Tibetan autonomy poses questions for Hong Kong

Tibetan autonomy poses questions for Hong Kong

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July 30, 2013 7:58 am

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo: AP

By Michael C. Davis

[South China Morning Post]

 

Beijing’s guarantees of self-rule have not proved reliable for the unhappy Himalayan region
 
Following the 120th Tibetan self-immolation in protest at Beijing’s alleged autonomy policies, Hong Kong people – themselves the subject of autonomy guarantees – may wonder why ordinary Tibetans are so dissatisfied.

On the face of it, Beijing and the exiled Tibetan leaders should be able to find a solution. In the 1951 Seventeen-Point Agreement, sometimes considered a precursor to the Hong Kong agreement, Beijing promised Tibetans could carry on under their traditional self-rule – with Chinese sovereignty.

But the excesses of China’s early communist period eventually led to the collapse of the agreement and the 1959 flight of the Dalai Lama.

China then proclaimed the system of “minority nationality autonomy”. Tibet was divided into 13 autonomous areas: the Tibetan autonomous region and 12 adjoining areas in neighbouring provinces.

The problems lie in the failure to fully implement the national minority autonomy laws and the use of repressive policies to contain resistance.

To address these problems, the Dalai Lama long ago conceded claims for independence in favour of autonomy under his “middle way” approach. After the bloodshed of the 2008 protest, he was invited to elaborate on his proposal under the People’s Republic of China constitution, which he did in his 2008 Memorandum of Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People. It urges genuine autonomy in areas including self-government, language, culture, religion, environmental protection, education, and natural resources. This largely tracks China’s existing national minority commitments, but also seeks control over immigration and public security, similar to the Hong Kong model, and the uniting of all Tibetan areas.

Responding dismissively, Beijing argued that this was the equivalent of asking for a “high degree of autonomy” and that would be the equivalent of “independence”. No explanation was given why the same guarantee of a “high degree of autonomy” for Hong Kong is not deemed independence. The seemingly shared commitment to autonomy in Tibet has been undermined by a lack of trust. Beijing worries that “genuine autonomy” is just the first step on the road to real independence. The Tibetan side, after their tragic experience to date, is surely doubtful about conceding any ground without iron-clad guarantees.

Beijing has also pressed the Dalai Lama to concede to its widely disputed claim to have always historically ruled Tibet. The Dalai Lama will only acknowledge an historical imperial religious relationship with China. For him, autonomy is merely the only option realistically available under difficult circumstances. Even under Chinese historical accounts, Tibet would have enjoyed genuine autonomy throughout the imperial period, when indirect rule of peripheral areas was the norm.

A careful look at the Tibetan memorandum reveals that it not only largely tracks China’s own proclaimed policies, but also international standards reflected in the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which aims to give indigenous peoples self-governance and cultural rights.

China voted for the declaration, but quickly proclaimed there were no indigenous peoples in China.

China’s long-term interests might be better served by embracing international standards. This would require less interference in Tibet, something Beijing has also been reluctant to do in Hong Kong. Agreement with the Dalai Lama may also secure Tibetan and international support.

Professor Michael Davis, of the University of Hong Kong, is a constitutional law specialist

(This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as Tibetan autonomy poses questions for Hong Kong)

