Wisdom Loving Mother

Buddha iPhone Case

2011-09-17T09:59:00.000-06:00

Buddha iPhone Case by Rinchen365flower
Become a iphone affiliate for Zazzle.

Garchen Rinpoche Quote

2011-08-26T11:40:00.000-06:00

Lily Ornament with Buddhist Quote by Rinchen365flower
View more Lily Ornaments

Tara Statue Necklace

2011-08-13T11:55:00.001-06:00

Tara Statue Necklace by Rinchen365flower
See more Tara Necklaces

Zazzle

2011-06-05T11:03:00.001-06:00

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Happy Losar Everyone March 5th

2011-03-04T12:23:00.003-07:00

May your year bring joy, peace and abundance

Graphic of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche by Sarah Edgehill, Berlin 8-2010

2011-01-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Tara Great Stupa for Peace and Harmony Project invites you to join our annual Stupa day

2010-09-06T09:28:00.001-06:00

It will be held on September 25th and 26th in Thailand. I just learned about this great Buddhist interfaith project and foundation called the Thousand Stars Foundation at the Khadiravana Center (Kundrol Ling) in Nongplub District, Hua-Hin, Thailand.

The event will presided over by Latri Khenpo Geshe Nyima Dakpa Rinpoche and will include 5000 great offerings to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (1000 each of lamp, incense, water, fruit and flower), participating in a long-life empowerment and receiving blessings for good luck and happiness in life. There will also the releasing of 100,000 fishes. Attendance is free, but donations are appreciated. Contact
Email: 1000tara@gmail.com; Mobile: 0806100770 *By 15 September 2010*

Historic Internet Dialogue Between HHDL and Chinese People

2010-05-27T14:41:00.002-06:00

For the first time ever an internet dialogue took place between Chinese people in mainland China and the Dalai Lama. The exchange was created by Wang Lixiong who arranged to open a twitter page beginning on May 17, 2010 onto which Chinese web users could pose questions. Click on the title to read the complete article.

Dalai Lama Wishes to Go to Yushu - Tibet

2010-04-17T18:42:00.002-06:00

His Holiness is eager to visit Yushu County to pray for the victims of the earthquake and to offer comfort and solace to the survivors.

To donate by mail, send contributions to:
International Campaign for Tibet
Attn: Yushu Quake Relief
1825 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Please open your hearts!

6.9 Earthquake Hits Tibet (China) April 13, 2010

2010-04-14T08:49:00.003-06:00

Please add your prayers to mine for the people of this area. "May the survivors who have undergone the suffering of loss of relatives and friends and the trauma of losing their homes be comforted and find relief. May they receive the emergency help they need as soon as possible, and be able to rebuild their lives." His Holiness the Karmapa

Marsha playing her Tibetan Bowls

2010-03-27T11:47:00.001-06:00

Chant for Enlightened Mind

2010-03-14T08:30:00.002-06:00

Hoola hooping monk! - Thank You Tibet Photo

2009-11-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hoola hooping monk! - Thank You Tibet Photo
I like this shot - don't you?

A Prayer for Peace

2009-09-20T08:15:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Please join us and participate in this Prayer. A nonsectarian project to accumulate one billion Vajrasattva mantra recitations dedicated to world peace and the purification of negative karmic forces.

Prayers Answered in Turtuk

2009-08-05T07:24:00.000-06:00

Please enjoy this video:

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Hidden Gobi Desert Relics Found

2009-08-01T21:57:00.001-06:00

from the August 1 BBC News:

Rare Buddhist treasures, not seen for more than 70 years, have been unearthed in the Gobi Desert.

The historic artifacts were buried in the 1930s during Mongolia's Communist purge, when hundreds of monasteries were looted and destroyed.

The relics include statues, art work, manuscripts and personal belongings of a famous 19th Century Buddhist master.

The leader of the search team, Michael Eisenriegler, described it as an "adventure of a lifetime".

A total of 64 crates of treasures were buried in the desert by a monk named Tudev, in an attempt to save them from the ransacking of the Mongolian and Soviet armies.

They belonged to Buddhist master Danzan Ravjaa and only Tudev knew where they were hidden. He passed on the secret to his grandson who dug up some of the boxes in the 1990s and opened a museum.

The current Austrian-Mongolian treasure hunt team found two more boxes. Mr Eisenriegler told the BBC World Service they were filled with "the most amazing Buddhist art objects".

"It is of tremendous value for Mongolian culture because Buddhism was almost extinct in the Communist times, especially in the 1930s.

"I'm totally exhausted right now but I'm also totally impressed with what I've seen."

The latest finds will be put on show at the Danzan Ravjaa Museum in Sainshand, 400km (450 miles) south of the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator.

About 20 boxes remain hidden in the desert.

Buddha's Enlightenment Day

2009-06-03T13:17:00.001-06:00

On June 7th your mantras and prayers are multiplied 10 million times. An auspicious day to generate blessings for your loved ones. Celebrate and pray!

On Earth Day What the Dalai Lama Might Say

2009-04-16T20:24:00.005-06:00

"Every human should have the idea of taking care of the
environment, of nature, of water. So using too much or wasting
water should have some kind of feeling or sense of concern.
Some sort of responsibility and with that, a sense of discipline."

- The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso

Or here is another quote by His Holiness:

"Interdependence is a fundamental law
of nature. Many of the smallest insects are
social beings who, without any religion,
law or education, survive by mutual cooperation
based on an innate recognition of
their interconnectedness."

Here is my challenge to you. Lets see how many
Dalai Lama quotes we can accumulate as of Earth Day.
Simply add any related quote you find in the
comments. Thanks for participating!

This post is entered in the Earth Day Contest for a chance to win some great organic products.

A New Reincarnation Enthroned

2009-04-11T09:53:00.001-06:00

Tulku Tsenyi Kentrul Tenzin Tseten Rinpoche who
is only nine years old was enthroned in Dharamsala
on April 6, 2009. He is believed to be a reincarnation
of Geshe Lobsang Gyatso who founder the Institute of
Buddhist Dialectics. Lobsang Gyatso, was murdered
in February 1997. He was a close confidant of the Dalai Lama.

Tenzin Tseten was born May 14, 2001 and was recognized
as a reincarnation by HH the Dalai Lama in 2006. The
new Tulku comes from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

What joyful occassion to be celebrated.

If anyone has a picture taken of Tenzin Tseten, please
post it here for all of us to see! Thanks

Cool Vermont Action!

2009-04-07T17:26:00.001-06:00

Give diplomatic recognition to Tibet: US senate

7 Apr 2009

WASHINGTON: An American state Senate has adopted a resolution asking the Obama Administration and the US Congress to give "diplomatic

recognition" to Tibet and take "forceful" action to end "repression" of human rights by China in the Himalayan region.

Passed by the Vermont state Senate, the resolution called on the US Congress and the international community to treat the plight of the Tibetan people as an "urgent matter of highest priority."

The resolution adopted last week sought recognition of the Tibetan political autonomy and also urged the US Congress and the Obama Administration to ask China to sincerely negotiate with the representatives of the Dalai Lama to solve the Tibet Problem.

Condemning the continuing "repression" of the Tibetan people, the Vermont state Senate expressed its solidarity with the individuals who participated in the anti-China protests that occurred around the world on March 10.

The resolution emphasised that the people of Tibet "lived in peace and harmony for centuries" and that the "army of the People's Republic of China illegally invaded" the peaceful Himalayan region.

Alleging the Tibetans have been deprived of any right to self-determination, the resolution said "it is now nearly impossible" for the people of Tibet to continue their "distinctive cultural practices and religious observances."

The resolution also highlighted those Tibetans who were killed, and those who remained missing or were in prison in the aftermath of China's crackdown on Tibetans in March 2008.

Penor Rinpoche Has Passed Away

2009-03-29T19:41:00.000-06:00

The Supreme Head of the Nyingma Lineage and the 11th throne holder of the Palyul Tradition, His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche [Penor Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma school] was admitted into the Columbia Asia Hospital in Yeshwantpur, Bangalore on 24th March 2009 following a chronic illness.

On 27th March, 2009, many high lamas of the Nyingma Lineage as well as various other dignitaries were allowed to receive blessings from him at the intensive care unit of the hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was carried back to the monastery at 3.30 pm the same day in an ambulance with VIP treatment, and arrived at the monastery at 6.40pm. The khenpos, tulkus and faculty members went to see him and prayed before him. After the prayer, without any sign of pain, he smiled and at 8.20pm, he passed away into parinirvana for the benefit of beings. Presently, he is in thugdam meditation state, and the parinirvana prayers are being performed by his followers worldwide.

Lopon Karma Dhondup
General Secretary
Namdroling Monastery Office

Year of the Earth Ox Tibetan Pocket Calendars

2009-03-29T10:07:00.000-06:00

The 2009 – 2010 Year of the Earth Ox Tibetan Pocket Calendars have arrived! They are available for $14.50 in our webstore or you can receive one as a complimentary gift by becoming an Ordinary, Sustaining or Meritorious Member of the Shang Shung Institute.

You can order with us by emailing shop-us@shangshung.org and providing your shipping address and credit card information. Please remember that to purchase any “unrestricted” items from our store you must have at least a current preliminary membership with the Shang Shung Institute and to buy any “restricted” items you must be a current member of the Dzogchen Community.

Would You Like to Contribute an Article for This Blog

2009-02-14T10:36:00.003-07:00

Hi I'm inviting all you little Buddha's to create an article and submit it to me via email at rdtibet@yahoo.com for consideration for publication here on Wisdom Loving Mother. REMEMBER TOPICS INCLUDE BUDDHISM, FENG SHUI, AND NATURAL HEALING ONLY. I'm thinking that there may be people out there who do not want to create and maintain their own blog - too much work, but would like to write an article or two maybe not even on a regular basis only when you are moved to write. Of course, I would allow backlinks to your website if you have one.

I got this idea from a new concept called blog our blog where people share one blog rather then each person being responsible for creating new material frequently. I like this idea because I now work full time and also commute 10-15 hours a week especially if the weather is bad. Of course, I also need time to meditate. But I also want to maintain control of the content which I choose to publish here in order to keep it sacred and show integrity.

So please contact me and lets collaborate! Post your comments or ideas or just email me. Thanks for your input in advance.

Rinchen Chodron

Obama Had The Dalai Lama's Scarf In His Pocket During His Swearing In

2009-01-24T09:52:00.001-07:00

Friday January 23, 2009

According to Beliefnet Lama Surya Das passed on this fascinating bit. Richard Blum, who is the husband of California Senator Diane Feinstein, also happens to be a major supporter of Buddhism. He was up on the platform during the swearing in.

Beforehand, he told Barack Obama that he had with him a white khata -- a
silk Tibetan scarf -- given him by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Blum
described what happened next in a letter to an associate of the Dalai Lama:

"I offered it to President Obama before the ceremony. I said that I
could get it delivered to him later. He said, no, that he was going to take
it and have it with him; in fact, it was in his pocket when he was
sworn-in."

Dalai Lama Renaissance Documentary

2009-01-17T08:50:00.002-07:00

Follow the link above to learn more about this wonderful documentary film which won many awards and is narrated by Harrison Ford. I saw it in Denver and it is EXCELLENT - well worth owning.

Have you seen this movie? Please leave your comments.

Major Shift in the British Position on Tibet

2008-11-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

The New York Times has revealed that Great Britain has abandoned the Tibetans in China and sided with China now due to economic stresses. Hopefully other European countries will not follow suite.

Leading Tibetan representatives in exile this weekend called on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to stop sending envoys to Beijing This has brought the faltering talks between China and the exiles to a standstill.

To learn more go to see the article titled Did Britains Just Sell Tibet? By Robert Barnett at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/opinion/25barnett.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&pag&oref=slogin

Dalai Lama is Discouraged with China Situation

2008-10-29T21:09:00.000-06:00

Beijing has not and will not move one inch on Tibet. Many recent events may have led to His Holiness becoming disillusioned. One of these events was his brother’s recent death in the United States. His older brother never believed that the Chinese would allow autonomy for Tibet. Also the events that took place in China during the summer months surrounding the Olympic Games were discouraging.

As a result he has decided to leave the decisions about Tibet to the people of Tibet and to the Tibetan refugees to decide how to proceed. His Holiness has set up a meeting in Dharamshala for this purpose coming up from November. 17-to-22, 2008. His wish is that this be decided democratically. He has removed himself from the equation.

The Dalai Lama has conceded that the Chinese Communist Party has never been sincere about negotiations with Tibetans. In an editorial in the Taipai Times they state: “For all the differences between Taiwan, a sovereign country, and Tibet, which has been controlled by the People’s Republic of China since 1951, the Taiwanese public can no doubt sympathize with the Dalai Lama’s distress.”

The good news is that His Holiness has been released from the hospital in India subsequent to gall bladder surgery and is recovering.

HHDL Undergoes Gall Stone Surgery

2008-10-13T07:45:00.002-06:00

The surgery was successful. Doctors have removed gallstones from the Dalai Lama during an operation carried out at Delhi's Sri Ganga Ram hospital in October. The operation was "a simple routine procedure. He will rest a few days in New Delhi before returning to Dharamsala". His schedules, including travel programmes, remain unchanged.

Pray for the long life of His Holiness.

You are invited to a Candle4Tibet Peace Vigil in Denver

2008-07-31T10:34:00.007-06:00

Time the event began at: 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 7th
This is the night before the Olympic Games began.

Your hostess for this event was Marsha Camblin who offered a Tibetan Bowls meditation. People also brought poetry or songs about Tibet for sharing during the event. And of course, they brought a candle to light in protest.

If you want some history on the situation visit http://www.geocities.com/rdtibet

Whether or not you live in Denver - you can also join this movement on-line internationally at:

Candle for Tibet main web site

Dalai Lama Offers His Blessing to 'Candle for Tibet'

2008-07-30T06:48:00.001-06:00

Candle for Tibet, the biggest single action in the world for a free Tibet,
--Scheduled to begin on eve of Olympics opening ceremony--
Is now officially supported by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

(Tel Aviv, July 29, 2008) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama acknowledged today the importance of the Candle for Tibet (CFT) campaign for Freedom in Tibet and for all mankind.

"We hope your Candle for Tibet campaign will inspire the Chinese authorities to appreciate the value of freedom of all mankind and the importance of the Tibetan Buddhist culture that is benefiting millions of people and has the potential to serve humanity as a whole, including the Chinese people," said Tsering Tashi representative of HH the Dalai Lama.

The CFT action, called "The Greatest Light Protest on Earth," will start on Thursday, August 7th, 2008 at 9:00 p.m., when at least 100 million people all over the world are expected to light a candle in public, with friends, or at their homes.

The event will then continue with world-wide light shows performed by light artists.

CFT organizers also encourage all freedom lovers in the world to drive their cars with headlights on during the entire day of Friday, August 8th, 2008-the day of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony-in appreciation of their own freedom.

CFT is additionally calling on all people attending the opening ceremony in Beijing to light candles, lighters, flashlights and cell phones at the moment the Chinese delegation enters the Olympic stadium.

Synchronized with the beginning of the opening ceremony, teams from "Sad Smoky Mountains" will flare the skies with red smoke from skyscrapers, monuments and major buildings in major cities internationally, and from the summits of more than 100 mountains on three continents. (For more information on Sad Smoky Mountains, visit www.sadsmokymountains.net/.)

"Like you, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile is not against the coming Olympics to be held in Beijing," added Tsering Tashi. "We are also not against the Chinese people, who also do not enjoy genuine human rights and freedoms that the people in the free world take for granted."

"We are elated to have the blessing of His Holiness," said David Califa, who created the Campaign for Tibet four months ago. "It strengthens the values on which our non-violent action is based."

Please join us at Candle4Tibet

2008-07-18T15:10:00.005-06:00

View my page on Candle4Tibet

Tummo in the News - Medical Applications

2008-06-17T10:23:00.000-06:00

World Tibet Network News - June 17, 2008.

************************************************************************************

By Ali Nassor

Special to The St. Petersburg Times ( Russia )

June 17, 2008

Rinad Minvaleyev (r) practising Tum-Mo yoga in the Himalayan

Mountains during a recent expedition to discover its secrets.

A group of St. Petersburg scientists have returned from the Himalayan

Mountains after learning the secrets of an almost-extinct form of

Tibetan yoga that they hope can be used to cure diseases in the West.

The scientists have recently completed a two-month mission to find

traces of Tum-Mo, a form of Tibetan Buddhist yoga that preserves body

temperatures through excessive production of internal heat despite

the body's exposure to extremely cold mountain climates.

The technique could be applied in areas with extreme cold climates,

such as Russia , to prevent and treat heart disease, cancer,

tuberculosis, pneumonia and influenza if developed, Rinad Minvaleyev,

a physiologist, mathematician and the team's senior researcher, said.

"In fact, Tum-Mo is about the human being's adaptation to low

temperatures where thermo-dynamic functioning of a human liver is

activated to further regulate the heating process," said Minvaleyev,

referring to a mathematical formula he co-established last year.

