Dharamshala — A Taiwanese artist presented His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with a calligraphy scroll entitled “Tibetans are burning”, in tribute to the Tibetans who set themselves on fire. They sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. The artist wrote," Most of these people (self-immolators) never had the chance to see His Holiness in their lifetime, but thanks to this book, their names, their wishes, and their vows of self-immolation have arrived here (Dharamshala) in another form."
Tsung Hsun Ho, a Taiwanese calligrapher, veteran activist, and citizen journalist known for using his art as a form of social and political protest. His work often focuses on human rights and social issues, including self-immolations in Tibet as a sign of protest against Chinese rule.
Tsung Hsun Ho and representatives from six non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Taiwan, buddhist lawyer Chen Chi-Ming, environmentalist Wu Li-Huey, social worker Huang Mei-Yu, animal welfare educator Liao Yi-Ling, and radiological technologist and civic activist Lin Yong-Sheng, received an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on November 4, 2025, in Dharamshala, HP, India and presented him with the following works of art: “The Tibetans are burning” and “Tibetan Hero's Fearless Letter.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama carefully examined the artwork, paused for a moment in silence, then said "thank you" in Chinese to him.
After being received in audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the artist Tsung Hsun Ho wrote: "Presenting my work to His Holiness, praying for the 166 Tibetans who self-immolated, and receiving His Holiness's blessings: for me, this is a profound experience, a deep gratitude, and an accomplishment. Most of these people (self-immolators) never had the chance to see His Holiness in their lifetime, but thanks to this book, their names, their wishes, and their vows of self-immolation have arrived here (Dharamshala) in another form."
"At this moment, I feel not that I have accomplished anything, but that I am on a journey—carried by aspiration and embraced by compassion. With profound reverence, I dedicate the merits to all sentient beings, wishing each and every one may attain enlightenment," he added.
They also met with the executive members of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) at the TYC Centrex office in Dharamsala, on November 4, 2025. According to the TYC, the meeting began with a presentation on the Tibetan Youth Congress by TYC Vice President Tashi Targyal, accompanied by TYC Secretary General Tenzin Lobsang.
Tsang Hsun Ho, Founding President of Taiwan Citizen Participation showed the “Tibetans are burning" calligraphy scroll to them, which featured the names of all Tibetan martyrs as a gesture of solidarity and respect. He said, "I am very concerned about the situation of Tibetans who are setting themselves on fire. When I saw the second person set themselves on fire, what really struck me was seeing him engulfed in flames, with black smoke coming out of his mouth. That image had a profound effect on me, and the fact that it happened on my birthday made it an extremely memorable experience."
The TYC Vice President expressed deep gratitude, stating, “We held a prayer session for four of our Tibetan martyrs at the same table where your calligraphy was placed a work representing all Tibetan martyrs. In that moment, we felt the presence of their noble souls among us. With a heavy heart, I thank you for creating this profound moment.”
Tsung Hsun Ho and representatives from six non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Taiwan also met with Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations-CTA, on November 3, 2025 and showed the calligraphy scroll entitled “Tibetans are burning" to the Minister. Tsering Dawa and Gyalo assisted as interpreters during the meeting.
