The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected].
By: Solaray Kusco
In the latest shocking incident to take place in Dharamsala, the member of parliament (MP) Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar has been filmed violently attacking an American-Chinese tourist, a Ms. Wen Qi Zhu. MP Lhagyari ignored Ms. Zhu’s protestations that she is a student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, continuing to attack her with her fists after a disagreement arose between the two women on the topic of Tibet’s history.
MP Lhagyari has been in the news quite a lot recently, and never for good reasons. She was seen in August 2017 attending an all-expenses paid rangzen conference in Paris, where she enjoyed nice hotels, cafes and sightseeing whilst gathering with other Tibetan rangzen activists to discuss strategies for a fully independent Tibet. Their meeting was in total opposition to the Dalai Lama’s umaylam approach (meaningful autonomy) which, as everyone knows, the Dalai Lama has strongly advocated for many years.
Clearly however, MP Lhagyari has no respect for the Dalai Lama, his advice and his decisions. Her attending the conference put her squarely in the company of the rangzen people whom ex-Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche has previously said are the most dangerous in Tibetan society.
So in these shocking images and video above, as first reported by Phayul, MP Lhagyari can be seen attacking a Chinese student of the Dalai Lama. The lady, a Chinese-born American citizen by the name of Wen Qi Zhu, had just had an audience with His Holiness when she was attacked. Ms. Zhu also happens to be a sponsor of the Tibetan leadership, having made financial contributions to the recent teachings given by His Holiness. Despite these facts being made evident to MP Lhagyari, she continued to attack Ms. Zhu. Surely anyone including Ms. Zhu, would have been shocked to attend Dalai Lama’s teachings on forgiveness, tolerance and love towards all beings including enemies and their Chinese brothers and sisters. Then when she walks out, she encounters displays by MP Lhagyari that she disagrees with and MP Lhagyari became violent. Does MP Lhagyari represent the Dalai Lama’s exiled government correctly? The Dalai Lama preaches tolerance but his MP Lhagyari enacts violence on the streets outside his temple where the teachings were just given. People who disagree with exiled government of Tibet hear one thing from the Dalai Lama and experience the opposite from his government members.
Questions have been raised about MP Lhagyari’s conduct, as she appears to be against anything the Dalai Lama supports. Not only does she advocate rangzen and gather with people who are against the Dalai Lama’s meaningful autonomy, but now she has also been caught on film attacking supporters and students of the Dalai Lama. Her behavior has been widely condemned as embarrassing of the Tibetan leadership and there are now calls for her resignation.
These are the facts:
- Regardless of whatever Ms. Zhu said, and whether MP Lhagyari agreed with it, her behavior was most unbecoming as a member of parliament and representative of the Dalai Lama’s government. Is this the version of democracy that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership) espouses, one characterized by intolerance and violence?
- Whatever the disagreement between the two ladies, Ms. Zhu was in India which is a democratic nation. Hence she was well within her rights to protest the exhibition. Likewise, if MP Lhagyari was going to establish an exhibition like that, she should have been prepared for opposition and learned how to deal with it properly. Even if Ms. Zhu did not agree with her, MP Lhagyari as a government official should have remained courteous and polite to someone who is a tourist and guest of India.
- The Tibetan leadership are therefore immature, ill-informed and ill-equipped to deal with dissenting views. If anyone does not agree with the beliefs, their method of dealing with them is arrogant violence.
- For the Tibetan leaders, democratic principles are only applicable when it suits them. When they want to promote their own ideas, or when it will impress potential sponsors to give them money, then they will roll out the red carpet to show how democratic they are. But when other people have their own, different beliefs, they are not allowed to have them and in that case, there is no democracy. This has been experienced by many in the Tibetan settlements who have seen their freedom of speech stifled and freedom of movement restricted over the years.
- MP Lhagyari’s inability to control her emotions, and to get proper authorities like the police to deal with incidents like these, makes her a poor candidate for any leadership position.
- If this is the type of person who occupies a seat in parliament, as someone with so much latent violence in their character, it is therefore extremely conceivable that the CTA is very capable of organizing the same type of violence against anyone else who does not agree with their views. An example of this are Dorje Shugden practitioners who have been rioted against, stabbed, murdered and segregated against.
- The CTA have so many policies that divide and segregate their own people on the basis of religion. Now they are getting some of their own karma back, why are they upset?
It remains to be seen how China will react to this latest incident but China may just bring up this incident as yet another reason to deny dialogue with the Tibetan leadership. After all, why open dialogue with a group of people who so violently and physically attack Chinese-born individuals?
As for MP Lhagyari herself, she is now in a no-win situation. She is a very bad representative of the Tibetan government-in-exile. As a member of parliament of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, she should understand and know how to deal politely with people against her views and not retaliate in violence with any member of the public. She can easily ask for the police which are nearby to intervene. The police stations are very nearby. MP Lhagyari and some Tibetans expressed shock that even in the Dalai Lama’s headquarters of Dharamsala, someone ‘dare’ opposes their view of Tibetan history. This shows pure arrogance and ignorance which is reflective of the Tibetan leaders in Dharamsala located in Himachel Pradesh state of North India. The American-Chinese national was not happy that Tibetans paint all Chinese in the wrong light and indeed not all Chinese agreed with the policy and events in Tibet. MP Lhagyari would not hear of this. No one is allowed to question, doubt or be in opposition of MP Lhagyari’s views which represents her exiled government’s views. If they do, violence breaks out as you see here. This is the Tibetan government-in-exile’s version of democracy. It is no wonder after 60 years of being ‘refugees’ they still cannot make any headway with China regarding Tibet. Who stays refugees for 60 years anyway unless staying a ‘refugee’ brings in free sympathy money from ignorant foreigners?
