Seeking Book Donations

The New Orleans Public Library
(New Orleans LA)

The New Orleans Public Library is asking for any and all hardcover and paperback books for people of all ages in an effort to restock the shelves after Katrina. The staff will assess which titles will be designated for its collections. The rest will be distributed to destitute families or sold for library fundraising. Please send your books to:

Rica A. Trigs, Public Relations
New Orleans Public Library
219 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112

If you tell the post office that they are for the library in New Orleans, they will give you the library rate which is slightly less than the book rate.

I know this one isn't Buddhist but helping is a Boddhisattva practice, so please
open your hearts and GIVE generously.

Reappearance of Nepalese Buddha Boy

BBC, March 20, 2006

Bara, Nepal -- The missing Nepalese teenager, Ram Bomjan, 16, also
known as "Buddha Boy" reappeared briefly on Sunday. At that
is the rumor.

Bed Bahadur Lama, reported that he and his colleagues had met
Bomjan south-west of his meditation site on Sunday.

According to the Lama he had spoken with the boy who said,
"He would reappear after six years. He has asked monks to
perform prayers in the meditation spot."

"I left because there is no peace here... Tell my parents not to worry."
Mr Lama quoted Bomjan as saying.

District authorities say they cannot confirm the sighting.

Buddha Boy Missing

Ram Bahadur Banjan, 15, has disappeared. He was last seen Wednesday,
March 8, 2006. He has been metitating in a remote village in Nepal
about 160 kilometers (100 miles) south of Kathmandu. The boy has not
had food or water since May 17, 2005. At one point he was bitten by a
snake - see a previous post.

Police have found his clothing but not a body. They believe he
just wandered off. (Could it be possible he took the Rainbow
Body and just disappeared?) It is unclear if rebels in Nepal
could be responsible, but I guess that people said they saw Banjan
walking southwards before dawn on Saturday. Perhaps he is just
delirious and confused.

The search for this teenage Buddha continues.

For further information click on the title of this post
for a link.

Tibetan Uprising Day Aniversary

On March 10th, 1959 Tibetans rose up against China's illegal
invasion and occupation of their country. The Chinese troops responded
with brutal force resulting in the Dalai Lama and members of the
Tibetan government escape and long term relocation to India. In the
months that followed the uprising, tens of thousands of Tibetan men,
women and children were massacred and imprisoned. Brutality is ongoing.

Inside Tibet in 2006 the noble battle continues to rage. Acts of
protest occur almost daily, despite the harsh repercussions.

Just a couple days ago, Wangpo Tethong, staged a protest in China's
Tiananmen Square, unfurling a protest banner in front of the Olympic
countdown clock. This brave demonstration is a sign of things to come
if China does not solve the Tibetan issue before August 2008.

Please join thousands of people around the world speaking out for
Tibetan freedom. Demand an end to the occupation of Tibet.

If you would like to lend your support, go to www.freetibet.org and
join.

Urgyen Rinpoche Has Taken Rebirth

March 2, 2006

The long awaited announcement has finally come.

Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche has taken rebirth in the family of Neten Chokling
Rinpoche and his beautiful wife, Tendzin Choyang Gyari.

Urgyen Jigmey Rabsel was born in the year of the snake & is 4 1/2 years old
(6 Tibetan). He was born in the USA & has an American passport.

Khabje Trulshik Rinpoche undeniably recognized him as the reincarnation of
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche after carefully investigating his experience while in
strict retreat in the holy pilgrimage place in Maritika, Nepal.

The child is currently in Bir India with his parents & will be given a new
name at the time of the hair cutting ceremony.

As an auspicious coincidence, Tulkus Chokyi Nyima, Tsikey Chokling, Tsoknyi
& Phakchok Rinpoches as well as Tenpa Chophel will travel to Bir tomorrow to
meet the child and his parents. There will be a ceremony with the Neten
Chokling Gonpa in Bir and with the sons of the former Neten Chokling
Rinpoche, Urgyen Topgyal, Khyentse Yeshe, Jamyang & Dzigar Kongtrul
Rinpoches.

After paying respect to the family of the tulku, there will be more news as
to any other ceremonies.

This is a very happy time for all of the students of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche.
Please join together to pray for the further unfolding of auspicious
circumstances in regards to this joyous event.

Yours in the Dharma,

Marcia Schmidt