Pema Tseden

29 giugno 2016. Pema Tseden, noto regista e scrittore tibetano, è stato arrestato il 25 giugno al suo arrivo all’aeroporto di Xining, nel Qinghai (Regione Tibetana dell’Amdo). La notizia, diffusa dai social media, è stata confermata dall’Associazione dei Registi Cinesi (FDGC) di cui Pema Tsering è membro.

In seguito alle percosse subite in carcere Pema Tseden è stato ricoverato all’ospedale di Xining il pomeriggio del 27 giugno. Accusava vertigini, dolori al petto e presentava lividi e ferite su tutto il corpo. Non si hanno notizie sulle sue attuali condizioni. Pema, che proveniva da Pechino, è stato arrestato mentre aspettava il suo bagaglio presso il nastro trasportatore. Ammanettato, è stato portato via dalla polizia con l’accusa di “disturbo alla quiete pubblica” ed è stato interrogato per diverse ore nel corso della notte fino all’arresto avvenuto il mattino successivo. Le autorità non hanno fornito alcuna spiegazione ufficiale sulle eventuali leggi o regolamenti violati dall’artista né hanno provveduto a informare i famigliari.

Nato nel 1969 nella Contea di Gade, Regione Tibetana dell’Amdo, e figlio di pastori nomadi, Pema Tseden è uno dei pochi tibetani di alto profilo all’interno della Cina. Ha studiato letteratura tibetana all’Università per le Etnie di Lanzhou, nella provincia del Gansu. Negli anno 2000 ha seguito i corsi di regia presso l’Accademia del Cinema di Pechino. Dal 1991 ha pubblicato oltre cinquanta racconti sia in mandarino sia in tibetano. Ha girato numerosi documentari e film sulla vita e la cultura del Tibet contemporaneo tra i quali “The Silent Holy Stones” (2005), “The Search” (2009), presentato al Film Festival di Locarno, “The Old Dog” (2011)e “Tharlo”(2015). Affascinato in giovane età dai racconti di Gabriel Garcia Marquez e di Mao Yan, i suoi racconti sono noti per il “realismo magico” della scrittura. Read the rest of this entry »

Interviewed by Lady Gaga Before Addressing the US Conference of Mayors

Indianapolis, IN, USA, 26 June 2016 – On the final day of his current visit to the USA His Holiness the Dalai Lama was invited to give the keynote address to the 84th Annual Meeting of the US Conference of Mayors. He was met on arrival at the JW Marriott Hotel by the Conference President, Mayor of Baltimore, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Lady Gaga interviewing His Holiness the Dalai Lama for her Facebook live broadcast before joining the US Mayors Conference in Indianapolis, IN, USA on June 26, 2016. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

Before joining the Conference Plenary Session he took part in a conversation with Lady Gaga that was streamed live over Facebook. Putting questions to him that had been submitted through Facebook, she asked how to help young people faced with a variety of problems like low self-esteem, self-harm and so forth. He replied: “Despite it being our human nature to be compassionate, modern education is focussed on external and material goals. There are always problems to face, but it makes a difference if our minds are calm. On the surface we may get upset, but it makes a difference if we are able to stay calm in the depths of our minds.”
He added, “We are social animals, so our future depends on the rest of the community. Therefore, paying more attention to inner values like love and compassion are the right approach.”
Another questioner wanted to know what the most fruitful kind of meditation is and His Holiness explained that there are two kinds. One, single-pointed meditation focuses on a single object or for example on the clarity of the mind. But another kind of meditation is analytical, involving deeply thinking things through. His Holiness said that he personally finds analytical meditation more effective and more satisfying.
Asked how to find peace in this violent world His Holiness suggested that it can be very helpful to try and look at things from a wider perspective. Something that looks terrible close up can seem less daunting if you step back from it. You might even find it has positive aspects.
“Whatever happens,” he said, “hope and self-confidence are essential.” Read the rest of this entry »

Discussions about Secular Ethics in Education and a Public Talk – Compassion as a Pillar of World Peace

His Holiness the Dalai Lama discussing Secular Ethics in Education in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA on June 25, 2016. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

