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Opinion: More Painful Than the Agony of Death

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Hundreds of students march on October 19, 2010, to protest Qinghai provincial policy threatening Tibetan linguistic and culture heritage (Photo/Free Tibet)

Palden Sonam

On July 12, a video clip from Tibet was going viral on the Tibetan cyber world, which, at first glance, appeared like a funeral ceremony. Everyone in the video looked visibly distraught with their heads down and many crying.

However, it turned out to be a scene from the final day of Ragya Sherig Norbu Lobling –a prominent private-run Tibetan school in Amdo region of Tibet as teachers and students paid their last respect to their beloved school after the Chinese government forced it to close.

In a normal situation, a school would be shut down if it failed to serve the primary goal of giving education to its students. In today’s occupied Tibet, however, a school can be forced to close simply because it is able to give great education to its students.

Ragya School was established in 1994 by Jigme Gyaltsen, a Tibetan monk educator in Golok, (Ch: Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai). Golok is largely a remote nomadic area and this school has played a pivotal role in providing quality education to hundreds of Tibetan students. As its popularity spreads, students from different parts of Tibet have sought admission into it. Many of its students are orphans.

This school, in addition to providing both traditional and modern education –including Tibetan traditional medicine and handcrafts, computer and international languages like Chinese and English –has adopted the centuries-old techniques of Nalanda’s analytical debate to teach contemporary subjects. This teaching method proved to be a great success in the learning experience of the students. Some Chinese scholars have been so much impressed by the academic brilliance of the school’s students that they visited the school to observe it.

In fact, Ragya school and its founder won many official recognitions from Chinese government including Excellent Service Award (2003), China Charity Worker award (2005), National People’s Education award (2010) and Innovative School Award (2012) for its contribution to education and society.

Nevertheless, the aggressive assimilationist campaign, Chinese president Xi Jinping launched as the key feature of his repressive policy toward Tibetans and other colonized people like the Uyghurs, has drastically reduced their already limited space to teach and study and practice their language, culture and religion.

This policy is implemented on an aggressive scale –shutting down village-level schools, banning private Tibetan classes, displacing Tibetan as medium of instruction and putting thousands of children in colonial boarding schools. In May this year, China closed another Tibetan-run school, Taktsang Lhamo Tibetan Culture School in Amdo Ngaba (Sichuan). This school founded in 1986 played a key role in providing education to the local Tibetan children.

For Tibetans, this entho-nationalist war, on their language and culture, is not only an issue of language and cultural rights and repression, but also human rights violation and a crime against humanity.

The most cruel and heinous aspect of this cultural war is that it targets children by putting them in colonial boarding schools –even children as young as 4 years old, too little and too vulnerable to be in a boarding school. Today these boarding schools house roughly one million children between ages 6 to 18. China kept another 100,000 children aged between four to six years old in boarding pre-schools. They have not only been subject to cultural assimilation but also ideological indoctrination as a strategy to manufacture a generation of model colonial subjects –rootless in their culture and toothless in their language.

This systematic policy of separating children from their families and subjecting them to cultural assimilation and ideological indoctrination is nothing but Cultural Genocide. Under this policy, Beijing is not only tearing families apart but also forcing vulnerable children to become strangers to their own culture by severing their spiritual, linguistic, and cultural ties to their home and community.

This has to be understood, not merely as an issue of taking away defenceless children from their families and brainwashing them, but in a more psychological and physiological sense of brutalizing children’s mind and body for political ends. And the traumatic experiences, they have to suffer, and the social and emotional tolls they will have on the people of Tibet in the future is not an uneasy thing to guess.

An absurdity, stretched beyond its limit, is Beijing’s justification for running the colonial boarding school system on the grounds that there are not enough schools in rural and remote Tibetan areas. However, the reality is that it is the same regime in Beijing that closed existing village-level as well as the few private schools in Tibet –leaving no alternatives for Tibetan students except the boarding schools.

Therefore, the real problem with Ragya School, in China’s eyes, is not that it does not have fancy buildings or expensive grounds. Instead, it stood in Beijing’s way of cultural and linguistic elimination in Tibet. This school has produced many modern educated students with strong roots in their culture and skilled in their mother tongue –making a positive impact in their respective field as educators, artists, intellectuals, writers, civil servants and entrepreneurs.

