February 2009 Dear Friends, Welcome to our February newsletter. Today is the start of Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Losar is usually a very joyous time for Tibetans. As 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, Tibetans both in Tibet and those living in exile around the world, are choosing not to celebrate in their usual way. They are observing Losar in quiet remembrance of the deceased and missing in Tibet. Please consider also observing a moment of silence today - in quiet meditation, prayer or contemplation. Please light a candle in remembrance.

His Holiness has again been busy traveling the world. The last month has seen him travel to both Italy and Germany. He was made an honorary citizen of both Rome and Venice and in Germany received the German Media Prize. The award from the German media is of special significance. 'In democracy, freedom of press is essential to inform the public about the truth. The truth must be known', His Holiness said.

His Holiness has also written a letter of condolence regarding the Victorian bushfires, to the Australian Prime Minister Mr Kevin Rudd, MP. In the letter His Holiness said, 'I am deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives and the devastation of homes, towns and sources of livelihood for many others following the shocking bush fires that have swept some parts of the state of Victoria over the last few days. I extend my deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to all those families who have been directly affected by what I understand are the worst bush fires in Australian history. I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives, the bereaved and those who have been injured'.

2009 Visit And welcome to our new look and the topic for the 2009 Visit, ‘Our Future - Who is Responsible?’.

His Holiness advocates for individual and universal responsibility - this is his message, the very basis of his teachings and those of Shakyamuni Buddha. Over the course of ten inspiring days in December, His Holiness will present, demonstrate and discuss the very nature of being and how responsibility for our future lies with each and every one of us.

The Teachings are on Nagarjuna's text on Bodhicitta. In introducing Nagarjuna text, His Holiness will discuss 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. 

The three Public Talks that His Holiness will give are on Responsibility. Sydney will hear him give an overview, Our Future, Who is Responsible?, Hobart will have the discussion, Our Earth, Who is Responsible? and Melbourne will receive World Peace, Who is Responsible?

His Holiness will not be telling us what to do during the Teachings and Public Talks. To quote Robert Thurman in his book, Why the Dalai Lama Matters, 'we ourselves know what to do when we consult our deepest wisdom and feel our common human kindness. It does not mean we are going to have to believe in His Holiness, in some religious sense, since he tells us that we must think critically about what everyone says, including what we say to ourselves, and come to understand things on our own'.

The topic of this years visit is one of helping people to become aware of their individual responsibly as a global citizen for their own actions, the world in which we live and for all other sentient beings that we share our world with.

Next months newsletter will contain information pertaining to the venues being used for all events and other details to enable you all to organize your schedules and hopefully be able to attend some of the events, if not all. We are very fortunate to have His Holiness return once again in 2009. Please try not to miss this opportunity.

Dalai Lama in Australia Website

We are busy updating our website, making it easier to navigate and to provide as much information relating to the visit. We want to make it as easy as possible for you all to obtain information and purchase tickets.

Once again we will be managing the ticket process for most of the events being held during the visit. This means you will be able to produce your own E-Ticket/s. If you do not have access to the internet, you are also welcome to phone our office for assistance.

We have made a number of improvements to the process, making ticket purchasing much easier and quicker. We hope these upgrades to the system work well for you.

Information about release dates for tickets will be advised in our March Newsletter - stay tuned!

Tibet - Never Give Up Australian Tibet Council have created an exhibition of 50 stunning photographs entitled 'Tibet: Never Give Up'. The exhibition brings together 50 images by Australian and Tibetan photographers that capture the resilience of the Tibetan people, both in Tibet and in exile.

The exhibition will open on March 10 in Sydney and will then travel to Brisbane and Melbourne. A program including Tibetan music, panel discussions, film screenings and Buddhist teachings will accompany the exhibition. For further information visit www.atc.org.au/nevergiveup

Gyuto Monks of Tibet - 'Naynen Losar' Tibetan New Year

Join the Gyuto Monks for Pujas and Prayers for peace and freedom, before they return to India on March 2nd. In tune with the Tibetan decision to make this Losar a time of remembrance through prayer and pujas, the monks are offering a limited but rather special short program at their home in Rosebank, near Byron Bay. Spend some time in meditation, ritual and teaching from Wednesday 25th through to Saturday 28th February. Attendance is by Donation.
450 Repentance Creek Road, Rosebank, NSW (opposite the hall).

Film Screenings - Melbourne

There will be a screening of two exceptional films in Melbourne on Wednesday 1st April.

The screening of 'Tibet's Cry for Freedom' and 'Leaving Fear Behind' is a fundraising evening for Gu Chu Sum, The Tibet Project and the Tibetan Community. It will also feature a musical performance by acclaimed international Tibetan musician and singer, Tenzin Choegyal.
Where: The Classic Cinema, Elsternwick - When: Wednesday 1st April at 7pm.

Many blessings until next month.

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