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Tibetans comment on lack of US support

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7 years ago

October 1, 2017

Tenzin Tselha

Top image caption: Tseten Lungkara expressed pessimism about the Tibetan situation, quietly demonstrating the community’s lack of faith in Lobsang Sangay’s ability to buffer the Tibetans against the Trump administration’s erosion of American support for Tibet

US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would be cutting American aid to the Tibetan exiled community came as a shock to many. Jangchup Wangmo analyzes the apparently random decision and concludes maybe it was not so random after all.

“Sanguine” can be defined as optimism or positivity and it is true to say that in the current climate, the Tibetans have very little to be optimistic about when it comes to the US continuing their support of the Tibetan leadership. Since taking office, President Trump has steadily eroded American financial support for the Tibetan cause.

In the first few months of Trump’s presidency, not only has the US drawn closer ties with China over a common enemy (North Korea), but the new US President has not shown any interest in meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. For the Tibetan leadership, this is worrying because such a meeting is a strong indicator whether the American President is interested in the Tibetan cause, thereby reflecting some type of financial support. However it is already months into the new President’s term and no statements of interest have been issued.
Trump has outright said that the US will no longer give money to the Tibetans. America has always been the Tibetan leadership’s biggest supporter. It began in the 1960s when the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) trained Tibetan guerrilla fighters. As of 2002, the American government and private fundraisers has given the Tibetan leadership over 2.2 billion US dollars in financial assistance.
Our question is, where has all of this aid disappeared to? Who was accountable for how it was spent and were accurate records kept? How come despite the huge investment of American taxpayer dollars, the average Tibetan continues to suffer from low levels of literacy, poor access to healthcare and lack of job opportunities? 60 years after first arriving in India, Tibetans are still more likely to become Luddiyana sweater sellers than to become scientists, doctors and engineers. So what happened to the investment that the US government made into the Tibetan community? Clearly it never reached the people because if it had reached the people, Tibetans would not continue to rely on sponsors’ generosity and financial aid to bail them out of disasters (as was the case with the Lal Qilla sweater market fire and the drought that killed thousands of famers’ crops).

As the Tibetan leadership’s strongest advocates, American support for the Tibetan leadership has become the global yardstick for support of the Tibetan community and their political goals. Hence when the American President appears to be determined to drastically reduce his country’s financial support for the Tibetan leadership, it worries the leadership who are concerned about how to keep their personal bank accounts topped up. It also concerns the people who worry about how many other countries will now be similarly emboldened to rescind their support for the Tibetans, and direct it towards the Chinese leadership instead.

So the article below is an interesting one because it reflects a growing sense of despondency amongst the Tibetan community over declining global support. This is probably the first time any Tibetan has expressed in such clear terms that they are worried. The CTA likes to paint the Tibetan community as some sort of Shangri-La society founded and existing under the rosy haze of Buddhism and spirituality. Instead, some Tibetans have bravely revealed that that is not the case and in fact, the people at a grassroots level are very worried about worldly things too. For example, Tseten Lungkara says he knows the Tibetan problem will not be solved under the Trump administration and why would it be, when it was not solved under previous more supportive Presidents? His comments alone also reflect a lack of faith in Sikyong Lobsang Sangay’s ability to buffer the Tibetan community against the Trump administration’s erosion of American support for Tibet.

The question now remains is exactly what Sikyong Lobsang Sangay is going to do about this situation. Recent news suggests that he continues to be more interested in traveling to the US and Europe on the pretext of drumming up support for the Tibetan cause. Yet, results clearly demonstrate that these trips are in vain because a growing list of countries are rejecting the Tibetan leadership. So this writer cannot help but wonder, what is wrong with staying in Dharamsala and focusing on the Tibetan people’s welfare, and pressing for dialogue with China? It has previously been pointed out that during Samdhong Rinpoche’s time, the Tibetan leadership had dialogue with China but under Sikyong, not a single meeting has been arranged in the last six years. What Lobsang Sangay has accomplished in the last six years that is tangible, necessary and appreciated by all Tibetan people is very difficult to count on one hand alone.

It is time the Sikyong ends all of his wasteful traveling and focuses instead on improving the welfare of the Tibetan people. Otherwise, articles like the one below will become more commonplace until one day, the Tibetan leadership will wake up to find that their community has deserted them and finally, they are the leaders of no one.

Tibetans not very sanguine on US support

Click to enlarge. (Source: http://www.indiapost.com/tibetans-not-very-sanguine-on-us-support/)

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95 Comments

Kunsang from Switzerland

September 30, 2017 at 10:08 am

Very sad the only REAL leader the Tibetans produced in the last 60 years is Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama is 82 and how many more years can he ‘lead’ his people in exile and never getting his country back?

Dalai Lama’s policy for Tibet in making friends with western powers and criticizing China is not working out. How do we know? It has been 60 years since Tibetans have been refugees and they still remain ‘refugees’ depending on handouts and free aid and free money. Pathetic.

Losang Sangye is a big degree holder and his degree is not worth the paper it’s printed on. He can do nothing and has done nothing except become ‘close’ friend with Sharling Dhardon. Their ‘closeness’ is the talk of all Dharamsala.

Losang Sangye and any ‘leader’ will not have real power but simply the puppets of the all powerful god king Dalai Lama who is the real power behind the throne.

Reply
Tokyo Dalai Lama watcher

September 30, 2017 at 10:26 am

If it was not for Buddhism, no one would listen to the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama gives the Kalacakra, gives self help speeches, sermons, prayers, rituals and wears the maroon dress to vast crowds. The maroon dress he wears is really a good marketing method although it is not meant to be. All these Buddhist events is what gathers the crowd to Dalai Lama. If you look at the Dalai Lama himself, besides being a smiley, shrewd and intelligent person, what does he have to attract people? Removing all from him that is Buddhist, what does the Dalai Lama have that is different than any other groups or deposed leaders that the world does not listen to. Dalai Lama owes all this to Buddhism. Therefore he should make harmony within the Buddhist community. How he is segregating certain sects with his rhetoric is dangerous. He is expelling people here clearly due to only a difference in religion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTgYWidYw3U&t=6s I was personally shocked to see this. I have met some Tibetan government leaders in Tokyo and privately they told me, they were also shocked that the Dalai Lama would say this and none of them dare advise him otherwise. They felt after Dalai Lama’s expulsion of people and in such a angry manner, it will not bode well in the future within Tibetan Buddhism which is the basis of his power. You can see in the video how angry the Dalai Lama seems to be. The Tibetan government persons in Japan also mentioned that the Dalai Lama listened to his oracle Nechung’s advice to ban this sect within Buddhism. Dalai Lama relies heavily on this Nechung god taking trance (oracle) for all his moves. Nechung is even summoned in the Dalai Lama’s private quarters to give prophecies: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x62ocw1

It bewilders his followers why Dalai Lama relies so heavily on Nechung when he is suppose to be an avatar of a god Avalokita himself. Nechung is invited to most of his public events to do his dance and prophecies. Many Tibetans such as MP Tenpa Yarphel are not happy and speaking up finally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIP-vLuTnpw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB_ISn6eY0Y&t=1688s . The over-reliance on Nechung demeans the Dalai Lama they feel and makes their government backwards. No modern governments consult gods and oracles for every move and if they do, they should not show this publicly. This is not a case of transparency but the Dalai Lama has not trained good advisers skilled in world politics by his side obviously to advise him and uses a god instead. Till now Nechung after 60 years has not proven correct. Nechung has not secured Tibet back. It was in fact in 2012 that Nechung told his monk Dorje Dalai Lama will go back to Tibet very soon, but it has not happened. Dorje is so ecstatic of this Nechung prophecy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8 . The prophecy proved to be wrong again by Nechung unfortunately for Dorje and the rest of the hopefuls.