Indianapolis, IN, USA, 25 June 2016 – A number of experts were invited to join members of the Emory-Tibet Partnership to discuss draft guidelines for Secular Ethics in Education (SEE) this morning. Among them Daniel Goleman, Linda Lantieri, Mark Greenberg and Kimberly Schonert-Reichl have done pioneering work in Social and Emotional Learning.
In his opening remarks, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said: “We need to implement a program that encourages warm-heartedness—an appreciation that if you are warm-hearted your health will be better and both you and your relations will be happier. If on the other hand you are full of fear and anxiety none of these benefits will arise. This is about here and now, not the next life. If your mind is at ease, education will be more effective.”Geshe Lobsang Tenzin explained that in trying to reflect His Holiness’s vision, the proposed Secular Ethics in Education framework, whose guiding principle is compassion, covers three sets of skills: self-cultivation, which includes: calming the body and mind; learning to attend; emotional literacy and self-care. The second set involves relating to others, and includes appreciating others; empathy; recognizing our common humanity and social skills. The third set, responsible decision-making, involves: appreciating interdependence and applying critical thinking.
Daniel Goleman observed that the SEE framework addresses problems of lack of attention, scant focus on compassion and little understanding of interdependence not tackled in existing programs. He challenged the use of the word secular, which can have problematic connotations, and asked His Holiness if he had any attachment to the term. He said he hadn’t but that he always clarifies his use of secular as it has been understood in India—meaning unbiased respect for all religious traditions and even the views of those with no faith. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Meets Tibetans from Colorado and New Mexico

Indianapolis, IN, USA, 24 June 2016 – Meeting 650 Tibetans from Colorado and New Mexico this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama told them: “We Tibetans are an ancient nation. The Emperors of the past were kind and far-sighted. Some say that a Tibetan written script existed beforehand, but what Thönmi Sambhota composed is still in use today.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the Colorado and New Mexico Tibetan community in Boulder, Colorado on June 24, 2016. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

“In 7th century Songtsen Gampo married a Chinese and a Nepalese princess, who each brought Buddhist images to Tibet. The statue of the Buddha that came from China was housed in the Ramoche Temple, which sparked an interest in the Buddhadharma. Then in 8th century, Trisong Detsen had a Chinese mother so he could have furthered connections with China, but he chose instead to create links with Buddhism in India, particularly with the Nalanda Tradition. He invited Shantarakshita, whose writings, such as the ‘Adornment of the Middle Way’ (Madhyamakalankara) and ‘Compendium of Principles’ (Tattva-samgraha), with its two volume commentary by Kamalashila, reveal him to have been a top scholar. It was Shantarakshita, assisted by Guru Padmasambhava who overcame obstacles, who established the Nalanda Tradition of Buddhism in Tibet.

“It was Shantarakshita too who instigated the translation of Indian Buddhist literature into Tibetan. And although he is said to have been 70 years old when he came to Tibet, he apparently made an effort to learn Tibetan. At that time it was just developing as a literary language, with new terms being coined to express new ideas. Today, if we want to know about the Nalanda Tradition, Tibetan is the best vehicle for studying it. The introduction of Buddhism enhanced and enriched the Tibetan language. This is something for us Tibetans to be proud of.”
His Holiness explained that he is able to hold his own in discussions with modern scholars and scientists because of his training in the Nalanda Tradition. He went on to explain that the main treatises concerning Buddhist logic and epistemology are now only available in Tibetan. The existence of such literature has been crucial to the preservation of Tibetan traditions. His Holiness spoke about other indigenous peoples he has met who struggle to preserve their own traditions because they have no system of writing and he has urged them, like the Scandinavian Sami, to create one. Read the rest of this entry »

Eight Verses for Training the Mind and Educating the Heart and Mind

Boulder, CO, USA, 23 June 2016 – After rain yesterday afternoon, the air was fresh and the sunshine bright as His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove to the Coors Event Center in Boulder this morning. He was given a traditional Tibetan welcome at the door. Chancellor of the University of Colorado, Phil DiStephano was there to greet him and escort him into the auditorium. Read the rest of this entry »

Tibetani in assemblea di protesta contro la miniera

Amdo: in seguito alle proteste dei tibetani le autorità cinesi sospendono pro tempore i lavori degli impianti minerari di Akhori

22 giugno 2016. In seguito alle proteste dei tibetani, le autorità cinesi del distretto di Akhori, nella Contea di Chuchen, Prefettura di Ngaba, Regione dell’Amdo, sono state costrette a sospendere temporaneamente i lavori preparatori alla realizzazione del progetto di sfruttamento delle locali risorse minerarie.