Thanks to MP Lhagyari’s actions, the CTA or exiled Tibetan government is now a laughing stock of the world. The Tibetan leadership has to learn to accept that the world is not going to agree with them on everything anymore. After 60 years of playing the refugee card to gain sympathy, while living the high life in India and immigrating all over the world, there is very little sympathy left for them. MP Lhagyari should resign and or apologize if she wishes to be dignified and represent the Tibetan government-in-exile as civilized and educated.
Migmar Tsering
October 19, 2017
MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar went to Paris last month for a rangzen meeting against the Dalai Lama’s policy of Middle Way or autonomy. It is clear she wants independence because her family is from royalty before in Tibet.
Everything paid for by the Central Tibetan Administration using the donation money they get from public, asking for donations because of self-immolation and Tibetans suffering in Tibet.
I heard she took expensive flight to Paris, and supported by those who are also thinking of Rangzen instead of Dalai Lama’s Umaylam. She was Chief Guest and in the conference she said that fighting for independence was at the heart of the Tibetan people’s struggle and that many had sacrificed their life for it. Why does she go against the Dalai Lama?
You can read for yourself news originally from Phayul that Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar others who are against the Dalai Lama: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/tibetan-mp-juchen-konchok-and-friends-oppose-the-dalai-lamas-middle-way/
Michaela Smith
October 19, 2017
The CTA is not capable of planting the seed of and implementing real democracy where freedom of speech, differences in opinion, and constructive feedback can be accepted. Tenpa Yarphel is being called a Chinese dog just because he said Nechung’s prophecy is inaccurate.
Tashi, Delhi
October 20, 2017
What is the CTA for a club? Going around pretending to be a democracy and only because of HH Dalai Lama they can make some foreign people believe it but it seems that karma is coming back.
The CTA is suppressing their own people and having a good life with the money originally meant for the Tibetan people. And their elections are a farce!
Listen here to Tenpa Yarphel who questions about the reliance of the Tibetan Government to Nechung, an oracle, which is understandable already but on top Nechung’s predictions seem to create more problems than anything else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
What happens to Tenpa Yarphel now that he speaks up? Tibetans have started a Facebook page against Tenpa Yarphel and protest against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH. They even ask Tenpa Yarphel to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
So much for the “Democracy” in the Tibetan Government!!
Amy
October 22, 2017
There will always be hardliners on both sides of the divide. The difficult part is to be able to gather the knowledge and wisdom to be impartial to no one but the truth which is very hard to gather. The best thing for anyone is to be able to admit our shortcomings and compromise, walk the middle way. Which, in this case will not be to the CTA’s liling at all.
drolma
October 22, 2017
Who are these “Tibetans” who keep saying chinese dog???
Why Tibetans are keeping quiet over these vulgar people?? 🤦🤦
Simone
October 24, 2017
Sad to see such things happening. Guess, being Buddhist no longer holds much meaning for them anymore. It’s more like wearing an old shirt that you wear without much thought. Thus, you call yourself a Buddhist without being aware of what the Buddha taught. How very sad.
Vicki
October 25, 2017
OMG! Shameful and bringing down the good work of the Dalai Lama as well. Actions of the children reflect on the parents. Action of the students reflect on the teachers. Action of the people reflect on the government
Desmond
October 26, 2017
Is this how a Tibetan MP acts? So embarrassing. Like a bunch of village people.
The Hong Kong lady was wrong to attack but the silly MP showed the world what kind of small, minded and violent too. I wonder what happened to this lady afterwards. Did anyone threaten her? Heard CTA is famous for such things.
Anonymous
October 26, 2017
@Michaela Smith, anyone who disagrees with the CTA or the Dalai Lama will be called Chinese dog. These people are so “good” that only their opinion are right. Everyone else is Chinese dog. Very tiring, trying to talk to these kind of people. That’s why suddenly Tenpa Yarphel is being called a Chinese dog just because he said Nechung’s prophecy is inaccurate. Shows the level that the CTA is keeping the poor Tibetans.
ashrao
October 29, 2017
Unfortunately, the dream of Tibetan democracy is nothing but that. Look at this brave Tenpa Yarphel speaking up against the spirit Nechung (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A). He brings up a good point, the Tibetans rely more on a spirit than they do on democratic principles and their own intelligence and care for their own people.
But these Tibetans themselves are so enamoured with the spirit that they protest against Tenpa Yarphel, lame protests, but protests nonetheless, like this man who cut off his hair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA). I really don’t understand how this is a protest, but each to their own I guess.
Personally, I don’t really think much of the Tibetans who follow their lame government. I’ve seen first-hand just how much the average Tibetan suffers under their current leadership and this just goes to show that their government is ineffective and schismatic. But one thing about this whole situation is somewhat promising, there is a silver lining, and that is the point was raised by a Tibetan MP within their parliament. He wouldn’t have done so if other people in the Tibetan community did not feel the same way. It is time for Tibetan to free themselves of a superstitious, money-grabbing, self-serving, and impotent government.
Dawa Lhamo
October 29, 2017
Tibetan government are useless, they rely on Nechung https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Any you know what, their supporters even cut their hair off because they don’t agree with MP. This guy funny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
What this going to change?
ashrao
October 29, 2017
The Tibetan government keep relying on Nechung for everything, though all his predictions and advice cause more damage than harm. Is it even wise to follow his advice, I mean he was wrong about His Holiness the Dalai Lama returning to Tibet in five years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
That was in 2009, we are now in 2017, which was 8 years ago. Is his advice really trust worthy? I wonder why the Tibetan government even continue to listen to him. Perhaps they get something out of it?
Tashi Gonkatsang
October 29, 2017
This ashrao posted this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
What he said is true. I couldn’t believe it at first, because I never heard my parents or relatives tell much such things before. But when I asked my uncle who is a monk, he told me it is true. He said that Nechung gave bad advice and has continued to give bad advice. My uncle said that even many of the monks and high lamas don’t even believe in anything Nechung says. Better to say no rather than listening to his advice from now on. My parents were shocked. They used to go and see Nechung oracle when they were in India, but luckily I was able to move them to the USA. Now we better off. I can’t believe that the government still listen to the Nechung.