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 78th Birthday

Teaching Program: How to Discover Your Buddha Nature

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS KTD's programs are special and unique; here we explore the reasons why. Teaching Program: How to Discover Your Buddha Nature Weekend Intensive Teaching with Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin Cost: $120.00 /$96.00 members         Date: July 5 - 7, 2013   What is buddha nature and why is it so important? It is said to be so profound that even the great bodhisattvas cannot fully comprehend it. Yet, it abides within everyone at all times and is the key to our own freedom. In order to illuminate this difficult topic, Khenpo Ugyen will teach the renowned Treatise on Buddha Nature by the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. This is the principal source of explanation of buddha nature in the Kagyu lineage. It is closely connected with the shentong or emptiness of other view that has been a topic of much debate. Khenpo Ugyen, a senior Kagyu khenpo from Bhutan, is uniquely qualified to present this seminal treatise. If you would like to go beyond a shallow understanding of buddha nature that is so common nowadays, you should strive to attend this precious teaching. Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin was enrolled in the first class of Karma Shri Nalanda Institute at Rumtek with Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Sangyay Nyenpa Rinpoche. He received the Acharya degree from Nalanda Institute and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, jointly, in 1991. As a Khenpo, he taught Buddhist philosophy for six years at Nimalung Monastery in Bhutan. From 1997 to 2002, he was Senior Abbot/Principal Teacher at Nalanda Institute at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center. Full biography here.  Retreat Program: Chokhor DuChen Nyungne Weekend Intensive Practice with Lama Karuna Tara Cost: $40.00/instructions. Retreat days by donation.         Date: July 10-13, 2013   Over 2,500 years ago on the day called Chokhor DuChen, Buddha Shakyamuni gave his first teaching after achieving enlightenment-his teaching on the Four Noble Truths. Spiritual practice at this time of year multiplies the benefit of the practice. The Nyungne fasting practice cultivates compassion and loving-kindness through visualization of the thousand-armed Chenrezig. While chanting and performing prostrations to Chenrezig, practitioners drop their daily, mundane routine and instead nurture their deeper awareness of the purity and love of genuine compassion. Chenrezig is the bodhisattva of compassion. The Thousand-arm Chenrezig is compassion with eleven faces, alert to different directions. His thousand arms have ready-and-willing-to-help hands for those in need. Standing up with a strong presence, the thousand-arm Chenrezig of the Nyungne practice offers blessings that reassure us and support us as we, too, cultivate compassion. Nyungne is a fasting practice lasting two-and-a-half days. After receiving basic instruction on the first evening, practitioners take strict vows the next two mornings while gradually progressing to intense fasting. The vows are taken for a two-day period: not to kill, steal, lie, engage in sexual activity, imbibe intoxicants, behave in frivolous ways, or sleep in high beds. On the second day, there are additional vows of not eating anything, not drinking at all, and not speaking. At KTD, the last meal allowed during the two-day fasting period is a lunchtime vegetarian meal. Drinking water or clear liquids is OK on the first day of fasting, but is given up on the second day of intense fasting and silence. Because of the intensity of the Nyungne fasting retreat, practitioners can accumulate great merit through the blessings of Chenrezig and through the power of their own discipline. The Nyungne fasting practice was developed by the princess Gelongma Palmo, who was stricken with leprosy. She was cured of leprosy by performing the Nyungne practice and she became a bodhisattva with great powers. For those who practice Nyungne, they can avoid birth in the hell realm and can achieve a mind purified of obscurations, such as hatred, greed and wrong views. By giving up food and drink, they can purify obscurations of the body, such as the negative karma of killing, stealing and sexual misconduct. By practicing noble silence, they can purify obscurations of speech, such as lying, gossip, and harsh words. During the second and third days, practitioners will participate in three sessions each day. The sessions include chanting, meditation, prostration and visualization. Practitioners should wear loose and comfortable clothing so that sitting and prostration will be easier. There will be a two-hour nap or relaxation period between the second and third sessions, and the evenings do not have required sessions.  Lama Karuna Tara met Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in 1994 and requested to do the next three-year retreat. She did work study at KTD in 1995 before participating in the second Karme Ling three-year retreat led by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. She received her novice nun vow in 2000 and her full bhikshuni vow in 2004. She has completed well over 108 Nyungnes. Teaching Program: Healing The Emotions: Grief, Loss & Pain  Weekend Intensive Teaching with Lama Tsultrim Yeshe (John Samuelson) Cost: $120.00 /$96.00 members         Date: July 26 - 28, 2013   We all experience different types of loss and grief in our lives. It could be the death of someone close to us-a family member or friend. It could be losing a job, a partner, your home, your retirement savings-all of which can result in fear, grief or anger. Many of us suffer intensely from traumatic experience: our childhood lost through abuse, being a victim of violence, and many other forms of pain and trauma. This retreat focuses on calming our mind and reducing emotional pain through working with our mind. We work with our mind by using practical techniques that emphasize mindfulness, seeing more clearly, and understanding ourselves better. The practical techniques include teachings, sitting and walking meditation, mindful meals, guided meditation, and private talks (if desired) with the teacher. If we do not deal with the loss, trauma and resulting pain that we have experienced, our mind may fall into destructive patterns that can last for a life time. These destructive patterns only increase the original pain. It is said that it takes time to heal from trauma but it takes more than time: it takes effort, skill and wisdom. Lama Tsultrim Yeshe (John Samuelson) has been a student of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche since 1989. He completed the first three-year retreat at Karme Ling, led