South Africa may block Dalai Lama visit to Tutu

Source Credit:Boston Globe
JOHANNESBURG—South African officials may block the Dalai Lama from celebrating the 80th birthday of his friend and fellow Nobel Peace Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, amid fears that Chinese pressure is trumping the country's much-vaunted policies on freedom of speech and human rights.

South African newspapers are already drawing parallels between the situations of Tibetans under Chinese rule and black South Africans under the racist apartheid regime that ended in 1994. The tensions over the Dalai Lama's visa application also are a sign of how powerful China's influence has grown in Africa.

"Our leadership has a clear choice: to look deep into the African soul and emulate (Nelson) Mandela's actions by extending a hand of friendship, while at the same time understanding that it won't, in fact, have any real impact on our relations with China," said an editorial in the Daily Maverick.

"Or, once again to yield as the people who will submit to the will of another nation, to constrict our spirit and our standing as a moral society, and close our doors on a genuine man of peace and the justified hopes of his people."

The Dalai Lama is to deliver the inaugural Desmond Tutu International Peace lecture, titled "Peace and compassion as catalyst for change," as part of the Oct. 6-8 birthday celebrations for Tutu.

The center that invited the Dalai Lama says he first tried to apply for a visa in June but was told it was too far ahead of his trip. Later South African officials said they couldn't process the visa with a photocopied passport of the Buddhist icon and had to wait for him to submit his original document.

"We've sent letters, following up on a daily basis with phone calls and still are in a situation where there is no response and it's getting us much more anxious," said Nomfundo Wazala, CEO of the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre that has invited the Dalai Lama to South Africa. "We have been patient, but we really feel at this point in time we deserve an answer."

The Dalai Lama fled the Himalayan region in 1959 amid an abortive uprising against Chinese rule and is reviled by Beijing as a separatist. China says Tibet has always been part of its territory, but many Tibetans say the region was virtually independent for centuries.

But in 2009, the South African government outraged many by banning the Dalai Lama from attending a Nobel laureates' peace conference, saying it would detract attention from the 2010 soccer World Cup.

The 76-year-old leader insists he is only seeking increased autonomy for Tibet, not independence. He gave up his political role in the Tibetan exile movement in March, but he remains its spiritual head, beloved by Buddhists around the world. Tutu, revered for the part he played to end apartheid, called it "disgraceful" and accused the government of "shamelessly succumbing to Chinese pressure" -- a charge officials denied.

A spokesman for South Africa's foreign affairs department, Clayson Monyela, denied there was any pressure to block the Dalai Lama's visit this time around.

He said South African officials had only received a complete visa application on Sept. 20 and it was now being "subjected to the normal visa application processes." The South African High Commission in New Delhi, India, where the application was made, usually issues tourist visas within seven days.

Sonam Tenzing, the Dalai Lama's representative for Africa, disputed the government's account as "totally incorrect." He said the visa application was made on Aug. 29 including a photocopy of the Dalai Lama's passport since he was traveling to Latin America.

Monyela said the application was incomplete until they received the passport itself.

Late Monday, frustrated officials released three letters written by the Desmond Tutu Peace Trust chairman, Dumisa Ntsebeza, to the deputy minister of international relations, Ebrahim I. Ebrahim -- all of which they said have gone unanswered.

One dated Sept. 7 says the Dalai Lama first tried to apply for a visa in June, when he was told he should reapply nearer the time. When an attempt was made in July, it said the South African High Commission refused to accept the application, saying it needed "clearance from (officials in) Pretoria."

It said Tutu and his representatives have approached a number of senior government members "but nobody seemed willing to engage the matter" even after Ntsebeza discussed it with President Jacob Zuma.

"Neither Archbishop Tutu nor the Peace Centre is insensitive to the challenges government may face from China ..." the letter says.

South African officials may be especially squeamish following Beijing's furious response to Mexico's President Felipe Calderon meeting the Dalai Lama earlier this month.

The meeting "grossly interfered with China's internal affairs, hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and harmed Chinese-Mexican relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said.

China was equally strident when U.S. President Barack Obama received the Dalai Lama at the White House in July, ignoring Chinese warnings.

"We demand the U.S. side seriously consider China's stance, immediately adopt measures to wipe out the baneful impact, stop interfering in China's internal affairs and cease to connive and support anti-China separatist forces that seek 'Tibetan independence,'" Ma said at the time.

China-Africa expert Martyn Davies said China's concern seemed to be over meetings with high-ranking officials.

"If the Dalai Lama does come to South Africa, I do not see any reason for the Dalai Lama to meet with President Zuma or any other South African government official. He is a religious figure but with an overly politicized persona," Davies said by email from Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei would not say if China has talked to South Africa about the trip, but he told a daily news conference that "China's position of opposing the Dalai Lama visiting any country with ties to China is clear and consistent."

