His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Call to Tibet Support Groups
[Friday, 5 November 2010, 11:00 p.m.]
| His Holiness the Dalai Lama (R) and Shri Lal Krishna Advani, former deputy prime minister of India, light a lamp to inaugurate the 3 day International Conference of Tibet Support Groups at Surajkund, India, on 5 November 2010 |
Surajkund, India:
The sixth International conference of Tibet Support Groups began in
Surajkund, near New Delhi in India, on November 5, 2010, with a call
from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the international community to look
at the Tibetan issue from three aspects rather than merely as a human
rights issue.
The sixth International conference of Tibet Support Groups began in
Surajkund, near New Delhi in India, on November 5, 2010, with a call
from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the international community to look
at the Tibetan issue from three aspects rather than merely as a human
rights issue.
His
Holiness, despite being slightly indisposed (he joked that the mouth
cover he was wearing made him look like a Jain monk), spent a
considerable period of time explaining the three aspects of the Tibetan
issue as being that of ecological, culture and human rights issues. In
terms of the ecological aspect of the issue, His Holiness said more
than a billion people in the region may be depending on the water that
comes from rivers that originate on the Tibetan plateau. He also cited
Chinese scientists who have dubbed the Tibetan plateau as the Third
Pole, indicating that its ecological status is as important as that of
the North or the South poles. Therefore, His Holiness said people in
the region who will be impacted by changes to the Tibetan environment
have the right to express their concern at the future of Tibet. He
added that this has nothing to do with politics. His Holiness said
that preservation of the Tibetan environment is also in the interest of
mainland China.
Holiness, despite being slightly indisposed (he joked that the mouth
cover he was wearing made him look like a Jain monk), spent a
considerable period of time explaining the three aspects of the Tibetan
issue as being that of ecological, culture and human rights issues. In
terms of the ecological aspect of the issue, His Holiness said more
than a billion people in the region may be depending on the water that
comes from rivers that originate on the Tibetan plateau. He also cited
Chinese scientists who have dubbed the Tibetan plateau as the Third
Pole, indicating that its ecological status is as important as that of
the North or the South poles. Therefore, His Holiness said people in
the region who will be impacted by changes to the Tibetan environment
have the right to express their concern at the future of Tibet. He
added that this has nothing to do with politics. His Holiness said
that preservation of the Tibetan environment is also in the interest of
mainland China.
On
the Tibetan issue also being a cultural one, His Holiness explained the
distinction that he makes between Tibetan Buddhism as a religion and
Tibetan Buddhist science and philosophy. He said Tibetan Buddhism as a
religion was the business of Buddhists alone. However, Tibetan Buddhist
science and philosophy can contribute to the development of humanity
beyond the Buddhist world.
the Tibetan issue also being a cultural one, His Holiness explained the
distinction that he makes between Tibetan Buddhism as a religion and
Tibetan Buddhist science and philosophy. He said Tibetan Buddhism as a
religion was the business of Buddhists alone. However, Tibetan Buddhist
science and philosophy can contribute to the development of humanity
beyond the Buddhist world.
His
Holiness said he regarded himself as a messenger of the ancient Indian
thought of Ahimsa. He added that Ahimsa is action and that action is
dependent on the motivation, for which the key factor is compassion.
Holiness said he regarded himself as a messenger of the ancient Indian
thought of Ahimsa. He added that Ahimsa is action and that action is
dependent on the motivation, for which the key factor is compassion.
He
termed the Tibetan Buddhist culture as a culture of peace and culture
of compassion. His Holiness added that in recent times scientists have
been showing interest and doing research on the impact of cultivating
compassion on the individual, his mental state and to the community. He
talked about the projects that the University of Wisconsin in Madison,
Stanford University and Emory University have initiated on this. He
said initial results have indicated positive impact of cultivating
compassion.
