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Taking Life in Stride
Posted on: March 14, 2012
Every Monday, I look forward to reading Metropolitan Diary in The New York Times. It is a compilation of impressions sent in by readers relating to their life in the Big Apple. Oftentimes, there are items about overheard conversations in a bus or a subway that make you chuckle. Reading them makes one have a new appreciation of life in a hectic city like New York.
Many years back, I got sort of addicted to what can only be termed the Indian version of “Metropolitan Diary.” While working for the Indian Express newspaper, I took a liking for its “middles” as well as “Monday Diary.” The newspaper had on its Editorial page, between the main article and the Letters to the editor, a short item that looked at life’s vicissitudes. The items were mainly contributed by readers with a retired army officer residing in the Delhi University area being a very frequent contributor.
Similarly, the Indian Express also carried a section on Mondays, simply called “Monday Diary” that addressed a somewhat similar theme. I recall contributing materials to this section, including about a man that I used to observe in Delhi University area who would distribute flour or grains along roadsides, obviously meant for the ants. I also remember writing about the interesting case of Tibetan doctors having to consume alcohol while preparing a specific Tibetan precious pill that contained mercury (while being detoxified) so that they would not be affected by it.
I think sometimes we need to sit back and take life in its own stride.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has provided much food for thought to the Buddhist community in this address to the Global Buddhist Congregation in New Delhi on November 30, 2011.
Following is the full text of the proceedings in the United States House of Representatives on May 19, 2010 when it debated and passed a resolution expressing solidarity with the victims of the earthquake in Kyegudo in Tibet. [Congressional Record: May 19, 2010 (House)] [Page H3613-H3615] From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:cr19my10-113] EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO CHINA FOR TRAGIC EARTHQUAKE IN QINGHAI PROVINCE Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1324) expressing condolences and sympathies for the people of China following the tragic earthquake in the Qinghai province of the Peoples Republic of China on April 14, 2010. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 1324 Whereas, on April 14, 2010, an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the Qinghai province of southwest China; Whereas the China Earthquake Networks Administration confirmed the earthquake struck in Yushu County, a remote and mountainous area sparsely populated by farmers and herdsmen; Whereas the population of Yushu County is overwhelmingly poor, with rural residents earning an average of $342 a year, largely from agriculture; Whereas at least 18 aftershocks measuring more than 6.0 on the Richter scale followed the quake throughout the day in the seismically active zone; Whereas over 2,000 people have been killed and over 10,000 injured, numbers that are feared to climb; Whereas an unknown number of individuals remain buried in debris as soldiers work around the clock to dig them out by hand; Whereas at least 40 people remain trapped under a collapsed office building that houses the local Departments of Commerce and Industry of the Peoples Republic of China and many children and young adults still lie beneath the rubble of collapsed primary and vocational schools; Whereas officials expect the death toll will rise because rescue efforts are stymied by a lack of heavy equipment and the mountainous terrain; Whereas medical supplies and tents are also in short supply; Whereas China Central Television and the Red Cross Society of China estimate that 90 percent of homes and 70 percent of schools in the region have been destroyed; Whereas the region that includes Yushu County is located on the Tibetan plateau, and many villages sit well above 16,000 feet, with freezing temperatures not uncommon in mid-April; Whereas by the evening of April 14, 2010, temperatures in the county seat had already reached 27 degrees Fahrenheit; Whereas thousands of Tibetan monks, many of whom traveled long distances from other Tibetan areas, have played a vital role in relief efforts, providing food and assistance, and tending to the basic and spiritual needs of the victims; Whereas in order to prevent a flood, workers are racing to release water from a reservoir in the disaster area after discovering that a crack had formed in the dam due to the earthquake; Whereas many survivors have already fled to the surrounding mountains, amid fears that a nearby dam could be ruptured by the aftershocks hitting the area; Whereas news media reported that 700 paramilitary officers are already working in the quake zone and that more than 4,000 others will be sent to assist in search and rescue efforts; Whereas the Civil Affairs Ministry said it would also send 5,000 tents and 100,000 coats and blankets; and Whereas the international community is sending much needed supplies and supporting local Chinese relief efforts: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) expresses its deepest condolences and sympathies for the loss of life and the physical and psychological damage caused by the earthquake of April 14, 2010; (2) expresses solidarity with the people of the Qinghai province, Tibetan-Americans, Chinese-Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by the tragedy, including rescue and humanitarian workers; (3) reaffirms the United States pledge, issued by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, to stand ready to assist the people of China during this difficult period; and [[Page H3614]] (4) expresses support for the recovery and long-term reconstruction needs of the residents of the areas affected by the earthquake, including the restoration of monasteries and other Tibetan Buddhist sites that are integral to the preservation of Tibetan culture and religious traditions. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New York (Mr. McMahon) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York. General Leave Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from New York? There was no objection. Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I thank my colleague, Congressman Manzullo of Illinois, for his support, and yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, on April 14, 2010, an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the Qinghai province of southwest China. With over 18 aftershocks measuring more than 6.0 on the Richter scale, the devastation and suffering that followed was immeasurable. The earthquake killed over 2,000 residents of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which is 97 percent Tibetan and has been a cradle for Tibetan culture and religion for centuries. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the quake, countless schools, government buildings, and local monasteries stood in ruins. First on the scene were local Tibetan Buddhist monks who worked in very treacherous conditions to stabilize schools, clinics, and homes to rescue survivors. These monks, many working in their robes with the most basic of tools, worked for hours without breaking until heavy machinery could be moved in. They were joined in their efforts by local and national Chinese authorities who worked in conjunction with the community groups on search and rescue and now join in the rebuilding. The worst-hit town of Kyegu still contains over 100,000 homeless residents, on top of the 20,000 migrants, described as ``mostly herders and farmers,'' already living there. Yet, 5 weeks after the earthquake, we are seeing the silver lining, as plans to reconstruct all of Kyegu, including the destroyed Buddhist holy sites, and build new homes for those who tragically lost their own, take place. On May 1, 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced a plan to rebuild Kyegu in an ``eco-friendly'' manner during a meeting on postdisaster rehabilitation and reconstruction. I commend the Chinese government's efforts to rehabilitate and modernize the region, but encourage them also to include the local Tibetan population in their reconstruction plans, given the distinctiveness of the region as a center of Tibetan culture. On behalf of the over 50,000 Chinese Americans who reside in my congressional district, I express my condolences for all the people of the Qinghai province, Tibetan Americans, Chinese Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or are otherwise affected by this tragedy, including rescue and humanitarian workers. I also want to commend Ambassador Huntsmann, who presented a check for $100,000 to the Chinese Red Cross Society for their efforts to rebuild after the Qinghai earthquake. Ambassador Huntsmann's remarks demonstrated that we stand with the Chinese people to rebuild Qinghai and further develop stronger ties between our two nations. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of this resolution addressing the tragic earthquake which took over 2,000 lives and left over 10,000 injured when it struck on April 14, 2010. I would, however, like to mention an omission in the official American response to this tragedy--one that is only partially rectified in the wording of this resolution. The epicenter of the earthquake struck on the Tibetan plateau and the vast majority of victims were from Tibet. Yet the message of condolence issued in the name of the Secretary of State on April 15, while ``offering thoughts and prayers for the people of China on this difficult day,'' made no mention of the thousands of Tibetans who lost their lives, their homes, and their places of worship. Madam Speaker, political correctness has no place when addressing human tragedy, no matter where it occurs in the world. While we mourn the death of both Tibetans and the Chinese migrant workers who were in the area, we should not ignore the fact that this was one more blow to the Tibetan heartland. The damage to Tibetan monasteries caused by this earthquake is only the latest event in the sad chapter of the devastation of this culture over the past half century. The war waged against Tibetan culture began with the Chinese People's Liberation Army invasion of the Tibetan plateau in 1959. It continued in the frenzy of fanatic young Red Guards smashing statues of Buddha and assaulting monks and nuns during the infamous ``Cultural Revolution.'' It continued right up until 2 years ago, when Beijing cracked down once again on dissent by rounding up Tibetan political prisoners and in closing the monasteries. It has been the United States' stated policy since the passage almost a decade ago of our late colleague, Tom Lantos' Tibetan Policy Act, to work to protect the Tibetan culture, language, and their religion. Yet the administration was noticeably silent regarding this latest blow to Tibetan culture and regarding the massive loss of their lives. The Dalai Lama, recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, addressed this tragic earthquake with these