Reported By Tenzin Phurbu
Translated By TenGyal
Edited By Kelsang Jinpa
Even as Tibetans inside Tibet are celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday in various ways, the Chinese authorities continue to directly and indirectly intensify their restrictions, especially in the Tibetan monasteries.
As His Holiness’ birthday approaches, a BBC journalist recently travelled to Kirti Monastery in Ngawa, Amdo. Her first-hand report from the area reveals that Chinese authorities are imposing stricter restrictions on Tibetan monasteries than ever, coinciding with His Holiness’ 90th birthday.
In the BBC video report, the reporter visits Kirti Monastery in Chinese-occupied Tibet just before dawn breaks. Her visit coincides with the monks gathering for their daily prayer congregation. The report goes on to clearly show that the Chinese authorities are imposing unprecedented restrictions and conducting secret surveillance in the Tibetan monastic institutions in Tibet. It demonstrates the fact that the monastery doesn’t have a single portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on display, as the Chinese government considers the possession of the Dalai Lama’s portrait illegal. Although speaking with monks in the monastery is extremely dangerous, a few monks still agree to be interviewed despite the risks.
In the video report, a monk who was interviewed says, “ The current situation in Tibet is not good.” Another monk, without any fear and hesitation, vocally explains the situation in Tibet, saying, “ The Chinese government has poisoned the air in Tibet. The basic human rights of us, Tibetans, are being disregarded and trampled upon! The Chinese government continues to oppress and persecute us. The (Chinese) government in Tibet does not serve the Tibetan people at all; that is the actual reality.” Contrary to the Chinese government’s claims of religious freedom in Tibet, the testimony of these monks exposed the reality of systemic efforts to eradicate Tibetan identity and religion.
A reliable Tibetan source of Tibet Times in Tibet said, “ At present, a small ceremony is quietly taking place in Tibet to celebrate His Holiness’s 90th birthday. It is being held in complete secrecy, with the understanding that the Chinese Communist government must remain entirely unaware of it. In the exile Tibetan community, the anniversary is being marked with celebratory events. At the same time, inside Tibet, some are observing it through long-life ritual ceremonies for His Holiness, reciting prayers, fasting, and engaging in various other ritual practices. However, such observances are not widespread. Instead, they take place quietly—among small groups, monasteries, school classes, villages, and other local gatherings.”
Furthermore, across several regions in Tibet, coinciding with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, Tibetans are gathering together to celebrate by organising cultural events, horse races, and showcasing artistic tributes in the form of poetry and songs. These point to a spontaneous mobilisation of people, not commonly seen.
On July 2nd, His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a public statement affirming that the reincarnation (and the institution) of the Dalai Lama will continue. His Holiness stated that the primary responsibility for overseeing the recognition of his reincarnation lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The process will involve consultation with the heads of the various Tibetan Buddhist traditions, as well as with the oath-bound Dharma Protectors (oracles) historically associated with the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. His Holiness emphasised that the recognition of the reincarnation will follow traditional procedures and that no external interference will be permitted.
In response, China issued a statement opposing the announcement that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation will continue. The statement asserted that the Chinese government does not recognise the Dalai Lama’s public remarks on the matter, and that the exclusive authority to approve any reincarnation rests with the Chinese state. It further emphasised that the process must comply with Chinese laws and regulations.
