The Secret Tibet (The Forbidden world)

Dharamshala: TPI-Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama is to visit Los Angeles next month to raise awareness of the plight of institutionalized children, according to Los Angeles-based Whole Child International.

During his visit, the spiritual leader of Buddhist Tibet will give his first large-scale public talk in Los Angeles since September 2006.

At a joint press conference on Thursday, Ven Tenzin Dhonden has detailed about the upcoming visit of Tibetan leader. "His Holiness the Dalai lama was invited to Los Angeles by the World Child International, and he will be coming to participate global initiative meetings. "World Child International to create awareness around emotion needs for the most Vulnerable children. His Holiness will be in the L.A. the weekend February 20-21," he said.

"I have been friend with Karen Gordon, founder of WCI since 2005, what she does is enlightening with the compassion in action His Holiness the Dalai Lama often speak-off. It is the love and attention we receive as children that cultivate compassion as we go into adults, and every child should experience this kind of enter-mercy and care from the earliest time in their upbringing," Ven Dhonden added.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama's life is guided by the 3 major principals; the promotion of human value, or secular ethics in the interest of human happiness, foster of inter-religious harmony, and welfare of Tibetan people, concerning issues of on the survive our identity, rich culture, and religions," he continued.

The speech, "Cultivating Compassion and the Needs of Vulnerable Children," can be heard Feb. 21 at the Gibson Amphitheatre. Tickets are available through Live Nation at www.livenation.com and at all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

"We're honored to have His Holiness come to demonstrate his solidarity with our work," said Karen Gordon, founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based WCI, a non-governmental agency that works to improve care for vulnerable children worldwide.

"His compassion and wisdom will inform our efforts, and help us identify new objectives as we strive to ensure that all children receive the loving care they need to fulfill their potential," she said.

Dharamshala: The Tibet Post International-Dharamshala: Tibetan filmmaker Tenzin Salshey and his production team held a press conference today about their new film, “A Precious Human Life” (Melue Jhurpoche), which aims to deliver a strong message to those Tibetans who use drugs, encouraging them to avoid such substances. Melue Jhurpoche is scheduled to be released in Tibetan settlements across India, Nepal, and Bhutan during the Tibetan New Year (Losar) with help of Tibetan Women's Association during the Tibetan New Year (Losar) .

One of the main characters, Ven Golok Dhabai, a Tibetan yogi who arrived recently from eastern Tibet, said that he was attracted and encouraged by the movie’s story. “I did not play the role for payment, neither thinking of fame, but because of the story and benefits of the movie.” The Ven. Dhabai also wrote many Tibetan songs when he was in Tibet.

Director Tenzin Salshey said that the new film ran a budget of over Rs 5,00000 (five lakh), and around 50 Tibetans performed the different roles. He explained that the theme of his new film was that the inner values of love, care, compassion, affection, tolerance, expressed through calm dialogue can restore youths’ physical and mental health and lead them to a happy life.

Jamyang Sakya, the main actor, described to reporters his experience of playing the main character. “I think that to say it is easy, but to put it into practice is difficult. I never use any drugs or alcohol, and I hope that the movie will deliver an effective message to those people who use drugs or alcohol,” he said.

Tenzin Salshey said that he has learnt a lot from his first film, “The Mirror” (Melong). While watching the Milue Shurbu Che trailers at the press conference, he expressed his pride at the end product. The film’s straightforward message is: do not waste a precious human life.

Tenzin explained that his new movie is based on an innocent and intelligent student named Tenzin. Tenzin became a drug addict due to the influence of bad friends and difficult circumstances, exacerbated by selfish teachers and careless, dispirited parents.  Fortunately, with the help of a compassionate and learned Tibetan Buddhist master, he was able to overcome his addiction.

"The message of the movie is to those who use any drugs, minor or major, and even to smokers and alcoholics. I made  this film especially for children and innocent people  who don't know the effects of drugs. It is very important to know how they affect a person, because drugs can kill you. Drugs endanger the body’s main organs, the brain and the heart," Tenzin concluded.

www.tibetnewsonline.com-"The 20th century belonged to science and technology. The present 21st century would belong to spirituality and nonviolence," Tibet's political and spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, told reporters yesterday.

