Liuzu Temple in Guangdong Province, China. From news.ubc.ca
By Shyamal Sinha
Liuzu Temple in Guangdong Province, China. From news.ubc.ca
The Liuzu Temple is based in the Guangdong province of China. The elder monk Ven. Tianzhu was an eminent Chan monk who was the abbot of the Liuzu Temple and who over the course of ninety years, worked tirelessly to promote benevolence and compassion across Chinese society through various Buddhist activities.
The University of California, Berkeley, the University of British Columbia, Harvard University, and McMaster University announced this month that they will each receive funding from a newly developed grant from Liuzu Temple, a Chan Buddhist temple in China’s Guangdong Province. The US$4.9 million grant, which founds the Tianzhu Global Network for the Study of Buddhist Cultures, was awarded to an international partnership of universities, which also includes Ghent University in Belgium and the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (INALCO) in France. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sun Yat Sen University, and Peking University, all recipients of funding from Liuzu Temple, will also act as partners with the Tianzhu Global Network.
“The network is named after the late Venerable Tianzhu, an eminent Chan monk and former abbot of Liuzu Temple who worked tirelessly over his 90 years to promote benevolence and compassion across Chinese society through Buddhism. In 2013, Liuzu Temple created the Tianzhu Foundation, a charitable group made up of volunteers whose goal is to carry out activities related to culture, society, spirituality, and wisdom.” (Ghent University)
The US$4.9 million grant project will be led by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver and will focus on Buddhism and East Asian cultures. Each of the partner universities will receive US$105,250 per year to advance their research in this area and to host an international conference on Buddhist culture during the five-year period of the gift. UBC, as the leader of the global network, will host a Buddhist cultural festival each year, a Buddhist studies week, and a lecture series on Buddhist studies in addition to their international conference.
“We are grateful to Liuzu Temple for this generous donation,” said Professor Santa J. Ono, president of UBC. “Academic partnerships like these create an opportunity to foster international collaboration between different disciplines around the study of Buddhism, and to place UBC at the forefront of scholarly exchange in religious study.” (UBC)
As part of the network, UC Berkeley will host an international conference on Buddhist philosophy this spring, as well as a week-long intensive workshop on early Chan Buddhist texts. In addition, UC Berkeley PhD students in Buddhist Studies will participate in summer field research projects in China, Korea, and Japan.
The Liuzu donation complements a US$2.5-million grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) to support a project called From the Ground Up: East Asian Religions through Multi-Media Sources and Interdisciplinary Perspectives, which began in 2016 and will continue until 2023. The project aims to build a public collection of religious materials, including texts, artifacts, photographs, and recordings at UBC to enhance public and scholarly understanding of Buddhism and East Asian cultures. (Ghent University)
“Research in this field has been hindered by distance and borders that make it difficult to share and disseminate new findings,” said Jinhua Chen, From the Ground Up principal investigator and professor in the UBC department of Asian studies. “Thanks to this support from Liuzu Temple and SSHRC, we have an opportunity to overcome disciplinary boundaries and advance knowledge of Buddhism and East Asian cultures—a vital step forward as the economic and political importance of this region surges.” (Ghent University)
VIJAYAWADA: Vijayawada is all set to create a world record by orchestrating global chant for world peace with around 1,000 monks during Amaravati Buddhist Conclave from February 3 to 5, Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya Reddy has said. Holding a review meeting with the officials concerned here on Wednesday, Akhila Priya said Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama will be attending the Buddhist Heritage festival to be hosted by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority in Vijayawada.She said the three-day festival will see the monks, students , bureaucrats and politicians participating in the festival. Also, a heritage walk, performance by Shaolin monks of China and cultural programmes by artistes will also be arranged.
CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing members of the Tibet groups in France with Representative Tashi Phuntsok and Secretary of Tibet Bureau Namgyal Samdup at Paris.
By Shyamal Sinha
CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing members of the Tibet groups in France with Representative Tashi Phuntsok and Secretary of Tibet Bureau Namgyal Samdup at Paris.
Dr Lobsang Sangay expressed the Tibetan Community in France during his second leg of three-nation Europe visit yesterday. Representative Tashi Phuntsok and Secretary of Bureau du Tibet Namgyal Samdup also attended the talk.
In his address, Dr Sangay underlined the importance of following the laws and the ways of the host country but at the same time he added that it is of crucial importance that the Tibetans “integrate and not assimilate.”
Citing the cases of 151 Tibetans who have self-immolated in Tibet for the Tibetan identity and of Tashi Wangchuk who is imprisoned for voicing the need of Tibetan Language to be taught to Tibetan children, Dr Sangay added the importance of preserving our identity living in the democracies and he further urged the Tibetan community in France to shoulder the responsibility of incorporating Tibetan culture and to take initiative to send their children to the weekend Tibetan language schools.