L’opposizione dei tibetani al progetto è iniziata nel 2013 quando i cinesi inviarono ad Akhori le maestranze destinate ad iniziare i lavori di sfruttamento minerario della zona e, in particolare, di una montagna ritenuta sacra e meta di pellegrinaggio da parte degli abitanti di quattro villaggi vicini. In quell’occasione ogni attività fu temporaneamente sospesa. Tuttavia, il 28 marzo del corrente anno l’invio in zona di nuovi lavoratori e macchinari ha provocato l’immediata reazione dei tibetani: oltre duecento nomadi si sono accampati intorno ad Akhori (nella foto) cercando di impedire la prosecuzione dei lavori. La polizia ha represso con violenza la protesta e, negli scontri con le forze dell’ordine, venti tibetani hanno riportato gravi ferite a causa delle percosse. Sette sono stati fermati. Lo scorso 20 maggio, il governo locale ha stanziato ad Akhori nuove forze di polizia nell’intento di intimidire i tibetani e dissuaderli dal protestare. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Utah Tibetan Association

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, 22 June 2016 – The worldwide headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in Salt Lake City. This morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama paid a courtesy call on the Three Counsellors of the Church before driving out to the newly established Utah Tibetan Community Hall. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Speaks on Compassion & Universal Responsibility

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, 21 June 2016 – This morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Huntsman Cancer Institute, part of the University of Utah. President of the University, David Pershing and Director of the Huntsman Cancer Institute Dr Mary Beckerle welcomed him on arrival. They escorted him into the Huntsman Cancer Learning Center for a meeting with physicians, care-givers and recovered patients. Dr Beckerle told him that as people live longer there are more incidents of cancer, but there are also more cases of recovery and survival. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Addresses a Joint Convention of the California State Legislature

Sacramento, CA, USA, 20 June 2016 – Leaving Los Angeles this morning under bright sunshine, on the longest day of the year, His Holiness the Dalai Lama flew to the California state capital of Sacramento. From the airport he drove to the Leland Stanford Mansion, the house that originally belonged to the founder of Stanford University that is now the state’s official reception centre. He was received by Governor Jerry Brown and his wife. They were joined for lunch by Senate President pro Tempore Kevin De Leon, Speaker Anthony Rendon and his wife, and Senator Janet Nguyen.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama waving to well-wishers and supporters as as he arrives at the Capitol in Sacramento, California on June 20, 2016. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

From the Leland Stanford Mansion it was short drive to the State Capitol. Tibetans in traditional dress bearing Tibetan flags and welcoming banners gathered in substantial numbers to cheer His Holiness as he arrived. He saluted and waved to them from the Capitol steps.

In the State Assembly the Speaker convened a joint convention and invited Rinban Bob Oshita of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, a Jodo Shinshu Temple, to lead the prayer for the day. A committee was appointed to escort His Holiness to the rostrum. The Speaker introduced the President pro Tem, who introduced His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the joint convention. He described his humble origins and how in recent times he has received awards such as the Nobel Peace Prize in acknowledgment of his consistent message of peace, non-violence, compassion and inter-religious harmony, as well as his concern for our natural environment. He remarked that the convention had Senator Janet Nguyen to thank for inviting His Holiness to address them, noting that in these unsettled times love and compassion are necessities not luxuries.