His Holiness asserted that Jainism and Buddhism are at the forefront in promoting peace and nonviolence around the world. "Jainism and Buddhism are like twins who have brought along with them the message of one-ness and nonviolence for the world," he stated.

The exiled leader also visited a camp for the physically challenged, where over 25,000 disabled people are being treated free of cost. The "Mobility Camp", held in Palitana, began on 23 December and will continue till 9 January. His Holiness later visited the Jain temples in Palitana and interacted with Jain scholars.

"There can never be world peace until there is inner peace, so we have to first achieve that," said His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in a discussion with around 1000 Jain monks.

He added, "World peace can be achieved only if all the religions get together."

His Holiness will visit Gujarat again on 16 January, when he is scheduled to grace the International Buddhist Conference in Vadodara.

His Holiness today arrived in Bodhgaya, where he will give a five-day sermon. Over 50,000 people from all over the world are expected to assemble at Bodhgaya's Kalachakra ground to hear the discourse by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, IANS report stated.

Thousands of Tibetans, foreigners, and Chinese have already arrived in Bodhgaya from many international locations, including India, the US, Taiwan and European countries, to attend His Holiness's teachings.

The 1500 year-old Mahabodhi temple at Bodhgaya, 110 km from Patna, marks the legendary site where the Buddha attained enlightenment 2,550 years ago. It is considered the holiest of all Buddhist shrines.

Taitei: The Tibet Post International-Because of refugee identification problems, many Tibetan refugees were unable to obtain the right of residence in Taiwan yesterday (December 15). 27 Tibetans held a hunger strike in front of the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission, seeking refugee status.

Tibetans in Taiwan filled out applications for right of residence last year, and 78 obtained a residence permit. 32 Tibetans failed to obtain this permit. According to two brothers who participated in the protest, only one has been allowed getting permit. The Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs commission stated that they could not confirm the identities of the Tibetan refugees who did not get the permit.

Democratic Progressive Party candidate in Miaoli County and vice-president of Friends of Tibet, Magistrate Yang Chang-zhen, announced his plan of action during the hunger strike today. He said that the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission should give refugee status to holders of the Green Paper that is issued by the Tibetan government in exile. This is the formal identity document of Tibetans.

The Democratic Progressive Party legislator, Chen Chiech-Ju, prepared a proposal in the Legislative Yuan, so that Tibetans who have not obtained the residence permit, can seek an extension of their temporary residence permits for a year. In the meantime, they can complete necessary procedures for identification.

A Taiwanese man, Mr. Lai commented on the hunger strike, saying "when I went there at 4:00, they had been on strike for at least 32 hours. One woman's heart was beating rapidly, and another protester offered her a massage." Police said they are not only refusing to eat, but also refusing to drink."

Freddy, a Taiwanese pop star provided clothes for the Tibetan refugees on hunger strike. He has posted on his facebook, "These days are very cold. I want to bring some clothes to them."

The Tibet Post-Friends of Tibet Taiwan today called on the Taiwanese government and community to act to stop the serious deterioration of human rights inside Tibet in recognition of World Human Rights Day. The organization’s chairwoman, Chow mei-li  asked the Ma Ying-jeou administration to raise the Tibetan human rights issue into cross-strait talks with China.  

Ms. Chow also urged all Taiwanese Buddhists to be aware that many monks have been arrested and are facing persecution for their religious practices, particularly in the Tibetan region of Lithang. Here, current conditions have reached a level of crisis following a three-day Tibetan hunger strike for the release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a beloved Buddhist leader from Lithang who was sentenced to life in prison seven years ago on the ungrounded claim that he was responsible for a series of bombings in eastern Tibet. In these protests, 150 Tibetans have been arrested by Chinese police, of whom 20 people were seriously hurt by. The chairlady urged all Buddhists to pray, blessing the early arrival of peace.

