http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html Tibet news and current events en-us travel to tibet Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:57:51 GMT Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:57:51 GMT tibet-travel-experience.com http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#CNN-crew-detained-amid-Chinese-Tibet-crackdown Sichuan 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 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:38:24 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Rare-Footage-Shows-Tibetan-Protest-[02:32] Footage of protest in Zamthang. 02:32 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:28:11 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Statement-by-Maria-Otero,-Under-Secretary-for-Civilian-Security,-Democracy-and-Human-Rights,-and-US-Special-Coordinator-for-Tibetan-Issues This 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. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:01:51 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#China-Forces-Are-Reported-to-Have-Shot-at-Tibetans BEIJING — 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. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:01:51 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#More-Shot-Dead-As-Protests-Escalat Chinese 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. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:01:51 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Festival-of-Tibet-1-–-5-February,-2012 Festival of Tibet 1 – 5 February, 2012 Brisbane Powerhouse Tickets 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 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:18:00 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/best-coffee-table-book.html Someone 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. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:46:42 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Exiled-Tibetan-Abbot-Rebukes-China-Over-Monks’-Troubles The 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 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:47:01 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#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. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:47:01 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Australian-Greens-back-motion-on-Tibetan-self-determination;-condemn-Beijing’s-repression The 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. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:47:01 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Karmapa-urges-Tibetan-monks-to-stop-self-immolation The 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. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:47:01 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/we-were-lost-in-the-nowhere-of-himalayas-range.html 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 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:37:45 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Candlelight-Vigil-on-2-November The Tibetan Community of Victoria is holidng a candle-light vigil to express its solidarity to the recent immolations in eastern Tibet. When: 6pm to 8pm Where: Federation Square, Melbourne Contact Thupten Dhondhop, president of the Melbourne Tibetan community, at 0417 560 562. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Movember-prostate-cancer-fund-raising I 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 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Tibetan-leader-for-dialogue-with-China Tibetan 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. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Troops-Pour-Into-Lhasa Security restrictions are ‘intense and frightening,’ says one resident in the Tibetan capital. Chinese riot policemen in front of the Potala palace in Lhasa on June 20, 2008. Chinese security forces in large numbers have moved into Tibet’s regional capital Lhasa in an apparent bid to discourage local protests against rule by Beijing, according to sources in Tibet. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#China:-Address-Causes-of-Tibet-Self-Immolations The Chinese government should address the underlying causes of protests that have led 11 Tibetans to set themselves on fire since March 2011, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Burned-Monk-Refuses-Treatment A Tibetan monk badly burned last month in a self-immolation in China’s Sichuan province has refused a Chinese offer of medical help, saying that he regrets not having died in his protest, according to a Tibetan source Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Chinese-repression-to-blame-for-immolations-in-Tibet Eleven Tibetans have set fire to themselves in eastern Tibet since March. Six have died. The Chinese government describes them as “terrorists in disguise.” The reality is that their desperate acts were a scathing indictment of the People’s Republic of China’s rule in occupied Tibet. They highlight the dramatic struggle for survival as a people with a unique culture and identity. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Two-Tibetan-Monks-Set-Themselves-on-Fire-in-Protes BEIJING — Two young Tibetan monks set themselves on fire on Monday at an embattled monastery in western China to protest Chinese policies in the area, according to a Tibet advocacy group. The monks were apparently taken to a hospital, and it was unclear what condition they were in on Monday night. