Kagyu MP Tenpa Yarphel (left) has been causing quite a stir during the most recent Tibetan Parliament sessions. He said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s private office were wrong to present an award to MP Dawa Tsering (right) who has been accused of corruption. His remarks led to a walkout of the majority of parliament. What kind of mature government walks out of parliament just because one of their leaders is criticized in this manner?
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: Kay Beswick
As yet another session of their so-called Parliament draws to a close, Tibetans are yet again having to deal with news that their political representatives have embarrassed them. An article on Phayul covers this incident, and it reflects how petty the so-called Tibetan Government in Exile really is. The article tries to paint a picture of a government that is modern, wide-thinking and important. However, an objective analysis of the issues that elicit the most emotional response from these members of parliament (MPs) strongly suggests otherwise.
What were the most hotly-debated issues within this Parliamentary session?
- An award that Kagyu MP Tenpa Yarphel felt was given to the wrong person
- Property that an MP Dawa Tsering has been accused of running as a private enterprise
- Over-reliance on gods and deities like Nechung for advice regarding state, political and secular decisions
Do these sound like the markers of a mature government, or the concerns of a small-minded and narrow-thinking leadership? In fact, when MP Tenpa Yarphel said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama‘s private office gave an award to someone accused of corruption, it resulted in a walkout of the majority of MPs. What kind of government walks out when an MP raises such a topic? No global government would ever consider doing such a thing; imagine if the British Parliament staged a walkout if one of the MPs spoke about leaders of the Anglican Church! Most of the subject matters discussed by the Tibetan ‘government’ in exile are petty, self serving and very small scope. It reflects their mentality and the core reason why they can never get their country back. How can the petty Tibetan parliament reach out and deal with a superpower such as China to negotiate a mutual good result in respects to Tibetans and Tibet? It has been 60 years and no results and no progress. China has firm grip on Tibet. The Tibetan government in exile has clearly failed and failed in totality.
It is very clear that members of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala) are only concerned about issues related to their own interests, which have nothing to do with their country or the Tibetan people. When it comes to topics about their people, you never hear of it in the news and more often than not, you might even see some MPs asleep in parliament because they are so disinterested. For example, why not discuss the matter of press and media freedoms, or religious freedoms for Dorje Shugden practitioners, or equal representation for the Jonangpas in Parliament?
Furthermore, any objections, especially those about the Dalai Lama, cannot be raised and when any attempt at transparency is made, Tibetan leaders are unable to handle it and have to physically remove themselves from the environment, just like petulant and impulsive children unable to control their emotions. Is this the kind of leadership that the Tibetans really want to be in charge of their political and social futures? This is something that every Tibetan man, woman and child must ask themselves and even though the answer may not be a pretty one, it will at the very least be the truth. And the truth is, for the sake of Tibetan unity and the people, it really is high time for some political changes in Dharamsala. The Dalai Lama is a God King and beyond any blame, mistakes or questioning. Whatever he commands is followed to a tea without dispute. No one is allowed to debate, question or even consider another route. This has been the status quo since the 5th Dalai Lama till now for four hundred years of the Dalai Lama’s ‘dynastic’ rule. No other leader was allowed to replace the Dalai Lama and it is the same now in the 21st century. The Dalai Lama is an avatar of the God of Compassion according to the ordinary Tibetans and therefore cannot be wrong. The Parliament and Prime Minister Lobsang Sangye actually has no power. The full power lies in the hands of the Dalai Lama. So if anyone questions the Dalai Lama or his private office, people must show support they will not entertain this type of questioning as it can lead to your dismissal or your reputation being ruined hence the walk out. No one can question the Dalai Lama. Tenpa Yarphel has tried to question the Dalai Lama’s private office which is hitting it close to home and look at the results. Tenpa Yarphel is honest, courageous and dares point out things that are not right. Let see if he will be branded a Tibetan spy as other Tibetans are who displease the leadership. Let’s see if Tibetan politics will be mature enough to handle questioning by patriotic people like Tenpa Yarphel or resort to serfdom again.
The Original Article
Click to enlarge. (Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39587&article=Dawa+Tsering%2c+Tenpa+Yarphel+clarify+their+stand+after+tumultuous+parliament+session)
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Tenzin Tsomo
October 19, 2017
Are those monk chithue necessary in our parliament.. I suggest and believe that leave them to monastery only.. it’s so weird to see a monk speaking like that infact in a parliament!!