She also stressed that if China, the world's largest remaining authoritarian regime and one of the world’s most powerful economies, delays in establishing democracy and freedom, it is bound to bring disaster to the world. This year is the fiftieth anniversary of the Chinese occupation of Tibet, and Taiwanese people are increasingly concerned about the current deterioration of the situation in Tibet, as arrests and injuries of Tibetans continue to increase.

Eleven Tibetans from the Tsakho and Khakhor Monasteries in Matoe County, Golog, in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, were arrested on 4 December 2009. These monks were accused of producing and distributing subversive songs on compact video discs. Additionally, the Kanlho Intermediate People's Court in Gannan, TAP, Gansu Province, sentenced Tibetan monk, writer, and photographer Kunga Tsayang, to five years in prison on charges of disclosing ‘state secrets'. Four Tibetans were also executed last year.

Today also marks the 20th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reception of the Noble Peace Prize. As Tibet’s spiritual and political leader, His Holiness follows and endorses nonviolence in  all matters, including the Tibetan struggle for genuine autonomy. If His Holiness's nonviolent efforts cannot gain more freedom and human rights for the Tibetan people, it would be a disaster and a shame for humanity.

Taiwan Regional Tibetan Youth Congress president Tashi Tsering also released a statement on the occasion of World Human rights Day. He declared, "On this Human Rights day, we honor the never-surrendering Tibetans inside Tibet, and the political prisoners who continue to fight for our common goal. The constant defiance of Chinese rule by our brave brethrens inside Tibet is our only strength and inspiration that transcends all material bounds and touches the deeply rooted human need for a meaningful existence, and articulates the aspirations and the grievances of the six million Tibetans inside Tibet. We who are in the free world resolve to continue our struggle from exile and overcome any challenges that lie ahead. We resolve to strengthen our democracy in exile and renew our commitment to struggle for the independence of Tibet even at the cost of one's life."

The Tibet Post-Today, a two-week UN Summit on Climate Change officially began in Denmark's capital city of Copenhagen, attended by US President Barack Obama and many other international leaders. In preparation for the summit, Asian giants China and India have joined Western countries in committing to lower their carbon emissions in order to curb global warming.

Yesterday, UN climate chief Yvo de Boer expressed his hopes for the upcoming discussions, telling reporters, "I believe negotiators now have the clearest signal ever from world leaders to draft a solid set of proposals to implement rapid action."

De Boer continued, "Never in the 17 years of climate change negotiations have so many different nations made so many firm pledges together. Almost every day countries announce new targets or plans of action to cut emissions."

On Saturday, spokesperson Manu Kumar announced that Indian Prime Minister Manhuman Singh will attend the climate talks on 17-18 December. This announcement follows on the heels of Singh's visit to Washington DC, where US President Obama strongly encouraged him to take part in the climate change negotiations. Earlier, India had announced that it would be represented at the conference by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.

Last week, India followed pledges made by the US and China to significantly lower its greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade. The government gave a target of reducing the ratio of pollution to production (emissions per unit of gross domestic product, or GDP) to 20-25% of 2005 levels by 2020, although it reportedly would not accept a legally binding emissions reduction target.

India plans to lower its emissions by introducing mandatory standards for fuel efficiency in 2011, along with green building codes to ensure greater energy efficiency, and the deployment of cleaner technology in the country's coal-fueled power plants.

India ranks fifth in global carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for 4.7 percent of the world's total emissions. The US and China emit roughly 40 percent of this total, with Russia and Indonesia completing the top five emitting countries.

China, the world's second largest emitter, recently announced a plan to cut its rate of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP to 40-45% of 2005 levels by the year 2020. According to an academic study quoted by the China Daily, this goal will require an investment of $30 billion.

The financial burden of fighting climate change will most likely fall on the Chinese people through raises in annual taxes and fees. According to AFP, the China Daily reported that each household may have to pay the equivalent of $64 per year to help fulfill the government's target for curbing emissions growth.

