Conversations about Tibet with engaging thinkers, leaders, activists and artists
Conversations about Tibet with engaging thinkers, leaders, activists and artists
A CONVERSATION WITH AMBASSADOR NIRUPAMA RAO
Thursday, May 26, 2022
12 noon EDT / 9 am PDT
More details to come.
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Tibet Talks will stream on Facebook Live and on this webpage. The talk will also be released as a podcast, available on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Learn more at savetibet.org/pod/.
PAST TALKS
ICT is proud to present Tibet Talks, a series of live conversations about Tibet with engaging thinkers, leaders, activists and artists. If you can’t watch our Tibet Talks, you can hear them on our podcast. Listen to the latest episode here or learn more at www.savetibet.org/pod »
ICT is proud to present Tibet Talks, a series of live conversations about Tibet with engaging thinkers, leaders, activists and artists. If you can’t watch our Tibet Talks, you can hear them on our podcast. Listen to the latest episode here or learn more at www.https://savetibet.org/pod »
VIDEO ARCHIVE
March 17, 2022
MIISSION: JOY
On Dec. 26, the world lost Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an iconic leader of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and a beloved friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In a moving documentary that debuted last year called, “Mission: Joy — Finding Happiness in Troubled Times,” the two spiritual brothers and Nobel Peace laureates chat, laugh and even dance together.
In this Tibet Talk, we speak to Geshe Thupten Jinpa, a Buddhist scholar and the primary English translator for His Holiness, who is one of the principal interviewees in the film. Join us for this conversation on the making of “Mission: Joy” and the continuing mission to spread joy.
Learn more about “Mission: Joy,” including how to watch the film, at www.missionjoy.org.
February 17, 2022
THE SEED OF COMPASSION
Planting a seed for a more compassionate world with a sense of the oneness of humanity—this is the message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which he shares in his first children’s book, “The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
In this Tibet Talk, we speak to Namrata Tripathi, editor of “The Seed of Compassion,” about how the book came to be and the beautiful lessons it offers for children. We also talk with Professor Lobsang Negi, who has been spearheading work at Emory University to bring compassion into the education system through the SEE (Social, Emotional and Ethical) Learning program, based on the Dalai Lama’s vision. We hear how both our guests interacted with His Holiness to shape their projects, and we learn how all of us can plant a seed of compassion for a better world.
Purchase “The Seed of Compassion” from our ICT store at: www.savetibetstore.org
January 21, 2022
THE OLYMPICS AND TIBET
Enes Kanter Freedom is an NBA player and activist who sent shock waves through the sports world when he spoke out against China’s brutalization of the Tibetan people. Dhondup Wangchen is a Tibetan filmmaker who endured years of imprisonment and torture after he made a documentary about China’s repression in Tibet leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. And Wangpo Tethong is the executive director of ICT-Europe who unfurled a pro-Tibet banner in China’s Tiananmen Square in 2006, right next to the Olympic countdown clock.
With the Olympics about to return to China for the 2022 Winter Games—which begin Feb. 4 in Beijing—these three experts on sports and human rights join us to discuss what the Olympics mean for Tibet, and what the international community should do about it. Enes also reveals how the Dalai Lama inspires him to become a better person—and how much he loves Tibetan “momos.”
Learn more about Enes Kanter Freedom’s support for Tibet: www.savetibet.org/chinas-nba-enes-kanter-response-raises-olympics-concerns
Watch #MyOlympicOath from Dhondup Wangchen: www.myolympicoath.org
Watch “Leaving Fear Behind,” the documentary Dhondup Wangchen made about repression in Tibet before Beijing 2008: vimeo.com/50220285
Read how China’s oppression in Tibet has escalated since the last Beijing Olympics: www.savetibet.org/olympics2022
December 9, 2021
RIMA FUJITA
Rima Fujita is a fine artist and a descendant of Japan’s last samurai whose creative aesthetic was strongly influenced by both Bushido and Buddhism. Her work has been exhibited internationally to wide acclaim, but Rima’s life passion also lies in her philanthropic efforts. In 2001, she established Books for Children, an organization that creates children’s books and donates them to Tibetan refugees. Rima has created six picture books, two of them in collaboration with Tibetan communities in exile.