Hi I'm Lobsang Sangye I'm a liar
October 29, 2017
It’s quite refreshing to have someone from the parliament speaking up and raising questions about the unjustness that’s been happening within its own “government”. Tenpa Yarphel is extremely brave to speak up like that, Tibetans HAVE TO WATCH IT! 👍
1. Tibetan shaves off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel 2017 Sept
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
2. Tibetan Parliament member representing Kagyu School Ven. Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
Then of course, we have some intelligent individuals such as Geshe Dorje himself, who just wants attention, talks big but does nothing else 🙄 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Tashi
October 29, 2017
Lhagyari was seen in Paris last month to attend a rangzen meeting whose very objective itself is already against the Dalai Lama’s umaylam policy or autonomy. The thing is, she wasn’t alone.
Together with her were her other MP friends who flew there on on good airplane and indulged themselves in the luxurious hotels and good food. All that just to attend a meeting that directly opposes the Dalai Lama: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/tibetan-mp-juchen-konchok-and-friends-oppose-the-dalai-lamas-middle-way/
TseringD, Delhi
October 29, 2017
I m think Nechung is one of d best when I m watch to dis video By Geshe Dorjee la but now I m think is not d truth n he is lie to Tibet people we are not back to Tibet yt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8 Chithue Tenpa Yarphel la tq for talk about truth of Nechung . I m watch to this video many time la https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8 n after I hear you talk I m not belief to Nechung
Why CTA Why
October 30, 2017
Watch when Geshe Dorje interprets Nechung’s prophecies! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
After the Nechung oracle takes trance, his answers are interpreted and explained by Geshe Dorje, Buddhist master from Nechung Monastery.
Well, the video is from 2009 – so Nechung is wrong again! Who would rely on Nechung when all prophecies are wrong?? Someone with a hidden agenda maybe?!!
Namdrol
October 30, 2017
Why are the very CTA people went to Paris to attend a conference that opposes the Dalai Lama? And all the expenses were paid for. So CTA spend the money people donated to them for their officials to attend conference that opposes their leader Dalai Lama, after that holidaying in Paris. Amazing! Corruption to the core!
Michaela Smith
October 30, 2017
Another proof that Nechung prophecy is not reliable. The Dalai Lama and the CTA should stop asking Nechung for advice as they are harmful and give people false hopes.
Geshe Dorjee Youtube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Namdrol
October 30, 2017
MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar is representing the Dalai Lama, representing the Tibetan people, and to the world’s eye, she is representing the “holy” Shangrila which is full of happiness, calm and peace, non-anger, non-violence. Instead, the world got what more than what they bargained for. It doesnt matter how the Chinese woman acted, MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar as a Buddha/Chenrezig/Dalai Lama’s representative, should react like what Buddha/Chenrezig/Dalai Lama taught, non-violence, forgiving, calm, non-anger, non-hatred, instead, MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar reacted the opposite to the “enemy”, she retaliated, fought back, cat-fight, got violent, screamed…the true colors of CTA is out, they are not what you project them to be, so STOP SUPPORTING CTA, STOP GIVING MONEY TO CTA, STOP SYMPATHZING WITH THEM, CTA ARE HYPOCRITES.
Namdrol
October 30, 2017
MP Tenpa Yarphel is very brave to questioned the validity and accuracy of the spirit Nechung who the Dalai Lama always consulted, apparently Nechung has been giving highly inaccurate prophecies, but people still keep using him because Dalai Lama keeps using him and nobody dare to say otherwise, although Nechung is full of mistake, no wonder Tibetans did not get back their country even after 60 years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Look at this guy’s way of protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel and you know why the Tibetans will never get back their country:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Amber Sonam
October 30, 2017
Finally someone from the CTA is brave enough to speak up! CTA sure has a lot of dodgy business going on even it’s own MP cannot keep quiet anymore. Watch what is being said here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
Yet, those in denial continues to support the corruption within the CTA by shaving off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
He is also supported by Geshe Dorje himself who is riding on the Nechung issue giving no concrete proof as usual https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Michaela Smith
October 30, 2017
I would like to share with you about this courageous Tibetan parliament MP member who is speaking up against Nechung. He received a lot of backlash due to his bravery, but I hope it won’t deter him to speak up in the future. There are many people who actually agree with him
1. Tibetan Parliament member representing Kagyu School, speak up about Nechung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
2. Tibetan shaves off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel 2017 Sept
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Michaela Smith
October 30, 2017
I would like to share with you about this courageous Tibetan parliament MP member who is speaking up against Nechung. He received a lot of backlash due to his bravery, but I hope it won’t deter him to speak up in the future. There are many people who actually agree with him
1. Tibetan Parliament member representing Kagyu School, speak up about Nechung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8
2. Tibetan shaves off his hair in protest against MP Tenpa Yarphel 2017 Sept
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Tashi Dolma
November 14, 2017
What a shame! instead of maintaining unity and harmony, the CTA members are bickering among themselves.
Tibetan unity in peril: Call for massive street protest in Dharamshala
By Mila Rangzen
NEW YORK CITY, US, 11 November 2017
Like most Tibetans, including those who voted for Sikyong Lobsang Sangay in the 2016 election, I am shocked by what Sikyong Lobsang Sangay did to former speaker Penpa Tsering — the Dalai Lama’s Chief Representative posted in Washington DC. He fired Penpa Tsering a few days ago for no reason other than political revenge.
Penpa Tsering was Lobsang Sangay’s opponent in the 2016 Sikyong election, and a tough one at that. Penpa Tsering is the only Tibetan statesman who can stand up to Lobsang Sangay and speak the truth to his face for the good of our cause and our community as a whole.
Stand up he did, in and outside the Parliament. With humility but firmly. Roughly twenty-eight thousand Tibetans in our small exile community voted for him.
