To those who advocate complete submission to HHDL and the TGIE officials:

1. I don’t doubt HH sincerity in wishing good for his people.
2. No matter what his wish, there is a limit to what one human being can accomplish. HHDL is a human being after all.
3. Two brains are better than one. The more the better, especially when making a policy for a whole nation.
4. Rather than relying wholely on what HHDL decides, the officials of the TGIE should use their brains to come up with ideas of their own.
5. Either the officials don’t have brains, or they are too lazy, or are too coward to take responsibility, they somehow end up hiding behind HHDL.
6. In the end, we end up with policy conceived by HHDL (and a few advisors at the most)alone.
7. As I said somewhere else, I think many a times there is a conflict of interest between HHDL role as a world buddhist leader and his role as a head of the Tibetan state.
8. As a buddhist world leader, he has no option but to stick to non-violance. But Tibetan cause is unlikely to succeed with non-violance alone. It is as if he is sacrificing Tibetan cause in trying to reconcile is two roles.
And the result is “middle way” and “autonomy”

9. The officials of the TGIE should be mindiful of this conflict of interest within HHDL’s mind. With this in mind, TGIE officials should come up with sound policies of their own.

10. Unfortunately, TGIE officials so far hasn’t been able to see through this conflict of interest. They themselves end up acting like “bodhisatvas” and preach non-violance as a means of achieving our common aim.

11. This is a blunder on the part of TGIE officials.

12. Rather than repeating HHDL’s every word, and hiding behind him, the TGIE officials should come up with creative solutions of their own. Something that will allow HHDH to stick to his ideals as a buddhist head without compromising the Tibetan cause.

Until that happens, we the citizens of Tibet should not only actively call for “complete independance” but also make constructive criticizm of our government’s mistaken policies so that they can see the other side of the coin as well.
That I think is our duty.
Our duty DOES NOT LIE IN BLINDLY FOLLOWING wrong policies. We owe that much to HHDL for the education that his untiring work has enabled us to receive.

Gyalo Dhondup established the “Chidi Tsokpa” or United Citizens Association, and the Tibetan Women’s Association. Gyalo Dhondup in his quest for absolute power used these 2 associations to expel experienced “Kalons” and “Sawang Chemos” or cabinet ministers after they came into exile.

In New York, Gyalo Dhondup spoke at the invitation of New York branches of Tibetan Youth Congress and the Tibetan Women’s Association. In his speech he said that he thought of introducing democracy in Tibet before the Chinese invaded in 1959. But ministers or “Sawangs” et al, did not permit him. The Tibetan audience applauded and was apparently very happy with what he had to say.

Till now there have been three Tibetan democratic leaders in this generation. The first was Gongtang Tsultrim. With the backing of the Indian government he established the “Shoka Chuksum” or United 13 States Association. He wanted to democratize Tibetan society. Gyalo Dhondup allegedly had him killed. The second was Ala Chonze. He established the Democratic Party in Tibet to fight against the Chinese communists. Gyalo Dhondup used the Tibetan Women’s Association to beat him up in Dharamsala which almost killed him. The third is Jamyang Norbu. He also tried to establish a democratic association. Gyalo Dhondup again used “Chidi Tsokpa” or United Citizens Association and Tibetan Women’s Association to beat him up where he almost lost his life. As a result of that he couldn’t live in Dharamsala anymore and had to relocate to the USA.

Gyalo Dhondup wants to be the king of Tibet. He wants to make the 3 provinces into an ignorant, powerless and feudal state. This is not democracy. Gyalo Dhondup is not a democratic leader. He has no political and economic experience. He wants to see Tibet into tatters. He already messed it up more than can be repaired. He also convinced the Dalai Lama to accept the middle way or autonomy. Then he used the Dalai Lama’s name to blackmail the Tibetan public to accept the middle way. He has been negotiating with the Chinese for over 20 years. Since he likes to deal with China and prefers autonomy and not independence which has now completely destroyed any semblance of Tibetan independence in the eyes of the world.