Tibetan Language that serves as repository of the teachings of Buddha, Dr Sangay highlighted the importance of the Tibetan language as a bridge in learning, understanding and analysing of Buddhism that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has called for.
Briefing on the functioning of the Tibetan democracy in exile and freedom of speech as an important part of the democracy, Dr Sangay called for constructive criticism and at the same time urged the Tibetans to be wary of the misinformation and digital propaganda on the social media deliberately designed to cause discrepancies in the Tibetan community. Referencing the WeChat app, Dr Sangay added that viewing and sharing of such content promotes such misleading disruptive information and urged the Tibetans to refrain from doing so.
Speaking of the growing trend of political participation by Tibetans witnessed through the election process as a matter of great pride of the Tibetan democracy in exile, Dr Sangay urged the Tibetans in France to take part in the election process of their local Tibetan community association and to volunteer to be members of the community association.
He further acknowledged the Tibetans who have made voluntary contributions in Tibetan weekend language schools and in the promotion and preservation of the Tibetan identity amongst younger generation growing up in France and added the importance of continuation.
Prior to the interaction with the Tibetan community, Dr Sangay met with the members of Tibet Support Groups at the Bureau Du Tibet. Dr Sangay spoke of the untiring efforts and contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Iterating the objective of his visit to meet old friends of Tibet and to make new friends. Dr Sangay highlighted the importance of Tibet Support Groups and thanked the group for voicing their support. The meeting coordinated by Secretary of Bureau du Tibet Namgyal Samdup and was attended by Representative Tashi Phuntsok along with members of 25 Tibet Support Groups.
– Report filed by Communication Officer Tenzin Lhakmon –
CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing Tibetan community in France with Representative Tashi Phuntsok and Secretary of Tibet Bureau Namgyal Samdup at Paris.
Members of the Tibetan community at CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay’s talk at Paris.
The Laba festival is celebrated by eating Laba congee, a savory rice porridge. From sbs.com.au
By Shyamal Sinha
The Laba festival is celebrated by eating Laba congee, a savory rice porridge. From sbs.com.au
As a traditional Chinese festival celebrated by Han nationality, Laba Festival is regarded as the prelude to the Chinese Spring Festival. It falls on the eighth day of the twelfth month of Chinese lunar calendar (usually in January in Gregorian calendar). The twelfth month is called ‘La month’ and eight is pronounced as ‘Ba’ in Chinese. So, the festival is thus named. As people make and eat rice porridges to celebrate the day, it is named the Rice Porridge Festival as well.
Chinese people across the world gathered at their local Buddhist temples on Wednesday to celebrate the Laba festival by eating specially prepared congee. The festival falls on the eighth day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar—24 January this year—which, according to the Mahayana tradition, is the day the Buddha attained enlightenment.
The word Laba comes from the Chinese name for the 12th lunar month “La” (臘) and “ba” (八), the Chinese word for “eight.” On this day, Chinese people traditionally worship their ancestors, and pray for a bountiful harvest, good health, and fortune, although it was only later in its history that the festival was attributed Buddhist significance.
The festival is also known as Laba Zhu, where zhu has a similar pronunciation to zhou, which means rice porridge. However, this is not the reason why the festival is celebrated by eating congee; just before attaining enlightenment, the Buddha, who was on his last legs in terms of health, was given some curd by a shepherd girl. As Buddhism spread from India to China, the curd was replaced with rice porridge (congee) common in China.
Eight-treasure congee usually consists of at least eight different types of rice, beans, fruits, and nuts. Some of these ingredients have to soak for a day before they can be cooked. From sbs.com.au
The special rice porridge eaten on this day is known as eight-treasure congee, and usually consists of at least eight different vegetarian ingredients, including rice, beans, fruits, and nuts. The exact ingredients depend on what is grown locally or what is locally available, and therefore ties in closely with the old tradition of praying for a good harvest during the festival. Along with the glutinous rice that makes up the staple ingredient of the congee, a local community might add lotus seeds, black-eyed beans, chickpeas, Chinese mushrooms, carrots, red dates, peanuts, and yams.
The Laba festival is celebrated across China, and everyone eats Laba congee. Buddhist temples cook the congee in bulk and many make the journey to temples to collect their bowl of rice porridge. The temples also distribute free congee at construction sites, communities, hospitals, nursing homes, and welfare houses.
The festival grew in popularity during the Qing dynasty (1636–1912), when the emperor, empress, and princes would offer Laba congee to ministers, or imperial maids. As for the common people, families would get together and cook Laba congee to worship their ancestors.
