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A Delegation of Peace and Harmony Visit Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

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A Delegation of Peace and Harmony Visit Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

By  —  BT NEWSDESK

Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang convened a meeting with the delegation of Peace and Harmony led by Shri Bibuti Kumar Mishra, the National President of Akhil Bharat Rachanatmak Samaj, on March 21, 2024. The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the evolution, functioning, and composition of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Against the backdrop of global conflicts and environmental degradation in the name of progress, the Deputy Speaker emphasised the organisation’s pivotal role in fostering peace, harmony, and stability worldwide during the meeting with the Peace and Harmony delegation.

Drawing attention to the dire environmental situation in Tibet, the Deputy Speaker elucidated on the imperative of harmony, emphasising its significance not only among individuals but also between humanity and the environment while highlighting the unchecked exploitation of the Tibetan plateau and the crucial significance of Tibet’s environment and its rivers, which flow into countries across South East Asia, including India. She urged the visiting guests to advocate for resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict, raise the significance of Tibet’s environment in their future endeavours, and emphasised the crucial role of women in uplifting society.

The visiting delegation had the opportunity to observe the proceedings of the ongoing session, where they were warmly welcomed by the assembly.

Shri Bibhuti Kumar Mishra serves as the National President of Akhil Bharat Rachnatmak Samaj (ABRS) in New Delhi. The organisation, founded by the Gandhian social worker Padma Vibhushan Dr. Nirmala Deshpande, former MP (RS), aims to promote peace and communal harmony globally.

Shri Bibhuti Kumar Mishra initiated a yearlong Peace and Harmony Journey starting from the auspicious day of July 6, 2023, the birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, with a nationwide tree plantation drive. He has been actively involved in the Tibetan cause through Akhil Bharat Rachanatmak Samaj.

The organisation focuses on empowering socially disadvantaged youth and is also the founder of the Mahila Prabodhini Foundation in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. This foundation is dedicated to the socio-economic development of rural women, particularly those from marginalised communities.

Filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat

Compassion in Action: a Conversation about Leadership

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Compassion in Action: a Conversation about Leadership

-by dalailama.com

Chancellor of the University of Colarado, Philipa P Distefano, opening the meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and young leaders taking part in the Dalai Lama Fellows program along with accompanying guests at His Holiness’s residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on March 20, 2024. Photo by Ven Tenzin Jamphel

By  — BT NEWSDESK

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, 20 March 2024: This morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with fourteen young leaders taking part in the Dalai Lama Fellows program and an accompanying group of invited guests. The Dalai Lama Fellows is a unique one-year leadership program for emerging social-change-makers that is designed to integrate contemplative work and intentional personal transformation with efforts to bring about positive change in their respective communities.

As soon as His Holiness had taken his seat in the meeting room the Chancellor of the University of Colarado, Philipa P Distefano, opened proceedings. He told His Holiness that he had come with friends and colleagues to share a conversation on compassionate leadership. He reminded His Holiness that the University of Colarado had hosted him in Boulder in 2016 and that they had engaged in a further virtual conversation in October 2021.

“It’s a joy to be with you and Dalai Lama Fellows from the University of Colorado, Stanford University and the University of Virginia,” he remarked. “This is an opportunity to shape tomorrow’s leaders.”

As part of her introduction, Moderator Sona Dimidjian told His Holiness that his advice had been a guide to her work in psychology and neuroscience and to her family.

Moderator Sona Dimidjian delivering her introduction during the meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and young leaders taking part in the Dalai Lama Fellows program along with accompanying guests at His Holiness’s residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on March 20, 2024. Photo by Ven Tenzin Jamphel

“We seek your guidance again,” she told him, “for these young people who, looking out to the world see competition and conflict, war and suffering. And when they look inward, they see suffering, sorrow and despair.

“Since the Dalai Lama Fellows program was launched in 2004 more than 200 Fellows from 50 countries have taken part. They wish to put your teachings into action, combining an inward and outward focus to bring about change in the world. Their hearts are open.”