In this episode of Tibet Talks, Rima speaks with us about her latest book, “The Extraordinary Life of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, An Illuminated Journey.” We also discuss her work focused on the Tibetan environment, identity and cultural awareness.
Buy Rima’s new book at www.savetibetstore.org.
November 18, 2021
DECODING THE CCP
Have you come across the terms “common prosperity,” “ecological civilization” or “picking quarrels and stirring up trouble?” Tibetans in Tibet have been bombarded with such slogans every day of their lives over more than 60 years of Beijing’s rule in Tibet. However, China’s slogans are new to the global community. Many find them intriguing; some dismiss them as mere propaganda. We think it’s time to audit the slogans.
In this Tibet Talk, we invite Australia-based veteran Tibet observer Gabriel Lafitte and researcher and translator Tsering Dorje to discuss the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy’s latest publication, “Decoding CCP,” a glossary and analysis of slogans from the Communist Party of China. In this conversation, Gabriel and Tsering provide an overview of sloganeering in China and its effects on Tibetans and the global community at large. This discussion is cohosted by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy.
Decode the CCP’s slogans at www.decodingccp.org.
November 4, 2021
“THIS FRAGILE PLANET” WITH MICHAEL BUCKLEY
As daunting as the climate challenge is, it’s important to know what we’re trying to conserve—and it’s vital to find the inspiration to do so. In this episode of Tibet Talks, we have the perfect guest to help with that. Michael Buckley is the editor of the new book, “This Fragile Planet,” a collection of 80 inspiring quotes about the environment from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, matched with 120 eye-catching photos and visuals from a dozen professional photographers.
In this conversation, Michael, who’s been researching and writing about Tibet for over 35 years, speaks to Franz Matzner, our director of government relations and a veteran of environmental advocacy. You’ll learn about the climate crisis in Tibet, how the Chinese government uses its control of Tibet’s rivers to threaten neighboring countries, and what the Dalai Lama and Tibetan culture can teach us about environmental sustainability.
Purchase Michael’s books, “This Fragile Planet” and “The Snow Leopard’s New Friend” at www.savetibetstore.org. While you’re there, pick up ICT’s 2022 calendar: “Rivers of Tibet: Life Waters of Asia.”
October 14, 2021
THE IMPACT AND PASSAGE OF THE 1991 TIBET IMMIGRATION BILL
In 1991, the US Congress passed the Tibetan Immigration Act of 1990, which provided 1,000 immigrant visas for natives of Tibet in India or Nepal. As a result of this one act, we now have thriving Tibetan American communities in more than 27 states across the country. They are established as part of the fabric of American society, contributing to its wellbeing, but also knowing well the plight of their homeland and carrying the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in their daily lives.
In this Tibet Talk, you’ll learn more about the passage and impact of this legislation with Tenzin Tethong, our founding president, Rinchen Dharlo, the Dalai Lama’s representative at the time, and Ngawang Dolkar and Tenzin Jigme, whose family members were part of the original 1,000 Tibetans who came to the US through this program.
September 23, 2021
TOWN HALL WITH ICT LEADERS
Join us for this special ask-me-anything edition of Tibet Talks! Three of our leaders—Bhuchung K. Tsering, interim president of ICT, Kai Mueller, executive director of ICT Germany, and Vincent Metten, ICT’s EU policy director—kick off the show with updates from their offices. Then they answer questions from ICT members and Tibet supporters across the globe. (This was truly a multinational event, as Bhuchung spoke live from Washington, DC; Kai was in Berlin; and Vincent was in Brussels.)
Throughout the conversation, you can hear these ICT leaders discuss the situation in Tibet, the work of ICT and the plans of the organization.
August 19, 2021
SERA MONASTERY: A CONVERSATION WITH AUTHORS PENPA DORJE AND PROF. JOSE CABEZON
Penpa Dorje and Jose Cabezon are the authors of Sera Monastery, a definitive history of one of Tibet’s greatest monastic universities, located just north of the Tibetan capital, Lhasa. Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery was one of three great seats of learning in the Geluk tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, at one time holding more than 9,000 monks from across the Tibetan Buddhist world. Along the way, Sera also played an important role in Tibetan religion, culture, and politics. Today, Sera monastery under Chinese rule has just a few hundred monks, but the exile branch of Sera in India is flourishing amid all of the changes of the 21st century.