In the ultimate analysis, this forced closure of Tibetan medium schools is to terminate, not just an alternative school for the Tibetans but the very idea that it is not only possible, but also pedagogically more conducive for Tibetan students to excel academically if the medium of instruction is their own language.

Colonial system, whether yesterday or today, is intrinsically disempowering when it comes to the true interests and aspirations of the occupied people. In the case of Tibet, this has never been clearer than now. It is manifested in the form of political repression, economic marginalization and cultural suppression. The forced closure of Tibetan medium schools is another bomb China dropped on the soul of Tibetan people and civilization.

Tibetans, especially in Tibet, felt the crushing blow of this repression against their culture and language. The mournful scene from the last day of the school is, indeed a funeral rite –for an acclaimed school and the idea of such an alternative. Despite the enormous personal risks including the arrest and torture, many in Tibet expressed their sense of loss, sadness and helplessness after the school was shut down.

A line from the social media post of a Tibetan encapsulates the general mood in Tibet during that time ––“Even the agony of death may not be as excruciating as today’s event.”

(Views expressed are his own)

The author is an independent researcher and political analyst focusing on developments in Tibet, Chinese domestic politics, and foreign policy. He is based in North India.

China escalates military crackdown on Larung Gar Buddhist academy

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Larung Gar monastery before the demolition (Photo/Tibet Watch)

 

By  —  Shyamal Sinha

Situated in Garze Prefecture in Sichuan Province, Larung Gar Buddhist Academy is the largest Tibetan Buddhist institute in the world with more than 20 thousand monks and nuns. Thousands of red wood houses built on the hill, spectacularly converged like a red river for several miles.

 Larung Gar Buddhist academy, the largest Tibetan Buddhist institute located in Serthar (Ch. Seda) County, in the so called Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in Tibet’s traditional province of Kham, has come under intensified military surveillance and repression by Chinese authorities.

Reports indicate that approximately 400 military personnel from Drakgo (Ch. Luhuo) and neighboring counties in Kardze (Ch. Ganzi) were deployed to Larung Gar on December 20. Helicopter patrols have been introduced, signalling heightened state control over this prominent religious site.

The exile Tibetan government run tibet.net reported that China plans to impose further restrictions at Larung Gar beginning in 2025. These regulations include a residency cap of 15 years for all monks and nuns at the academy. Authorities also intend to reduce the institution’s population through mandatory registration, compelling Chinese students to leave the academy. These measures appear part of a targeted strategy to diminish the religious community’s size and influence.

“The latest measures represent an escalation in China’s broader campaign to restrict religious freedom in Tibet, where traditional Buddhist institutions have faced increasing pressure under state policies aimed at controlling religious practice and education,” stated CTA’s report.

Founded in 1980 by the late Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, Larung Gar has served as a cornerstone for Tibetan Buddhist scholarship, drawing thousands of monks and nuns seeking spiritual education. However, this latest military deployment and helicopter surveillance marks a new phase in a series of crackdowns. The Chinese government’s actions began with large-scale demolitions and forced evictions in July 2016, which lasted until May 2017. During this period, the academy’s population was halved from approximately 10,000 residents, and thousands of homes were destroyed, displacing over 4,500 Tibetans who were subsequently relocated under strict surveillance.

The international community has strongly criticised China’s actions at Larung Gar. In October 2016, the co-chairs of the United States’ Human Rights Commission wrote to the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, expressing “deep concern” over the demolitions and urging Beijing to cease these activities, rebuild the destroyed infrastructure, and allow individuals to practice Buddhism without state interference.

Similarly, the European Parliament passed a resolution in December 2016 condemning the forced removals and demolitions at Larung Gar. The resolution called on China to respect Tibetans’ religious freedoms and halt its oppressive measures.

Tibetans, Chinese unite for New Year, promoting dialogue and unity in New York

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Office of Tibet hosts Sino-Tibetan New Year Gathering in New York to foster unity and dialogue (Photo/CTA)

By  —  Shyamal Sinha

The overwhelming majority of Tibetans traditionally have been Buddhists. Before the 1950s, prayer flags flew from every home and adorned the mountain slopes. Monasteries were established throughout the country, and the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, was the supreme political head of the nation. A minority, however, were adherents of Islam, Hinduism, Bon, or Christianity. The Dalai Lama went into exile in 1959 after the outbreak in Tibet of an armed rebellion against Chinese authorities that was suppressed by the Chinese army. Since then the Chinese at times have attempted to eliminate the influence of religion in Tibetan life.