words of appeals. He said, ``To fulfill the wishes of many of the people there, I am eager to go there myself to offer them comfort.'' I submit for the Record the brief remarks the Dalai Lama made on April 14 and April 17, 2010. [From dalailama.com, Apr. 14, 2010] His Holiness Offers His Condolences to the Victims of the Earthquake in Kyigudo I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and property as a result of the earthquake that struck Kyigudo (Chinese--Yushu) this morning. We pray for those who have lost their lives in this tragedy and their families and others who have been affected. A special prayer service is being held at the main temple (Tsuglagkhang) here at Dharamsala on their behalf. It is my hope that all possible assistance and relief work will reach these people. I am also exploring how I, too, can contribute to these efforts. ____ [From dalailama.com, Apr. 17, 2010] His Holiness the Dalai Lama Eager To Visit Earthquake Affected Area As I mentioned briefly soon after I heard the news, I was deeply saddened by the effects of the devastating earthquake in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Tibetan: Kyigudo) of Qinghai Province which resulted in the tragic loss of many lives, a great number of injured and severe loss of property. Because of the physical distance between us, at present I am unable to comfort those directly affected, but I would like them to know I am praying for them. I commend the monastic community, young people and many other individuals from nearby areas for their good neighbourly support and assistance to the families of those who have lost everything. May your exemplary compassion continue to grow. This kind of voluntary work in the service of others really puts the bodhisattva aspiration into practice. I also applaud the Chinese authorities for visiting the affected areas, especially Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who has not only personally offered comfort to the affected communities, but has also overseen the relief work. I am very appreciative too that the media have been free to report on the tragedy and its aftermath. In 2008, when a similar earthquake struck Sichuan, Chinese central and local government leaders and auxiliary authorities took great pains to provide relief, allow free access to the media, as well as clearing the way for international relief agencies to provide assistance as required. I applauded these positive moves then and appeal for such ease of access on this occasion too. The Tibetan community in exile would like to offer whatever support and assistance it can towards the relief work. We hope to be able to do this through the proper and appropriate channels as soon as possible. When Sichuan was rocked by an earthquake two years ago, I wished to visit the affected areas to pray and comfort the people there, but I was unable to do so. However, when Taiwan was struck by a typhoon last year, I was able to visit the affected families [[Page H3615]] and pray with them for those who had perished in that disaster. In providing some solace to the people concerned, I was happy to be able to do something useful. This time the location of the earthquake, Kyigudo (Chinese: Yushu), lies in Qinghai Province, which happens to be where both the late Panchen Lama and I were born. To fulfill the wishes of many of the people there, I am eager to go there myself to offer them comfort. In conclusion, I appeal to governments, international aid organisations and other agencies to extend whatever assistance they can to enable the families of those devastated by this tragedy to rebuild their lives. At the same time, I also call on the survivors of this catastrophe to recognise what has happened as the workings of karma and to transform this adversity into something positive, keeping their hopes up and meeting setbacks with courage as they struggle to restore what they have lost. Once again, I pray for those who have lost their lives as well as for the well being of those who have survived. I call upon the administration to hear the cries of the Tibetan victims of this tragic national disaster and to advocate for a visit by their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. I urge Beijing leadership to show some mercy and allow a visit to the earthquake area by the Dalai Lama as well--a location very near the site where he was actually born. Only when their spiritual leader is allowed to come and offer solace to their grief and suffering can the Tibetan victims of this national tragic disaster truly begin to heal. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Just to continue on a point that I failed to mention, the issue of the Tibetan people is, of course, very near and dear to me as well. I have in my district the only Tibetan cultural museum in North America. And it's a site that we have worked with and honored for years--the importance of the Tibetan people, their culture, and what it means to the whole world, and that they are allowed to continue to survive and flourish in this world. And so on many points I agree with the gentleman from Texas. I have no further requests for time, and yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. McMahon) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1324. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________
I have been closely following the ongoing South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Bhutan. While it is yet another attempt by the South Asian nations to redefine themselves and to find ways to work together, it is even more valuable opportunity for Bhutan to showcase itself to the world.