It is very understandable in this period of Tibetan history that most Tibetans feel great loyalty to the TGIE and the Dalai Lama. Being that we have gone through with this unnecessary tragedy. But now we also have to be realistic. Is our loyalty toward the Dalai Lama/TGIE OR Tibet? Being pro-Dalai Lama does not necessarily mean pro-Tibet. Most Tibetans say that the Dalai Lama is omniscient and everybody else is an idiot? We are doing more harm for our future Tibet by encouraging this kind of 17th century obsequious verbiage. Yes, we are lucky that we have the 14th Dalai Lama with us who is able to unite almost all the Tibetans. But some of the Tibetans are using him as a panacea for everything including spiritual blackmail. Is the Dalai Lama a Buddhist first and a Tibetan second? The Dalai Lama and the TGIE consult oracles to make decisions for Tibetans. We don’t need gods and devils to make decisions for us. We have had enough of this mumbo jumbo for centuries. Are the Tibetans dying for autonomy and cultural rights? How long is the Tibetan leadership going to apply the wait and see attitude and do nothing about it. We need leaders at this hour who are able to make decisions without the oracle’s advice, without Buddhist, Bon, Muslim, Hindu, Christian etc. precepts. It just doesn’t work. Let us not delude ourselves. We have enough intelligent Tibetans if we just let them express themselves without being ostracized. This type of criticism should be encouraged anyway. We need leaders who are ready to sacrifice their time, energy, intellect and if need be their life. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. Is the Dalai Lama a Buddhist first and then a Tibetan? The Dalai Lama says that he follows the Buddha. If the Buddha is more important than Tibet and the Tibetan people maybe he should let somebody else take over the helm. So that he can concentrate on his religious practice.

In pre-1959 the Dalai Lama as per the Chinese made the two Prime Ministers, Lukhang and the monk resign and leave Tibet in spite of the good job they were doing for Tibet.

There was a great plan of building the Dharamsala University. A few professors from abroad were even willing to work for almost nothing. Logistically it would have been easier since the Tibetan medical and astrology center was close by. By now we would have seen hundreds of Tibetans graduate in astrology, religion, science, political science, architecture etc. We would have been proud to see it before the Lhasa University came up if the Dalai Lama had given his blessings.

Why did Samdhong Lama and Gyalo Dhondup have to break up the Chushi Gangdruk with the Dalai Lama’s blessing? It was never a threat to Tibetan independence or unity. Not to mention it is the reason why the Dalai Lama (and the majority of Tibetans) is in exile and have access to all these medals, religion and celebrity status.

What has the Shugden done to harm Tibet or the Dalai Lama? Isn’t it just plain politics that has been going on since the fifth Dalai Lama? Is this witch hunt and inquisition necessary?

The Tibetans marching peacefully to Tibet would have gotten some media attention and more importantly it would have boosted the morale of the Tibetans inside Tibet. Why did the Dalai Lama stop it?

By the way, why are there separate offices for negotiations with the Chinese et al, viz the ICT, Office of Tibet, etc? Why can’t it be a part of the Tibetan government? What will happen to these organizations after the Dalai Lama passes away. Or does the Dalai Lama not trust the TGIE. If we can’t trust our own government, who can we trust?

The Dalai Lama is the only person who can separate church and state at this time. Maybe he should leave us a good legacy, a legacy that will carry us through the centuries. We might not be so lucky to have such an influential and charismatic Dalai Lama in the future.

Why hasn’t Jamyang Norbu and several other prominent Tibetans ever been elected to a Kalon or even an ambassador to any country where they can make a difference? Isn’t it nepotism? Is ass kissing a necessity?

All this wouldn’t be happening had we not lost our nation. This brings to question why we lost our country in the first place. Isn’t the primary reason being that people in power used Tibetan Buddhism to control the public by keeping them ignorant, illiterate, ill informed and fearful all their lives. Meanwhile the aristocrats and the ruling clergy tried to consolidate their power. This is so unjust for the Tibetan people. We deserve a better leadership. A leader should be a Tibetan first and a Buddhist, Bonpo, Muslim, Hindu, Christian or whatever second. The Tibetans have demonstrated that they are ready to sacrifice one million Tibetans or more for the sake of six millions and the future generations. So please, step out of the way.

TIBET WILL BE FREE. LONG LIVE TIBET.

Only when you’re hurt
Can you heal
Only after pain
Can there be pleasure
Only when it’s dark
Can you see the stars
Only when you’re down
Can you climb up
Only after a storm
Can there be a rainbow
Only after the darkness of night
Can there be the light of day

So cheer up
My fellow countrymen of Tibet
The time is ripe for better days ahead

Copyright: Tsongi - 2008

Some Tibetans are asking for autonomy for Tibet from Communist China while many Tibetans, especially the young who are the future of Tibet, are struggling for total independence. Why would some Tibetans ask for considerably less freedom than those of us in exile currently enjoy? Why would some Tibetans seek an agreement that denies us the right to manage our own foreign and military affairs, travel freely anywhere in the world and freely voice our opinion of political leaders? Under the sovereignty of an autocratic communist regime we certainly wouldn’t have those rights. What use is autonomy under Communist China if it means denying the intrinsic values we cherish?