Recognizing Penpa Tsering’s capability, experience, and integrity, the Dalai Lama’s private office recommended Penpa Tsering as the right man for the Representative job. Sikyong had no choice but to relent. Also, to appear to be burying the election grudge and the regional hatchet, that was the best bet he had. No need to point out that Lobsang Sangay is a Khampa man and Penpa Tsering is an Amdo/U-Tsang man. Track the source of the conflict. It will help the reader understand the Tibetan domestic politics. To turn a blind eye because it makes you feel uncomfortable is, in fact, an endorsement for negative regionalism to continue.
When the media asked for elaboration on why Sikyong fired him, the response from him and his subordinates was shocking. Sikyong, laughing sarcastically, avoided the question by telling the media to talk to the Cabinet Secretary. The secretary simply said Sikyong fired him because it is in his power to do so according to the exile charter. No specific reason was given.
The Deputy Sikyong Youthok Karma Gelek responded, at an only 10-minute-long press conference, by saying that Sikyong had served three warning notices to Penpa Tsering to mend his ways in the past one year and that he was not respecting Sikyong. When pressed for what precisely wrong did Penpa Tsering do, Youthok became overbearing and left.
CTA, where is the transparency?
The Dalai Lama publicly rebuked both the candidates in Dharamshala in April 2016 for stirring regional tensions among the Tibetan community during the election. Both the candidates publicly apologized. And so, we believed the matter got settled there and then. Sangay even delivered tons of speeches on the importance of Tibetan unity.
But to our dismay, Lobsang Sangay proved us wrong. The man is still in the election campaign mode despite being in office again for almost two years. This firing on unfounded grounds is an attempt to tarnish the image and reputation of Penpa Tsering. How vindictive can Sikyong get? This is absolutely unacceptable, and it also goes against the very teaching of the Dalai Lama.
Penpa Tsering said on Voice of America that he was served only one warning notice, and that too without any explanation. Sikyong also denied Penpa Tsering his right to explain his position. Sangay revealed his actual colours. Also, the removal of Penpa Tsering from the office is a slap in Dalai Lama’s face, and a kick to the rear of the twenty-eight thousand Amdos and U-Tsangs who voted for him.
What can we do now?
Oposing groups of people standing on either side of a crack in the ground.
When we think an issue is this important, we are left with no choice but a massive protest. Protesting can help raise public awareness and prevent a cheap political vendetta that can ruin the Tibetan unity thus far achieved.
I call for the Tibetans to come out in thousands at Gangkyi on 27 November 2017 at 10 am sharp, and do the following.
Picket by holding up large signs at the Cabinet building and demand detailed explanation for the firing of Penpa Tsering. Gather first at McLeod Ganj and march to Gangkyi, demanding the reinstatement of Penpa Tsering to the office. Hold a vigil at night in memory of Penpa Tsering’s dedication and service to our community. Do sit-ins at the Cabinet building lobby until the demand is met. Resist threats and violence with resolute non-violent action. Be the peace warriors!
Organise a core group of U-Tsang Association and Amdo Association if the Cholsum Association fails to do so. Assign roles to members pertaining to media coverage, permits, equipment, safety, transport, signs, and placards.
Gather as many people as you can to help out on the day. Remember to contact them the night before to remind them about the protest. Put the word out through emails, posters and flyers, local media, social media, word of mouth, and any other way you can.
Organise speakers for they can inspire and educate the Tibetan public, but keep the speeches short and powerful.
Thunder into the streets! Pound sense into the head of Sikyong! Lead by example, not by ego!
https://www.tibetsun.com/opinions/2017/11/11/tibetan-unity-in-peril-call-for-massive-street-protest-in-dharamshala
Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer appeals for peace
By Lobsang Wangyal
McLEOD GANJ, India, 14 November 2017
Sensing the momentum gathering around a mass demonstration in Dharamshala against Kashag’s continuous silence over its decision to sack Penpa Tsering as the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in North America, the Tibetan Settlement Officer in Dharamshala has issued an appeal to the people to maintain peace and harmony.
Calls for a demonstration were made after the Kashag (Cabinet of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) ) refused to divulge details of the reason for expelling Representative Penpa Tsering.
Kashag issued an announcement about the termination of Penpa Tsering’s duties through their website on 7 November, stating that he will end his duty on 30 November, and the current CTA Education Minister Ngodup Tsering will replace him.
The Kashag stated “dereliction of duty” as the reason, and said that three warnings had been served, but that Penpa Tsering didn’t show any improvement in his conduct.
The actual nature of the warnings was also not clear when the officiating President of the CTA convened a press conference on 9 November.
Penpa Tsering on the other hand denied any wrongdoing.
Settlement Officer Dawa Rinchen said in his appeal message that since Dharamshala being the seat of the Dalai Lama and of the Central Tibetan Administration, he urged people to respect the sanctity of the place.
Speaking to Tibet Sun, Rinchen said that he envisaged a demonstration on the 27th of this month, but couldn’t have any estimate of its size.
The 27th came to be the date for demonstration after an activist in NYC suggested it through his article published on Tibet Sun.
He said, ”There’s so much talk and discussion about the issue and preparations for the protest. Many people are seen registering and others giving donations towards this event.”
President of CTA Lobsang Sangay, who is on a European tour, spoke on 13 November about the issue in Norway, but he also refused to give details as to why Penpa Tsering was suspended.
He said that it is the prerogative of the Kashag to appoint and terminate representatives and staff members of CTA. Kashag is not required to explain the reasons for their termination.
Some Tibetans in the United States are saying they would stop paying the annual tax to CTA (record maintained through the “Green Book”), and people in New York are calling for a boycott of an event in New York on 10 December, the Tibetan Rally for Peace and Non-violence, which is to be attended by CTA President Lobsang Sangay and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel. It is to be held at United Nations Plaza, led by North American Chithues and is organised by North American Tibetan Associations.