Lukar Jam supporter
October 19, 2017
Monks know more about deities than us lay people
Tenzin Tsomo
October 19, 2017
If you as a monk speak like that than let me tell you one thing I have never seen a monk speak like that ever full of hatred. I just want to say that Nechung oracle is consider as Official State Oracle of the government of Tibet so you should respect it or atleast don’t need to insult it . For that I want to say you don’t deserve to be there if you don’t respect than don’t expect respect from me. You are an insult to monk ,I wish and pray he see this comment and learn to respect
Dolma sachu
October 19, 2017
nechung must not inter-fair in politics. I respect hh dl and nechung . If nechung decide then we don’t need parliament. Shut down and go back to old age system
Tamdin Wanggyal Sherpa
October 19, 2017
Monk’s in Tibet parlement hahahahah what a joke all the monks go back to monasterey go back and fight inside monasterey ,monks place is monasterey not parlement .
Karma Chokdup
October 19, 2017
Folks I guess all of you are smart people and everyone has gotten some intelligence and egos as well! I agreed that some monks and some lay Chitus don’t have the decency of putting their points and statements in a nice polish way. However, I agree to the points where we should separate our politics from religion including oracle prophecies! Now is the time to learn from our past mistakes and at least don’t repeat the same mistakes over again! It’s not only our history but we should learn from western history as well that why they separate churches from politics! Learn to live with our intelligence and reality rather living in mythology and unknown beliefs!
Topga Mathang
October 19, 2017
The Tibetan society by and large has always lived under the clergy-nobility rule for centuries.. the influence of the combination has shaped and moulded the cultural heritage of the Tibetans so much so that a simple decision of any kind is left to the outcome of the ‘MO’, a common belief and practice that is indispensable to all Tibetans. All said and done, the traditional religious belief and practices are there to stay and they are not going away anywhere and any time… hence Oracles including the redoubtable N is not going anywhere… Tibetans by and large would want them where they are.
The debate has in one way might have served one useful purpose: the right to express one’s thoughts freely…even dissent on the most sacred ‘fetishe’ the oracle tradition. ..the lively and vigorous debates on the ongoing controversy is a healthy development in the right direction. People exercising their democratic right to express themselves openly without fear and biases portends well for the future of Tibetan democracy.
Mulan Dolma
October 19, 2017
We don’t want monk in parliament but we have no problem with nechung oracle deciding Tibetan future. Stupid, no wonder we lost our country to China.
Tenpa Yarphel is brave and straight forward. Kudos.
Pema Jinpa
October 19, 2017
I guess your understanding of democratic concept is very limited. In democratic institutions,deities and devils has nothing to do. Those are the days before cultural revolution when dictators rule in pretext of deities and devils. Now it’s high time 21st century we should forget all those things,its not a big deal at all
Tsewang Tashi
October 19, 2017
Tenpa yarpel Chinese dog ….you better to resign from Tibetan parliament…
Tsultrim Namgyal
October 19, 2017
How tenpa yarphel elected chithuee???
འབྲོག་ རྒན།
October 19, 2017
by vote!
Rinchen Phuntsok
October 19, 2017
My path is “what’s been said is said already. His words can’t effect u if ur faith is true” so let’s not get divided and fight among us. Whole world is laughing at us. We got bigger issues to deal. All Arunachal state tribal party and students union are trying to remove us. At this time we cannot afford to get divided. Think bigger, think long term issues
Dovay
October 19, 2017
Most impotant of all for deciding our future course of action in our personal life or for issue relating to Tibet, does not depend on any God or Godess or dieties action. Faith based mindset divide us more farther away in our society solely because they don’t come down to debate or discussion or finding way out with unaninouse decision. Depending on God or dieties pathway was applicable in 1000 of years ago when reason has no place in the society. Why our approach is still has to do with dieties? Can’t our Chitue just sit together to solve with any issue without involving dieties.? Once God or Goddess get their hands in parliament, even Lobsang Sangay and his minister can’t do anything. period.
Tsering Tashi
October 19, 2017
Amid the ongoing tussle between Chithue Tenpa Yarphel and a majority of Chithues, the central executive members of Domey today shot off a strong letter to Sikyong and his cabinet asking them to tame Mr. Yarphel or face unimaginable consequences.
Lukar Jam supporter
October 19, 2017
Nechung oracle is not reliable. This is a fact.
He didn’t help when british in tibet in 1904. he gave wrong medicine to 13th dalai lama which caused His holiness’s death. he said in the past Tibetans going back to Tibet. In 2009, this Geshe Dorje read out what Nechung oracle said. How many years passed, negotiation talk never resume after Lobsang Sangay become Sikyong.
