Gurukul Programme 2013

Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama

NINETEENTH

GURUKUL PROGRAMME 2013

NORTH INDIA

31 May – 7 July 2013 DHARAMSALA An initiative to provide an insight into Tibetan culture and ancient Buddhist traditions of Tibet for university students.

1

"To meet the challenges of our times, I believe that humanity must develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for our own individual self, family or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind.

Today we are so interdependent, so closely interconnected with each other, that without a sense of universal responsibility, a feeling of universal brotherhood and sisterhood, and an understanding and belief that we really are a part of one big human family, we cannot hope to overcome the dangers to our very existence – let alone bring about peace and happiness."

- His Holiness The Dalai Lama

2

CONTENTS

4

Programme Overview

5

Programme Details

16

About the Foundation

18

Accommodation

18

Terms and Conditions

19

Join Us

19

Write to us

3

Programme overview In keeping with the rich Indian tradition of Gurukul, this project aims to enrich formal education processes by facilitating inspirational contact with masters of different spiritual traditions, particularly Tibetan Buddhism. The participants, mainly university students, live in Tibetan monasteries and nunneries where they learn about Tibetan culture, art and philosophy.

Participants have privileged access to teachers of ancient Buddhist traditions of Tibet. By observing the teachers’ way of life at close quarters, students envision new definitions of success, achievement and fulfillment.

Gurukul has been held annually for a month in Dharamsala, the home of HH the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration. Here, participants receive an extended introduction to Tibetan culture and religion by actively engaging in daily activities of Tibetan life in the monasteries and nunneries, and with communities in exile. They have the privilege of an audience with His Holiness.

Through discourses, lectures, films and other learning media, Gurukul participants gain insights into the innovative ways in which a community in exile copes with displacement and strives to keep its traditions alive.

Gurukul participants will:       

Live in Tibetan monasteries and nunneries.

Take classes in Tibetan Buddhism at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

Engage in the dialogue between Modern Science and Ancient Buddhist Philosophy.

Learn Tibetan handicrafts such as wood carving, thangka painting and appliqué.

Interact with Buddhist masters and Tibetan officials.

Experience traditional dialectic debates and spiritual chanting.

Attend special teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Students also have the opportunity to give something back to the community. They are encouraged to teach English to monks, nuns and refugees from Tibet, and volunteer with service and welfare projects.

Reporting Information: Report on 31st May, 3.30 pm, at EarthLink Travels, H#45, Shangrila Complex New Aruna Nagar, Majnu-ka Tilla, Delhi-110054 Metro Station-Vidhan Sabha Station on Yellow Line Phone: +91-11-64727411/65023430/9911623114 * More details at page 15 4

Programme details Participants are requested to wear the ID badges at all times during the teachings, which will also serve as a lunch ticket.

Friday, 31 May

* More information about the Teachings on separate Brochure.

03:30 pm Participants to report at the above address 05:00 pm Board the bus to Dharamsala

GURUKUL REUNION: SPECIAL TEACHINGS:

Wednesday, 5 June Saturday-Tuesday, 1– 4 June

A maiden project launched to bring Gurukul Alumni to Dharamsala and revisit the memory lane once again. Gurukul Reunion will provide the platform to re-acquaint with the place and people. It also will be the time for renewing friendships.

*Special Teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on ‘Shantideva's A Guide to the Boddhisattva's Way of Life (chodjug)’.

Morning and Afternoon Sessions at the Main Temple – Tsuklag Khang

09:30 am Gurukul Reunion Programme with screening of Gurukul Documentary Film 12:30 pm Lunch 02:00 pm Interaction between Gurukul 2013 & Ex-Gurukul Participants 04:30 pm Tea & Conclude

Mobiles, video and still cameras will not be allowed into the teaching area. So bring standalone FM radios. Do not depend on the FM apps on your mobiles. Please listen to the FM translation only through earphones.

His Holiness will teach in Tibetan. For the nonHindi speakers, there will be a simultaneous English translation over FM radio. His Holiness will pause between sentences and paragraphs, and allow the Hindi translator who will be sitting close to him to directly translate into Hindi over the P.A. system. So only those who specifically need an English translation should get FM radios.

* For programme details please refer to Gurukul Reunion Brochure.

Two passport-size pictures and identity proof will be required for registration and security procedures.

