News

The Chinese government is misusing criminal charges to repress political, cultural, and religious expression in Tibetan communities, sentencing a prominent lama to death, Human Rights Watch said today.

Hundreds of Tibetans living-in-exile in India are to hold a freedom march from Dharamsala town starting February 11. The month-long "Feedom March" by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) will have participants from across the country including 80 monks.

Prime Minister Paul Martin is being urged to meet with the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, during a visit to Canada this spring even as a representative of the Chinese government in Canada says such a meeting would be inappropriate.

China had likely detained a total of 145 Tibetan political prisoners in the country’s prisons, according to the London-based Tibet Information Network (TIN).

With a view to cashing in on India's advantage of having several buddhist sites and to make a new initiative in the emerging area of spiritual tourism, India is organising a three-day International Conclave on Buddhism

Tibet may be one of the most isolated and politically repressive places in the world, but foreign radio broadcasts offer hope for a populace that refuses to accept Chinese propaganda, reports the "IPI Global Journalist."

In the quest for absolute truth and tranquility, Buddhist monks from Tibet receive extensive training in the principles of spirituality and philosophy. Now, for the first time, the monks are incorporating a new discipline into their studies.

After reaching a peak of approximately 800 Tibetan political prisoners by 1996, there was a rapid decline in their number from 1997 to 2001. The decline was due to a large number of releases as Tibetans completed sentences, as well as fewer new detentions.

The Red Army will perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the first time, it was announced today. A 50-strong Chinese military band will accompany a dance troupe from Beijing at the event this August.

An Oregon State University philosopher is translating into English one of the most important texts in the Buddhist canon for a commemorative publication that will be given to 5,000 people attending the public teachings of the Dalai Lama this April in Los Angeles.