Dimidjian reported that when she reached the gate to His Holiness’s residence this morning, she found the group of Dalai Lama Fellows singing together as they waited to enter. This served as a prompt for them to break into song once more as they chanted, “Open my heart, open my heart, let it overflow with love.” Dimidjian then asked His Holiness if he had a few words for them about how they could put compassion into action.

“First,” he replied, “I want to tell you how happy I am to be meeting with you here. Basically we have all been born of a mother and received maximum affection from her. It’s a natural response, we see other animals do this too. It’s an experience we all share in common, and it means we are all essentially the same. We survive because of our mother’s kindness. This is something very important to remember.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to young leaders taking part in the Dalai Lama Fellows program along with accompanying guests at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on March 20, 2024. Photo by Ven Zamling Norbu

“While we’re still young, the sense of our mother’s affection remains vivid within us, but as we grow up and go to school, it begins to decline. How much better it would be if we could keep our appreciation of her kindness fresh and alive until we die? One way to do this is to make an effort to nurture a sense of compassion and warm-heartedness.

“Wherever I go and whoever I meet, I smile and greet them warmly. That’s how everyone becomes my friend. The key thing is to be warm-hearted towards others. I believe warm-heartedness is part of our very nature. It brings about peace of mind and attracts friends. Our mother’s real gift to us is her smile and her affectionate warm-heartedness.”

Sona Dimidjian mentioned that she was excited to introduce seven Dalai Lama Fellows who, in pairs, would put questions to His Holiness. The Fellows were Khang Nguyen from Vietnam and Damilola Fasoranti from Nigeria/ Rwanda; Mansi Kotak from Kenya and Serene Singh from the United Kingdom; Brittanie Richardson from Kenya/ USA and Shrutika Silswal from India, as well as Anthony Demauro from USA. They asked him what they could do to promote a recognition of human values, shared and universal. They sought his advice about how to inspire others to choose service and the care of others as a way of life. They wanted to know how to employ compassion as a leader when feeling angry and frustrated and they enquired how to resist injustice while maintaining compassion even for oppressors.

Young leaders taking part in the Dalai Lama Fellows program asking His Holiness the Dalai Lama a question during their meeting at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on March 20, 2024. Photo by Ven Tenzin Jamphel

“If we were to keep the basic sense of affection that we received from our mother alive,” His Holiness replied, “there’d be no reason to quarrel with anyone. However, instead of thinking about what we have in common with other people, we tend to focus on the differences between us.

“Wherever I go, I think of myself as just another human being and I smile. I don’t think of myself as the Dalai Lama and somehow separate. And whenever I meet someone new, I feel they are just like me. We may have different names and our skin or hair may be a different colour, but these are just secondary differences.

“I just see other people I meet as human beings, as brothers and sisters. I don’t dwell on the differences between us, I think about the ways in which we’re the same. When I was very young, living in North-east Tibet, I played with the neighbouring children. I responded to them just as children like me. It was only later that I realized incidentally that many of them came from Muslim families and that my family was Buddhist.

“The essential thing we have to remember is that, when it comes down to it, we are all the same as human beings. Sometimes we forget our basic human values, our generosity and sense of kindness, because we let prejudice or negative discrimination take over. Whatever our religion, culture or ethnicity, at a fundamental level we are the same in being human. Thinking too much about being ‘Dalai Lama’ sets me apart from others, when I’m much more concerned with our common humanity.

“As I’ve already said, young children are just open and friendly. They don’t discriminate between themselves and others. It’s only when they grow older that they become aware of ways in which we are different. And the risk is that this leads to conflict. The way to balance this out is to think about how we are all the same. This is what we must remind ourselves. At a fundamental level we have to acknowledge the oneness of humanity, that in being human we are just like each other. Our faces have two eyes, one nose and a mouth.