5

Programme details

INTRODUCTORY TOUR: 05:00 pm End of Tour Day 2

Thursday, 6 June 09:30 am Guided tour of Norbulingka Institute 12:30 pm Lunch 02:00 pm Guided tour of Dolma Ling Nunnery 03:00 pm Guided tour of Ngyingtop Ling Institute 03:30 pm Visit to Lhundrub Chime Gatsal Ling Monastery 04:30 pm End of Tour Day 1

Saturday, 8 June 09:00 am Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School 11:00 am Tushita Meditation Center 12:45 pm Lunch 01:45 pm Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts 02:30 pm

Friday, 7 June

Tibetan Youth Congress

09:00 am

03:15 pm

Tibetan Medical and Astrology Institute of HH

Tibetan Women's Association

The Dalai Lama.men-tsee-khang.org

04:00 pm

Guided tour of the Institute and Museum

Students for a Free Tibet

11:00 am

04:45 pm

Tibetan Center for Conflict Resolution

Gu Chu Sum Association

12:30 pm

05:30 pm

Lunch

End of Tour Day 3

02:00 pm Department of Information and International Relations

Sunday, 9 June

02:30 pm Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy

09:00 am

03:00 pm

Thangde Gatsal Thangka Painting Studio

Tibet Policy Institute

01:00 pm

03:30 pm Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

Lunch

04:30 pm

Gurukul Orientation Session

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

04.00 pm

02:00 pm

End of Introductory Tour 6

Programme details

TWO SPECIAL COURSES: (1) 10 June to 5 July {Excluding Sundays and Tibetan holidays} 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm At the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Thursday, 27 June 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Tibetan Youth Congress

Buddhist Philosophy Course: The Role of Mind in the Pursuit of Happiness

Monday, 1 July 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Tibetan Women’s Association

(2) 10 June to 5 July {Excluding Sundays and Tibetan holidays} 03:45pm to 05:00 pm At the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Thursday, 4 July 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Students for a Free Tibet * More information about each organisation is given at the end.

Mind Science: Inner Eastern Science of Mind and Reality Meets Modern Science Unity in Duality ®

AUDEINCES:

* More details about these programmes are at later pages.

……………….: Audience with

SPECIAL LECTURES:

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Monday, 10 June 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute

………………: Appointment with Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong Central Tibetan Administration

Thursday, 13 June 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution

………………. Audience with His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa

Monday, 17 June 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Tibet Policy Institute

OPPORTUNITIES After the introductory tour of Dharamsala, participants will opt for centres and activities of their choice as per the centers’ schedule, such as thangka painting, woodcarving, statue making, wood painting, Tibetan music and dance and volunteering in various Tibetan organisations.

Each participant will enroll in these activities after discussions with the group and in consultation with the concerned centres.

Participants can choose more than one activity and maintain the timetable once chosen. Apart from the above-mentioned activities, the special classes and lectures mentioned above are mandatory, based on which certificates will be issued at the end of the programme.

Wednesday, 19 June 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Department of Information & International Relations Thursday, 20 June 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Monday, 24 June 09:30 am - 12:30 pm Tibetan Parliament In-Exile 7

Programme details TWO SPECIAL COURSES: (1) 10 June to 5 July {Excluding Sundays and Tibetan holidays} 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm At the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives www.ltwa.net Buddhist Philosophy Course: The Role of Mind in the Pursuit of Happiness The primary objectives of the LTWA are to provide a comprehensive cultural resource centre and to promote an environment that encourages research and exchange of knowledge between scholars and students. These factors are of the utmost importance in a contemporary world shaped by political and spiritual confusion. In trying to fulfill its objectives, the Library's priorities include: * Acquiring and conserving Tibetan manuscripts, books, artifacts and works of art. * Providing access to books, manuscripts and reference works (in Tibetan as well as in foreign languages) in study areas within the Library. * Compiling bibliographies and documentation of Library holdings and related literature available worldwide. * Providing copies and prints of Library holdings and acting as a reference centre for such source materials. * Publishing books and manuscripts under the Library imprint. * Supporting research and study of the Tibetan language, both classical and modern.

----------------------------------------------------------------(2) 10 June to 5 July {Excluding Sundays and Tibetan holidays} 03:45pm to 05:00 pm At LTWA Mind Science: Inner Eastern Science of Mind and Reality Meets Modern Science Unity in Duality 速 The aims of the Tarab Institute are: 1) To make available courses, education and research in Ancient Inner Science of Mind and Phenomena, as.presented in Unity and Duality by late Ven. Tarab Tulku Rinpoche XI, together with Unity in Duality Personal Development as well as Spiritual and Psychotherapeutic Application.

2) Comparative studies of the Ancient Inner Science and Modern Science.

3) Comparative studies of Unity in Duality Psychotherapeutic Application and other psychotherapeutic approaches.

4) Comparative studies of Unity in Duality Spiritual Application and other spiritual approaches.