Losang Sangay is too busy with Sharling Dhardon and this is well known among the Tibetans. Without the Dalai Lama backing him up or promoting him, he is nothing and no one will listen to him. That is why everyone in the ‘Tibetan government’ are careful not to offend or displease the Dalai Lama who is the real power behind the throne. If you displease the king, you will be removed from the limelight and that means no more access to money, perks and foreigners who will give you money. Losang Sangay has made zero progress with talks with China since he ‘took office’. Whatever office that is. This shows his priority is not the Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet but to fill his own pockets before the King passes. Basically milk the cow while he can. Sad but that is the situation.

I posted this ‘pictograph’ here of Sharling and Lobsang floating on the internet when you google. Interesting. I guess the Tibetans are not happy with Lobsang Sangay and Sharling who is really outspoken to her own detriment.

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Tsering Gonkatsang

September 30, 2017 at 3:16 pm

Member of Parliament Tenpa Yarphel is a hero. He is speaking up for free speech and freedom of expression. He is exercising his rights, he is standing up for logical democracy which is the only way forward and not having to contact spirits like Nechung via oracles to make decisions that impact people’s lives. But look how people speak about him in the comments, so rude and nasty. It really represents the Dalai Lama badly as they are supporting Dalai Lama beings so rude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2dFMKIr_8

They say we need to believe in Nechung and follow what he says. But in 2009 Nechung said the Dalai Lama would go back to Tibet and that everyone would be happy. A monk from Nechung Monastery is the one that told everyone about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8. But Nechung was wrong. It has been eight years and this has not happened. The Dalai Lama did not return to Tibet. Nechung being consulted by Tibetan government in exile is backwards. No governments do this in the civilized world.

When people like Tenpa Yarphel speak up and are real patriots of the Tibetan people, they are attacked by other people. In fact people even protest like this man who shaves his hair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA. People like these are actually protesting against Tenpa Yarphel’s democratic rights and freedom of speech. Tibetans by criticizing Tenpa Yarphel shows they are far from democracy. Besides many of the other Kagyu leaders such as Drigung Chetsang Rinpoche, Drukchen Rinpoche, Karmapa Thaye Dorje all did not say anything against Tenpa Yarphel that represents the Kagyus.

Dalai Lama had said that is his minister of cabinet in the government. Even though it is clear that Nechung is unreliable and a spirit, the Dalai Lama continues to rely heavily on Nechung and other oracles who take trance of spirits. He invites Nechung to all his events and allow him to take trance in centre stage always. In fact the Dalai Lama even calls the oracles to his own private bedroom: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x62ocw1.

These practices show how Tibetan government is run.

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Tracy

September 30, 2017 at 8:37 pm

It’s strange that whatever Tenpa Yarpel has said about Nechung seems to go over the Tibetan’s heads. They don’t see the logic and the fact that consulting Nechung has brought nothing but trouble for the Tibetan cause and Tibetan social harmony.

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sierra

October 1, 2017 at 2:59 am

I would be disappointed too if the head of government does nothing material to further interest of my country. i would be terribly worried if he were not a citizen of my country. It is of grave concern if they government is not focused on the betterment of the general population with education and economics.

It is still very much the Dalai Lama who is travelling and meeting other head of states and still is very much the face of the Tibetans in exile although he has officially retired from politics in 2011. So, is it any surprise that support form US is dwindling?

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Dondrup Shugden

October 1, 2017 at 6:48 am

60 years and nothing happened and with Lobsang Sangay, very educated and still nothing happened.

Tibetans must speak up more and it is democracy with CTA right? Don’t self immolate, tell the world how you feel. Tibetans deserve service from CTA.

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Sharling Tara

October 1, 2017 at 2:25 pm

The Dalai Lama is so old and he can pass anytime. Beijing is waiting for that. Beijing has full control of Tibet and nothing to fear. Dalai Lama and his government negotiates with Beijing or not does not matter. It’s a small matter in fact. Tibet will never have another King so powerful like Dalai Lama and so influential.

Actually if Lobsang Sangye was smart, he would do his best to negotiate with China for a better deal for autonomy for Tibet while Dalai Lama is alive. With Dalai Lama alive, he will have more weight and backing. So why doesn’t Lobsang Sangye do so? The reason why Lobsang Sangye does not work hard to negotiate with China is because he does not care about the people. If the Dalai Lama dies, he is rich with big houses and he just moves on. He is in his position for the perks and wealth and US Passport which he has now. So why should he worry?

😖

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Swiss Tibetan Rangzen

October 1, 2017 at 2:47 pm

Sharling Dhardon and Lobsang Sangay are always together. Very close. They launched the book against Dorje Shugden practice together. Together they can authorized the spending of thousands of US dollars for commissioning a book against Dorje Shugden to further isolate and segregate the Tibetans who continue with their faith in Dorje Shugden. They do this to please the Dalai Lama so their money-making posts will be secure. They only want money.

After the launching of the book against Dorje Shugden practitioners, they went down to Delhi to be at an expensive hotel and delicious five star dinner to enjoy their victory together.

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Swiss Tibetan Rangzen

October 1, 2017 at 2:56 pm

Sharling Dhardon is rich and carries expensive hand bags while her ‘refugee’ Tibetans sell sweaters on the hot Indian streets.

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Tenzin Palljor

October 1, 2017 at 6:33 pm

These three MPs from Dharamsala is well known to get money from China to be part of Tibetan exile government and make trouble for Tibetans. They pretend to be close to Dalai Lama but they are close to China.

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Rangzen

October 1, 2017 at 8:26 pm

Sikyong Lobsang Sangi just interested in money and perks and the same goes for the ministers in the Tibetan CTA. They are all corrupted and ‘eating’ donations from the West but do close to nothing for the Tibetan pubic. May the Western governments cut or reduce funding to the corrupt government officials.

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Elibuchen

October 2, 2017 at 2:46 am

With the Lobsang Sangay failing on so many fronts, I am sure most Tibetans would have thought that when the Dalai Lama was at the helm of the Tibetan government in exile, at least there a negotiations at the highest levels.

Running pout of time and resource, Tibetans in exile have to make difficult decisions in the days to come. Will they make the right ones?

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Sarah West

October 2, 2017 at 8:30 am

Time is running out and there is a probability the Tibetan leadership will wake up to find that their community has deserted them and finally, they are the leaders of no one if CTA does not do anything for their community. 😂

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Phayul commentator

October 2, 2017 at 2:37 pm

Ms. Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar is an MP of the CTA and she should immediatly resign and give honor to the disonorable CTA or Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala. She is an elected official. She should not fight with the tourists and spectators. If she is going to post things about Tibet, she has accept there will be people who do not accept what she is posting and be ready for opposition but not using violence. If the spectator gets violent, then Ms. Lhagyari should immediately go to the police and run from the scene. The police station is very nearby. Do not stand around and have violent interaction with people walking by. It does not look good as an MP of the Tibetan government in exile under the Dalai Lama. MP Ms. Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar is a disgrace and should resign.👎

👎🙏☹️😣👎🙏

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Lovett

October 2, 2017 at 8:47 pm

Lhagyari Namgyal Drolkar is stupid! Her rough, loud and offensive talk does not win any support and it certainly would not quell or subdue the equally loud and defensive Chinese Ms Zhu. It looks like she has met her match and I hope she is ready for lots of opposition as she is taken the Rangzen pro-independence stance that counters the Dalai Lama. It gives her the opportunity to feel with it is like to be Shugden practitioner. With more Dalai Lama followers experience discrimination first hand so they know what it feels like and that when given the chance, they might do something to remove the ban.

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Doreen Park

October 4, 2017 at 11:09 am

Tibetans like Tseten Lungkara are not optimistic or hopeful at all about the Tibetan situation, seeing the waning of support from even the US for Tibet. Trump appears to be warming up to China and China is taking great efforts to prepare for the November visit to China by Trump.

Almost every major economy of the world, including the US, has officially pronounced their recognition of Tibet as an integral part of China.

Tibetans have lost faith in the Tibetan Government , headed by Lobsang Sangye, who have squandered the billions of dollars of aid received from countries like US, without showing any tangible results in the form of improvement in economic and social progress of the Tibetans-in-Exile. Nor has any attempt to resume negotiations with China been made by the CTA regarding Tibet’s independence or autonomy.

