September 2009 Dear Friends, Welcome to the September issue of our Friends Newsletter, coming to you only 8 weeks out from His Holiness arrival in Australia for the Our Future, Who is Responsible? visit. The last month has seen His Holiness visit Taiwan where more than 17,000 people from across the country attended a two-hour prayer ceremony by His Holiness for the victims of the recent Typhoon, Morakot. During his 6 day stay, he also conducted a dialogue with Taiwan's Catholic leader and held audiences with more than 1,000 Tibetan expatriates and local followers of Tibetan Buddhism.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (top) says a prayer after placing a white scarf over the wreath at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, USA. The wreath is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed by an assassin's bullet on April 4, 1968.

The non-political nature of his visit was slightly marred, however, by sporadic demonstrations against his visit by a group of pro-unification activists.

His Holiness then travelled to Bratislava, Slovakia, where he received an international award for his promotion of human rights and his leadership in the nonviolent campaign by Tibetans seeking autonomy from China.

The Jan Langos Foundation, which invited the Dalai Lama to Slovakia, gives its award to "an outstanding figure of the local defiance against oppressed regimes and their security services" and to civil servants and politicians who "endeavor for human dignity and freedom."

As His Holiness was presented the award, the audience applauded continuously and gave a standing ovation. The award is in memory of the prominent former Slovak dissident Mr. Jan Langos who challenged communism and totalitarian regime in the former Czechoslovakia.

Then it was on to the Czech Republic where His Holiness attended a conference on Peace, Democracy and Human Rights in Asia, organised by the Forum 2000 Foundation.

Back home in India His Holiness then received a visit from US President Barack Obama's emissary, Valerie Jarrett and the State Department Under Secretary Maria Otero and was immediately followed by a general Buddhist teachings at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamsala, at the request of Korean Buddhists. Over 4000 devotees, including more than 1400 foreigners from 55 different countries attended the teachings.

He is now on a 17 day visit to the USA and Canada. Only 8 weeks and His Holiness will be here with us – do not miss this wonderful opportunity.

And to share, a recent interview with His Holiness by his long term journalist friend, Andreas Hilmer - http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/22967/

Awakening the Mind

The first event His Holiness will give on his December Australian visit will be the Awakening the Mind Teachings in Sydney on the 1st & 2nd December.

Be a part of a ritual that has been happening for millennia – people sitting at the feet of a teacher and learning! Not facts, not numbers, but a different type of learning. A learning of the spirit and an awakening of knowledge that is already in all of us. His Holiness' teaching is on this exact topic, the awakening of your mind.

The unique tools arising from Buddhist wisdom provide us with precise and effective methods to achieve trans-formative spiritual development, leading to our ultimate goal of lasting happiness for ourselves and others.

In Nagarjuna's Precious Garland (included in our recommended readings), Nagarjuna offers intimate counsel on how to conduct one's life and how to construct social policies that reflect Buddhist ideals. He describes the cause and effect sequences for the development of happiness within ordinary life as well as the practices of wisdom realizing emptiness and compassion that lead to enlightenment.

Please try and join us for this wonderful opportunity to awaken your mind and spend two amazing days with His Holiness, one of the world's most renowned teachers, as he delivers Nagaruna's Commentary on Bodhicitta.

Tickets to this remarkable event are selling fast with only one month remaining for you to take advantage of the Early-bird Pricing.

Awakening the Mind Teachings

Sydney Entertainment Centre, Darling Harbour

To help you prepare for these amazing teachings, we have added a list of recommended readings to our website and every person attending the Teachings will go into our Lucky Seat Draw for their chance to win 10 books written by His Holiness with a comparative book plate to remember the 2009 visit.

Limited copies of the
Finding Purpose in Life DVD

We have a very limited number of the DVD, Finding Purpose in Life left and they are available for purchase at $29.95 each.

This extraordinary talk about finding purpose in life was given by His Holiness on June 14 2008, to 6000 people in The Dome at Sydney's Olympic Park. His Holiness covers a range of topics including the importance of compassion as a way to finding happiness and purpose in our lives. This DVD includes language options of English, Vietnamese and Chinese.

"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them..." His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Click here to secure your copy now.

And to help you prepare for His Holiness Awakening the Mind Teachings, you can also purchase a copy of the Eight Verses for Training the Mind & Nagarjuna Commentary on the Awakening Mind by His Holiness, recorded during his 2007 Open Arms Tour. Visit www.madman.com.au

Our Earth, Who is Responsible?
Hobart Public Talk

His Holiness has often said that, "as long as we are on this planet together, it is important not just to live harmoniously but also to take genuine care of the environment".

Don't miss being apart of this event which will be watched and listen to by an international audience eager to hear His Holiness's words on this extremely important subject. The Our Earth, Who is Responsible? Public Talk is being held the day after the start of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen: www.en.cop15.dk

In the run-up to the crucial UN CCC in Copenhagen in December 2009, a Declaration was drafted to present to the world's media, a unique spiritual view of climate change and our urgent responsibility to address the solutions. It emerged from the contributions of over 20 Buddhist teachers of all traditions in to a book, A Buddhist Respose to the Climate Emergency.