 Members of the Tibetan and Chinese communities gathered to foster dialogue and unity at a New Year Gathering event organised by the Office of Tibet in New York on December 29.

According to the exile Tibetan government run tibet.net, the gathering served as a platform for dialogue between the Tibetan and Chinese communities. Tsultrim Gyatso, the Chinese Liaison Officer of the Office of Tibet, highlighted the office’s ongoing outreach efforts to the Chinese community in North America, guided by the non-violent principles of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

He also paid tribute to the recently deceased contemporary Tibet historian Li Jianglin, expressing gratitude for her work in helping many Chinese and foreign people understand Tibet’s true historical situation through her books and articles such as “Lhasa 1959” and “When the Iron Bird Flies.” He encouraged the Chinese community to help share His Holiness’ vision of peace and compassion.

Chinese speakers at the event included Hu Ping, Zhou Fengsuo, Chen Chuangchuang, Rong Wei, and Yang Ruohui. They expressed appreciation for His Holiness’ promotion of peace and non-violence and supported the Middle Way Policy as a constructive approach to Sino-Tibetan relations. They also recognised the contributions of Li Jianglin and called for more open-minded engagement between the communities.

The event was attended by approximately 40 Chinese participants, including democracy advocates, intellectuals from the New York area, and recently arrived individuals from China. Tibetan representatives from the Tibetan Community of New York & New Jersey, six local Tibetan organisations, and the Global Movement for the Middle Way Approach attended the event.

The event aligns with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s longstanding efforts to foster harmony between Tibetan and Chinese people. In 2009, during a visit to Sydney, Australia, His Holiness emphasised the importance of mutual understanding and transparency while addressing members of the Chinese community. He highlighted the need for compassion alongside economic development and called for dialogue and reconciliation.

In 2008, His Holiness the Dalai Lama reflected on the historical ties between Tibetans and Chinese, acknowledging a complex history marked by both cooperation and conflict. He emphasised the importance of mutual respect, particularly through shared Buddhist traditions, and advocated for dialogue as the foundation for a harmonious future.

“Since ancient times, Tibetan and Chinese peoples have lived as neighbors. In the two-thousand-year-old recorded history of our peoples, we have at times developed friendly relations, even entering into matrimonial alliances, while at other times we fought each other. However, since Buddhism flourished in China first before it arrived in Tibet from India, we Tibetans have historically accorded the Chinese people the respect and affection due to elder Dharma brothers and sisters,” he stated.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Sends Condolences on the Passing of Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi, India on November 10, 2018. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

By  —  Shyamal Sinha

On  sad demise of  former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had died, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to his widow Mrs Gursharan Kaur to express his sadness.

“I will remember him in my prayers,” he wrote, “and offer my condolences to you and your family at this sad time.

“Whenever we met over the years I deeply appreciated his concern and good counsel. I felt he was like an elder brother to me.

“Your husband was motivated by a strong wish to help others. He made a significant contribution to India’s development and prosperity, especially its economic growth, improving the lot of the Indian people. He was also a good friend to the Tibetan people.

His Holiness ended his letter: “We can rejoice that for 92 years he lived a truly meaningful life—an inspiration to us all.”

UK House of Lords Raises Concerns Over Systematic Erasure of Tibet’s True Historical Status

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UK House of Lords Raises Concerns Over Systematic Erasure of Tibet’s True Historical Status

By  —  B T NEWSDESK

On the 40th anniversary of Sino-British Joint Declaration last Thursday, the members of the House of Lords debated the government policy towards China, especially in relation to human rights and security issues arising from Chinese actions in Tibet, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the South China Sea, and against the Uyghurs in East Turkestan.

During the session, a group of members of the House of Lords led by Lord David Alton, including Lord Martin Callanan, Baroness Smith, Lord Bishop, and Baroness Bannett, raised their concerns over the PRC’s continued violation of Human Rights in the above regions as well as intensified transboundary repression and espionage. The group also scrutinised various aspects of the UK government’s policies towards China.