Irina Arkhipova, a yoga specialist, who was head of the mission and

architect of St. Petersburg 's Search for Lost Knowledge Program,

which holds annual mountaineering events aimed at promoting medical

science, said that although "there were considerable breakthroughs in

our mission, it would be immature to reveal the exact outcomes with

accuracy, pending the ongoing laboratory examinations."

Arkhipova, who is also a director of St. Petersburg 's Pharaoh

Historical Movie Studio, led a team of 45 experts including 14

medical doctors, physicists and yoga enthusiasts to the snow-capped,

4,000-meter high Indian Himalayan province of Himachal Pradesh .

The team paid visits to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in search of

Tum-Mo's medical secrets, currently on the verge of being lost to

posterity because "the last lama who practiced Tum-Mo in that part of

the Himalayan Mountains died last year," leaving scant oral traces of

the ancient tradition, Arkhipova said.

However, after visits to about 40 monasteries, monks showed

Arkhipova's team a route across the Kully Gorge, reputed for its

unpredictably harsh weather, to the top of the Rotang ridge, one of

the rare spots where until recently Tum-Mo was practiced.

However the team did not reach the Rotang because of snow in the

middle of the Kully Gorge, blocking the way.

"We resorted to practicing yoga on the ice surfaces beneath the

waterfalls in the Rotang Valley , and everything was fantastic even

for those who were on such a mission for the first time," she said

Determined to reach the home of Tum-Mo on the top of Rotang, the

adventurers have vowed to return next year.

The team said it had gathered enough material on the technique during

the recent trip to warrant continued research.

In 2002 research into the medical benefits of Tum-Mo was carried out

by Herbert Benson, associate professor of medicine at the Harvard

Medical School and president of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind

Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston , U.S. ,

reported the Harvard Gazette.

Benson was quoted as saying that studying advanced forms of

meditation such as Tum-mo "can uncover capacities that will help us

to better treat stress-related illnesses" but that more research into

the technique was required.

Benson has been researching Tum-Mo since 1979 when the Dalai Lama

gave his blessing on a trip to Harvard University , reported the

Harvard Gazette.

Lawyers Have Trouble Renewing Licenses

2008-06-14T08:05:00.002-06:00

Chinese lawyers who have defended the rights of Tibetans in the past are now unable to renew their licenses. The China Human Rights Lawyer's Concern Group chairman Ho states that three lawyers have already been rejected and others were in jeopardy. The three lawyers who Ho said agreed to be identified were Teng Biao and Li Heping from Beijing and Zhang Jiankang from the city of Xian. The US Human Rights Watch (HRW) named another lawyer, Jiang Tianyong.

It said Teng and Jiang had both offered to represent Tibetans and had "distinguished records of defending civil and human rights cases". Ho said originally a larger group of more than 500 lawyers from 10 law firms in different parts of China could not get their licenses renewed, albeit a "substantial" number of them - but not all - were able to do so after the lawyers issued a letter on the Internet drawing attention to the issue. He said the affected firms were mostly "activist" ones known for defending rights. Some represented Tibetans detained in the Chinese crackdown on riots in Tibet in March, he said.

Show Compassion for China the Gandhigiri Way!

2008-05-21T17:12:00.004-06:00

Many of you would have heard about the project to Stand Up For Tibet. (See our Help Stand Up For Tibet in Facebook groups)Stand Up For Tibet which was launched after His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested people to help raise the Tibetan issue in a strictly non-violent way. As part of this project we like to support the Gandhian ethics of non-violence, compassion and a peaceful approach to change.Stand Up For Tibet has been inspired to start a new campaign that is based on “Gandhigiri” (non-violence/truth) philosophy.

The year before last year, Bollywood released a movie on Gandhigiri ethics called “LAGO RAHO MUNNABHAI” (Carry on Munnabhai) which was a huge hit. Since the release of the film, there have been a number of Gandhigiri-style protests. A few months later after the movie released, (this is a true story) there was this unpopular Indian government official who had come up with an unpopular law, and the public/media decided to go the Gandhian way and flooded his office with flowers appealing him to reconsider and wishing him well, rather than petition outside shouting rude slogans!

In the United States during July 2007, hundreds of flower bouquets were sent to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office by individuals who were legally in the U.S. but caught in a green card backlog, an act attributed by some to Lage Raho Munna Bhai. In response, the USCIS shipped the flowers to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval hospitals.With the recent terrible Earthquake that occurred in China, resulting in many thousands of people losing their lives, homes and livelihood, we have added a new campaign to the Stand Up For Tibet project.

We would like to encourage as many people as possible to take on the Gandhian ethics and leave a bouquet of flowers outside the Chinese Embassy’s in your home city with a warm and sincere sympathetic and compassionate note for their people, from your Tibetan Buddhist centre or on behalf of the Tibetan community (in your country) if you are not Buddhist but a Tibet supporter.

On May 20, 2008 a woman named Tara just sent a wreath to His Excellency, PRC (here in Singapore) with this attached message:

“Your Excellency, the People’s Republic of China and the citizens of PRC.

On behalf of the Tibetan Buddhist community in Singapore, we would like to express our deep sympathy and heartfelt condolence to the victims and all those who lost their loved ones in the Chengdu earthquake tragedy.We offer prayers to all those affected by the earthquake, for peace and harmony to reign in China and for genuine autonomy in Tibet.”

We would love to hear from all those that did this so that we can rejoice! Send us an email (info@standupfortibet.org) and please pass on this message on to other Tibet supporters that you might know.

Thank you

In peace, Tara

Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it. ~ Mahatma Gandhi.

Your comments and input are welcome, so please interact!

Scholar Jamyang Kyi Disappears

2008-05-19T07:14:00.002-06:00

Jamyang Kyi, who was a Visiting Scholar here at CU from March-April 2006,
has been detained in Xining, either because of something in her blog about
women's issues or for people she met here at Columbia. Amnesty (see attachment), Pen and other NGOs have issued appeals about her disappearance.

If you have any suggestions as to how we can try to help her, and to lessen
the risk of her being tortured, it would be really helpful. Perhaps you have
connections with women's publications or groups that might print articles about her case, or that might write to Beijing on her behalf?

Thanks for thinking about this.

Very best wishes,
Robbie Barnett

For further details go to
http://www.cbs.columbia.edu/Jamyang.pdf

Please circulate this to other lists and groups

Karmapa has Arrived in America May 15 to June 2, 2008

2008-05-16T11:18:00.004-06:00

The Karmapa is here. His Holiness landed in New York City early yesterday morning. The energy and buzz in the city surrounding the Karmapa's first visit to America is incredible.

The New York Times and
TIME magazine both published major articles on the Karmapa within the past 24 hours.

Elle Magazine named the meditative master one of its “25 people to watch.”

Who is attending his teachings? I will be there in Boulder. Please comment!

Myanmar Relief - Prayers and Action to Help - Do Your Part

2008-05-08T08:55:00.000-06:00

Myanmar Relief Organizations

In response to the cyclone here are several trustworthy organizations where you can donate:

World Vision Inernational

Unicef

eBay Missionfish Myanmar Disaster Relief

Chinese Stand Up For Tibet

2008-04-30T08:51:00.003-06:00

Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation, by Some Chinese Intellectuals

The New York Review of Books May 15, 2008

1. At present the one-sided propaganda of the official Chinese media is having the effect of stirring up inter-ethnic animosity and aggravating an already tense situation. This is extremely detrimental to the long-term goal of safeguarding national unity. We call for such propaganda to be stopped.

2. We support the Dalai Lama's appeal for peace, and hope that the ethnic conflict can be dealt with according to the principles of goodwill, peace, and nonviolence. We condemn any violent act against innocent people, strongly urge the Chinese government to stop the violent suppression, and appeal to the Tibetan people likewise not to engage in violent activities.

3. The Chinese government claims that "there is sufficient evidence to prove this incident was organized, premeditated, and meticulously orchestrated by the Dalai clique." We hope that the government will show proof of this. In order to change the international community's negative view and distrustful attitude, we also suggest that the government invite the United Nations' Commission on Human Rights to carry out an independent investigation of the evidence, the course of the incident, the number of casualties, etc.

4. In our opinion, such Cultural Revolution–like language as "the Dalai Lama is a jackal in Buddhist monk's robes and an evil spirit with a human face and the heart of a beast" used by the Chinese Communist Party leadership in the Tibet Autonomous Region is of no help in easing the situation, nor is it beneficial to the Chinese government's image. As the Chinese government is committed to integrating into the international community, we maintain that it should display a style of governing that conforms to the standards of modern civilization.

5. We take note of the fact that on the very day when violence first broke out in Lhasa (March 14), the government authorities in Tibet were already announcing that "we possess ample evidence that the violence has been organized, plotted in advance, and meticulously orchestrated by the Dalai clique." If so, then government authorities knew in advance that rioting was going to occur and yet did nothing to prevent it or to stop it from spreading. There should be a rigorous inquiry into the possibility of official involvement and malfeasance.

6. If, in the end, it cannot be shown that the events were organized, plotted in advance, and meticulously orchestrated [by the Dalai Lama] but emerges instead that they were a government-instigated "popular revolt," then the officials who were responsible for instigating this "revolt" and for sending false and deceptive reports about it to the central government and to the citizens of the country should be held to account. There should be conscientious reflection, and the learning of lessons, so that such things never happen again.

7. We strongly demand that the authorities not subject every Tibetan to political investigation or revenge. The trials of those who have been arrested must be carried out according to judicial procedures that are open, just, and transparent so as to ensure that all parties are satisfied.

8. We urge the Chinese government to allow credible national and international media to go into Tibetan areas to conduct independent interviews and news reports. In our view, the current news blockade cannot gain credit with the Chinese people or the international community, and is harmful to the credibility of the Chinese government. If the government sticks to true accounts of the events, it need not fear challenges. Only by adopting an open attitude can we turn around the international community's distrust of our government.

9. We appeal to the Chinese people and overseas Chinese to be calm and tolerant, and to reflect deeply on what is happening. Adopting a posture of aggressive nationalism will only invite antipathy from the international community and harm China's international image.

10. The disturbances in Tibet in the 1980s were limited to Lhasa, whereas this time they have spread to many Tibetan areas. This deterioration indicates that there are serious mistakes in the work that has been done with regard to Tibet. The relevant government departments must conscientiously reflect upon this matter, examine their failures, and fundamentally change the failed nationality policies.

11. In order to prevent similar incidents from happening in future, the government must abide by the freedom of religious belief and the freedom of speech explicitly enshrined in the Chinese Constitution, thereby allowing the Tibetan people fully to express their grievances and hopes, and permitting citizens of all nationalities freely to criticize and make suggestions regarding the government's nationality policies.

12. We hold that we must eliminate animosity and bring about national reconciliation, not continue to increase divisions between nationalities. A country that wishes to avoid the partition of its territory must first avoid divisions among its nationalities. Therefore, we appeal to the leaders of our country to hold direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama. We hope that the Chinese and Tibetan people will do away with the misunderstandings between them, develop their interactions with each other, and achieve unity. Government departments as much as popular organizations and religious figures should make great efforts toward this goal.

Wang Lixiong (Beijing, writer) Liu Xiaobo (Beijing, freelance writer) Zhang Zuhua (Beijing, scholar of constitutionalism) Sha Yexin (Shanghai, writer, Chinese Muslim) Yu Haocheng (Beijing, jurist) Ding Zilin (Beijing, professor) Jiang Peikun (Beijing, professor) Yu Jie (Beijing, writer) Sun Wenguang (Shangdong, professor) Ran Yunfei (Sichuan, editor, Tujia nationality) Pu Zhiqiang (Beijing, lawyer) Teng Biao (Beijing, lawyer and scholar) Liao Yiwu (Sichuan, writer) Wang Qisheng (Beijing, scholar) Zhang Xianling (Beijing, engineer) Xu Jue (Beijing, research fellow) Li Jun (Gansu, photographer) Gao Yu (Beijing, journalist) Wang Debang (Beijing, freelance writer) Zhao Dagong (Shenzhen, freelance writer) Jiang Danwen (Shanghai. writer) Liu Yi (Gansu, painter) Xu Hui (Beijing, writer) Wang Tiancheng (Beijing, scholar) Wen Kejian (Hangzhou, writer) Li Hai (Beijing, freelance writer) Tian Yongde (Inner Mongolia, rights activist) Zan Aizong (Hangzhou, journalist) Liu Yiming (Hubei, freelance writer) Liu Di (Beijing)
and 338 others

The rules of signing one's name are as follows:

1. No anonymous or pseudonymous signatures should be used.
2. Only one's own name or commonly used pen name may be used.
3. One needs to include one's name, the province of one's current residence, and one's occupation.
4. Signatures can be sent to one of the following e-mail addresses: xizang wenti@gmail.com; xiamixiami@hotmail .com; degewa@gmail.com.

Staged Violence Proven

2008-04-24T07:50:00.004-06:00

Canada Free Press [Friday, March 21, 2008 10:20]

Brit spies confirm Dalai Lama's report of staged violence
By Gordon Thomas

London, March 20 - Britain's GCHQ, the government communications agency that electronically monitors half the world from space, has confirmed the claim by the Dalai Lama that agents of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the PLA, posing as monks, triggered the riots that have left hundreds of Tibetans dead or injured.
GCHQ analysts believe the decision was deliberately calculated by the Beijing leadership to provide an excuse to stamp out the simmering unrest in the region, which is already attracting unwelcome world attention in the run-up to the Olympic Games this summer.

For weeks there has been growing resentment in Lhasa, Tibet's capital, against minor actions taken by the Chinese authorities.

Increasingly, monks have led acts of civil disobedience, demanding the right to perform traditional incense burning rituals. With their demands go cries for the return of the Dalai Lama, the 14th to hold the high spiritual office.

Committed to teaching the tenets of his moral authority---peace and compassion---the Dalai Lama was 14 when the PLA invaded Tibet in 1950 and he was forced to flee to India from where he has run a relentless campaign against the harshness of Chinese rule.

But critics have objected to his attraction to film stars. Newspaper magnate Rupert Murdoch has called him: "A very political monk in Gucci shoes."

Discovering that his supporters inside Tibet and China would become even more active in the months approaching the Olympic Games this summer, British intelligence officers in Beijing learned the ruling regime would seek an excuse to move and crush the present unrest.

That fear was publicly expressed by the Dalai Lama. GCHQ's satellites, geo-positioned in space, were tasked to closely monitor the situation.

The doughnut-shaped complex, near Cheltenham racecourse, is set in the pleasant Cotswolds in the west of England. Seven thousand employees include the best electronic experts and analysts in the world. Between them they speak more than 150 languages. At their disposal are 10,000 computers, many of which have been specially built for their work.

The images they downloaded from the satellites provided confirmation the Chinese used agent provocateurs to start riots, which gave the PLA the excuse to move on Lhasa to kill and wound over the past week.

What the Beijing regime had not expected was how the riots would spread, not only across Tibet, but also to Sichuan, Quighai and Gansu provinces, turning a large area of western China into a battle zone.

See photograph.

Help those less fortunate.

2008-04-15T09:33:00.001-06:00

The power of YOUR energy can help those less fortunate.

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice,
you have chosen the side of the oppressor." – Desmond Tutu.

Leaders in the free world have called for China’s government to open talks with the Dalai Lama to achieve an end to the violence and bloodshed in Tibet. But first, China must realize that peace and reconciliation is a great accomplishment, one that does not incur any loss of face.

The Dalai Lama has asked each of us to do whatever we can to make sure the world knows that Tibet needs our support – to help get information out and also to pray for ALL those involved, for the Chinese as well as for the Tibetan people.

There are many Tibetans who are suffering and need our help. But what can you do?

1. THE power of your thoughts and prayers IS VITAL.
This power must not be underestimated, and you can amplify your power by asking your family and your circle of friends to also help.

2. PRAY and mobilize a prayer group.
Martin Luther King knew our strength comes not from force but from compassion and he had a deep belief about doing a good and just thing. We need millions of prayers to break down this Wall of Terror.

3. Wear a maroon ribbon, the colors of the monks and nuns robes,
as a symbol of your prayers for a creative and peaceful outcome as well as to show your support for Tibetan Solidarity. Too many people are not aware of the situation in Tibet – ask your friends to wear ribbons – we need ribbons EVERYWHERE.

4. Contact media, write letters, call elected officials.
The Chinese insist this is an internal matter – they have censored emails, internet and do not allow reporters free access. They are hiding what they do not want the world to see. Truthful reporting is desperately needed – the current secretive black-out of news only exacerbates the fears of abuse of basic human rights. Does anyone have a way to contact Oprah Winfrey or Anderson Cooper? Charlie Rose has been bringing in excellent groups but we need more education about what is happening.

5. Send everyone you know to http://www.wisdomlovingmother.blogspot.com

In the words of the Tibetan nuns jailed for singing songs of their home land:
"Keep the spirit alive, know the world is watching,
and don't be disheartened."