5) Publishing of literature and arranging of courses, education and conferences concerning the points above.

Education in Unity in Duality is at present going on in France, Germany, Slovakia, and India.

8

Programme Details LECTURES:

TIBETAN MEDICAL AND ASTROLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA Topics:  In Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, what is the relationship between medicine, astronomy and astrology? How does the synergy between the three areas facilitate wellbeing?  A Tibetan Buddhist perspective on the relationship between religion and science.  TMAI in exile and governance, medical college, manufacturing, clinics and exports, R&D.  How can we contribute?

About the Organisation: Mission of TMAI: - To promote and practice gSowa-rigpa, the Tibetan system of medicine, astronomy and astrology.

- To provide accessible health care to people regardless of caste, colour or creed.

- To provide free or concessional i.e. subsidized health care to the poor and needy, monks and nuns, all new arrivals from Tibet, and those over the age of 70.

- To produce Tibetan medicines in an environmentally sensitive manner.

TIBETAN CENTRE FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION Topics:  The Relationship between the Tibetan and Indian Communities in Dharamsala: Promoting Conflict Resolution and Coexistence.  The role of nonviolence in the Tibetan struggle for dignity, human rights and freedom.  Building a synergy between Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and Western approaches to conflict resolution.  How can we contribute?

9

Programme Details About the Organisation: Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR) is a non-profit, educational organisation dedicated to the nonviolent management of conflicts in the Tibetan community and the world as a whole.

TIBET POLICY INSTITUTE Topics:  Chinese netizens attitude to the burnings in Tibet.  Censorship in China  Tibetan Diaspora: Opportunity, Challenge and Achievments.

About the Organisation: Tibet Policy Institute is a think tank that will function as a research-oriented intellectual platform for the Central Tibetan Administration and look into the various issues and challenges facing it. The Tibet Policy Institute will conduct research on the overall position of the Central Tibetan Administration in the next five to 50 years, the state of Sino-Tibetan relations as well as the welfare of the Tibetans in India, America, West and elsewhere in Asia. As the exile administration is engaged in day-to-day activities of the various departments, a separate institute is needed that will look far into the future.

TIBETAN CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY Topics:  What is the current situation of human rights in Tibet? What does TCHRD do to promote respect for human rights and democracy inside Tibet?

10

Programme Details  What are some of the strategies that TCHRD uses to educate the exiled community about democracy? According to TCHRD, what is democracy and how can its precepts be implemented amongst the exiled community as well as inside Tibet?

How is democracy understood in Tibetan Buddhism and culture?  Political prisoners, support, education in Tibet and in exile, ,International Criminal Act, uprisings in Tibet, legitimacy, international lobbying, Tibet: human rights and the rule of law, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).  How can we contribute?

About the Organisation: TCHRD is the first Tibetan non-governmental human rights organisation to be established in exile in India. Founded in 1996, TCHRD is registered as an NGO under Section 2 of the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860 and is based in Dharamsala, North India.

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Topics:  In order to serve the Tibetan community and respond to international requests for information, what are some of the audio, visual and print programmes hosted by the DIIR?  What is the nature of communication between the Tibetan government and world governments?  Could the DIIR cite examples of the ways in which world governments and international organisations have supported and promoted the Tibetan cause?  What has been the nature of communication with the United Nations and other international organisations? In what ways has the DIIR been successful in promoting the Tibetan cause internationally and in pressurising China to transform its policy of repression in Tibet?  About the Central Tibetan Administration and the Middle Way Approach.  How can we contribute?

About the Organisation: The Department of Information and International Relations is one of the seven main departments under the Kashag. It has its origin in Chisee Khang (Foreign Relations Office), which was re 11

Programme Details established in exile in 1959, after the Chinese occupation of Tibet. In March 1969, the international relations section of Chisee Khang was placed under the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi. With the overwhelming demand for information on Tibet by the international community as well as Tibetans, in understanding political, human rights and environmental consciousness, the Department had started publishing the ‘Tibetan Bulletin’. Thus, in 1971, the information section was expanded with the inclusion of Sheja Publication, and renamed ‘Information and Publicity Office’. On 4 April 1988, the Office was further expanded and the international relations section of the Bureau in Delhi was made a part of it again. It was thus that the Office came to be renamed the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR).

TIBETAN PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE Topics:  What is the structure of the Tibetan political system within India? How does the Tibetan Administration in-exile function?  How are laws passed and implemented in the geographically diverse Tibetan settlements across India and abroad?  What are some of the important issues currently under discussion in the Tibetan Parliament? How will these influence the wellbeing of the Tibetan community in Tibet, India and the world?  How can we contribute?

