August 2009 Dear Friends, Welcome to the August issue of our Friends Newsletter. His Holiness has had a big month with trips to Poland, Germany, Switzerland and most recently, Ladakh.

Whilst in Ladakh, His Holiness visited the Jamyang school in Leh that was established under his direction and financial support, for the underprivileged Drogpa Tribe of Ladakh.

And he is now delivering religious sermons on Bodhisattva in Leh which are being attended by thousands of devotees.

In his inaugural sermon, the Dalai Lama highlighted the basic principles of Buddhism which he termed as a faith that stands for wisdom, compassion, peace and brotherhood. He also underlined the importance of spiritual development of mankind particularly in the present time.

"There has to be openness, truth and compassion, he added, saying the strife torn world needs the message of peace and progress now more than ever before".

The participants feel that the presence of the Dalai Lama in the Buddhist majority Leh was a benefit to the region.

"The people here are fortunate to listen to the sermons delivered by the Dalai Lama. He gives sermons in simple language and people easily understand him. His coming to this place itself is a great blessing for us," said Tsewang Rigzen, a Buddhist monk.

We wish the people of Ladakh much peace and spiritual progress as we too look forward to a visit by His Holiness.

Now is the time
to Awaken your Mind

Make sure you do not miss the opportunity to awaken your mind and spend two amazing days with His Holiness, one of the world's most renowned teachers.

Awakening the Mind Teachings

Sydney Entertainment Centre, Darling Harbour

His Holiness has written over a 100 books - a treasure of knowledge - and all those attending the Teachings will have a chance to win a package of 10 of these titles, when we draw our Lucky Seat prize.

Book Titles

Transformed Mind Art of Happiness in a Troubled World Becoming Enlightened Answers Essential Dalai Lama Fourteen Dalai Lamas Good Heart His Holiness the Dalai Lama How to Practice In My Own Words

Each book will include a comparative book plate to remember the 2009 visit of His Holiness.

A treasure of knowledge for one lucky person to take home - we hope you will join us and share this special opportunity to be in His Holiness presence once more.

ROVE & Kylie to join
His Holiness in December

We have the pleasure of announcing that Kylie Kwong will host the Sydney Public Talk on the 3rd December and Rove McManus the Melbourne Public Talk, World Peace - Who is Responsible? on the 10th December.

Both have been supporters of His Holiness and Tibet for many years with Rove having been involved in a number of previous visits. We are delighted that he is once again showing his commitment to His Holiness and will bring his warmth and humour to the days events in Melbourne.

The Melbourne Public Talk is being held on a very auspicious day for His Holiness. Not only is it International Human Rights Day but it is the 20th Anniversary of His Holiness receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Click here to book your seat.

Kylie travelled to Tibet whilst writing her book, My China, A Feast for all the Senses and quotes in her book, "I feel that every Westerner would benefit greatly by visiting Tibet at least once in their lifetime to learn about true life values. For so many of us Westerners, who get so caught up in materialism and superficial worries, Tibetans, with their total devotion to a spiritual life, remind us of what is real and of what really matters".

Don't miss sharing this wonderful day with His Holiness and Kylie and be a part of the unique celebrations taking place during the whole visit.

Click here to book your seat.

World March for
Peace and Non-Violence

Before His Holiness's talk on World Peace in Melbourne takes place, Australia is one of many locations around the world taking part in the World March for Peace and Non Violence.

In the coming months, for the first time in history, an inspiring project is being set in motion through the initiative of the Humanist Movement and by one of its organisations, The World Without Wars.

With the aim of creating a new global consciousness around peace and non-violence, a symbolic march by a multinational, multicultural team will travel through 90 countries and six continents calling for the dismantling of nuclear arms, an end to war as a means of resolving conflict, and a universal rejection of all forms of violence.