Most notably, Lord Martin Callanan highlighted the PRC’s efforts to systematically erase Tibet’s true historical status from the global consciousness, saying that “the Chinese Communist Party’s decades-long campaign to erase Tibetan culture, religion and identity is a stain on the conscience of the international community. Let us not forget that, not that long ago, Tibet was an independent country, but nobody now refers to it as that; it has in effect been absorbed into China, and the Tibetan people have been slowly eradicated. I had the honour a few years ago of meeting the Dalai Lama in his exile home in Dharamshala. I do not share his religion, but he is an inspirational character, continuing to preach non-violence in the face of all the threats and indeed genocides that the Tibetan people have faced.”

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London

British Museum faces backlash over use of “Xizang” for Tibet

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The British museum in London, England (Photo/Britannica)

Tsering Dhundup

The British Museum in London is facing growing criticism over its use of the term “Xizang” in its Silk Roads exhibition, which Tibetan groups accuse of misrepresenting Tibetan heritage and supporting China’s narrative on Tibet.

Tibetan community leaders and human rights groups in England have demanded the removal of the term “Xizang Autonomous Region” from exhibition materials, arguing that it distorts Tibet’s cultural identity.

The controversy emerged from the museum’s use of the phrase “Tibet or Xizang Autonomous Region” in labels and catalogues describing Tibetan artefacts. Critics argue that this language disregards Tibet’s historical and political context, reinforcing the Chinese government’s narrative on Tibet.

Tsering Passang, Founder and Chairman of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), expressed concern, stating, “The British Museum’s adoption of ‘Xizang Autonomous Region’ misrepresents Tibet and contributes to efforts to erase Tibetan culture and history.”

Tibetan artefacts labelled as belonging to “Xizang” instead of Tibet (Photo/Facebook)

The museum’s Silk Roads exhibition, which opened in September 2024, highlights cultural exchanges between Asia and Europe between 500 and 1000 CE. However, the terminology used to describe Tibetan objects has drawn sharp criticism. In a letter to the museum’s director, Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE, both GATPM and the Tibetan community in Britain requested that the term be removed, asserting that it legitimises China’s claims over Tibet.

“This issue is not just about language,” said Phuntsok Norbu, Chairman of the Tibetan Community in Britain. “It is about how history and culture are presented to the public. By using the term ‘Xizang,’ the museum diminishes Tibetan identity.”

Tibetan groups are now demanding immediate action, including the removal of the term “Xizang” from all materials, a public apology to the Tibetan community, and consultations with Tibetan scholars to ensure future exhibitions reflect Tibetan history properly. “The British Museum must ensure it does not become a platform for Chinese propaganda,” said Passang. “This is a matter of respect for Tibetan culture and history.”

In its response to the initial complaint, the British Museum defended the use of “Tibet or Xizang Autonomous Region,” claiming it reflects the current political designation of the region. However, critics argue that this position overlooks the political implications of such terminology. “This is not just about labels; it’s about the museum’s role in shaping global understanding of a culture under threat,” said Norbu. Tibetan groups are calling for the British Museum to uphold ethical standards in its exhibitions. “The museum has a responsibility to present history with integrity and accuracy,” Passang stated.

The incident also highlights a broader pattern of controversy regarding the representation of Tibet in international museums and institutions. This controversy is not isolated to the British Museum. Other prominent institutions, such as the Musée du Quai Branly and Musée Guimet in Paris, have similarly adopted terms like “Xizang” and “Himalayan World,” which critics argue dilute Tibetan identity and support Beijing’s political agenda.

In September, the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris responded to widespread public outcry by removing the term “Xizang” from its descriptions of Tibetan artefacts. The museum reverted to using “Tibet” in its catalogue and exhibition labels for items related to Tibet following pressure from the Tibetan community and human rights groups. However, the Musée Guimet has resisted similar demands. After 12 protests, the museum’s director, Yannick Lintz, refused to rename its exhibit “Himalayan World” to “Tibet,” despite calls from Tibetan advocates who contend that the current title undermines Tibet’s cultural and historical significance.

Devotees from Kinnaur Offer Long-life Prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving a traditional welcome as he arrives at the Main Tibetan Temple courtyard on his way to attend a Long Life Prayer offered by the people of Kinnaur in Dharamshala, HP, India on 6 December 2024. Photo by Ven Zamling Norbu

By  —  BT NEWSDESK

On the morning of 6 December 2024, the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, was decorated with garlands of marigolds as part of a ceremony to pray for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life. Brilliant sunlight illuminated the mountain peaks that stood stark against a clear blue sky.