All that the CTA is good at is to create schisms among Tibetans by dividing them using religion as a tool, as can be seen in the segregation,ostracising and persecution of Shugden practitioners . All that they are capable of doing is to accuse everyone else, including Shugden practitioners and any on who stands up to constructively question actions of the Dalai Lama’s office, of being China spies!

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Bad

October 4, 2017 at 5:20 pm

Time to unite Tibetan people with no bias against protector deity or religious inclinations. The Tibetan unity is very crucial now before everything falls apart. If the Tibetan leaders really want to benefit the people, it should start to be more secular and minimize and eventually work towards abolishing religious ruling like that Shugden ban. After all, this is the way of the future and it is what every democratic country in the world today practices.

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Ba

October 4, 2017 at 5:20 pm

Time to unite Tibetan people with no bias against protector deity or religious inclinations. The Tibetan unity is very crucial now before everything falls apart. If the Tibetan leaders really want to benefit the people, it should start to be more secular and minimize and eventually work towards abolishing religious ruling like that Shugden ban. After all, this is the way of the future and it is what every democratic country in the world today practices.

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Badrapa

October 4, 2017 at 5:22 pm

Time to unite Tibetan people with no bias against protector deity or religious inclinations. The Tibetan unity is very crucial now before everything falls apart. If the Tibetan leaders really want to benefit the people, it should start to be more secular and minimize and eventually work towards abolishing religious ruling like that Shugden ban. After all, this is the way of the future and it is what every democratic country in the world today practices.

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Camillia

October 5, 2017 at 8:50 am

There are some really good comments here, like from Kunsang from Switzerland and Tokyo Dalai Lama Watcher. The pretext to this article is the fact that people’s support towards the Tibetan Cause has been dwindling, whether it is from internal or from external.

While the CTA focuses on trying to arrest the declining support from western nations, they should look within to see what have they done for their own people. And how much longer can a 60 years old lie be used to fool the westerners?

I also tend to agree that the attention given to Tibetan Cause and the aid to the Tibetans in exile are solely based on Dalai Lama’s popularity, as a SPIRITUAL guide, and who has some effect on Beijing which the westerners used to think it’s fun to poke in the past, but no more. Putting the monk robes aside, will the westerners still find Dalai Lama attractive as politician, as a motivation speaker/Guru, as a leader?

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Chokyi

October 9, 2017 at 4:33 am

Who is the political head of Tibetans in exile? His Holiness or Losang Sangye? Why is Losang Sangye not trying to get a meeting with Trump? As a Prime Minister of the Tibetans in exile, our financial support is getting less, what is CTA going to do for us? Of course CTA is not going to worry so much, they have passports, they have houses, they have lands, they have money. But majority of us don’t have anything. 60 years of struggling and aids from all around the world, we are still refugees. 😡

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Bylakuppe C

October 11, 2017 at 8:09 pm

You can see for yourself in the comment of this youtube video how ungrateful, greedy and nasty Tibetans are. The Indians are angry and have a right to be angry after hosting the Tibetans for 60 years. Yet instead of being grateful, they lash back. Even calling the Indian students “COMMUNIST CHINA PAID DOGS” and other vulgarities. Very racist. Anything Tibetans don’t like, they call you a China spy or China money eating agent. Even the Indian nationals now are berated as China dogs. No wonder Indians are protesting for Tibetans to go back! This is happening while the Dalai Lama is alive for after he passes, it will completely degenerate and the Indians will take action and expel the ungrateful refugees.

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Tashi Delhi

October 11, 2017 at 8:30 pm

We all know Dalai Lama does not want independence for Tibet. All Rangzen fighting Tibetans are going against the Dalai Lama. They are hardcore separatists and most likely taking Chinese money to create schism. The attached Times of India article is very clear what the Dalai Lama wants. Rangzen Tibetans and activists are 100% against Dalai Lama and Tibetan nation.

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Tibetan

October 11, 2017 at 11:44 pm

Why is the CTA still requesting funds and help from others? It has been 60 years and HH Dalai Lama is asking for Umaylam. Why is the CTA not following the Dalai Lama’s advice? After so many years of no result they should stop asking around but focussing on their main task – provide safety and a home for the Tibetans!

The situation of Tibetans has not improved in China because of the CTA! When will the CTA wake up? I am so sad about their actions which do not include Tibetans.

CTA thinks only about $$$!

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Tenzin Peljor

October 12, 2017 at 5:28 am

Tibetans use India. It is very clear that they don’t respect India and are actually very racist. Indians are tired of this now and want them out. Now big protests in the hundreds are happening in Arunachel Pradesh state of India demanding Tibetans go back to Tibet. The people there are tired of the Tibetans and do not welcome them anymore. After 60 years, why are the Tibetans still refugees? If they can go western country, they will go because India is NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE USERS. They put India down. They only stay in India if they cannot go to another country. They never get Indian citizenship because they want foreign citizenship. Shame. In India, they never pay taxes. They never join army to defend India. They never build hospitals, half way houses, orphanages or get money from foreign aid to help India. They never build anything for Indians and we have so many poor Indians in India. Look at the foreigner Mother Teresa how much she did for India and she did so much for Indians in Calcutta but Tibetans do nothing. Not a charitable race. Their Dalai Lama never set up orphanages, schools, soup kitchens for the poor or set up scholarship for Indians. He lived in India for 60 years and give nothing back but take and use Indian land. The Tibetans lived in India for 60 years but they contribute nothing to India. Only complain and Indians are now going to speak up. The SUMAA students said the protests against Tibetans are only beginning and there will be more.

After 60 years how can they still be refugees. They are not genuine refugees. They call themselves refugees and not get Indian passport so their Tibetan ‘government’ in Dharamsala can continue to market them to western countries and Japan to give them money. To get free money. Tibetan leaders love free money. Tibetans have big houses, nice cars and can travel to other countries. The Dalai Lama temples in Dharamsala have gold idols and gold paintings and live in very high luxury. Tibetan leaders already get money in the US billions in aid and yet they never improve. The Tibetans always say they have no opportunities in India. Why they say that? Because they are saying they are too good for India.

They say they want autonomy with China but they fly the Tibetan flag on Indian soil. If they want autonomy, they should fly the Chinese flag and show China government they are serious to sit and talk. They are always lying. They protest against China on Indian soil making problems between India and China. India is not responsible for Tibetans. Tibetans should not make China India’s enemy. Don’t be selfish. China is not India’s problem. Tibetans should solve the problems themselves.

Tibetan leaders only want money, money and more free things. They always make segregation among their people due to regional differences and religion. Look how they supress the Dorje Shugden religion and their own Dorje Shugden Tibetans cannot join in their schools or Dalai Lama’s talks and ceremonies. They treat the Dorje Shugden people like the low castes in India. Their Tibetan people cannot stand up on their own become something because their leaders want everything for free. When they go to western countries, they lose their culture, religion and language and pay a heavy price. Their children become more like the adopted country’s culture and people. Their ‘government’ in Dharamsala block them from getting Indian citizenship so they can continue using their fake refugee status to get money from the west. When India is so generous to give them citizenship, their own Tibetan minister in Dharamsala block this.

Now Indians had enough and want Tibetans to get out and go home!

SUMAA students heavily protest Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTyAvVQpn7g

SUMAA students heavily protest Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_RmtPpfvNA

Indians and Indian tribal people want Tibetans to go back to Tibet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaCQ7qvjEYQ

Hundreds of Indians want Tibetans out of India. Protests are vowed to continue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=0oUTdHWxpkg

Indian SUMAA leaders demanding state government to revoke refugee privileges for Tibetans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnJozme8PCw

And alternative videos:

SUMAA students heavily protest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRqCkcc4hfg

Indians and Indian tribal people want Tibetans to go back to Tibet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdjuR-Y10NM

Hundreds want Tibetans out of India. Protests are vowed to continue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTRbetGn4To

Heavy protest in the hundreds by Indians for Tibetans to get out of India

Reply
Lovett

October 14, 2017 at 3:49 pm

Within the Tibetan communities in India, there is no free speech and how Tibetans insult each other and would even insult foreigners by calling them Chinese agents just because you speak up and this is suppose to silence you. All of this began with the Tibetan CTA. Nonetheless, there are a handful of Tibetans who had enough and they dare to speak the truth and in this case, Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung and veiled statements about the Shugden ban – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
And then there are people who would oppose his view by shaving his head. Very silly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA

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Money Money Money

October 15, 2017 at 6:00 am

Lobsang Sangye and his cohorts can kiss US financial support goodbye. Go kiss China’s backside and get the money they want for themselves. After all, $$$ is $$$ 💰

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Jing Jing

October 15, 2017 at 1:13 pm

When can the CTA seriously do something to save their people? The cutest is burning out. Nothing left soon. Why’s that all the Tibetan. monasteries in India so afraid to offend HHDL? No one has the ability to fund the monasteries but only HHDL. Yet after all Tibetan remained poor.

