Tibet news and current events
Feb 1, 2012 CNN crew detained amid Chinese Tibet crackdownSichuan province, China (CNN) -- It's after 10 p.m. when we see a light in the distance. We've traveled for more than three hours up a windy, icy road in western China. Our hope is to get to the Tibetan autonomous zone, in the mountainous region of Sichuan province, an area reportedly locked in an ever-growing spiral of violence. We're so close, only an hour or so away. And then the ligh Feb 1, 2012 Rare Footage Shows Tibetan Protest [02:32]Footage of protest in Zamthang. 02:32 Jan 30, 2012 Statement by Maria Otero, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, and US Special Coordinator for Tibetan IssuesThis is the latest, and most direct, statement by the US Government on the self-immolations, and the first statement on the new protests and shootings.As United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, I am gravely concerned by reports of violence and continuing heightened tensions in Tibetan areas of China, including reports of security forces in Sichuan province opening fire on protesters, killing some and injuring others. These reports follow the self-immolation of four Tibetans earlier this month, bringing the number of reported self-immolations by Tibetans to 16 - mostly monks and former monks, and two nuns - since March 2011. The U.S. Government consistently and directly has raised the issue of Tibetan self-immolations with the Chinese government. The U.S. Government repeatedly has urged the Chinese government to address the counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions and that threaten the distinct religious, cultural and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people. As I have noted previously, these policies include dramatically expanded Chinese government controls on religious life and practice; ongoing “patriotic education” campaigns within monasteries that require monks to denounce the Dalai Lama; the permanent placement of Chinese officials in monasteries; increasingly intensive surveillance, arbitrary detentions and disappearances of Tibetans; and restrictions on and imprisonment of some families and friends of self-immolators. Over the last year, Chinese government security and judicial officials also have detained and imprisoned Tibetan writers, artists, intellectuals, and cultural advocates who criticized Chinese government policies. We call on the Chinese government to safeguard the universal human rights of all of China’s citizens. We urge Chinese security forces to exercise restraint, and we renew our call to allow access to Tibetan areas of China for journalists, diplomats and other observers. We call on the Chinese government to resume substantive, results-oriented dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to address the underlying grievances of China’s Tibetan population. Jan 30, 2012 China Forces Are Reported to Have Shot at TibetansBEIJING — Chinese security forces on Saturday fired into a crowd of Tibetans in a restive area of Sichuan Province after they tried to take away the body of a Tibetan man who had died after setting himself on fire that morning to protest Chinese policies in the Tibetan areas, according to reports from two Tibet advocacy groups and Tibetan officials in the exile government in India. Jan 30, 2012 More Shot Dead As Protests EscalatChinese authorities shot dead as many as five Tibetans and seriously wounded 40 others on Tuesday in the second day of bloodshed as protests escalated in the troubled Kardze (in Chinese, Ganzi) prefecture in Sichuan province, local sources said. Jan 10, 2012 Festival of Tibet 1 – 5 February, 2012Festival of Tibet1 – 5 February, 2012Brisbane PowerhouseTickets on sale now! Back for its fourth year at the Brisbane Powerhouse, the Festival of Tibet 2012, is a five day feast for the senses. This year we welcome back the Tashi Lhunpo Monks of Tibet and welcome charismatic and passionate Tibetan activist and author Tenzin Tsundue as well as Dr Tsering Thakchoe from the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute in Dharmsala, India. The impressive line up of musicians includes Tenzin Choegyal, the Roaring Fire Choir and Tibet2Timbuk2 and internationally renowned artist Karma Phuntsok, Geshe Lobsang Jamyang and many others will also share their profound gifts with us. Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Tibet, acknowledging the present challenges and looking to the future, the Festival of Tibet 2012 features music, film, concerts, art exhibitions, talks, and workshops for all ages. Many events are free – please check the full program for online booking details at www.festivaloftibet.com.au Or Phone Brisbane Powerhouse boxoffice on 07 3358 8600 Festival Package Deals are also available. Here are some highlights from the program: Concerts:The Tibet Effect (4 Feb 8pm) A new evocative collaboration between Tibetan poet, author and activist Tenzin Tsundue, The Tashi Lhunpo Monks, Katherine Philp (cello) Shen Flindell (table) Peter Hunt (trumpet) and Tenzin Choegyal (dranyen, flute and vocals). Rangzen: for TIBET with Love (3 Feb 8pm) Ancient monastic chants and ritual dances by the Tashi Lhunpo Monks / Acclaimed Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal / the Roaring Fire Choir led by Yani with guest Tenzin Choegyal. Film:Summer Pasture (1 Feb 7pm) Feature length documentary chronicling the experiences of a young Tibetan family struggling to reconcile their traditional way of life with a rapidly modernising world. The Blue Buddha – Lost Secrets of Tibetan Medicine (2 Feb 7pm) A journey into the heart of Tibetan medical practice and what it can offer us today. Followed by a conversation with traditional Tibetan doctor Tsering Thakchoe and Mr Sal Battaglia (Perfect Potion founder).
