Support Tibet Quake Victims’ Right to See Dalai Lama

Tibetans in Kyegundo have sent a letter to China’s leaders asking them to allow the Dalai Lama to visit the quake zone. The Dalai Lama has also expressed his desire to visit the area.

TAKE ACTION: Urge your elected representative to support the wishes of the Dalai Lama to visit the earthquake zone.

Please also post a message of condolence to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-exile – the rightful representatives of the Tibetan people. Read some of the heartfelt messages.

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Devastating earthquake hits eastern Tibet

A devastating earthquake hit Kyegundo in Kham, eastern Tibet (Ch; Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province) this morning killing more than 600 people and injuring 10,000.

Take Action to help those affected and spread the word that the earthquake struck in Tibet and not in western China (as Chinese & Western media are reporting).

Read a statement issued by the leading Tibetan organizations in Dharamsala (including SFT India).

Photo: Zhang Hongshuan/Associated Press: People gathered in open areas after the quake hit.

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Losar 2010: Because I am Tibetan

Dear friends and supporters of Tibet,

Tibetans will mark Losar – the Tibetan New Year – on February 14th, 2010. In the Tibetan lunar calendar, this day marks the beginning of the Iron Tiger Year 2137, a time for change, hope, and renewal. On this day, we celebrate our history, our culture, our religion, and our future – because our history is great, our culture beautiful, our religion profound, and – in spite of our present suffering – our future is bright.

Since 2008, following the Tibetan uprising in all three historical provinces of Tibet, we witnessed an escalation in the imprisonment, torture and death of our fellow countrymen and women under Chinese rule. Because of this, last year, Tibetans united around the world and did not celebrate Losar.

This year, many Tibetans are planning to observe Losar for one reason only: because we are Tibetan. We will speak Tibetan language, wear Tibetan dress, and observe Tibetan customs, thus strengthening our identity and our spirit. Through this observance we will find new courage and opportunities to advance our struggle. In observing Losar with family and friends, Tibetans will reach for happiness, which, as much as suffering, is an integral part of a freedom movement.

Through all these years of occupation one thing is clear: the oppressor envies the spirit of the Tibetan people, which cannot be crushed by violence. This year Tibetans worldwide will nourish this spirit with the observance of Losar.

While observing this important cultural tradition, we ask Tibetans and supporters to light butter lamps and candles on their altars and in their windows on February 14th to honor the courage of the Tibetan people in Tibet who continue to resist the Chinese government’s illegal occupation of their homeland.

Tibet will be free.

With hope,

Tenzin Dorjee,                         Lhadon Tethong,
Executive Director, SFT           Director, Tibet Action Institute

Please watch this inspiring video from Amdo, Eastern Tibet, where Tibetans, young and old, declare the myriad ways they are Tibetan.

UPDATE: Tibetans in Tibet appeal for a re-trial for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche

Tibetans in eastern Tibet have made a bold appeal to the Chinese government for a re-trial for revered Buddhist leader and teacher Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Tenzin Delek is serving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit.

* Read SFT’s joint press release on the events unfolding in Tibet
* View the petition signed by 40,000 Tibetans and delivered to Beijing on Tenzin Delek’s behalf.
* Join the campaign to free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche

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