by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, and took monastic vows with His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche in 1994. Lama Yeshe lives in Wisconsin, and teaches at Kagyu centers throughout North America. Teaching Program: Buddhism and Addiction Recovery: Healing Body, Mind and Spirit     Bill Alexander  Weekend Intensive Teaching with Bill Alexander and Lama Losang (Lama David Bole)  Cost: $120.00 /$96.00 members         Date: August 2 - 4, 2013   Lama Losang and Bill Alexander share and teach from their own clinical experience using  techniques of mindfulness based stress reduction, the 12 Step Program and Buddhist Psychology. They explore the fundamental dynamics of addiction and the stages of recovery using specific mindfulness techniques to support recovery. These methods are gaining broad acceptance among mental health professionals as an adjunct to other forms of therapy. From one perspective, we are all addicts. The essence of addiction is an attempt to manage our suffering. Even if we are not addicted to substances, we may rely too heavily on innumerable other distractions in order  to avoid suffering and feel pleasure. In addition to cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs, we can excessively overuse eating, sleeping, gambling, TV, shopping, internet, sex, to name a few. If drugs and alcohol were the cause of our suffering, abstinence would be the solution. We know better. Our problem is our thinking; not our drinking. One of the more exciting developments in addiction recovery is this blending of these ancient wisdom traditions with recent psychological and neurobiological discoveries.  We are learning that uncovering and owning our addictions is not the "defeat" that has been the lesson for many years, but is in fact, a staggering  moment of profound compassion for the self. From that point on, compassion unfolds endlessly, if we do what we must do to maintain it. This new approach teaches a deceptively simple way of relating to our experiences and emotional states.  These mindfulness methods help us to develop greater openness and ease with life's challenges and help to cultivate greater love and compassion for ourselves and others. Join us and see for yourself how these methods that have been used successfully to alleviate suffering for thousands of years can work for you. Lama Losang    Bill Alexander is a self-described "free-lance storyteller" who leads sobriety workshops at such venues as Union Theological Seminary, the Esalen Institute, and Hazelden Foundation. He recounted his recovery story in the classic book, Cool Water, and his story of living the sober life in Still Waters. Hi, I'm Bill and I'm Old is his latest work. Lama Losang is the Director of the Traditional Acupuncture Center in Gainesville, Florida. Holding a Ph.D in Psychology as well as a Masters in Acupuncture, Lama Losang also completed a 3 year retreat under the guidance of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Lama Losang will be teaching  meditation, chi gong and acupressure to enhance awareness and health.  Teaching Program: Tulku Damchö Returns to KTD: The Precious Garland of the Supreme Path     Weekend Intensive Teaching with Tulku Damchö Rinpoche Cost: $120.00 /$96.00 members         Date: August 9 - 11, 2013   Tulku Damchö Rinpoche is the regent and principal representative of Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche. Recognized as a tulku by Chamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche, Tulku Damchö was carefully trained for his future responsibilities by Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche, his root lama. He will teach The Precious Garland of the Supreme Path by Lord Gampopa. Loosely structured into twenty eight topics of instruction, this book distills all the advice of the great forefather of the Kagyu lineage for the sake of future generations. Lord Gampopa himself said: "I ask all the people of the future who are devoted to me but think they cannot meet me to please read The Precious Garland of the Supreme Path, The Ornament of Precious Liberation, and my other works. It will be no different from meeting me in person."   Tulku Damchö Rinpoche, from Thrangu Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, was recognized by Tai Situ Rinpoche. Tulku Damchö studied with distinction in Shedra (monastic college) and in 2007 completed the traditional three-year  retreat and a one-year Kalachakra retreat. Teaching program: What Milarepa Teaches Us About Impermanence  Weekend Intensive Teaching with Lama Karma Drodhul  Cost: $120.00 /$96.00 members         Date: August 16 - 18, 2013   Jetsun Milarepa, Tibet's greatest yogi and poet, was renowned for attaining enlightenment within a single lifetime through undergoing great austerities in mountain retreat. As a youth, he engaged in great evil through killing many people. Later, he regretted his actions and set out on the path of Dharma determined to purify himself of all of the terrible deeds he had done. Meeting his master Marpa the Translator and receiving his oral instructions, the Jetsun practiced meditation with heroic diligence that was unequaled among the greatest masters of India and Tibet. Today, Milarepa's legacy and blessing is greater than ever. Merely hearing his name and reflecting on his marvelous life example can dispel obstacles and prod us forward on the path of awakening. Lama Karma will present some of Milarepa's great songs of realization and transmit his life story so that we too can follow in the footsteps of the great yogi. Lama Karma Drodhul is Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche's principal attendant and assistant. He became a monk when he was nine years old and at twenty received both getsul (intermediate) and gelong (full) ordination from Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Lama Karma excelled in all aspects of dharma study and completed his education in five years. Thrangu Rinpoche sent him to the U. S. to deepen his understanding of the dharma under the tutelage of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. In March 2004, Lama Karma completed his first and in February 2008 his second traditional three-year, three-month retreat under Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche at Karme Ling Retreat Center. He now is the Drubpon (retreat master) at Karme Ling. He travels to different centers to teach and is the author of Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Typical Teaching Schedule    Friday: 7:00 - 8:30 PM Teaching  Saturday: 10:00 - 10:30 AM  Meditation 10:30 AM - Noon  Teaching 12:00 - 3:00 PM  Lunch Break 3:00 - 3:30 PM  Meditation 3:30 - 5:00 PM Teaching   Sunday: 10:00 - 10:30 AM  Meditation 10:30 AM - Noon  Teaching 12:00 - 2:00 PM  Lunch Break 2:00 - 2:30 PM  Meditation 2:30 - 4:00 PM Teaching