In March 2009, Zuma said the real problem was the timing of the Dalai Lama's visit -- the 50th anniversary of the Buddhist leader's flight into exile. Zuma became president of South Africa soon after.

"Well, Zuma is now in charge of the government, the Dalai Lama has been invited again, and this time the invitation is not for March but for October. So what about it, Mr. President?" the Daily News asked.

The Dalai Lama was welcomed to South Africa on his first visit in 1996 and had a memorable visit with the country's first black and democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela 

Dalai Lama says he will spell out reincarnation details but not until he’s 90

source credit: Washington Post
DHARMSALA, India — The Dalai Lama said Saturday if he is to be reincarnated he will leave clear written instructions about the process, but that the matter is unlikely to come up for a number of years.
The Tibetan spiritual leader said in a statement that when he is “about 90” he will consult Buddhist scholars to evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue at all. He is 76.
The statement came after a meeting between the Dalai Lama and the leaders of the four Tibetan Buddhist sects, the first since he transferred his political role earlier this year to an elected prime minister.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said in a statement that when he is “about 90” he will consult Buddhist scholars to evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama 

China reviles the Dalai Lama as a separatist, although the Nobel Peace Prize laureate insists he is only seeking increased autonomy for Tibet. Beijing has left little doubt that it intends to be deeply involved in choosing the next Dalai Lama. That concern has led the current Dalai Lama to contemplate ideas that break with the ancient system in which each dead Dalai Lama is reincarnated in the body of a male child.

In May, the Dalai Lama formally stepped down as head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, giving up the political power that he and his predecessors have wielded over Tibetans for hundreds of years. Though he remains the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, his decision to abdicate is one of the biggest upheavals in the community since a Chinese crackdown led him to flee Tibet in 1959 into exile in India.China insists that religious law requires that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation be born in a Tibetan area under Chinese control. However, the Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born in exile and has even floated the idea of choosing his own successor while still alive — perhaps even a woman.

In his statement Saturday, he said if the institution of the Dalai Lama were to continue, then he would leave behind “clear written instructions about it.”

“Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

The Dalai Lama has lived in the Indian hill town of Dharmsala since fleeing Tibet. China says Tibet has always been part of its territory, but many Tibetans say the region was virtually independent for centuries.

Dalai Lama Returns to Dharamsala after South America Visit VOA Tibetan

Source Credit: VOA

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrived Dharamshala today from a successful South America tour.

Tibetan Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay,  Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering and other dignitaries of the Central Tibetan Administration received the Dalai Lama at Gaggal airport. The local Tibetan community at Dharamsala also gave a rousing welcome to His Holiness on his return. 

The Dalai Lama was away on 13-day-trip to South America and Canada. He gave Buddhist teachings and lectures in Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil.

The Tibetan spiritual leader will give a four-day teaching on Nagarjuna's In Praise of Dhammadhatu (choying toepa) at his main temple on the request of a group of Taiwanese devotees from October 1.

The Government Cannot Be Run As A Corporation

(From Left: Kalon Dolma Gyari, Kalon Dongchung Ngodup,
Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Pema Chinjor,
Kalon Dicki Choyang, and Kalon Tsering Wangchuk)

Hangover from recent election of Kalon Tripa in the absence of Dalai Lama as a political leader has now come full circle with the formation of new members to the Kashag. The composition of the Kashag seemed in line with what Kalon Tripa said during his campaign. It is a step in a right direction. While one cannot make everyone happy and critics will always be there no matter what one do. If one's motive is sincere and truthful, then one should go with its gut. While it is desirable to bring in professionals and technocrats to run a corporation, same may not be the same for running government. A government cannot be run as a corporation. Let me give you reason why: The need and objective of a government and a corporation are different. Objectives of a corporation is profit and whereas it may not be the case with a government. A corporation is accountable and answerable to their shareholders and a government is accountable and answerable to everyone. A corporation can close if the desired result is not achieved and the government has to continue despite its lackluster result. A government must make policies based on the interests of its citizens and that may not be case with a corporation.

Effectiveness of a government can be ensured when there is an amicable blend of people with experiences regarding government functioning and professionals/technocrats. Idea of TibetCorp is excellent but it must not duplicate or compliment the work already done by Planning Commission of CTA or the SARD under Finance Department. Therefore it is very important that there is a clear understanding of work of these units so that there is no misunderstanding in the functioning of these units. 

In short, desirable blend of ideas from both corporate and government entity may be best solution for effective running of the government.

Let us all rally behind this new Kashag and wish them success.

China says Mexican president’s meeting with the Dalai Lama damaged relations

Source  Credit: Washington Post

BEIJING — China said Saturday a meeting between Mexican President Felipe Calderon and the Dalai Lama damaged relations between the countries and interfered with China’s internal affairs.