Talks:Happiness by Expressing Your Real Self (4 Feb 1.30pm FREE) Chenrezig Institute’s resident teacher Geshe Lobsang Jamyang discusses aligning our inner life with our outer expression in order to find real happiness. I am TIBET (4 Feb 11.30am FREE) Hear three extraordinary Tibetans tell their personal stories. Featuring Tenzin Tsundue, Indian based author and activist.
Workshops:Morning Mantra Meditations with the Tashi Lhunpo Monks, Paint your own Buddha with Karma Phuntsok, Chakra Healing through Aromatherapy , Sound Healing, Tibetan Ritual Dance, Hand Mudra , Why Tibet? Grassroots action, Tibetan Calligraphy, Namka Workshop (sky weaving) Also:Witness the Tashi Lhunpo Monks create a beautiful Sand Mandala, Private consultations available with Dr Tsering Thakchoe, Tibetan carpet weaving demonstrations and Karma’s amazing Art works. With great passion we put this festival together and hope to see you there. with much greetings Tenzin Choegyal and Festival of TibetTeam Jan 4, 2012 The Best Coffee Table Book? Child of Tibet - a lost innocenceSomeone called Child of Tibet the best coffee table book he had ever seen. It's a heartfelt publication that's not only beautiful but also serves a good cause. Order it here. Nov 24, 2011 Exiled Tibetan Abbot Rebukes China Over Monks’ TroublesThe chief abbot and spiritual leader-in-exile of a Tibetan monastery at the epicenter of a series of self-immolation protests against Chinese rule spoke out forcefully in New York on Wednesday, detailing what he called new and harsh repressive measures taken against the monks at the monastery since the immolations started in March Nov 24, 2011 Who is fanning Tibet's flames?It was just a few minutes to one in the afternoon last Thursday. Standing at a road junction in a town in Sichuan, in south-western China, was a young woman. Without warning, she doused herself in petrol - she may even have drunk some - and then set fire to herself. Nov 24, 2011 Australian Greens back motion on Tibetan self-determination; condemn Beijing’s repressionThe Australian Greens at their national conference on Sunday responded to the plight of Tibet by passing a resolution that recognised self-determination for Tibetan peoples and condemned the ongoing repression of Tibetans by the Chinese government. Nov 24, 2011 Karmapa urges Tibetan monks to stop self-immolationThe Karmapa, one of the most senior religious figures from Tibet, has urged Tibetans in China to end a spate of self-immolations and find other ways to challenge Beijing's policies. Nov 24, 2011 We Were Lost in the Nowhere of Himalayas Range..!When the food ran out, clothes torn, we were scared, but we ... had to go on whether we died or not. And the elements aren't their only. This is the Permalink -- click for full blog post "We Were Lost in the Nowhere of Himalayas Range..!" Nov 9, 2011 Candlelight Vigil on 2 NovemberThe Tibetan Community of Victoria is holidng a candle-light vigil to express its solidarity to the recent immolations in eastern Tibet. When: 6pm to 8pmWhere: Federation Square, Melbourne Contact Thupten Dhondhop, president of the Melbourne Tibetan community, at 0417 560 562. Nov 9, 2011 Movember prostate cancer fund raisingI have grown a mustache for 'Movember'to raise money for prostate cancer research. Follow the link to help me raise funds. Any amount is appreciated and thank you in advance for the support. Shane Marden Nov 9, 2011 Tibetan leader for dialogue with ChinaTibetan Buddhism's No. 3 leader, the Karmapa, asked Chinese leaders Wednesday to start a dialogue to stop Tibetans from setting themselves on fire in protest against Chinese restrictions on their religion and culture.The Chinese leadership needs seriously to review its policies toward Tibetans and other minorities," the Karmapa, 24, said in a statement. Eleven Tibetan monks, nun or former monk have self-immolated in western China in recent months. |