Appeal to the Chinese People

2008-03-30T11:10:00.001-06:00

*An Appeal to the Chinese People*
*from His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama*

Today, I extend heartfelt greetings to my Chinese brothers and sisters
round the world, particularly to those in the People's Republic of
China. In the light of the recent developments in Tibet, I would like to
share with you my thoughts concerning relations between the Tibetan and
Chinese peoples, and to make a personal appeal to you all.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of life in the recent tragic events in
Tibet. I am aware that some Chinese have also died. I feel for the
victims and their families and pray for them. The recent unrest has
clearly demonstrated the gravity of the situation in Tibet and the
urgent need to seek a peaceful and mutually beneficial solution through
dialogue. Even at this juncture I have expressed my willingness to the
Chinese authorities to work together to bring about peace and stability.

Chinese brothers and sisters, I assure you I have no desire to seek
Tibet's separation. Nor do I have any wish to drive a wedge between the
Tibetan and Chinese peoples. On the contrary my commitment has always
been to find a genuine solution to the problem of Tibet that ensures the
long-term interests of both Chinese and Tibetans. My primary concern, as
I have repeated time and again, is to ensure the survival of the Tibetan
people's distinctive culture, language and identity. As a simple monk
who strives to live his daily life according to Buddhist precepts, I
assure you of the sincerity of my motivation.

I have appealed to the leadership of the PRC to clearly understand my
position and work to resolve these problems by "seeking truth from
facts." I urge the Chinese leadership to exercise wisdom and to initiate
a meaningful dialogue with the Tibetan people. I also appeal to them to
make sincere efforts to contribute to the stability and harmony of the
PRC and avoid creating rifts between the nationalities. The state
media's portrayal of the recent events in Tibet, using deceit and
distorted images, could sow the seeds of racial tension with
unpredictable long-term consequences. This is of grave concern to me.
Similarly, despite my repeated support for the Beijing Olympics, the
Chinese authorities, with the intention of creating rift between the
Chinese people and myself, assert that I am trying to sabotage the
games. I am encouraged, however, that several Chinese intellectuals and
scholars have also expressed their strong concern about the Chinese
leadership's actions and the potential for adverse long-term
consequences, particularly on relations among different nationalities.

Since ancient times, Tibetan and Chinese peoples have lived as
neighbors. In the two thousand year-old recorded history of our peoples,
we have at times developed friendly relations, even entering into
matrimonial alliances, while at other times we fought each other.
However, since Buddhism flourished in China first before it arrived in
Tibet from India, we Tibetans have historically accorded the Chinese
people the respect and affection due to elder Dharma brothers and
sisters. This is something well known to members of the Chinese
community living outside China, some of whom have attended my Buddhist
lectures, as well as pilgrims from mainland China, whom I have had the
privilege to meet. I take heart from these meetings and feel they may
contribute to a better understanding between our two peoples.

The twentieth century witnessed enormous changes in many parts of the
world and Tibet, too, was caught up in this turbulence. Soon after the
founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the People's
Liberation Army entered Tibet finally resulting in the 17-Point
Agreement concluded between China and Tibet in May 1951. When I was in
Beijing in 1954-55, attending the National People's Congress, I had the
opportunity to meet and develop a personal friendship with many senior
leaders, including Chairman Mao himself. In fact, Chairman Mao gave me
advice on numerous issues, as well as personal assurances with regard to
the future of Tibet. Encouraged by these assurances, and inspired by the
dedication of many of China's revolutionary leaders of the time, I
returned to Tibet full of confidence and optimism. Some Tibetan members
of the Communist Party also had such a hope. After my return to Lhasa, I
made every possible effort to seek genuine autonomy for Tibet within the
family of the People's Republic of China (PRC). I believed that this
would best serve the long-term interests of both the Tibetan and Chinese
peoples.

Unfortunately, tensions, which began to escalate in Tibet from around
1956, eventually led to the peaceful uprising of March 10, 1959, in
Lhasa and my eventual escape into exile. Although many positive
developments have taken place in Tibet under the PRC's rule, these
developments, as the previous Panchen Lama pointed out in January 1989,
were overshadowed by immense suffering and extensive destruction.
Tibetans were compelled to live in a state of constant fear, while the
Chinese government remained suspicious of them. However, instead of
cultivating enmity towards the Chinese leaders responsible for the
ruthless suppression of the Tibetan people, I prayed for them to become
friends, which I expressed in the following lines in a prayer I composed
in 1960, a year after I arrived in India: "May they attain the wisdom
eye discerning right and wrong, And may they abide in the glory of
friendship and love." Many Tibetans, school children among them, recite
these lines in their daily prayers.

In 1974, following serious discussions with my Kashag (cabinet), as well
as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the then Assembly of the
Tibetan People's Deputies, we decided to find a Middle Way that would
seek not to separate Tibet from China, but would facilitate the peaceful
development of Tibet. Although we had no contact at the time with the
PRC - which was in the midst of the Cultural Revolution - we had already
recognized that sooner or later, we would have to resolve the question
of Tibet through negotiations. We also acknowledged that, at least with
regard to modernization and economic development, it would greatly
benefit Tibet if it remained within the PRC. Although Tibet has a rich
and ancient cultural heritage, it is materially undeveloped.

Situated on the roof of the world, Tibet is the source of many of Asia's
major rivers, therefore, protection of the environment on the Tibetan
plateau is of supreme importance. Since our utmost concern is to
safeguard Tibetan Buddhist culture - rooted as it is in the values of
universal compassion - as well as the Tibetan language and the unique
Tibetan identity, we have worked whole-heartedly towards achieving
meaningful self-rule for all Tibetans. The PRC's constitution provides
the right for nationalities such as the Tibetans to do this.

In 1979, the then Chinese paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping assured my
personal emissary that "except for the independence of Tibet, all other
questions can be negotiated." Since we had already formulated our
approach to seeking a solution to the Tibetan issue within the
constitution of the PRC, we found ourselves well placed to respond to
this new opportunity. My representatives met many times with officials
of the PRC. Since renewing our contacts in 2002, we have had six rounds
of talks. However, on the fundamental issue, there has been no concrete
result at all. Nevertheless, as I have declared many times, I remain
firmly committed to the Middle Way approach and reiterate here my
willingness to continue to pursue the process of dialogue.

This year the Chinese people are proudly and eagerly awaiting the
opening of the Olympic Games. I have, from the start, supported
Beijing's being awarded the opportunity to host the Games. My position
remains unchanged. China has the world's largest population, a long
history and an extremely rich civilization. Today, due to her impressive
economic progress, she is emerging as a great power. This is certainly
to be welcomed. But China also needs to earn the respect and esteem of
the global community through the establishment of an open and harmonious
society based on the principles of transparency, freedom, and the rule
of law. For example, to this day victims of the Tiananmen Square tragedy
that adversely affected the lives of so many Chinese citizens have
received neither just redress nor any official response. Similarly, when
thousands of ordinary Chinese in rural areas suffer injustice at the
hands of exploitative and corrupt local officials, their legitimate
complaints are either ignored or met with aggression. I express these
concerns both as a fellow human being and as someone who is prepared to
consider himself a member of the large family that is the People's
Republic of China. In this respect, I appreciate and support President
Hu Jintao's policy of creating a "harmonious society", but this can only
arise on the basis of mutual trust and an atmosphere of freedom,
including freedom of speech and the rule of law. I strongly believe that
if these values are embraced, many important problems relating to
minority nationalities can be resolved, such as the issue of Tibet, as
well as Eastern Turkistan, and Inner Mongolia, where the native people
now constitute only 20% of a total population of 24 million.

I had hoped President Hu Jintao's recent statement that the stability
and safety of Tibet concerns the stability and safety of the country
might herald the dawning of a new era for the resolution of the problem
of Tibet. It is unfortunate that despite my sincere efforts not to
separate Tibet from China, the leaders of the PRC continue to accuse me
of being a "separatist". Similarly, when Tibetans in Lhasa and many
other areas spontaneously protested to express their deep-rooted
resentment, the Chinese authorities immediately accused me of having
orchestrated their demonstrations. I have called for a thorough
investigation by a respected body to look into this allegation.

Chinese brothers and sisters - wherever you may be - with deep concern I
appeal to you to help dispel the misunderstandings between our two
communities. Moreover, I appeal to you to help us find a peaceful,
lasting solution to the problem of Tibet through dialogue in the spirit
of understanding and accommodation.

With my prayers,

Dalai Lama

March 28, 2008

Olympic Controversy

2008-03-25T11:50:00.003-06:00

Please click above on the Title and you will be taken
to a site which is updated frequently to see what is
the latest on the Tibetan protests.

Flags

Urgent Press Release from the Dalai Lama - March 18th, 2008

2008-03-21T13:41:00.001-06:00

The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:59 pm (PDT) PRESS RELEASE

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to world leaders and the international community for their concern over the recent sad turn of events in Tibet and for their attempts to persuade the Chinese authorities to exercise restraint in dealing with the demonstrations.

Since the Chinese Government has accused me of orchestrating these protests in Tibet, I call for a thorough investigation by a respected body, which should include Chinese representatives, to look into these allegations. Such a body would need to visit Tibet, the traditional Tibetan areas outside the Tibet Autonomous Region, and also the Central Tibetan Administration here in India.

In order for the international community, and especially the more than one billion Chinese people who do not have access to uncensored information, to find out what is really going on in Tibet, it would be tremendously helpful if representatives of the international media also undertook such investigations. Whether it was intended or not, I believe that a form of cultural genocide has taken place in Tibet, where the Tibetan identity has been under constant attack. Tibetans have been reduced to an insignificant minority in their own land as a result of the huge transfer of non-Tibetans into Tibet.

The distinctive Tibetan cultural heritage with its characteristic language, customs and traditions is fading away. Instead of working to unify its nationalities, the Chinese government discriminates against these minority nationalities, the Tibetans among them. It is common knowledge that Tibetan monasteries, which constitute our principal seats of learning, besides being the repository of Tibetan Buddhist culture, have been severely reduced in both in number and population.

In those monasteries that do still exist, serious study of Tibetan Buddhism is no longer allowed; in fact, even admission to these centres of learning is being strictly regulated. In reality, there is no religious freedom in Tibet. Even to call for a little more freedom is to risk being labeled a separatist. Nor is there any real autonomy in Tibet, even though these basic freedoms are guaranteed by the Chinese constitution.

I believe the demonstrations and protests taking place in Tibet are a spontaneous outburst of public resentment built up by years of repression in defiance of authorities that are oblivious to the sentiments of the local populace. They mistakenly believe that further repressive measures are the way to achieve their declared aim of long-term unity and stability. On our part, we remain committed to taking the Middle Way approach and pursuing a process of dialogue in order to find a mutually beneficial solution to the Tibetan issue.

With these points in mind, I also seek the international community's support for our efforts to resolve Tibet's problems through dialogue, and I urge them to call upon the Chinese leadership to exercise the utmost restraint in dealing with the current disturbed situation and to treat those who are being arrested properly and fairly.

Dalai Lama Dharamsala March 18, 2008

Rioting, Fire, 2 Killed in Lhasa

2008-03-14T11:36:00.002-06:00

KATHMANDU—Chinese police fired on rioting Tibetan protesters in Lhasa on Friday, killing at least two people, as Tibetans torched cars and shops and anti-Chinese demonstrators surged through the streets of the regional capital. Witnesses who spoke to RFA’s Tibetan service reported seeing two bodies in the central Barkhor area of Lhasa, while unconfirmed reports set the death toll higher.

“There was shooting and death,” another Tibetan source told RFA’s Mandarin service, adding, “It’s not convenient to speak on the phone.”

"Now the local Tibetans are protesting in the Barkhor area," a third Tibetan source said, referring to a central area in Lhasa. "They ransacked Chinese shops and the police fired live ammunition into the crowd. No one is allowed to move around in Lhasa now."

The rioting began around 10 a.m. Friday and by early evening Lhasa roads were blocked, stranding workers inside their office buildings, sources said.

A Han Chinese resident of Lhasa said cars and shops had been torched, while another said the situation was "very messy.”

Tibetan sources in the city said the protesters were burning and smashing Chinese shops and anything Chinese as they moved through the city, leaving thick black smoke billowing over Lhasa.

Protesters were running through the streets with traditional white scarves in their hands, shouting "Free Tibet," sources said.

The protests swelled to a peak early Friday amid a reduced police presence on the streets.

Reclaim Your Soul and Rejuvenate Your Life Force

2008-02-07T11:44:00.001-07:00

This article was excerpt from the February newsletter called
The Voice of Clear Light

INTERVIEW WITH GESHE TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE
ON THE ANNUAL SPRING RETREAT - April 16-20, 2008

During the Spring Healing Retreat at Serenity Ridge, April 16 to 20, 2008, Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will be teaching the soul and life-force retrieval practices from the Mother Tantra of the Bon tradition. In a Dec. 21 interview at his home, Rinpoche offered more details about soul retrieval and its relevance to one's daily life.

The Voice of Clear Light: Are soul retrieval and life-force retrieval two separate practices? How are these two connected?

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche: The text I will be teaching from has two parts: soul retrieval (la gu) and life-force retrieval (tse gu). These two factors are distinct, but they are integrally related. Somehow, the soul appears to serve as a deeper foundation of the life force. If the soul is healed, the life force is strong. If the soul is damaged, the life force declines.

VOCL: In the Bon tradition, what is the meaning of soul?

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche: One way to look at your soul is as your spiritual essence: that which is fed by the activity of virtue. Another way we can look at the soul is as a balance of the five natural elements of earth, water, fire, wind and space at a very subtle level. In the Tibetan spiritual traditions, this balance of the characteristics of all five elements equates to one's spiritual essence.In one individual, all five elements may be in balance. Another individual may naturally have a lot of fire in their personality, more so than other people. Yet, within each element there is always some level of the four other elements; for example, the fire element is comprised of space fire, air fire, earth fire, and so on. So, even someone with a fiery personality can have a healthy balance of the elements.

However, sometimes we can lose this balance because of negative karmic ripening; because of long-term pain, conflict, stress or tension; or because of lack of skill in dealing with situations that arise in our lives. When one faces more than one is able to digest or deal with, when it becomes too much, it begins to damage the individual. It does not necessarily affect your physical health right away, but it may affect your personality, your mood, or in a deeper sense, the emotions and thoughts that arise from that imbalance of the elements. Someone with a lot of fire may normally have a sense of joy, of creativity, of enthusiasm, while still maintaining some sense of stability from the earth element and flexibility from the air element, for example. But when there is an imbalance of the elements, the person will not feel the same. They may feel unhappy, with no desire to do things, and no energy. They won't know what to do, they won't have the same sense of creativity. If they live too long with that imbalance, over time they may become physically ill.In the soul retrieval practice the practitioner can retrieve the elemental essences they need by connecting with nature, with the forces of time, with the forces of the enlightened refuge tree, of the healing spirits, of the support of the community of practitioners, of one's individual wishes, of ritual, of mantra — through all those things, formally or informally the practitioner is able to retrieve the qualities.

It is important when coming to these retreats not to think you are coming only to learn something in order to help yourself, or to come only because you work in a healing profession. Of course, you can come for those reasons, but most important, every now and then, once or twice a year, you should attend a retreat like this to retrieve the qualities you need and help put yourself back on track. Internally, spiritually, energetically, you are coming back to that place where you are a healthy, balanced person.

** To register online for Serenity Ridge retreats, or to learn about other retreats scheduled worldwide with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, visit www.ligmincha.org, and click on "Retreats." Or, contact Ligmincha Institute at Ligmincha@aol. com or 434-977-6161.

Gaden Shartse Monks Tour

2008-02-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

It’s time for the Sacred Earth and Healing Arts of Tibet 208 Gaden Shartse Monks Nationwide Tour in the US. If you have never seen monks creating a sand mandala, you must see this! To get further information about how you can invite the monks to yourSchool, museum or city, click here on this article title above – it’s a hot link.

World Sound Healing Day

2008-01-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

Join us all in chanting an "ah" for peace on Valentines Day. Check out
further information at the link above. We can make a difference with
our thoughts and actions, so please join us!

Help SFT Win $50,000

2008-01-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! Thanks to our members we have already won
$3,000 on Facebook -that means we have won the $1000 daily
giving challenge three times!

And now, WE NEED ONLY 138 NEW DONORS to put us in 1st place to
win $50,000!
(*Challenge closes Feb. 1st)

If you haven't donated yet - PLEASE sign up today and make a
$10 minimum donation.

If you have already donated on Facebook, PLEASE find someone who
hasn't donated yet - a friend, a family member, or a colleague -
and ask them to donate to the cause.

To date we have raised $15,330 in total donations and prize
money! An SFT board member is so impressed with our grassroots
giving performance that she pledged to match whatever amount we
raise on our next daily challenge.

That daily challenge starts today, Friday January 18 at 3pm EST!
Give $10 today. Raise $50,000 for Tibet!
1. Log on to www.facebook.com . If you don't have an account,
open one at www.facebook.com . It's too easy not to.
2. Once you're logged in, just go to:
apps.facebook.com/causes/view_cause/47691
3. Donate $10 to the Tibetan Freedom Movement.
For technical support, please contact Kala Mendoza, SFT's
Grassroots Coordinator and Facebook Commander at (917) 595-0140
or kala@studentsforafreetibet.org.

