Homage to the Tibetan Martyrs

Tokyo: [October, 10 Monday] Tibetans and Japanese gathered in multitude today at Joenji, a Japanese Buddhist Temple at Shinjuku, Tokyo, to remember and to offer prayers for the Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom and justice in Tibet. Liaison office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia in Tokyo organized the sacred event.

Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of the Office briefed the critical situation continuing in Tibet, especially in the Ngaba region of Amdo province. He said that suicide is a rare happening in Tibet, particularly by the monks. "Fact that the monks are driven to commit suicide by self immolation to knock the door of justice implies the gravity of situation, and the extent of Chinese oppression in Tibet. These acts of martyrdoms in desperation are the result of fifty years of the Chinese authoritarian rule in Tibet. From this we can very well understand what the Chinese rule had been in Tibet for all these years." He said.


People paid respect and homage at the altar where the names and the photos of the seven young monks who committed self-immolation since this March was placed adorned with traditional Tibetan white scarves and offerings of butter lamps. Tibetan national flags were hoisted at the two sides of the altar to indicate national honor the brave martyrs.

Tibetans and Japanese together recited 'Sherab nyingpo, Dolma and Guru supplication prayers', this was followed by Japanese version of Heart Sutra, Hangyashingyo. Rev. Kobayashi, Representative of Japanese Monks Federation for Tibet, led the Japanese prayer. Some Japanese were seen shedding tears while reciting the prayers.

Notable participants were University professors and young students. Some of them expressed exasperation over how Chinese security personals beat and mishandled the fire-engulfed monks without any compunction. A young Japanese woman while talking with her friends expressed surprise over how China, a self-proclaiming world power, could commit such bestial acts against innocent Tibetans while celebrating the centenary of republic day with great pomp and show. "If the Chinese people could boast of revolution hundred years ago, the Chinese as well as Tibetans have the same right to call for revolution now." was the unanimous voice at the gathering.

Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko thanked the participants for their support at the conclusion of prayer session and informed the gathering about the recent clarification statement issued by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the reincarnation issue, and the devolution of temporal authority of HIs Holiness to the elected Tibetan leader through popular mandate.