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:15:51 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Public-display-of-the-Dalai-Lama's-portrait-on-China’s-National-Day In reports coming out of Tibet, over 200 Tibetans in eastern Tibet took out a peaceful protest demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and freedom for Tibet on October 1 – the 62nd founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:21:32 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Monk-carrying-the-Dalai-Lama’s-photo-self-immolates,-Leaflets-warn-of-more-sacrifices Kesang Wangchuk, a young monk from Kirti Monastery, eastern Tibet has become the latest victim of Chinese atrocities in Tibet. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:21:32 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Dalai-to-decide-at-90-on-reincarnation,-no-China-say “When I am about 90, I will consult the high lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other people concerned who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not,” says a statement issued by the Dalai Lama. Sun, 25 Sep 2011 10:27:40 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Rescue-effort-continues-after-Himalayan-earthquake-kills-dozens Rescuers are battling heavy rain and thick cloud as they try to reach villages cut off by mudslides after a powerful earthquake killed at least 63 people and damaged more than 100,000 homes in India, Nepal and Tibet. Sun, 25 Sep 2011 10:27:40 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#*-New-Book---Fifty-years-a-refugee Self-published by Heather and Peter Smith. A wonderful book delving into the hearts and minds of Tibetan refugees. Wonderful photographs and heartfelt stories. It is being launched in September. A highly recommended read. Email Peter for details rusty.billee@bigpond.com Sun, 28 Aug 2011 05:07:00 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Tibetan-monk-burns-himself-to-death-in-China A Tibetan monk has burned himself to death in China's Sichuan province, in an apparent anti-Beijing protest. Sat, 20 Aug 2011 02:43:07 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Tibet-in-Song ‘Tibet in Song’’ offers blunt, heartbreaking proof that the best way to murder a country is to murder its culture, and the best way to murder its culture is to kill its music. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:38:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#UN-panel-calls-for-Nobel-Laureate-Liu-Xiaobo's-release A United Nations panel of independent legal experts has called for the immediate release of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo from prison in China. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:49:45 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Lobsang-Sangay-Sworn-In-As-Kalon-Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay has taken the oath of office as Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) in an official ceremony today in Dharamsala Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:49:45 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#China-Hopes-to-Bolster-the-Credentials-of-a-Handpicked-Lama “He” is China’s handpicked Panchen Lama, the second-most important religious figure in Tibetan Buddhism Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:49:45 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Obama-and-Dalai-Lama-hold-White-House-talks US president Barack Obama has defied warnings from China and welcomed to the White House the Dalai Lama, who said that the US leader shared his concerns about human rights in Tibet. Sun, 24 Jul 2011 06:53:55 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Lobsang-Sangay,-Tibet’s-New-Leader Four centuries of theocratic rule formally ends next month when Dr. Lobsang Sangay is inaugurated as the first democratically elected Kalon Tripa, or prime minister, of the Tibetan government-in-exile. In March, the Tibetan parliament accepted the Dalai Lama’s decision to relinquish his last remaining political powers. Sun, 24 Jul 2011 06:53:55 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Walk-for-Tibet-in-Australia---24-July-2011 United Nations for a Free Tibet is organising world wide Walk for Tibet events on 24 July, 2011. In Australia, walks will take place in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:50:12 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Kardze-Saka-Dawa-protests,-pictures-depict-tense-situation-in-the-area The holy Buddhist month of Saka Dawa saw a series of protests in Kardze (Ch: Ganzi) in Tibet. Atleast 39 known Tibetans have been arrested in June 2011 for staging demonstrations calling for a "Free Tibet", "Long live the Dalai Lama" and "Return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet". Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:48:36 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Tibet-listens-to-Dalai-even-if-silenced-by-China Tibetans in Tibet, where a deepening crackdown has been imposed, sometimes utter a simple mantra to visitors from outside: "Listen to him," they say. It is too dangerous for them to say his name, but they mean, of course, listen to the Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, exiled from his homeland for more than half a century. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:48:36 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Tibetan-Writer-Sentenced A young writer and editor of the banned Tibetan Shar Dungri (Eastern Snow Mountain) magazine has been sentenced to four years in prison, according to a source inside Tibet. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:48:36 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#‘Curb-Tibet-support’,-Leaked-Chinese-documents-reveal “We must reduce the power that supporters of Tibetan independence and Xinjiang’s separatist forces enjoy in the international public opinion,” an independent news agency has quoted top Chinese officials as saying in leaked classified documents. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:48:36 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Dalai-Lama-says-China-has-no-role-in-picking-heir he Dalai Lama said Friday that China's Communist leadership can play no role in deciding who succeeds him as the leader of Tibetan Buddhism upon his death and called Beijing's meddling in the issue "a disgrace." Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:48:36 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#His-Holiness-meets-political-leaders-in-Canberra Canberra, Australia, 14 June 2011 (By Tsering Kyinzom Dhongdue) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Parliament in Canberra today for a series of meetings with members from all of Australia's major political parties. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:18:55 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Tibet-travel-ban Tourists banned from Tibet as China draws veil over 60th anniversary of its rule Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:18:55 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/best-coffee-table-book.html HH has arrived in my home town today and I have the honour of having a stall at his teachings here in Melbourne selling my book - child of Tibet: a lost innocence this weekend. Come and hi! Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:07:35 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Government-in-Exile The Dalai Lama prepares to hand-off Tibet's political leadership to a fresh new face. Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:44:23 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Tibetans-Targeted-With-TV Chinese authorities provide Tibetan nomads with television equipment tuned to state broadcasts. Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:44:23 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Tibetan-Leafleting-Suspect-Held Chinese authorities in Sichuan province have detained a Tibetan woman suspected of anti-government leafleting and have shut down her family’s printing press, according to Tibetan sources in the regio Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:44:23 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Clinton-unleashes-on-China's-rights-clampdown US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has denounced China's clampdown on dissent as a "fool's errand," saying Beijing is trying to stop the course of history. The remarks, some of the strongest by a senior US official since China launched a major crackdown earlier this year, came as Ms Clinton was meeting with senior leaders from Beijing as part of the two nations' annual dialogue. Wed, 18 May 2011 12:23:37 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#His-Holiness-the-Dalai-Lama-Receives-Amnesty-Award Dharamshala: - On May 4, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, received the inaugural edition of a "Shine a Light on Human Rights" award from the renowned human rights organisation Amnesty International in Long Beach, California. Wed, 18 May 2011 12:23:37 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#China-'will-not-talk'-to-new-Tibetan-leader China appears to have ruled out talks with the Tibetan government-in-exile's new prime minister, Lobsang Sangay. A top Chinese official dealing with Tibetan contacts said Beijing would only meet with representatives of the Dalai Lama Wed, 18 May 2011 12:23:37 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#THE-GAMBLE-OF-TIBETAN-EXILES The election of a Harvard law professor as the next Kalon Tripa, or prime minister, of the Tibetan government-in-exile is being hailed as a huge success for the Dalai Lama's goal of democratising the Tibetan exile community. "It's very interesting that the Dalai Lama has pulled off this success in having an election where the community has chosen the younger, more secular, more modern candidate," said Robbie Barnett, director of the modern Tibetan studies programme at Columbia University in New York. "That's a huge achievement for the Dalai Lama's strategy to get Tibetans to develop a lay leadership. Sun, 08 May 2011 09:46:00 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#How-China-Gets-Away-With-Its-Appalling-Human-Rights-Record Prime Minister Julia Gillard wrapped up her meetings with the Chinese leadership last week, declaring Australia’s relationship with China is “in good shape” and paying rich tributes to China’s contribution towards a strong Australian economy. Her trip to Beijing took place against a backdrop of the Chinese government’s toughest crackdown on its civil society in recent years. It also coincided with the deepening unrest at a monastery of 2500 monks in eastern Tibet after a young monk burnt himself in a final act of protest. Sun, 08 May 2011 09:46:00 GMT http://www.tibet-travel-experience.com/travel-to-tibet-blog.html#Open-Letter-to-the-Panchen-Lama-(April-2011) Dear Gendun Choekyi Nyima, I don't think you will receive this letter. I know that you're being watched, monitored and controlled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But deep down I have this stubborn hope that maybe you will hear us. Maybe you'll see us typing these words in New York, as you turn 22.... Sun, 01 May 2011 08:11:59 GMT