The policy to curb Chinese greenhouse gas emissions will hopefully slow down global warming in Chinese-occupied Tibet, which is currently suffering an environmental crisis due to climate change. At a recent press conference in Rome, His Holiness the Dalai Lama described the impact of climate change on Tibet's glaciers, which supply water to much of China and the Indian subcontinent.

His Holiness explained, "Some of the rivers which come from Tibetan glaciers or snow mountains, some within 15, 20 years may dry. So it is as we mentioned a very, very serious matter."

Tibet's exiled leader called for joint action to research and find a solution to the problem of climate change in Tibet, suggesting that, "With the full cooperation of Chinese experts, that we organize some experts to go to Tibet and study how much damage (has been) already done and what is the best way to protect (the environment), the best way to reduce the damage. I think that China is also in need, so (I think we should do it) with full cooperation with Chinese experts. I think that's one thing we can do."

His Holiness stated that while a political agreement with China over the Tibetan issue may take some time, the environment can not wait.

"I also think that the political solution (for Tibet) may take time - but that's ok, we can wait. But damaging the ecology, year by year, is happening. So we really need serious studies and to make a plan to protect (the environment). That's I think very, very important."

The Tibetan exile government in Dharamsala is also making an effort to highlight Tibetan climate change during the Copenhagen summit. On 10 December, the Environment and Development Desk of the Central Tibetan Administration will publish a report entitled "The Impacts of Climate Change on the Tibetan Plateau: A Synthesis of Recent Science And Tibetan Research".

Tenzin Norbu, head of the Environment and Development Desk, and Choekyi, a researcher, will take part in the Copenhagen discussions, to brief the negotiators on why Tibet is extremely important in the context of global climate change.

The Tibet Post International-The situation in Nyakchu county continues to grow more serious according to a source from Tibet today. The 60 Tibetans who traveled to Chengdu, the capital of Sicuan Province to appeal for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s release have been arrested, along with 90 people detained on 5- 6 December in Nyakchu, for a total of 150 arrested over this protest.

On 7 December, some of those arrested, including some women, sustained serious injuries from police torture. Sources report that 1,500 - 2,000 Tibetans from different areas are still arriving at the site of the protest in Nyakchu county, eastern Tibet, said, Nyima Wangchuk, a monk, who is from Nyakchu District now living in Dharamshala,

Mr Gyata Trinley, from Golok area, Nyakchu district, Lithang County, and another man named Lobsang Jamchok from Lithang County, who lead the group of 60 to Chendu, the capital of Chinese Sichuan Province from 5 December to appeal to the Chinese court, representing the people from those areas in Lithang County, eastern Tibet have been arrested yesterday among 54. Four Tibetan women, Dechen Dolma, Yudon and Dolkar Lhamo from Medthama, Wangmo or Tsetse from Trokho who are from the same group still detained in Chengdu. They remained in Chendu for two days, but their efforts did not succeed, and on the 8th they were arrested and returned to Nyakchu District Town in seven armored vehicles.

Earlier, on the 6th and 7th, 90 people were arrested, and as The Tibet Post has reported 9 people, reported some of their new names have just been revealed 3 women and 3 men. These are Lhakyi, Ashi, Bumo, Lobsang Dhondup, Aka Dorjee, and Yigam. When they were detained, their clothes and jewelry were confiscated and thrown on the ground. Chinese firemen and vehicles washed the blood off the street with hoses after the protesters were brutally beaten.

The protesters’ motorcycles were also taken away and carted off in a truck. International law does not permit the beating and torture of women, but the Chinese have violated those laws during these past few days.

Dharamshala: The Tibet Post International-A source from eastern Tibet said, over another 300 Tibetans, including elders and children, are peacefully demonstrating in front of the local Chinese government office in Thangkarma, Othok, Lithang county eastern Tibet, having gone without food for three days now in a hunger strike for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's release. They are arguing that Tenzin Delek is not a criminal, and that without him their community is in chaos, with no one to mediate and keep the peace.