In this conversation with ICT, Dorje and Cabezon, former Sera monks themselves, will speak about their book and share perspectives on the historical, political, economic, and diplomatic aspects of this important religious institution.
July 22, 2021
MICHAEL VAN WALT VAN PRAAG AND ELLEN BORK
The new book Tibet Brief 20/20 by Michael van Walt van Praag & Miek Boltjes is a call to action for governments to rethink their stance on Tibet. Based on 10 years of collaborative research, analysis and engagement with scholars of Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan and Manchu historical sources, this book presents an in depth examination of Tibet’s historical relations with the dominant empires in the region. This continues to be an issue of relevance to this day as the PRC continues to base its entitlement to Tibet solely on allegation that Tibet is an integral part of China since antiquity.
In this conversation with ICT, Author Michael van Walt van Praag, will be joined by Asia expert and ICT Board member Ellen Bork, to discuss the implications, findings and what it means for policy makers, civil society advocates and Asia specialists.
June 17, 2021
THE AMBASSADOR’S DOG
Scott DeLisi spent 35 years as an American diplomat, including US Ambassador to Eritrea, Uganda and Nepal. He says Nepal touched his heart more than any other assignment. It’s also where he had a serendipitous meeting with a small blue-eyed Tibetan mastiff puppy in the ancient region of Lo-Monthang on Nepal’s border with Tibet.
DeLisi then collaborated with ICT member and award-winning American artist Jane Lillian Vance to create a beautiful illustrated book called “The Ambassador’s Dog.” In this conversation with ICT, they will discuss Tibet, Nepal and the heartwarming story behind “The Ambassador’s Dog.”
May 20, 2021
TENZIN GEYCHE TETHONG
Blessed by the Dalai Lama himself, Tenzin Geyche Tethong’s new biography of His Holiness features previously unpublished photos and unparalleled insights into the Dalai Lama’s leadership, compassion and gentle humor. Born in 1943 in Lhasa, Tethong first joined the Tibetan administrative service in the early 1960s and served in the Private Office of the Dalai Lama until 2007.
In this discussion, Tethong tells us about his book, “His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama: An Illustrated Biography,” and his 40 years as a close aide to the Dalai Lama.
April 29, 2021
TIBETAN ELECTIONS 2021
Tibetans in exile have a borderless democratic governance system. Tibetans in exile living in over 30 countries go to the polls every five years to elect the sikyong, their political leader, and the 45 members of their parliament in exile. They have a two-stage election system, the primary one to determine candidates, followed by the main elections. This year, the primary elections took place on Jan. 3, 2021 and final elections on April 11, 2021.
In this two-part conversation, you will hear about this Tibetan democratic experience from Thomas Mann, former German Member of the European parliament and leader of the 2016 Tibetan Election Observation Mission that ICT was involved with; and Tsering Norzom Thonsur, former member of Tibetan Parliament in exile, in conversation with Tencho Gyatso.
March 11, 2021
REMEMBERING THE 1959 TIBETAN UPRISING
On March 10, 1959, thousands of Tibetans took to the streets of their capital city, Lhasa. Although their uprising was eventually crushed—with the Chinese government killing thousands of Tibetans in the process—they succeeded in keeping their struggle alive, including by helping their leader, the Dalai Lama, escape to safety in neighboring India.
In this episode of Tibet Talks, we honor the 62nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising with a trio of great guests: Tseten Wangchuk, a Tibetan journalist and Sino-Tibetan commentator in Washington, DC; Li Jianglin, an independent scholar and writer who specializes in post-1950 Tibetan history; and Tsewang Rigzin, a fellow at the Columbia Population Research Center and a social policy and policy analysis doctoral candidate at Columbia University.