As His Holiness reached the gate to his residence Gibong Rinpoché and Lochen Rinpoché representing the people of Kinnaur stepped up to greet him. At the edge of the temple yard a Kinnauri man and women presented a traditional welcome, offering His Holiness tsampa and curd.

The aisle was lined by Kinnauri women in their finery, richly patterned shawls and elaborate headgear. They sang to His Holiness to greet him. He waved to members of the public gathered on either side to watch him pass, smiling warmly at them. Meanwhile, in the temple a mantra was recited that combined that of Arya Tara with His Holiness’s long name mantra.

Facing His Holiness after he had taken his seat, and presiding over today’s long-life ceremony, was Gibong Rinpoché, the reincarnation of Gyen Rigzin Tenpa, one of His Holiness’s teachers. To His Holiness’s left sat Lochen Rinpoché and to his right the reincarnation of Khunnu Lama Tenzin Gyaltsen another of his teachers. The Lamas were joined by 1800 people from Kinnaur in upper Himachal Pradesh.

Prayers began with the ‘Prayer in Three Parts’ followed by the ‘Seven Limb Prayer’. Tea and ceremonial sweet rice were offered and distributed among the crowd. A procession of Kinnauris bearing offerings such as sacred statues and volumes of scripture filed through the temple.

Gibong Rinpoché offered His Holiness a mandala of the universe along with representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment. Lochen Rinpoché offered the Long-life Vase, blessed during the ritual of Arya Tara the Wish-granting Wheel, as well as the nectar and pills of longevity. They were followed, as participants in the offering, by Khunu Lama Jangchub Nyima and Ga Rinpoché. His Holiness gave each of them a statue of the Buddha.

Gibong Rinpoché offered His Holiness a mandala of the universe during the Long Life Prayer offered by the people of Kinnaur at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, HP, India on 6 December 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

The prayer for His Holiness’s long life composed by his two Tutors, Ling Rinpoché and Trijang Rinpoche was recited. The prayer includes a refrain:

… we offer our prayers with fervent devotion:
That Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the Land of Snows live for a hundred aeons.
Shower on him your blessings so that his aspirations are fulfilled without hindrance.

and goes on:

We pray that by the power of this prayer
Expressed from a heart filled with fervent devotion and humility,
May the body, speech and mind of the heart of the Land of Snows,
The supreme Ngawang Lobsang Tenzin Gyatso,
Be indestructible, unfluctuating and unceasing;
May he live for a hundred aeons,
Seated on a diamond throne, transcending decay and destruction.

Addressing the congregation, His Holiness began:

“Today, here we are assembled in a place where people interested in the Buddhadharma can gather in joy and delight. I am someone who was born in Amdo and travelled to Lhasa, where I sat for my final exams in courtyards of the great monastic universities and the Jokhang temple.

“I have received oral transmissions, guided instructions and empowerments and many teachings from my Senior Tutor Ling Rinpoché to whom I am most grateful. He didn’t make light of things and was often quite stern, but he was very dedicated when it came to teaching. I studied philosophy with him. Trijang Rinpoché kindly taught me too.

“In addition, I received the support of a number of Debate Assistants. Among them Deyang Tsenshab was learned but humble, and in debate I took advantage of that. Ngodup Tsognyi was skilled at capturing the precise point of the debate. He was really helpful.

People from Kinnaur attending the Long Life Prayer offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, HP, India on 6 December 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

“Now, we’ve been in exile a long time, but we have gained opportunities too. If we had not come into exile, I doubt that I would have been able to study as thoroughly as I did. I’d have been caught up in all sorts of rituals and so forth.

“Tibetans inside and outside Tibet have shown great faith in me and I’ve done my best to fulfil that faith. Today, members of the monasteries and nunneries and the lay communities of Kinnaur are offering prayers for my long-life based on White Tara the Wish-granting Wheel.”

While his words were translated into Hindi, His Holiness put on a Kinnauri hat and smiled. He reiterated that although coming into exile involved being parted from his country, the experience had also provided Kinnauris, Tibetans and growing numbers of people from around the world to appreciate what he had to say.

