Kalon Tripa’s 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 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 dignity

Tibet 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.