Let's win this for a free Tibet.

Lhadon, Tendor, Kate, Heather & Kala
--
About the Facebook Challenge:
The Case Foundation has committed $250,000 to a donation
challenge for non-profit organizations. For every 24 hour period
until February 1, 2008, the non-profit organization with the
greatest number of individual donors wins $1000. The
organization with the greatest number of individual donors at
the end of the 50-day period that ends on February 1, 2008, wins
$50,000. The minimum donation per individual is $10.
We are still at 4th place in the $50,000 race. Your $10
donation will bring us closer to the $50,000 award. With
$50,000, we can organize two high-profile direct actions in
Beijing during the Olympics!
--------------------------------------------------
Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://actionnetwork.org/join-forward.html?domain=san&r=tpzOB1pqPcor
If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for
Students for a Free Tibet's Online Action Center at:
http://actionnetwork.org/sft/join.html?r=tpzOB1pqPcorE

Theravadin Meditation Retreat

2008-01-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

We wanted to let you know about a wonderful retreat opportunity coming
up in May. Ajahn Thanasanti and her sister nun Ajahn Upekkha will be
offering a Theravadin meditation retreat from Friday, May 9 - Sunday,
May 18 at Cloud Mountain Retreat Center in southwest Washington state.
Although this blog is usually on Tibetan Buddhism, I do know Ajahn Thanasanti personally and she is a wonderful teacher, not to be missed! Full retreat information, including retreat description and format, the teachers' biographies and photos, and registration information can also be found on our website at www.cloudmountain.org.

We hope to see you on this retreat! But even if you are not able to attend this retreat yourself, we would be grateful for your help in getting the word out to your friends and other people you know who might be interested in this kind of opportunity for Dhamma practice.

Please feel free to email or call us here at Cloud Mountain any time at info@cloudmountain.org or 888-465-9118 (toll-free). We would be happy to provide you with any additional information you might like!

Gateways to Bliss

2007-12-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche is offering a weekend teaching retreat in Pacific Palisades, California January 18-20, 2008. The title of this teaching is "The Nine Subtle Stages of Prana: Gateways to Bliss". Prana is the vitalwind energy. It is the energy upon which both the vitality of the bodyand consciousness depend. In our daily lives when we face an externalobstacle, internal blockages are witnessed in a unique characteristic ofprana and consciousness associated with that experience. "When one recognizes this association clearly, one can change the causes and conditions of the prana at its source, or root, which will transform those presentconditions and causes of pain. ... Knowledge and practices of the Nine Prana will teach us how to make effective changes in our life."
By attending this retreat it is hoped that each student will find his or her own gate to a life that is more physically healthy, energetically vital and spiritually fulfilling. These teachings are from the Bon Mother Tantra on the nine stages of prana.
To register call Bob Anger at 310-369-4747 or email Robert.Anger@fox.com

Tibetan Bowls Event

2007-11-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am offering a special Tibetan Bowls Meditation / Concert in my home SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18TH AT 11 A.M. Call or send an email for directions 303 755-2669 or rdtibet@yahoo.com

If you are interested in FUTURE events and cannot make it to this one, please send an email with the SUBJECT: NOTIFY OF SOUND EVENTS and I'll add you to my list so you will be notified of the next one.

I hope you can make it. You will find hearing the Tibetan Bowls are a profoundly spiritual experience. This beautiful work that is being re-discovered is that of "at-TUNE-ment with Creation." The Tibetan Bowls harmonize, uplift and create deep healing of the soul. Sacred sounds align us to our highest luminous self. This reconnecting to the core of our being is the ultimate healing for us -- and ultimately for our planet. Please share this site with friends or bring them with you.

If you have your own bowl and wish to bring it, I encourage you to do so!

Hope to see you there.

Cold Season Special

2007-10-22T11:39:00.000-06:00

Been having sniffles? Who isn't these days! But help is near:

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Celebrate With HHDL

2007-10-05T08:56:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, October 17, 2007 His Holinessthe Dalai Lama will give apublic address on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 1 p.m. He will be receiving the Congressional GoldMedal from President Bush, the Speaker of theHouse, and Congressional leadership in the Capitol Rotunda. Richard Gere will make a few comments, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi will escort the Dalai Lama from the Rotunda to the West Lawn, where he will give a free public address.
If you live in the United States or are able to make the trip, please attend and help show your support for Tibet. Thousands of Tibetans from aroundthe world are expected be in attendance!

Violence May Be Coming

2007-09-17T10:10:00.000-06:00

Demonstrations At Horse Festival

Recently in early August 2007 there was held traditionalhorse races in Lithang, Kardze (Sechuan Province China). A radical pamphlet was distributed at the regional horse festival indicates an increasing radicalisation among localTibetans. The first armed confrontations between Chinesetroops and locals took place here in the 1950s and Lithang played a crucial role in the establishment of the ‘Khampa’ guerilla movement that lasted for two decades.
TibetInfoNet has indicated that they received an image of a clandestine flyer distributed at the festival. The flyer bears in essence a radical message. The statement is hand written in the Tibetan language but, although the first part is missing, it is obvious from the context that it is addressed to the Chinese authorities. The preserved part of the statement reads:

“[You] killed [Tibetans] and seized our hard-earned wealth. For fifty years thenatural environment, forests, wildlife and mineral resources which our ancestorssafeguarded like their own lives, have been shamelessly and insatiablyexploited. Moreover, you are endeavouring to annihilate our religion andculture. The six million Tibetans will never forget the suffering of thispersecution for tens of thousands of years to come. We demand Tibetanindependence. Any delay [in fulfilling this demand] will lead to tens ofthousands of Tibetans resolutely sacrificing their lives”.

The above statement is likely produced by a movement better known among Tibetans as Chushi Gangdrug (Four Rivers, Six Ranges).

Sources report that the Chinese authorities have started an intensive campaign aimed at compelling local Tibetans holding public positions to vilify the Dalai Lama while being videotaped.

The above statement makes no mention of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and takes instead a pronounced militant tone. It seems that a section of the Tibetan population who is increasingly frustrated by the Chinese authorities, are coming to reject a non-violent course and now look for more radical options. This has been predicted and feared by a number of observers of the Tibetan situation. It would also reveal that half a century or repression by the Chinese may have reopened the way to the violent clashes which have have their roots back in the 1950s.

From Ponlop Trinley Nyima

2007-05-13T13:38:00.000-06:00

I am posting the text of an email from Ponlop Trinley Nyima dated Friday May 11, 2007

My Dear Friends:

I hope you all are very well and in good health. His Holiness the Dalai Lama just visited Menri Monastery, so I wanted to write and tell you all about his trip here. I am sure that you all know about the Dalai Lama, so I don't need to explain who he is! But briefly, he is the leader of the Tibetans, not just in the political sense, but he is also our religious leader. He is a very great leader and very peaceful and even-minded. This is his second visit to Menri. The first was on April 21, 1988. This year his visit also fell on April 21-this wasn't planned but just happened naturally, so we all felt that it was auspicious. This year His Holiness Lungtog Tenpai Nyima invited the Dalai Lama, particularly to celebrate the opening of our new library. The Dalai Lama arrived on the 20th, and he came by helicopter. Myself and the monastery officials all went to Solan to welcome him, and at that time we offered katas. At that time I offered him a blue kata. Blue is a special color for the Bon tradition. In particular, it is a symbol of everlastingness-just like the sky and the ocean, which are blue and are unchanging. Similarly, there is also one kind of grass called "tshe" that is blue in all the seasons. Another reason we use it is that Buddha Tonpa Shenrab once came from the god realm to the human realm in the form of a blue cuckoo. We say that the blue cuckoo has the nicest song, and that especially in the springtime its voice is the most beautiful among all the birds.

The Dalai Lama arrived at Menri around 2:00pm, all the Bon people and monks had a welcome ceremony for him, and offered katas to welcome him to the monastery. That day at 3:00pm some of the monks did a debate demonstration in front of the Dalai Lama at the Menri temple. The debate involved all of the vehicles: sutra, tantra, and dzogchen. The Dalai Lama said that he was quite pleased with the debate, and complimented the monks on their studies.

At that time, the Dalai Lama also gave a speech to the monks. He mentioned that in the past people had told him that Bon was not a "Buddhist" tradition. Here the terminology is very difficult, because like the Buddhists we consider ourselves to be an "insider" tradition (nang pa). Although we are not followers of Sakyamuni Buddha, we still say that ours is a "doctrine of the buddhas" (sangs rgyas chos), because there are buddhas in our system, and we have methods for training the mind and becoming enlightened. So, in response to the claim that ours is an "outsider" tradition or "non-Buddhist," the Dalai Lama told us "I have never said this." He said that Bon is the tradition of our forefathers (pha ma'i chos), and that he feels that the Bon teachings are very profound, sometimes similar to Buddhism, but different methods for reaching the same goal of enlightenment. He told us that since 1960, he has accepted Bon as part of the Tibetan government, and that he feels very accepting, trusting, and appreciative of the Bon tradition.

On the 21st, we did a long life ritual for the Dalai Lama, from the Bon rituals. Then I read an explanation of the mandala, and His Holiness Lungtog Tenpai Nyima led a mandala offering for the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama thanked us for the offering and for the prayers, and said that he would pray for us in return. He said that he also hoped he would have a long life, and would do his best to stay with us for a long time. We then offered him a Bon hat, the lotus hat (pad zhwu), which he put on. The hat is for the higher monks in the Bon tradition (drang song), who hold 250 vows. Just as a lotus is pure and clean, similarly the ones who wear the hat keep their vows purely.

After 10:00am on the 21st, we had the opening ceremony for the Yungdrung Bon Library. At this time, the Dalai Lama untied a 5-colored ribbon on the door, and then we went into the main temple in the library, where we did a consecration ritual (rab gnas) for the building. During the ceremony, the Dalai Lama used the Bon bell; he told us that he had never used this before, that it was difficult! Following the consecration, he mentioned that he really appreciated the ceremony, and felt that the ritual was from a very meaningful and great text.

The library here does not just contain Bon works, but has texts from all the Tibetan traditions. Inside the main room, in addition to Bon scriptures, we also have the Buddhist Kanjur and Tenjur, and important collections from Geluk, Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Jonang traditions. We even have begun collections from foreign religious traditions. So, although we have called the library the Yungdrung Bon Library, its goal is not to be sectarian. As the Dalai Lama toured the library, he complimented us on it, and said that it would be of great benefit for research scholars and students of religion and history, and that it seemed to him to be in the spirit of non-sectarianism (ris med).

Many Tibetans from outside of Dolanji attended the opening ceremony, and people came from Ladakh, Sikkim, Tibet, Nepal, Darjeeling, and Bhutan. After lunch, the Dalai Lama gave a public talk to everyone hat had come. Here, he said that Bon is Tibet's native tradition, that it is very important in Tibetan history, and that we need to learn more about it and learn more deeply. He mentioned that some in the past had said that Bon was just a ritual system; he said that in actuality it contains many great teachings and spiritual advice, and that it was important for us to learn more about it. He also mentioned that if we needed any help from him or the Tibetan government to please let him know, and that he would help us.

That afternoon, the school children also performed some dances for the Dalai Lama. At this time he mentioned that Bon was not only important as a religious system, but that it had made many cultural and political contributions to Tibet. He told us that he was very happy with his visit, and was glad that he had been able to come to Menri, the main monastery of the Bon tradition.
On the morning of the 22nd, all of the monks gathered in front of the temple, and we took some wonderful photos. Later, I went with the party to Solan to tell him goodbye. I requested him to please come again to Menri, and he said that he would like to.

I hope this finds you all well and in good health. I will pray for all of you, for your long life and good health. I also would like to ask you all to pray for the long life of the Dalai Lama.

Best wishes,

Ponlop Trinley Nyima

Buddhist legacy in Mustang Threatened

2007-05-04T08:58:00.000-06:00

KATHMANDU, Nepal --

A priceless treasure trove of Buddhist teachings,
manuscripts, paintings and other historical artifacts lie
under grave threat, ironically from the
development of a Highway in remote northern Nepal.

Mustang - once part of an ancient Tibetan kingdom -
has been safeguarding thousands of caves, some of which
are nearly 3,000 years old, full of paintings and manuscripts
in ancient Tibetan scripts. Archaeologist Sukra Sagar Shrestha,
who specializes in high-altitude archaeology estimates there
are over 10,000 such caves, most of them undiscovered.

Written in at least four different Tibetan scripts, the manuscripts,
once deciphered, are likely to provide a wealth of historical data
about the ancient Tibetan kingdom, its relations with China, Nepal
and India, and perhaps even about the Buddha himself.

The remoteness, near inaccessibility and freezing climate of Mustang
combined to protect and preserve the ancient Buddhist heritage.
“The caves, where the temperature is never more than eight degrees
Celsius, provides the best natural preservation for the relics,” said
Shrestha. However, now the advent of an ambitious trans-Himalayan
highway – planned for connecting India, Nepal and China as well as
other Asian cities – is threatening the hidden treasures.

Nepal’s director-general of archaeology Kosh Prasad Acharya is,
therefore, appealing to the international community for help to preserve
this unique heritage.
“Development can’t be denied. So we have to look at the best compromise,” said Acharya. That, according to him, means launching a full-fledged mission to discover the caves and then to document the treasures.
“It is an expensive matter and we need help,” he added. “We ask the international community to help in any way it can - by providing funds, expertise and information.”

Panchen Lama reaches age 18

2007-05-02T08:35:00.000-06:00

(BBC) April 25, 2007 was the 18th birthday of Gendun Choekyi Nyima, who
was recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama when he was aged five but taken
away by the Chinese authorities who rejected his appointment and nominated
their own Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, in 1995. Beijing says Gendun is living
a ‘normal’ life but refuses to provide access to the boy. His birthday was marked
by protests across the world. Many human rights organizations and campaigning
groups also issued statements calling on Beijing to allow international access to
the young man. A government spokesman told the BBC that Tibetans were
guaranteed normal religious freedoms, but he refused to reveal where Gendun
Cheokyi Nyima was living. Campaigners hope the boy's 18th birthday may change
the approach of the Chinese authorities to his situation.

Desmond Tutu Advocates Freedom for Tibet

2007-02-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

In New Delhi on January 31,2007

Desmond Tutu, Nobel laureate, caught the Indian leadership unaware by strongly advocating independence for Tibet soon after receiving the coveted Gandhi Peace Prize. Tutu said "We thank you for giving refuge to one of greatest human beings Dalai Lama (Tibetan spiritual leader) and pray that your help bring about freedom of his Tibet."

Keeping in mind the sensitivity of ties between India and China, PMO sources were quick to point out that India recognised only one China and termed the remarks by Tutu as his personal views.

For the complete article click on the hotlink by clicking the title of this piece.

New Years Message from H.H., the 17th Karmapa

2007-01-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

The following is translated from a New Year's Eve teaching given at Tergar Monastery:

When I was little and living in the monastery, on New Year's eve I would be anxious with anticipation waiting for the New Year to arrive. I could barely sleep, perhaps because of the possibilities of new hopes and aspirations. So for this New Year, I also have hope and aspiration. It's a new hope with the coming of this New Year that I might be able to walk on the same soil, the western continent—walk through the same landscape, and open the door to this intimacy. That is my hope for the New Year.

Looking back at this past year, we can recall experiences that have been painful and difficult. There are also joyful and happy experiences that we can recall. Different experiences, be they difficult and challenging or joyful and pleasant—they are landscapes, tapestries in our lives—something to do with attributes, significance in our lives. It's important to recall these joys and sorrows that have marked this last year. The point is, the difficulties one has faced, painful experiences, shouldn’t be left by themselves, put aside, or ignored as too painful. The difficulties and challenges should be attributes in molding and shaping the contours of one’s life and be put to meaningful use.

Personally, I have faced particular difficulties especially in the years 1999 and 2000 [his escape from Tibet], as many of you know. The difficulties and challenges I have faced have become the adornments of my life. Had I not, maybe I would be anonymous—but some kind of recognition can be attributed to those times. Every difficulty can be embraced as a blessing in disguise. They can adorn one’s life. Beneficial results can be found. What would be most preferable is to be able to use whatever problems one has faced for greater development for the coming year. So they become attributes, human dignity, repleteness, fullness—decorated by being able to learn. That would be the most precious thing to do. If one can’t do that, then at least one must put aside, let go. Don’t bring a trail of baggage into the New Year. Come with new life into the New Year.

In 2006, I have come through many challenges, in particular having taken up the responsibility of steering the Kagyu Monlam. It is quite a lot of responsibility, difficulty and considerations. But this eve, all of those challenges, however difficult have been worth it because they have been done for your sake. So why get stuck with those? So I’ve left them behind. Tonight I come to you crystal fresh. I hope that you too can come fresh—decorate and dignify your human life and at least don’t bring a trail of baggage into the your present life. One needs room, so don’t bring a trail of baggage from the past. Say good-bye to last year.