“As human beings,” he continued, “we should live in a way that accords with dignity, honesty and warm-heartedness. Without concern for past or future lives, as human beings our primary interest should be in helping others. This is something that people who are not Buddhists, as well as Buddhists, can appreciate.

“I teach how to cultivate humility and a peaceful mind. If we can achieve love and compassion, it will lead to harmony among people around the world. And if we do that, our lives will have been meaningful and worthwhile. On the other hand, it would just be unfortunate to fight on the basis of ‘us’ and ‘them’. To share our lives with others out of love and compassion for them and a sense of the oneness of humanity is the best way to lead our lives.

“As human beings living on this earth, we need to be honest and truthful, to cultivate love and compassion for each other and avoid making enemies. I feel I have made some contribution to helping others appreciate this and you too have done your best—for which I thank you.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the congregation during the Long Life Prayer offered by the people of Kinnaur at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, HP, India on 6 December 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

His Holiness declared that the best gift of the Dharma is generate the Bodhisattva vow. He remarked that he meditates on the awakening mind of bodhichitta as soon as he wakes every morning and he renews his Bodhisattva vow soon after.

He noted that in exile he’s faced many ups and downs, but has taken strength from the Buddha’s teaching that speaks of nurturing a good heart—a kind intention to benefit others.

“Dharma,” he said, “is about taming our minds and cultivating a heart intent on being of help to others. Here we are in the Land of the Buddha where we can take the Bodhisattva vow and observe Bodhichitta as part of our daily lives.

“As I’ve already said, I renew my Bodhisattva vow every day. I feel it gives me the love, compassion and courage to work for others. It helps me dedicate myself to the well-being of others, which is why it is fundamentally beneficial.

“The Buddha Shakyamuni passed away more than 2500 years ago and yet his teaching has not become stale, it remains relevant today. Consequently, today, people without any prior connection or interest in Buddhism are taking an interest in it. Even in China, where there has been strong opposition to religion, people’s faith in Buddhism is firm.

“So, let’s seize this precious opportunity to take the Bodhisattva vow with delight in our hearts. This will be something significant. Please think about how fortunate we are.”

His Holiness described how to visualize the Buddha in front surrounded by the Sixteen Arhats, the Six Ornaments and Two Supremes, the Tibetan Dharma Kings and masters of all the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He asked the congregation to recite the following verses three times after him and to try to take the vow daily as he himself does.

I seek refuge in the Three Jewels;
Each and every wrongdoing I confess.
I rejoice in the virtues of all beings.
I take to heart the state of Buddhahood.

I go for refuge until I am enlightened
To the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Supreme Assembly,
In order to fulfil the aims of myself and others
I develop the awakening mind.

Having developed the aspiration for highest enlightenment,
I invite all sentient beings as my guests,
I shall enact the delightful supreme enlightening practices.
May I become a Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.

After that His Holiness gave the transmission of the mantras of the Buddha, of Avalokiteshvara, Tara and Guru Rinpoché.

He thanked all those who had contributed to offering prayers today for his long life. He told them that indications in his dreams suggest that he will live to be more than one hundred and ten years old, which was met with joyful applause.

Members of the audience from Kinnaur attending the Long Life Prayer offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, HP, India on 6 December 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

His Holiness reviewed his life once more, recalling his birth in Siling, his studies in Central Tibet, his visit to China and his coming into exile. In the face of different ups and downs, he affirmed that it has been bodhichitta that has brought him peace of mind, a good heart, courage and inner strength.

The long-life ceremony came to an end with the recitation of the ‘Prayer of the Words of Truth’ that His Holiness composed in 1960. The prayer ends:

Thus, the protector Chenrezig made vast prayers
Before the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
To fully embrace the Land of Snows;
May the good results of these prayers now quickly appear.

By the profound interdependence of emptiness and relative forms,
Together with the force of great compassion in the Three Jewels and their Words of Truth,
And through the power of the infallible law of actions and their fruits,
May this truthful prayer be unhindered and quickly fulfilled.

The Monasteries of Bodhgaya-Adobe of cultural amalgamation of south Asia 

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By  — Dilip Guha

 

Dr Kaynat Kazi is recognized as India’s first female solo traveller, and she has collected an impressive one lakh memories through her photographs. Over the past five years, she has travelled approximately three lakh kilometres in India and abroad. Kaynat is a photographer, travel writer, and blogger, but she prefers to define herself primarily as a solo female traveller, as travelling is her true passion. While photography serves as her hobby, her love for literature and research has further enriched her passion for exploration.