Whatever be the case, I am reproducing below an article that I wrote for the Nepal-based magazine Himal South Asia in 2007 relating to SAARC.
Why Tibet matters to Southasia
By Bhuchung K Tsering
Himal South Asia, April 2007
When reports about the possible entry of China into SAARC first appeared a few years back, quite a few eyebrows went up. When China was subsequently given observer status to the organisation in 2005, some wondered whether SAARC would now be used as a forum for a proxy India-China battle towards regional dominance. As a Tibetan living in Southasia, China’s connection with SAARC has long held a particular interest for this writer. And indeed, if there is any direct relevance to China’s involvement in SAARC, it is due to Tibet. In terms of physical geography alone, the main connection between today’s People’s Republic of China and Southasia is through Tibet.
But what has SAARC got to do with Tibet? Historically, Tibet and the Tibetan people have looked to the south for our spiritual and cultural heritage – to countries, including India, Bangladesh and Nepal. But this is not necessarily why the rest of the Southasian countries should pay attention to Tibet. The political path on the plateau and beyond is taking its own route.
Since 2002, there have been five rounds of discussions between envoys of the Dalai Lama and representatives of the Chinese government on the future of Tibet. As the Dalai Lama’s special envoy, Lodi Gyari, said in recent testimony before the US Congress, “We have now reached the stage where if
there is the political will on both sides, we have an opportunity to finally resolve this issue.” So, we now just need the Chinese leadership to appreciate the vision and initiative of the Dalai Lama. Of course, a resolution of the Tibetan issue will certainly contribute to peace and stability in other parts of Southasia, as well.
However, Tibet should matter to Southasia because of its trade possibilities, as well as its strategic and environmentally sensitive location. At one time, within living memory, there was a robust trade relationship between Tibet and its southern neighbours – Nepal, Bhutan and India. A revival of such relations has considerable potential for helping to speed up the rising Southasian economy. If there is truth to the belief that China is a vast market able to be tapped, Southasia is well placed to do so through Tibet.
Second, the management of Tibet’s rich water resources and environment will have a long-term impact on the region as a whole. Critically, analysts speculate that the next big global crisis will be on the sharing of water resources. A report from 2000 by the Asian Development Bank on the “looming water crisis” found that globally, “The demand for freshwater increased sixfold between 1900 and 1995, twice the rate of population growth.”
Further, “The most accessible water is that which flows in river channels or is stored in freshwater lakes and reservoirs.” In the Subcontinent, most of the major rivers have their source in Tibet. According to the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, “A substantial proportion of river flows in Tibet are stable or base flows coming from groundwater and glacial sources.” Thus, the impact of changes in Tibet’s glacial reserves – through either climate change or more direct human intervention – will affect regions far beyond Tibet.
Already some Southasian countries are experiencing the negative impact of improper management of Tibetan river systems. Frequent flooding of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) continues to have devastating results in India and Bangladesh. According to a 2004 report, “The Brahmaputra is mainly responsible for the annual floods that hit the eastern region of the Subcontinent. Estimates say that [2004's] floods, the worst in a decade, claimed close to 2000 lives in Bangladesh and in the eastern Indian tates of Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. Millions of people lost their homes in the region that includes the foothills of Nepal.” The report continued, “International agencies once again began discussing the need for a regional approach of water-resource management of the Himalayan rivers that flow through China, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.”
When reports appeared in 2006 about China building a dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, strong reactions immediately arose from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, which would be directly impacted by the move. China subsequently denied having any such plan, but the impact that the handling of Tibet’s rivers will have on downstream countries was crystal clear. Now that China has an observer status with SAARC, the countries of Southasia have an increased need, but also a crucial ability, to pay direct attention to the situation in Tibet – environmental, political and social. Indeed Southasia as a whole now has both the increased impetus and leverage to call for the opening up of Tibet, both physically and psychologically, to the southern neighbours.
Thoughts on a Snowy Night
Posted on: February 11, 2010
It has been some time since I posted something on my English blog. During this period I had traveled to India and China accompanying the envoys of H.H. the Dalai Lama to continue the talks with the Chinese leadership. Upon our return Special Envoy Lodi Gyari released a statement.