However, Penpa Tsering has appealed in a video message to people in New York City and nearby areas to attend the event.
https://www.tibetsun.com/news/2017/11/14/dharamshala-tibetan-settlement-officer-appeals-for-peace
Karma Gunz
November 17, 2017
Looks like more 💩💩😀😆💩😆💩 for the CTA!
Growing public anger as Kashag reluctant to give clear statement on NA Rep. row
[Thursday, November 16, 2017 21:19]
By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 16: Following the announcement to relieve North America CTA mission representative and former Speaker Penpa Tsering from his position on Nov. 7, there has been a general sense of dissatisfaction among sections of the community with some even suggesting protests and boycott of events where President Sangay is scheduled to attend.
While the Kashag asserts that the issue was handled as per the binding rules and with rightful authority, the handling of the situation, many say, has rolled back on President Sangay’s campaign claims of transparency and unity. An official announcement and a press briefing by Kashag have not mentioned a clear reason for Penpa’s ousting other than vague reference to dereliction in his role there and hints at insubordination.
Officiating President Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok told the media last week that the Kashag need not give a clarification over the transfer or firing of any staff and that the issue is an “internal matter”.
The growing impasse between the public and Kashag’s (cabinet) reluctance to give a clear explanation over the cause of Penpa’s ousting has escalated over the last week. A New York based individual going by the name of Mila Rangzen has called for a non-violent mass protest at the end of the month here in Dharamshala, prompting the settlement officer here to issue a public appeal, urging peace and order in the community.
Dharamshala settlement officer Dawa Rinchen told Phayul, “While I have no knowledge of when and how many people are going to hold a protest, my prerogative is to avoid any incidents here in Dharamshala where His Holiness the Dalai Lama resides where the CTA is based and subsequently where the eyes of the international community is transfixed on. Hence I appealed the public to maintain peace here.”
Sporadic posts and videos on social media sites such as Facebook and WeChat expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the situation calling for a transparent approach to the matter by President Sangay led Kashag. A Tibetan nitezen Tsering Chomphel wrote on Facebook, “I personally think transparency is the first rung of so called democracy ladder. In today’s world, we cannot and should not trust any individual or group blindly. If PT is innocent this time, he needs to speak out. It’s not about PT or Kashag. It’s about peoples trust. People will surely lose trust and interest in our politics if things are not made clear this time.”
Tsering Samdup, a Tibetan sweater seller, said that it would be inappropriate if the Kashag issues a clarification simply because some section of the community demands it. “The concerned individual here is Penpa Tsering and if he denies Kashag’s decision and seeks clarification then Kashag might be obliged to give one. Otherwise, there is no need to clarify.”
Another nitezen opined that three advisory letter/directives were enough caution by the Kashag. Tenzin Kunkyab wrote, “He got fired after three written warning (three yellow cards) after that they pulled red card, I don’t see any wrong with that unless PT himself have some explanation.” Penpa Tsering however claimed he only received one letter prior to his termination letter and has maintained he is not at fault.
Some people have even called for more dramatic action to boycott the ‘Solidarity with Tibet rally for peace and non-violence’ on 10th December in New York where President Sangay is scheduled to attend. Penpa Tsering, the outgoing representative urged Tibetans in North America to participate in the event with the broader sense of the Tibetan issue at mind and not divisive politics.
Meanwhile the Tibetan President who is currently on an official visit to northern Europe indicated that the Kashag might not budge and give a clear-cut answer on the issue. He said that Penpa Tsering has accepted the Kashag’s decision to remove him from the Washington office and his cabinet’s decision to remove and appoint liaison officers abruptly, is neither unprecedented nor illegal.
The NA office remains the most crucial position in the hierarchy of outposts of the Tibetan polity. The new man in that seat, Education minister Ngodup Tsering today said he has gotten the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his new role in Washington.
Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39805&article=Growing+public+anger+as+Kashag+reluctant+to+give+clear+statement+on+NA+Rep.+row
————————————————
Citing Fatigue, Dalai Lama Appoints Personal Emissaries
November 16, 2017 12:29 PM
Yeshi Dorje
WASHINGTON —
The Dalai Lama says he has appointed emissaries to attend international engagements or speak on his behalf indefinitely.
Citing increasing physical fatigue, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader made the comments while meeting with a group of international youth leaders brought to Dharmsala, India, by the Washington-based Institute of Peace.
“I’m 82 years old, and since last year [my] feeling of tiredness has been much increased,” he told the group during video-recorded meetings last week.
Because he may not be able to maintain a regular international travel schedule, he said, the president of Tibet’s current government-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, along with prominent Buddhist scholar and former prime minister in exile, Samdong Rinpoche, would act as his official emissaries.
These “trusted friends, they know my thinking,” he said. “Our work, continuously, should be more active [and internationally engaged], so in these two persons,” he said, pointing to Lobsang and Samdong, “I have full trust.”
Looking to the dialogue moderator, USIP President Nancy Lindborg, the Dalai Lama said: “If your side … or your government’s side” has concerns, “then these two persons, either one, can participate as my representative or my personal emissary.”
Penpa Tsering, representative for the Office of Tibet in Washington, which represents the Tibetan government-in-exile, downplayed the significance of the Dalai Lama’s statement.
“I think this was more of a general statement,” he told VOA. “His holiness is sometimes too tired to travel, and his April visit to the United States has been suspended indefinitely, but he will continue to travel in India, and Europe is only a seven hour flight.”
Adding that Lobsang’s presidential term is limited to five years, and the fact that Samdong has long served as a kind of unofficial deputy to the Dalai Lama, he said the November 6 comments do not represent a major diversion or change in Dharmsala’s official representation on the world stage.
However, Carole McGranahan, a University of Colorado anthropologist and historian of Tibet, says although prioritizing the Dalai Lama’s health requires a reduction in his international travel schedule, his physical absence from global engagements cannot be substituted via proxy.
