Writer, singer and television presenter Jamyang Kyi, a vocal advocate of Tibetan women’s rights, was detained from 1 April to 20 May 2008, during which time she was tortured. After her release she wrote an account of her detention entitled “Stages of Torture.” Her writings since May 2008 include moving letters to her friend Norzin Wangmo, who is currently serving a 5-year prison sentence. Visit Jamyang Kyi’s writings page.
Between you and me
don’t say there is no mutual understanding
We were born and grew up,
at the foot of snowy mountain
You and me,
don’t say we are different
Separate as our birth parents may be
We are a pair of kids of the snowy mountains
Between you and me
don’t say a distance has grown
There may be physical distance,
but our hearts remain connected
Between you and me
don’t say there will be no time to reunite
When the sun shines on the top of the mountain
There will be a time to reunite
You and me,
our aspirations are mutual
To aspire to joy, happiness, and wealth
Our aspirations are mutual
Entre toi et moi, ne dis pas que nous ne nous comprenons pas
Nous sommes nés et avons grandi au pied des monts enneigés
Toi et moi, ne dis pas que nous sommes différents
Séparés autant que peuvent l’être nos parents de naissance
Nous sommes deux gamins des montagnes enneigées
Entre toi et moi, ne dis pas qu’une distance s’est créée
Il peut y avoir un éloignement physique, mais nos cœurs continuent de battre à l’unisson
Entre toi et moi, ne dis pas que ne viendra pas le jour où nous serons de nouveau côte à côte
Quand le soleil brillera de nouveau au dessus des montagnes
Viendra alors le temps de nos retrouvailles
Toi et moi, nos aspirations sont mutuelles
Pour recouvrer la joie, le bonheur et la richesse
Nos aspirations sont mutuelles
No digas que entre tú y yo no existe un entendimiento mutuo
Pues hemos nacido y crecido, al pie de las montañas nevadas
Tal vez, nacidos de diferente padre y madre
Pero somos un par de chicos provenientes de las montañas nevadas
No digas que la distancia entre tú y yo se ha hecho más grande
Tal vez existe una distancia física, pero nuestros corazones continúan conectados
Cuando el sol brile en la cima de las montaña
Ya habrá tiempo para reunirnos
Tú y yo, nuestras aspiraciones son mutuas
Nuestra aspiración de dicha, felicidad y bienestar
Nuestras aspiraciones son mutuas
– Copy and paste the embed code below to your website. The size can be adjusted. Or get it directly from youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn6NAjxVHr8
[Update: According to a report in the Tibet Times, Tashi Rabten was sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment by Ngaba intermediate court on 2 June 2011.] A student at the Northwest Nationalities University in Lanzhou, Tashi Rabten was detained on 6 April 2010; he is the editor of a banned literary magazine on the 2008 protests in Tibet and author of ‘Written in Blood’ about which he wrote: “After an especially intense year of the usual soul-destroying events, something had to be said, and after pondering on whether to speak out, I finally produced this humble little book between 2008-09, shed like a drop of blood.”
The following poem, “Ruddy-faced People” was written after the protests of 2008.
Time is running out,
Lake Mapham’s waves remind [us] of our suffering.
Rise up, ruddy faced people!
Ancestor’s war-horse is trotting on the chest of this vast plateau,
ride it along the banks of the Yarlung [1] river
and if we gather on top of the Red Hill [2],
then we can work for our freedom, people of the Land of Snow.
History is filled with stories of bloodshed,
Machen mountain’s splendour reminds [us] of animosity.
Rise up, ruddy faced people!
Truth is searching for the soul of great ancestors,
it runs through the mountains and valleys of Tibet’s three provinces,
and if it enters the heart of black headed Tibetans,
then we can work for our freedom, people of the Land of Snow.
[1] Yarlung: the valley in central Tibet where Tibetan civilization is said to have first begun. Tibet’s first and only dynasty is the Yarlung dynasty.
