherents of the Shugden practice.
    The directive mirrors Chinese fear of discord within Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhism in general. What it does not do, despite the International Campaign for Tibet’s claims, is take a specific position on Shugden devotion outside the TAR. In spite of the content of the directive, the Exiled Tibetan Government and related NGOs around the World have repeatedly used it as evidence to attest that Shugden practitioners are “spies of the Chinese Communist Party.”
    A late 2015 report from the news agency Reuters looking into the Shugden controversy relied heavily on the Communist Party Committee of TAR directive, and especially the International Campaign for Tibet’s interpretation of it, as solid evidence that China is financing various Shugden groups in the West, in particular the International Shugden Community (ISC) which has seen strong support from individual members of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and Tibetans living in the West. The NKT has meditation centres around the world and has been vocal in its public opposition to the Dalai Lama’s position.
    Even so, no concrete evidence has ever been supplied. However, whilst the intended objective is unclear, the Dalai Lama’s Shugden exclusion has created unrest amongst Tibetans inside the TAR. This is precisely what China fears. China sustains a “One China” policy to maintain stability and prosperity of the state. Any divisive conflict in the TAR such as the Shugden split, does not augur well for it’s objectives. This is not an objective the exile Tibetan Government necessarily shares and its ability to influence affairs in the TAR is one of it key bargaining chips.
    What we have, in effect, is both sides calling for unity while at the same time continuing to bicker. The Communist Party of TAR has certainly sought to politicise the rift, as the Dalai Lama and his supporters also appear to have done. The Dalai Lama’s comments have served to alienate Shugden devotees from other Tibetan Buddhists, and are somewhat jarring when considered alongside his calls for unity in the Tibetan diaspora. Shugden adherents have insisted that if indeed the exiled Tibetan leadership believes that the Communist Party of China is leveraging this issue, then a simple pronouncement by the Dalai Lama declaring an end to the de facto ban would have the effect of rendering it harmless.
    Could the time now be ripe to call for closure of hostilities? The Dalai Lama has recently expressed a desire to return to his Tibetan homeland, a wish that would have no chance of fulfilment without a significant thawing of China’s attitude towards Tibet’s spiritual leader.
    Harmony among Tibetan Buddhists is in the interests of both sides. Moreover, having said in November 2017 that “Tibetans want to stay with China” and that he would return to Tibet at once, if China agrees, the Dalai Lama has flagged a willingness to try and overcome the longstanding political impasse. In addition, a high ranking emissary of the Dalai Lama, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche – former Prime Minister of the Tibetan exile Government – was nominated in the autumn as the Dalai Lama’s envoy for talks with the Chinese authorities and is believed to have held secret meetings with senior Communist party leaders.
    Given that one of His Holiness’ early reasons for his criticism of Shugden worship – that it “harms the life of the Dalai Lama” – no longer seems justified given his longevity and continuing fair health, a rapprochement with Shugden acolytes may be a good starting point if his desired return to Tibet is to be anything more than a pipe dream.
    [1] http://www.savetibet.org/the-official-line-on-shugden-translation/
    [2] http://www.savetibet.org/chinas-new-directive-on-controversial-shugden-spirit-in-tibet-in-bid-to-further-discredit-dalai-lama/
    https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/three-times-as-many-buddhists-as-communists-in-china_us_5a5dedb8e4b003efadb6b0d1

  50. Tenzin Tsomo

    January 22, 2018 at 1:01 pm

    Lobsang Sangay’s dismissal of Penpa Tsering with various accusations backfired, contrary to Lobsang Sangay’s expectation. Now, Tibetans are protesting and expressing their loss of trust in his leadership. Lobsang Sangay has to clarify a lot of things to the public, including the USD1.5 million loan with Tibet Fund. Tibetans are now beginning to see Lobsang Sangay’s true colours and are speaking up against him now.

    Sikyong Sangay, the ball is in your court now!

