The US Capitol Building

May 20, 2013

Dharamsala: The US Senate Judiciary Committee approved the provision of 5,000 immigration visas to displaced Tibetans residing in India and Nepal.  The amendment, offered by Senator Dianne Feinstein and cosponsored by Chairman Patrick Leahy and Senator Chuck Schumer, was approved by voice vote and included in the immigration reform bill currently under consideration in the US Senate.

The approval of the Tibet-related amendment, however, faces a long and possibly arduous process before it gets enacted.  The immigration bill with the Tibetan provision must be approved first by the Judiciary Committee and then by the full US Senate, reconciled with the House version, and eventually passed by both houses of Congress. The entire process could take several months.

“I want to thank Senator Feinstein for introducing the amendment, Chairman Leahy and Senator Schumer for cosponsoring, and honorable members of the US Senate Judiciary Committee for approving the amendment. This provision will provide a great boost to Tibetans and contribute to burden sharing of Tibetans in India and Nepal.  The passage of this provision provides a timely moral support to Tibetans as they struggle against a new wave of repressive Chinese policies, and represents a tangible continuation of the long-standing and bipartisan support of the United States for Tibet,” said Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay.

Senator Feinstein’s amendment that would create 5,000 immigrant visas for displaced Tibetans over a three-year period is based on a similar provision in the Immigration Act of 1990. The US Congress then generously approved a provision to grant immigrant visa to 1,000 displaced Tibetans living in India and Nepal.  That program, carried out at no cost to US taxpayers, resulted in the successful establishment of thriving and independent Tibetan-American communities in 21 states.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan leadership have been trying for over five decades to preserve Tibetan identity and culture in exile until Tibetans are free to return home again.  It has long been His Holiness’ vision that a healthy and prosperous diaspora is key to achieving this objective.  The new Tibetan immigration provision, if and when enacted, will help the Central Tibetan Administration’s efforts to find meaningful livelihoods and support the well being of displaced Tibetans who have fled Tibet into exile.

The Fourteenth Kashag has been vigorously seeking international governmental support for Tibet. Over the past two years Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay has visited Washington frequently and met with Congressional leaders including Senators Feinstein, Leahy and Schumer to press the case for Tibet and Tibetans, including with regard to immigration issues. During his most recent visit to Washington on May 6-10, the Sikyong thanked the US government and Congress for their support and discussed the status of Tibetan refugee settlements in South Asia and the challenges faced by the Central Tibetan Administration in providing educational and employment opportunities for Tibetan refugees.

The Kashag urges all Tibetans to again be mindful that the inclusion of a Tibet-related amendment in the US immigration bill is only the first step in a long process.  Firstly, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate must approve the immigration bill. The House of Representatives will be working on their own immigration bill.  The two bills will then need to be reconciled.  Lastly, immigration reform is a highly contentious issue and it is possible that there may not be an agreement on a final bill.

Home Kalon Dolma Gyari speaking to Tibetans on Canada resettlement project

DHARAMSHALA: Home Kalon Dolma Gyari visited Tibetan settlements in northern and northeastern India from 13-22 May.

During her visit to Dehradun on 14 May, Kalon Dolma Gyari met Mr Subash Kumar, Chief Secretary of Uttara Khand. She briefed him about the ongoing process of seeking lease amendment for rehabilitation of Tibetan refugee families on the land provided on lease by the state government and requested the state government to expedite it.

On 17 May, Kalon Dolma Gyari visited Tenzingang Tibetan settlement, where she visited the Old People’s Home, CST school, and inspected the Kiwi plantation. She also addressed the Tibetan public.

On 18 May, the home kalon visited Bomdila, where she spoke to Tibetans living in scattered communities in Tawang, Dirang, Rupa and Bomdila.

On 19 May, she presided over a meeting with first batch of the prospective immigrants under Canada Resettlement project, at Tinkusia in Assam.

Kalon Dolma Gyari with concerned Canadian officials and prospective candidates for the Canada resettlement project

On 21 May, Kalon Dolma Gyari attended the meeting of first batch of the 204 prospective immigrants from Miao Choephelling, Tezu Dhargyeling, Tenzingang and Tuting respectively under Canada Resettlement project.

She welcomed Mr. Sidney Frank, the Minister for Canada Immigration (India, Nepal, Bhutan) and his staff on their visit at Tinsukia to oversee interviews and medical examinations of 204 prospective immigrants (commencing from 22nd May to 24th May). She thanked the government and people of India for their kind support and generosity towards Tibetans. She also thanked other countries, particularly, Canada, for their kindness and generosity shown to the Tibetan people.