[2] Red Hill: the hill on which the Potala Palace was built
Yudrug, translated into English as Green or Turquoise Dragon, is the name of a popular Tibetan band from Machu, eastern Tibet. Their most well-known track, ‘New Generation,’ was released in February 2010 as a gift to Tibetans – especially the younger generation – on the Tibetan Lunar New Year. A declaration of Tibetan pride, the song is uniquely Tibetan in spite of its foreign rhythm. The lyrics and the beat draw inspiration from contemporary Hip Hop culture, which originated as a protest tool for disenfranchised youth, especially African-American youth in the United States, to reflect on and critique the social, economic and political realities of their lives. [Profile by Students for a Free Tibet]
…for the hard-headed people out there
Lyrics: “Strong Willed”
Composition: Turquoise Dragon
Vocals: Turquoise Dragon and Blue Moon
The noise of vehicles has woken us
Among the crowded tall buildings
Our dreams and belongings have all been packed
See the polluted sky and know
We can’t afford to wait for tomorrow’s sunrise
Now wake up…
It’s already time to walk on the road
It’s time to walk, time to think
Our bare shoulders wet with sweat
Our long hair tangled by the wind
Our faith and lives are adorned by freedom
Our collective path is determined by individual choice
As much sweat as you shed
That much result shall you reap
So said our great forefathers
But our forefathers are long gone
We don’t have to keep quiet
The owner of karma has left me like a toy
With strength and talent I need to somehow respond
Even the old lady neighbour says I’m spoiled
With power and ability I’ll prove them all!
The new generation has a resource called youth
The new generation has a pride called confidence
The new generation has an appearance called playfulness
The new generation has a temptation called freedom
The new generation has a resource called youth
The new generation has a pride called confidence
The new generation has an appearance called playfulness
The new generation has a temptation called freedom
At one time I thought that love was everything
Then love turned me into nothing
A girl I loved so much
Has given me a very beautiful gift
Now I haven’t lost her
The dream of love has not been lost
Deceit and cunning!
In a society where people are deceived by money, fame and power
Will I ever find a meaningful love?
Will i ever find a definite pledge?
Who among us will?
We are caught up in our thoughts of pain and of mere fashion
We wrote our own darkness and we’re scared of living
We embody the pride of youth and search for future aspirations with full willpower
Search!
Search!
We are the new generation of today
As I achieved what I wanted to achieve
My dreams don’t waiver in the night
As I said what I wanted to say
I didn’t turn into a mute
I did it for me only!
As I achieved what I wanted to achieve
My dreams don’t waiver in the night
As I said what I wanted to say
I didn’t turn into a mute
I did it only to represent myself!
Get used to me!
I am the decadent breath of your uncontrollability
Get used to me!
I am under your limitless uncontrollable watch
Get used to me!
I am the manifestation of today and the substance of tomorrow
I am very light, in your imagination
I am very small, in your vegetable patch
Does your advanced theory wish to blow up my head?
Does your forced bullet wish to shoot through my heart?
I am just an old and damaged vehicle
The horse of time departed early morning
The small flame under your saddle
The blood and bodies frozen in the ice are bound to fade
We are the sharp wisdom that your speeches and lectures haven’t reached
We are the smooth darkness that your flame and power hasn’t absorbed
We are the response with playfulness that makes your heart ache
We are the infection and fright to your livelihood!
The new generation has a resource called youth
The new generation has a pride called confidence
The new generation has an appearance called playfulness
The new generation has a temptation called freedom
The new generation has a resource called youth
The new generation has a pride called confidence
The new generation has an appearance called playfulness
The new generation has a temptation called freedom
Our story has not ended here
It’s just the beginning
We never fall asleep but are awake forever
Get used to dreaming
Get used to unlawful damage and uprisings
Get used to this way of living
Get used to moving forward
Le bruit des véhicules nous a réveillé
Entre les hautes tours surpeuplées
Nos rêves et nos affaires ont été totalement confinés
Regarder ce ciel vicié en sachant
Que nous ne pouvons plus nous permettre d’attendre jusqu’au prochain lever du soleil
Dès maintenant réveillons-nous …
C’est déjà le moment de prendre la route
C’est le moment de marcher, le temps de penser
Nos épaules nues perlant de sueur
Nos longs cheveux emmêlés par le vent
Notre foi et nos existences ne peuvent être sans liberté
Notre chemin collectif résulte des choix de chacun de nous
C’est de la sueur que vous versez
Que dépend ce que vous récoltez
Ainsi parlaient nos grands ancêtres
Mais nos ancêtres s’en sont allés depuis longtemps
Nous n’avons pas à nous taire
Le maître du karma a fait de moi un pantin
En puisant dans mes forces et talents je me dois de réagir
Même la vieille dame d’à côté me dit que j’ai été pourri
Avec de l’énergie et des capacités je vais leur prouver à tous!