Calderon met for about 45 minutes Friday with the Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who was in Mexico to speak at a conference on peace as the basis for happiness.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said the meeting “grossly interfered with China’s internal affairs, hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and harmed Chinese-Mexican relations.”

“We demand the Mexican side adopt measures to eliminate the bad impact and to safeguard the sound and stable development of Chinese-Mexican relations,” Ma said in a statement.

Beijing opposes any meetings between foreign leaders and the Dalai Lama. It considers the Nobel laureate to be a separatist intent on ending Chinese rule over Tibet. The Dalai Lama says he is seeking only a high level of autonomy for Tibet.

Beijing sent troops to occupy Tibet following the 1949 Communist revolution. It insists the region has been Chinese territory for centuries, though many Tibetans say it has a long history of autonomous rule by Buddhist leaders.

A failed uprising in 1959 led the Dalai Lama to flee into exile in India.

Police detain 20 Tibetans who crossed into Nepal illegally

Source Credit: Washington Post

KATMANDU, Nepal — Police in Nepal say they have detained 20 Tibetans who trekked the treacherous Himalayan trail for more than two weeks from their mountain homes.

They are aged 18 to 21 years old and are being transported to the capital, Katmandu.

Police spokesman Binod Shrestha said the 15 men and five women were detained Monday after they crossed the border.

Tibetan refugees who are detained in Nepal are generally handed over to the United Nations’ refugee agency. The U.N. helps them on their journey to the Indian town of Dharmsala where the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama lives.

Hundreds of Tibetans trek into Nepal every year to visit Dalai Lama. They walk route to avoid Chinese border guards.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama honoured with doctorate degree, inaugurates Tibetan Studies Center at IGNOU

Source Credit: Tibet.net

New Delhi: His Holiness the Dalai Lama was honoured with the Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), the world’s largest Open University at its 24th Convocation ceremony in New Delhi.

The degree was jointly presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU; Mr. E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs and Ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt. of India; and Dr. (Mrs.) D. Purandeswari, Minister of State for Ministry of Human Resources Development.

The citation said IGNOU “deems it a great privilege and honour” to award the Degree of Letters to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibet, “in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world peace and development and for his devotion in taking forward the charter of non-violence and ahimsa across the globe.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama then inaugurated the Center for Tibetan Studies at IGNOU, calling it a “seed” for future prospects of Tibetan studies. “When you talk about Tibetan Studies, all the important subject matter is taken from the Indian tradition, His Holiness said. He said Tibetan studies which include Buddhist epistemology and philosophy are mainly based on ancient Indian tradition of Nalanda. “So in a way, it is your tradition we have studied, treasured, and practised for thousands of years,” His Holiness told the audience and added, “centuries ago when Nalanda tradition was going through ups and downs in India, we chelas, the Tibetans, kept your ancient thoughts and treasure intact; now time has come to return it to its original source.”

Emphasising the profound influence of Nalanda tradition on Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness said over 300 volumes of Tibetan Buddhist texts were translated from Indian sources. He said the establishment of the center can show the usefulness of study of inner science and hoped more people could follow the study of inner science, or that part of Buddhist texts that deals with minds, emotions, the very system of human psychology. 

Dividing the Buddhist texts into three branches viz. Buddhist science, Buddhist concepts such as Interdependence, and Buddhist religion, His Holiness said Buddhist inner science can be universal unlike Buddhist religion. 

In the past decades, there have been a growing number of top western scientists who have begun focusing more of their time and energy on Buddhist science realising that modern science is still at its initial stages as far as exploring mind and emotions are concerned.

Further in his acceptance speech, His Holiness advised the graduating students to have a vision beyond one’s immediate surroundings and to “think global, think about the whole world.” On the importance of moral ethics for a happy and peaceful community,  His Holiness said education is like a instrument that can be used constructively or destructively depending on the individual. To use it constructively, His Holiness said one has to cultivate warm  heartedness which helps generate a sense of concern for others’ well-being. On the other hand, extreme self-centeredness is a destructive way to use one’s education bringing suspicion, distrust, anxiety, ultimately leading to a community devoid of peace and happiness. 

Speaking on non-violence, His Holiness said India has the potential to lead the world based on its ancient traditions of ahimsa and non-violence. “India is one of the most populous, stable, democratic country with a long history, sophisticated cultural history with the tradition of harmony and ahimsa,” he said.

Some 1.2 lakh graduates scattered all over IGNOU’s branches in India and abroad were conferred degrees, diplomas and certificates at today’s ceremony making it also the world’s largest convocation ceremony. Over 3 million students are currently enrolled in the university’s 511 academic programmes. UNESCO had declared IGNOU “a living testimony to social inclusion and democratization of education”. 

The convocation ceremony was broadcast live via Gyan Darshan, a 24-hour exclusive national educational channel and Gyan Vani, an educational FM radio channel with 37 stations operational across India.