Temples hand out congee during the Laba festival. From sbs.com.au
The Laba festival is also considered to be part of the preparation for Chinese New Year, which follows soon afterwards. Laba therefore serves as a reminder to begin preparations for the lunar new year celebrations and for travelers to return home to reunite with their families.
The festival is also popular with overseas Chinese communities. At Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong, Australia—the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere—Venerable Miaoyou observes that the festival is celebrated by the entire Chinese community and has, to some extent, surpassed its religious intent. Such is its popularity that those who are not religious also join in the festival, in the much the same way that many non-Christians like to celebrate Christmas. This year, devotees at Nan Tien Temple cooked more than 1,000 bowls of porridge, which were offered to the public for free.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama playfully wearing a garland over his head at the inaugural ceremony of the new Wat Pa Buddhagaya Vanaram Temple, Bodh Gaya, 25 January 2018. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
By Staff Reporter
His Holiness the Dalai Lama playfully wearing a garland over his head at the inaugural ceremony of the new Wat Pa Buddhagaya Vanaram Temple, Bodh Gaya, 25 January 2018. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
BODH GAYA: His Holiness Dalai Lama on Thursday inaugurated the Thai Bharat Society’s Wat Pa Buddhagaya Vanaram Temple near the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.
The Tibetan spiritual leader was received at the new Thai Temple by Chief Abbot of Buddhist Thai Bharat Society, Dr Phra Bhodhinandhamunee and General Secretary, Dr Ratneswar Chakma with a Thai ceremonial welcome.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the temple, His Holiness told the Thai devotees that as followers of the Pali tradition, they were the senior most disciples of Buddha. He said that historically the Pali Tradition derived directly from the Buddha’s first teachings, which make its followers the most senior disciples. “Followers of the Sanskrit Tradition also rely on the Perfection of Wisdom teachings that came about as part of the second turning of the wheel of dharma”.
His Holiness offered that the Buddhist teachings had much to contribute to the world, particularly in promoting peace of mind and compassion. “The essence of Buddhism is compassion or karuna. Since the world needs more compassion we should look into how we Buddhists can contribute to it. It’s not a question of converting others to Buddhism, but of seeing how we can contribute to human peace of mind, by, for example, showing how to tackle our negative emotions. That would really benefit humanity,” he said.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives at the Wat Pa Buddhagaya Vanaram Temple to inaugurate the new temple, 18 January 2018. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
“Today, even scientists are showing interest in what Buddhism has to say about the mind and emotions. The knowledge we’ve kept alive remains relevant because it can help reduce our negative emotions and the power they have over us”.
His Holiness also proposed that the Tibetan and Thai Buddhist communities should engage in dialogue and exchange of knowledge for the greater benefit. “There are some Buddhist teachings only available in Pali and others only available in the Sanskrit tradition. We should engage in research and an exchange of experience. We need closer relations and a common effort to present Buddhism in the 21st century”.
“In the 70s, some of our monks went to Bangkok where they learned Thai as well as participating in various aspects of practice. They’re old now, but we could send young monks again and welcome Thai monks to our monasteries. Tibetans could learn Thai and Thais could learn Tibetan”.
The chief abbot, Dr Phra Bhodhinandhamunee thanked His Holiness for blessing the temple and announced that the Thai Bharat Society would provide opportunities for all visitors to learn and practise meditation in the new temple.
On Friday, His Holiness will bestow Bhikshu ordination vows to 60 Buddhist monks.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama exchanging greetings with the Chief Abbot of Buddhist Thai Bharat Society, Dr Phra Bhodhinandhamunee on his arrival at the new Thai Temple, Bodh Gaya. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the inaugural ceremony of the new Thai temple at Bodh Gaya, 18 January 2018. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with members and supporters of the Wat Pa Buddhagaya Vanaram Temple, Bodh Gaya, 18 January 2018. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
A file photo of Dr Yeshi Dhondhen receiving an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
By Shyamal Sinha
A file photo of Dr Yeshi Dhondhen receiving an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The famous cancer and Aids specialist Dr. Yeshi Dhonden has achieved a lot in his profession. In the mid 70′s, he was invited to the University of Virginia for the purpose of lecturing about Tibetan Medicine.
Dr Lobsang Sangay congratulated Dr Yeshi Dhonden, a noted Tibetan medical practitioner for being names as one of the recipients of the prestigious Padma Shri award by the government of India. He is the second Tibetan to receive the prestigious award from the Indian government after Geshe Ngawang Samten.
“We congratulate his personal contribution and recognition of Tibetan medicine which is now increasingly being discovered and treasured by the international community for its healing prowess,” President Dr Lobsang Sangay who is currently on an official visit to Europe, said.