So what we need to consider is that we don’t view that "time" is controlling us—that custom is controlling us. Time is not going to dictate change or custom doesn’t have control, but our willingness does. Feel inspired, motivated to change. We use the occasion of New Year to voluntarily serve as the vehicle of change. We can change anytime we want because it’s not dictated by time or custom. So the principle purpose of Buddhism is to see our conditioned habitual view—fanatical fixation of whatever view of reality that we are holding. The teachings of Buddhism help us to undo those fixations. Help us to understand fixation, rigidity—to not develop another view as we go further on the path—but gradually going beyond any view whatsoever.

When we apply Dharma in our spiritual lives and everyday activities, our attitude is free of extreme fixation. When we live our lives, face challenges and difficulties, there is enough room for movement, for activities to just occur. There’s no need to be stuck, rather, beginning to see room for hope, for possibility, for confidence.

So, on this very night it’s important for us to know that we’re not trying to particularly promote this or that view. We already have enough opinions. What we need is genuine experience of peace of mind, stability of mind, development of depth of capacity for wisdom—not dependent on counting how long one has done such and such, but on a daily basis looking at what’s going on in one’s life. What outlook is one developing from day to day, week to week, month to month.

We could use loving kindness, compassion—we can ask what further enhancement have we been able to develop? What have we cultivated in our daily life for that to occur? One needs two things:

1) Proper guidance; and

2) Examples of what is wholesome to adopt and what is unwholesome to abandon—recognizing by oneself what is unwholesome and giving it up and recognizing what to adopt. Self-help. Help yourself to appreciate, help yourself to develop, not by being dependent upon another to show you, but by embracing the guidelines that you need to follow. In terms of self-help, what do we need to do? We feed ourselves three times a day. Three times or not, we still have the notion to take care of the body. There is this notion of “I” who owns the body. This lingering experience—there is no fixed reference, not a reference to body or entity. Yet there’s some dependency, perhaps consciousness, mind, alertness that we experience. If so, perhaps we need to help that, feed that three times a day. Feed the mind in order to be strong, to be confident, to have a mature mind, like mental vitamins.

To catch a physical cold is uncomfortable, but a mind-cold is even worse. Maybe we should care for our mind more than our body.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that I’ve heard there are about 1,000 of you from abroad. So to me you are like 1,000 Buddhas, 1,000 Bodhisattvas. Actually, I don’t know what a Buddha looks like, what Buddhas are supposed to look like, but this time Buddhas have different shades of hair—blond, black, brown—short ones, tall ones. I’m so amazed at all the variety of ways that Buddhas can manifest.

That you’ve come here and sincerely participated in the Kagyu Monlam—I feel strengthened by your presence. I feel invigorated, like I want to do something. I must do more. So for this strength, I’d like to thank all of you. Thank you.

It has been in the past that my activities are dependent on others, the connection, the gathered strength of others. In the future also, the strength, the gathering of others’ inseparability, linked. And you’re all very important to me, a source of benefit to me, and maybe I’m a little bit to you. This eve I extend full-hearted good wishes for your well being and wishes that we stay connected in the coming years. If experience is happy, we’ll do it together. If experience is suffering, we’ll do it together.

With this I wish you the very best. Happy New Year.

~ H.H., the 17th Karmapa

Shoveling Snow With Buddha

2006-12-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well here we are again in Denver with the Double Wammy. Second week in a row we've been snowed in. This time though they have the chain law in effect in Metro Denver - unheard of!!! Chains are usually only for the mountains. So I am going through old magazines cutting out stuff for a New Year's vision board. I found the following poem and thought it appropriate - so here it is - WISHING YOU ALL A WONDERFILLED 2007!

Marsha

Shoveling Snow with Buddha

by Billy Collins

In the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wok
you would never see him doing such a thing,
tossing the dry snow over the mountain
of his bare, round shoulder,
his hair tied in a knot, a model of concentration.

Sitting is more his speed, if that is the word for what he does, or does not do.

Even the season is wrong for him.
In all his manifestations, is it not warm and slightly humid?
Is this not implied by his serene expression,
that smile so wide it wraps itself around the waist of the universe?

But here we are, working our way down the driveway,
one shovelful at a time.
We toss the light powder into the clear air.
Ad with every heave we disappear
and become lost to each other
in these sudden clouds of our own making,
these fountain-bursts of snow.

This is so much better than a sermon in church,
I say out loud, but Buddha keeps on shoveling.
This is the true religion, the religion of snow,
and sunlight and winter geese barking in the sky,
I say, but he is too busy to hear me.

He has thrown himself into shoveling snow
as if it were the purpose of existence,
as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear driveway
you could back the car down easily
and drive off into the vanities of the world
with a broker heater fan and a song on the radio.

All morning long we work side by side,
me with my commentary
and he inside the generous pocket of his silence,
until the hour is nearly noon
and the snow is piled high all around us;
then, I hear him speak.

After this, he asks,
can we go inside and play cards?

Certainly, I reply, and I will heat some milk
and bring cups of hot chocolate to the table
while you shuffle the deck,
and our boots stand dripping by the door.

Aaah, says the Buddha, lifting his eyes
and leaning for a moment on his shovel
before he drives the thin blade again
deep into the glittering white snow.

and here is something else I found profound:

The Weight of a Snowflake

"Tell me the weight of a snowflake," a coal mouse asked a wild dove.

"Nothing more than nothing," the dove answered.

"In that case I must tell you a marvelous story," the coal mouse said.
"I sat on a fir branch close to the trunk when it began to snow. Not heavily, not in a raging blizzard. No, just like in a dream, without any violence at all. Since I didn't have anything better to do, I counted the snowflaked settling on the twigs and needles of my branch. Their number was 3,471,952. When the next snowflake dripped onto the branch - nothing more than nothing - as you say, the branch broke off."

Having said that, the coal mouse ran away. The dove, since Noah's time an authority on peace, thought about the story for a while. Finally she said to herself, "Perhaps there is only one person's voice lacking for peace to come to the world."

Enjoy your holidays, and maybe I'll see some of you at Tummo in LA -
that is is Denver International Airport is open so I can leave!

In Bon,

Marsha Camblin

King of Bhutan Steps Down

2006-12-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

A Kuensel Report 15 December, 2006

The fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has handed over his responsibilities as the Monarch and head of state of Bhutan to the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck who now assumes the full responsibilities of head of state as the fifth Druk Gyalpo.

"The time has now come for me to hand over my responsibilities to Trongsa Penlop Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck," said His Majesty in a kasho issued on December 9, the 20th day of the 10th Bhutanese month. "I am confident that a very bright future lies ahead for Bhutan with the leadership of a new King and a democratic system of government that is best suited for our country as enshrined under the Constitution. I have every confidence that there will be unprecedented progress and prosperity for our nation in the reign of our fifth King." As the transition was formally announced on December 14, the 24th day of the 10th Bhutanese month, the day was charged with emotion, and a special sitting of the Cabinet in Tashichhodzong was unable to articulate a comprehensive discussion. Cabinet members and special guests that included the chief justice, the speaker of the National Assembly, and the chief election commissioner were overcome by emotion and sat in a long and stunned silence after His Majesty the King's announcement.

With a clarity that has been consistent in the royal views, His Majesty reminded the Cabinet session that he had already announced the decision to the nation last December and repeated it many times to the lhengye zhungtsho.

His Majesty explained that Bhutan could not hope for a better time for such an important transition. Today, the country enjoyed peace and stability, and its security and sovereignty was ensured. After phenomenal development and progress the country was closer than ever to the goal of economic self reliance. Bhutan's relations with its closest neighbour and friend, India, had reached new heights. International organisations and bilateral development partners were ready to support Bhutan's development efforts and political transformation.

His Majesty said that Bhutan was extremely fortunate to have been able to face and overcome many challenges over the past 34 years, even those that many people thought were not possible. While countries around the world were suffering from political unrest and economic woes the Bhutanese leadership and people now had the opportunity to look ahead and plan for the future.

"Such an opportunity will not come again," His Majesty said.

His Majesty also pointed out that, as parliamentary democracy was established, the country would enjoy peace and stability for several years and that would be a good period for the fifth Druk Gyalpo and the new government to gain exposure and political experience.

His Majesty said that, as long as he himself continued to be King, the Crown Prince would not gain the actual experience of dealing with issues and carrying out the responsibilities of a head of state. With parliamentary democracy to be established in 2008 there was much to be done so it was necessary that he gained this valuable experience.

His Majesty said that he had mentioned to the Crown Prince that he would have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to prepare him for his responsibilities as King. His Majesty expressed his confidence that the fifth Druk Gyalpo was fully capable of carrying out his responsibilities. Judging by his performance as Crown Prince, his thinking, and his principles, His Majesty said he had no doubt that the fifth Druk Gyalpo would serve his nation with selfless dedication. His Majesty said that if the Crown Prince was not worthy, he would not have handed over his responsibilties just because the Crown Prince was his own son.

His Majesty himself had taken over the reigns of governance at the age of 16 years and he had no doubt that the fifth Druk Gyalpo, who was now 26 years old, would dedicate his service to the interests of the nation. By the time he retired at the age of 65 years he would have served for 38 years. His Majesty expressed his hope and prayer that the fifth Druk Gyalpo will achieve national objectives that were important to the country and fulfill the aspirations of the Bhutanese people.

Although Bhutan had achieved unprecedented development in the past 34 years, it was more important now to think of the future. His Majesty said that he had made the decision to abdicate because it was in the best interest of the nation.

His Majesty the King expressed his sincere appreciation to the ministers and senior officials with whom he had worked closely over the past 34 years. His Majesty said that he had valued their unfailing loyalty and service.

Send Us Your Articles

2006-12-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

I would like to invite anyone who has a
good poem, quote or article, to share it here in this blog,
as long as they are related to Buddhism, feng shui or
essential oils.

Please, send the articles with your name,
web address, and phone number to:
rdtibet@yahoo.com
and I will post it for you.

Thanks!

Marsha Camblin

No more exit permits from India!

2006-12-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

India halts Tibetans' 'go-west' plans
Hindustan Times[Wednesday, December 13, 2006 15:39]
Tibetan immigrants, who have often been using India as a springboard to settle down in Western countries, will not be able do so, as the Indian government has decided to stop issuing exit permits to them after December 31.

A large number of Tibetans have been entering India through Nepal on the basis of special entry permits (SEPs) and then seeking exit permits from the Indian government to move to western countries for better prospects.

The Indian government has now told the Tibetan government-in-exile - the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) - that exit permits will no longer be issued after the year end, CTA sources confirmed in Dharamsala.

It said that many Tibetans use India as a transit point to travel abroad - a practice which would be disallowed from next month. The move, though not directly linked, comes less than a month after Chinese President Hu Jintao visited India on November 20-24.

The CTA has on its part issued a circular to its offices and Tibetans across India through its official website, informing them of the new rule.

The Kashag (Tibetan cabinet) circular says that since the number of Tibetan immigrants seeking exit permits had been increasing over the last few years, the Indian government "felt uncomfortable" with the situation.

According to CTA sources, many Tibetans, especially recent immigrants, had migrated to western countries in recent years. They were using the same Tibet-Nepal-India circuit to come to India with their family members and then would settle down in western countries by getting exit permits issued by India.

There are over 100,000 Tibetans living in settlements across India and another 30,000 others settled in other countries, especially in US, Canada and European nations.

Tibetan spiritual head the Dalai Lama resides in Mcloedganj, 10 km from Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, ever since he fled Tibet's capital Lhasa in 1959. He has been granted political asylum in India along with scores of other Tibetans.

Since Tibet is not recognised as a country, Tibetans coming into India are issued SEPs at the Kathmandu-based Indian embassy to travel to India.

The SEPs are issued for pilgrimage (one month), education (one year) and other categories. Many Tibetans take the longer SEP and then apply for a registration certificate (RC) once they reach Dharamsala or any other Tibetan settlement in India.

The RC later entitles them to apply for an identity certificate (IC), which is similar to a passport. They then seek an exit permit to go to other countries.

I think this is HORRIBLE news. If the Tibetans can not excape to freedom in the west through India, what options do they have? This effectively allows no way out!

Don't you think we need to start a letter writing campaign or some protest or something in order to advocate the poor Tibetans who just want freedom?

Please enter your comments.

Nangpa Pass Keep the Focus

2006-12-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

On November 30th, Tibetans and their supporters worldwide took
action for the release of those detained in the Nangpa Pass
incident, when Chinese soldiers brutally opened fired on a group
of 70 Tibetan refugees attempting to escape into exile.
Demonstrations and candlelight vigils were held at Chinese
embassies and consulates around to the world to remind the
Chinese leadership of the international outrage this incident
provoked. To read reports and see photos from the International
Day of Action, go to: www.studentsforafreetibet.org/nangpapass .

Dancing With Life

2006-10-25T08:57:00.000-06:00

Dancing With Life

Activities are endless, like ripples on a stream
They end only when you drop them.
Human moods are like the changing highlights and
shadows on a sunlit mountain range.

All activities are like the games children play,
like castles being made of sand.
View them with delight and equanimity,
like grandparents overseeing their grandchildren
or a shepherd resting on a grassy knoll
watching over his grazing flock.

- Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche,
from a spontaneous Vajra song

Essential oils could replace chemical additives in preserving meat

2006-10-22T19:29:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, October 11, 2006 by: Ben Kage

(NewsTarget) Researchers at the University of Extremadura in Spain
have found that the essential oils sage and rosemary could slow
oxidative spoilage of meat better than synthetic antioxidants
butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylhydroxytoluene (BHT).

"The results of my research support the idea that new food
ingredients from plant kingdom are of interest for the meat
industry," lead author Mario Estvez. "Using "functional ingredients"
such as those containing flavonoids are excellent options to enhance
the nutritional and technological properties of a wide range of
foods."

In the study, the researchers studied three pates, one with sage and
rosemary oils, one with BHA and BHT, and one with no antioxidants,
after they had been stored at 39 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 days.

After 30 days, the scientists analyzed the levels of polyunsaturated
fatty acids (PUFA), thibarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),
and lipid-derived volatiles in the pates. The essential oil pate
also showed a significantly reduced loss of PUFA levels compared to
the synthetically preserved and control pates, and the essential
oils also performed better in the inhibition of oxidative
deterioration. No difference was observed after 90 days.

"Results from the present study agree with those obtained
(previously) , denoting even the possibility of replacing synthetic
antioxidants such as BHT with natural extracts with antioxidant
activity obtained from plants," wrote the authors in the January
issue of LWT - Food Science and Technology (Lebensmittel-
Wissenschaft und -Technologie) . "Furthermore, the addition of plant
essential oils greatly influences the aromatic profile of the
products in which they are added since some volatile components of
these essential oils are terpenes which might contribute to add
specific aromatic notes."

While the study results suggest that natural alternatives to
synthetic preservatives are viable, Estvez said some obstacles still
remain.

"Regardless of the costs, the main challenges of using these
substances on meat products are related to consumer's
acceptability, " he said. "It is essential to carry out experimental
works to prove the effectiveness of these substances is every single
product because their activity as antioxidants depends on a large
number of factors, including the characteristics of the food."

The study comes at a time when plant-based alternatives to chemical
preservatives are increasing in popularity, even to the point that
the synthetic antioxidant market is in decline while the natural
antioxidant market is growing, according to a 2003 report by Frost
and Sullivan.

Mike Adams, consumer health advocate and author of "Grocery
Warning," explained that turning to all-natural preservatives was
more than a just a good idea.

"Replacing the toxic chemical additives currently used to preserve
meat products with natural, plant-derived oils would help protect
the population from cancer," he said. "The chemical additives
currently being used to preserve common meat products are extremely
toxic and known to aggressively promote cancer."

Crisis in Mustang

2006-10-08T19:20:00.000-06:00

(AsiaNews)

More than 10,000 people suffer food shortage as a result of a ban on
food exports from Tibet to Nepal imposed by Beijing and linked to a move to
stop Tibetans from fleeing their homeland. Since August 2006, overland links
from Tibet into the northern Nepali district of Mustang have been cut. This has
had the effect of exacerbating an already serious food shortage in the area and
is affecting a largely Buddhist population that has strong ties to Tibetans.

Balananda Basyal, head of the Nepalese Food Corporation depot in the town of
Lomanthang in upper Mustang district, said that famine was widespread in the
area until the government and international agencies were able to ensure the
residents' survival. However, "with the collapse of the [former royalist]
government in Nepal, aid has stopped. We can only get food from Tibet but now the
Chinese ban has caused such shortages that we'll soon start to starve". Human
rights activist Ram Ekbal Choudhary explained that the Chinese have imposed the
ban "on the excuse that Tibetans use the lorries carrying food to flee their
region through Nepal in order to go to India and the Dalai Lama". This
accusation, he immediately added, "is ridiculous. There was no need to take
drastic measures that endanger the lives of hundreds of people. China has
security forces all along the border. Why doesn't it use them to check the
lorries?".