About the Organisation: In February 1960, at Bodhgaya (where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment), His Holiness the Dalai Lama outlined a detailed programme designed to introduce the exiles to the practice of democratic self-rule to the large group of Tibetans gathered there. He advised them to set up an elected body with three exile representatives for each of the three cholkas and one each for the four Buddhist religious traditions.

The Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies' building was completed in the early 1980s during the seventh ATPD. It is a modest structure at the centre of a horseshoe-shaped cluster of buildings housing the various departments of the Secretariat of the Government-in-Exile.

12

Programme Details

TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS Topics:  Status of the political dialogue between His Holiness’ representatives and the Chinese government: successes and failures.  A history of the Tibetan struggle for freedom.  The Tibet-China-India relationship: A legal/political perspective.  How can we contribute?

About the Organisation: Members of TYC accept to perform the following tasks : - To dedicate oneself to the task of serving one’s country and people under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal ruler of Tibet.

- To promote and protect national unity and integrity by giving up all distinctions based on religion, regionalism or status.

- To work for the preservation and promotion of religion and Tibet’s unique culture and traditions.

- To struggle for the total independence of Tibet even at the cost of one’s life.

TYC also organises cultural exhibitions and festivals to create awareness among the people of the world of Tibet’s culture. TYC engages in a wide variety of activities aimed at helping those in need and alleviating some of the most urgent social and educational problems. These range from organising broom squads to building public toilets, conducting health education programmes to blood donation, holding adult education classes to starting schools and planting trees.

13

Programme Details TIBETAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Topics:  Political and economic empowerment of Tibetan Women in exile.

Successes and challenges .  The role of TWA in drawing international attention to violence against Women in Tibet.  TWA’s role in promoting peace and justice in the exiled community.  Women, human rights and the environment: A Buddhist approach.

About the Organisation: Aims and Objectives of TWA: -

-

-

To raise global awareness about the critical situation inside Tibet, and to exert international pressure for the improvement of human rights conditions for Tibetans living in occupied Tibet.

Social, political and economic empowerment of women in exile.

Addressing the drastic human rights abuses committed against Tibetan women in Tibet including rape, physical violence, and the denial of fundamental reproductive, religious and political freedoms.

To ensure Tibetan women have access to adequate educational information about health care, childcare and family planning.

Preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture, language, tradition and the arts through community education, literacy and publications.

Assisting the needy in the community through sponsorship programs that help to support economically disadvantaged families, single parents, children, nuns, the handicapped, the sick and the elderly.

To join hands with the women of the world to promote peace and justice for all.TYC also organises cultural exhibitions and festivals to create awareness among the people of the world of Tibet’s culture. Social & Educational: TYC engages in a wide variety of activities aimed at helping those in need and alleviating some of the most urgent social and educational problems. These range from organisms broom squads to building public toilets, conducting health education programmes to blood donation, holding adult education classes to starting schools and planting trees.

14

Programme Details

STUDENT FOR A FREE TIBET

Topics:  Role of the Youth in the Struggle for Free Tibet  A Roadmap for Free Tibet: Strategies in Action Autonomy or Independence? Envisioning Tibet 2020  How can we contribute?

About the Organisation: VISION: In our work for Tibetan independence we aim to inspire and enable people, especially the youth, to create a just and equitable world, free of oppression, in which there is respect for the earth and all living beings.

VALUES: We believe every individual has the right to be free. Those who enjoy freedom have the power and also the responsibility to make positive change in the world. We seek to create opportunities to inspire, enable and motivate all people to see that change is possible. We value creativity in every pursuit, and we believe it is essential to have fun while working towards our vision of a just and equitable world.

* continued from page 4 Reporting Information: How to reach Majnu-ka-Tilla: Metro: Take Yellow Line from Airport or New Delhi Railway Station towards Jahangirpuri and get down at Vidhan Sabha Metro Station.

Delhi Metro Website: www.delhimetrorail.com Ride: From Vidhan Sabha Metro Station, take a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw for Rs. 20-40 to Majnu-ka-Tilla and ask for Earthlink Travel Agent

15

About the Foundation "This Foundation will implement projects to benefit people everywhere, focusing especially on assisting nonviolent methods, on improving communications between religion and science, on securing human rights and democratic freedoms, and on conserving and restoring our precious Mother Earth."

– His Holiness The Dalai Lama

VISION •

Foster the celebration of diversity, the spirit of universal responsibility and the understanding of interdependence across faiths, creeds and religions.

•

Support personal transformation in ways that facilitate larger processes of social change.