Dr Yeshi Dhonden is a Buddhist monk and was His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s personal physician for about twenty years from 1960 to 1980. He has been conferred the Padma Shri award for his contribution towards medicine by the government of India on the 69th anniversary of India’s Republic Day.
He has gained a reputation over the years for being highly effective and beneficial to patients, particularly as a cancer specialist. He was both Director and principal of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (TMAI) until 1979. .
Dr Yeshi Dhonden is known as one of the foremost Tibetan doctors of the world. Over the last 63 years, he has successfully treated patients with all kinds of ailments at his present Clinic located at Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala.
According to legend, it was the first building in Tibet and the palace of the first Tibetan king, Nyatri Tsenpo.
Yumbu Lhakhang, an ancient palace believed to be the oldest of its kind in Tibet, is undergoing an extensive state-funded 10 million yuan (US$1.5 million) renovation project aimed at ensuring that the aging structure will continue to survive for many more years to come, Chinese media have reported.
The palace, believed to date to the 2nd century BCE, is in poor condition, with a decaying wooden structure and cracked walls, according to Champa Tsering, head of the Cultural Relics Bureau in Shannan, a prefecture-level city in the southeast of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Tsering noted that renovation work, which began in November last year, will focus on reinforcing the underlying structure, without altering the palace’s original appearance.
Perched atop Tashi Tsere Hill in the Yarlung Valley about 192 kilometers southeast of Lhasa, Yumbu Lhakhang—yumbu means female deer in Tibetan and the name is reportedly derived from the shape of the hill it stands upon—is currently closed to visitors while the renovation project is underway. Work is expected to be completed by April this year.
Yumbu Lhakhang is said to have been built in the 2nd century BCE on behalf of Tibet’s first king, Nyatri Tsenpo, who is believed to have reigned from 127 BCE. The year of Nyatri Tsenpo’s enthronement marks the first year of the Tibetan calendar, and Losar, the traditional Tibetan New Year, is celebrated in his honor.
Renovation work at Yumbu Lhakhang is expected to be completed by April. From xinhuanet.com
According to legend, during the reign of Tibet’s 28th king, Thothori Nyantsen, in the fifth century CE, a number of relics fell from the sky onto the roof of the place. They included a jewel inscribed with the mantra om mani padme hum and a volume of scriptures that no one at the time was able to read, but were subsequently found to be Buddhist sutras. Yumbu Lakhang later became the summer palace of Tibet’s 33rd king and founder of the Tibetan Empire (618–842), Songtsen Gampo (b. 557–617, d. 649). His consort, the Chinese princess Wencheng, a member of a minor branch of the royal clan of the China’s Tang dynasty is often credited, along with Songtsen Gampo’s Nepalese wife, Bhrikuti, with introducing Buddhism to Tibet. Songtsen Gampo later transferred the seat of his temporal and spiritual authority to Lhasa, and Yumbu Lhakhang was used as a shrine.
During the reign (1642–82) of the 5th Dalai Lama Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617–82), the palace was turned into a monastery for the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery later sustained severe damage during China’s Cultural revolution and was reduced to a single story structure, but was rebuilt in 1983. The palace has been listed as a regional-level cultural relic since 1962.
The existing three-floor structure of the tallest tower comprises numerous Buddhist chapels, accommodation for monks, along with other buildings. The first floor houses a small hall and a chapel that enshrines statues of Nyatri Tsenpo, Songtsen Gampo, and various ministers and officials. The second floor contains a Sutra Chanting Hall with statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Chenrezig/Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa school, Padmasambhava, and four Vajradhara sculptures. The walls are decorated with murals recording stories and legends from early Tibetan history, the most famous of which depicts Nyatri Tsenpo’s arrival in Tibet from heaven.
According to a government white paper published in 2015, the Xinhua News Agency reported, Beijing has spent more than 1.4 billion yuan (US$219 million) since the 1980s restoring Tibetan cultural relics and refurbishing key monasteries.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets well-wishers as he arrives at the Kalachakra Maidan on Sunday. The Dalai Lama is expected to remain in Bodh Gaya until 2 February. From dalailama.com
By Shyamal Sinha
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets well-wishers as he arrives at the Kalachakra Maidan on Sunday. The Dalai Lama is expected to remain in Bodh Gaya until 2 February. From dalailama.com
Security beefed up in Bodh Gaya, after two crude explosive devices were discovered late on Friday, following a reported “low-intensity” explosion near the Kalachakra ground, a site for public gatherings and events. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is currently in Bodh Gaya, where he is conducting a series of teachings and empowerments, along with thousands of followers from around the world. The Dalai Lama had already retired for the day, having completed his teaching, when the explosion was heard on Friday night.