His Holiness began by characteristically urging everyone to sit down and laughed as he explained how much he dislikes formality.  “Respected President and Respected Speaker, brothers and sisters,” he said, “basically we are all part of humanity, belonging to the same human family. Mentally, physically and emotionally we are the same. As social animals we need a sense of community, therefore we need to think in terms of our global well-being. It’s natural to take care of ourselves, but as social animals the best way to take care of ourselves is to take care of each other. Differences of faith, race or nationality are secondary in the context of our sameness as human beings. Read the rest of this entry »

Participating in the Grand Opening Ceremony of Dieu Ngu Buddhist Temple

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting members of the Tibetan community at the start of their meeting at his hotel in Anaheim, California on June 19, 2016. Photo/Don Farber

Westminster, CA, USA, 19 June 2016 – On a second day of weather forecast warnings about hot weather, His Holiness the Dalai Lama started the day by meeting 400 members of the Tibetan Association of Southern California in the cool of his hotel. He said: “We’re passing through the most difficult period in the last 2000 years of our recorded history. We used only to quarrel among ourselves to the detriment of the entire three provinces of Tibet, but now we’re facing a life or death struggle for our culture and identity. This may be the fruit of our karma, yet among Tibetans in exile as well as those in Tibet, our spirit remains strong. Amongst other exiles we stand out due to the courage and dedication of our people. The report says you are teaching your children Tibetan. That’s good and it’s good to teach them about our religion too. “From an archaeological point of view, Tibetans are an ancient people. Stone Age tools found in Amdo are estimated to be 30,000 years old; artefacts in Chamdo are 7000 years old, while others found in Ngari are 10,000 years old. What matters now is that for more than 1000 years we’ve had our own writing. Today, it is the best vehicle for conveying the thoughts of the masters of Nalanda—something to be proud of.  “Trisong Detsen had a Chinese mother, so he could have brought Buddhism to Tibet from China. Instead he chose to go to the original source and invited Shantarakshita to come from India to Tibet. Despite his age, with the help of Guru Padmasambhava, who overcame inner and outer obstacles, he established Samye. The Chinese Hoshangs suggested that there was no need to study, but Kamalashila made clear the importance of study, reflection and meditation, an approach we’ve adopted for the last 1000 years. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Gives a Public Talk and Medicine Buddha Permission

Westminster, CA, USA, 18 June 2016 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama was today invited to teach at the new Vietnamese Dieu Ngu Buddhist Temple in Westminster, prior to its formal inauguration tomorrow. It was a relatively short drive across the city and His Holiness was welcomed on arrival by the Abbot Thich Vien Ly and his brother Thich Vien Huy. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Participates in a ‘Women in Compassionate Leadership’ Breakfast

Los Angeles, CA, USA, 17 June 2016 – Yesterday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama flew from Washington DC to Los Angeles on the other side of the country. This morning, he told a group of people he was meeting prior to a ‘Women in Compassionate Leadership’ Breakfast that while he would forget their names, he would remember their faces for decades. Read the rest of this entry »

Obama incontra il Dalai Lama: Più dialogo con Pechino

Il presidente americano ha ricevuto il leader buddista in privato. La Casa Bianca sottolinea: “Il Tibet è parte della Repubblica popolare cinese, la nostra politica in materia è chiara”. Ma la Cina replica: “Questa visita danneggia la fiducia reciproca e la cooperazione con Washington”. Washington (AsiaNews/Agenzie) – Per la quarta volta dalla sua prima elezione, il presidente americano Barack Obama ha incontrato il Dalai Lama alla Casa Bianca. La visita si è svolta in privato, a porte chiuse e nella Sala delle Mappe. Nel corso del colloquio, il leader Usa ha incoraggiato il capo del buddismo tibetano a “dialogare” con la Repubblica popolare cinese.

Josh Earnest, portavoce del capo di Stato americano, ha chiarito dopo l’incontro che “il Tibet è considerato dagli Stati Uniti parte integrante della Repubblica popolare cinese, e gli Stati Uniti non hanno espresso il loro sostegno all’indipendenza tibetana”. Obama avrebbe comunque “sottolineato il suo attaccamento alle tradizioni religiose, culturali e linguistiche del Tibet, apprezzando gli insegnamenti del Dalai Lama volti a preservare queste caratteristiche uniche”. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Meets with President Obama and Attends Programs at National Endowment for Democracy

Washington DC, USA, 15 June 2016 – On a day that dawned under overcast skies His Holiness the Dalai Lama began by participating in a meeting with Chinese scholars facilitated by the Brookings Institution. He was welcomed and introduced by the Brookings President, Strobe Talbott, accompanied by Senior Fellow David Dollar.