A view of the hall during the meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and young leaders taking part in the Dalai Lama Fellows program along with accompanying guests at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on March 20, 2024. Photo by Ven Tenzin Jamphel

“The fact that people of different colour, nationality and so on can procreate and give birth to viable, fertile, healthy children confirms that as human beings we are fundamentally the same.

“We do have different, complementary identities, for example I’m Tibetan, I’m a monk and I have the name Dalai Lama, but the most important point is that I’m a human being.

“We are social beings, we make connections with each other, but that doesn’t seem to be enough to stop us allowing conflicts to develop. However, one of the benefits of internalizing a sense of the oneness of humanity, the conviction that as human beings we are all the same, is that it makes us more relaxed.”

Sona Dimidjian thanked His Holiness for welcoming the group and sharing his wisdom with them. She invited Vijay Khatri to make some closing remarks.

“This week has been transformational,” he began. “As the saying goes, ‘The mind is not just a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.’ We have engaged with you and learned from you about compassion and warm-heartedness and we thank you for this kind gift.”

“As I mentioned earlier,” His Holiness responded, “when we’re very young we play with other children without any prejudice or suspicion between us. This kind of open, even-handed attitude is what we must preserve. We see each other in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’ and this can lead to conflict. This is why it’s useful to regularly remind ourselves how much we have in common and that those we regard as ‘them’, not ‘us’, are human beings too.”

Sona Dimidjian wished His Holiness a peaceful, joyful day and told him the group looked forward to seeing him again tomorrow.

Vijay Khatri delivering his closing remarks during the meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and young leaders taking part in the Dalai Lama Fellows program along with accompanying guests at His Holiness’s residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on March 20, 2024. Photo by Ven Zamling Norbu

New resolution on Tibet introduced in the US House

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Left to Right: Representatives Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts, and Representative Young Kim, R-California (Photo/Tibet post international)

By Tsering Dhundup

Dharamshala, March 15: A new resolution has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives titled “Recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day of March 10, 1959, and condemning human rights violations related to the hydropower dam construction project in Derge”. The resolution that condemns China’s mass arrest of peaceful Tibetan protestors and reaffirms the support for Tibetan self-determination was introduced by Representatives Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts, and Young Kim, R-California, on Monday, March 11.

The resolution acknowledges the historical events surrounding the Tibetan Uprising Day, particularly the efforts of Tibetan people who formed a human barricade around the Dalai Lama’s residence to protect him from Chinese troops in 1959. Additionally, it acknowledges the recent protests in Derge County, eastern Tibet, against a hydropower dam project that would displace residents and destroy Buddhist monasteries.

Rep. McGovern said: “It’s been 65 years since His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was forced to flee as the People’s Republic of China forcibly took control of Tibet. Every day since, the Tibetan people have been defending their human rights and fighting for their self-determination. The PRC must comply with its laws and its international human rights obligations, and stop oppressing Tibetans.”

Rep. Kim said: “The Tibetan people have suffered the Chinese Communist Party’s oppression and control for 70 years, and the CCP shows no signs of slowing down until it has erased Tibetan culture. The freedom-loving people of Tibet deserve our support. I’m proud to join Rep. McGovern in a bipartisan call to stand with the Tibetan people and urge the Biden administration to enforce laws in place to hold the CCP accountable.”

The resolution reaffirms the House’s support for Tibetan human rights and condemns China’s efforts to erase Tibetan cultural identity, particularly by condemning projects like the hydropower dam project in Derge. It demands the immediate release of protestors and prisoners of conscience, along with apologies and redress for rights violations.

Additionally, it calls on the Biden administration to urge China to halt the dam project and respect Tibetan input into development projects.

This resolution adds to previous Congressional actions supporting Tibet, including the passage of the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018 and the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020. The House also recently passed the Resolve Tibet Act, aimed at pushing China to negotiate peacefully with Tibetan leaders to resolve the conflict in Tibet.