December 10, 2020
GESHE THUPTEN JINPA
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Dec. 10, 1989 as “A Buddhist Advocate for Peace and Freedom.” The Nobel Committee emphasized that he “based his Buddhist peace philosophy on reverence for all living things and the idea of a universal responsibility that embraces both man and nature.”
On Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, ICT will host a special conversation with Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Buddhist scholar and principal English translator to the Dalai Lama. We’ll take a journey to hear his recollections of that glorious day in Oslo, Norway and learn about the Dalai Lama’s main commitments, teachings, philosophy, inspiration, and how he has shaped a message of peace and compassion to benefit not only Tibet but the entire world.
November 19, 2020
ASST. SECRETARY ROBERT A. DESTRO FEATURING TIBETAN-AMERICAN YOUTH
Assistant Secretary Robert A. Destro was appointed the new special coordinator for Tibetan issues in the US State Department on Oct. 14, 2020.
In this conversation, Destro joins ICT to speak directly to Tibetan American youth. Three alumni of ICT’s Tibetan Youth Leadership Program take part in the discussion, along with several other young Tibetans.
Afterward, Aftab Pureval, clerk of the courts for Hamilton County, Ohio, and Dawa Lokyitsang, a PhD student at the University of Colorado, Boulder, speak on a panel about pathways to success for Tibetan American youth.
October 22, 2020
SHARON SALZBERG
A first encounter with Buddhism as a college student in 1969 sparked an interest that took Sharon Salzberg on a journey to India for intensive study of meditation. Returning to the United States five years later, she began to teach. In 1976, she co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and 13 years later, she co-founded the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.
Sharon offers a variety of teachings around the globe and is the author of 11 books, including “Lovingkindness,” a New York Times bestseller. A longtime ICT member and friend of Tibet, Sharon taught a regular monthly meditation class at ICT’s office in Washington, DC for many years. In this conversation, she discussed her latest book, “Real Change,” on how to embody fundamental principles of mindfulness practice toward creating social change and a better world for all.
October 8, 2020
DR. STEPHAN RECHTSCHAFFEN
In 1973, Stephan Rechtschaffen was finishing medical school when he traveled to northern India and provided care to Tibetan refugees, especially many elderly monks. He recalls feeling the intense hardships of their escape across the Himalayas —but also being struck by their extraordinary stillness, presence and deep reverence.
Almost 50 years later, Rechtschaffen is a dedicated practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, nationally recognized holistic doctor and original founder of the Omega Institute and of Blue Spirit in Costa Rica. He’s also been a member of ICT for more than two decades, and in this conversation, he shares why he wishes other people knew more about Tibet and explain why “Taking care of Tibet is taking care of the whole body of humanity.”
October 1, 2020
ADRIAN ZENZ
Scholar Adrian Zenz published a groundbreaking study revealing a mass coerced labor program that enlisted more than half a million rural Tibetans in just seven months. Since then, several major newspapers have written about his findings, parliamentarians across the globe have demanded urgent action—and the Chinese government has denounced him.
In this special episode of Tibet Talks, Zenz talks to ICT about his new report, “Xinjiang’s System of Militarized Vocational Training Comes to Tibet,” and describe how the Chinese government is trying to eliminate Tibet’s unique and ancient culture.
September 24, 2020
CONGRESSMAN ANDY LEVIN
Congressman Andy Levin, elected in 2018 to represent Michigan’s 9th District, may be a new member of Congress, but he is not new to Tibet. He holds a BA in Religion from Williams College and a master’s degree in Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Michigan. He studied at the Central Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, India in 1981-82, where he first met His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He traveled to Tibet (the regions of Kham and Amdo) in 1989 and soon after interviewed His Holiness, resulting in newspaper and magazine articles when His Holiness won the Nobel Peace Prize that year. His experiences in India, Tibet and China are one of the reasons Levin sought a seat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Asia subcommittee.
September 10, 2020
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN
During three decades in Congress, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was an outspoken supporter of Tibet and helped lead the effort to award the Dalai Lama the Congressional Gold Medal. In this discussion for ICT’s Tibet 2020 campaign, Ros-Lehtinen who was the first Cuban American woman elected to Congress, will explain how the advocacy of ordinary Americans and of the Tibetan American community can help the Tibetan people – and can do so again this election year.
