Tibetologist David Snellgrove passes away

By Tenzin Dharpo

Phayul [Sunday, March 27, 2016 12:05] DHARAMSHALA, March 26: Prominent Tibetologist and author David Llewellyn Snellgrove has passed away on March 25 at his home in England. He was 95 years old. He had authored well known publications such as‘ Buddhism in Tibet’ and ‘Nine Ways of Bon’. Born in Portsmouth in England in 1920, he studied at Southampton. Later he was called for military service as a member of the ‘Royal Engineers’ and stationed in Barrackpore near Calcutta during British rule.

Snellgrove’s first significant connection with Tibet came when he was recuperating from malaria in a military hospital in Lebong, Darjeeling where he read a few books on Tibet including dictionary by Charles Bell and began learning Tibetan language. Read the rest of this entry »

Centenary Celebrations of the Men-Tsee-Khang at Thekchen Chöling

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, 23 March 2016 – The Thekchen Chöling garden was decked out with flowers and brocade decorations in honour of the Men-Tsee-Khang’s (Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute’s) centenary celebrations. The Sikyong, with past and present members of the Kashag, and the Speaker and sitting members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile were assembled on the platform below the Tsuglagkhang.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting members of Tibetan community on his arrival to attend the Centenary Celebrations of the Men-Tsee-Khang in Dharamsala, HP, India on March 23, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

There was an air of anticipation among the Tibetans, young and old, who filled the yard, as they awaited the arrival of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Then, drums rolled and a band of Tibetan students began to play as he appeared through the gate to his residence. Smiling and waving to members of the crowd he walked through the garden accompanied by members of the Himachal Pradesh Government and took his seat.

A short explanation was given of the threefold significance of the occasion. This year marks the centenary of the establishment of the Men-Tsee-Khang in Lhasa by the 13th Dalai Lama. Today marks the 55th year since His Holiness the Dalai Lama re-established the Men-Tsee-Khang in exile. In addition, it is 320 years since the 5th Dalai Lama established a medical college on Chagpori in Lhasa.
Everyone stood for the Tibetan National Anthem. Tea and sweet rice were served. Staff and students of the Men-Tsee-Khang sang a song specially composed for the occasion and the Director, Tashi Tsering, gave an address, first in English and then in Tibetan. He greeted His Holiness and all the dignitaries and guests. He reiterated that the Men-Tsee-Khang’s goal is to preserve the Tibetan art of healing, Sowa Rigpa, to contribute to the benefit of humanity. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Emphasizes the Oneness of Humanity

Geneva, Switzerland, 11 March 2016 – When His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Geneva yesterday evening a large number of Tibetans gathered in front of the hotel to welcome him.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to journalists in Geneva, Switzerland on March 11, 2016. Photo/Olivier Adam

This morning, during a meeting with journalists he explained his three commitments. He recommended that education should emphasize the inner values of warm heartedness, tolerance and forgiveness. He observed that although religion has been a source of happiness for thousands of years, sadly, today, it is becoming a source of hatred.

He made clear that when he retired from his political responsibilities in 2011, he did so completely, voluntarily and proudly, but conceded that 99 percent of the Tibetan people continued to place their hope and trust in him. Therefore, in addition to being concerned for them, he continues to work for the protection of Tibetan culture and Tibet’s natural environment. He explained that since Tibetan culture is a culture of peace, non-violence and compassion, it is in everyone’s interest that it be preserved. Read the rest of this entry »

The World We Make – with the Center for Healthy Minds

Madison, WI, USA, 9 March 2016 – It was a bright morning with a sense of spring in the air as His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove into Madison before most shops and offices had opened. The Capitol building stood out against the sky as he approached the city and was a towering benign presence as his car turned into the Overture Center for the Arts. Richie Davidson met him and accompanied him to the Promenade Hall.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama being interviewed by Julia Fisher Farbman for the Center for Healthy Minds in Madison, WI, USA on March 9, 2016. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

He gave three interviews before the morning’s main events. He told Julia Fisher Farbman of the Center for Healthy Minds that because of their marvellous brains human beings have a unique ability including the use of language. Science has also shown that basic human nature is affectionate. Therefore, there are strong prospects for improvement through education.

He said that creating a happier world is in everyone’s interest. However, modern education tends to be oriented towards external values and material development. What’s more, since many of the problems we face are of our own making, we need a renewed sense of ethics or inner values. He also advised that while disturbing emotions destroy our inner peace, training the mind restores it.

