Tibetan Legal Association Panel Discussion held at ATWS Dharamshala
By ATWS Staff Editor
ATWS Dharamshala, July 31, 2026: The Tibetan Legal Association (TLA), Dharamshala, convened a half-day panel discussion yesterday morning at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society (ATWS), Dharamshala. ATWS facilitated the event by providing the venue and other logistical support.
Mr. Jampa Phuntsok of the TLA presented an overview of the meeting and introduced the keynote speaker, Ven. Geshey Ngawang Sonam la of the Gaden Phodrang Trust of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In his keynote address, Geshey la spoke on the role of Tibetan advocates in serving the community by understanding the interrelationship between Buddhism, personal life, and the law.
Speaking on the concept of justice from a Buddhist perspective, Geshey la explained how an understanding of Conventional Truth and Ultimate Truth helps cultivate insight into concepts such as emptiness, which can dispel mental afflictions in daily life. He emphasized that awakening one’s discriminative wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong remains a fundamental principle of Buddhist practice.
He further highlighted that adherence to the law is essential for sustaining any community. Drawing an analogy from monastic life, he explained that monks uphold their institutions by faithfully observing the Three Higher Trainings of Buddhism, where ethical discipline forms the foundation of the monastic order.
Reflecting on the qualities of an ideal judge, Geshey la underscored the importance of impartiality, wisdom, sound judgment, and the right intention to deliver fair and honest verdicts. He urged members to faithfully uphold the legal provisions enshrined in the Charter governing cases under the jurisdiction of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, regardless of how the institution compares with the judicial systems of sovereign nations.
He also encouraged members to contribute towards the long-term sustainability of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), which represents the three traditional provinces and four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism under a democratic system established through decades of struggle in exile under the visionary leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Recognizing the pivotal role of the CTA in preserving Tibet’s rich culture and language and recalling His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s devolution of political authority to strengthen democratic governance, Geshey la called upon members of the judiciary to uphold fairness and justice with sincerity, thereby fostering greater public confidence and ownership of the Tibetan administration and its institutions.
In his concluding remarks, he strongly encouraged Tibetan legal professionals to continuously enhance their knowledge and skills in preparation for a future in which Tibetans can govern themselves through self-determination. He also urged them to advance the Tibetan cause through the framework of international law.
Following the keynote address, participants engaged in an interactive panel discussion on legal, social, and institutional issues affecting the Tibetan community. The discussion focused on identifying meaningful areas for collaboration and strengthening legal advocacy in service of the community and also on advancing Tibet cause under the International Law.
Around fifteen members attended the meeting.