August 13, 2020
BARBARA DEMICK
Author of “Eat the Buddha: Life and Death in a Tibetan Town”
Barbara Demick’s new book puts the spotlight back on the issue of Tibet. The New York Times describes her book as “a brilliantly reported and eye-opening work of narrative nonfiction.” Spanning decades of history, “Eat the Buddha: Life and Death in a Tibetan Town” tells the story of Ngaba, now tragically known for having the highest number of Tibetan self-immolations. By focusing on the lives of several Tibetans from the region, Demick illuminates the nature of the Tibetan-Chinese relationship, and what it’s like to be Tibetan in the 21st century.
August 6, 2020
MR. GREG CRAIG
On August 6 ICT hosted its second conversation aimed at raising awareness about Tibet for the American public as part of its Tibet 2020 campaign. Mr. Gregory Craig, Former Director of Policy Planning and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues (1997-1998) was joined for a conversation by ICT President Matteo Mecacci.
Mr. Craig, who served as White House Counsel under President Obama and the State Department’s Policy Planning Director in the Clinton Administration, was the first US official appointed to the position of Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Craig helped make Tibet a priority at the highest level of the US government for the first time and on the world stage.
July 30, 2020
AMBASSADOR PAULA DOBRIANSKY
On July 30th ICT hosted a special episode of Tibet Talks with Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, in conversation with ICT President Matteo Mecacci.
Their conversation focused on why American support for Tibet continues to be crucial in the context of worsening US-China relations and the upcoming US presidential election.
July 16, 2020
A CONVERSATION ON TIBET, CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMBING
The Tibetan Plateau is the tallest and largest plateau on Earth, as well as perhaps its most beautiful. Exploring and preserving it are passions for Conrad Anker, a master alpinist, climber and Rowell Fund for Tibet board member.
In this hour-long conversation, Anker will describe his love for Tibet’s natural wonders and its people with ICT Board Member John Ackerly.
July 6, 2020
CELEBRATE THE DALAI LAMA’S 85TH BIRTHDAY
ICT’s founding President Tenzin Tethong, who served as the Dalai Lama’s representative to North America from 1973-86 and special representative in Washington, DC from 1987-90, will describe the Dalai Lama’s first trips to the US.
Eight ICT members will also share stories of how the Dalai Lama changed their lives.
June 30, 2020
ICT CHAIRMAN RICHARD GERE TESTIFIES IN THE US SENATE
Gere testified about Chinese censorship at a Senate subcommittee hearing on June 30, 2020. Afterward, ICT President Matteo Mecacci discussed Gere’s testimony live with ICT members.
June 25, 2020
DR. ELENI TOUSIMIS
Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
What being the Dalai Lama’s doctor on call taught me about peace, passion and purpose
June 18, 2020
ELIOT PATTISON
Edgar Award-winning author
The “Inspector Shan” mystery series and why I write about Tibet
June 11, 2020
SOPHIE RICHARDSON
China Director, Human Rights Watch
The importance and challenges of researching in Tibet for one of the leading global human rights organizations
June 3, 2020
AMBASSADOR SAM BROWNBACK
United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
CONGRESSMAN JIM McGOVERN
Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ICT was unable to organize our annual Tibetan Youth Leadership Program in Washington, DC. In lieu of this, we hosted this live online conversation with US leaders and Tibetan American youth leaders.
May 28, 2020
DR. RICK HANSON
Psychologist and Author of “Buddha’s Brain”
Gratitude makes you strong – How Tibet has inspired me
May 21, 2020
PROFESSOR LOBSANG TENZIN NEGI
Executive Director, Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, Professor of Pedagogy, Dept. of Religion, Emory University
Reflecting the Dalai Lama’s vision to bring compassion into the education system through SEE Learning™ (Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning)
May 14, 2020
MATTEO MECACCI AND BHUCHUNG K. TSERING
ICT President and Vice President
The Tibetan Policy and Support Act and how to keep Tibet high on Congress’ agenda
May 7, 2020
PROF. TENZIN DORJEE
US Commission on International Religious Freedom
Why Tibetan religious freedom matters and my role on USCIRF