A welcome development that I could see in Dharamsala this time was the expansion of internet connectivity. While broadband has expanded, WiFi seems to a given now in Mcleod Ganj and Gangkyi areas, and this has enabled more people to participate in the internet world. Personally, these developments enabled me to tweet regularly while I was in India. As I mentioned on this site earlier, I have been tweeting in Tibetan for some time, just as a way to personally improve my command over the language as well as to push the limit in terms of its usage in a modern technological setting. You can see my tweets here.
I have also been posting on my Tibetan blog, which you can see here.
Anyway, on my return to the United States this time, there was a snowy reception, which has continued to this day.
The Dalai Lama of the Himalayas
Posted on: July 12, 2009
Many years back I remember watching a film of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Mongolia and the republics of Tuva, Buryatia and Kalmykia in the Russian Federation. I was amazed by the intensity of the devotion of the people of Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmykia and Buryatia towards His Holiness. I still remember one footage shot from the window of the plane, in which His Holiness was travelling, (I think) that showed a panoramic view of the ground where countless people had gathered in great anticipation of the Dalai Lama.
People of Tuva Republic in the Russian Federation praying for the Dalai Lama
Just some days back, I had the opportunity to watch the recording of a function held in New Delhi on July 6 to celebrate the 74th birthday of the Dalai Lama.
What was special here was that this function was held by representatives of the peoples of the Himalayan region in India. In attendance were the chief ministers of the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh (who took the opportunity to announce an important conference on the environment in August), ministers from Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir, prominent lamas from these regions (including the Jangtse Choeje who is from Ladakh, Tsona Gontse Rinpoche who is from Arunachal Pradesh, Lochen Rinpoche who is from Himachal Pradesh. These are some of the lamas that I could recognize but there sure were more than them in attendance.), etc. Also in attendance were Members of Parliament from these areas as well as many people from throughout the Indian Himalayas. Former Indian President A.B.J Kalam presided over the function and gave a thoughtful address.
I was again struck by the devotion of these people, whether they were politicians, members of the clergy or the several performing artistes who made musical offerings to His Holiness.
A similar scene prevailed in late 1985 when I was on duty in Bodh Gaya where His Holiness bestowed the Kalachakra Initiations. I could see people from Bhutan, Nepal, the Indian Himalayas as well as the many foreigners who had gathered there to get blessings from this one individual, the Dalai Lama.
These developments made me, an ethnic Tibetan, take a deeper look at my identification of the Dalai Lama. We Tibetans have rightfully been claiming the institution of the Dalai Lamas as ours without any second thought. There is basic truth in this because the institution took birth in Tibet. However, what many of us may be overlooking is the undeniable fact that the Dalai Lamas, specifically the present 14th incarnation, have grown beyond their Tibetan identity. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism wherever they may be residing or whatever their nationality have some claim, if not equal to the Tibetans, towards identifying the Dalai Lama with their own communities.
For example, I have read reports of the people in the Tuva Republic organizing prayer ceremony or carving the sacred six-syllable mantra on a mountain in Tuva (The mantra took one month to build and is 120-metres-long, 20-metres-high), for the long life of His Holiness.
Tibetan Environment in New York
Posted on: January 16, 2009
The Asia Soceity in New York City is having a day-long conference today (January 16) on “Meltdown: The Impact of Climate Change on the Tibetan Plateau.” This is but the latest indication about the significance of the environment in Tibet to the region and the world. The conference features “IPCC Chairman Rajendra Pachauri, distinguished glaciologists Lonnie Thompson and Yao Tandong, environmental experts from China, the UK, the US, Australia and the Tibetan Autonomous Region, as well as mountaineer and filmmaker David Breashears.” It seems there are some Tibetan speakers, too.
Some of my colleagues have gone up to New York to attend this and I am looking forward to their impression. Taking this opportunity I am posting here a paper that I prepared (I was then working in Dharamsala at the Tibetan Department of Information & International Relations) in 1993 on Tibetan environment that was presented at a conference in France.
An analysis of environment and development issues in Tibet
By Bhuchung K. Tsering
(Paper presented at the International conference on the state of environment in Tibet: III Pole, Environment & People of Tibet, Paris. September 30 to October 1, 1993)
Read the rest of this entry »
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