Before they talked, Gary Nell of National Geographic gave His Holiness several original photographs of Tibet from the magazine’s archive. Nell asked His Holiness how to achieve a balance between human behaviour and protecting the natural world. He replied: “It’s complicated. Since the world’s population is still growing, simply limiting development is no solution. Read the rest of this entry »

Celebrato a Milano il 57°anniversario dell’insurrezione di Lhasa. Il commosso omaggio dei tibetani e dei loro sostenitori ai giovani eroi Kalsang e Dorjee.

10 marzo 2016. Si è svolta a Milano il 10 marzo la manifestazione commemorativa del 57° anniversario dell’Insurrezione Nazionale di Lhasa avvenuta il 10 marzo 1959, quando i tibetani reagirono con un’aperta rivolta all’invasione e all’occupazione del Tibet da parte della Cina. L’Esercito di Liberazione Popolare stroncò l’insurrezione con estrema brutalità uccidendo, tra il marzo e l’ottobre di quell’anno, nel solo Tibet centrale, più di 87.000 civili.

Da allora ogni anno il 10 marzo i tibetani e i loro sostenitori ricordano e celebrano quella data auspicando che il Tibet possa riconquistare la libertà perduta. Nonostante i cinquantasette anni ormai trascorsi dall’Insurrezione Nazionale e l’assenza di ogni pur piccola apertura da parte del governo di Pechino, i tibetani all’interno del Paese e nella diaspora non cessano di battersi per i loro diritti sacrificando le loro stesse vite nella speranza, finora purtroppo vana, che il loro appello sia ascoltato.

La manifestazione di Milano, organizzata dalla Comunità Tibetana in Italia, dall’Associazione Italia-Tibet e dall’Associazione Donne Tibetane in Italia, con la partecipazione di molti tibetani e sostenitori della causa del Tibet, ha voluto ricordare l’insurrezione popolare del 1959 e al contempo rendere omaggio a tutti gli eroi tibetani che dal 2009 hanno sacrificato la propria vita immolandosi con il fuoco per la libertà del loro paese. Read the rest of this entry »

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay

Statement of Sikyong on the 57th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day

Today marks the fifty-seventh anniversary of the Tibetan people’s peaceful uprising of 1959 against People’s Republic of China’s invasion and occupation of Tibet. On this occasion, my colleagues in the Kashag and I would like to pay tribute and pray for all those brave men and women who laid down their lives for the just cause of Tibet. We express our solidarity with those who continue to suffer repression under Chinese rule.

Though decades have passed by with Tibet controlled by China, the Tibetan people have been able to maintain their identity and spirit despite living under difficult situation. New generations, inspired by the sacrifices made by their elders, have taken the responsibility to strive for the cause of Tibet. The courage and conviction of our compatriots inside Tibet deserves deep admiration.

Chinese government routinely claims there is happiness and prosperity with the development of a new Tibet. But the truth is otherwise. All the areas inhabited by the Tibetan people are bereft of basic freedoms and continues to remain under strict control and surveillance. This fact is clearly evident from the prevailing grid system imposed on the Tibetan people’s travel and movements. The Human Rights Watch reports extension of intensive surveillance program in the villages across Tibet. The recent self-immolation by two youths from within and outside Tibet in addition to 142 self-immolations in the past is further evidence of the lack of freedom in Tibet. The Kashag will endeavor to fulfill their aspirations and solely blame the repressive policies in Tibet as the cause of self-immolation. Read the rest of this entry »

I funerali del 16enne Dorjee Tsering, che ha scelto di darsi fuoco contro l’occupazione cinese in Tibet.

Nyima Yangkyi la madre del 16enne Dorjee Tsering auto-immolato contro l’occupazione cinese in Tibet: Basta auto-immolazioni, la vita è sacra.

Dharamsala (AsiaNews) – I giovani tibetani “hanno molti modi per servire il loro Paese e il Dalai Lama, nostro grande leader spirituale. Dovete studiare, dovete lavorare per la nostra patria. Ma non auto-immolatevi! Mi appello a tutti voi: rimanete vivi. Sono una semplice casalinga e non so molto del mondo, ma era per me importante dirvelo”. Sono le parole con cui la madre di Dorjee Tsering ha concluso le commemorazioni per il figlio, un giovane di 16 anni che si è dato fuoco lo scorso 29 febbraio per protestare contro l’invasione cinese del Tibet.