“It was a low-intensity explosion which alerted the security forces and prompted them to search the entire area,” a security official told reporters. “They recovered two bombs packed in cans, which were later destroyed. Security in the area has been stepped up and a massive probe is being carried out.” (The Asian Age)
According to local media reports, officials from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) believe the small explosion occurred near a generator by a tea kitchen set up just outside the maidan. A burst thermos flask was found, which police believe may have been the cause. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of two explosive devices described as “cane bombs”—one near the Sri Lankan monastery in Bodh Gaya and another by gate No.4 of the ancient Mahabodhi Temple complex that marks the location where the historical Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment some 2,500 years ago.
“We always make elaborate security arrangement for such events and vigilant police have recovered the two bombs from the site,” a senior police official said. (The Hindu)
Security has been beefed up around the Mahabodhi Temple complex and other sensitive sites in Bodh Gaya. Photo by Ashok Sinha. From indianexpress.com
A police inspector-general told The Telegraph newspaper that he had reviewed the Dalai Lama’s security arrangements and increased the number of officers assigned to His Holiness.
“The police have some definite leads and the investigation is proceeding in that direction,” a senior police official said. “An alert has been sounded and devotees are being advised not to touch any abandoned article.” (The Telegraph)
The Tibetan spiritual leader has been in Bodh Gaya, where he is residing at the Tibetan temple, since the beginning of January and is expected to remain until 2 February for the month-long Kalachakra Puja. Some 10,000 Buddhist pilgrims from across the Himalayan region and around the world, including actor Richard Gere, have traveled to Bodh Gaya to attend the scheduled teachings.
“[Our] vigil has been intensified in the entire town. Every visitor is being checked and has to pass through metal detector gates,” said a senior police official. (The Hindu)
On Monday, police and intelligence sources on reportedly said that the Dalai Lama was not the intended target of the explosive devices. “The Dalai Lama does not appear to have been the target as he was not scheduled to cross the routes where the two bombs were placed. But Buddhists could have been the target,“ a police official said. “There is a heavy inflow of monks during evening prayer. The second bomb, found opposite Mahabodhi Society, is on the route of the monks. We need to look beyond predictable angles of suspected [Indian Mujahideen] involvement to avenge atrocities against Rohingya Muslims . . .” (The Indian Express)
Security has been stepped up after two explosive devices were discovered on Friday. From indianexpress.com
Security in Bodh Gaya has been stepped up since the devices were found, particularly at foreign monasteries and other potentially sensitive sites, with additional security personnel deployed.
“We have to take it seriously. In each explosive, about 7 kilograms of ammonium nitrate appears to have been used and then the explosive was placed in thermos-like containers,” said a police source, adding that it was only a matter of luck that the explosives were found in time. (The Indian Express)
A forensics department source said the explosives would have resulted in “medium-scale” damage had they been detonated: “This is probably the first time such [a] heavy amount of explosives was placed.” (The Indian Express)
In July 2013, a series of 10 bombs exploded in and around the Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, injuring five people, including two Buddhist monks. Three other devices were defused by bomb-disposal personnel. The NIA subsequently concluded that the Indian Mujahideen terrorist group was responsible for the blasts.
Security personnel patrol the Mahabodhi Temple complex. Photo by Ashok Sinha. From indianexpress.com with input from our Reporter Siddharth Kr.Bodhgaya.
CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay with the Thank You India Souvenir – A Dharmachakra representing the wheel of Universal truth, at the press conference at Press Club of India on 18 January 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
Published By Jamphel Shonu
CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay with the Thank You India Souvenir – A Dharmachakra representing the wheel of Universal truth, at the press conference at Press Club of India on 18 January 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
Asian Age Question: You have spoken about Chinese repression in Tibet. You have also said that Tibet has been under occupation for six to seven decades. How would you look at this in the light of the Dalai Lama’s statement that Tibetans are not seeking independence? So do you think Tibet is an occupied country and you are seeking independence from China or what exactly are you seeking? Could we have clarity on that? My second question is what happens after the current Dalai Lama resigns as the apex spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism? After the current Dalai Lama, has the Tibetans thought of a system to choose the next Dalai Lama?
Sikyong: Historically, Tibet was an independent nation. You can go back to the 9th century. As per the treaty signed in 821, it clearly says that Tibetans will be happy in the great land of Tibet and the Chinese will be happy in the China signed by the representative of Chinese emperor and representative of the Tibetan king. Since then Tibet has its own judiciary, own tax system, own currency. Till the occupation of Tibet in 1959, we use our own currency, our own postal system, not even a single case on Tibetan matter has been sent to a Chinese court. So, Tibet was a de facto and de jure independent country. There is no dispute about that.