    By Mila Rangzen
    KOLLEGAL, India, 20 January 2018
    On 5 December 2017 former speaker Penpa Tsering made a detailed clarification rejecting every allegation, categorically, that Sikyong Sangay lobbed on him on 6 November 2017. But to Sikyong’s shock, the 10-point grenade of accusations didn’t burst on PT. It just refused to do so. It backfired.
    Sikyong’s attempt to tarnish the image of a dedicated public servant for both political and personal reasons has failed. With the vigilance and quick action from the public, the humble Tibetan people have spoken! The grenade burst back on Sikyong in the form of protest and loss of trust in his leadership.
    Sikyong never imagined even in his dreams that the Tibetan public would one day rise and speak truth to power right in his face. Terminating PT is the enormous miscalculation Sikyong made after being in office for nearly two years in his second term, and he is now paying the price.
    Many, including those who voted for Lobsang Sangay, are now beginning to see him as a shallow, fake, narcissistic, crooked, unreliable, cowardly, small-minded, touchy, egotistical, arrogant, greedy, deceptive, unappreciative of criticism, irresponsible, vindictive man, and also a sack full of outrageous lies. These are the characteristics of a wicked conman that HH abhors and does not wish to see in any human being, let alone Sikyong whose office is tied to the destiny of the six million Tibetan people.
    1. The claim that LS gave the representative post to PT by recalling his friend Kaydor Aukatsang to Dharamshala even before his tenure was numbered is a lie. The fact is that Gaden Phodrang was not happy with Kaydor’s performance in general and his election controversy in particular, so LS had no choice but to recall Kaydor and appoint Ngodup Tsering in his spot. This decision was taken long before LS posted PT to Washington DC. Yes, LS decided to name PT to the post of representative in Brussels. But that decision had to change later, and the credit goes to Gaden Phodrang, not Lobsang Sangay.
    2. What hurt Sikyong’s ego most was when PT, like an honest statesman, suggested that there should be a payable record with Office of Tibet when there exists a receivable record with the Tibet Fund regarding the $1.5-million loan. This process, he argued, sits well with both the accounting practices and the local laws. Article 6 of the exile charter states that the local laws must be respected at all cost. However, LS violated this critical article in the charter, as usual with a straight face.
    3. Narcissistic. LS asked former MP Koren from Europe to submit a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for him. Remember the picture of himself with Buddha in the background on a thangka hanging on the wall beside his desk? Thangkas are usually reserved for Buddhas and bodhisattvas. He has no shame in hanging such a thangka in his office. 
The irony is that he prefers to call himself Senge “Lion” instead of Sangay “Buddha.” When it was found out that his actual name is spelled Sangay in Tibetan in his Green Book, he insisted and changed to call himself Senge rather than Sangay. Also, his portrait photo lined up on par with HH during elections. His framed picture was carried by well over 60 supporters at the JFK airport recently, an act that is usually reserved for a religious figure like the Dalai Lama. This is all coming from a remote control in LS’ hand. Sangay wishes to be listed as a Nobel laureate alongside the Dalai Lama. He’s a dreamer, but that’s LS for you. How can he even think of competing with His Holiness?
    4. Egoistic. LS also asked MP Pema Chazoetsang from the US to submit his name for the Templeton nomination, a prize worth around $2 million which is usually awarded to a scientist who is prepared to say something nice about religion.
    5. Vindictive. LS terminated PT because PT raised questions with facts and compelling reasons whenever his duty required him to do so. You rarely see this kind of leader in our community except for MP Dolma Tsering who stands her ground and speaks up and grills powers that be. I salute her from the bottom of my heart because our community needs more leaders like her.
    6. Can’t stand criticism. The fact is he is a highly vindictive person. He can’t stand criticism let alone appreciate it. That’s the height of childishness sitting in the character of a man whom we expect to lead us through these dark times.
    7. About two months after the election was over on 20 March 2016, HH gave LS a dressing-down in front of the staff of Gaden Phodrang, Penpa Tsering, and the Justice Commissioners. His Holiness reminded him that he was telling everybody he met that LS was his political boss to create a decent image (but LS gets carried away as usual) of the Sikyong on both the domestic and global stages so that the Tibetan cause could benefit from it. But when LS blatantly indulged in lie after lie and falsehood after falsehood, HH asked him point-blank what was the point in HH continuing to live any longer if the man he praised publicly is full of lies. 
The entire dressing-down episode took only minutes. LS was the only one who refused to keep a copy. He merely wanted to feign ignorance of the contents if people demanded a copy of the same. He wept after the Speaker and Justice Commissioners left in front of HH. He wept perhaps realizing his outrageous lies could cost him his political career any time. Had HH dressed him down in public that would be the end of LS not only as a leader but even as an individual. HH can’t keep LS at a distance because he is an elected leader and it would look bad on the Sikyong if HH did, although the nature of his personality warrants otherwise. This is the problematic position HH is in. Long ago one of my brothers was a monk, carrying Nechung in a trance, at Namgyal Dratsang, HH own monastery. And with a connection in the right place, it is not hard to find a reliable, eyewitness source of information.
    8. It was LS who leaked the secret visit Samdhong Rinpoche made to China recently. Why? To put that on his list of achievements if any. To boost his political image, he makes sure the Tibetan public and the media are not left in the dark even on this secret visit of the former president! LS tipped off Indian intelligence anonymously, and Indian intelligence passed it to an Indian journalist who wrote about it first.
    If the current nightmare is to end soon, then it’s time Sikyong either declares PT’s clarification a bag of lies, or answers his conscience honestly and offers an apology to PT in public. The ball has been in Sikyong’s court for more than 40 days now. But there has been no response whatsoever from Sikyong. PT did not accept even a single accusation as real, and if Sikyong continues to remain silent, then it only means the truth is on PT’s side. Sikyong should also immediately apologize for deceiving the Tibetan public and creating chaos and rift in our community.
    Failing this, PT will have no choice but to leave no stone unturned in seeking justice, and that could include the taking of Sikyong to the Tibetan court and possibly the US court too on defamation charges. The clock ticks now!
    PS: Two pieces of good news! LS cannot come back in 2021. To do so, he has to win 30 votes in the Parliament. Both U-Tsang and Amdo parliamentarians won’t let that happen! PT is eligible to fight in the Sikyong election in 2021!
    https://www.tibetsun.com/opinions/2018/01/20/sikyong-sangay-the-ball-is-in-your-court-now