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明就仁波切親誦百字明咒 Vajrasattva mantra of 100 syllables chanted by Mingyur Rinpoche

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El mortífero virus chino que amenaza a la humanidad

Expertos advierten que cepas del nuevo virus podrían provocar una matanza a escala global.

POR  MARIÁNGEL CALDERÓN

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mayo
2013

El apocalipsis podría ser una realidad.

Científicos chinos crearon un mortífero virus que podría causar una matanza global si sus cepas son filtradas al mundo.

Según reportó el portal de noticias RT, el profesor Chen, director del Laboratorio chino de Influenza Aviar, junto a otros expertos mezclaron el virus de la gripe aviar con el de la influenza humana deliberadamente.

La prueba científica fue calificada como una "irresponsabilidad" por la comunidad experta.

"El profesor Chen y sus colegas mezclan deliberadamente el virus de la gripe aviar H5N1, que es altamente letal, pero no se transmite fácilmente entre las personas, con una cepa del virus de la influenza 2009 H1N1, que es muy infecciosa para el ser humano", señaló el presidente de la "Royal Society", Lord May.

Un virólogo francés, señaló que "no sabemos la letalidad en el hombre y espero que nunca lo sepamos. Pero si la tasa de letalidad fuera de entre el 0,1% y el 20%, y una pandemia afecta a 500 millones de personas, se puede estimar una cifra de entre 500.000 y 100 millones de muertes".

El nuevo virus fue dado a conocer a través de la revista "Science".

Teachings by Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa

Teachings by Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa

Dear Friends,   Below are the June dates for the live and playback video teachings in English and Chinese by Tai Situ Rinpoche at Palpung Auckland on Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation.   Sunday 9 June at 1pm – Teachings in Chinese   Saturday 15 June at 2pm – Live Teachings in English Sunday 16 June at 2pm – Live Teachings in English   Sunday 23 June at 1pm - – Teachings in Chinese   Please note the teachings go for 2 ½ - 3 hours.   Kind regards Sonam

Session 6 - Shantideva's "Guide" - Dharamsala June 2013

liberacion VIGILADA despues de 25 años

El preso político tibetano más veterano, Lobsang Tenzin, ha sido puesto en libertad tras cumplir una condena de 25 años en prisión, al parecer por el grave estado de salud en el que se encuentra, informa hoy la organización no gubernamental "Free Tibet".

Lobsang era estudiante en el momento que fue arrestado durante unas protestas en marzo de 1988, acusado de la muerte de un policía junto a otros cinco tibetanos.

Según explica "Free Tibet", Lobsang fue puesto en libertad en abril, si bien desde entonces ha seguido bajo una continua y estricta vigilancia, además de amenazas sobre volver a ser arrestado o "llevado" sin más.

La organización alerta del grave estado de salud en el que parece estar el activista, debido a las torturas que sufrió Lobsang en la cárcel, donde vivió en condiciones extremas y sin acceso a servicios médicos.

Los juicios contra Lobsang no cumplieron los estándares legales por lo que los verdaderos cargos contra él siguen siendo desconocidos, apunta "Free Tibet".

Inicialmente fue sentenciado a muerte, pero esta pena fue conmutada por cadena perpetua tras la presión internacional.

El activista tibetano continuó con su lucha desde la cárcel de Drpachi, donde fue encerrado, organizando protestas, incluso cuando otro compañero de celda murió debido a torturas.

Lobsang motivó a 150 prisioneros para que se manifestaran en la misma prisión para reclamar conocer la verdad.

En 1991, recuerda "Free Tibet", el activista trató de hacerle llegar una lista de nombres de prisioneros que habían sido torturados en una visita a la misma del embajador de Estados Unidos, pero fue confiscada por el intérprete chino del diplomático.

Numerosas organizaciones de derechos humanos, como "Free Tibet" o "Human Rights in China", denuncian la fuerte represión de activistas o monjes tibetanos en el Tíbet, donde son frecuentes los arrestos o encarcelamientos.

También las inmolaciones, ya que más de cien personas -la mayoría, monjes- se han prendido fuego a lo bonzo en los pasados tres años, algunos de ellos gritando lemas a favor de la independencia del Tíbet o el regreso del Dalai Lama a la región, y al menos 80 de ellos fallecieron en estos actos de protesta.

Frente a ello, China culpa al Dalai Lama -exiliado en la India- de instigar estos actos, aunque el líder espiritual también pidió que se ponga fin a esta forma de protesta.

Pekín asegura que el Tíbet es desde hace siglos parte de su territorio y que en 1951 fue "liberada de la teocracia" del Dalai Lama, mientras que los tibetanos argumentan que la región fue durante mucho tiempo virtualmente independiente hasta que fue ocupada por las tropas comunistas en ese año.