“So much of the goodwill and attention Tibet receives in the world is due to his holiness, and specifically due to his personal interactions with world leaders and with the large audiences he draws around the world. His deep wisdom, his humor and charisma, his serious attention to pressing world issues, and, of course, his model of compassion and leadership, make a deep impression on people,” she told VOA’s Tibetan Service via email.
“For so much of the world, the Dalai Lama is the symbol of Tibet. Will his trusted emissaries be able to achieve the same effects? Of course not, as no one can truly stand in for the Dalai Lama,” she wrote. “They will be able to represent him, but no one can embody the message of Tibet as he does. His holiness’s stepping back from international travel will signal a new era of Tibetan diplomacy in the world.”
Robert Barnett, director of the Modern Tibet Studies Program at Columbia University, says the decision may be a signal to Beijing.
“Of course, there’s always the possibility that this move is intended as a post-19th Party Congress signal to Beijing of increased openness to a resumption of talks, or possibly even a response to a request from there,” he said. “It certainly should make Zhang Yijiong happier,” he added, referring to Communist Party’s Tibet working group chief, who told reporters on the sidelines of a party congress that there could be no excuses to meeting the Dalai Lama.
“Except that it seems unlikely that warhorses of that type can ever be appeased,” Barnett said.
In the United States, a California-based Tibetan monk named Tenzin Dhonden, who chairs the non-profit Friends of the Dalai Lama and was secretary of the Dalai Lama Trust, a charitable organization chaired by the Dalai Lama, has acted as a gatekeeper between the Dalai Lama and American philanthropists, scholars, celebrities and donors.
Late last month, Dhonden, who falsely named himself Personal Emissary of Peace for the Dalai Lama in 2005, was suspended from the trust over corruption allegations.
This story originated in VOA’s Tibetan Service. Pete Cobus contributed original reporting.
Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/dalai-lama-appoints-personal-emissaries/4118315.html
Ngawang Wangchuk
November 17, 2017
China knows how welcome President Trump, but how he will be received in Dharamsala is a big question mark
https://youtu.be/Na3lcejmqZ4
Yeshi Phuntsok
November 18, 2017
While President Xi meets President Trump…
Our dear Lobsang Sangay is having a meltdown with Sharling. This is why we are never going to get Tibet back.
Lobsang Tsering
November 23, 2017
Heart advice for the U-Tsang People
The Modus Operandi to silencing us:
“Your freedom of expression is a bad example.”
——
MY HEART ADVICE TO MY DEAR U-TSANG PEOPLE PART II
NOVEMBER 22, 2017 (WILD JEPA)
This is Tibetan domestic politics, not Tibet-China politics. So, keep the debate in context.
Their modus operandi in silencing us is this:
(1) Your criticism will create division within our community along regional lines. But when Khampas do it, either people claim it as their fundamental rights, or they will just ignore it. Shugden activists (99% are Khampas) talked shit about the Dalai Lama and CTA on youtube for years, and nobody lifted even a finger. Why this double standard? Why is it wrong for a non-Khampa Tibetan— who has not sold his soul to the Chinese— to blow a whistle?
(2) This “division” will upset the Dalai Lama, and he will not live long. If something happens to him, then you are responsible. Don’t do it near the CTA and HH. You are a Shugden follower.
(3) Such criticism will make our enemy glad and our brethren sad. Why are we doing this to ourselves?
(4) We are an exile community and not an independent country so don’t copy the West. Shame on you!
(5) If you want to criticize, do so to the Chinese. When you do, they tell you to do the Middle Way, not the Rangzen way!
(6) Your freedom of speech hurts our unity. Stop comparing our society to others because we are refugees.
(7) Your freedom of thought is disturbing the minds of our people and the peace in our community.
(8) Your freedom of expression is a bad example to the Tibetan youth.
(9) Freedom of speech has limits. Why are you doing the work of Chinese–our enemy? You are one brainwashed idiot.
(10) You are hurting the Tibetan cause.
(11) You are anti-Dalai Lama, anti-CTA, anti-Tibetan, anti-Gaden Phodrang, un-Tibetan, un-Buddhist, CCP agent
(12) If you want to protest, then go to the Chinese embassy.
(13) One scare tactic they use quite successfully is “The ghosts of regionalism from the 60s up to 90s will revisit our small community and the Dalai Lama will be upset.
Bottom line is STF! Follow the Chota Supreme Leader! Follow him blindly!
Their objective is to create fear, guilt, and shame in you, so you get paralyzed even to react, and that’s when they gain total control over you with ease. Our job is not to behave slavishly. No response can be more fitting than this! Their deflection tactic for criticism will fail!
Anytime you criticize a Utsang leader, Khampas will tell you ” You are an honest upfront brave man!” But when you criticize a Khampa leader they will tell you,” I thought you were brave and honest, but you are not! You are rude! You are regional!
Dear U-Tsangs, I understand it is not easy for you to come out of your deep slumber. For centuries, we practiced pacifism after having been inspired by Buddhism. But the price we pay for pacifism and meekness is the erosion of our pride, courage, unity, and determination. It is psychologically harmful to our children. No more nyamchung crap!
Sing this new prayer with the same Tsemay younten tune, and you will get the message.
Tsemay younten gyatsoe pel nga shing
Nyamchung go la dho tar shak sha rey
Jigten dodhang dhinday yin na
Dhue nam yang khur thuppa mindhuk !
When my nine-year-old son Gyakhab Rangzen asked me one day out of the blue “Daddy, why are our U-Tsang people so meek? “
At first, I was taken aback at his observation. Regaining my composure, I told him “Son, we are not cowards. We had a central government, and so we abandoned tribalism for unity long ago. We are used to peace for long, and hence we forgot the art of war. And to protect our skin, we now do become selfish not realizing that it is harder to break a dozen arrows than one. Remember, we U-Tsangs once unified the whole of Tibet and conquered distant lands through war. We were warriors once. History is the witness. We can be warriors again”.
He hugged me with his chest puffed up with pride and confidence. I will never forget that day because I was the happiest daddy and he was the proudest son in the whole world, and we both are hardcore U-Tsangs.
