Tibetan Headlines
Jan 14: Kalachakra Empowerment Complete
The Conferment of the Kalachakra initiation in Bodh Gaya by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is now complete. His Holiness has granted the High and Greatly High Empowerment and Vajra Master Empowerment to devotees, saying, “One must go back a more kind-hearted person”. A long life empowerment (Tsewang) will now take place and a long-life offering ceremony (Tenshug) for His Holiness led by the Tibetan Government-in-exile.
Jan 13: “Stop Violations!”
The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), the Dharamshala-based non government organisation, has released a statement saying it “Strongly condemns the systematic violation of the right to freedom of religion and belief of the Tibetan people and calls on the Chinese authorities to stop the illegal and unconstitutional practice of targeting Tibetans for practicing their religion and belief”. This statement is partly in response to Chinese actions relating to the Kalachakra.
Jan 11: Kalachakra: Live Streaming
The Kalachakra Initiation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be taking place over the next three days (Jan 11-13) from 11:45 noon till 4 pm (IST, tentative). It will be streamed live on Tibet TV but will not be available for viewing post the initiation. Click here for link
Jan 10: False Reporting
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) have refuted as false the reporting of some Hindi/Indian newspapers that HH the Dalai Lama has said Buddha Shakyamuni was an incarnation of Vishnu. In a press conference a CTA spokesperson said, “HH the Dalai Lama has never made any statement like this. We categorically deny these reports.” Buddhist groups had expressed concern at the allegations and requested a clear statement.
Jan 10: Social Entrepreneur
Tsechu Dolma, 24, who is based in New York and is the founder of the "Mountain Resiliency Project" in Nepal, has been selected as one of Forbes' 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs (2017). Her project has a staff of 15 and works for Tibetans living in remote villages of Nepal. Tsechu Dolma is currently in Bodh Gaya, she is the first Tibetan to receive the Forbes’ 30 recognition.
Jan 9: Battsagaan Temple
The inaugural and consecration ceremony of the Battsagaan Buddhist Temple was held in Bodh Gaya, presided over by HH the Dalai Lama. The temple is a branch of the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery, the main centre for Mongolian Buddhists in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. His Holiness spoke of the historical relationship shared by Tibet and Mongolia dating back thousands of years to before the introduction of Buddhism to both countries.
Jan 8: Kalachakra Update
Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, the Chairperson of the Kalachakra organising committee, and Mr Choekyung Wangchuk, the Vice Chairperson have reported that 200,000 devotees are in attendance at the Kalachakra, including 8,000 foreign visitors as well as 30,000 nuns and monks. They reported that the Kalachakra is half way through and has gone very well so far. They were speaking at a press conference in Bodh Gaya.
Jan 8: Observing the Kalachakra
Tibetans living in Qinghai province are discreetly observing the Kalachakra initiation taking place in Bodh Gaya, in defiance of edicts by their local Chinese authorities who have deemed the Kalachakra “illegal” and threatened devotees with prison sentences. A local source has told Radio Free Asia, “In my village people are engaged in virtuous activities such as fasting, performing prostrations, and setting animals free…[and] in other places, too".
Jan 7: New Albums
Eight Tibetan singers living in exile in different parts of the world have each released a new music album at the Kalachakra in Bodh Gaya. The eight are: Nelung Tsering Topdhen and Jamyang Choeden from Switzerland; Passang Lhamo from Toronto; Wangdak Dorjee and Shajang Sonam Tsering from Delhi; Tenzin Jigme, Sonam Topdhen and Samdup Dorjee from Nepal.
Jan 5: Thousands Barred
Nearly 7,000 Tibetans who were hoping to attend the Kalachakra currently taking place in Bodh Gaya have been forced to return home to Tibet. The Chinese authorities have prevented them attending by confiscating their passports or threatening their families back home if they do not return immediately. HH the Dalai Lama said, “You can all pray from…Tibet and I assure you that you will receive the Kalachakra empowerment”.
Jan 4: Villagers Beaten
A group of 20 villagers in Tibet’s Chamdo prefecture who arrived late for a public lecture on the prevention of HIV/AIDS were beaten by Chinese officials, resulting in several being hospitalised, six others detained and their homes raided, reports Radio Free Asia. They also report that local residents say the authorities there are corrupt and misappropriate government aid for the village. A local police spokesman denied the attack.
Jan 4: Border Controls
The Chinese government has instigated new measures to tighten security along the Tibet border, including land ports, trade zones and scenic spots. The Chinese state-run Global Times reports that it will “Provides a legal foundation to combat potential terrorist activities in the future brought by the further opening-up of Tibet…even though the border areas do not face severe terrorist challenges at present in general".
Jan 2: Kalachakra: Day 1
His Holiness the Dalai Lama commenced the Kalachakra Initiation with the Ground Rites and Fostering of Disciples at the Kalachakra ground, Bodh Gaya. More than a hundred thousand devotees have gathered from all corners of the world.
Jan 2: Kalachakra Online
The 34th Kalachakra Empowerment by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya from January 2 to 14 will be broadcast live online at http://www.tibetonline.tv/live-webcast-from-cta-dharamsala/
Jan 1: Teaching for Young People
His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to over a thousand Indian students at the Kalachakra teaching ground in Bodh Gaya, where he is setting up preparations for the Kalachakra Initiation which starts on January 2. During the talk, The Secret to Happy and Successful Life, His Holiness said to the young people gathered, “It is your responsibility to create better world and a better future”.