CTA Commemorates 65th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day

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By  —  BT NEWSDESK

The dignitaries arriving at the venue. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

Dharamshala: Tibetans in Dharamshala, led by the CTA leadership, gathered at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard on 10 March 2024 to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day, a historic moment marking Tibetans’ resistance to Chinese occupation, which tragically resulted in the deaths of hundreds of protesters.

The commemoration event was attended by German MP Michael Karl Brand, an Australian parliamentary delegation including Senator Dean Anthony Smith, Senator Deborah Mary O’Neill, MP Michael McCormack, MP David Smith, the CTA leadership, Secretaries of various departments, CTA staff, section heads, heads of NGOs, and the general public.

The official program commenced with the Sikyong hoisting the Tibetan national flag, accompanied by the singing of the Tibetan national anthem by artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.

Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Sikyong Penpa Tsering read out statements from the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Kashag, respectively.

Chief guest German MP Michael Karl Brand spoke of the similarities between formerly divided Germany and Tibetans under CCP rule, expressing hope for Tibetans’ reunification, much like Germany’s.

Australian Senator Deborah Mary O’Neill emphasised her solidarity with Tibetans, stressing the importance of freedom for all. She stated, “Fundamental to the peace we hope for is the securing of freedom, both the freedom to and freedom for. Freedom to think, speak, sing, dance, and tell your history in writing, in the language of your people.” She assured the gathering that Australians would continue to raise concerns for Tibetans in Tibet.

Similarly, Senator Dean Anthony Smith, MP Michael McCormack, and MP David Smith extended their support to the Tibetan cause, receiving applause and appreciation from the gathered Tibetans.

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of prayers for the martyrs.

Read the statements from Kashag and Tibetan Parliament here.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering hoisting Tibetan National Flag. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

Speaker addressing the gathering. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

Sikyong addressing the gathering. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

Senator Deborah O’Neill addressing the gathering. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

MP Michael McCormack. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

MP David Smith. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

Senator Dean Smith. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

German MP Michael Brand. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

Members of the Tibetan Parliament. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

Secretaries of the CTA departments. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

CTA staff and the general public at the commemoration event. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

Turkish police detain six for spying on Uyghurs for China

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Photo/BNN

By Tsering Dhundup

  Turkish authorities have detained six individuals in Istanbul on suspicion of spying on prominent Uyghur figures for China, with an ongoing search for another suspect, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency.

The detainees are accused of surveillance on Uyghur-related individuals, associations and institutions, purportedly passing gathered intelligence to Chinese authorities. The arrests came after an investigation spearheaded by the Terrorism and Organized Crime Bureau of the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office, Anadolu reported.

Specific details such as the timing of the arrests and the nationalities of the suspects were not disclosed in the initial report. However, the local newspaper Sabah claimed that all individuals in question were foreigners.

Turkey is home to a significant Uyghur population, estimated at around 50,000, representing the largest diaspora of Uyghurs outside Central Asia. The Turkish-Uyghur connection is underscored by shared ethnic, linguistic, and religious ties, fostering considerable sympathy among Turkish authorities and the populace toward the struggles faced by Uyghurs in China’s East Turkestan (Chinese: Xinjiang).

Despite the sympathy, Turkey has been navigating a delicate foreign policy balancing act, seeking to maintain relations with both Western allies and China. While supportive of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Turkey has resisted Beijing’s pressures to extradite Uyghur individuals to China. An extradition treaty between Turkey and China was signed in 2017, yet it is yet to be ratified by the Turkish parliament since 2019.

Chinese authorities have faced scrutiny for their transnational repression tactics, notably targeting exiled Tibetan communities outside Tibet. Tactics include leveraging relatives within Tibet through coercion or intimidation, as well as maintaining a pervasive surveillance apparatus that fosters a sense of constant apprehension among exiled groups, undermining trust and unity within diaspora communities.

The recent arrests in Istanbul shed light on the broader issue of transnational repression and the challenges faced by ethnic minority groups such as the Uyghurs and Tibetans in their struggle for freedom and rights beyond China’s borders.