La nouvelle génération a pour force sa jeunesse
La nouvelle génération a pour orgueil sa confiance en elle
La nouvelle génération donne un semblant de joie de vivre
La nouvelle génération est sujette à la tentation nommée Liberté
La nouvelle génération a pour force sa jeunesse
La nouvelle génération a pour orgueil sa confiance en elle
La nouvelle génération donne un semblant de joie de vivre
La nouvelle génération est sujette à la tentation nommée Liberté
A un moment j’ai cru que l’amour c’était tout
Mais l’amour ne m’a mené à rien
Une fille que j’aimais tant
M’a offert un très beau cadeau
Aujourd’hui je ne l’ai pas perdu
Le rêve de l’amour ne s’est pas évanoui
Duperie et ruse!
Dans cette société où les gens sont dupés par l’argent, la gloire et le pouvoir
Pourrai-je jamais trouver l’amour véritable ?
Pourrai-je jamais m’engager de manière ferme ?
Qui d’entre nous le pourra ?
Nous passons notre temps à ressasser nos peines et à des choses superficielles
Nous avons créé nos propres ténèbres et la vie nous fait peur
Nous incarnons la fierté d’une jeunesse toute occupée à la recherche de ses futures aspirations
Cherchons!
Cherchons!
Nous sommes la nouvelle génération d’aujourd’hui
Comme j’ai pu mener à bien ce que je voulais réaliser
Mes rêves ne me perturbent plus la nuit
Comme j’ai dit ce que je voulais dire
Je ne suis pas devenu muet
Je l’ai fait pour moi seul!
Comme j’ai pu mener à bien ce que je voulais réaliser
Mes rêves ne me perturbent plus la nuit
Comme j’ai dit ce que je voulais dire
Je ne suis pas devenu muet
Je ne l’ai fait que pour me mettre en valeur!
Habituez-vous à moi!
Je suis le souffle décadent de votre incontrôlabilité
Habituez-vous à moi!
Je suis sous votre surveillance sans contrôle ni limite
Habituez-vous à moi!
Je représente l’esprit d’aujourd’hui et la matière de demain
Je suis très léger, dans votre imagination
Je suis très petit, dans votre carré de légumes
Votre théorie avancée souhaite-t’elle me faire exploser la tête?
Votre balle de son canon rayé veut-elle me perforer le cœur?
Je ne suis qu’une vieille carcasse endommagée
Le cheval du temps s’est élancé tôt ce matin
La petite flamme sous votre selle
Le sang et les corps gelés dans la glace sont voués à s’estomper
Nous sommes l’incisive sagesse que vos discours et conférences n’ont jamais égalée
Nous sommes la douce obscurité que votre flamme et votre pouvoir n’ont pas encore engloutie
Nous sommes la riposte enjouée qui vous brise le cœur
Nous sommes l’épidémie et la terreur de votre vie!
La nouvelle génération a pour force sa jeunesse
La nouvelle génération a pour orgueil sa confiance en elle
La nouvelle génération donne un semblant de joie de vivre
La nouvelle génération est sujette à la tentation nommée Liberté
La nouvelle génération a pour force sa jeunesse
La nouvelle génération a pour orgueil sa confiance en elle
La nouvelle génération donne un semblant de joie de vivre
La nouvelle génération est sujette à la tentation nommée Liberté
Notre histoire n’a pas pris fin à ce stade
Nous n’en sommes qu’au début
Jamais nous ne tomberons de sommeil. Nous resterons éveillés à jamais
Habituez-vous à rêver
Habituez-vous aux soulèvements hors la loi et aux ravages
Habituez-vous à ce nouveau mode de vie
Habituez-vous à aller de l’avant
A l’attention de notre bien-aimée et fière nouvelle génération
El ruído de los camiones nos ha despertado
Entre las multitudes y los altos edificioes
Nuestros sueños y pertenencias han sido empacados
Vean el cielo contaminado y sepan que
no podemos desperdiciar el tiempo esperando a que mañana amanezca
Es hora de despertar ahora…
Es hora de emprender el camino
Es hora de caminar, de pensar
Nuestros hombros se llenan de sudor
Nuestro pelo largo enredado por el soplar del viento
Nuestra fé y nuestras vidas, adornadas con libertad
nuestro camino en común está determinado por nuestras decisiones individuales
Tanto como siembras
será lo que coseches
Ustedes hablan de nuestos ancestros
pero ellos ya se han ido
Ya no tenemos que quedarnos acallados
El dueño de su karma me ha dejado atrás como un juguete viejo
Con fortaleza y con talento, tengo que responder
Incluso hasta la anciana del vecindario dice que estoy muy consetido
¡Con poder y habilidad, se los demostraré a todos!