However, after coming under the occupation of China, the Chinese government says the sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be negotiated. Hence, we say we will take that into account but give Tibetans genuine autonomy as per the constitution within China. That’s the Middle Way Approach. That’s the middle ground of Tibet under occupation and ending the repression of the Tibetan people. So, historically Tibet was independent. Now what we say is give genuine autonomy to the Tibetan people. So, what we seek is genuine autonomy.
Question: Has the Central Tibetan Administration given up the demand for independence? Yes or No?
Sikyong: Yes, in the sense that Tibet was independent but what we seek now is genuine autonomy as per Chinese laws. As far as His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is concerned, we must take into account that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is currently very healthy and he will live very long. As per many prophecies and our belief and prayers, he will live beyond a hundred. I know journalists keep asking this question what happens to the next Dalai Lama. Actually he has addressed that issue in 2011 where he has said that he could come in the form of reincarnation that means someone has to pass away and reborn, or selection, like the cardinals selecting the pope, high lamas will meet and select the next Dalai lama, or by emanation, that means the present Dalai Lama could designate his successor. So this is on the table. Not only have we thought through, there is a plan as well. Hence this process will take place. Now as far as China is concerned, what they say is rather odd. They say that they have the right to select the next Dalai Lama but not the Dalai Lama. So, isn’t that odd? Given the track record of the Communist Chinese government, they have destroyed 98% of the monasteries, disrobed 99% of the nuns and monks. So, their track record is very bad as far as religious freedom is concerned and preservation of Tibetan Buddhism is concerned. So it’s for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to decide who will be the next Dalai Lama.
Question: As you said you are still refugees in India. You are part of the Indian system; you have Aadhaar card and everything. So why do you want to thank India as you are still in India. You are not going anywhere.
Sikyong: As far as our tradition is concerned, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama also advises us to keep your old friends, and make new friends. Don’t keep making new friends and forget your old friends. So our values are very grateful values that we have. You should always remember your old friends who have been with you. Even among friends, family or couples, its good to say thank you to your wife or friends from time to time. So hence, this is what we are doing. We have been in India and no country has done more for Tibet than this great country. And from time to time, it’s very important to say thank you. And we do it with all sincerity and the reasons that we already gave you. Hence, this is our value. We should always be thankful to our friends and specially our dear ones. We must have occasion to celebrate it and take part in all the major events that were listed today. So, yes we are still here but it’s a reminder to us that we are here till the Tibet issue is solved and we are grateful to the government and people of India.
Question: Are you going to meet the prime minister and ask him to attend any one of your programs?
Sikyong: This is a gift that we have. The wheel of Universal Truth, it is from the ASHOK CHAKRA . This symbol holds a lot of deep meaning. We will be presenting this to the government of India. So His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be here on 31 March at Rajghat where there will be an interfaith prayer. We will invite all the leaders of the major religious traditions and we will be presenting the souvenir to all of them. So whoever accepts it, we will be presenting. So definitely, we will welcome and it will be a honour for us if any one from the government comes. But again, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says this is the value that we follow. We don’t want to cause any inconvenience to anyone. So, we will present the gift to anyone who will come and receive it. We are hopeful that someone form the government and connected to the government will come. We just marked the 80th birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2015. During the celebration, the minister of Culture Dr Mahesh Sharma and Shir Kiren Rjiju, a very close friend of the Tibetan people, minister of state for Home affairs also came. So we are very hopeful that someone from the government will come. And yes we would like to thank Prime Minister Modi ji and his cabinet members and the government. We would also like to thank all the opposition party members including congress party for all the support rendered so far.
Question: You said you are practicing Gandhian form of non-violence. What is wrong with the Buddhist way of non-violence and how different is it from the Buddhist form of non-violence?
Sikyong: I think both are the same. We follow Gandhian Ahimsa. If you read Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and speeches, he is greatly influenced by Buddhism as well. Ahimsa has become a universal term now. Ahimsa is associated with non-violence. We don’t want to take the ownership and say that the ahimsa that we follow is Buddhist ahimsa, we just want to say Gandhian ahimsa because Gandhian ahimsa has become a universal term and universal concept. So we are subscribing to that notion. As Buddhists, the non-violence that we practice will be a Buddhist way of Non violence. This is part of thank you India programme. We are being inclusive and sharing.
Buddhist Times: On what ground, did you caution China? There was a report that you have cautioned India against China? Why? What was the reason?
Sikyong: What I have said is, when Tibet was occupied in 1950’s, all the neighboring nations including India didn’t do much. Of course there was leaders like Vallabhai Patel who cautioned and said we have to be careful while dealing with China. It is Tibet now but it could be us later. Not many leaders followed that advice.