Mind versus Thought

2006-10-07T13:19:00.000-06:00

"If you believe there is a thing called mind,
it is just a thought.

If you believe there is no thing called mind,
it's just another thought.

Your natural state,
free of any kind of thought about it
-- that is buddha nature. "

- Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, As It Is.

DALAI LAMA TO BLESS LARGEST BUDDHIST MONUMENT IN THE U.S.

2006-08-29T08:31:00.000-06:00

Rocky Mountains – September 17, 2006
Visually Stunning and Historic Event

August 28, 2006 -- In an event of historic and religious significance, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will bless the largest Buddhist monument in the United States on Sunday morning, September 17 at the Shambhala Mountain Center in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Arriving in a convoy of helicopters from Denver, the Dalai Lama will be greeted by over 2,000 Buddhist practitioners. He will then proceed to The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, one of the most noteworthy examples of Buddhist sacred architecture in the world and the largest monument dedicated to peace in North America.

In a two-hour event, the Dalai Lama will perform a traditional Tibetan blessing of the Stupa, speak to the assembly on the importance of compassion in today’s world, and receive the first Living Peace Award. The event is hosted by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, and author of national best-sellers Turning the Mind into an Ally and Ruling Your World. In addition, Queen Noor of Jordan and Rabbi Irwin Kula of the National Jewish Center for Leadership and Learning will participate in a panel discussion with the Dalai Lama and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche on the role of compassion in global leadership.

The event will be visually stunning as the Dalai Lama performs the ceremony high in the Colorado Rockies before an extraordinarily gilded architectural marvel. Surrounding the Great Stupa will be hundreds of Tibetan banners and flags. Although the Great Stupa was completed in 2001, this exceptional event is of great historic importance as it signifies a new chapter in the flowering of the traditional teachings of the Buddha in the United States.

Describing the significance of the Great Stupa, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche says, “In these turbulent times of extreme conflict and aggression threatening countless people and the planet itself, this monument to great compassion is a beacon, expressing the longing of countless Americans for peace, at home and abroad.”

The Dalai Lama’s visit is the culmination of a week of events at Shambhala Mountain Center. Two sold-out programs will attract people from all over the world, both of which will be hosted by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Compassion in the Rockies will take place September 13 - 16, and Compassionate Leadership, a seminar for corporate and non-profit leaders, will take place September 15 – 17.

Woser Blog Shut Down

2006-08-06T15:10:00.000-06:00

July 31, 2006
Woser blog shut down

(AFP) China has shut down a popular blog by the Tibetan author Woser (Chin: Weisei) after she wrote birthday wishes for the Dalai Lama and touched on other sensitive topics, the writer and a website operator have reported. The blog also discussed the HIV/Aids problem in Tibet, the impact of the recently completed Tibet railway on Tibetan culture, and the 40th anniversary of what happened in Tibet during the Cultural Revolution. A manager of one of two websites that carried the blogs said that they were ordered to remove the blog. "On 28 July we
received an order from the provincial government to shut her blog. I don't know the reason", said the manager of tibetcul.net, Wangchuk Tseten (Chin: Wangxiu Caidan), "I believe the order came from the central government". Wangchuk said that the blog was the most popular one on the website, receiving 280,000 hits since it was linked to the site in February 2005. Woser, a Tibetan formerly based in Lhasa but now in Beijing, confirmed that her blog had been shut down and criticised authorities for restricting freedom of expression. "It's unfortunate. It's unfair. In this kind of environment in China, it's very hard
to express one's true opinions and voice", she said. She said that she had no plans to create another blog in the near future but was working on a book about Tibet. In 2003 China banned ‘Notes on Tibet’, a book that she wrote that presented sensitive religious issues, including how the exiled Dalai Lama was still revered by Tibetans inside Tibet.

The above article was extracted from an email issued by TibetInfoNet.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Denver

2006-07-31T08:30:00.000-06:00

Sunday, September 17, 2006
Public Talk at Pepsi Center
Sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute

Denver, CO — His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a major public talk in Denver on Sunday afternoon, September 17, 2006 at Pepsi Center before an expected audience of 12,000 people. Entitled, “The Science of a Compassionate Life,” the talk is sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute and co-sponsored by Naropa University Extended Studies, both based in Boulder. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper will introduce the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama’s visit to Denver is a rare event. The last time he spoke in Denver was nine years ago. People are expected to come from all over the country to attend this special talk. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. Pepsi Center is located at 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver's Central Platte Valley. Tibetan flutist and Grammy Award nominee Nawang Khechog will provide opening entertainment along with Tibetan dancers. For full information, please visit www.dalailamadenver.org.

Tickets: Tickets, priced at $18, $25, $40, $60 and $100, will be available to the general public beginning June 4 at Pepsi Center Box Office, Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 303-830-8497. A limited number of student tickets, priced at $12, will be available at Pepsi Center Box Office only.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the Dalai Lama’s public talk at the Pepsi Center,” said Adam Engle, chairman and co-founder of the Mind and Life Institute. “It has been nine years since his last visit here, and in that period, interest in the Dalai Lama’s message and the way to lead a compassionate life has blossomed. There is already a huge amount of excitement around this visit. The public talk at Pepsi Center will allow a large number of people to hear the Dalai Lama for the first time.”

Other Events with the Dalai Lama: In addition to the talk at Pepsi Center, while in Colorado, the Dalai Lama will be the keynote speaker for PeaceJam’s 10th Anniversary conference with Nobel Laureates, September 15-16 at the University of Denver (www.peacejam.org). He will also officiate at a Buddhist ceremony at the Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado (www.shambhalamountain.org) on Sunday morning, September 17.

Mind and Life Institute: The Dalai Lama is a co-founder and honorary chairman of the Mind and Life Institute. Established in 1987 in Boulder, Colorado, the Mind and Life Institute is dedicated to fostering dialogue and research between modern science and the great living contemplative traditions, especially Buddhism. It builds on a deep commitment to the power and value of both of these ways of advancing knowledge and their potential to alleviate suffering. The Mind and Life Institute has sponsored thirteen major conferences bringing together neuroscientists, psychologists, the Dalai Lama, Buddhist meditation masters, and western contemplative leaders. In the last few years, Mind and Life has hosted two conferences in the United States—at MIT in Boston and in Washington, D.C. For complete information, please visit www.mindandlife.org.

HHDL Cancels European Tour

2006-07-17T08:11:00.000-06:00

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has cancelled his tour
in Europe due to "fatigue" though there is a rumor
that he has congestive heart failure. Please do
White Tara and long life prayers for him at this time.
He is scheduled to be in the US in September and we
are visualizing him as well and happy.

Ongoing Meditation Group in Denver

2006-07-02T17:22:00.000-06:00

Event: SE Denver Meditation Group with Live Music
Time Place: Saturday mornings 10 a.m.
Marsha's Place - email to get directions
Description: Do you WANT to meditate on a regular basis but are having trouble disciplining yourself? Join us weekly and gain the support of other meditators. All faiths are welcome as meditation is simple silent sitting. This meditation will be accompanied by Tibetan Bowls, Bells and Tingshaws which will induce the alpha state. One-on-one sound healing treatments can also be arranged. Bring your cushion. A social gathering follows each meditation. Tea will be available. Bring snacks if you wish. You are welcome to join this group at any time.
Come and start establishing a REGULAR practice now.
Cost: $10 or $5 for seniors, students or low income
Contact: 303 755-2669 or sacredsoundwise@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.geocities.com/rdtibet/soundevents.htm

An Uncomfortable Truth

2006-07-02T17:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I saw the Al Gore movie An Uncomfortable Truth.
It was quite disturbing and the science was absolutely
undisputed truth! Every high school and college should
be showing this movie and every voter needs to be
responsible to make a difference for the future seven
generations. If you haven't seen it, this one is a must see.

Once it is out on DVD purchase it and show it to all your
friends and then donate it to your local library.

I have also recently found a great website which you
should all check out http://yourquestion.org - it is a site
designed to solve the world problems by asking the right
questions. I highly recommend this one. We all need to
join together and find some solutions. I invite your comments.
What is your reaction to this website? What would you like
to change about the world?

Turn your apathy into activity or as the old Native American
prayer goes "When you pray, move your feet!"

Check out Dropping Knowledge.org to reflect on the topics of greatest concern to the global public.

Thokchas of Early Tibet

2006-06-16T08:32:00.000-06:00

Thokchas are copper alloy artifacts which have frequently been found at sacred sites in Tibet along side of petroglyphs or rock carvings. These small metal objects are believed to be as old as the pre-Buddhist period. They frequently are not well known by scholars. John Vincent Bellezza has done a great deal of exploration at old Bonpo sacred sites and caves and has written scholarly archaeological research articles about them.

Most of the specimens of thokchas and petroglyphs come from Töd and Changthang in northern or western Tibet. This area was formerly known as Zhang Zhung. Thokchas were used as amulets. The root of the word Thokcha is thog which can be translates are primordial, first, or thunderbolt and would translate as either thunderbold iron or first metal. According to mythology thokchas came into being when metal thunderbolts struck the ground. These talismans were highly valued religious objects.

To learn more about thokchas and to view some pictures of them do an internet search for John Vincent Bellezza.

Three Cups of Tea

2006-06-10T10:45:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading a WONDERFUL book, about the adventures
on one man who climbed K2 in 1993 and got lost, disoriented and
sick on his descent. Greg Mortenson ended up being nursed back to
health in a small Pakistani village called Korpe. After he
was well he asked the village chief to take him to their
school. What he discovered were children, without a building
or teacher, sitting on a slope doing their multiplication
in the sand with sticks. He made a promise that day that
led to more than a decade of humanitarian work to bring schools,
particularly for girls to the small, poverty stricked villages
in both Pakistan and Afganistan.

The Taliban and Al Qaeda use the extremist madressas or schools
for boys to brainwash the youth who will be the leaders of the
future. This is where the earliest terrorists learn to
hate Americans. But Greg founded a non-profit named the
Central Asia Institute which has build over 50 schools in
the backwoods areas of Pakistan and Afganistan and which
INCLUDE the young girls! He fights terror with books and
there have been many successes - the girls touched me the
most! What a wonderful way to help the young people of these
countries to know that all Americans are not bad people.

If you would like to learn more read the book Three Cups of Tea.
Or you can get involved by contacting Greg's non-profit at:

Central Asia Institute
P.O. Box 7209
Bozeman, MT 59771
406-585-7841
http://www.ikat.org

Please tell them you heard about them on the Wisdom Loving
Mother blogsite!

A-krid dream 5-06

2006-05-14T13:15:00.000-06:00

Dream Marsha Camblin had either the night before or the night following the A-Krid empowerment (Saturday or Sunday night May 7th or 8th, 2006).

I was an invited guest at a wedding. So all the guests were observing the ceremony.
The bride was dressed in her wedding dress, but she was to perform sort of a Houdini
escape artist feat before she took her vows. So she was hanging upside down from a tree and we were all outside. The guests were all observers. She was hanging there struggling and making muffled noises, which we assumed were to entertain us. (She was bound and gagged.) So after a time we all noticed that she was no longer moving and had not yet escaped. When we got her down from the tree we realized that she had died right before our eyes. She must have been really screaming and trying to communicate that something had gone wrong, but we all just watched unconcerned and were not paying too much attention. We were all relaxed, visiting, enjoying each other and having fun.

So then the police came to investigate and we all milled around in shock and would leave and return over and over again. Finally after the police declared it an accident, we all returned to our homes feeling sad. We were all numb and not thinking clearly, so no one went home with the prospective groom to comfort and support him. He killed himself later that night.

So the observers (participants) survived feeling a lot of compassion as well as partially responsible, guilty and saddened by the deaths of their friends.

End of dream.

I think this dream is packed full of symbolism and I have had my own interpretations, but different people may see different things. If you would like to comment on this dream, please do.

Benefits of Essential Oils

2006-04-13T20:41:00.000-06:00

The benefits of diffusing or inhaling therapeutic grade essential oils include:

* Increase cell oxygen
* Increased secretions of endorphins
* Increase secretions of antibodies
* Increased production of ATP (energy fuel used bycells)
* Increased secretions of seratonin
* Increased secretions of hormones
* Increased histamine release, which speeds up thehealing process
* Increased circulation and supports immune function
* Increased conversion of amino acids and proteins
* Helps in dealing with emotional trauma
* Helps in promotion of secretion and receptivity of human growth hormone (HGH)
* They smell wonderful

Diffuse your essential oils with terra cotta pendants.
If you have a women's group you can order in bulk and receive
wholesale pricing.

http://www.terra-cotta-pendants.com/?trk=395729

Order your favorite essential oil or supplement today at
http://www.youngliving.com
Sponsor # 322979 Try the ART Skin Care System

For oils testamonials which talk about how people use
the oils therapeutically go to:
http://www.oil-testimonials.com/?x=2112

Riots in Nepal

2006-04-09T10:59:00.000-06:00

Hundreds of demonstrators were arrested in Nepal
on Friday April 7th after students pitched street
battles with police, hurling stones and setting the
central post office on fire.

Home minister, Kamal Thapa, said that 751 people had
been arrested and 115 were taken to prison under a
tough public safety law that allows authorities to
jail people without charge for 90 days.

"The government is using minimum force to control the
situation. The government has made adequate
arrangements to ensure the security of the people.
There is no need for people to be scared and we are
doing what we can to foil the protest," he told the AP
news agency.

The protests happened on the second day of a strike
called by an alliance of seven political parties to
protest against King Gyanendra, who seized power a
year ago.

Police fought the protestors with tear gas and batons.
Students at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan University ransacked
the dean's office and briefly took several officers
hostage.

King Gyanendra responded to the crisis by calling for
calm. "Let us all pledge today to devote time for
establishing permanent peace," he said on a speech
broadcast on national television.

The strike has shut down public transport in the city
and hundreds of people were forced to walk to work.
Shops and schools were shut, with only ambulances and
security vehicles on the roads.

Days before the strike, the government banned all
forms of public protest in Kathmandu.

King Gyanendra says he was forced to seize power in
February last year because of the growing communist
insurgency, which has left some 13,000 people dead
since 1996. He has been under international pressure
to restore democracy.

I also heard on the TV news on Saturday April 8 that one
person was shot and killed on the West side of Katmandu
on Saturday.

Please pray for the safety of the public in Nepal and for
the protection of Tibetan Buddhist monks and monestaries.

When I traveled to Kathmandu a year ago in February the
president had just opened the airport after 2 weeks of
closure and the phone service to the town had been
suspended. At that time there were riot police in evidence
everywhere. Now the situation has escalated again and I
believe it to be very serious!

Please share any first hand news you might know about the
current situation in the comments.

Tibetan Exiles Go to Polls

2006-04-03T11:41:00.000-06:00

AFP) Tibetan exiles went to the polls to elect a prime minister and members of
the 46-member Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies based in Dharamsala. The
one-day ballot is being held at 53 polling stations set up by the election
commission for Tibetans living in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Europe and North
America. It is the final round of polls to elect members of the Tibetan
parliament in exile, and it is also the preliminary election for prime
minister. It is only the second time that Tibetan exiles have participated in
popular elections for a Kalon Tripa. The first direct vote for a prime minister
was in 2001. More than 82,000 of the estimated 100,000 Tibetans living in exile
have registered to vote and there are 80 candidates for office. A final round
of voting to elect the prime minister will take place on 03 June 2006 with the
results expected a month later. Assembly results are due in early April.

Seeking Book Donations

2006-03-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2006-03-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

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

2006-03-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

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

2006-03-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

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

2006-03-02T17:05:00.000-07:00

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

Losar

2006-02-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Dharma Friends,

Happy Tibetan New Year!

Tuesday, February 28

Year of the Fire Dog

Don’t forget to hang your prayer flags.

And today is a good one to accumulate merit for virtuous deeds.

May this be an auspicious, contented year for all.

May all sentient beings benefit!

Sonam (Luck),

Marsha Camblin

Dying Beautifully

2006-02-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

The miracle of human beings living and dying beautifully in the
worst possible circumstance demonstrates the grace that resides
in the death experience. We can discover our most poignant
and powerful identities in the most powerless circumstances.
Grace is the incongruous magic of fullness becoming empty and
emptiness becoming full, in spite of every human advantage or
disadvantage.

Quote from The Inspired Heart by Jerry Wennstrom

U-YA SMAR-RO
May everything be auspicious!

Heinrich Harrer Dies

2006-01-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

Heinrich Harrer the author of the book 'Seven Years in Tibet'
has passed away January 7, 2006 in Austria at the age of 93.
A 1997 movie based on the book was directed by French director
Jean-Jacques Annaud, and starred Bratt Pitt in the role of
Heinrich Harrer. At the time of Harrer's death His Holiness
the Dalai Lama was giving the Kalachakra initiation in
Amravati, India. Sources quote HHDL saying, "We feel we
have lost a loyal friend from the West". Mr Harrer, he said "had
the unique opportunity to experience life in Tibet for seven long
years before Tibet lost its freedom. We Tibetans will always remember
Heinrich Harrer and will miss him greatly".

