October 2008

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the October issue of Dalai Lama in Australia's monthly newsletter. It is our intent to keep you up to date with news relating to His Holiness and also to keep you informed of the progress of His Holiness 2009 visit to Australia and New Zealand.

As you may be aware, His Holiness underwent surgery to remove gall stones earlier this month. His Holiness has had a successful recovery and has returned to Dharamsala where he made his first public appearance on Saturday 25th October.

"There is now no need to worry about my health," the Dalai Lama told a large audience at a public function, which was also attended by His Eminence the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche and senior leaders and officials of the Tibetan Government-in-exile.

His Holiness made a lengthy speech about the Tibet situation and the next round of talks which are about to take place in China. Full details of the speech can be seen by visiting Save Tibet here.

2009 Visit Confirmed

As mentioned in September's newsletter, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 2009 visit to Australia and New Zealand has been confirmed.

We can now advise the following schedule has been confirmed for December 2009.

The one day of Teachings will be on Nagarjuna's text on Bodhicitta. In introducing Nagarjuna text, His Holiness discusses the etymology of Bodhicitta, noting that the Bodhisattva path relies on the analytical power of intelligence to transform the mind through purification of afflictions & obscurations and attainment of realizations of ultimate reality. Nagarjuna's text is a commentary on a verse from the root tantra of Guhyasamaja: Devoid of all substantive entities; utterly discarding all objects and subjects, such as the aggregates, elements and sense fields; due to sameness of selflessness of all phenomena, one's mind is primordially unborn; it is in the nature of emptiness.

As well as delivering several public talks and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Tasmania, His Holiness will be attending the Parliament of World Religions which is being held in Melbourne - www.parliamentofreligions2009.org.

Registrations are now open for the Parliament which was first held in Chicago in 1893. Its purpose is to bring together the worlds religious and spiritual communities, their leaders and their followers to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are discussed and explored in the context of interreligious understanding and cooperation.

His Holiness will also attend the annual Mind & Its Potential Conference being held in Sydney. Since 2005 over 5,000 people have been captivated by the extraordinary debate in these annual events amongst leaders from science, psychology, medicine, philosophy and religion. The 2009 International Conference continues the exploration of the human mind through a fascinating synthesis of Western and Eastern science and philosophy.

His Holiness's 2009 tour is going to be an inspiring visit - stay tuned for details on ticket sales.

Happiness & Its Causes continues its spread around the world

One of Dalai Lama in Australia's key supporters is the annual Happiness and Its Causes annual conference and if you are in Singapore in late November do not miss this wonderful event.

Explore the extraordinary potential of the human mind for achieving day-to-day wellbeing and happiness. Taking place over two days, over 25 expert speakers from the fields of science, psychology, medicine, philosophy, economics and spirituality will explore tools and practical techniques for achieving a happier life, at home, in the workplace, at school and in care on an individual and wider social level.

Hear the latest cutting-edge scientific research into happiness and Discover practical techniques to enhance happiness at home & in the workplace. This is a vibrant conference experience with interactive panel discussions and workshops. A truly unique event that encompasses science, psychology, medicine, philosophy, economics and spirituality.

Being held 20-21 November 2008 at the Suntec Singapore, International Convention & Exhibition Centre, visit the website www.happinessanditscauses.com.sg for further details.

A family's heart warming story - "Our Tibet"

It is the basic human right of all beings to travel home to see their family and the people they love. Of the 2000 plus Tibetans who leave their home land every year, the majority will never get to return home. Those Tibetans in global exile who are able to return to their homeland, are faced with many barriers, emotional and political. Through the intimate journey of one family, 'Our Tibet' mirrors the experience of all Tibetan families. It is a story of love, suffering, tradition and change - the agonies of exile and the enduring strength of a people striving for freedom. Share their journey as they find their way home against all the odds, to see their loved ones and care for each other, on their ultimate quest to preserve their land, culture and spirituality.

Although sometimes horrific beyond belief, this is a story of hope which is heartfelt, uplifting and moving to read.

The book will be launched on the 27th November and you will be able to purchase a copy from the website or selected bookshops - www.ourtibet.com.au. Visit the site at the end of November and get your copy of this very personal and moving story.

Documentary - Tibet's Cry For Freedom

Through the eyes of the Dalai Lama and exiled Tibetans in 2007 and 2008, Tibet's Cry For Freedom explores both past and present in Tibet's long suffering, non violent freedom struggle. Discover the truth about Tibet's history and ponder the future of a nation whose time is fast running out.

In November 2005, after watching Michael Franti's "I know I'm Not Alone" and reading the "Tibetan Book of Living and Dying", first time Director/Producer and Adelaide born Lara Damiani, decided to make a documentary about Tibet. She quit her job, sold clothes and furniture, maxed out several credit cards and took out several loans to make this documentary. Narrated by Kerry Armstrong with music by Tenzin Choegyal, Silver Sun Pictures donated the post production and the doco is now getting international screenings.

Visit www.tibetscryforfreedom.com for further information and to purchase your own DVD copy of this outstanding documentary on Tibet.

If you missed out on grabbing your copy of the wonderful Stages of Meditation Teachings DVD, they are still available by visiting www.dalailamadvds.com.

Many blessings until next time.

Dalai Lama in Australia Ltd
Board of Directors and General Manager, Lynn Bain