We have been saying it for the last 60 years. After the occupation of Tibet, this is not the end. This is just the beginning. Chinese leaders themselves have said. Tibet is the palm. Once they occupy the palm they must go after the five fingers. The five fingers are Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Not just the five fingers, between the five fingers there are spaces. That’s Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, etc. Hence, since 2010, the incursion from the Chinese border has increased manifold. Doklam is just one of the symptoms. Indian and China are the two largest populated countries in the world. As far as Tibet is concerned, We want to see India have good relations with all its neighbors and the world including China and hence India and China has a complex and multilayered relationship, they should have good relations. But India should also be careful. Because already Doklam has happened, This morning, I saw on the news China is installing some permanent set ups in Doklam. And then there is the issue with Nepal. Nepal is the only other Hindu country in the world and there is a little bit more China leaning government there. So if you look at all the neighbors of India, there is a lot China influence. So it’s only natural that I nudge my host and tell them to be careful. Sixty years ago, we lost our country; we don’t want to see other countries, other places suffer the same consequences.
Question: Are you seeking a special status form the Indian government? Do you want more from India?
Technically we are still refugees. Indian government has done a lot for us. Our education, our lands have all been subsidized by the government. Indian government has done a lot. So, do we want more? May be a little bit. As a guest, we hope a little bit more. As I said, India can do a little more on the political side. India can make Tibet a core issue between the Sino-Indian bilateral talks. India can put Tibet on the table and have a discussion on the issue. India’s security is partly dependent on the situation in Tibet. When Tibet was an independent country, there was no border incursion. Thousands of Indian troop stationed on the border was not needed. Billions of dollars that is spent weekly monthly basis, India can spend it on education or healthcare. This was not necessary. And also the two countries of Tibet and India is connected spiritually. Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarover are in Tibet. Now that you raised the issue of refugees, we also give refuge to Lord Shiva in Tibet. So, jai Bholenath.
Question: There is an intelligence report that China is recruiting unemployed Tibetan youth to spy on India. This issue was raised by His Holiness when he visited Arunachal as well. There is rising unemployment in the Tibetan community. And there is intelligence report that China might try to exploit it by paying disgruntled youth to spy against India. As prime minister of Tibet, do you see it as a concern?
Sikyong: India is a country with 1.3 billion population. So, there is an employment issue. Tibetans are just part of it. I read the report about IB suspecting some Tibetans may be spying for China. But that is part of the same spy/espionage exercise. Obviously, India may be trying to recruit people in China; China may be trying to recruit people in India. So, it’s part of the process. But Tibetans in general will not be bought that easily. And if there are any who is doing it, we condemn it. We just say; we are thankful to India, don’t do anything against India. Even though this is just a report that we read. We don’t know for sure but we would like to believe that there is zero possibility. But this is part of the process. There will always be some bad potatoes in the community.
Question: What is the current status of the talks between CTA and China? Is there any talks taking place or is there any back channel going on?
Sikyong: If you go by the history of talks, the Tibetan delegation including of CTA went to China and Tibet. And then the second time, from 2002 to 2010, the envoys of the Dalai Lama did meet the representatives of China for nine rounds of formal dialogue. But there was no breakthrough. So it ended in January 2010. So for eight years, there is no dialogue. So we would like to see the envoys of the Dalai Lama meet their Chinese counterparts to solve the issue of Tibet peacefully. So there is no formal dialogue. Back channel is a complicated definition.
As His Holiness the Dalai Lama says, we are transparent. Any Chinese who want to come to Dharamshala and talk to us, we are willing to share all the information that they want to know.
Question: You have said that China wants to be the no.1. You have agreed that China has this expansionist ambition and you have also clarified today that Tibet is not looking for independence but genuine autonomy. Following up, you also said India should have good relations with China because that is important for regional peace and security of the continent. My question to you now is, the only way to have good relations with China is to agree to their demands? Because that is what it seems to be the case with Tibet here? I mean in general, the only way one can be a good friend with China is to agree to that they say? Is that the only way?
Sikyong: You are a good journalist because all the points that I said you connected and put it into a question. As a Tibetan, I will obviously say if you solve the issue of Tibet, you will have good relations between India and Tibet. But generally it’s true. Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders have said that the stability and security of China is dependent on stability and security of Tibet. For China, it’s that important. For India also, the Pakistan border issue is very small. The border that India shares with China, which is actually Tibetan border is 3000 kms long. So stability and security of China is dependent on that Himalyan region. More incursions are taking place from that area. So, before Tibet served as a buffer zone between these two big nations. Both the countries didn’t have to worry about border security. Now both are worried. The border is so long, you think unless I make some incursions into the other side, the other side will incur into your area. So based on this mistrust and suspicion, you get into this act. So its clear that the major reasons for this mistrust and suspicion is the long border. So both sides have to address this.