Kalon Dolma Gyari during her meeting Mr Subash Kumar, Chief Secretary of Uttara Khand in Dehradun

Tibetan Writer Gartse Jigme. (File Photo)

DHARAMSHALA: The Chinese government, in their continued crackdown on Tibetan writers and intellectuals, sentenced a Tibetan monk to five years in prison for writing a book on Tibet and the wave of self-immolations that has swept Tibet since 2009.

Gartse Jigme, a well known Tibetan writer and monk from Gartse monastery in Amdo, was sentenced on 14 May 2013 by Tsekhog (Ch: Zekog) County People’s Court in Malho (Ch: Huangnan). He was first arrested on 1 January 2013 and was kept in detention at Rebkong (Ch: Tongren) County in Malho Prefecture till the sentence was pronounced.

Gartse Jigme has earlier written two books on Tibet. The book in question is the second edition of his second book, Tsenpoi Nyingtop (Eng: King’s valour). It was seized by police from the publishers’ before it could be printed. He was also briefly detained in April 2011 for his views expressed in his book.

He is also a respected member of the monastic community and has been vocal about government policies that threatened people’s daily lives in the region, and has repeatedly urged the Chinese government to end the ill-founded accusations levelled by the authorities against Tibetan religion and practitioners, that has detrimental impact on Tibetan religious culture.

Gartse Jigme was born in Garwa nomadic village of Gartse Township in Rebkong County. He has been writing since 1999 and had won several literary prizes. His first book, ‘Musings on My Reflections’ received favorable reviews from friends and others in the community. He was also a Buddhist scholar having studied and successfully passed major Buddhist courses at his monastery in 2003.

Frm Left: Mrs Trinley Palmo, Health Secretary Shosur Sonam Choephel, Kalon Tsering Wangchuk, Dr Sanjanthi Velu and Dr Nilesh Chatterjee.

DHARAMSHALA: Dr Tsering Wangchuk, Kalon for the Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration today opened a workshop on ‘Health Communication and Education’ at the Imperial Heights Resort near Dharamshala. The workshop is being organised by the health department of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Speaking at the opening session, Dr Tsering Wangchuk spoke in detail about the programmes of the health department namely the Health Information System (HIS), Tibetan Medicare System (TMS), the up-gradation of nurses and doctors in the clinics etc.

He also said that the health department’s programmes are being carried out in accordance with the policies of the 14th Kashag.

The two-day workshop is being presided over by Dr Sanjanthi Velu and Dr Nilesh Chatterjee from the John Hopkins University, along with Mrs Trinley Palmo, Mr Tsegyal Dranyi and Mr Kapsang from the Department of Health.

Over 38 participants from various health clinics across India are attending the workshop.

Participants at the workshop.

But solving the Tibet issue will provide the buffer zone for peaceful borders. This will further lessen the suspicion on the Chinese government. Tibet will contribute to the peace in the region.

Fresh from a visit to the USA and Europe, Tibetan prime minister (in exile) Lobsang Sangay, in an exclusive interview to dna, speaks candidly on how changes in India and China’s stances on the Tibet issue can contribute to peace in the region.

Edited excerpts -  

How significant is Chinese premier’s visit to India?
Having chosen India as the first country to visit after taking over as the prime minister, Li Keqiang could have initiated substantive dialogue on resolving the Tibet issue. India and China have the largest populations and we wish good relations between both the countries. But solving the Tibet issue will provide the buffer zone for peaceful borders. This will further lessen the suspicion on the Chinese government. Tibet will contribute to the peace in the region.

Do you genuinely think Tibet can contribute to peace?
Yes. If Tibetans are given autonomy. I think we missed that opportunity this time.  

The joint statement between China and India does not mention India’s affirmation on a unified China. What do you make of it?
It is for the Indian government to decide. We welcome the fact that Tibet was discussed. We wish that there were substantive discussions where Tibet as the one of the core issues. India’s security is linked to the issue of Tibet.  

Do you think that the government of India has made genuine efforts in the last decade on the issue of Tibet?
Compared to other countries, India has done the most for Tibetans, for which we are grateful. But politically, we wish that India did more.

What are steps that the Indian government can adopt in the Tibet issue?
India needs to make Tibet the core issue with the Chinese government and clearly explain that India’s security is linked to the situation in Tibet. There was never a border between India and China, but there was always a border between Tibet and India. And that solving the issue of Tibet will contribute to peace in the region.