Tibetans also demand that the Chinese government should pay greater attention to Tibetans' issues and requests. But instead of responding in a helpful way, the Chinese government has sent hundreds of soldiers to Othok to suppress the protests. The soldiers from Lithang, Kanze, and Nyagchu, wearing three different uniforms-one white and green, one black, and one dark blue and black-have surrounded the protesters. The protesters have demonstrated in a completely nonviolent way so far. People from four main different nomadic areas have traveled to Thangkarma, Othok area to participate in the protest. These nomads are from the villages of Medthama, Toeney, Trokho, Yeshing, Horama, and Jingdrol.

Yesterday, the Chinese armed military forces arrested 90 people from Sangdha, Bardrong, and Lhadhe villages in the upper Golok region after over 300 Tibetans staging a peaceful demonstration in Nyakchu district, lithang county eastern Tibet. Overt 20 people were brutally beaten by the Chinese, and many lost consciousness. The ground around the protest area is covered in blood, and the situation is very serious, said Nyima Wangchuk from the Othok, Lithang county eastern Tibet currently living in exile. We can not say yet whether there have been fatalities. Someone has been arrested from almost every family in those three villages in upper Golok. The Chinese have forcefully confiscated the protesters' clothing, motorcycles, and many of their possessions.

This demonstration includes the 21 villagers from upper, middle, and lower Golok. Upper Golok includes Sangdha, Bardrong, and Lhadhe villages; Jetsuk, Yardrong, and Dragkar make up middle Golok; and lower Golok includes Gongsar village, Wangdhue, Powa, Kutsoe, Zigrong, Osak, Jangpa, Pakdhu, Dhurong, Thang-ngo, Nyadrong, Maratso, Lhushab, Magandrong, and Kyangkhu villages.

Since 5 December, around 60 people from Nyakchu, Lithang and Golok traveled to Chendu, the capital of Chinese Sichuan province to appeal to Chinese authorities for Tenzin Delek's release, and none of these people have been arrested so far. Their appeal is still under Chinese consideration, unfortunately some Tibetan media mistakenly reported that they were arrested.

The Tibet Post International: His Holiness the Dalai Lama began a two-day teaching on "Awakening the Mind" in Sydney this morning. Nearly 5,000 people are attending the teaching.

The morning session began with a traditional indigenous welcome ceremony from the Cadigal people of the Eora aboriginal nation, the original inhabitants of the territory.

Flanked by Buddhists from Thailand, Vietnam, Tibet and many other countries, His Holiness expressed happiness to be giving another teaching in Australia. He is particularly keen to discuss Nagarjuna's Commentary on Bodhichitta, which he said he considers a "sacred, important and sophisticated text".

In his opening remarks, His Holiness spoke of the potential of all the world's great religions to cultivate inner peace, arguing that while differing in their philosophy, all religions carry the same message of tolerance and compassion. His Holiness emphasized that for a happy life and a peaceful community we must train our mind and look more closely at our inner world, explaining that all worry and frustration come through ignorance of the nature of ultimate reality.

During the lunch break His Holiness held a meeting with Australia's Tibetan Community. Around five hundred Tibetans were present, with many travelling from other parts of the country. Over one hundred members of the Mongolian community also joined the meeting. In a half hour address, His Holiness focussed on the importance of education, encouraging more of Australia's Tibetans to attend universities in order to learn skills and professions that will benefit and strengthen the community.

At the close of the afternoon session all those attending the teaching received a packet of seeds blessed by His Holiness. In recognition of the 20th anniversary of his Nobel Peace Prize, The seeds are of native Australian plants, selected in consultation with Greening Australia to help support resilient and sustainable native ecosystems in the local areas His Holiness will be visiting. His Holiness will be offering this gift to all he interacts with during his Australia visit.

His Holiness will meet with Australia's Chinese and Vietnamese communities tomorrow.

--Report filed by Dr. Simon Bradshaw, Campaign Coordinator, Australia Tibet Council