President Barack Obama greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the entrance of the Map Room of the White House on June 15, 2016. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

His Holiness went from this meeting to the White House, where he was received by President Obama. The two leaders discussed matters of common interest including human rights and climate change. At the end of their forty-five minutes together, President Obama walked His Holiness through the Rose Garden and saw him into his car before bidding him farewell.

Carl Gershman, President of the National Endowment for Democracy since its founding in 1984, welcomed His Holiness to lunch with 30 other guests. The program that followed focussed on the themes of hope and democracy. As Gershman said, “In the struggle for human dignity there is always hope.” He welcomed barefoot lawyer Chen Guangcheng and labour organizer Han Dongfang to the gathering before inviting Congressman Peter Roskam to speak. He said that confronted by voices of authoritarianism, those of us who perceive them as hollow have to speak out and say, “That’s not true.” He praised His Holiness for articulating the truth that democracy matters.
Richard Gere spoke of visiting the refugee camps at Lampadusa while he was recently in Sicily to promote a film. The Africans he met there were seeking escape from bad government and violent people—“It’s the violent and those who perpetuate bad government that we should point our fingers at,” he said.   Read the rest of this entry »

The 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee

Tibet’s 17th Karmapa on Climate Change, the Dalai Lama, and China

The Tibetan Buddhist leader on climate change, his future leadership role, and Tibetan issues. By Saransh Sehgal June 14, 2016.

The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, “the one who carries out Buddha activity.” He belongs to the most ancient lineage in Tibetan Buddhism, predating the Dalai Lama lineage by more than two centuries. His dramatic escape from Tibet in 1999 into exile in India brought him to reside alongside the Dalai Lama in the de facto capital of the Tibetans in exile. Exiled Tibetans saw him as a hero as his escape, fooling the Chinese government, caught world attention.

Today, the 30-year-old energetic Karmapa, recognized by both the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government, is both a spiritual leader and the young voice of Tibet. He carries a lot of weight with Tibetans in and outside Tibet and many believe he is the future face of global Buddhism, especially after the current Dalai Lama passes away. The lengthy process of choosing the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation means years may pass before the new Dalai Lama is ready to assume leadership and guide Tibetans. Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Spends the Morning on Capitol Hill and the Afternoon with ICT

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with the US Congressional Leadership during his visit to Capitol Hill in Washington DC, USA on June 14, 2016. Photo/Sonam Zoksang

Washington DC, USA, 14 June 2016 – It was a bright summer morning today as His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove down Washington’s broad and leafy avenues to the heart of government on Capitol Hill. He was met on arrival by old friends House Democrat Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senator Patrick Leahy, who escorted him to a meeting with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Later walking to Nancy Pelosi’s office meant crossing the rotunda—currently undergoing renovation. The area was filled with visiting members of the public who fell respectfully silent in their surprise at seeing His Holiness.
Meeting with the US Congressional Leadership, His Holiness said: “Congress has expressed staunch support for our cause. We are not seeking independence because we don’t want to enter into confrontation with our Chinese brothers and sisters. However, Chinese documents reveal that in the 9th century independent Tibetan, Chinese and Mongolian empires flourished. What we seek now is a mutually beneficial solution to the problems between us. Buddhism in both China and Tibet derives from the Nalanda tradition, but the transmission to Tibet was far more comprehensive and is therefore worth preserving. We are also concerned about the ecology of the Tibetan Plateau.” Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Speaks at United States Institute of Peace and the American University

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at a breakfast meeting at the United States Institute of Peace in in Washington DC, USA on June 13, 2016. Photo/USIP

Washington DC, USA, 13 June 2016 – After arriving in Washington from India yesterday and, as he declared this morning, having had ten hours sleep last night, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first engagement was at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The Institute’s President Nancy Lindborg and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi met him at the door and ushered him into a breakfast meeting. Introducing him Mrs Pelosi said: “A visit by His Holiness is always a cause for celebration and—in the light of the tragedy in Orlando—today we need you more than ever.” He responded: “Genuine peace must come from inner peace. It’s impossible to find peace if we are full of frustration, suspicion and mistrust. USIP must encourage a change of heart based on a change of awareness rather than a dependence on blessings. Whether we are happy or sad depends directly on our own actions. I know that USIP is committed to creating peace. I believe that to achieve it what we need is education. Today’s education with its focus on materialistic goals needs to pay more attention to inner values. If this can be done, we may create a more peaceful world by the middle of this century.” When Nancy Lindborg mentioned a recent USIP led visit of youth leaders from countries in conflict to meet His Holiness in Dharamsala, he remarked that these young people had real determination and courage, which he took as a real sign of hope for change. In his answers to questions he spoke of a draft curriculum that is being developed to incorporate human values into modern education, which will also require the training of teachers. Asked how to help the current waves of refugees he said: “I admire all those countries that are helping them, but simply providing shelter is not enough. Read the rest of this entry »