termed the Tibetan Buddhist culture as a culture of peace and culture
of compassion. His Holiness added that in recent times scientists have
been showing interest and doing research on the impact of cultivating
compassion on the individual, his mental state and to the community. He
talked about the projects that the University of Wisconsin in Madison,
Stanford University and Emory University have initiated on this. He
said initial results have indicated positive impact of cultivating
compassion.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses the inaugural ceremony of the 3 day International Conference of Tibet Support
Groups at Surajkund, India, on 5 November 2010
| His Holiness also said in recent years more and more Chinese have been paying attention to the Tibetan issue indicating that the struggle is a just and moral one. He also said some people accuse the Tibetans of internationalizing the Tibetan issue. Comparing the dialogue process with the Chinese government to the right hand and reaching out to the international community to the left hand, His Holiness said if there is a concrete result to the right hand the left hand does not need to do anything. |
His
Holiness said that a stumbling block to finding a solution to the
Tibetan issue is the lack of transparency, existence of distorted
propaganda and censorship in China. Once these are not present and
there is an independent judiciary, the Tibetan issue can be resolved
quickly, he said. His Holiness said he advocated a gradual change in
China rather than overnight transformation into a democracy. He added
that given the nature of the Chinese system any overnight change could
result in a chaotic situation that will not be in the interest of China
or the world. He suggested that just as he was thinking of retirement,
the Communist Party in China should think of gradual retirement with
grace and honour.
Holiness said that a stumbling block to finding a solution to the
Tibetan issue is the lack of transparency, existence of distorted
propaganda and censorship in China. Once these are not present and
there is an independent judiciary, the Tibetan issue can be resolved
quickly, he said. His Holiness said he advocated a gradual change in
China rather than overnight transformation into a democracy. He added
that given the nature of the Chinese system any overnight change could
result in a chaotic situation that will not be in the interest of China
or the world. He suggested that just as he was thinking of retirement,
the Communist Party in China should think of gradual retirement with
grace and honour.
His Holiness was the Guest of Honour at the ceremony.
In
his inaugural address, Mr. Lal Krishna Advani, former Indian deputy
prime minister, said the Tibet Support Groups were doing a great job
for humanity. He then related his interaction with Chinese President
Hu Jintao when he visited India in 2006 in which he had asked the
Chinese President to create conditions that would enable His Holiness
the Dalai Lama to visit Tibet before the Olympics. However, that did
not happen and China missed an opportunity to resolve the Tibetan
issue, he said. Mr. Advani said that this was not the last
opportunity and asked Beijing to reach out to His Holiness with the
intention of sincere dialogue and recognize the legitimate aspirations
of the Tibetan people. Beijing cannot have a more reasonable and
peace-loving interlocutor than this living embodiment of the teachings
of the Buddha, he said.
his inaugural address, Mr. Lal Krishna Advani, former Indian deputy
prime minister, said the Tibet Support Groups were doing a great job
for humanity. He then related his interaction with Chinese President
Hu Jintao when he visited India in 2006 in which he had asked the
Chinese President to create conditions that would enable His Holiness
the Dalai Lama to visit Tibet before the Olympics. However, that did
not happen and China missed an opportunity to resolve the Tibetan
issue, he said. Mr. Advani said that this was not the last
opportunity and asked Beijing to reach out to His Holiness with the
intention of sincere dialogue and recognize the legitimate aspirations
of the Tibetan people. Beijing cannot have a more reasonable and
peace-loving interlocutor than this living embodiment of the teachings
of the Buddha, he said.
Mr.
Advani talked about the challenges to the bilateral relations between
India and China, including on the border issue. However, he said the
Indian support to the aspirations of the Tibetan people was independent
of the unresolved boundary dispute with China. He said that His
Holiness the Dalai Lama has chosen to seek autonomous status for Tibet
and that there needs to be genuine autonomy for Tibet. He added that
the biggest hurdle in resolving the Tibetan issue is the ideology of
Communism and the attitude of the regime in Beijing. He recalled
having told American leaders that just as they are passionate about
nuclear non-proliferation they should be similarly passionate about
non-proliferation of dictatorships. He said a conscious effort needs
to be made to change dictatorships into democracy and to strengthen
democracy. He added that it will be good for the people of Tibet and
good for the people of China.
Advani talked about the challenges to the bilateral relations between
India and China, including on the border issue. However, he said the
Indian support to the aspirations of the Tibetan people was independent
of the unresolved boundary dispute with China. He said that His
Holiness the Dalai Lama has chosen to seek autonomous status for Tibet
and that there needs to be genuine autonomy for Tibet. He added that
the biggest hurdle in resolving the Tibetan issue is the ideology of
Communism and the attitude of the regime in Beijing. He recalled
having told American leaders that just as they are passionate about
nuclear non-proliferation they should be similarly passionate about
non-proliferation of dictatorships. He said a conscious effort needs
to be made to change dictatorships into democracy and to strengthen
democracy. He added that it will be good for the people of Tibet and
good for the people of China.