With China steady growth as a superpower, can India raise this issue in such a straight manner?
Definitely. India is one of the largest economies in the region and has the moral authority. The Indian model is not only important for Asia, but also for the world. India’s rich heritage, culture, the Gandhian notion of non-violence – is respected in the international community.

What are your impressions about the new Chinese leadership?
I think it is too early to say anything. But it looks like they are continuing with the same hard-line policies in Tibet.

What makes you think so?
In the 17th party congress, at least one minority was in the politburo. Now in the 18th party Congress, there is no representation of minorities. In the central committee, that has more than 200 members, there used to be 16 minority members. That has now reduced to 10. The representation of  Tibetans is marginal with only one or at the most two. Then 117 self-immolations have taken place and they are prosecuting self-immolators.

The current crop of Chinese leadership is young. They may stay for next 20-30 years. How you think things can progress?
For how long will the ruling party stay, we don’t know. But what we seek is genuine autonomy within the PRC, that is within the framework of the Chinese constitution. Hopefully, the Chinese leadership will realise the futility of repressing the Tibet. Internationally, it raises questions on China’s rise. 

There is worry in some quarters about China’s increasing investment in India’s neighbouring countries?
China has invested in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and in Nepal. The land route China has helped construct, stretches from all the way from Lhasa to Nepal. The railway line they are planning to bring from Lhasa to the Sikkim border via Shigatse and then Nepal and Bangladesh. We need to see what the Indian government will do in this regards. 

Do you think India needs to assert a little more on the border?
Yes, India needs to improve infrastructure along the border to feel secure. 

China was quoted saying that Tibetans based in India are provoking self-immolations?
This allegation is baseless and there is no shred of evidence, whatsoever. We invite them to send a delegation to Dharamsala and check all our records. As a matter of fact we are discouraging self-immolation in Tibet.

Then why are Tibetans resorting to self-immolation?
This is because of the continuing occupation of Tibet – its repression and the economic marginalisation of Tibetans. The environmental degradation and forced cultural assimilation brought about by the Chinese are moving in Tibet by taking away their jobs are reasons enough to provoke.

Tell us something about your recent visit to the US?
I met 21 senators of the Congress and wrote a letter to the  secretary of state John Kerry barely a month before he went to China. To take stock of the prevailing situation in Tibet,  they asked him to promote dialogue China and Tibet.  

They also acknowledged that the Dalai Lama has devolved his political authority and that the Tibetan administration is a democratic set-up now.

                      Chinese espionage and terror plot against Tibetan community exposed

Penpa Tsering, the Chinese agent

A terror plot to poison two Tibetan youths – Tashi Gyaltsen@Tashi Dhondup and Karma Yeshi@Tashi by Chinese Security Agencies aimed at spreading chaos and terror in the Tibetan community
was uncovered. This latest exposure goes well beyond Chinese government’s aggressive intelligence gathering on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Central Tibetan Administration and other exile based organizations to undermine the exile community.

Penpa Tsering, aged 33, from Lhari County of Nagchu Prefecture in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), confessed that he was first recruited and then sent across to India in 2009 by Li Yuquan who was then working as Party Secretary of Political and Legal Committee; Head of Public Security Bureau of Nagchu Prefecture, ‘TAR’ and a member of the 9th National People’s Congress of TAR. Li has been since transferred to Chamdo Prefecture, TAR but holding the same portfolio as before.

Penpa Tsering is fully trained in intelligence tradecrafts and physical combat including weapon handling. He was in PLA from 1999 to 2002 and later worked in Public Security Bureau, Nagchu Prefecture prior to coming to India

Li Yuquan has initially tasked Penpa Tsering to collect intelligence on alleged “terrorist” activities against China by Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetan NGOs based in exile. He was asked to report on health condition and schedules of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Posing himself as staff of Department of Security, CTA, he made contacts with numerous individuals to collect specific intelligence on exile based Tibetan NGOs, important personalities, new comers from Tibet and vulnerabilities in Tibetan community; and reported these information to his handler on regular basis through phone, Internet based Weechat and QQ.

Later on, Li Yuquan tasked Penpa Tsering to eliminate the above mentioned two youths – Tashi Gyaltsen of Driru Dzong, Nagchu and Karma Yeshi of Palpung, Derge Dzong, Kham – both of them had escaped to India in early 2010.  To execute this terror plot, Li summoned Penpa Tsering twice to Kathmandu, Nepal since 2012. Li along with other Chinese agents personally instructed him to eliminate the two youths by poisoning. Three different poisonous substances were first tested in front of his eyes on two puppies and a chicken and then handed to him.