Third Day of Teachings Requested by the Nalanda Shiksha

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, 9 June 2016 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama apologised for arriving at the temple later than expected this morning, explaining that he had been meeting with members of the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He remarked:
“I have the greatest respect for India as the world’s most populous democratic country and a stronghold of ahimsa.”

Members of the Nalanda Shiksha chanting at the start of His Holiness the Dala Lama’s final day of teachings at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on June 9, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Members of the Nalanda Shiksha then chanted the ‘Praise to the 17 Masters of Nalanda’ in Hindi. When they finished His Holiness said:

“These great Indian masters were truly our teachers. I have strong, close feelings towards Nagarjuna, Aryadeva and so on. I think about them when I read their works. Our common view of things is unrealistic. Nagarjuna’s explanations help us see a deeper level of reality. We Tibetans tend to give acclaim to our Tibetan scholars, but these Nalanda masters were crucial to our tradition. An existing praise called the ‘Six Ornaments and the Two Excellent Ones’ didn’t mention such important masters as Chandrakirti, Buddhapalita, Shantideva and Vimuktasena. When I realised this I decided to compose this ‘Praise to the 17 Nalanda Masters’.

“Many years ago the great Indian physicist Raja Ramana told me that he read one of Nagarjuna’s works and was struck by how much it accorded with the modern view of quantum physics. As an Indian he told me how proud he felt that Nagarjuna had anticipated such modern developments with no instruments but his mind to help him.
“Some years ago, when I was teaching Nagarjuna’s ‘Fundamental Wisdom’ at Amaravati, which is near to Nagarjunakonda, places associated with Nagarjuna’s life, I felt I had an unusually clear appreciation of his account of dependent arising. In the ‘60s in Varanasi I asked the Sanskrit scholar Jagannath Upadhyaya to recite Chandrakirti’s ‘Clear Words’ (Prasannapada) in Sanskrit, which I found very moving. Then, on another occasion, at Nalanda we recited the ‘Ornament for Clear Realization’ (Abhisamayalankara) in Tibetan and I clearly imagined how the same text would have been read there in Sanskrit centuries before.” Read the rest of this entry »

Un monaco protesta a Ngaba: arrestato.
Forzato allontanamento dei monaci dal Centro di Studi Buddisti di Larung Gar

Un giovane monaco tibetano è stato arrestato per aver dato vita a una manifestazione di protesta percorrendo da solo la strada principale di Ngaba, la città teatro dal 2008 di numerosi casi di autoimmolazione e dissenso.

Lobsang Tsering, un monaco ventenne del monastero di Kirti, è stato fermato il pomeriggio del 7 giugno poco dopo aver percorso la strada principale di Ngaba, chiamata dai residenti “la Via dei Martiri”, portando alta sopra la testa una fotografia del Dalai Lama e una tradizionale sciarpa cerimoniale (nella foto). Gridava: “Possa Sua Santità il Dalai Lama vivere 10.000 anni” e “Libertà per il Tibet”.
Nel giro di pochi minuti la polizia è intervenuta e lo ha portato via. Non sono pervenute informazioni circa il luogo della sua detenzione ma una fonte tibetana ha riferito a Radio Free Asia che Lobsang “è stato duramente picchiato”. Poliziotti cinesi hanno presidiato fino a notte fonda le vie e gli incroci stradali della città di Ngaba.

