Library of Congress

Tara Tenzin Chonyi

Tara, Tenzin Chönyi [Tib. rta ra, bstan 'dzin chos nyid] was a monk official who worked in the Dalai Lama's Bureau Office in Beijing from 1952-5. Later, he headed the Nangmagang Office in the Dalai Lama's Secretariat. In this interview, he discusses being sent on an inspection tour of China and his experiences there. He also talks about how they were taught Chinese, Marxism, and Leninism, and emphasizes Phünwang’s lectures which said that the relations between China and Russia will never be damaged. He then describes the "Tribute [Visiting] Group" led by Liushar and how they praised the developments in China. Finally, he recalls how he suggested that the Dalai Lama travel to China and meet the leaders, how it became dangerous for him in Lhasa, and how he believed it was a good thing when the Guomindang was expelled.