Look at Tibet now.. huge monasteries coming up one after another supported by Chinese government and the Tibetan. So all of them Chinese spy? Life in Tibet has been improved and helped by the Chinese government. Why can’t CTA do the same to the Tibetan refugees in India?

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Observer

October 16, 2017 at 8:25 am

It is time for CTA to have a newleadership, one that has integrity, clean, fair, politically and spiritually correct. Time for Tibetans to vote out the corrupt Lobsang Sangye and the corrupt present ministers in the CTA.

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Monica

October 16, 2017 at 11:01 am

It’s intriguing how Tibetan’s are still dependent on donations from countries like the US after so many years. Something must be fundamentally wrong within the CTA. Based on results, they have failed as a govt.

I would support President Trump that the US stops donating so much of our tax payers’ money to CTA. It’s obvious that the funds were channeled elsewhere and not for the welfare of the Tibetans.

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Michaela Smith

October 16, 2017 at 12:09 pm

Real refugees vs. Tibetan ‘refugees’. Should India and other countries continue to help Tibetans, the most prosperous ‘refugees’ on earth?

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Tenzin K

October 16, 2017 at 12:20 pm

For the past 60 years CTA only focus on getting funding especially from US. Nothing else being done such as strategy on how to negotiate with China to fulfil their promise to their people to go back to their homeland. What more heart breaking is how CTA keep silent on self immolation and use that to gain sympathy to get more fund. 2.2 billion US dollars of fund where have it been spent to? Why we cannot see any improvement in Tibetan welfare? Can’t the Tibetan see how corrupted their leaders are?

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Yonden

October 16, 2017 at 12:57 pm

USD2.2 Billion? Where money go?? CTA please answer!

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Brian Little

October 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm

For all these allegations SURROUNDING CTA, this defunct so called government for the Tibetans must go. So corrupted and not protecting the welfare of its own people. The very reason why CTA been formed for.

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Sherabz

October 17, 2017 at 1:25 am

US has always been the Tibetan leadership’s biggest supporter and based on its record, US has given the Tibetan leadership over USD 2.2 billion in financial assistance since many years ago. With such a significant amount of financial assistance, Tibetan leadership should put it to a good use for economic and social benefit, so that the Tibetan community will not go through the suffering due to the poverty, the poor condition of health or other difficulties. If the Tibetan leadership continues to ignore and has no intention to improve the welfare of Tibetan community, this is no surprise that US or other countries stop to provide the financial assistance and support for the Tibetans.

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Andrea Keating

October 17, 2017 at 1:47 am

The political situation is very clear. The US has been using Tibet to put forward as a thread to China. And the Tibetan has been well aware of the situation and have not bothered them in the past to play their role as a victim. Now, the US President decided not to be the hero. It will be interesting to watch this episode of how the victim plays his role without the hero.

I was quite shocked to learn about the amount of funds received from the west. It is sad to know that nothing much have been done for the people. But again, what is there to do when you have no land of your own to build on. I feel very sorry for the Tibetans who left their country with their leader and hoping for a better future. For their sake, may this situation be resolved soon!

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Angela Moore

October 17, 2017 at 7:28 am

It’s actually quite worrying that many of the Tibetans are not aware of what the CTA is up to. Soliciting millions of donations yet the Tibetans still living in poverty. Those living overseas and educated should let Tibetans in India know what is going on. They are still your fellow countrymen. Whether you left or not pity those left behind.
Tibetans,
Stand up and change CTA administration for your own sake. CTA are cheating you right under your nose. Demand the truth demand to know where the funds go.

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vajra-NMD

October 17, 2017 at 10:41 am

Started from 2002 – American government and private fundraisers has given the Tibetan leadership over 2.2 billion US dollars in financial assistance, And where’s the 2.2 billion USD?

All inside Sharling Dhardon and Lobsang Sangay pockets or Bank Acc?

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Alexander Rein

October 17, 2017 at 10:42 am

As of 2002, there are already 2.2 billion of dollars donated to CTA and how much more from 2002 to today? This is only from USA, not counted contributions from other countries, it is really a large amount of money has been sent to CTA, so now what happened to these monies? what have they spent on?

Tibetan should not blame on lacking of support from USA, in fact, USA has supported them for the past 60 years, is that not enough support given? is the 2.2 billion not enough for the CTA to re-build their place? Why is that other countries must support them?

CTA should not take anymore money from any countries already, they should already be on their own and continue to develop further for the benefit of their people, Tibetan should rely on their government and not the government from other countries.

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samayakeeper

October 17, 2017 at 10:53 am

Why didn’t Lobsang Sangye and the rest of the CTA seek spiritual advice from their state protectors? Advice on whether CTA will continue to receive financial aid from the Trump administration and from other foreign sponsors. After all, CTA have been relying on their dharma protectors for so long. I opine that the CTA should not have any religious or spiritual representative for any group and should be purely secular. Then it would seem to be a professional and independent government for the people.🎃

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Tenpa

October 17, 2017 at 11:00 am

How would US keep supporting CTA without seeing any result for the past 60 years? Why Tibetan settlement is still not being equip with the necessity to make them self sustain with the fund after so long? Now US has look into a good opportunity with China. Both leaders are moving a head to benefit each other in a win win situation for the people. This is how it should be. CTA is only looking for money for themselves and not even for their people. This is a shame and everyone witness this. I believe other country will follow the same footstep as US.

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CTA LIES

October 17, 2017 at 11:35 am

There is NO REAL FREEDOM of SPEECH for us Tibetans living under the ruling of the CTA and Dalai Lama. The Tibetan communities in India all sufer this fate and we live in lies and deception of a FAKE DEMOCRACY.

Just watch how Tibetans insult and backstab each other and would even dare insult people they do not know, calling them Chinese dogs/Chinese spies is the only thing they can say and the label they give you the moment you dare to speak up. This is done to shut you up and to indicate to other Tibetans to attack you because they make you sound like you are a traitor and this is how they get all to turn against you. This is how the Tibetan CTA deals with people they feel threatened. All because of power and position.

However, there are a few brave Tibetans who basically had enough of their deception and begin to speak up, to tell the truth. A good example is Tenpa Yarphel who bravely stood up and talked about Nechung and the inconsistency and FAILED prophesies… also the ridiculous heavy reliance on him for everything. Where on earth do you ever see any government relying on “mystical Gods” to help them make state decisions? Even if they did, they would not dare tell anyone because this is 2017 not the medieval times. Just watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A

Then you have the small-minded, sheep like followers, shaving their hair – like WOW big deal, to protest against Tenpa Yarphel. Lololol

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Lhakpa

October 17, 2017 at 11:47 am

Chokyong Nechung is wrong! Nechung in this video said that Dalai Lama is going back to China and that was five years ago? What happened? Why are we even listening to him ever again. He always make mistakes. 😱

🌎 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8

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Minus

October 17, 2017 at 1:06 pm

I think Lobsang Sangay should take charge of represent Tibet for fund raising not HHDL. Somehow he was the President of CTA. Since he was busy with raising funds from other countries, it would be as well seek help from a country that had benefited him more than 60 years. I will wonder what will the duo conversation when they meet.
😁

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Jamyang

October 17, 2017 at 1:54 pm

Question to Tibetan exile government, Central Tibetan Administration – CTA: Hey this Geshe Dorje interprets Nechung’s prophecy saying the Dalai Lama will go back to Tibet five years ago, but look, Dalai Lama still cannot go back. Watch… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8

Not only that, there is still NO sign of even creating a good relationship for a chance to go back! So we are all stuck and still nowhere near going back to Tibet. So why on earth are we still listening to this spirit Nechung who always makes mistakes and give wrong prophecies? Nechung even killed the 13th Dalai Lama by giving him the wrong medicine. So WHY are we still listening to him for? Why are we Buddhist following what a spirit says? If we can follow Nechung spirit so why condemn Dogyal? This is weird and wrong!