Penpa Tsering has received more than Indian Rupees Eleven lakhs from Li Yuquan since May 2009 for providing intelligence reports and task of eliminating the above two youths. 

The Department of Security would like to express its appreciation to Tashi Gyaltsen and Karma Yeshi for their courageous efforts in exposing the Chinese plot and intelligence network attempting to infiltrate and undermine the Tibetan exile community. We also take this opportunity to appeal all sensible and right thinking Tibetans to cooperate with us in further exposing evil designs of Chinese security agencies by providing credible and timely information whenever they come across of any such nature.

Tashi Gyaltsen@Tashi Dhondup (L) / Karma Yeshi@Tashi (R), who informed the Central Tibetan Administration about the Chinese espionage and terror plot

Issued on: 23 May 2013

Department of Security

Central Tibetan Administration 

Kaydor Aukatsang

DHARAMSHALA: Kaydor Aukatsang, the political advisor to Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, has been appointed as the  new Representative for the office of Tibet, New York. He will take charge from 1 September 2013, a release from the Kashag secretariat stated.

There has also been a  reshuffle of Representatives in the offices of Tibet based in Geneva and Brussels.  Mr Tseten Samdup, currently the Representative for the Office of Tibet, Geneva will be the new Representative for the Office of Tibet, Brussels. He will take charge from 2 August 2013.

Mr Ngodup Dorjee, the incumbent Representative for the Office of Tibet based in Brussels, Belgium will be the new Representative for the Office of Tibet, Geneva from 9 August 2013.

Mr Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative to Japan and east Asia whose tenure ends on 1 June 2013, will continue in his current position until His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s scheduled visit to Japan in November.

Tibetan Parliamentarians during their meeting with the chief minister of Arunchal Pradesh

Chief Minister and Political Party Leaders pledge political support for Tibet

May 22, 2013, Itanagar: The Tibetan Parliamentary delegation wrapped up the seventh leg of North-East zone lobby campaign today following a press conference in the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. During the 5-day campaign, the delegation called on the chief minister and political leaders of the state for stronger and fortified expressions of political support for the resolution of crisis inside Tibet.

On May 20, whilst the high-level talk between the visiting Chinese Premier Li Keiqiang and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was underway in New Delhi, the 3-member Tibetan Parliamentary delegation held a meeting with the Honorable Chief Minister (CM) of the State Shri Nabam Tuku at the CM Bungalow.  The CM expressed solidarity with the aspiration of the Tibetan people inside Tibet and said that ‘he feels connected to Tibet socially and culturally.’  The CM expressed admiration for the ‘exile Tibetan Administration and the exile Tibetans’ perseverance that persists despite all odds.’  Taking stock of China’s diplomatic maneuvers in the contentious border row between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh, the CM affirmed that ‘practically Arunachal Pradesh shares border with Tibet and not with China.’

The Tibetan delegation met with Shri Mukut Mithi, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (Congress), former Chief Minister and president of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Shri Mithi avowed party support for the passing of an ‘All-Party Parliamentary Resolution on Tibet Crisis.’

Members of Legislative Assembly – Smt. Karya Bagang and Shri Passang Dorjee Sona received the Parliamentary delegation and assured State support for the Tibetan movement, particularly on Socio-Cultural avenues.

The remaining 58 Members of Legislative Assembly who were placed in their respective constituencies in the wake of the May 16 State-wide Panchayat and Municipal elections and with whom the delegation couldn’t engage in a direct face-to-face meeting were apprised of the campaign and its goals through a memorandum sent via priority mail.

On May 20, the Tibetan delegation took part in a symposium on ‘Tibet and India’ along with leaders of the four political parties of the State, three of which are mainstream parties: Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), National Congress Party  (NCP) and one regional party- People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA).

Shri Thupten Temba, (former Minister) and current Chairman of Media Department, APCC, Shri Tai Taga, State President, BJP, Shri Khafa Bengia, (former Minister) and current President of NCP, Shri Kameng Ringu, President of PPA represented their respective parties.

The strategic symposium dwelled on numerous bilateral issues such as ‘Water’ and ‘Border’ affecting Tibet and India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh. The Brahmaputra River that originates from Tibet serves as lifeline for the State and caters to the future developmental plans to make the State the ‘Powerhouse’ of India.