China imposes lockdown on seven monasteries in Kham Dege

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Wontod Monastery in eastern Tibet’s Kham Dege (Photo/X)

By Tenzin Nyidon

Chinese authorities have imposed lockdown on seven monasteries situated along the two banks of eastern Tibet’s Drichu River in Kham Dege, reported Radio Free Asia, which cited a local Tibetan source from the region.

The seven monasteries restricted by the lockdown, include Wontod, Yena, and Khardho monasteries on the east bank of the river in Dege, and Rabten, Gonsar, Tashi, and Pharok monasteries on the west bank of the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Entry and exit in these monasteries have been severely restricted, with clamp down on movement and communication channels in the county.

Over February 22-23, more than 1,000 monks and local Tibetans were reportedly arrested following petitions and protests since February 14, urging authorities to halt a proposed construction of a massive dam project. While approximately 40 monks were released on February 26 and 27, the majority remain under arrest, undergoing brutal treatment.

The released individuals were primarily from Wontod Monastery, as reported by local Tibetan sources. These individuals have reportedly been warned against communicating with exile Tibetans and giving out information on the incident. Sources suggest that international media coverage of the mass arrests played a significant role in prompting the release of some Tibetans. Monks who required hospitalisation due to severe interrogation beatings were allowed to return to their monastery.

The construction of the Chinese Gangtuo Hydropower Station, planned for the upper reaches of the Drichu River in Tibet, poses grave threat to numerous Tibetan monasteries and villages nearby. This cascade hydropower station, deemed a “leading” project, endangers at least six Tibetan monasteries and two villages inhabited by Tibetan communities. Among those at risk of complete submersion due to the project is Wontod Monastery, established in the 14th century and known for its historical importance and remarkable Tibetan Buddhist murals and artworks.

Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar visits Ancient City of Ayutthaya in Thailand named after the birth city of Lord Ram in Ayodhya

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By — Shyamal Sinha

Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekarvisited the Ancient City of Ayutthaya in Thailand,today, which is named after the birth city of lord Ram in Ayodhya in India. The Governor is heading a 22-member Indian Delegation that took the holy relics of Lord Buddha for a 26 day exposition in Thailand.

The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom after Sukhothai.It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a Center of global diplomacy and commerce. Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting the city to the sea. This site was chosen because it was located above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam as it existed at that time, thus preventing attack of the city by the sea-going warships of other nations. The location also helped to protect the city from seasonal flooding.

 

 

The city was attacked and razed by the Burmese army in 1767 who burned the city to the ground and forced the inhabitants to abandon the city. The city was never rebuilt in the same location and remains known today as an extensive archaeological site.

Once an important center of global diplomacy and commerce, Ayutthaya is now home to archaeological treasures, characterized by the remains of tall prang (reliquary towers) and Buddhist monasteries of monumental proportions, which give an idea of the city’s past size and the splendor of its architecture.

 

 

Speaking on his Visit to Ayutthaya, the Governor Shri Arlekarsaid that the city depicts the deep cultural and historic connect between the Indian and Thai civilization which has been preserved by the people and Government of Thailand. He also mentioned that being the governor of the state of Bihar which is the home to several Buddhist heritages and Bodh Gaya it was an hour for him to get an opportunity to visit the historic city of Ayutthaya, especially at a time when the Ram Temple has been inaugurated in Ayodhya city in India. He said that these ancient temples, palaces and ruins not only givea deep understanding of the rich history and culture of Thailandbut also helps us to understand the depth of the cultural roots and heritage of modern Thailand. The Governor also said that measures should be taken to ensure that the people in India are aware of this cultural connect and the spread of Indian culture around the world.

source  — pib

Holy Relics to be taken from India to Thailand for 26-day exposition on 22nd February 2024

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By  — Shyamal Sinha

In a historic and momentous event, the revered relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his esteemed disciples, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, are set to embark on a sacred journey to Thailand. This unprecedented exposition marks the first time that the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples will be showcased together.