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Belinda Mae

October 17, 2017 at 2:03 pm

It is time for CTA to wake up from their dream. The foreign countries who have been helping them now does not mean will help them forever. They also have to stop consulting Nechung who has been giving them wrong advice. I really don’t understand the CTA. Why must they consult Nechung on political issues if they can handle it themselves. That goes to show that CTA does not how to make big decisions. Citizens will start lose faith in such government.

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Ryan Tashi

October 17, 2017 at 3:22 pm

Astonishing 2.2billion USD. One wonders where did all the money went? Did they used part of the money to do video and book talking bad about Dorje Shugden? Why didn’t use the money for all Tibetans to have better living quality?

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Richard LakTam

October 17, 2017 at 4:12 pm

“Tibet is not in his (Trump’s) agenda.” Tseten Lungkara said. Of course Tibet is not in Trump’s agenda! You people (Tibetan) are still dreaming! US has been helping Tibetan in exile for as much as 2.2 Billion, and where did the money go??? I don’t know all these members of parliament has simple mind, or Lobsang Sangay has simple mind, i.e stupid. Or they think Trump has simple mind. They all talk like US is suppose to help them. Who do they think they are? I wonder, China only ban Dalai Lama, not all the Tibetan in exile. Why are you guys still wanna stay in India under the government of CTA? A rotten, yet dirty, “simple minded” (i.e stupid) Sikyong, who only care about his money. 👎👎👎

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Pema

October 17, 2017 at 6:06 pm

It is difficult to believe that the Tibetan Government can still expect so many funds from others when they themselves don’t create the causes to sustain themselves.

Why should other countries continue to support them after 60 years of struggle yet no result? The Tibetan Government in Exile should make sure that the Tibetans are safe and their situation improves but this is not happening.

When I see the amount of 2.2 Billion USD I wonder what has happened with this huge amount of money? Was/Is the CTA trustworthy to receive so much support and have they used it for the benefit of the Tibetan people?

So, it seems that the money flow is getting low – what is the strategy now? Does the Tibetan people count in any way to the CTA? 😰😰😰

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Wisdommind

October 17, 2017 at 7:02 pm

After 60 year tibetan still reliance on fund for foreign countries. How could the tibetan exile gorvernment still asking the fund from others.What tibet has give back the world. Beside H.H.Dalai Lama, no others tibetan speech widely about compassion, frighting for the human right for tibet. CTA careless about tibetan warfare, fund has raise use for political expencer. Which brought tibetan refugee suffer a lot without helping from the fund has raise. Is time tibetan take responsibility and not reliance from H.H.Dalai Lama.

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Vajra10

October 17, 2017 at 7:36 pm

CTA is getting too much! 👎 How would your have face to say US or other countries are not being supportive when they have been donating for years and see no positive results from their donations.🕳

I’ve stop donating to them because this money could helps people who are really in need..hopeless.

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Tianni

October 17, 2017 at 8:47 pm

The reality is what can you get from support CTA. CTA had no strategic or economic importance to the United States for this moment Moreover 60 years funded was long enough for a country to achieve lots of good things at least a huge improving of the standard living of the peoples but Tibetan in Exile still struggling. In addition, the amount of US$2.2 Billion can bring so much to Tibetan in Exile but CTA already proven that they have no result. Tibetan in Exile still suffering and they are still refugees and stateless. After 60 years, as a Tibetan, do you still have faith to CTA?

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Pema Schneider

October 19, 2017 at 8:28 am

Lobsang Sangay at Golden Jubilee Celebration of Tibetan Settlement Office, Dharamsala: https://youtu.be/eInTi-E9na8

Losang Sangay said recently (October, 2017) in Dharamsala that Tibetans have two enemies: the outer and inner enemy. The outer enemy is the Chinese government and Dorje Shugden people. The inner enemy is the people who speak against about our Tibetan affairs like regional differences and religious differences. (He didn’t say this directly but he means people like Tenpa Yarphel who spoke up in the Parliament). He said out of the two enemies, the worse one is the inner enemies.

Now the Tibetans have started a new Facebook page specifically against Tenpa Yarphel. Tibetans are protesting against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH

And there is a video of Tibetans with Tenpa Yarphel’s name on the paper against him and asking him to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af

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Matteo

October 19, 2017 at 12:08 pm

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a a dedicated advocate for the principles of democracy. In September this year, Tibetans in India celebrates 57 years since the establishment of the democratic path in the running of the Tibetan people’s political system. Unfortunately, it’s all lip service.

Look at the recent incident of MP Tenpa Yarphel speaking up in the parliament. Tenpa Yarphel has the right to speak and express his opinion, especially because he is a representative of the people, a Member of Parliament. Instead, he was criticized for issuing irresponsible statements, watch this video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A

What is absurd is that there are even people protesting against his opinion, and shaving their hair in protest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA

It’s funny that he was accused of being sectarian, but the truth of the matter is, because of Nechung, Dorje Shugden practitioners were segregated, discriminated and ostracized from the Tibetan community in general all around the world. I guess this MP is sick of seeing the separation and had to speak up for the unity of the Tibetan people in exile. What do you think?

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Lukar Jam supporter

October 19, 2017 at 3:15 pm

Nechung oracle is not reliable. This is from history.

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?

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Tashi, Delhi

October 20, 2017 at 9:01 am

What is the CTA for a club? 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 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!!

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SabrinaS

October 21, 2017 at 8:57 am

Well, finally karma is coming to bite? Tseten Lungkara said all sentient beings are equal and expect fair treatment from the US President. Expect US to help them regain their country, Tibet back. Expect US to fund them as refugees. Really? Why? Wow! Then as Buddhist shouldn’t he treat Dorje Shugden practitioners as equals and stand up for their rights to practice? Won’t it be more important to work on unification of his own people first as what is a country without the people? I guess he does not believe in Karma then? It is very obvious impermanence will happen sooner or later and the hand-outs by US is soon to dry up if President Trump and President Xi becomes more understanding towards each other. The tide is turning and Tibetans in exile should be wise to know who they should swim with and where to. US has their right to focus on their own economy and sponsoring the Tibetans does not bring any benefit.

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trinley

October 22, 2017 at 5:47 am

More countries are becoming friends with China and establishing more trades. Everyone wants to do business with China.

Would they donate money to CTA to anger China?

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padma

October 22, 2017 at 5:53 am

if we Tibetans don’t wake up and stand up, the loser and sufferer would be ourselves. Sad but true.

Why wait for Lobsang Sangye to change? Why wait for CTA to change? Change ourself, speak out. That is democracy.

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karma

October 24, 2017 at 11:28 am

2.2 billions US. Is that not enough? Where has the money gone too? Ungrateful.. pure greed.😡

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lhamo

October 26, 2017 at 4:31 am

What do you expect? USA is becoming China good buddy. Say bye bye to donation support.

Support Lukar Jam

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robert

October 26, 2017 at 5:17 am

As long as USA keeps on donating indirectly isn’t it condones CTA twisted form of democracy?

Money that is supposed to go to public being misused. 💰💰💰❌❌❌

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gyen

October 26, 2017 at 10:27 pm

Misuse of fund. It is wrong as a Buddhist, it is also wrong secularly.

You cannot expect the donation to keep coming for your misuse.

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ashrao

October 29, 2017 at 10:46 am

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.

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Dawa Lhamo

October 29, 2017 at 11:36 am

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?

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ashrao

October 29, 2017 at 12:26 pm

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?