Ngaba e le adiacenti località dell’omonima Contea, nella regione tibetana del Kham, contano un elevatissimo numero di casi di autoimmolazione per la libertà del Tibet. Oltre 30 tibetani, in maggioranza monaci, hanno dato la loro vita chiedendo il ritorno del Dalai Lama e la fine dell’occupazione cinese. Il primo fu Tapey, un monaco ventiquattrenne del monastero di Kirti, deceduto tra le fiamme il 27 febbraio 2009. Solo negli ultimi due anni la “Via dei Martiri” è stata teatro di almeno dieci episodi di protesta da parte di singoli individui. Read the rest of this entry »

Second Day of Teachings Requested by the Nalanda Shiksha

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, 8 June 2016 – The second day of teachings requested by the Nalanda Shiksha began with senior members reciting the ‘Heart of Wisdom’ in Sanskrit.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at Main Tibetan Temple on the second day of his teaching in Dharamsala, HP, India on June 9, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

His Holiness began by recalling that more than 30 years ago he conceived a wish to engage in discussions with modern scientists. Since then he has had conversations focussed on cosmology, neurobiology, physics, and especially quantum physics and psychology. He laughed as he told the gathering that one result is that he has ceased to believe in the cosmology found in Buddhist scriptures that describe a flat world with Mount Meru at the centre.

“Our discussions have been immensely helpful and mutually enriching,” he said. “And anyway the main purpose of the Buddha’s appearance in the world was not to contribute to map-making, but to help put an end to suffering.”

He remarked that the various Indian traditions that cultivate concentration (shamatha) and special insight (vipashyana) have acquired a profound understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions. Studied in an academic context this knowledge can be helpful today.
He observed that as human beings we all want to lead a happy life and indeed have a right to do so. Since many of the man-made problems we face today come about because of an underlying lack of moral principles, he appealed for more attention to be paid to incorporating secular ethics into the education system. This was taken up when His Holiness invited questions from the audience and he noted that India has a secular constitution. He suggested that simply engaging in rituals is not sufficient to achieve positive change; the use of reason and study are essential. Expressing appreciation of the role of temples in the community, he proposed housing books in them too for people to study. He further recommended that spiritual masters not only tell edifying stories but also explain philosophical views.
“Another Indian quality I very much admire is the longstanding tradition of ahimsa or non-violence,” he said. “There are two parts to this, the action of non-harming and the motivation of karuna or compassion.” Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Begins Teachings Requested by the Nalanda Shiksha

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, 7 June 2016 – A mixed audience of about 7000 awaited His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, opposite his residence this morning. They comprised 450 people from the Himalayan Region, mostly Lahaul & Spiti; 350 members of the Young Buddhist Society (YBS), from UP, Bihar and Rajasthan; 30 from Tamil Nadu and 400 from other parts of India. They were joined by 1700 foreigners from 78 countries, 1500 Tibetan monks and nuns and 3500 members of the Tibetan public.
This series of teachings has been requested and organized by members of the Nalanda Shiksha, a group of Indian friends who have studied with eminent teachers from all authentic living Buddhist traditions. They declare an avowed interested in keeping alive in India today the practices of listening, contemplation and meditation that were an integral part of the Nalanda tradition. They have organized four previous opportunities for His Holiness to teach—in Dharamsala in 2012 and 2013, in Mumbai in 2014 and in Sankissa in 2015. At their request His Holiness has taught from two significant Indian treatises: Kamalashila’s ‘Stages of Meditation’ and Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’. The Nalanda Shiksha professes a commitment to work for the entire Buddhadharma and its authentic traditions and teachers, without bias to any specific school or lineage.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama being presented traditional offerings at the start of his teachings at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on June 7, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Once His Holiness had taken his seat on the throne, Indian monks of the Pali tradition chanted the Mangala Sutta in Pali. Next, on behalf of the Nalanda Shiksha, Veer Singh announced an intention to present His Holiness with a set of offerings, derived from Indian traditions of hospitality, including water to drink, water to wash the feet, flowers, incense, light, perfume, food and music. Trays bearing these substances were then brought forth in a short procession. His Holiness remarked:

“We make these kinds of offerings in tantric rituals too. These offerings remind us that Buddhism is an Indian tradition. And in India today we have both people for whom Buddhism is their longstanding heritage and others who have adopted it anew, among them followers of Dr Ambedkar.