By asking the communists for an official agreement to have autonomous status for Tibet, we will be surrendering to marxists and atheists many of the rights we are now entitled to and locking ourselves into a constricted and precarious situation from which we cannot withdraw.

If we enter into an official agreement on autonomy under the sovereignty of a tyrannical communist regime some of the restrictions, including firm restrictions on all foreign and military affairs, we will face are:

1. Practice of Tibetan religion, culture and traditions within “autonomous” Tibet will be under strict Chinese scrutiny.
2. Promotion of Tibetan culture, religion and traditions abroad will either be prohibited or restricted as it concerns foreign affairs.
3. Restrictions on all foreign travel.
4. If ever the Dalai Lama is allowed to travel abroad, he will be accompanied by Chinese agents, who will dictate what he may say or do.
5. Tibetans will have to carry Chinese passports when traveling abroad.
6. Tibet can never be represented in any international body or agency as it concerns foreign affairs.
7. Foreign investments in Tibet will be controlled by China as it concerns foreign affairs.
8. China will have the authority to impound or export from Tibet any valuable Tibetan resources as they can claim it affects Tibet’s foreign welfare and affairs.
9. China will have full control over the flow of the Drichu and Machu Rivers in Tibet as China will claim they affect the Yangtse and Huang Ho Rivers in China since the Drichu becomes the Yangtse in China and the Machu becomes the Huang Ho in China. Any such activity will gravely affect the Tibetan ecological and environmental system.
10. Tibetans, within Tibet, will never be permitted to record for history all the misdeeds that China inflicted upon Tibet.
11. Tibetans will never be permitted to claim restitution from China for all the misdeeds (killings and torture) inflicted upon them.
12. China will never agree to having the whole of ethnic Tibet under one Tibetan administration. Thus autonomous Tibet will simply be a miniscule semblance of what independent Tibet was.
13. The Chinese will always deceptively impose their puppets on a Tibetan administration under an agreement for autonomy.
14. Tibetans will never be allowed to raise their national flag.
15. China would be free to continue flooding autonomous Tibet with Han Chinese as they would be the sovereign rulers.

The above are just a few of the restrictions Tibetans will face if an agreement on autonomy is signed. And, furthermore, who is to say that the Communist Chinese will not tighten the noose around the necks of the Tibetans as they did after the first signing of an agreement on autonomy in 1951, which they themselves dictated?

Even if Tibet ever realizes autonomy under the sovereignty of Communist China, Tibetans will never truly trust the situation. Tibetans will set one foot outside Tibet and the other foot in Tibet. And unlike Hong Kong, which is mostly made up of Chinese, Tibetans will never completely assimilate with the Han race because of the Han’s superiority complex nor accept a communist regime as their ideologies differ completely.

The Tibetan Government-in Exile’s chief envoy in his negotiations with China proclaims “we must not look at the past” in order to avoid upsetting the Chinese with the touchy subject of our history of independence. But the very intrinsic values of Buddhism teach us that our future depends upon our past. The past is what makes us Tibetans and the past is what will make the future. Even the Dalai Lama’s own elder brother, the honorable Taktser Rimpoche, despite his age and physical disability, is valiantly fighting for independence, not for autonomy. My own late father, the historian, statesman and former Finance Minister of independent Tibet, Tsepon Wangchuk Deden Shakabpa, steadfastly stood for an independent Tibet all his life.

With autonomy under the sovereignty of Communist China, Tibetans will go the way of American Indians with even far less freedom. For real freedom, the only option is to continue the struggle to regain Tibet’s independence or have an agreement for genuine autonomy with a truly democratic state. The fall of empires through the ages, as well as the fall of the Spanish
and British Empires, the Nazi Rule and the Soviet Union is proof that impermanence is the constant in nature. Dictatorships in Burma, Kenya and Zimbabwe may yet fall. Therefore, the Chinese tyranny and power over Tibet and its other colonies will too one day soon come to an end. Just like India, the Philippines, many African nations and eastern European countries, one day Tibet too will be free and independent if Tibetans continue their struggle for freedom no matter how long it takes.