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Tashi Gonkatsang

October 29, 2017 at 1:05 pm

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.

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Hi I'm Lobsang Sangye I'm a liar

October 29, 2017 at 4:26 pm

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

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TseringD, Delhi

October 29, 2017 at 8:15 pm

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

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Why CTA Why

October 30, 2017 at 5:15 am

Watch when Geshe Dorje interprets Nechung’s prophecies! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8

After the Nechung oracle takes trance, his answers are explained by Geshe Dorje, a 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?!!

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Michaela Smith

October 30, 2017 at 6:56 am

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:

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Namdrol

October 30, 2017 at 7:51 am

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:

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Amber Sonam

October 30, 2017 at 8:11 am

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

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Michaela Smith

October 30, 2017 at 8:28 am

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

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Vajra10

November 10, 2017 at 6:24 pm

CTA’s main & only function is to show their palms to people around the world with a tag on their neck with words “We ‘re refugees, please help us to gain back Tibet😢 ”

When people donated, money aren’t used to improve the people’s standard of living, focus on education for the children and other essential activities that donators wanted to help..instead they spend the donation on ZERO-advantage activities such as came out with materials that to PUT DOWN a TIBETAN BUDDHISM practice and saying that this PRACTICE is the cause for them to not able to go back to TIBET.. such a GOOD BLAME.. 👎

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Tashi Dolma

November 14, 2017 at 4:01 pm

This is the end of the shameless Sikyong…

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

Reply
Sonam Jigme

November 17, 2017 at 8:04 am

CORRUPT TIBETAN LEADERS GETTING IT >>>>>

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

Reply
Ngawang Wangchuk

November 17, 2017 at 10:19 am

No wonder President Trump prefers China and not Dharamsala

https://youtu.be/Na3lcejmqZ4

Reply
Ngodup Tsering

November 18, 2017 at 4:19 pm

This is now circulating on WeChat. This Sikyong should just resign because he created so many problems, now more reasons for Tibetans to fight with each other.

Reply
Lobsang Tsering

November 23, 2017 at 9:06 am

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”

——

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/

Reply
Rakesh Chandra

November 25, 2017 at 7:29 am

After helping the Tibetans for almost 60 years, this is what we get from them

Reply
Angry Nepali

November 25, 2017 at 8:18 am

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.

Reply
Tibetans Go Back

November 25, 2017 at 8:59 am

Everyone should know what the Dalai Lama wants.

Reply
Tibetans Go Back

November 25, 2017 at 9:00 am

Tibetans should pay attention to what the Dalai Lama say.

Reply
Ngodup Tsering

November 27, 2017 at 5:09 pm

Penpa Tsering is sacked & now maybe Dhardon wants his cushy job in USA. So she has to be nice to her big boss Sikyong to get this job.

Reply
Amdo Shapale

November 28, 2017 at 12:13 am

Does anyone share the same view as mine? Why this Kalon visited Jonang Temple but never visit a Dorje Shugden temple?

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/

Reply
Ngodup Tsering

November 29, 2017 at 6:35 pm

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

Dalai: Why Puri temple doors shut for non-Hindus?
Minati Singha| TNN | Updated: Nov 22, 2017, 02:35 IST
BHUBANESWAR: Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Tuesday questioned the practice of not allowing non-Hindus inside the Puri Jagannath Temple premises while criticising the Christian missionaries for trying to convert people of other faiths.
“During my last visit to Odisha in 2010, I wished to go to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. I have a practice of visiting holy places wherever I go. I go to local places of worship like churches, gurdwaras, Hindu temples, Buddhist temples and mosques. I have made pilgrimages to Jerusalem (the holy city of the Jewish), the Syrian Christian Church and the Muslim sacred rock,” the Dalai Lama told TOI in an interview on Tuesday. He was responding to a question on the state’s unique Jagannath culture.
The Dalai Lama, who is here on a two-day visit, said he cannot change his religion to enter the Jagannath Temple. “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 Nobel laureate.
The Dalai Lama also questioned conversions by Christian missionaries. “I never say Buddhism is the best religion. I never try to promote it in non-Buddhist countries and in Christian countries like Europe and America. I admire Christian brothers and sisters but don’t like it when they try to convert people. Being secular, like India, is a very practical and wonderful approach,” he said.
Reacting to the Dalai Lama’s comment, Jagannath Temple priests said not allowing non-Hindus inside t is an age-old tradition. “Non-Hindus have not been allowed into the temple for centuries and the rule cannot be changed,” said Ramkrushna Das Mohapatra, president of the Daita Pati Nijog (an association of priests).
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/dalai-why-puri-temple-doors-shut-for-non-hindus/articleshow/61746509.cms

Reply
Ngodup Tsering

November 29, 2017 at 6:36 pm

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

Reply
Ngodup Tsering

November 29, 2017 at 6:36 pm

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”

Reply
Thamchod Nyingma

January 13, 2018 at 9:22 am

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.

China recruiting “disgruntled” Tibetan refugees to spy on India: Intelligence Bureau
Friday, January 05, 2018 19:56
By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 5: Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB) has reportedly said that China is recruiting Tibetan refugee youth in the Northeastern parts of India to provide strategic information in exchange for monetary gains.
The IB, India’s internal intelligence agency, has issued a string of alerts that China is approaching Tibetan refugees settled in northeast India to provide strategic information about the area.
According to The Print, a comprehensive report submitted to the central government will include how China had been targeting “disgruntled Tibetan refugees” in the region for the past two years and how many of the recruits have already left for China.
An unnamed source from the IB was cited as saying “young Tibetan refugees” from Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and other parts of northeast India have been recruited as spies. “It appears to be China’s strategy to make a base in India to create a channel, through which it can constantly receive relevant strategic information,” the source told The Print.
The same source also described the newer generations of Tibetans to be “volatile and vulnerable” whose desperation caused by unemployment and wish for a good lifestyle is tapped by China who assure money as well as job and education for their kids.
In addition to the report to be sent to Ministry of home affairs, the local police in the north east states have also been notified of the threat and may result in “scrutiny of Tibetan refugees” there soon.
There are five Tibetan refugee settlements in the Northeast India; Choepheling- Miao, Dhargyeling –Tezu, Tenzigang- Bomdila and Tuting-Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh and Kunphenling- Ravangla in Sikkim as well as smaller pockets of Tibetans in Sonada and Darjeeling area overseen by the exile Tibetan government here in Dharamshala, known as the Central Tibetan Administration.
http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=40007

Reply
Dekyi Wangmo

January 13, 2018 at 10:55 am

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.

China luring Tibetan refugees in India to work as its spies, Intelligence Bureau warns
ANANYA BHARDWAJ | 5 January, 2018
IB issues alert that many refugees settled in northeast India are being paid and offered jobs by China in exchange for strategic information.
New Delhi: Amid rising India-China tensions along the Line of Actual Control, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has issued a string of alerts warning that Tibetan refugees settled in northeast India are being approached by China to provide strategic information about the area.
While China has reportedly managed to convince a number of young Tibetan refugees to work as its spies in exchange for money, it is aiming to recruit many more, IB sources told ThePrint.
According to the alert, based on which a detailed report will soon be submitted to the government, China had been eyeing disgruntled Tibetan refugees in the region for the past two years. Sources said that many of the refugees it has recruited have already left for China.
“We received an alert stating that young Tibetan refugees settled in areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and other parts of northeast India are moving to China. We learnt that China is trying to recruit the refugees as spies in the area,” a source said.
“It appears to be China’s strategy to make a base in India to create a channel, through which it can constantly receive relevant strategic information.”
The local police in the concerned states have also been sounded out about the alert. A report is being prepared and will be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, following which a scrutiny of Tibetan refugees in the area may start.
“The present generation of Tibetan refugees is very volatile and vulnerable. While they wish to have a good lifestyle, they do not have any job opportunities. This is what the Chinese took advantage of to plant their spies,” the source said.
“The Chinese reportedly not only promise them good money in exchange for information, but also a good job and education for their children in China. However, it is still not known as to how many refugees the Chinese have been able to mobilise.”
Asked about the IB alert, a Home ministry official said: “It may be a possibility. We will look into it.”
https://theprint.in/2018/01/05/china-luring-tibetan-refugees-india-to-spy-intelligence-bureau-warns/

Reply
Yodon chela

January 18, 2018 at 11:07 am

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.