The Time to Act is Now was composed as a pan-Buddhist statement by Zen teacher Dr David Tetsuun Loy and senior Theravadin teacher Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi with scientific input from Dr John Stanley. His Holiness was the first to sign the Declaration. For any concerned members of the Australian Buddhist community wishing to add their voice, please visit www.ecobuddhism.org to co-sign this important document.

We are all responsible for the future of the earth we share – join us for this rare opportunity.

Click here to book your seat.

An Evening of Courage
& Fearlessness

For those of you in Sydney, join like-minded people for an evening exploring our individual role in creating a culture of courage.

In preparation for the visit of His Holiness to Australia, Wake Up Sydney! is presenting an elegant evening of mindful and stimulating entertainment. The evening will explore our individual role in creating a culture of courage.

Guests will include:

When  a group of people gather with the intention of connecting in the service of the whole, and fully attend to what wants to emerge through them, a window of possibility opens that allows them to become a vessel for transformation and social change. If this resonates for you, come along, relax in the present moment, listen to fresh perspectives and enjoy great live music. Were sure it will be a fabulous night!  

Don't miss out! Given the huge response to Wake Up Sydney's last event, we would highly recommend you get in early as the event will sell out - www.wakeupsydney.com.au

World Peace, Who is Responsible?

"Real change must start with individuals, then family, then community", stated His Holiness in Vancouver, Canada on 27th September, to close the Opening Session of the 2009 Vancouver Peace Summit.

He called for a global promotion of compassion, and an increased emphasis on the promotion of women to positions of influence. "Some people may call me a feminist," the Dalai Lama said quietly. "But females have more sensitivity about others' pain and suffering."

The discussion focused on achieving world peace through personal peace. "We really need to embrace the concept of the whole world as 'we'," said His Holiness.

The experience of seeing and hearing His Holiness is the same the world over. Hoshen Chi stood patiently outside the doors, waiting to enter the summit building. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Chi, who has wanted to see the Dalai Lama since he was 15 years old. "I want to see what he's like," said the 26 year old student. "I'd like to hear what he says about personal peace, because my life is in a bit of turmoil right now."

Another couple traveled from California to be with His Holiness on their anniversary. Tom had seen His Holiness once before, but said he wanted his wife to experience it. "It's about him but it's also about the collective energy of the people," he said. "The people who go to see the Dalai Lama all bring a sense of peace and compassion, so all that energy is a really special experience."

Be a part of this collective energy in Melbourne on the 10th December.

World March for Peace
passes through OZ 4th October

Be a part of history and speak out for a more peaceful world – engage and be a part of the World March for Peace and Non Violence as it passes across our shores. The World March will begin in New Zealand on October 2nd and will arrive
in Australia on October 3.

Caroline Pemberton, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Upton, John Butler, United Nations Association of Australia and the Ministry for Peace Australia are just a few of the many Australians endorsing this amazing event. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdz6Pnpq4vQ

The World March, however, will be created and shaped by everyone. Open to any person, organization, collective, group, political party, business, etc., that shares the same aspirations and sensibility – the desire to live in a peaceful world. This is a march by and for the people, with hopes of reaching most of the world's population.

On Sunday 4th October in Sydney there will be a Peace Gathering on Bondi Beach and in Melbourne the Choir of Hope and Inspiration (formerly known as the Choir of Hard Knocks) will join the Longa Kanga Conga for Peace in Carlton.

Visit www.peacebound.org to obtain further details.

Tulku's Tails

Tashi Delek! Dear Friends, Firstly, thank you so much for all your emails – it is so nice to hear from everyone and know that there are loads of other four & two legged non human beings working hard, spreading their love & compassion and making a difference in our human friends lives. This month I wanted to share one of my friend's stories with you. I am sure some of you may already know Spoggy the Sparrow's amazing story but for those who don't, be prepared to be moved and encouraged:

www.mandalamagazine.org/2009/ october/dharma_bird.asp

As we are edging closer and closer to His Holiness visit in December, life for me and the team here at Dalai Lama in Australia just gets busier and busier. There have been quite a few new members to the team, as the workload increases. Dundup has recently joined us and will be looking after the Sangha who attend the many events, whilst a couple of weeks ago Sophie our Volunteer Coordinator met with several of the Volunteer Team Leaders from last year. It's so reassuring that they are once again offering their services to assist with the visit again this year. Big licks of thanks to all those volunteers who are coming back – we just couldn't do it with out you all.

Hay, check out this old picture of His Holiness and his friend Senge – looks a little like me, don't you think? Look forward to catching up next month, Tulku

To Share

Autistic Kid goes from towel boy to Basketball All-Star:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kahonfboR8E&feature=related

Tibetan Buddhist and Bön audio teachings from many of the world's most respected Teachers, including His Holiness:
www.audioguroo.com

Official Visit Shirts

There are a lot of people around Australia getting about in one of our official visit Shirts. You too could be a 'trend setter' - 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. http://www.dalailamainaustralia.org/pages/?PageID=70

Many blessings until next month.

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