Yes, in pacifism, we become rats. And when the rats get disoriented with fear they will attack the victim, not the perpetrator because it is safe and comfortable. We allow Khampas to use U-Tsangs to attack our own. Remember Yapchen Passang Tsewang attacked our hero Dawa Tsering with false allegations. Who can forget it?
Tenpa Yarphel and his ilk bullied him for fifteen years over the Yongling school despite losing the battle legally many times. They also brought up false murder allegations against Penpa Tsering to bring him down to ensure the victory of their root guru Lobsang Sangay. What U-Tsang attacked Khampas so mercilessly with such hate and jealousy raging in their eyes in the past six decades? None.
We respected them for their courage, straightforwardness, decisiveness, resoluteness and the help they render to their tribe. But what have we got back? Nothing but negative regionalism, intimidation, hatred, jealousy, bullying, exploitation, discrimination, insults, death threats, and assaults. Nothing but attacks after attacks!
Now we begin to witness our patience has both depth and limit. Always remember, when a Khampa hurls outrageous allegations on a U-Tsang, our leadership is silent. But when a U-Tsang fights back, the administration goes reciting the mantra,
“Om, Unity! Unity! Unity!”
Call me names or do what you can, I will not budge an inch so should you not. Let the sky fall; I don’t give a damn. If regionalism and disunity are suffering–let both, not one–suffer!
I will never ever abandon the death-bed advice that my father gave me long ago, “Even if you are reduced to a life of slums and misery, never sell your soul to the Red China who is responsible for the loss of our country and our dignity. Fight if you can as a Tibetan for nothing less than total independence. But if Khampa regionalism urinates on the head of U-Tsangs, then you should stand up first and fight as a hardcore U-Tsang! And lead others by example. When in international politics, play your Tibetan role: When in Tibetan domestic politics, play your U-Tsang role. ”
Vow not to shove shit in to the mouth of a U-Tsang who served you butter and honey!
Vow not to kiss the ass of a Khampa who urinated on your head!
If you stick to these two vows then you are a U-Tsang who will earn the respect and votes of all other U-Tsangs.
Don’t forget November 27, 2017 Monday 10 am sharp!
Blast the Kashag building with slogans !
P.S. If you know of corruption or injustice at high levels and if you have facts, evidence, photos, audio, videos, contact me–the Tibetan WikiLeaks at [email protected]
https://wildjepa.com/2017/11/22/my-heart-advice-to-my-dear-u-tsang-people-part-ii/
Rakesh Chandra
November 25, 2017
How dare this Tibetan treated the citizen of his host country so rudely
Tibetans Go Back
November 25, 2017
If you are Tibetan, this is important.
Tibetans Go Back
November 25, 2017
This is what the Dalai Lama wants and Tibetan should support.
Ngodup Tsering
November 27, 2017
Penpa Tsering is sacked, and now maybe Dhardon wants his cushy job in USA. So she has to be nice to her big boss Sikyong to get this job.
Amdo Shapale
November 28, 2017
Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, after you visited Jonang Temple, will you visit a Dorje Shugden temple soon?
Chorig Kalon Attends Special Conference on Jonang Tradition
November 25, 2017
Published By Jamphel Shonu
DHARAMSHALA: Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, today attended a special conference on the evolution of Jonang tradition and its present status at Duekhor Monastery near Norbulingka institute. The conference was organised by Jonang wellbeing Association.
The chief guests at the conference were Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok and Gyalwang Gyaltsab Rinpoche. Other guests at the conference include settlement officer Dawa Rinchen and representatives from non governmental organisations.
Kalon Karma Gelek Yuhtok also inaugurated a compilation book of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s speeches and teachings published by the Jonang Wellbeing association.
Tsangyang Gyatso, President of Jonang wellbeing Association, explained that the objective of the Special conference was to revive and spread awareness about the Jonang school of Tibetan Buddhism, and to acquire equal religious status as other schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
http://tibet.net/2017/11/chorig-kalon-attends-special-conference-on-jonang-tradition/
Ngodup Tsering
November 29, 2017
The Dalai Lama said that he cannot change his religion to enter into the Hindu temple. He wants to visit the Hindu temple, but he cannot change his religion. Only those of Hindu faith can enter this temple. He tried to enter by saying indirectly make an exception. But the Hindu priest said no. Even for the Dalai Lama, a big celebrity, the rules cannot be changed. It would have been nice if the priest did change the rules because the temple is to be visited by all and blessings are for everyone.
Similarly, Dorje Shugden people cannot change their religion so they cannot enter the Dalai Lama’s temple. So the situation is exactly the same. It would be nice if the Dalai Lama himself can change his rules too.
Ngodup Tsering
Ngodup Tsering
November 29, 2017
Picture caption:
Sign in Sarnath that barred Shugden practitioners from a Gelug Monastery
What the Dalai Lama said:
“When I wanted to enter the Jagannath Temple in Puri, they said only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. So, in order to make a pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple, I have to become a Hindu, which is very difficult,” said the Dalai Lama ~ ya we knew that long ago
Ngodup Tsering
November 29, 2017
Picture caption:
A Gelug monastery in Sarnath bans Shugden practitioners from their monastery and teachings
What the Dalai Lama said:
“When I wanted to enter the Jagannath Temple in Puri, they said only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. So, in order to make a pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple, I have to become a Hindu, which is very difficult,” said the Dalai Lama ~ ya we knew that long ago”
Tashi Dolma
December 6, 2017
Finally it is apparent to the public the main reason why His Holiness the Dalai Lama recently appointed the former sikyong, Samdhong Rinpoche, as his personal emissary. Unlike the current sikyong, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, who is unable to build any sort of rapport with China, Samdhong Rinpoche’s term as Sikyong was marked by no less than nine rounds of negotiation with China. Not long after Samdhong Rinpoche recent appointment as personal emissary, he was able to convince China to go back to the negotiation table. Samdhong Rinpoche’s visit to China also shows that the Dalai Lama is serious about wanting to go back to China.
