I personally request Tibetans, Tibet supporters and peace loving people in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia to join the Global Action of Prayers and Fasting on Saturday 30 August 2008.
This is an extremely important non-violent action undertaken by the Tibetans under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in a very critical period for Tibet, particularly the post Olympic period according to Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) Professor Samdhong Rinpoche of the Central Tibetan Administration in India.
On this auspicious day, Tibetans and Tibet supporters around the world, led by the His Holiness Dalai Lama, will observe a symbolic 12-hour fast with prayers.
The fast is symbolic of Tibetans’ re-commitment to the path of non-violence, aims to bring relief to those enduring hardship in Tibet and, in the words of Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, is an effort “to create wisdom and compassion in the minds of the oppressor”.
People will be gathering to observe the fast at a number of events organised by Tibetan Community Associations, Dharma Centres and Tibet Support Groups in Australia and New Zealand. Please see the list of locations and contact details below and also visit atc.org.au.
If you can’t make it to one of these locations but want to take part, you can observe the fast by yourself at home between 7.00am and 7.00pm. Water (hot or cold) is allowed. Please use common sense if you begin to feel unwell in any way.
Read the full text of the Tibetan Solidarity Committee and Kalon Tripa’s appeals here at www.tibet.net
For further information contact the Tibet Information Office on 02 6285 4046.
Details of events around Australia & New Zealand
Victoria (3 locations)
Host: Tibetan Community of Victoria
Where: Tara Institute, 3 Mavis Ave, Brighton East
Time: 8.00am to 8.00pm
Contact: Community President, Thupten Dhondup on 0417560562
Host: Drol Kar Buddhist Centre
Where: 625 Nortons Rd, Paraparap
Contact: Spiritual Director, Geshe Sonam Thargye on 03 5266 1788
Host: Kagyue E-Vam Buddhist Institute
Where: 673 Lygon St, Carlton North
Contact: 03 9387 0422
New South Wales (2 locations)
Host: Tibetan Community of NSW
Where: St. Kevin’s Hall, Oak Ave, Dee Why
Time: 8.00am to 8.00pm
Contact: Community President, Tenzin Gaden on 0413542320
Host: Vajrayana Institute
Where: 9 Victoria Square. Ashfield
Time: 7.00am to 7.00pm
Contact: VI Office on 02 9798 9644
Canberra (2 Locations)
Host: Tibetan Community of ACT
Where: Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 25 Alderman St. Evatt
Time: 8.00am to 8.00pm
Contact: Community President, Tsering Deki on 0422302648
Host: Chengawa Centre, 32 Atkinson St. Cook
Time: 8am to 8pm
Contact: 02 6125 4662
Queensland (2 Locations)
Host: Tibetan Community of QLD
Where: Chenrezig Institute, 33 Johnson Road, Eudlo
Time: 8.00am to 8.00pm
Contact: CI Office on 07 5453 2108
Host: Devachen Study Group- Mackay
Contact: 07 4954 5188
South Australia
Host: Tibetan Community of SA
Where: Tibetan Buddhist Institute, 8 Ross Avenue, Flinders Park, Adelaide
Time: 7.00am to 7.00pm
Contact: Community President, Tenzin Dhargyal on 08 8351 8788
Tasmania
Where: Chag-Tong Chen-Tong Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre, Warwick St, West Hobart
Time: 8.00am to 8.00pm
Contact: Dr. Anna Alomes on 03 6226 2258 or Dr. Sonam Thakchoe on 03 6224 6292
Western Australia
Host: Hayagriva Buddhist Cenre,64 Banksia Tce, Kensington
Time: 6am to 6pm
Contact: 08 9367 4817
New Zealand
Host: Tibetan Community and Friends of Tibet (NZ)
Where: Dorje Chang Institute, 56 Powell St. Avondale, Auckland
Time: 7.00am to 7.00pm
Contact: Geshe Thupten Wangchen on 09 828 3333 or Mr. Thuten Kesang 09 483 7275