Balancing the Bagua

2006-01-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

Balancing the Bagua

Feng Shui Strategies for Success

These strategies will support you in achieving your dreams or in finding your dream.
You will notice that the areas of the Bagua paired below are diagonally opposite each
other this means they are intimately linked, one supports the other. If you need
a Bagua map search google to download one. The Bagua is a map used to layout your
home and each room. To find where these areas are in your space, check out the Bagua
Map.

1. Connect with your purpose and your passion

The Career area (water) represents life purpose. And the Fame & Reputation area (fire) is about passion and integrity. Integrity is about living a whole life. Expressing your authentic self the one with dreams and passions and things you are here to do in this lifetime.

Great enhancements to support you in these areas are:
Career - a water fountain, picture of water
Fame & Reputation - candles, anything red, stars

2. Connect with your spirit

Your outer life is a reflection of your inner life. This area is about balancing
outer success with inner peace and being able to enjoy your accomplishments. The
Knowledge & Self Cultivation area of the Bagua is where we learn the lessons we
need to learn to connect with our Spirit. And this is connected with the Love &
Relationship area where we are given gifts of other people in our lives and learn
from them, particularly difficult people. What are the lessons you need to learn?

Knowledge & Self Cultivation - a great place to meditate, have a picture of mountains, symbols of wisdom & knowledge.
Love & Relationships - pairs of things, letters of appreciation, symbols of teamwork

3. Address any negative beliefs and take inspired actions
Your doubts and voices telling you that you can’t do something are what stand in the
way of achieving your dreams. It’s important to address these, and to have your
‘family of choice’ around you to cheer you on. The Health & Family area supports you
in addressing unfinished family issues and creating a healthy and fulfilled life,
living your potential. The Children & Creativity area supports you to take inspired actions. Sometimes we don’t go for our dreams because we don’t know how to do it. We don't have to know how to do it – trust that it will unfold as you ask your higher self and others for the next step. Take bite size pieces keeping your outcome firmly in view.

Health & Family - healthy plants, family pictures, symbols of good health
Children & Creativity - items associated with happy childhood memories, symbols of
creativity such as children’s paintings, creative projects

4. Enlist the support of your environment and helpful people
Live with what you love, and surround yourself with symbols of where you are going,
not where you’ve been. The Wealth & Prosperity area represents abundance of all good things. Prosperity, good feelings, fulfillment, love, success. And every other area of the Bagua affects it. You reflect the energy of your environment so you want that energy to be the highest it can be. No clutter bogging you down, no reminders of things you don’t want in your life. And no-one ever created anything without the help of others. The Helpful People area represents anything which supports you to achieve your dreams – workshops, mentors, books etc.

Wealth & Prosperity: Anything that gives you a feeling of abundance, anything you
would like more of.
Helpful People & Travel: a globe to symbolize travel or global expansion in your
business, pictures of anyone who is helpful to you.

5. Have everything in alignment
The Center is where it all comes together - your dreams, passions, beliefs,
environment, actions and your outcomes. This is when attraction happens effortlessly.

Enhancements for the Center
Pottery and earth tones, meditation area, symbols of harmony and balance.

Please comment by letting us know what ideas, cermonies or tricks you have used in special areas of your home which you feel worked well. Send a picture if you like.

Kathmandu Jan 2006

2006-01-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 12:03:26 -0500
From: Tenpa Yungdrung

Subject: RE: News about Kathmandu

Dear Jackie,
Thank you very much for your mail and concerning about us. Yes, it is
true that maoist attacked on a police station killed 12 police and took some
money and weapons too very close to Kathmandu city. Same day and time,
they also attacked to tow other police station in Boudhanath and Bhaktapur
in Kathmandu. So the situation is getting quite tense here. The government
has declared cufew from 10pm to 4am until its further notice. But for us in
the monastery have not particular problem, but we are always in coutious.
Don't worry for this. We are quite concerning about the election which will
take place on the Feb. 8th. I thing this could cause some casualties. But i
wish not to happen such a thing. We will see and pray.

Otherwise, everything is going well in the monastery.
I send you all my best wishes and thanks again for the mail,

Khenpo Tenpa Yungdrung

Feng Shui scents to reduce feelings of confusion and haziness

2006-01-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Try essential oils of Eucalyptus, hyssop, myrrh, marjoram, and fir

All scents are associated with one of feng shui's five elements. The metal element helps clarify mental processes and stimulates the gathering of information and the shaping of ideas. Choosing one of the metal element scents helps you focus on the solutions you may need following a loss and keeps you engaged in mitigating emotional pain.

Suggested Cures: Diffuse eucalyptus oil to help you overcome the inability to move forward and to enhance your ability to relinquish whatever no longer serves you.

Purchase hyssop essential oil and use it on a scent ring - the kind that rests on a lamps light bulb - to dispel gloom and negativity and improve concentration by invigorating your mind and reducing nervous exhaustion.

Choose a toothpaste with the herb myrrh, because it has a powerful effect on the nervous system and reaches into the psyche to help us transcend and transform aspects of material existence.

Create a sachet (or just put a drop of oil on a kleenex) containing marjoram and use it on a desk, under your pillow, or in another area where concentration is required. Marjoram can release tensions and quell worry when you're under pressure (that's why it has been traditionally used at weddings). This herb is effective in reducing insomnia and grief.

Use Idaho Balsam Fir to help you let go of what is old and useless and to restore confidence. Fir also helps reverse short-term memory loss. Finally, it restores a positive self-identify and promotes a vibrant self-image.

You can order pure therapeutic grade essential oils on-line at:
http://www.youngliving.com If it's your first order you will need to enter the following number for BOTH enroller and sponsor : 322979 or call me at 303 755-2669 and I'd be happy to set you up. Or call the company at 800-371-2928 and order.

Ruling Your World

2005-12-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Quotes extracted from Sakyong Mipham's book Ruling Your World

We already have what we need - the opportunity to weave the tapestry of happiness every day with the needle and thread of our own mind.

Sakyong Mipham
`````

There is always something to complain about; blaming others is not going to bring about peace or happiness.

Sakyong Mipham
``````

The discipline of not resisting circumstances is how we drop our concepts and move forward, bringing everything that happens to the point of our contemplation.

Sakyong Mipham
``````

The world is moving, and it hurts when our mind tries to stop it. Letting go begins to seem like a good idea. We should stop clinging so tightly. How do we do this? We meditate. In meditation, we become familiar with letting go. We watch our thoughts arise and let them go. We're spreading our wings, loosening up, so that we can let go anytime. The flexibility of the garuda is the cause and result of letting go.

Sakyong Mipham
`````

When we have gone beyond the boundaries of hope and fear, we are able to work with whatever comes our way.

Sakyong Mipham
``````

As we continue our training in rulership, tashi tendrel - auspicious coincidence - increases. A mind that knows its own depth can see the brilliant, elemental magic of the world. The world communicates to us because we're available, like a flower in spring. Conditions are ripe, and the flower opens. Wisdom and compassion attune us to life and the environment responds.

Sakyong Mipham
~~~~~~

Within my body I have this incredible confidence - contentment, joy, equanimity, and wisdom. This is totally victorious and wonderful.

Sakyong Mipham

Get your own copy and read the whole book:
http://amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0767920651/aboutearningcash
You may need to copy and paste this into your browser.

Essential Oil Holiday Collection - What's In It?

2005-12-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Apply, taste, or diffuse good cheer for the holidays come but once a year!

If you have ever purchased Young Living's Twelve Oils of Ancient Scripture Kit, you know how wonderful cassia oil is. Now, for the first time ever, cassia is available outside of this kit and in our limited edition Essential Oil Holiday Collection!

While the aroma and flavor of cassia oil is similar to cinnamon, cassia is quite different. Like cinnamon, cassia has been found to be effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi; however, cassia can also be used to help ease nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive conditions. When compared to cinnamon, cassia is a darker, thicker, coarser oil with a spicy-sweet, pungent aroma. Typically preferred over cinnamon as a flavoring agent, cassia tastes delicious and is sure to spice up any holiday recipe! Cassia is used for strong, spicy, main dishes. Cassia is often used in stewed fruits, especially apples, and mixed with spices for pudding spice, pastry spice, and mulling spices. In main dishes, it is used in curries, pilaus, and spicy meat dishes. Moreover, cassia exudes an aroma that is ideal for the holidays!*

In addition to cassia, the Essential Oil Holiday Collection features eight other essential oils, including: Frankincense: One of the oldest and most revered essential oils, frankincense is considered the "holy anointing oil" in the Middle East and has been used to treat every conceivable ill known to man. Today, frankincense is used therapeutically in European and American hospitals and is the subject of substantial research. A sweet, warm, balsamic aroma, frankincense stimulates the mind and elevates the spirit.

Peppermint: A highly regarded herb for soothing digestion, peppermint helps improve gastric mobility and digestive efficiency. Inhale peppermint to ease motion sickness, relieve nausea, and heighten or restore your sense of taste and smell. Apply topically to improve mental clarity and concentration or to help relieve pain associated with headaches, muscle aches, and cramping. Have a recipe that calls for peppermint? Peppermint's strong, fresh taste is also a wonderful flavoring agent for your favorite holiday drinks and desserts!*

Orange: Known for its calming properties, orange is one of the most popular diffusing oils and provides the perfect end to a hectic, stressful day of shopping. With a ripe, citrus scent, try diffusing orange on its own, or combine it with clove or Christmas Spirit to bring the spicy, sweet smell of the holidays into your home. Like cassia and peppermint, orange is a delicious flavoring agent for holiday foods and beverages. Orange also supports the health of the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems.*

Evergreen Essence: A crisp and invigorating scent that takes you back to fresh, clean air and the elements of nature. This combination of aromatic pine, cedar, and spruce trees will instantly refresh your senses. You'll definitely want to take advantage of this offer as Evergreen Essence is a seasonal oil and is not available year round.

Myrrh: Known for its ability to combat infections, viruses, and inflammation, myrrh helps soothe skin conditions and supports the health of the immune system. The Arabian people used myrrh for a variety of skin conditions including chapped lips, cracked skin and wrinkles. Today, myrrh is widely used in oral hygiene products and can help soothe sore throats, coughs, toothaches and gum infections. Myrrh also has one of the highest levels of sesquiterpenes, which has a direct effect on our emotional well-being. A rich, smoky aroma, myrrh promotes spiritual awareness and is a purifying, restorative, and inspiring oil.*

Balsam Fir: Distilled in northern Idaho, this conifer oil has a refreshing and uplifting scent. Balsam fir is a powerful antioxidant and can help combat respiratory and bronchial infections. Frequently used in massage, it also has a soothing effect on body aches and pains associated with arthritis and exercise.*

Clove: One of the key oils in our ever-popular Thieves® blend, clove is highly effective against microbes and provides a considerable amount of support to the immune system. Traditionally used to prevent and cure infectious disease, clove helps treat respiratory and dental infections, infected wounds, and acne. Can also be diffused to encourage sleep, stimulate dreams, and create a sense of protection and courage. Clove has a strong, spicy fragrance that is stimulating and revitalizing. Clove is also the highest-scoring single ingredient ever tested for its antioxidant capacity on the ORAC scale.*

Christmas Spirit: The name speaks for itself. Tap into the joy and harmony of the holiday season and spread peace, love, and laughter to all of your friends and family. A festive blend of cinnamon bark, orange, and spruce, everybody needs a bottle, or two, for the holidays! Simply open Christmas Spirit and start diffusing!

You can order each oil separately or you save 20% when you purchase these oils as a Holiday collection!

Order the Essential Oil Holiday Collection and all of the other incredible promotions from this year's Gift Giving Guide by logging into Virtual Office at http://www.youngliving.com or by calling a live operator at 1-800-371-2829 give sponsor #322979. Don't wait! All of these promotions are for a limited time only while supplies last, so don't miss out!

Buddha Boy in Nepal

2005-11-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Pilgrims are flocking to see the 'Buddha Boy'in Bara District, Nepal.
The News Telegraph reported on 11/21/2005 that thousands of pilgrims are pouring into southern Nepal to worship a 15-year-old boy who has been hailed as a new Buddha.

Devotees claim that Ram Bomjon, who is silently meditating beneath a tree, has not eaten or drunk anything since he sat down at his chosen spot six months ago.

Ram Bomjon maintains his vigil in the shade of his pipal tree.
Witnesses say they have seen light emanating from the teenager's forehead.

"It looks a bit like when you shine a torch through your hand," said Tek Bahadur Lama, a member of the committee responsible for dealing with the growing number of visitors from India and elsewhere in Nepal.

Photographs of Ram Bomjon, available from his makeshift shrine, have become ubiquitous across the region. "Far and wide, it's the only topic of conversation," said Upendra Lamichami, a local journalist.

He said no allegation had yet emerged of Ram breaking his fast or moving, even to relieve himself.

Santa Raj Subedi, the chief government official in Bara district, appealed to the capital, Kathmandu, for assistance in dealing with the influx of visitors, and for a team of scients to examine the case.

Local doctors failed to reach a final conclusion, although they were allowed no closer than five yards from the boy mystic, declaring that they could confirm no more than that he was alive.

The popularity of the phenomenon is partly because it resembles an episode in the life of the historical Buddha, who was born 160 miles away around 543 BC. The Buddha achieved enlightenment when he meditated beneath a sacred pipal tree for 49 days.

Ram Bomjon is also sitting beneath a pipal tree, in the same posture as the Buddha is depicted, but his vigil has already taken longer.

Ram's mother, who is called Maya Devi, like the Buddha's mother, admits to anxiety, particularly at meal times. But she tells herself: "God took him to the forest and I have faith that God will feed him."

She said: "He's definitely got thinner. Early in the morning he looks sunken, like there's no blood in him, but as the sun rises he seems to get brighter and brighter."

The fervour increased last week when a snake is said to have bitten Ram, and a curtain was drawn around him.

After five days it was opened and he spoke. "Tell the people not to call me a Buddha. I don't have the Buddha's energy. I am at the level of rinpoche [lesser divinity].

"A snake bit me but I do not need treatment. I need six years of deep meditation."

Despite his protestations, "Buddha boy" is famous.