Why we still believe Nechung?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Michaela Smith
October 19, 2017
Another proof that the CTA is not capable of planting the seed of 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. On top, 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 him 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!!
tsewang
October 22, 2017
You don’t like you walk out? Are they adults? How can they be MP??? Not dare to face the truth?? 😏🤣
nyima
October 22, 2017
Nechung is from the past during kings ruling time. Nechung has no place in democracy system in modern world.
trinley
October 22, 2017
Other countries can become powerful and rich without oracles. Why can’t Tibetans?
Ask ourselves. US, UK, China, Japan. Do they use oracle?
It is time Tibetans grow up.
Support Lukar 😍
gyatso
October 22, 2017
MP Dawa Tsering you resign first. Show Tibetans good example 👍👍
drolma
October 22, 2017
Tibetans don’t want leaders who are coward.
MP Tenpa Yarphel has guts. Support HIM! We need more people like MP Tenpa Yarphel.
dorje
October 22, 2017
Is MP Tenpa Yarphel able to keep his seat in the parliament after this?
Do Tibetans prefer fake democracy?
rabten
October 22, 2017
State matters ask Nechung? It is okay in the past but not now.
Can Nechung advice win against China?
Tibetans stop dreaming. Wake UP!
Support Lukar 😊
tashi
October 22, 2017
Why is the Tibetan government arguing about petty things again?
Because they know they cannot bargain with China.
They cannot manage Tibetans here well how can manage Tibet?? If they have promoted Tibetans culture and spread over the world it would be a different story. Look at Korea and Japan.
Manjushree
October 23, 2017
Just like Lukar Jam, who was immediately ostracized for issues he raise! MP Tenpa is very good to raise such issues in Parliament. A walk out is indicative of the members not wanting to face the real issues head on, and opt to hide instead hoping it will be swept aside after a while. Why put trust in leaders who do not confront with real issues that their people are facing? They’re suppose to made things better, not worse, as it has been for the last 60 years! 😱😭😥😢😓 So disturbed reading this!
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 enamored 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
TseringD, Delhi
October 29, 2017
Nechung is ZUMA 👎 before I m think he is one of d best when I m watch dis video By Geshe Dorjee la but now I m think is not d truth n he is lie to Tibet people we r 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, Geshe Dorje, a Buddhist master from Nechung Monastery explains his answers.
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?!!
Michaela Smith
October 30, 2017
Tibetan leadership is stupid. They should stop relying on Nechung.
Geshe Dorjee Youtube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
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 MP 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
Vajra10
November 10, 2017
Tibetans are going downward..deep down because of the CTA 🌶🕴
Tibet cause is a total failure and wasted if they are leading by the CTA.
Even though, CTA has the chance to lead the people back to Tibet, they can do NOTHING MUCH.. hopeless 😔
Tashi Dolma
November 14, 2017
Conflicts among the CTA members only show that they do not care about the welfare of their people.
—–
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
Ananda K.
November 17, 2017
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
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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 to get their act together
https://youtu.be/Na3lcejmqZ4
But can the CTA do what China did with the President Trump?
Ngodup Tsering
November 18, 2017
This is now on WeChat. This Sikyong should just resign because he created so many problems, now more reasons for Tibetans to fight with each other.
Lobsang Tsering
November 23, 2017
Heart advice for the U-Tsang People
The Modus Operandi to silencing us:
You are anti-Dalai Lama, anti-CTA, anti-Tibetan, anti-Gaden Phodrang, un-Tibetan, un-Buddhist, CCP agent
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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
It is time for the Tibetans to go back to where they come from. Because they do not know the meaning of the word gratitude
Angry Nepali
November 25, 2017
This Nepali woman is very upset with the Dalai Lama. Listen to her here बुद्ध भारतमा जन्मेका हुन भन्ने दलाइ लामालार्इ बेलायतबाट इशा गुरुङले दिइन कडा जवाफ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoiHkF5Nz7Q. The whole world respected the Dalai Lama but not anymore. He has gone mental and is total wrong. People donated thousands of dollars and kept the Dalai Lama’s pictures in temples and houses and had great respect. But now no more. Dalai Lama has upset people all over the world and should be very careful what he says in the future.
Tibetans Go Back
November 25, 2017
This is what the Dalai Lama wants.
Tibetans Go Back
November 25, 2017
Tibetans must know what the Dalai Lama want.
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