Dharamshala: On the occasion of the traditional Tibetan New Year, Losar 2152—the year of the Wood Snake—Sikyong Penpa Tsering extends Losar greetings on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administrations to Tibetans around the world.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s message for Losar:
“Today marks the first day of the Tibetan Year 2152, the Wood Snake Year. At the beginning of this year, I offer prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all the senior Buddhist masters and spiritual leaders. I also extend Losar greetings and best wishes to all Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet.
During the past year, our world has witnessed many human-made and natural disasters. In particular, we learned about the earthquake in Tibet that claimed many Tibetan lives and caused extensive damage to property. Initially, the Chinese government released limited information, but later there was complete silence. To this day, we have no information about the earthquake relief efforts. Therefore, this year’s Losar is not an occasion for extensive celebrations. However, it is important that we continue to observe our traditional customs while being mindful of the circumstances.
Regarding our Tibetan movement over the past year, we have seen slightly increased awareness and support worldwide. As I often say, regardless of the situation, we must work considering the global context and understand how global developments affect cause of Tibet, what challenges we face, and what opportunities arise. Through His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s blessings and the protection of our dharma protectors, along with our sincere and transparent efforts, we can achieve results through collective action. As previously mentioned, last year we achieved a small political victory when both houses of the U.S. Congress passed legislation that was signed into law by the President on 12 July.
There is still much work ahead. Following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s guidance and vision, if we all work together, we will surely reach our destined path and fulfil our aspirations. Tibetans inside Tibet face enormous challenges. We continue to monitor the situation as best as we can from outside. Even in the 21st century, it has become difficult for Tibetan family members and friends to speak freely and trust each other without fear. We know that our identity, language, religion, and way of life are being destroyed, and the environment is being severely damaged.
Those of us in exile are working to raise international awareness and resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict. As I often say, based on the reality of the situation, to resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict non-violently, we must engage in dialogue with the Chinese government – there is no other way. Until such time comes, we must reach out to the international community and seek support. The international community cannot simply take Tibet’s interests and put their own interest aside. We must consider the reality of global political changes. This is a time of significant political transformation in the international arena. Under these changing circumstances, we must identify what opportunities and challenges may arise. If we can seize opportunities at the right time and recognise challenges early to address them now, we hope it will be easier when such situations evolve. This requires both human and financial resources.
Those of us in exile have never lost hope under His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s leadership. Tibetans inside Tibet continue to sacrifice themselves to protect Tibetan identity and fight for freedom. We must continue this effort. Even if we cannot resolve these challenges in our generation, as His Holiness advises, we should “hope for the best but prepare for the worst”. If our struggle for truth and justice must continue for thirty to fifty years, the responsibility falls on the new generation. Therefore, we continue to focus on nurturing the new generation. Most importantly, at this time, given our small population both inside and outside Tibet, we must think about our broader goals and avoid getting caught up in regional, provincial, or sectarian divisions. If we can think more broadly and remain flexible rather than narrow-minded and rigid, it will surely bring new energy to our cause, new confidence in our work, and help achieve our objectives. Once again, on behalf of the 16th Kashag and myself personally, I wish everyone a Happy New Year. Thank you.”