  51. Pema Wangchuk

    January 24, 2018 at 11:31 pm

    His Holiness the Dalai Lama is again, expressing his wish to visit China. This is not the first time His Holiness mentioned about visiting or returning to China. In fact, His Holiness made a strong statement in November 2017 that he “would return to Tibet at once, if China agrees”. Could this be another sign from the Tibetan leadership that rapprochement with China is happening soon?

    Dalai Lama Waiting For A Pilgrimage Visit to China One Day
    By TJ editor
    January 23, 2018
    The Buddhist spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the course of teaching at Bodh Gaya today told that he is praying for a pilgrimage visit China’s Mount Wutai one day. His Holiness concluded the Diamond Cutter Sutra teachings specially dedicated to the Chinese disciples presently attending in Bodh Gaya on Tuesday.
    While explaining about the significance of the holy place in China, Wu Tai Shan, the five peaked mountain, His Holiness told that he is praying to have an opportunity to visit the holy place to receive the blessings of Manjushri.
    “China has a special connection with Manjushri, and Wu Tai Shan—the Five Peaked Mountain is the sacred place associated with him. If you Chinese can do the practices of these two, Manjushri and Sarasvati, it will be of special benefit to you. Meanwhile, I pray that one day I may visit Wu Tai Shan to receive Manjushri’s blessings—and you can pray for that too. To make your having come to Bodhgaya worthwhile, try to develop an understanding of emptiness and cultivate a good heart.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama explained at the third and last day of teachings for the Chinese disciples in Bodh Gaya today.
    The Tibetan spiritual leader fled from Tibet in 1959, following the military coup by the People’s Liberation Army of China and sought refuge in India since then. Over the last six decades, the Tibetan exile community thrived to rebuild a national struggle and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been very optimistic that he will be able to return to Tibet within his life time.
    Since His Holiness’s arrival to Bodh Gaya since the beginning of this month, he has conducted three series of teachings to thousands of devotees gathered at the holy place. While the first teaching was organised at the request of his Indian devotees, the third teaching was specially dedicated to the disciples from the Mainland China.
    The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expected to stay in Bodh Gaya till the beginning of February, there will be public talk Education for Universal Ethics in Schools and Colleges to students from private and government schools at the Kalachakra ground on Thursday.
    http://www.tibetanjournal.com/index.php/2018/01/23/dalai-lama-waiting-pilgrimage-visit-china-one-day/