Following the meeting, the NCP leaders issued a press statement demanding a ‘Water-Sharing Agreement between India and China.’ “As stakeholders in the lower riparians, we deserve access to information on China’s use of Tibet’s waters,” said Mr. Khafa Bengia.

The party leaders unequivocally pledged support-politically and socially for Tibet and Tibetans in Tibet and in exile and resolved to submit a joint letter to the Chief Minister on the Tibet crisis.

The symposium held at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, was facilitated by members of Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh (TSGAP): Mr. Anok Wangsa (former Minister, former MLA), Mr. Tacho Kabak (former NCP President), Mr. Karpak Sora (APCC) and Nima Sange (APCC).

While deeming the steadfast support of the Indian Government and its people towards the Tibetan people as significant, the delegation appealed the Indian leaders for substantial and public expressions of solidarity and support amid the unprecedented spate of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet and the subsequent deepening crackdown by Chinese Government. The delegates also urged India to engage in urgent diplomatic actions pressuring the Chinese Government on various fronts.

The 3-member delegation led by former speaker and member of TPIE, Mr. Pema Jungney, include Ms. Yangchen Dolkar and Ms. Dhardon Sharling. After a successful lobbying campaign in West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh the delegation will visit Meghalaya for the ‘All -India Parliamentary Lobby Campaign’.

Nuns of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition during the Geshema dialectic debate on 22 May 2013.

DHARAMSHALA: The first ever Geshema dialetic debate is currently underway at Jamyang Choeling nunnery, located about 10 kms from Dharamshala. 27 nuns from various nunneries across India are participating in the debate which will be held from 20 May – 3 June.

The debating session is 30 minutes, 15 minutes for questions and 15 minutes for answering. The debates are fully monitored and controlled by the Nun Examination Board, comprising of members from Gaden Choeling, Dolma Choeling, Jangchup Choeling, Kachoe Gakyil, the Tibetan Nun’s project and the Department of Religion. Six Geshes from the three great monasteries are also assessing the performance of the nuns.

The historic decision to award Geshema degrees to qualified nuns  was reached last year after a two-day meeting between high lamas, representative of nuns and members of the Tibetan Nun Project. It was decided during the meeting that nuns who passes the final examination after completing a total of 21 years of studies will be conferred a Geshema degree.

Considering the high level of education attained by the nuns of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, His Holiness the Dalai Lama have also over the years, strongly advocated the need to award Geshema degrees.

“The system of debate is similar with the monks except for a few minor differences. The education standard of the nuns are very good,” said Geshe Ladangpa Yeshi Lhundup from Loseling Monastery.

Nuns during the debate.

Some of the over 1,000 Vietnamese and local people listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during their meeting at the Kentucky Center for Arts in Louisville, Kentucky on May 21, 2013. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

(Dalai Lama.com)

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first meeting on his last day in Louisville was with a group of gentle Vietnamese Buddhists.

“Let’s begin with your reciting the Heart Sutra in Vietnamese,” he said. “While you do that visualize the Buddha in the space in front of you surrounded by Indian teachers like Nagarjuna and Asanga, and those who brought Buddhism to Vietnam. And remember how the Buddha practised for aeons to show us that through a combination of the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the wisdom understanding emptiness, we too can attain enlightenment.

“First of all, as I mentioned yesterday we Tibetans are historically junior to you as students of Buddha Shakyamuni. In today’s world, material development is much advanced. It’s useful, no doubt, but at the same time doesn’t necessarily bring inner peace; it tends instead to bring greed and competitiveness. On the other hand, the Buddha’s teachings do provide inner peace, which we can check, because the Buddha encouraged his followers not to take what he said on trust but to examine and investigate it.

“In the Sanskrit tradition of Buddhism it is explained that all sentient beings have Buddha nature, the potential to become a Buddha, and we extend our compassion to all of them.”

His Holiness clarified that it is a feature of the Buddha’s teachings that they appear to be inconsistent because he taught according to the dispositions of his listeners at different times and places. He suggested that it is possible to view other religious traditions as similarly suited to the needs of particular people, times and places and therefore deserving of our respect.

He mentioned meeting groups of Vietnamese in other parts of the world and that he is impressed by the way they keep up their language, Buddhist traditions and monastic robes. He remarked that Tibetans too are trying to preserve their culture and religion in the face of adversity. A question was asked about how His Holiness imagines freedom coming about in Tibet and he replied that although they don’t seek outright independence, Tibetans have their own language and culture, as well as a fragile environment, to protect, something best done by Tibetans themselves. And for that they need genuine autonomy.