Il ragazzo è morto dopo tre giorni di atroci sofferenze. Da un ospedale di Delhi, dove era stato ricoverato dopo la protesta, è stato trasportato a Dharamsala per i funerali. Qui vive il Dalai Lama e il governo tibetano in esilio, una sorta di “capitale all’estero” della diaspora buddista. La madre, Nyima Yangkyi, è apparsa devastata davanti alle centinaia di giovani che si sono radunati per i funerali: “Ascoltate davvero il nostro leader spirituale, ascoltate i suoi desideri. Abbiate buone intenzioni e rimanete in vita”. Read the rest of this entry »

Eight Verses for Training the Mind and a Panel Discussion in Madison, WI

Madison, WI, USA, 8 March 2016 – When His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at the Madison Masonic Center today, a small group of Tibetans with flags and placards were waiting quietly to welcome him. He was met as he stepped out of his car by President of the Wisconsin Tibetan Association (WTA), Tsetan Dolkar. 1050 people, including about 700 Tibetans, were gathered to listen to him in the theatre inside. Sharpa Tulku moderated the occasion and first introduced children of the WTA who cheerfully sang a song of gratitude to His Holiness. Amdo Yeshi Gyamtso read a report summarizing the activities of the Association.

President of the Wisconsin Tibetan Association, Tsetan Dolkar, introducing His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the start of his teaching in Madison, WI, USA on March 8, 2016. Photo/Sherab Lhatsang

In her introduction, Tsetan Dolkar spoke particularly about students’ achievements in a wide range of studies up to and including PhD. She noted His Holiness’s advice that compassion is essential for our survival as human beings. She expressed thanks to everyone who had contributed to making the occasion possible.
Local Congressman Mark Pocan stepped forward to offer His Holiness a traditional white silk scarf and Dane County executive Joe Pirisi introduced him to the audience. He observed His Holiness’s three major commitments to the promotion of human values to ensure human happiness, harmony among religious traditions and the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture. He mentioned that as a mark of support, the Tibetan flag is flying alongside the Stars and Stripes over the Dane County Executive Building for the duration of His Holiness’s visit. The Executive will lend support to Tibetan observance of March 10th. Finally he expressed gratitude for Geshe Sopa’s presence in the community,
His Holiness responded to these various introductions: “Indeed, it is a great honour for me to have the opportunity to meet all of you Tibetans and friends of Tibetans here. We’ve been in exile now nearly 57 years, but wherever we are local people have been friendly and supportive. Here too the local administration and friends have shown us genuine warm feelings, as well as support for our just cause. Thank you.
“I am glad to hear that our community here has a sense of responsibility both as Tibetans and as local citizens. In Tibet people still face great difficulties, which is why it is important that we preserve our identity. This is not just a matter of how we look, but of knowing our own language, how to use it and the significant body of knowledge, the Nalanda tradition, it is capable of expressing. In the past, only monastics, not laypeople, really studied these things. This needs to change. Already nuns have taken up the study of classic texts and several of them will shortly be awarded Geshe degrees.
“I have also been encouraging laypeople to study the classic texts. You young people should try to do that too. It will enrich what it means to be a Tibetan, which is what maintaining our identity is about.”
His Holiness mentioned that whenever he meets other people he considers himself to be just one among 7 billion human beings. He said that on that level there are no differences between us, whether you think of nationality, faith or whether people are rich or poor, educated or uneducated. He remarked that we are all born the same way, and brought up in the shelter of our mother’s affection. This is why all 7 billion human beings have the same potential to cultivate warm heartedness. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Talks to the Deer Park Community

Deer Park, Oregon, WI, USA, 6 March 2016 – Today, as wild geese flew in formation honking overhead and a breeze bearing hints of spring blew over the snow scattered fields, about 300 people gathered in the temple at Deer Park Buddhist Center to listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama paying respects at the altar in Geshe Sopa’s residence at Deer Park Buddhist Center in Oregon, WI, USA on March 6, 2016. Photo/Sherab Lhatsang

Since his last visit in 2013, the Center’s founder, Geshe Lhundrub Sopa passed away. Therefore, on his way to the temple, His Holiness visited Geshe-la’s residence in the original Deer Park building where he paid his respects. Next, he visited the Kalachakra Temple from where he granted the Kalachakra Empowerment in 1981. Finally, after paying his respects before the image of Buddha Shakyamuni and Geshe-la’s reliquary in the temple, he took his seat.