Her coffee table book titled “The Monasteries of Bodh Gaya-Adobe of Cultural Amalgamation of South Asia.” (English & Hindi), launched on December 6th, 2024, at the Madan Mohan Malviya Auditorium, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi. Through this book, children will get a chance to learn about the cultural heritage and history of Bodh Gaya.

The launch event was a collaboration between the literary society of Hansraj College and the Bougainvillea Art Foundation. The book was launched by Mrs Sudha Murty, Trustee, Murthy Trust & Member of Parliament, and the session was chaired by Mrs Vanathi Srinivasan, National President- Mahila Morcha, BJP & member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Sri. K K Mohammed, Renowned archaeologist and Padma awardee, Dr Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi, and Prof. (Dr.) Rama, Principal, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi was also present on the occasion

On this occasion, Mrs Sudha Murty said many things related to Lord Buddha and Bodh Gaya. She said that Buddha was a person who established peace.

Highlighting the inadequacies in historical documentation, Mrs. Murty stressed that India should not be defined solely by Bollywood or its software industry but should also be celebrated for its rich and diverse culture. She said

“If the youth of India does not know the history of their country, they will not know the future. Indian history has not been documented properly, so many important facts are not in front of us today. We learn a lot from our history. India mustn’t be known only for Bollywood and software but also for its great culture to be recognized all over the world.”

Bodh Gaya is unique for several reasons. First and foremost, it is the most significant location in Buddha’s life, as he attained enlightenment there under the Mahabodhi Tree 2,600 years ago. The entire region serves as a testament to Buddha’s path to enlightenment, and the historical and cultural remnants can be observed throughout Bodh Gaya. Situated in Bihar, about 100 km from the state capital Patna. The Mahabodhi Temple complex of Bodh Gaya is famous for Buddhist temples. The earliest temple in the complex dates back to the 3rd century BC. It was built by Emperor Ashoka in 700 AD and after that many temples were built here.

The book provides an accurate cultural record of forty monasteries located in Bodhgaya. These monasteries reflect the various civilizations of South Asian countries. Through this work, the author captures the true essence of the place while documenting the cultural legacy of these nations.

As a cultural conservationist, the author is dedicated to preserving heritage for future generations, following in the footsteps of great travellers and archaeologists from the past.

Author Kaynat has had a distinguished academic career, working for nearly a decade at Shiv Nadar University and managing the Center for Culture and Arts at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies. She conducted significant research on cultural documentation and contributed to cultural mapping in Uttarakhand under the IGNCA’s National Cultural Mapping Mission. She holds a PhD in Hindi Literature and has authored eleven books.

Her travel writings have earned multiple awards, including the Paryatan Ratna Samman and the ABP News Best Hindi Blogger Award. She is the founder of Rahagiri, India’s first Hindi travel photography blog, and her work has been showcased in photo exhibitions.

A seasoned writer, Kaynat has written extensively on tourism and culture for major Hindi newspapers. She currently leads the Bougainvillea Art Foundation, focusing on the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage.

This book penned by her offers visual joy, inner peace, and intellectual enjoyment. Bodhgaya has never seen anything like this before.

The book available in English and Hindi languages is the result of cultural documentation at 41 monasteries in Bodhgaya. The goal of this project is to conserve our country’s heritage and make it accessible to all. As a cultural conservationist, she strives to preserve the heritage for future generations in the same way that previous great travelers and archeologists did.

She said, “We feel that knowledge distribution is vital, and we are working to share it as much as possible by making a soft copy available in the country’s libraries for students and scholars to use freely”.

“The book emphasizes Bodh Gaya as a must-see destination. The English and Hindi versions of the e-books can be viewed and downloaded for free from the Bougainvillea Art Foundation website. It is a collaborative effort of like-minded individuals to promote Indian culture and history and expect more and more students to benefit from it.”

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CTA invites contributions and donations for Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama cutting a birthday cake during official celebrations marking his 88th birthday at the Main Temple courtyard in Dharamshala on July 6, 2023 (Photo/Tenzin Choejor)

Tenzin Nyidon

DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 4: The Tibetan government in exile officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), has invited contribution and donations to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Central Organising Committee outlined plans for year-long celebrations, declaring July 2025 to July 2026 as the “Year of Compassion.”