Briefing media about the visit in New Delhi today, Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary Ministry of Culture said that a 22-member delegation led by Hon’ble Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar will  accompany the Sacred Relics from India to Thailand for 26-day exposition. The delegation comprise of venerable monks from Kushinagar, Aurangabad, Ladakh , officials from Ministry of Culture, state government of M.P., curators from National Museum , artists and scholars. The event is being organized with the support of Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Embassy in Thailand, International Buddhist Confederation, National Museum, State Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Shri Govind Mohan added that it is another historic milestone in India-Thailand relations and will further boost cultural and spiritual relations between the two countries. He elaborated  that the centerpiece of this esteemed collection is the Piparahwa Relic, a revered artifact categorized as AA, safeguarded at the National Museum. Among the 20 cherished pieces housed at the National Museum, four will be travelling to Thailand for this momentous occasion.

Additionally, the holy relics of Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, currently residing at Sanchi, have been brought to Delhi in preparation for their journey to Thailand, further enriching this sacred expedition.

 

Photos of the casket in which the Holy relics will be encased and the beautiful pagoda at Bangkok specially constructed by the Thai Govt to enshrine the Holy Relics

The journey of these sacred relics from India to Thailand is scheduled to commence on 22nd February 2024. The Relics are being carried in IAF aircraft befitting status as State Guest and will reach Thailand in the forenoon of the same day. Once arrived, the relics will be  welcomed in a grand ceremony and securely housed at the National Museum in Bangkok, and later enshrined in a grand mandapam prepared in Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok on 23rd February. People can  pay their reverence  from Makha Bucha Day onwards. Exhibitions about Buddhist sites in Bharat and talk on Relics by academicians will also be organised on the sidelines of the tour of the relics at the different venues.

The exhibition itinerary includes visits to multiple venues across Thailand, allowing devotees and enthusiasts alike to pay homage to these revered artifacts:

  • Sanam Luang Pavilion, Bangkok: 22nd February 2024 – 3rd March 2024 (11 Days)
  • Ho Kum Luang, Royal Rujapruek, Chiang Mai: 4th March 2024 – 8th March 2024 (5 Days)
  • Wat Maha Wanaram, Ubon Ratchathani: 9th March 2024 – 13th March 2024 (5 Days)
  • Wat MahaThat, Aoluek, Krabi: 14th March 2024 – 18th March 2024 (5 Days)

This sacred journey will culminate on 19th March 2024, with the relics being escorted back to their respective homes, concluding a historic and spiritually enriching exposition in Thailand.

Delhi-based Ambassadors, Deputy Chiefs of Mission, and Diplomats from Various Countries Celebrate Losar at Bureau Office

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Delhi-based Ambassadors, Deputy Chiefs of Mission, and Diplomats from Various Countries Celebrate Losar at Bureau Office.

By  —  Shyamal Sinha

Delhi: A modest traditional celebration of Tibetan New Year took place at the office of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which was made even more special by the distinguished presence of Ambassadors, Deputy Chiefs of Mission (DCMs), and diplomats from various countries based in New Delhi, India.

The celebration was also joined by the representatives of the Delhi-based Tibetan NGOs.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, New Delhi 

 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Extends Greetings to Tibetans on Losar

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama extending greetings on Tibetan Losar.

By  —  BT NEWSDESK

Dharamshala: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, extended His warmest greetings to Tibetans in Tibet and in exile on the occasion of the traditional Tibetan New Year, Losar 2151—the year of the Wood-Dragon.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Losar Message to Tibetans:

I’d like to wish my fellow Tibetans, both inside Tibet and those in exile, a Happy New Year this Losar—Tashi Delek to all of you!

Despite undergoing great difficulties in exile and living under a powerful Communist Chinese regime, our people, the majority of whom are inside of Tibet, have remained unscathed while I have been the leader.