China has occupied Tibet. And India has the only legitimacy and credibility to speak about Tibet. If you go back, in 1914 the Shimla convention took place and the Shimla agreement was signed between British India and the prime minister of the Tibetan government Lonchen Shatra. Now on the sidelines of the Shimla convention, a border agreement was singed. Tibet was represented by its Prime Minister Lochen Shatra and British India was represented by Sir Henry Mcmahon. Now India says the Mcmaohnline is the preferred border. If India wants Mcmaohn line to be the preferred border, the signatory to the treaty is the Tibetan Prime Minister, not Chinese prime minister. So we have a claim or owner ship of that treaty. And also on the sidelines, a trade agreement was signed. If you look at the panchsheel, the body of the panchsheel trade route and tax and all that in preamble, India and China agreed to put five points and call it panchsheel. But its actually a trade agreement. The trade agreement was supposed to be renewed every 10 years, 1914 – 24, 34, till 1944, it was renewed between Tibet and India. But in 1954, Pubdit Nehru though they will rebew it with Beijing and sent a delegation to China. After several months, they came back and called it Panchsheel. Its only the preamble but the body is still trade. India wanted the Panchsheel to last 25 years, Chian wanted it to last 5 years. They negotiated a lot and in the end they agreed on five years, that’s why I say India has to be careful Because after five years in 1959, what happened was Tibet was occupied and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has to flee Lhasa on 17 March and enter India on 31 March 1959. After eight years, the 1962 Sino-Indian war took place. So when Panchsheel was singed, the occupation of Tibet and 1962 war was put in there. So you are signing a peace treaty (Panchsheel) but the plan for war and occupation was already planted there. So there are so many reasons why we must address this issue. If you address this issue, a major part of India’s issue can be addressed as well.
The 1,800-year-old panel Devotees of Buddha. From deccanchronicle.com
By Shyamal Sinha
The 1,800-year-old panel Devotees of Buddha. From deccanchronicle.com
A group of heritage enthusiasts living around the globe have started the India Pride Project to ensure all stolen Indian artefacts is returned to India. At one point there was a lot of frustration that national treasures were being peddled around the world just because someone wanted to make some money.
Representatives of the India Pride Project (IPP), a nationwide body dedicated to bringing back India’s lost treasures, have called for an 1,800-year-old Buddhist sculpture to be returned to Amaravati, the de facto capital of the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh.
The statue depicting the life of the Buddha was stolen from Amaravati and then sold to the National Gallery of Australia in 2005. After previous efforts by the IPP, the media, and the goverments of Australia and India, the sculpture was passed to India’s minister of culture, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in September 2016. However, it has since remained in storage in New Delhi warehouse.
The IPP is now urging the state governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (the two Telugu speaking states that were forrmerly a united Andhra Pradesh), to bring the sculpture back to Amaravati, the site of a celebrated Buddhist centre during the 2nd century BCE.
Heritage activist Anuradha Reddy has suggested that the Buddhist museum in Amaravati, which already houses a rich collection of antiquities and manuscripts, would be a suitable place to accommodate the statue. The IPP has requested that the statue be returned by Ugadi, the New Year celebration observed by Hindus in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
“[The statue has been] lying in a warehouse in Delhi for the last one-and-half years. The point we are trying to [make] is that the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments need to stress enough for the idols to reach their rightful places,” said IPP founder Anurag Saxena. (The New Indian Express)
“We should do this to showcase that the Andhra Pradesh government can successfully claim what belongs to Telugu people. The state of Andhra Pradesh should raise a formal request to [the] Ministry of Culture, government of India, and reinstate this artifact in a grand ceremony around the time of Ugadi,” Saxena observed. (The Times of India)
Other artifacts have undergone similar fates, such as an object related to monarch Nizam of Hyderabad, which was also sold to an Australian museum. The government has yet to make any efforts to bring this artifact back. “Foreign governments are willing to give back these treasures but our governments don’t stress enough,” said Saxena. (The New Indian Express)
Dr. C. S. Rangaranjan, hereditary priest of the Chilkur Balaji Temple in Telangana, noted that five statues were stolen from the temple in 2000. “So we know the agony. Idols and artifacts are priceless things and price cannot be fixed on them,” he explained. (Deccan Chronicle)
According to the IPP, around 70,000 archaeological artifacts and relics are currently outside of India. Efforts are made to have them returned, but according to the IPP these are insufficient. An agreement made with the United States in 2016, for example, should have guaranteed the return of 200 sculptures to India. “However, only 11 are back in India,” said Saxena. (The New Indian Express)
“These artifacts are the legacy that our forefathers left for us and that history needs to get back to geography,” said Ananda Shankar Jayant, director of Shankarananda Kalakshetra, a premier institution for classical music and dance in Hyderabad. (The Times of India)