He
said just as the United States and the USSR were the key determinants
of history in the 20th century, the bilateral relationship between
India and China will be one of the key determinants of the course of
world history in the 21st century. He added that India and China are
neighbours and two ancient civilisations with much in common. The
commonness is imparted by civilisational Tibet, he said.
said just as the United States and the USSR were the key determinants
of history in the 20th century, the bilateral relationship between
India and China will be one of the key determinants of the course of
world history in the 21st century. He added that India and China are
neighbours and two ancient civilisations with much in common. The
commonness is imparted by civilisational Tibet, he said.
He
said his aspiration and hope was that a day will come when the Tibetans
who are in India will be able to go back to Tibet with dignity, peace
and honour.
said his aspiration and hope was that a day will come when the Tibetans
who are in India will be able to go back to Tibet with dignity, peace
and honour.
Earlier,
the inaugural ceremony began with the Master of Ceremony Vijay Kranti
inviting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and former Indian deputy prime
minister L.K. Advani to light lamps on the occasion of the Indian
festival of lights, Diwali.
the inaugural ceremony began with the Master of Ceremony Vijay Kranti
inviting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and former Indian deputy prime
minister L.K. Advani to light lamps on the occasion of the Indian
festival of lights, Diwali.
Thereafter,
welcome remarks were made by Dr. Nand Kishore Trikha, National Convenor
of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India. He is a former editor of
Navbharat Times, leading Indian national daily in Hindi. He said the
problem of Tibet is not just of Tibetans but of humanity and the
international community therefore cares about Tibet.
welcome remarks were made by Dr. Nand Kishore Trikha, National Convenor
of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India. He is a former editor of
Navbharat Times, leading Indian national daily in Hindi. He said the
problem of Tibet is not just of Tibetans but of humanity and the
international community therefore cares about Tibet.
Messages from Australia:
Peter
Slipper, MP, Deputy Speaker, Australian Parliament, said: ” … I
understand that the aims of the conference are to offer an opportunity
and platform to all Tibet support groups to meet and exchange views and
experiences with each other and with the Central Tibetan Administration
in order to forge a more effective means of supporting the cause of
Tibet. I would like to congratulate you on organising this conference
so that supporters of Tibet can contribute towards a solution of the
Tibet issue satisfactory to the both His Holiness and Tibetans at home
and in exile …”
Slipper, MP, Deputy Speaker, Australian Parliament, said: ” … I
understand that the aims of the conference are to offer an opportunity
and platform to all Tibet support groups to meet and exchange views and
experiences with each other and with the Central Tibetan Administration
in order to forge a more effective means of supporting the cause of
Tibet. I would like to congratulate you on organising this conference
so that supporters of Tibet can contribute towards a solution of the
Tibet issue satisfactory to the both His Holiness and Tibetans at home
and in exile …”
Bob
Brown, Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania, said: ” … Please
convey my support to the organisers and participants of the conference
in their efforts to create a more unified campaign for greater
recognition of Tibet and for their inclusion of Chinese supporters to
their cause. Australian Greens members of parliament will continue to
recognise His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the accepted spiritual leader
of Tibetans around the world and to urge the leaders of other parties
to meet with him and acknowledge the human rights and political
situation in Tibet…”
Brown, Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania, said: ” … Please
convey my support to the organisers and participants of the conference
in their efforts to create a more unified campaign for greater
recognition of Tibet and for their inclusion of Chinese supporters to
their cause. Australian Greens members of parliament will continue to
recognise His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the accepted spiritual leader
of Tibetans around the world and to urge the leaders of other parties
to meet with him and acknowledge the human rights and political
situation in Tibet…”
Michael
Danby, Federal Member of Parliament for Melbourne Ports and Chair,
All-Party parliamentary Group for Tibet, said: “… Our group would
have liked to send a representative to the conference, but due to
parliamentary and other duties unfortunately this was not possible. In
Australia, as I think is the case in other countries around the world,
the Tibetan cause can at times be a lonely one. Due to Chinese
Government pressure, support for Tibet tends to be narrow and limited.