Geshe Tenzin Dorje, now Deer Park’s resident teacher, welcomed His Holiness and his entourage on his 10th visit and asked him to consider Deer Park as his home in the USA. He said that the members had maintained a monastery here in accordance with their teacher’s instructions and requested His Holiness’s moral support. He made prayers for His Holiness’s good health and well-being and expressed the hope that Geshe Sopa’s disciples may soon meet with his reincarnation.

“Spiritual brothers and sisters,” His Holiness responded, “I’m very happy to be here again, although Geshe-la is no longer here. I’m happy to see that his students and followers are fulfilling his wishes. The great masters of the past like the Buddha himself and Nagarjuna are no longer with us, but their teachings have survived for more than 2000 years.
“As a follower of Buddha Shakyamuni, I am proud to think of myself as a simple Buddhist monk, just as I am also proud to consider myself a student of Nagarjuna. These great teachers, great thinkers, great philosophers and logicians did not rely on the Buddha’s teachings just because they were his own words; they analysed and investigated them. The Buddha advised that monks and scholars who followed him should examine what he said in the light of reason. Subsequent Indian teachers like Nagarjuna, Chandrakirti, Buddhapalita and Bhavaviveka did just that. Read the rest of this entry »

È morto Dorjee Tsering, il 16enne che si è dato fuoco per protestare contro l’occupazione cinese del Tibet.

Ho sedici anni. Nel 1959, la Cina occupò il Tibet. Ciò ha portato a una frammentazione del popolo tibetano… Alcuni di noi sono in Tibet, alcuni in esilio in altri paesi. Sin da bambino, ho sempre avuto una forte volontà di fare qualcosa per il mio paese. Quindi, ho pensato che non ci fosse nient’altro che io potessi fare se non immolarmi. Perché se vi sono immolazioni, la gente rimane scioccata, e pensa che chi commette questo atto lo ha fatto per il proprio paese. Quando saranno scioccati, paesi come l’Inghilterra, gli Stati Uniti, l’Africa inizieranno a prestare attenzione al Tibet”.

Queste sono le parole con cui Dorjee Tsering, 16 anni, commenta il proprio atto di immolazione da un letto d’ospedale a Nuova Delhi. Lunedì 29 febbraio 2016 si è versato una tanica di benzina addosso dandosi fuoco. Il 3 marzo 2016 Dorjee è morto.

Proprio come lui, altri 151 tibetani hanno fatto lo stesso a partire dal 2009 in protesta contro l’occupazione cinese. Di queste immolazioni, 144 sono state compiute all’interno del Tibet, otto da rifugiati che vivono tra l’India e il Nepal, come Dorjee. Read the rest of this entry »

Kalsang Wangdu il monaco autoimmolatosi per il Tibet

Dharamsala (AsiaNews) – Un monaco buddista tibetano e un ragazzo di appena 16 anni si sono dati fuoco per protestare contro l’occupazione cinese del Tibet e chiedere il ritorno a casa del Dalai Lama. Il religioso è morto mentre veniva trasportato in ospedale, il giovane è invece sopravvissuto ma in condizioni terribili: il 95% del suo corpo è ricoperto da ustioni. Nel frattempo, il governo nepalese ha rassicurato la Cina che “non permetterà alcuna protesta” da parte della diaspora tibetana durante il mese di marzo.

Questo periodo dell’anno è duro in maniera particolare per il popolo tibetano, dato che si commemorano le numerose insurrezioni anti-cinesi represse nel sangue dall’esercito di Pechino. Il primo anniversario sensibile risale all’invasione maoista della provincia. Nel 1957 scoppiò una rivolta nel Tibet orientale che si estese a Lhasa nel 1959. Nello stesso anno l’Esercito di liberazione popolare schiacciò la rivolta e costrinse il Dalai Lama alla fuga: il 17 marzo il leader buddista lasciò il Palazzo del Norbulingka travestito da soldato e scappò in India dove costituì il Governo tibetano in esilio. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Speaks on ‘Compassion in Medicine’ at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, USA, 29 February 2016 – The sky was bright but the breeze cool as His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked from his car to a small chapel at the Mayo Clinic after lunch this leap year day. Many of the 500 people who had won a lottery for seats at the occasion turned to watch as he walked smiling up the aisle, his hands folded in greeting.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting members of the audience as he arrives at the chapel of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA on February 29, 2016. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

President and CEO of Mayo Clinic, John Noseworthy, was on hand to introduce him and invite him to speak about Compassion in Medicine. When he had done so, His Holiness insisted that he sit next to him. The talk was broadcast over the Clinic’s intranet and webcast around the world.

