English Kalon Tripas Losar Statement

Tashi Delek to Tibetans and friends around the world! Warm Losar greetings from Dharamsala, which falls on February 22.As requested, please do not celebrate Losar this year, but do observe traditional and spiritual rituals...

Tashi Delek to Tibetans and friends around the world! Warm Losar
greetings from Dharamsala, which falls on February 22.As requested,
please do not celebrate Losar this year, but do observe traditional
and spiritual rituals by going to the monastery, making offerings,
and lighting butter lamps for all those Tibetans inside Tibet who
have sacrificed and suffered under the repressive policies of the
Chinese government.News from Tibet continues to be grim. Tibet is
virtually sealed off with foreigners not allowed to enter. Even
Chinese tourists are prevented from visiting Tibet, and the military
buildup is very heavy. [The Chinese government has launched a
massive crackdown on Tibetans who visited India for the Kalachakra
Teachings. Several hundred Tibetans have been detained and are being
forced to undergo political re-education. Please see the news
release from Human Rights Watch] . We are extremely worried over
what is happening and what might happen inside Tibet. Under such
circumstances, please do pray for all Tibetans inside Tibet
especially on the third, eight, tenth and fifteenth day of Losar, as
these are auspicious days.March 10, our National Uprising Day, is
coming up soon. There will be many other activities as well where
Tibetans and our friends will be requested to participate. Please
remember and observe the guidelines issued by CTA, which is to
organize and participate in events peacefully, legally and with
dignity. Peacefully because non-violence is our core principle.
Legally as we are in a democratic country and have to follow the law
of the land, and with dignity because we are seeking our freedom and
dignityTibet Lobby Day is also coming up when Tibetans and friends
lobby parliaments or the congress and share with members our concern
over Tibet and the continuing repressive policies of the Chinese
government. This year is especially important given the unfolding
tragedy inside Tibet. It is important that we do the best we can to
approach as many Congressional members and Parliamentarians as
possible so as to make them aware. If possible, please try to have a
resolution passed in the parliament or have a good debate on the
situation inside Tibet. This way the suffering of Tibetans inside
Tibet and their voices will be heard loud and clear around the
world, particularly by the leaders in Beijing.I would like to thank
all those Tibetans and friends who participated in the global vigil
on February 8. According to various accounts, hundreds of activities
were organized around the world, thousands participated, and the day
was very successful.In conclusion, I want to say to our dear
brothers and sisters inside Tibet that you are in our hearts and
prayers every day.