A large conference such as this one which brings together groups from
around the world is a great affirmation of the true depth and breadth
of support for Tibet …”
Danby, Federal Member of Parliament for Melbourne Ports and Chair,
All-Party parliamentary Group for Tibet, said: “… Our group would
have liked to send a representative to the conference, but due to
parliamentary and other duties unfortunately this was not possible. In
Australia, as I think is the case in other countries around the world,
the Tibetan cause can at times be a lonely one. Due to Chinese
Government pressure, support for Tibet tends to be narrow and limited.
A large conference such as this one which brings together groups from
around the world is a great affirmation of the true depth and breadth
of support for Tibet …”
Joan
M Wilson, President, Tibetan Friendship Group Australia, said: “… I
believe strongly, that all though horrific for the Tibetans themselves,
their example of bravery and ‘middle way approach’ in the face of the
aggression, cruelty and domination, is an example sorely needed today.
If the world is to survive in an atmosphere of peace and happiness,
many countries, races and creeds, must learn from the Tibetans. I am
not talking of religion necessarily, but of their philosophy of
compassion and tolerance – it is a most remarkable example and has I
believe, already made an influence. The Tibetan Friendship Group
Association (Inc.) believes that if the Tibetan culture and their
peaceful philosophy, is to survive and spread, it will be through the
Tibetans educated in India. There is a huge debt owed by the world to
India for its hospitality. The Tibetans then flow out from there and on
to other countries such as USA, Europe, Australia, and some bravely
back to Tibet…”
M Wilson, President, Tibetan Friendship Group Australia, said: “… I
believe strongly, that all though horrific for the Tibetans themselves,
their example of bravery and ‘middle way approach’ in the face of the
aggression, cruelty and domination, is an example sorely needed today.
If the world is to survive in an atmosphere of peace and happiness,
many countries, races and creeds, must learn from the Tibetans. I am
not talking of religion necessarily, but of their philosophy of
compassion and tolerance – it is a most remarkable example and has I
believe, already made an influence. The Tibetan Friendship Group
Association (Inc.) believes that if the Tibetan culture and their
peaceful philosophy, is to survive and spread, it will be through the
Tibetans educated in India. There is a huge debt owed by the world to
India for its hospitality. The Tibetans then flow out from there and on
to other countries such as USA, Europe, Australia, and some bravely
back to Tibet…”
Thereafter,
an overview of activities since the last TSG conference was made by Mr.
Dennis Cusack, Co-Chair of the International Tibet Support Network. He
talked about new challenges and new opportunities. He mentioned
activities to create a substantial increase in effective, coordinated,
sustained activity by Tibet Groups as well as sustained pressure on
governments and Chinese leaders. He also explained the Tibet groups’
work to monitor the next generation of Chinese leaders and reaching out
to Chinese people.
an overview of activities since the last TSG conference was made by Mr.
Dennis Cusack, Co-Chair of the International Tibet Support Network. He
talked about new challenges and new opportunities. He mentioned
activities to create a substantial increase in effective, coordinated,
sustained activity by Tibet Groups as well as sustained pressure on
governments and Chinese leaders. He also explained the Tibet groups’
work to monitor the next generation of Chinese leaders and reaching out
to Chinese people.
Dr.
Yang Jianli, President of Initiatives for China, was invited to speak
next. He said that the extraordinary struggle of the Tibetan people
have won respect. He said that despite having undergone much suffering
under a government that was predominantly Han Chinese, His Holiness the
Dalai Lama has consistently reached out to the Chinese people. He said
His Holiness’s passion was bearing fruit, he said, as Han Chinese are
beginning to realize that the threat to the Tibetans are a threat to
them, too.
Yang Jianli, President of Initiatives for China, was invited to speak
next. He said that the extraordinary struggle of the Tibetan people
have won respect. He said that despite having undergone much suffering
under a government that was predominantly Han Chinese, His Holiness the
Dalai Lama has consistently reached out to the Chinese people. He said
His Holiness’s passion was bearing fruit, he said, as Han Chinese are
beginning to realize that the threat to the Tibetans are a threat to
them, too.
Referring
to the recent attempts to stop the use of Tibetan as a medium of
instruction in some Tibetan schools in Tibet, Dr. Jianli said that
cultural genocide begins with linguistic genocide. He said Tibetans
have every right to preserve their culture.
to the recent attempts to stop the use of Tibetan as a medium of
instruction in some Tibetan schools in Tibet, Dr. Jianli said that
cultural genocide begins with linguistic genocide. He said Tibetans
have every right to preserve their culture.