“Buddha Shakyamuni lived in India and what he taught was subsequently preserved in great learning institutions like Takshashila, Vikramashila and Nalanda. When the Tibetan Emperor Trisong Detsen invited Shantarakshita to Tibet in the 8th century CE, he brought the Nalanda tradition to the Land of Snow. Tibetans have been custodians of this tradition for more than 1000 years. We can say that historically you Indians were our teachers, but since then, we the disciples have kept the tradition alive. So, it stirs special feelings in me to be able to share it with you now.” Read the rest of this entry »

The Third and Concluding Day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Teachings for Young Tibetan Students

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, 3 June 2016 – Today saw the final session of a three day series of teachings His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been giving, directed primarily towards more than 3000 young Tibetan students.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama performing preparatory rituals for the Manjushri permission at the start of teachings at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on June 3, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

It began with a group of Upper TCV students reciting from the Science of Mind text, a recitation that His Holiness visibly joined in. He then performed the necessary preparations for the Manjushri permission he was to give later.

In his preamble to a ceremony for generating the awakening mind of bodhichitta, he quoted Maitreya’s ‘Ornament for Clear Realization’, which defines bodhichitta as the intention to become enlightened for the sake of all sentient beings. He went on to say: “Whenever sentient beings think of themselves, they have a sense of ‘I’ in relation to their body and mind, their family and friends. Human beings have a sense of ‘I’ as the controller of their psycho-physical aggregates. But Buddhist teaching rejects any such objective existence of the self. It rejects any perception of a solidly existent ‘I’.

“If you only think of yourself, you put yourself at a disadvantage. If, instead, you open your heart and extend your concern to others, you’ll be free of fear and anxiety. If you think of all sentient beings as being like you in not wanting suffering, self-cherishing will be reduced. Look at those around you. Those who are respectful and concerned about others tend to be happier, those who are more self-centred are less so. Think of those who share their sweets and whatever good things they have and those who keep them to themselves—which of them seems to be happier?“ Read the rest of this entry »

Cina: 27 anni fa la strage di Tienanmen. Decine di attivisti e dissidenti agli arresti

Ricorre domani, 4 giugno, il 27° anniversario della protesta di piazza Tienanmen che il governo cinese represse con la forza massacrando migliaia di studenti e intellettuali.

Ai dimostranti che chiedevano maggiore libertà, democrazia e trasparenza Pechino rispose con l’esercito appoggiato dai carri armati. Il bilancio di quel massacro non è mai stato pubblicato dal governo ma organizzazioni internazionali indipendenti dicono che nella piazza e nelle adiacenti vie laterali furono uccise, nell’arco di sei settimane, almeno duemila persone. Da allora, ogni anno, le autorità cinesi intervengono preventivamente per impedire che attivisti e dissidenti commemorino l’anniversario. Riferisce Radio Free Asia che nelle scorse settimane dozzine di intellettuali, attivisti e veterani sono stati posti agli arresti domiciliari mentre ad altri, inclusi molti famigliari di quanti morirono nella strage, è stato ordinato di lasciare Pechino.

Tra quanti sono stati costretti agli arresti domiciliari figura Sun Wenguang, ex professore universitario. Assieme a una decina di attivisti aveva organizzato un incontro pubblico commemorativo degli eventi del 4 giugno 1987 in una piazza della località dove risiede, nella provincia dello Shandong.  Quattro automobili della polizia hanno immediatamente chiuso la piazza e le forze di sicurezza hanno scortato il professore fino alla sua abitazione. Read the rest of this entry »

The Second Day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Teaching the ‘Tree of Faith – a Self-Exhortation’ to Young Tibetan Students

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, 2 June 2016 – This morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at the Tsuglagkhang, greeted those seated around the throne and took his seat. The ‘Heart of Wisdom Sutra’ was recited, followed by Nagarjuna’s verse of homage to the Buddha. His Holiness then cited a verse that summarizes the Buddha’s teaching:
Commit not a single unwholesome deed, Read the rest of this entry »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Begins Teaching the ‘Tree of Faith – a Self-Exhortation’ to Young Tibetan Students

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, 1 June 2016 – The Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, and the surrounding yard were packed with 10,000 people today for the first of three days’ public teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Read the rest of this entry »