Elsewhere in the Kentucky Center, His Holiness next met with middle and high school students from the Louisville area. He began by noting that some people are under the misapprehension that love and compassion are values that belong to religion, whereas he believes they are a natural part of human life, with a biological source. He pointed out that we are all born from our mothers and we have to depend on others to survive. He conceded that there are cases of children being neglected or abused which leads to their insecurity and unhappiness later in life.

“Not only should we not think that human values are confined to religious practice, it would be a mistake to think that compassion only benefits other people, but brings us no reward. My mother was consistently kind and compassionate to others, despite being illiterate and uneducated, and she was also consistently happy. Later, when I came to engage in Buddhist training in compassion, I found it easier because of the seeds of compassion my mother had sown in me.”

Some of the over 2,500 middle and high school students , wearing ceremonial Tibetan scarves as a offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at the Kentucky Center for Arts in Louisville, Kentucky on May 21, 2013. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

His Holiness affirmed that as far as he is concerned all 7 billion human beings are like brothers and sisters. He said that when he meets someone he thinks, “Here’s another human being.” A person who practises compassion and forgiveness has great inner strength, whereas aggression is usually a sign of weakness. Similarly, when two people have an argument, it tends to be the one who has reason on her side who is less inclined to become angry. We can reinforce our sense of compassion by using our intelligence.

“If someone behaves negatively towards you, it can be very helpful to remember that they are human beings like you. It’s also helpful to remember to distinguish between an action and the person who does it. If you need to take counter measures to prevent someone doing harm, it is always better to do it with a calm rather than an agitated mind. If we act out of anger, the best part of our brain fails to function properly. Remember, compassion is not a sign of weakness.”

The students had prepared questions and the first asked looking back what advice he would give his 13 year old self, while a second wondered what he enjoys doing that might surprise some people. His Holiness replied:

“I have some regret that at an age that was an ideal time to study I played instead. That time is gone and I regret losing it. When I was younger I loved gardening. I also used to love toys that moved. I’d play with them for a while and then would open them up to see how they worked. In a similar spirit, I looked at the moon through my telescope and seeing the shadows of the mountains realised they were caused by sunlight and that the moon had no light of its own. This was the beginning of my interest in science, which I have encouraged Tibetans to share. Last year, our Tibetan monasteries in India formally decided to incorporate science into their study programs.”

Asked what techniques American youth might adopt to calm down and avoid anger, His Holiness said that what they need to do is tackle their disturbing emotions, adding that if their basic mental state is calm it’s easier to deal with eruptions of anger. He recommended that corresponding to physical hygiene we should encourage the adoption of mental or emotional hygiene. When we have a calm mind we have less fear, anger and suspicion. One way to achieve this is to pay attention to our breath, by mindfully counting 20 inhalations and exhalations. That will reduce our tendency to anger.

To a question about how to deal with prevailing violence, His Holiness observed that this is not only a problem here but in many other places. He said it is another symptom of our need to reintroduce a sense of human values, which he likes to refer to as secular ethics, into our modern education system.

Another student wanted to know if His Holiness has any sense of fear and he recounted being bitten by a dog and then being told that it was a mad dog. He also mentioned visiting the sites of the Holocaust concentration camps in Poland, seeing the ovens and shower blocks and having a strong sense of fear there. This was similar to his response to the two places in Japan, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where nuclear weapons were used.

“On the other hand, the news that CO2 emissions have now passed the dangerous threshold of 400ppm is cause for another kind of fear.”

Students and teachers expressed their gratitude to His Holiness for coming, one of them telling him, “You remind us of the goodness within us.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with with Louisville Mayor Gary Fischer after his talks at the Kentucky Center for Arts in Louisville, Kentucky on May 21, 2013. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

Meeting with Mayor Gary Fischer and his team, His Holiness stressed that whatever you do it is your motivation that is really important. He commended him for his initiatives towards compassion for the city and suggested that under his leadership it should be possible to promote human values under the banner of secular ethics.

Last of all, the organizers and volunteers who had worked hard to make the events in Louisville a success wanted to have a photograph taken with His Holiness. He posed with them, thanked them for all they had done, and, praising the great merit they had created during their work, told them that he always dedicates his merit to the awakening of all sentient beings and recommended they do the same.

Leaving Louisville for Chicago, His Holiness will later today fly across the Atlantic, and with a short stop Europe, travel on to India.