  52. Samten

    January 28, 2018 at 1:16 am

    Although His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s secretary had previously denied that the Dalai Lama was paid $1 million to speak for Raniere, a trace has been found that the Dalai Lama’s trust has received US$ 2 million in donation ten days after the event. Raniere is the leader of a cult called NXIVM which brands women on their pubic region with his initials and requires them to give him nude photos of themselves and other damaging material in case they reveal the secrets of his cult.

    Although the Dalai Lama office continues to deny that the donation was related to the speaking engagement, one can’t help but wonder whether His Holiness would have received such donation if he did not come to Albany to speak in the first place?

    Dalai Lama Secretary denies $1 million paid to speak for Raniere; Yet Dalai Lama Trust founded 10 days after Albany speech with $2 million in donations
    January 27, 2018 | By Frank Parlato
    The Dalai Lama’s secretary has denied the Dalai Lama was paid $1 million by Clare and Sara Bronfman to endorse cult leader Keith Raniere. That may be true. He might have got $2 million.
    The Dalai Lama’s secretary, Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, wrote:
    Clarification in Response to the Daily Mail Story of 24 January 2018
    The 24 January 2018 Daily Mail article by Ryan Parry regarding an appearance by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at an event held in Albany, New York in 2009 contains incorrect statements and untrue allegations. We wish to categorically state that His Holiness the Dalai Lama never takes an honorarium or fee of any sort, nor does he require that any payment be made to charities or organizations, as a condition of his making a personal appearance. Therefore, the reported allegation has no basis. Neither His Holiness the Dalai Lama nor the Dalai Lama Foundation ever received the alleged $1 million in connection with His Holiness’s appearance in Albany. As reported in the Daily Mail, during His Holiness’s talk in Albany in 2009, he called on the media to investigate the allegations made about the NXIVM organization and its founder, and was quite clear that the truth should be exposed.