La nueva generación es un recurso llamado juventud
la nueva generación tiene un orgullo que se mantiene con confianza
la nueva generación aparenta ser inocente y juguetona
La nueva generación ha sido tentada por algo llamado libertad
La nueva generación es un recurso llamado juventud
la nueva generación tiene un orgullo que se mantiene con confianza
la nueva generación aparenta ser inocente y juguetona
La nueva generación ha sido tentada por algo llamado libertad
Alguna vez pensé que el amor lo era todo
y después el amor me convirtió en nada
Una mujer que yo amaba tanto
Me ha dado un hermoso regalo
y ahor ala he perdido
Pero el sueño del amor no se ha perdido
¡Engaño y astucia!
En una sociedad donde la gente ha sido engañada por lo material, por la fama y el poder
¿Alguna vez encontraré un amor verdadero?
¿Alguna vez encontraré un verdadero compromiso?
¿quién entre nosotros lo encontrará?
Estamos atrapados en nuestro pensamientos de dolor y de pura moda
Hemos creado nuestra propia oscuridad y ahora tenemos miedo de vivir
Representamos el orgullo de la juventud y estamos en busca de futuras aspiraciones con una firme voluntad
¡Busca!
¡Busca!
Esta es la generación de hoy
He logrado lo que me he propuesto
Mis sueños ya no deambulan por la noche
He dicho lo que he deseado
Nunca enmudecí
¡Lo hice sólo para representarme a mi mismo!
He logrado lo que me he propuesto
Mis sueños ya no deambulan por la noche
He dicho lo que he deseado
Nunca enmudecí
¡Lo hice sólo para representarme a mi mismo!
Acostúmbrense a mi presencia
Yo soy el aire decadente de su descontrol
Acostúmbrense a mi presencia
Estoy fuera de los límites de su control
Acostúmbrense a mi presencia
Soy la manifestación del hoy y la sustancia del mañana
Soy ligero, en su imaginación
Soy muy pequeño, en jardín personal
¿Acaso desea tu teoría del desarrollo volarme la cabeza?
¿acaso desea tu bala atravesarme el corazón?
Soy tan solo un vehículo dañado
Un caballo que alguna vez partió por la mañana
La pequeña llama bajo tu asiento
La sangre y los cuerpos enterrados en el hielo alguna vez han de desaparecer
Somos la sabiduría que sus discursos y cursos educativos no han sido capaces de alcanzar
Somos la suave oscuridad que su flama de poder no ha podido absorber
Somos la respuesta espontánea y juguetoda que les provoca un paro cardiaco
¡Somos la epidemia y la mayor amenaza de su estilo de vida!
La nueva generación es un recurso llamado juventud
la nueva generación tiene un orgullo que se mantiene con confianza
la nueva generación aparenta ser inocente y juguetona
La nueva generación ha sido tentada por algo llamado libertad
La nueva generación es un recurso llamado juventud
la nueva generación tiene un orgullo que se mantiene con confianza
la nueva generación aparenta ser inocente y juguetona
La nueva generación ha sido tentada por algo llamado libertad
Nuestra historia no termina aquí
Este es solo el principio
Nunca dormimos, y estaremos despiertos por siempre
Acostúmbrense a soñar
Acostúmbrense al daño ilegal y a las protestas
Acostúmbrense a ésta forma de vida
Acostúmbrense a seguir adelante
Dedicada a nuestra amada y orgullosa nueva generación.
Tragyal (pen name Shogdung) is a Tibetan writer and intellectual, who is believed to be on bail, awaiting trial. He was detained on 23 April 2010 but released on 14 October 2010 and allowed to return home, apparently with his trial still pending. He is the author of the book, “The Line between Sky and Earth” (gnam sa go ‘byed གནམ་ས་གོ་དབྱེད།), published illegally in March 2009. The work has been described by journalist Andrew Jacobs as “a poetic and painstakingly crafted indictment of Chinese rule”, which includes a call for Tibetan bureaucrats and intelligentsia to stop cooperating with Beijing and wage a campaign of civil disobedience. The International Campaign for Tibet reports that Tragyal has been described by sources as achieving the status of a “hero” among Tibetans and his book is selling widely underground. Describing the risks he was taking in publishing “The Line Between Sky and Earth”, Tragyal writes: “I have written of four fears, the fear of contemplating the cruelty of the régime, fear of the danger of government and individuals falling into extreme nationalism, fear for one’s own life and wellbeing, and fear for the future, and at this point, I have one more fear. I am naturally terrified at the thought that once this essay has been made public, I will eventually have to endure the hot hells and cold hells on earth. I may ‘lose my head because of my mouth,’ but this is the path I have chosen, so the responsibility is mine.”