Three times as many Buddhists as Communists in China: Dalai Lama’s Tibet wish may require rapprochement with former adversaries
01/16/2018 07:27 am ET
By: Martin Desai, Contributor
Journalist and financial investigator
Whilst China technically remains a communist country, it has over the last two or three decades relaxed draconian Mao-era rules, for example by opening the door to private sector capitalism and by allowing individuals to practice a religion of their choice, so long as it is not to be perceived as a potential threat to the stability of the state or of the Communist Party.
There are now almost three times as many Buddhists in China as there are Party members. An official communiqué released in July this year estimated the membership of the Communist Party of China at just under 90 million. Meanwhile, the State Bureau of Religious Affairs estimates there are some 250 million Buddhists in China, more or less evenly split between Tibetan Buddhism and Han Buddhism, and 200,000 registered Buddhist monks.
Chinese authorities monitor religious adherence closely, and are extremely sensitive to any challenge, real or imagined, that certain religions may represent. While the Chinese regime’s approach to Buddhism has been liberal – for example, no bans have been issued and open religious expression is permitted – it clearly takes the religion’s influence seriously, given its importance in Chinese society.
Above all the regime fears religious divisions or unrest, as evidenced by the swift outlawing of the Falun Gong movement and imprisonment of its leaders after a series of demonstrations by Falun Gong members prompted fears that the group’s swelling support could one day rival the Party. The regime is also acutely sensitive to the possibility of what it sees as external interference – especially on the delicate subject of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
A particularly divisive issue for the Buddhist community, both within Tibet and abroad is the devotion to the Dorje Shugden deity, a 400-year old practice that began in the 17th century and has become a major practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Critics of Shugden devotion say worship of the deity promotes divisions among the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, all of which share the same fundamental philosophy, and whose differences lie in their interpretation of the extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures and the emphasis they place on various aspects of Buddhist philosophy.
At the origin of the controversy lie a number of ambiguous declarations from the current (14th) Dalai Lama. On the one hand, he has appealed for non-sectarian cooperation among all branches of Tibet’s religions. However, he has also effectively excluded Shugden practitioners from such cooperation despite once regarding Dorje Shugden as an enlightened being and authoring one of the most popular liturgies to this deity. Some Shugden devotees have claimed that these ambiguous declarations amount to a de facto ban on their practice and this exclusion is tantamount to being exiled in their own communities. The Shugden de facto exclusion has already existed for two decades since it was initiated by the current Dalai Lama and has slowly stirred disunity in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China and among the exiled Tibetan communities.
In 2014 the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet, which is chaired by the actor Richard Gere, said it had obtained a ‘directive’ from the Communist Party Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in China in February 2014 whose title translates as, “Some opinions on dealing correctly with the ‘Gyalchen Shugden’ issue”[1].
The International Campaign for Tibet’s evaluation of the directive accuses China of seeking to gain a political advantage from the controversy. Entitled “China’s new directive on (the) controversial Shugden spirit in Tibet in (a) further bid to discredit Dalai Lama”[2], even the title of the critique dispels any expectation of objectivity.
While the Chinese position is that the authorities are aiming to guarantee the right of all Tibetans to choose who and how they worship, the directive issued by the Communist Party Committee of TAR is couched in rather divisive language. It calls the Shugden controversy “an important front in our struggle with the Dalai clique” and “a deceitful ploy by the 14th Dalai’s clique to split the country…”
The Chinese directive was made in response to the de facto religious ban implemented by the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Government in Exile, and to their suspected destabilizing activities inside the TAR. The directive proposes educational and law enforcement measures to be implemented inside the TAR to mitigate the risk of division and unrest that the controversy may cause. Tashi Tadchen, a representative of the European Dorje Shugden Society which was set up to create awareness of the supposed ban, says that following the exiled Tibetan leadership’s edict against the Shugden practice, there have been frequent clashes which at times have led to loss of lives between those who feel obliged to follow the Dalai Lama’s decree and adherents of the Shugden practice.
The directive mirrors Chinese fear of discord within Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhism in general. What it does not do, despite the International Campaign for Tibet’s claims, is take a specific position on Shugden devotion outside the TAR. In spite of the content of the directive, the Exiled Tibetan Government and related NGOs around the World have repeatedly used it as evidence to attest that Shugden practitioners are “spies of the Chinese Communist Party.”
A late 2015 report from the news agency Reuters looking into the Shugden controversy relied heavily on the Communist Party Committee of TAR directive, and especially the International Campaign for Tibet’s interpretation of it, as solid evidence that China is financing various Shugden groups in the West, in particular the International Shugden Community (ISC) which has seen strong support from individual members of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and Tibetans living in the West. The NKT has meditation centres around the world and has been vocal in its public opposition to the Dalai Lama’s position.
Even so, no concrete evidence has ever been supplied. However, whilst the intended objective is unclear, the Dalai Lama’s Shugden exclusion has created unrest amongst Tibetans inside the TAR. This is precisely what China fears. China sustains a “One China” policy to maintain stability and prosperity of the state. Any divisive conflict in the TAR such as the Shugden split, does not augur well for it’s objectives. This is not an objective the exile Tibetan Government necessarily shares and its ability to influence affairs in the TAR is one of it key bargaining chips.
What we have, in effect, is both sides calling for unity while at the same time continuing to bicker. The Communist Party of TAR has certainly sought to politicise the rift, as the Dalai Lama and his supporters also appear to have done. The Dalai Lama’s comments have served to alienate Shugden devotees from other Tibetan Buddhists, and are somewhat jarring when considered alongside his calls for unity in the Tibetan diaspora. Shugden adherents have insisted that if indeed the exiled Tibetan leadership believes that the Communist Party of China is leveraging this issue, then a simple pronouncement by the Dalai Lama declaring an end to the de facto ban would have the effect of rendering it harmless.
Could the time now be ripe to call for closure of hostilities? The Dalai Lama has recently expressed a desire to return to his Tibetan homeland, a wish that would have no chance of fulfilment without a significant thawing of China’s attitude towards Tibet’s spiritual leader.
Harmony among Tibetan Buddhists is in the interests of both sides. Moreover, having said in November 2017 that “Tibetans want to stay with China” and that he would return to Tibet at once, if China agrees, the Dalai Lama has flagged a willingness to try and overcome the longstanding political impasse. In addition, a high ranking emissary of the Dalai Lama, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche – former Prime Minister of the Tibetan exile Government – was nominated in the autumn as the Dalai Lama’s envoy for talks with the Chinese authorities and is believed to have held secret meetings with senior Communist party leaders.
Given that one of His Holiness’ early reasons for his criticism of Shugden worship – that it “harms the life of the Dalai Lama” – no longer seems justified given his longevity and continuing fair health, a rapprochement with Shugden acolytes may be a good starting point if his desired return to Tibet is to be anything more than a pipe dream.
[1] http://www.savetibet.org/the-official-line-on-shugden-translation/
[2] http://www.savetibet.org/chinas-new-directive-on-controversial-shugden-spirit-in-tibet-in-bid-to-further-discredit-dalai-lama/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/three-times-as-many-buddhists-as-communists-in-china_us_5a5dedb8e4b003efadb6b0d1

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Tenzin Tsomo

January 22, 2018 at 1:06 pm

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.

Sikyong Sangay, the ball is in your court now!