Major
(Retd.) Vijay Singh Mankotia, former minister of Himachal Pradesh, in
his remarks talked about Indian concern at China’s policy of strategic
encirclement. Quoting an Indian poem why the Tibetans need support, he
said, “All around us is a deadly silence, Speak up, this is the moment
of test, this is the moment of truth.”
(Retd.) Vijay Singh Mankotia, former minister of Himachal Pradesh, in
his remarks talked about Indian concern at China’s policy of strategic
encirclement. Quoting an Indian poem why the Tibetans need support, he
said, “All around us is a deadly silence, Speak up, this is the moment
of test, this is the moment of truth.”
Major
Mankotia also said that the Chinese charges of His Holiness wanting to
take away one fourth of Chinese territory is misleading and a gross
distortion.
Mankotia also said that the Chinese charges of His Holiness wanting to
take away one fourth of Chinese territory is misleading and a gross
distortion.
Senator
Miriam Defensor Santiago, Senate of Philippines, quoted at length from
UN Charter and relevant conventions to say why the principle of
non-discrimination needed to be applied to the Tibetan people.
Miriam Defensor Santiago, Senate of Philippines, quoted at length from
UN Charter and relevant conventions to say why the principle of
non-discrimination needed to be applied to the Tibetan people.
Mr.
Rafael Gimalov, Member of Parliament from Russia, there was growing
interest in Russia on Tibetan religion, cultural heritage and
tradition. He said as the Chairman of the Parliament’s Environment
Committee, he was concerned with the ecological catastrophe that is
taking place on the Tibetan plateau. He therefore said that the
conference need to focus on the preservation of Tibetan language and
environment. He offered to provide whatever assistance that he can
give to promote awareness on the situation in Tibet.
Rafael Gimalov, Member of Parliament from Russia, there was growing
interest in Russia on Tibetan religion, cultural heritage and
tradition. He said as the Chairman of the Parliament’s Environment
Committee, he was concerned with the ecological catastrophe that is
taking place on the Tibetan plateau. He therefore said that the
conference need to focus on the preservation of Tibetan language and
environment. He offered to provide whatever assistance that he can
give to promote awareness on the situation in Tibet.
Kalon
Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche shortened his remarks in the light of the
session going way beyond schedule. He said the printed text of his
statement has been circulated. He termed the coming five years as being
most precious, critical and decisive moments for Tibet’s future and
called for the revitalization of the Tibet movement to meet the
challenge.
Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche shortened his remarks in the light of the
session going way beyond schedule. He said the printed text of his
statement has been circulated. He termed the coming five years as being
most precious, critical and decisive moments for Tibet’s future and
called for the revitalization of the Tibet movement to meet the
challenge.
During
the ceremony, Mr. Lal Krisha Advani released a book, “2008 Uprising in
Tibet: Chronology and Analysis,” compiled by the Tibetan Department of
Information & International Relations (DIIR).
the ceremony, Mr. Lal Krisha Advani released a book, “2008 Uprising in
Tibet: Chronology and Analysis,” compiled by the Tibetan Department of
Information & International Relations (DIIR).
In
the afternoon, the participants got an update on the Tibetan-Chinese
dialogue process from Special Envoy Lodi Gyari and Envoy Kelsang
Gyaltsen, who also answered some questions. There was also an eye
witness account by Mr. Tsewang Dhondup, who suffered injuries from a
bullet shot by Chinese security force following a demonstration in
Eastern Tibet in March 2008. There was also a session on Tibetan
environment with Mr. Gabriel Lafitte from Australia and Mr. Tenzin
Norbu, head of Environment and Development desk of DIIR. The
participants later started workshops on campaign strategies.
the afternoon, the participants got an update on the Tibetan-Chinese
dialogue process from Special Envoy Lodi Gyari and Envoy Kelsang
Gyaltsen, who also answered some questions. There was also an eye
witness account by Mr. Tsewang Dhondup, who suffered injuries from a
bullet shot by Chinese security force following a demonstration in
Eastern Tibet in March 2008. There was also a session on Tibetan
environment with Mr. Gabriel Lafitte from Australia and Mr. Tenzin
Norbu, head of Environment and Development desk of DIIR. The
participants later started workshops on campaign strategies.
The conference is being convened by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India.