    It is true, the Dalai Lama asked the media to investigate Keith Raniere. But whether he received money or not is another issue. Let’s parse the above statement a little:
    The Dalai Lama’s secretary said the Dalai Lama “never takes an honorarium or fee of any sort”.
    A donation is not a fee or an honorarium.
    The secretary said: “nor does he require that any payment be made to charities or organizations, as a condition of his making a personal appearance.”
    Again, the secretary says a payment was not required. But he does not say a donation was not made by Clare and Sara Bronfman.
    The Dalai Lama appeared in Albany on May 6, 2009 and he gave Raniere a white scarf onstage. He allowed the Bronfman sisters to sit onstage with him. [For readers unaware, Keith Raniere heads a cult called NXIVM which brands women on their pubic region with his initials and requires them to give him nude photos of themselves and other damaging material in case they reveal the secrets of his cult.]
    The Dalai Lama may have received a donation that was understood to be an ‘unconditional donation” not connected to his speaking engagement in Albany.
    He may have agreed to speak in Albany, and they may have agreed the donation was unconnected to his speaking so, therefore, it not ‘connected’ to his appearance.
    The Dalai Lama’s secretary does not deny that the Bronfmans donated money.  The Secretary said, “Neither His Holiness the Dalai Lama nor the Dalai Lama Foundation ever received the alleged $1 million in connection with His Holiness’s appearance in Albany.” [emphasis mine].
    I get it: He did not receive the $1 million ‘in connection with His Holiness’s appearance’ but, again, the secretary does not say the Dalai Lama did not get $1 million [or possibly more] from the Bronfmans.
    He only states the Dalai Lama did not get $1 million ‘in connection with his appearance’.
    It may have been what is called an ‘unconditional donation.’
    Now let us look at some coincidences:
    The Dalai Lama spoke in Albany on May 6, 2009.
    The Dalai Lama Trust was founded May 16, 2009. [10 days later].
    http://www.dalailamatrust.org/
    https://www.charitiesnys.com
    See the Dalai Lama trust’s IRS return for 2009.
    See also: Dalai Lama Trust certificate of incorporation.
    The IRS return shows $2.2 million in unconditional donations and royalties for 2009.
    It could be a coincidence, but it is peculiar that the Dalai Lama appears in Albany on May 6, 2009 and 10 days later the Dalai Lama trust is formed in the USA which gets $2 million plus in donations etc.
    When I worked for NXIVM/Bronfmans, I was told by a high ranking NXIVM official that, prior to the Dalai Lama’s coming to speak [before he canceled the first time] the Bronfman sisters pledged to donate $1 million to him.
    When he canceled, the sisters, plus Keith Raniere and Lama Tenzin, rushed to India to get the Dalai Lama to change his mind. I was no longer working for NXIVM. But I heard they offered the Dalai Lama another million [making it $2 million]. I never confirmed the second million, and I never saw the checks.
    It may be true the Bronfmans did not donate anything. But it seems far fetched that the Dalai Lama came at his own expense to Albany and got nothing in return. And then a trust suddenly opens in the US just 10 days after his appearance?
    http://artvoice.com/2018/01/27/dalai-lama-secretary-denies-1-million-paid-speak-raniere-yet-dalai-lama-trust-founded-10-days-albany-speech-2-million-donations/#.Wm0_0maB10J

  53. Tenzin Choejor

    January 30, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    In a letter by the Dalai Lama’s translator, Thupten Jinpa, he had said that The Dalai Lama Trust was “slowly getting caught in unnecessary distractions”. Here is an excerpt from the letter:

    “For someone who have [sic] had the honor and good fortune to serve His Holiness for over three decades, it had been painful to see how His Holiness’ name and legacy was slowly getting caught in unnecessary distractions (Albany-based NXIVM) and discordant messages (of rich and celebrity orientation). Especially, for the Trust, which is effectively His Holiness’ principal charitable foundation for the outside world, the last two years’ record has been, to put it mildly, quite embarrassing. The Trust has alienated most of its inter-organizational relationships, almost destroyed its infrastructure of the Tibetan graduate scholarship program with a majority of the independent reviewers resigning, and failed to support those international organizations that were actively inspired by His Holiness’ vision for the world and were undertaking high profile initiatives furthering His Holiness’ vision. Most sadly, the Trust has unfortunately acquired a reputation of being authoritarian, confrontational, petty, and uncaring, characteristics so far removed from His Holiness’ personal ethics. In particular, for those organizations and individuals who had been the recipients of grants from the Trust, frankly, the behavior of the Trust can be best characterized as that of bullying. If ever, some of the email communications from the Trust during this period were to come to light within the public domain, it would be a source of embarrassment for everyone connected with the Trust.”

    The Dalai Lama’s office had also called for investigations and the eventual of any wrong doings by the organisation.

    http://www.tibetanjournal.com/index.php/2018/01/30/daily-mails-article-dalai-lama-one-short-attempt-sensationalism/

  54. Tsering

    March 3, 2018 at 6:22 am

    Comic drawn by Tendor, a prominent Free Tibet activist.

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