Why would the Tibetan Government-in-Exile sign “another” agreement on autonomy with Communist China when under communism China has already flagrantly reneged on the 17 Point Agreement of 1951, which they themselves dictated? An agreement is like a “paper tiger” to communists. They feel they can easily tear it up when and if it doesn’t suit them and use it in a predatory manner when it does.

Further, communists believe that religion is poison, as Mao himself told the Dalai Lama, while Buddhism is a sacred religion to Tibetans. Also, since communists believe that religion is poison, they logically believe that the religious head of an institution is “lethal” poison, which the Tibetans can never accept because to Tibetans the Dalai Lama is not only the supreme head of their religious institution but also the reincarnation and emanation of the God of Compassion.

Moreover, communism is fraught with dictatorship and totalitarianism while Tibetans fervently believe in democracy.

I firmly oppose any gesture or effort to enter into an agreement with communists for autonomy for Tibet, in this case with Communist China.

Communism is faltering and failing worldwide. Millions of Chinese who have fled their own country are clamoring for democracy in China. Chinese intellectuals and students within China are demanding democracy. The silent majority in China is wishing for democracy. There is a growing split between the hardliners and pragmatic progressives within the Communist Party in China. The country is no longer ruled by one man. She is ruled by consensus within the Communist party and every day the liberals within the party are gaining strength. Finally, China will have to embrace democracy if she is to be accepted within the ranks of nations that uphold human rights and if she is to compete fairly with its equally populous neighbor, India, which is rapidly progressing economically within a free and democratic environment.

Having said the above and as a Tibetan who longs to return to a free Tibet, it is my secondary hope and prayer that our hardline position to gain complete independence for Tibet will strengthen His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s hand to achieve “genuine” autonomy for Tibet under a single, democratically-elected Tibetan administration over the whole of ethnic Tibet within the framework of a truly democratic China. Treaded carefully and calculatingly, this may well be a stepping stone to total independence.

We must ignite the flames of freedom and follow the star of Tibet to seek the fountain of bliss.

Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama!

WHAT HATH COMMUNIST CHINA WROUGHT?

The Potala, the seat of the mighty Dalai Lamas,
Is just a tourist attraction now
The Jokhang, the holiest place in Tibet,
Is a mere travesty now
The three great monasteries
Have just symbolic monks now
The sacred ancient relics
Are sold in international antique markets now
In their own country
Tibetans are second class citizens now
The voices of freedom
Are smothered now
The once happy people of Tibet
Are in tears now
The quaint old streets of Lhasa
Are filled with bars and Chinese prostitutes now
The elegant wild animals
Are going extinct now
The majestic snow-capped mountains
Are melting now
The crystal blue lakes
Are filled with atomic waste now
The pristine environment
Is completely polluted now
Lhasa, God’s earth,
Is the devil’s paradise now

What hath Communist China brought?
Only pain and destruction
What hath Marxist China wrought?
Only strain and abduction
What hath atheist China sought?
Only reign and seduction

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TAG LINE: A passionate political activist for a free Tibet, Tsoltim N. Shakabpa is a retired senior Tibetan-American international investment banker turned a recognized poet with 5 acclaimed books of poems to his name.

1. In any conflict or dealing with China, the best you can hope for is for China to fully get their way.

2. The worst case scenario is for China to fully get their way and hurt you badly on top of that, if you get in their way.

The remainder of the list is yet to be formulated clearly.

Anyway, the point in my highlighting these assumptions that China-friendly people work on is that they’re inherently incompatible with anything we want to accomplish, and as such people fighting for Tibet’s freedom cannot rely on the judgment of people whose whole line of reasoning is built upon such assumptions. But nonetheless, a number of people (both Tibetan and non-Tibetan) in this struggle have been advised and swayed by such ideology, to a point where defeatism is the only possible conclusion.

If we’re to stop China-minded people from continuing to sway Tibetan and World leaders away from the struggle, I think we need a serious breakdown and analysis of the “axioms”. The most obvious line of attack is refuting them, showing cases where China is not an immovable indestructible wall but something that can be challenged and changed. However, perhaps more practical than trying to argue with people who are very set in their ways of thinking about China is establishing irrefutably that the axioms necessarily lead to defeat, and that regardless of whether they are true or not, we must wager on the possibility that they are false in order to have any hope of moving forward.

I’ll keep you guys posted as this idea develops into some real writing.

In solidarity,
Rich