The World March will begin in New Zealand on October 2nd, the anniversary of Gandhi's birth and International Day of Nonviolence". The March for Peace will arrive in Sydney on October 3rd and then onto Manila in the Philippines. The core group of participants will then travel further through Asia, Russia, Europe and the Americas over the three month period until January 2nd 2010, when the final event will take place at the foot of Mount Aconcagua in Punta de Vacas, Argentina.

In Sydney there will be a Peace Gathering on Bondi Beach on Sunday 4th October and the Choir of Hope and Inspiration (formerly known as the Choir of Hard Knocks) will join the Gathering in Melbourne, also on the Sunday 4th October.

Visit www.peacebound.org to obtain more details about this wonderful initiative and be a part of history and show your support and desire to live in a peaceful world.

Dalai Lama Renaissance

We would really like to share with you this wonderful film, Dalai Lama Renaissance.

Forty of the world's most innovative thinkers travelled to India to meet with the His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to solve many of the world's problems. What happened was surprising and unexpected. Narrated by actor Harrison Ford, it is a provocative and enlightening film that proves that any time spent with His Holiness can change lives forever.

Soldiers of Peace Screening

After joining Dalai Lama in Australia for the launch of His Holiness 2009 visit at the screening of the inspiring documentary Soldiers of Peace back in May, a couple of Sydneysiders left the cinema wanting to do something to contribute to the film being seen by as many people as possible. So they decided to host a screening themselves.

Soldiers of Peace is not currently being distributed by the major cinema distributors so this is your chance to see a documentary which has won over 6 international film festival awards.

There will be a pre-event performance by Will Henderson, one of Australia's most exciting flamenco and jazz fusion guitarists and the film will once again be introduced by the award winning director, Mr Tim Wise. A contribution from the ticket sales will go to the Ministry for Peace Australia.

DLIA Team Update

Tashi Delek dear Friends, It's a busy time here at the office as we quickly approach His Holiness visit in December. There are lots of people coming and going so I have been extremely busy with the meet and greet part of my role. So busy I had considered seeing if a couple of my friends from the park could come and help out - you know, lend a paw!

Anyway, Mum has been away in Melbourne for a few days making sure that all the preparations for His Holiness's visit are running smoothly, so it was my job to supervise and support our hard working team. I have been even more generous with my cuddles this month.

Speaking of Generosity, as things get busier we've had some wonderful Volunteers come and help in the office. Sophie, our Volunteer Coordinator and I are so impressed by the number of people willing to offer their time and skills to help with this year's visit of His Holiness.

As I am sure you are all aware, the first among the six perfections is generosity. Generosity is of three types: giving material aid, giving dharma, and protecting from fear. "Giving dharma" refers to the giving of teachings to other sentient beings out of the pure motivation to benefit them.

The willingness to give without expecting anything in return or as His Holiness says: "without even the slightest touch of miserliness and without any hope for reward is part of the practice of generosity... without the slightest trace of apprehension or possessiveness."

Like His Holiness does, let's all try to practice as much generosity as we can!

In future, I will add big licks to my cuddles as well!

Look forward to catching up next month, Tulku

Websites of Interest

New Zealand rated most peaceful country in the world. Visit www.visionofhumanity.org to view the results of the 2009 Global Peace Index and see where Australia sits.

Visit www.350.org and sign up and be a part of the International Day of Climate Action being held on the 24th October 2009.

www.tenzinpalmo.com Tenzin Palmo is planning a pilgrimage to visit the cave in the Indian Himalayan region of Lahaul & Spiti where she spent twelve years of her life.

And check out this amazing version of Bob Marley's "War/ No More Trouble" played by musicians from all over the world including U2's Bono. This is part of the 'Playing for Change' project.

Official Visit Shirts

Our official visit Shirts are flying out the door so please continue to help us spread the word about His Holiness' Our Future, Who is Responsible? 2009 visit by purchasing an official visit shirt from Endless Event.

Many blessings until next month.

Dalai Lama in Australia Ltd Board of Directors
Lynn Bain, General Manager & the full team at DLIA