A fence was built around Ram's tree to prevent pilgrims prodding him.

```
Wow, longer than Shakyamuni! Do you believe it? Please post any
comments.

Fire Element - Essential Oil Aromas That Stimulate Action

2005-11-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Did you realize that the five colors of Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags represent the five elements? Feng Shui and Buddhism are closely tied.

Scents provoke a whole range of emotional, intellectual, and physical reactions. When you need a kick-start to alter patterns of behavior that are not furthering your contentment, the scents associated with fire can do the trick. Feng Shui divides all things into five elemental groups - fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Each element has a personality, and all things classified in one of the five elements acquire that element's personality. The fire element stimulates action and reaction.

When depressed, you may experience fatigue and depletion of energy, in which case the fire element scent is the appropriate one to breathe into the atmosphere.

Suggested Cures - the following aromas are categorized as fire element: Lemon, Melissa, Rose, Bay Laurel, Rosemary, Melaleucha alternifolia also known as tea tree oil. Each person has preferences based on past experiences with smell, and many times a particular scent will stimulate specific positive or negative memories. Choose a scent that feels right to you.

Your chosen scent should be used in small doses and repeated often. The physical environment can be a healing aid for depression that does not have an organic reason. Sadness and despondency are generally yin conditions whose grip is hard to disengage from. The cures suggested here are mostly yang, designed to promote the stimulus needed to prevent or release sadness.

You can order pure therapeutic grade essential oils on-line at:
https://www.youngliving.com or call me at 303 755-2669 and I'd be happy to help you personally. If you order on-line you will need my
sponsor # 322979

Do you have a condition that you would like to treat naturally
with essential oils? Research the experiences of others who
have had success using essential oils to treat specific things at:

http://www.oil-testimonials.com/?x=2112

Here's to your health and long life!

Feng Shui Projects

2005-10-25T15:10:00.000-06:00

Bring Harmony to Your Home - check out this book.
--------------------

Crafting for Good Feng Shui 40 Projects to Bring Harmony to Your Home
by Janice Eaton Kilby

How would you like to craft you own wind chimes, or bagua sun catcher, chi banner, plant pots for the five elements, ornamental floor runner, a lucky chandelier, yin/yang table shrine, or faux bronze Buddha? Believe me these are EASY feng shui cures and FUN projects as well.
Learn to create dozens of lovely and useful objects to help you improve all aspects of your life.

I got more ideas from this great little book! Purchase it at
the following link: http://amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1579903649/aboutearningcash

Skillful Means

2005-10-09T10:53:00.000-06:00

What is the skillful means?

On Wednesday night I was awakened by the police taking a billy club to my front door at 2 a.m. I was terrified! I had been in bed asleep for 3 hours. I did not know that it was the police. Why would they be at my door? There currently is a rapist in my neighborhood who has not been caught. So I locked my bedroom door and called 911 for help. Well to make a long story short, my neighbor Michelle had taken a cab ride home and had given my unit # as her address because she was broke and could not pay the driver. I live in a 4 plex. Well the cabby called the police when she said she was going in (to my unit) to get cash and she did not come back out. She used some large scrubs to hide behind and went around the building to her own door and let herself in. The police overreacted (probably a racist thing) and practically broke down my front door leaving a lot of visible damage from using their billy clubs on my door. The way they acted you would have thought they were after a murderer! Evidently either they never found my neighbor or what she had done did not warrant an arrest, because yesterday I saw her out by the dumpster.

Now I am feeling very torn about how to act or what to do or how to treat my neighbor. What a dilemma. I saw her yesterday walking outside. I had hoped that she had been arrested the other night when the police tried to bash down my front door. Or that she had taken the children to a battered woman's shelter. I did go to the Victim Advocate at the police department to make a complaint about how I was treated and they told me that I can not ask the government to pay for the door. So I guess I will have to hold the owner / landlord responsible to fix my front door. I also went to social services and asked them to make a welfare check.

My neighbor John told me that Michelle's utilities have been turned off and I believe it because there are no lights on over there at night. It takes many months of non-payment before they will shut off your utilities. Now Michelle and her 3 kids are living in the dark house. About 10 days ago she came over and asked for money to buy milk for she children because "her husband had spent all their money on drugs."
Now she sits in the garage where there is a bare light bulb and smokes. The utilities to the garage are shared so have not been turned off.
This morning early I could hear the children playing in the garage by my back door and by my car. I don't know if I told you that the kids jumped on someone's car hood (visiting another neighbor and caused several hundred dollars damage). We share a 4 car garage.

I feel so torn about what to do. Today we are expecting the first snow fall of the year in Denver. I do not feel it is safe for her and the kids to live in the garage or in a house with no utilities!! But I also feel compassion for her. What would I do with no money and three children? She has a restraining order against her husband. This could have safety implications for her and her kids and also for any neighbors living in this attached building.

What is the right thing for me to do from a Bhuddist perspective? Do I call for a welfare check again? Do I do Chamma practice? Or Yeshe Walmo for protection? This poor woman is about to loose her children and perhaps even her life. It is a major crisis. She or her husband could injure the children. At the same time I feel so sorry for her.

I am dumbfounded. I am now over my anger, but do not wish to experience any more fallout from her desperate situation. She will not likely open her front door if the police come out for the welfare check. Do I open the garage door and expose her? I do not want an enemy because she could retaliate. Also it is just so deeply sad for the whole family!

I am praying that something horrible does not happen. Yet I want to end the stress of living next door to these neighbors. I did write a letter to the landlord asking that they be evicted and now I feel guilty about doing that. I was angry because she has victimized me.

Poor people just do not have the option of living peaceful, optimistic lives.

Please pray for Michelle and her three children all under 4 years old.
Also I ask for clarity and any suggestions about how to deal with this pitiful family.

Living with skillful means is a tough goal in this situation. Any ideas?

On another topic, I am reading Jane Fonda book My Life So Far. What a facinating book! It gives the story of Vietnam from her own personal experience of it. What an eye opener. I was a war protestor during my college years and I also appose the current war. How do we effectively and peacefully get out troups back home? I highly recommend Jane's book to everyone. I was terribly disappointed about the news coverage of the Peace Rally in Washington DC. The media only covered the huricane and absolutely minimized the Peace Rally. How do we use
skillful means to effect a government which seems out of our control.

I would also like to ask for prayers for the people of Afganistan and India who have been impacted by the earthquake there. Things in Nepal seem to be declining.

I am feeling rather hopeless and helpless today. It is very hard not be be depressed by the whole world situation these days. The Four Nobel Truths seem so profoundly true. I wish I knew how to let all the suffering just roll off my back. I know meditation for enlightenment is the way out, but is there something concrete I can do to make an impact?

Peace, Peace, Peace,

Marsha

Dream Yoga Research - Help Request

2005-10-01T09:09:00.000-06:00

I am a graduate student of Buddhist Studies at
Columbia University. Robert Thurman is advising me in
a thesis about Buddhist dreaming. I am hoping to speak with some students of dream yoga, for this project. Basically I am
interviewing serious Buddhist practitioners about
their dreams. People who practice dream yoga will be
especially interesting. The goal is to find out how
modern Buddhists of different traditions relate to
their dreams, and how, if at all, they use dreams in
practice. If any of you would be interested in
speaking with me, please respond. Interviews will take about 30 minutes and we could do them in person, over the phone, or via email. But I would prefer to meet in person. I'm able to travel on
the weekends.

Thanks very much for your time. I look forward to
speaking with you.

Jaimal Yogis
917-239-4066

Nepal Update September 2005

2005-09-19T09:08:00.000-06:00

I got this email today from TibetInfoNet:

03 September 2005

Report documents pressure on Tibetans in Nepal A new report, Dangerous Crossing, published by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), argues that China has taken advantage of Nepal's political turmoil.

The report claims that recent Tibetan escapee's and longstanding Tibetan residents in Nepal face increasing personal risk since the seizure of power by King Gyanendra in February 2005. Since this time, the Office of the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan Refugees Welfare Office in Kathmandu have been shut down, significantly contributing to the increase in refoulement incidents of Tibetans between 2004-5. The number of complaints by Tibetans arriving in Nepal, of abuse, theft, beatings and harassment by Nepalese police and armed forces has risen. The report claims that some Tibetans are by-passing the Tibetan Refugee Reception Center in Kathmandu, due to fears over their safety at the centre.

We need to pray for all the Tibetans in Nepal and especially for
those at Triten Norbutse.

7 September 2005

USA plans to resettle Tibetan refugees from Nepal (Tibet.net) The United States have announced their willingness to consider resettling Tibetans in the United States, as part of its refugee admissions program. "If approved, this program would resettle certain Tibetans living in Nepal, with all applicants requiring approval by the US Department of Homeland Security before admission. While criteria have not yet been formulated, it is currently envisioned that this program will be directed towards Tibetans who have been in Nepal for a number of years and who are particularly vulnerable".

Perhaps some will end up in Colorado, Virginia, California, NY and Texas. It seems like the prophecy of the dharma moving to the West continues to be confirmed.

If you know personally anything about this situation or updates, please post your
comment. Thank you.

Rainbow Body Research

2005-08-11T15:21:00.001-06:00

The following article was condensed from an article I received from
an email. For any reader who does not know, IONS is short for the Institute of Noetic Sciences. I think you will find this information
fascinating (though some would find it contraversial). I am interested in your reactions and participation in a discussion on this blog. Please post your comments.

There is a Benedictine monk named David Steindl-Rast who has proposed investigating the "rainbow body," a phenomenon in which the corpses of highly developed spiritual individuals reputedly vanish within days of death, he received an enthusiastic response from Marilyn Schlitz, IONS' director of research.

In a new joint initiative with the Esalen Institute, IONS is
expanding its research on "metanormal capacities" or behaviors,
experiences, and bodily changes that challenge our understanding of
ordinary human functioning because they raise crucial questions about
the developmental potential of human beings.

"Brother David told us that he had taken this project to various
institutions and foundations looking for support," recalls
Schlitz. "His intention was to corroborate these claims, and
accumulate data that would not only help us understand more about the
rainbow body, but also look at its broader implications. He had been
told that this type of research is unacceptable within mainstream
science. But I said, 'This is exactly the kind of project we're
interested in at IONS. As long as the research can be conceptualized
within a rigorous critical frame, we are open to examining any and
all questions that can expand our idea of what is possible as
humans'."

Steindl-Rast's own curiosity about the rainbow body began when he
heard various stories of Tibetan masters who had, through their
practices, reached a high degree of wisdom and compassion. It was
reported to him that when they died, rainbows suddenly appeared in
the sky. "And I was told that after several days their bodies
disappeared. Sometimes fingernails and hair were left. Sometimes
nothing was left."

These stories made him reflect upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
which is central to his own faith. "We know that Jesus was a very
compassionate, selfless person. When he died, according to the
gospels, his body was no longer there."

A large number of people are open to the concept that the body, too, is significant in the spiritual realm, and that certain spiritual experiences are universal.

In 1999, Steindl-Rast decided to explore the strange phenomenon of the rainbow body and a possible connection to the resurrection of Jesus. "I sent a fax to a friend in Switzerland, who is a Zen Buddhist teacher. I
knew that many Tibetans live there, and so I asked him if he could
inquire about the rainbow body. Two days later, I received a fax back
stating that a Tibetan had unexpectedly approached him, and when the
rainbow body was mentioned, the Tibetan said, 'It happened to one of
my teachers just recently, and a famous lama who witnessed the events
wrote an account about them'."

At this point, Steindl-Rast contacted Father Francis Tiso, an
ordained Roman Catholic priest who has not only studied ten
languages, including Tibetan, but is also familiar with Tibetan
culture. (Francis Tiso holds the office of Canon in the Cathedral of
St Peter, Isernia, Italy, and is assigned to the Archdiocese of San
Francisco, where he is parochial vicar in Mill Valley.)

"I was aware," says Steindl-Rast, "that Father Tiso occasionally went
to Tibet, so I asked him if he was planning to travel there in the
near future. He told me he was leaving that very day."

Steindl-Rast asked if he would stop in Switzerland and interview the
Tibetan. Despite the short notice, Tiso took a detour to Switzerland,
and thus the research journey began.

The rainbow body is a complex phenomenon that will probably take
years of study. "If we can establish as an anthropological fact,"
says Steindl-Rast, "that what is described in the resurrection of
Jesus has not only happened to others, but is happening today, it
would put our view of human potential in a completely different
light."

Recent Rainbow Body Experiences

Through his Swiss contact, Tiso received the name of the monk whose
body had vanished after his death: Khenpo A-chos, a Gelugpa monk of
Khams, Tibet, who died in 1998. Tiso was able to locate the village,
situated in a remote area where Khenpo A-chos had his hermitage. He
then went to the village and conducted taped interviews with
eyewitnesses to Khenpo A-chos' death. He also spoke to many people
who had known him.

"This was a very interesting man, aside from the way he died,"
observes Tiso. "Everyone mentioned his faithfulness to his vows, his
purity of life, and how he often spoke of the importance of
cultivating compassion. He had the ability to teach even the roughest
and toughest of types how to be a little more gentle, a little more
mindful. To be in the man's presence changed people."

Tiso interviewed Lama Norta, a nephew of Khenpo A-chos; Lama Sonam
Gyamtso, a young disciple; and Lama A-chos, a dharma friend of the
late Khenpo A-chos. They described the following:

A few days before Khenpo A-chos died, a rainbow appeared directly
above his hut. After he died, there were dozens of rainbows in the
sky. Khenpo A-chos died lying on his right side. He wasn't sick;
there appeared to be nothing wrong with him, and he was reciting the
mantra "Om mani padme hum" over and over. According to the
eyewitnesses, after his breath stopped his flesh became kind of
pinkish. One person said it turned brilliant white. All said it
started to shine.

Lama A-chos suggested wrapping his friend's body in a yellow robe,
the type all Gelug monks wear. As the days passed, they maintained
they could see, through the robe, that his bones and his body were
shrinking. They also heard beautiful, mysterious music coming from
the sky, and they smelled perfume.

After seven days, they removed the yellow cloth, and no body
remained. Lama Norta and a few other individuals claimed that after
his death Khenpo A-chos appeared to them in visions and dreams.

Other Rainbow Body Manifestations

Francis Tiso remarks that one of his most intriguing interviews was
with Lama A-chos. He told Tiso that when he died he, too, would
manifest the rainbow body. "He showed us two photographs taken of him
in the dark, and in these photographs his body radiated rays of
light."

Because Lama A-chos emphasized that it was possible to manifest the
rainbow body while still alive, not just in death, Tiso plans to
return to Tibet with professional camera equipment to try to
photograph this radiating light.

Other incidents of metanormal occurrences upon death are also being
studied. For instance, two of Tiso's colleagues, were present for the postmortem process of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, who died eight years ago. "This man was a very large-boned individual," says Tiso, "and it was reported that seven weeks after
his death the flesh was reduced. That could have been done by chemical substances. However, the bones also shrank."

Shrinkage of the body occurred with another guru, Lama Thubten. His
miniature-sized frame is now kept in a monastery in Manali, India.
Tiso has ascertained that incidents of bodies shrinking or
disappearing shortly after death were documented centuries ago, such
as in the classic story of Milarepa, a Buddhist saint from Tibet who
lived in the eleventh century. Milarepa's biography was translated
into French by Jacques Bacot in 1912, and into English by Walter
Evans-Wentz in the 1920s.

"In the ninth chapter of this literary classic," explains Tiso, who
wrote a dissertation about the Buddhist saint, "it states that his
body completely disappeared shortly after his death."

Even the earliest biographies of Milarepa, says Tiso, attest to this
phenomenon. In addition, accounts exist about the great eighth-
century tantric master Padmasambhava and how his body vanished.

The Significance of Practice and Culture

When conducting this type of research, says Tiso, it is important not
only to interview as many people as possible, but also to study
biographies and any written explanations of these events. When he
arrived in Tibet to investigate the death of Khenpo A-chos, Tiso was
fortunate enough to obtain the bulk of his biography by Sonam
Phuntsok within an hour of his arrival.

What is at stake, explains Tiso, is not simply verification of a
phenomenon, but understanding the values, spiritual practices, and
culture in which this phenomenon is embedded. "We need to examine
these institutions and practices in a new light in order to recover
for humanity some very profound truths about the expansion of the
human consciousness and our potential as human beings."

This opportunity is present in the Nyarong region in Tibet, where
several incidences of the rainbow body are said to have occurred. The
research team is now studying their way of life, especially their
spiritual practices. Tiso has also obtained copies of spiritual
retreat manuals, which have been particularly helpful.

Lama A-chos told Tiso that it takes sixty years of intensive practice
to achieve the rainbow body. "Whether it always takes that long, I
don't know," acknowledges Tiso, "but we would like to be able to
incorporate, in a respectful way, some of these practices into our
own Western philosophical and religious traditions."

At the same time, continues Tiso, the research team plans to expand
the scope of this research beyond the confines of the Tibetan
culture, so they can compare the rainbow body phenomenon with the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. To our knowledge, says Tiso, the bodies
of most Christian saints did not disappear or shrink after their
deaths. "Highly realized saints in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity
tend to move in the direction of incorruption, so that the body does
not decay after death."

However, he adds, bodily ascensions are mentioned in the bible and
other traditional texts for Enoch, Mary, Elijah, and possibly Moses.
And there are numerous stories of saints materializing after their
death, similar to the widespread phenomenon known as the "light-
body."

"In my church of Saints Cosmas and Damian in Italy, we have a large
number of accounts, going back centuries, that indicate that these
saints appeared in dreams and visions, rescued people from harm, and
cured them of diseases. Even today, people still tell me they have
these visions," says Tiso.

In 1984, when Tiso was meditating with his eyes open in a chapel in
Italy, he, too, had an extraordinary vision. Jesus Christ, he says,
appeared before him in the form of a violet light-body. At that time,
Tiso was considering taking a teaching position in the United States,
but in this vision Christ indicated he should stay in Italy. "It was
important not to make a mistake at that point in my life," reflects
Tiso. "I did stay in Italy, where I was eventually ordained, and I
lived in a hermitage chapel for almost twelve years."

Tiso has also had several Tibetan teachers appear to him in dreams.
When he gives public lectures he speaks frankly about these
experiences, because he feels it is important for people to
understand that they are more common than we think. "I think that as
people mature in their spiritual practice, they begin to have
visionary experiences."

Research Implications

This research is clearly controversial because it tackles the age-old
questions of life after death, the immortal soul, and reincarnation.
Furthermore, it suggests that the alleged resurrection of Jesus
Christ was not an isolated case, but shines as an example of what may
be possible for all human beings.

Both Tiso and Steindl-Rast emphasize that these experiences are said
to occur only in highly evolved individuals who are the embodiment of
compassion and love. They speculate these qualities conscience and
consciousness are a driving force of evolution. "It is my great hope
that the rainbow body research will make us more aware of this
possibility," says Steindl-Rast.

Tiso holds the opinion that in today's world, where consumerism,
exploitation, and economic injustice are still out of control, there
is an urgent need to reinforce the more loving, altruistic, and
spiritual dimensions of the human being.

As for the rainbow body, Tiso and his team hope to actually witness
and scientifically document the entire experience while it is
occurring.

"What is important" says Schlitz, "is that we broaden our scope of
what we believe is possible. We want to discover if there are ways we
can begin to develop spiritual practices that, even though they might
not lead us to personally experience the rainbow body, could lead us
to some other manifestation of our highest potential."

Gail Bernice Holland is an associate editor of IONS Review, and
former editor of Connections. She is the author of A Call for
Connection: Solutions for Creating a Whole New Culture (New World
Library, 1998). Contact: gbauthor@noetic.org

I invite your comments on this blog regarding your thoughts, experiences and beliefs regarding this article. I welcome your input.