In a statement released on Monday, the CTA explained that the contributions would support various events and initiatives to honour the Dalai Lama’s extraordinary legacy. The celebrations will commence with a special long-life prayer ceremony based on the ‘Amitayus Extracting the Pure Ambrosia’ practice, to be held in Dharamshala on July 5, 2025, the eve of his birthday. The official celebration will take place the following day, coinciding with His Holiness turning 90, and will include commemorative events throughout the year on a global scale.

“The Central Organising Committee of Central Tibetan Administration invites all those who wish to contribute to this auspicious offering to make their donations through their respective Tibetan Settlement Offices or Offices of Tibet,” the statement read.

In honour of this milestone, CTA President Penpa Tsering earlier this year on July 6 declared that 2025 would be formally celebrated as the “Year of Compassion.” He said the year-long commemoration will spotlight the Dalai Lama’s four principal commitments. The CTA plans to hold four major events throughout the year, each focused on one of these commitments. Individual departments will organise and manage activities within their jurisdictions, while Offices of Tibet worldwide will develop national and institutional events. To facilitate participation, the CTA will launch an online portal providing access to materials such as films, documentaries, and exhibition content, and allowing organisers to upload details of their events.

The 90th birthday holds particular significance as it aligns with the Dalai Lama’s earlier expressed intentions to meet with senior Buddhist figures to discuss his reincarnation upon reaching this age. The issue of reincarnation has been a much discussed subject for Tibetans and Dalai Lama’s followers, given China’s repeated attempts to assert control over the process for political gains.

On September 29, 2022, the 16th Cabinet released an official position paper affirming its stance on the matter. The document emphasised the Cabinet’s commitment to safeguarding the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process, while addressing concerns related to the issue reaffirming that the sole authority of the matter rests with the 89 year old Tibetan leader.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Shri Kiren Rijiju Attend 25th Anniversary Celebrations of Dragon Palace Temple in Nagpur

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By — Shyamal Sinha

The Dragon Palace Temple marked its 25th anniversary in a grand event at Kamptee, Nagpur on November 15, 2024. The Ogawa Society of Japan which has contributed towards building the beautiful monastery complex at Kamptee was represented by around 50 monks from Japan. The event began in the morning of 15th November with a celebration march by a group of Japanese monks who entered the monastery from a distance with conchs and drums playing alongside chanting in Japanese. The special prayer at the main monastery was led by Ven. Nichiyu (Kansen) Mochida and the venerable monks from Japan. Ms Takako Tanaka daughter of Mahaupasika Madam Noriko Ogawa also attended the event. Madam Norito Ogawa has been instrumental in assisting Ms Sulekhatai Kumbhare, the host of the event and the owner the Dragon Palace temple complex, in setting up the dragon palace temple complex. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) co- partnered with the Dragon Palace Temple in organising the event. A number of international monks and those from different parts of India attended the event on behalf of the IBC. Around 5000 people from Kamptee and other parts of Nagpur attended the event.

Union minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju participated in the event and spoke on the occasion. Shri Gajendra Singh Sekhawat stated that the Dragon Palace temple is a symbol of the commitment and dedication of the people of this region and our Japanese friends towards the essence and relevance of the Buddha Dhamma. Shri Shekhawat was optimistic that this bond will form the basis for future cooperation between the Buddhist domains in India and Japan and lauded Ms Sulekhatai’s efforts at encouraging these interactions. As the Minister of Culture he also shared his commitment to develop numerous Buddhist sites in Maharashtra, including the Dragon Palace temple which will form part of such larger national circuits which are being envisaged.

Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju said that the role of Babasaheb Ambedkar in spreading the message of the Buddha has been tremendous in Maharashtra. His deep understanding of the sociopolitical narrative enabled him to begin what is also considered as the second major Dhamma event in India. Shri Kiren Rijiju also maintained that Babasaheb Ambedkar’s contribution is immense towards the society and mankind in general, and this is due to the fact that certain of his ideas appear to have not only endured but have gained fresh significance as a result of the passage of time. His message about the necessity to provide religion with a new doctrinal framework that “shall be in consonance with liberty, equality, and fraternity, in short, with democracy” is only one example. Because of this, there was a “total transformation of life’s priorities.”

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