Tashi Dolma
Chering Dorje
December 6, 2017
The Dalai Lama has been steadily losing international support as China continues to rise as a world power. No country dares to receive the Dalai Lama officially. Although the Dalai Lama’s statement of not seeking independence and wants autonomy within China is not new, his statement that “he would return to Tibet at once, if China agrees” may be a clue that the Dalai Lama have been pressured to seize the opportunity before the window for a deal closes a few years from now. See the article below:
Tashi Dolma
December 6, 2017
Instead of working to benefit the Tibetan refugees in exile, the CTA is hit with scandal after scandal. The issues related to Penpa Tsering’s dismissal as the North American Representative based in the Washington DC could have been better managed if Sikyong Lobsang Sangay had launched a proper investigation into Penpa Tsering misconduct and obtained the related confirmation and evidence prior to dismissing him. Now, Penpa Tsering had nothing more to lose, and his only concern is to clear his name.
On the positive side, it is good that Penpa Tsering came up with various refutation of the CTA’s claims regarding his performance. The public, the Tibetan refugees and the donors and sponsors need to know about the real truth of how the CTA operates, so they can make an informed decision as to whether they would like to continue their support for the CTA.
Tashi Dolma
Jinpa
December 8, 2017
The Dalai Lama, this great monk has been cheated by all those around him and these articles on DorjeShugden.com are maybe only the tip of the iceberg???!!!
How bad to be with the Dalai Lama like this. Same for the CTA as we can read that so much money was used for themselves and not for the Tibetans… sigh
Thank you DorjeShugden.com
Niko
December 31, 2017
Is this how a member of the Tibetan Parliament should act ? They can’t even carry themselves well even in public. What a joke.
Thamchod Nyingma
January 13, 2018
China’s economic prowess is not to be underestimated. Leaders from various countries seek economic collaborations with China, who has been contributing to the world’s economic growth, especially in the past decade. The Indian Intelligence Bureau’s (IB) report highlighted the lack of opportunities in India for growth and advancement as the causes for Tibetan youth to willingly betray their host India and work as spies for China. Tibetan youth clearly have difficulties to survive in India as CTA failed to create sufficient jobs for the Tibetans in exile. This is a reality and we will see more and more trend like this and eventually Tibetans seeking improvement in their quality of life and intellectual advancement will leave India and ‘return’ to China.
Dekyi Wangmo
January 13, 2018
Instead of creating employment opportunities, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has nurtured a culture where Tibetans expect handouts and foreign aids to get by. As a result, they created a new generation of Tibetan refugees who are volatile and vulnerable, and always depend on others to help them out of circumstances. Now, Tibetan refugees in India do not even hesitate to compromise the security of their host country, India, who has been so kind to them, in exchange for monetary gain.
Yodon chela
January 18, 2018
China has been liberal towards Buddhist practitioners, including those who practice Dorje Shugden. In fact, there are 250 million Buddhists in China currently, almost three times more than communist party members. On the contrary, the Tibetan leadership in exile continues to discriminate against Shugden practitioners and politicizes the Shugden controversy to their benefit instead of promoting harmony among Buddhist practitioners. How ironic that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) continuously criticizes China for their human rights issue, and yet the CTA fails to respect even the most basic human rights of other people, freedom of religion.
Tenzin Tsomo
January 22, 2018
Lobsang Sangay’s dismissal of Penpa Tsering with various accusations backfired, contrary to Lobsang Sangay’s expectation. Now, Tibetans are protesting and expressing their loss of trust in his leadership. Lobsang Sangay has to clarify a lot of things to the public, including the USD1.5 million loan with Tibet Fund. Tibetans are now beginning to see Lobsang Sangay’s true colours and are speaking up against him now.
Pema Wangchuk
January 24, 2018
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expressing his wish to visit China again. This is not the first time His Holiness mentioned about visiting or returning to China. In fact, His Holiness made a strong statement in November 2017 that he “would return to Tibet at once, if China agrees”. Could this be another sign from the Tibetan leadership that rapprochement with China is happening soon?
celia
February 18, 2018
Hardly surprising as CTA is riddled with MPs who are there for self-interest and not really caring about what is best for Tibetans. In fact, CTA tends to react negatively when other people don’t subscribe to their view and applying force, intimidation, and violence to stamp out differing views is normal for CTA. Just look at the same tactic used by CTA against Dorje Shugden practitioners. Seriously, with MPs like these, how to expect significant progress or improvements with the Tibetan cause or the welfare of Tibetans?
Tsering
March 3, 2018
Comic drawn by Tendor, a prominent Free Tibet activist.
Tsering Kyi
April 29, 2018
Breaking news!
Well, all the people who was saying China-backed Panchen Lama is fake sure look ridiculous now. They attacked all the Tibetans and supporters who respected the China-backed Panchen Lama calling them all types of dirty and foul names in person and on social media. Calling them China stooges and China paid vulgar names for believing in the China-backed Panchen Lama. Now who looks so ridiculous? Now the Dalai Lama says the China-backed Panchen Lama is good and has a good teacher. If he has a good teacher it means he is turning into a good teacher himself. So he is qualified to teach. The end.
Dalai Lama says the China-backed Panchen Lama is an emanation of the previous Panchen Lama because high lamas can incarnate back as several lamas at the same time. So the Panchen Lama recognized by the Dalai Lama and the China-backed Panchen Lama are both good and both are incarnations of the previous Panchen Lama. How the tables have turned. Now all the people who criticized China-backed Panchen Lama can keep quiet and remember how ridiculous they look now. Listen to what the Dalai Lama says now as of April 2018 about the China-backed Panchen Rinpoche http://video.dorjeshugden.com/videos/11PanchenLamaIsAlive.mp4
The Panchen Lama recognized by Dalai Lama is alive and well also according to Dalai Lama himself.