By Mila Rangzen
KOLLEGAL, India, 20 January 2018
On 5 December 2017 former speaker Penpa Tsering made a detailed clarification rejecting every allegation, categorically, that Sikyong Sangay lobbed on him on 6 November 2017. But to Sikyong’s shock, the 10-point grenade of accusations didn’t burst on PT. It just refused to do so. It backfired.
Sikyong’s attempt to tarnish the image of a dedicated public servant for both political and personal reasons has failed. With the vigilance and quick action from the public, the humble Tibetan people have spoken! The grenade burst back on Sikyong in the form of protest and loss of trust in his leadership.
Sikyong never imagined even in his dreams that the Tibetan public would one day rise and speak truth to power right in his face. Terminating PT is the enormous miscalculation Sikyong made after being in office for nearly two years in his second term, and he is now paying the price.
Many, including those who voted for Lobsang Sangay, are now beginning to see him as a shallow, fake, narcissistic, crooked, unreliable, cowardly, small-minded, touchy, egotistical, arrogant, greedy, deceptive, unappreciative of criticism, irresponsible, vindictive man, and also a sack full of outrageous lies. These are the characteristics of a wicked conman that HH abhors and does not wish to see in any human being, let alone Sikyong whose office is tied to the destiny of the six million Tibetan people.
1. The claim that LS gave the representative post to PT by recalling his friend Kaydor Aukatsang to Dharamshala even before his tenure was numbered is a lie. The fact is that Gaden Phodrang was not happy with Kaydor’s performance in general and his election controversy in particular, so LS had no choice but to recall Kaydor and appoint Ngodup Tsering in his spot. This decision was taken long before LS posted PT to Washington DC. Yes, LS decided to name PT to the post of representative in Brussels. But that decision had to change later, and the credit goes to Gaden Phodrang, not Lobsang Sangay.
2. What hurt Sikyong’s ego most was when PT, like an honest statesman, suggested that there should be a payable record with Office of Tibet when there exists a receivable record with the Tibet Fund regarding the $1.5-million loan. This process, he argued, sits well with both the accounting practices and the local laws. Article 6 of the exile charter states that the local laws must be respected at all cost. However, LS violated this critical article in the charter, as usual with a straight face.
3. Narcissistic. LS asked former MP Koren from Europe to submit a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for him. Remember the picture of himself with Buddha in the background on a thangka hanging on the wall beside his desk? Thangkas are usually reserved for Buddhas and bodhisattvas. He has no shame in hanging such a thangka in his office.  The irony is that he prefers to call himself Senge “Lion” instead of Sangay “Buddha.” When it was found out that his actual name is spelled Sangay in Tibetan in his Green Book, he insisted and changed to call himself Senge rather than Sangay. Also, his portrait photo lined up on par with HH during elections. His framed picture was carried by well over 60 supporters at the JFK airport recently, an act that is usually reserved for a religious figure like the Dalai Lama. This is all coming from a remote control in LS’ hand. Sangay wishes to be listed as a Nobel laureate alongside the Dalai Lama. He’s a dreamer, but that’s LS for you. How can he even think of competing with His Holiness?
4. Egoistic. LS also asked MP Pema Chazoetsang from the US to submit his name for the Templeton nomination, a prize worth around $2 million which is usually awarded to a scientist who is prepared to say something nice about religion.
5. Vindictive. LS terminated PT because PT raised questions with facts and compelling reasons whenever his duty required him to do so. You rarely see this kind of leader in our community except for MP Dolma Tsering who stands her ground and speaks up and grills powers that be. I salute her from the bottom of my heart because our community needs more leaders like her.
6. Can’t stand criticism. The fact is he is a highly vindictive person. He can’t stand criticism let alone appreciate it. That’s the height of childishness sitting in the character of a man whom we expect to lead us through these dark times.
7. About two months after the election was over on 20 March 2016, HH gave LS a dressing-down in front of the staff of Gaden Phodrang, Penpa Tsering, and the Justice Commissioners. His Holiness reminded him that he was telling everybody he met that LS was his political boss to create a decent image (but LS gets carried away as usual) of the Sikyong on both the domestic and global stages so that the Tibetan cause could benefit from it. But when LS blatantly indulged in lie after lie and falsehood after falsehood, HH asked him point-blank what was the point in HH continuing to live any longer if the man he praised publicly is full of lies.  The entire dressing-down episode took only minutes. LS was the only one who refused to keep a copy. He merely wanted to feign ignorance of the contents if people demanded a copy of the same. He wept after the Speaker and Justice Commissioners left in front of HH. He wept perhaps realizing his outrageous lies could cost him his political career any time. Had HH dressed him down in public that would be the end of LS not only as a leader but even as an individual. HH can’t keep LS at a distance because he is an elected leader and it would look bad on the Sikyong if HH did, although the nature of his personality warrants otherwise. This is the problematic position HH is in. Long ago one of my brothers was a monk, carrying Nechung in a trance, at Namgyal Dratsang, HH own monastery. And with a connection in the right place, it is not hard to find a reliable, eyewitness source of information.
8. It was LS who leaked the secret visit Samdhong Rinpoche made to China recently. Why? To put that on his list of achievements if any. To boost his political image, he makes sure the Tibetan public and the media are not left in the dark even on this secret visit of the former president! LS tipped off Indian intelligence anonymously, and Indian intelligence passed it to an Indian journalist who wrote about it first.
If the current nightmare is to end soon, then it’s time Sikyong either declares PT’s clarification a bag of lies, or answers his conscience honestly and offers an apology to PT in public. The ball has been in Sikyong’s court for more than 40 days now. But there has been no response whatsoever from Sikyong. PT did not accept even a single accusation as real, and if Sikyong continues to remain silent, then it only means the truth is on PT’s side. Sikyong should also immediately apologize for deceiving the Tibetan public and creating chaos and rift in our community.
Failing this, PT will have no choice but to leave no stone unturned in seeking justice, and that could include the taking of Sikyong to the Tibetan court and possibly the US court too on defamation charges. The clock ticks now!
PS: Two pieces of good news! LS cannot come back in 2021. To do so, he has to win 30 votes in the Parliament. Both U-Tsang and Amdo parliamentarians won’t let that happen! PT is eligible to fight in the Sikyong election in 2021!
https://www.tibetsun.com/opinions/2018/01/20/sikyong-sangay-the-ball-is-in-your-court-now

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Pema Wangchuk

January 24, 2018 at 11:15 pm

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 His Holiness “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?

Dalai Lama Waiting For A Pilgrimage Visit to China One Day
By TJ editor
January 23, 2018
The Buddhist spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the course of teaching at Bodh Gaya today told that he is praying for a pilgrimage visit China’s Mount Wutai one day. His Holiness concluded the Diamond Cutter Sutra teachings specially dedicated to the Chinese disciples presently attending in Bodh Gaya on Tuesday.
While explaining about the significance of the holy place in China, Wu Tai Shan, the five peaked mountain, His Holiness told that he is praying to have an opportunity to visit the holy place to receive the blessings of Manjushri.
“China has a special connection with Manjushri, and Wu Tai Shan—the Five Peaked Mountain is the sacred place associated with him. If you Chinese can do the practices of these two, Manjushri and Sarasvati, it will be of special benefit to you. Meanwhile, I pray that one day I may visit Wu Tai Shan to receive Manjushri’s blessings—and you can pray for that too. To make your having come to Bodhgaya worthwhile, try to develop an understanding of emptiness and cultivate a good heart.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama explained at the third and last day of teachings for the Chinese disciples in Bodh Gaya today.
The Tibetan spiritual leader fled from Tibet in 1959, following the military coup by the People’s Liberation Army of China and sought refuge in India since then. Over the last six decades, the Tibetan exile community thrived to rebuild a national struggle and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been very optimistic that he will be able to return to Tibet within his life time.
Since His Holiness’s arrival to Bodh Gaya since the beginning of this month, he has conducted three series of teachings to thousands of devotees gathered at the holy place. While the first teaching was organised at the request of his Indian devotees, the third teaching was specially dedicated to the disciples from the Mainland China.
The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expected to stay in Bodh Gaya till the beginning of February, there will be public talk Education for Universal Ethics in Schools and Colleges to students from private and government schools at the Kalachakra ground on Thursday.
http://www.tibetanjournal.com/index.php/2018/01/23/dalai-lama-waiting-pilgrimage-visit-china-one-day/

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Tsering

March 3, 2018 at 6:26 am

Comic drawn by Tendor, a prominent Free Tibet activist.

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