Despite undergoing great difficulties in exile and living under a powerful Communist Chinese regime, the faith and aspiration of our people, the majority of whom are inside Tibet, have remained undiminished while I have been the leader.

Although the Communist Chinese rulers, after the ‘(so-called) peaceful liberation’, have wished that we Tibetans forget our religious faith, we have held onto our convictions and our culture even more firmly—this is very good. Today, there is a renewed interest in Buddhism, not only among Tibetans, but even among some Chinese. In many parts of the world today, Tibetan spiritual and cultural traditions are regarded as logical, rational and of practical benefit when closely considered since they enable us to transform our minds in a positive way and bring about inner peace.

Nowadays, an increasing number of people in Western countries are taking an interest in Tibetan culture and spirituality. I’m also aware of an increasing number of Western scientists who admire the methods for developing a kind heart that is found in our culture, although they lack any religious belief.

The Communist Chinese have attempted systematically to eliminate our spiritual and cultural heritage. However, it has become clear that rather than destroying it, there is a renewed interest in our cultural traditions in the world today.

Our practice of kindness, the custom of being compassionate even to insects and other tiny creatures, has been passed down for generations from our forefathers. This is something that people around the world, who previously paid little attention to Tibetan Buddhism, are now taking an interest in our culture of good-heartedness and morality. So, it is important that we Tibetans take care of our culture and civilization by regarding it as one of the world’s precious treasures.

As for me, I was born in Siling (in north-eastern Tibet) and moved to Lhasa when I was young. The Tibetan custom of cultivating a good heart lies at the core of our Tibetan Buddhist tradition that consist of Buddhist teachings of the highest quality of the Buddha’s teachings and which we have preserved. Buddhist countries like Thailand and Burma preserve excellent Buddhist practices, but only Tibetans and Mongolians engage in rigorous study of the Dharma, although even in Mongolia, this has declined so much.

Tibet’s civilized culture is like a universal treasure. You should continue to uphold it. As I said, people all over the world increasingly look to our culture and religion for inspiration, not because it includes prayers and rituals like making offerings, performing prostrations and so on, but because it deals with cultivating the mind. It explains how to enhance our sense of love and compassion. I feel it’s very important that we put these methods into practice ourselves to set an example for other people around the world.

Tibetans are generally recognised as kind-hearted people, but we were not born in a different way, we are the same as other human beings. However, we’ve been brought up since childhood to have a kind heart and to observe the good habit of not killing even insects. We should keep this up and try to extend our kind-heartedness to people all over the world, whether they believe in religion or not.

I urge you to keep this in mind and put effort into it.

Regarding Buddhist psychology, among Buddhist traditions, Tibetan Buddhism presents the most profound understanding of it. The classic treatises studied in the great monastic universities of Tibet, such as Sera and Drepung, present a thorough understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions. It’s because this understanding contains methods for tackling mental problems in practical ways that it is so valuable. We have preserved not only the words of explanation but also the ways to implement them through a combination of study and practice.

This tradition of cultivating a good heart through a combined practice of study and contemplation that we Tibetans have preserved is now attracting interest around the world. Therefore, we Tibetans should do our best to maintain it with courage and determination.

I wish, in particular, to express my appreciation for my fellow Tibetans inside Tibet for the unflinching faith and devotion they possess. Still, I think it’s important that the new generation of Tibetans has a deep understanding of the good customs we have upheld for more than a thousand years, not just because they are our customs but also because they accord with reason. In the reality of today’s world, I think it’s necessary that the new generation take a fresh look at the traditions we’ve preserved in the light of Western scientific interest. They need to understand why people in the West with no particular belief in religion take interest in our traditions. And they need to be able to recognize the value of the centuries-old cherished treasures of Tibet in order to preserve them well.

We all talk about peace, expressing hope for peace in the world. But peace has to be developed in our minds; it’s not just about the absence of weapons. And the Tibetan custom of cultivating a warm heart is the best means for developing peace of mind. Please keep it up.

That’s all.

Tashi Delek to you!