•

Develop and sustain peace building and coexistence initiatives in regions of violent conflict and social unrest.

•

Encourage and cultivate Ahimsa (nonviolence) as a guiding principle for interaction among human beings and with their environments.

•

Offer inclusive and holistic paradigms of education that prioritize experiential learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and a global ethic of peace and justice.

•

Build capacity for conflict transformation, human rights and democratic freedom through partnerships with civil society groups across the globe.

•

Explore new frontiers on understanding of the mind by building bridges between science and spirituality.

•

Support the professional development of future leaders and decision-makers through scholarships and fellowships.

•

Create media products and educational materials that promote the objectives of the Foundation.

•

Nurture an understanding of the relevance and value of Tibetan civilisational heritage to contemporary issues and predicaments.

16

About the Foundation MISSION 

To promote universal responsibility in a manner that respects difference and encourages a diversity of beliefs, practices and approaches.



To build a global ethic of nonviolence, coexistence, gender equity and peace by facilitating secular processes that cultivate personal and social ethical values.



To enrich educational paradigms that tap the transformative potential of the human mind.

The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama is a not for profit, nonsectarian, non-denominational organisation established with the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to His Holiness in 1989. In the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, the Foundation brings together men and women of different faiths, professions and nationalities, through a range of initiatives and mutually sustaining collaborations.

17

Programme details ACCOMMODATION Girls:

Boys:

Coordinator: Principal Dolma Ling Nunnery PO Sidhpur-176057 Dharamsala, District Kangra HP, India Contact details: Tel: (91) (1892) 246419 Fax:(91) (1892) 246413 Email: tnpindia@sancharnet.in

Coordinator: Secretary Dip Tsechokling Monastery PO McLeod Ganj - 176219 Dharamsala, District Kangra HP, India Tel: (91) (1892) 221726 Fax: (91) (1892) 221404 tpemalama@yahoo.co.in

Boys:

Girls:

Coordinator: Secretary Namgyal Monastery PO McLeod Ganj - 176219 Dharamsala, District Kangra HP, India Tel: (91) (1892) 221492 Fax: (91) (1892) 220954 namgyal_m@yahoo.co.in

Coordinator: Secretary Thosamling Nunnery and Institute, Sidhpur, 176057, Distt. Kangra H.P. India.

Email: thosamling@gmail.com Telephone number (91) (0) 9816141830

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Selected participant will abide by the rules and regulations of the programme. Participant will not hold organizers responsible for any mishap. The programme organisers decision will be final and binding. Participant will register for the programme willingly and should possess genuien interest in such endevour. Foundation will cover expenses for food and lodging for the duration of the workshop. Travel from Delhi to Dharamsala will be arranged and covered by the Foundation. The Foundation WILL NOT cover travel expenses to and from Delhi for participants from outside Delhi.

In case of any emergency he/she will inform the authority ( the place of stay or the Foundation) and sort out the situation. The participants will abide by the rules and regulations of their respective places of stay. Since water is scarce in Dharamsala region and littering is a concern for envionmental reasons, we request each one to be mindful during their stay.

TASHI DELEK!

Sunday, 7 July: Leave Dharamsala for Delhi END OF PROGRAMME 18

Join us ONLINE RESOURCE Website www.furhhdl.org Email Alerts Sign up by sending an email at info@furhhdl.org Facebook www.facebook.com/furhhdlindia Twitter www.twitter.com/furhhdl Books/ DVDs www.furhhdl.org/content/ publications-films-resources

SUPPORT US! The Foundation works with a modest corpus. There are no charges or tickets for our events. DONATIONS are welcome to meet expenses towards organizing secular events like this one. These are tax exempt under Sec 80G in India.

Contributions are accepted preferably by cheque or draft payable to: ‘Foundation for Universal Responsibility of HH The Dalai Lama’ and send to: Core 4A, UGF, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110003, India For other modes of payments, please visit, www.furhhdl.org/how-to-help

19

WRITE TO US! Gurukul Programme Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama Core 4A, UGF, India Habitat Center Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003 Tel: (91) (11) 24648450 Fax: (91) (11) 24648451 furhhdl@furhhdl.org www.furhhdl.org

Should you have any queries regarding the Gurukul Programme, or would like to participate in future, we will be glad to hear from you.

REGISTERED OFFICE The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of HH The Dalai Lama Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj THANK YOU! TASHI DELEK! Dharamsala - 176 219 District Kangra Himachal Pradesh India Tax ID No in India: AAATF 0174 E Trust Registration No.7989/ FCRA182450033 Tel: (91) (1892) 221879 Fax: (91) (1892) 221813 www.dalailama.com

20