“Brothers and sisters, it’s a great honour to have this opportunity to speak to all of you who make such a positive contribution to the clinic’s work,” His Holiness began. “You treat hundreds of thousands of people who come with hope and you fulfil their hopes. Looking after those who are in physical and mental pain is a challenge. I’m an old patient and this time I’ve spent more than a month here, during which time the doctors, nurses and technicians have all been very kind. Besides exercising your professional skills, you have been caring, concerned and friendly. It’s an honour for me to talk to you today.”

He remarked that religious faith has long been a source of solace and support for people facing difficulties. Faith brings hope and optimism even to the dying. He added that he doesn’t have much time for formality and that since we are all the same as human beings, we need to think of one another as brothers and sisters. Read the rest of this entry »

Cattivi presagi: e se questo Dalai Lama fosse l’ultimo?

di Raimondo Bultrini, 29 febbraio 2016, La Repubblica, Il Venerdì

Una copertina del “New York Times” con i suoi abiti funereamente svuotati. Dichiarazioni del fratello, e anche sue, che fanno pensare a un addio della tradizione secolare. Alla fine avrà vinto la Cina?
BANGKOK. La domanda circola di web in web come un mantra himalayano tra i fedeli e i simpatizzanti del Tibet disseminati ormai nel mondo virtuale più che nelle valli degli altipiani. Ci sarà un prossimo Dalai Lama? E, eventualmente, dove vivrà, sotto quali spoglie tornerà sul Pianeta il prossimo erede di questa antica stirpe di 14 reincarnati che per la prima volta nella storia troverà al suo posto un «concorrente» eletto politicamente dalla Cina? L’attualità è che nei giorni scorsi l’ottantenne Sua Santità Tenzin Gyatso è partito quasi d’improvviso dalla residenza indiana di Dharamsala per volare in America a operarsi di prostata. Subito la preoccupazione è tornata a montare, smorzata dalle assicurazioni che non c’è da allarmarsi. Tra le persone del seguito autorizzate a prendersi cura di lui, c’è una mia vecchia conoscenza, il più giovane dei fratelli del Dalai lama, Ngari Rimpoche. A sua volta un reincarnato, o tulku, l’ex lama da tempo ha rifiutato il titolo e ha ripreso il suo nome di Tenzin Choegyal per sposarsi e fare figli che gli hanno dato dei nipoti, mentre lui sovrintende alla gestione di una guest house, scrive e insegna occasionalmente cultura tibetana.
Choegyal è un uomo dalla franchezza adamantina, i cui modi schietti e diretti talvolta gettano scompiglio nella cerchia di attendenti e funzionari dell’Ufficio privato del XIV Dalai Lama sia a Dharamsala che all’estero. Tutti sanno infatti che ha un posto particolare nel cuore del fratello maggiore, e una volta mi confidò che, secondo certe profezie, gli è capitato e capiterà ancora di trovarsi vicino a Sua Santità, anche se nega di avere certezze assolute su queste sequenze di vite che nel buddhismo si interrompono solo con l’illuminazione finale.
È un fatto che, come suo fratello e la quasi totalità dei tibetani, abbia bevuto il buddhismo dal latte della madre. In particolare la genitrice in questione, Diki Tsering, ha partorito nove bambini morti prematuri e sette figli vivi, dei quali ben tre, incluso Ngari Rimpoche, sono stati riconosciuti come reincarnazioni di importanti capi di monasteri e yogi dagli speciali poteri. Si dice che questi tulkupossiedano una mente talmente allenata dalla meditazione a restare vigile e presente che non li spaventa nemmeno il momento in cui questa si stacca dal corpo per entrare nel lungo e inquietante periodo del bardo, la fase tra morte e rinascita durante la quale si prepara la prossima forma di vita. Read the rest of this entry »