During Tragyal’s detention he was understood to have been held in Xining No. 1 Detention Center. The news of his release was provided by his lawyer, Li Fangping.
Concluding paragraph from Shogdung’s book, “The Line between Sky and Earth”:
Nowadays, fighting for universally recognised freedoms is an accepted fact in this world. The Tibet issue seems to be widely recognised in the world as well. What has happened in Tibet – it doesn’t matter what title you give it; the Tibet issue, Tibet’s struggle, or the Lhasa incident – is a situation where the dictators are trying to cover up grievances with propaganda messages describing superbly happy Tibetans and a stable Tibet. But it is far from the truth. The truth is, as everyone knows, is that there is a Tibet issue and it is grave. For Tibet to not become a new scene of bloodshed, the world’s political leaders must stand firm in recognizing the urgency of the Tibet issue. Considering the Tibet issue holistically – its history, situation and practicalities – one sees that this issue can be resolved through dialogue. There is no doubt that there is a consensus amongst Tibetans for a resolution. The Tibet issue must be resolved.
[subtitled video with permission from High Peaks Pure Earth]
Tashi Dhondup
Tashi Dhondup
Tashi Dhondup was raised in a nomad family in Sarlang town, (Ch: Qinghai province). 30-year-old Tashi Dhondup became famous amongst Tibetans for his song “1958-2008,” which compares the March 2008 uprising with the resistance movement against China’s invasion in eastern Tibet in 1958. The song also caught the attention of the Chinese authorities who detained Tashi Dhondup in September 2008, accusing him of composing counter-revolutionary songs. He was severely beaten by Chinese police before being released. Undeterred, Tashi Dhondup released his album “Torture Without Trace” in December 2009 and was once again detained on subversion charges. He was sentenced in January 2010 to 15 months of ‘re-education through labor’ and is currently serving his sentence in Qinghai Province. [Profile by Students for a Free Tibet]
When I think about it I am unfortunate
I am unable to meet the Precious Jewel
Even though I wish, I have no freedom
If I think about this I am unfortunate
When I think about it I am unfortunate
I am unable to wave the Snow Lion Flag
Even though I wish, I have no freedom
If I think about this I am unfortunate
When I think about it I am unfortunate
I am unable to sing a song about loyalty
Even though I wish, I have no freedom
If I think about this I am unfortunate X2
Quand cette pensée me vient, le chagrin m’envahit
Impossible pour moi de rencontrer le Précieux joyau
Même si j’en rêve, je reste privé de liberté
Si cette pensée me vient, le chagrin m’envahit
Quand cette pensée me vient, le chagrin m’envahit
Impossible pour moi de brandir le drapeau aux Lions des neiges
Même si j’en rêve, je reste privé de liberté
Si cette pensée me vient, le chagrin m’envahit
Quand cette pensée me vient, le chagrin m’envahit
Impossible pour moi de chanter un texte sur la loyauté
Même si j’en rêve, je reste privé de liberté
Si cette pensée me vient, le chagrin m’envahit (x2)
Cuando pienso así, me siento desafortunado
Y no puedo ver la triple joya
Aunque lo deseara, no tengo libertad
pienso en ésto y me siento desafortunado.
Cuando pienso en esto, me siento desafortunado
No me es posible hondear la bandera del León de Las Nieves
Aunque lo deseara, no tengo libertad
Y si pienso en ésto, me siento desafortunado
Cuando pienso en ésto, me siento desafortunado
No me es posible cantar una canción acerca de la lealtad
Aunque lo deseara, no tengo la libertad
Y si pienso en ésto, me siento desafortunado
Writer, singer and television presenter Jamyang Kyi, a vocal advocate of Tibetan women’s rights, was detained from 1 April to 20 May 2008, during which time she was tortured. After her release she wrote an account of her detention entitled “Stages of Torture.” Her writings since May 2008 include moving letters to her friend Norzin Wangmo, who is currently serving a 5-year prison sentence. Visit Jamyang Kyi’s writings page.
