Contact January 2012 by Lha Charitable Trust

His Holiness receives Russian University doctorate By Sophie Jay His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded an honorary doctorate from a Russian university following his annual teachings for Russian Buddhists on Wednesday, December 21. Telo Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of Russian republic Kalmykia, presented International devotees listen to the teachings at the doctorate to His Holiness the Main Temple. Picture courtesy of the Tibet Post. in recognition of his ‘outstanding contribution to freedom, thanked the dignitaries from the Ministry human rights, religious harmony and of The Education and Science of The environmental protection’ on behalf of Russian Federation, Federal State the Tuva State University, at the Main Education Institute - Tuva State Temple in front of delighted onlookers. University, for their stand on human rights Referring to the occasions on and values, adding: ‘I have visited Tuva which His Holiness was denied a visa once and learnt of the Tuva people’s great by the Russian government, Telo interest in Buddhism. Tuva has longRinpoche said: ‘For the past many standing strong cultural ties to Tibet. ‘However, in recent years due to years, we made every possible effort to prepare the Dalai Lama’s visit to political reasons, I couldn’t visit Tuva.’ The three day teaching, which Russia, but, with many unfortunate conditions, we have faced many included an introduction to Buddhism and Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of difficulties. ‘We need to hear more teachings Training the Mind, attracted over 6,500 devotees including more than 1,300 from His Holiness.’ The Tibetan spiritual leader Russians and over 1,000 disciples from

Russian ladies greet His Holiness with khatags. Picture courtesy of Phayul.

Tibet, as well as visitors from Taiwan, Korea, The USA, Europe and India. His Holiness will conduct his 32nd Kalachakra initiation in Bodhgaya between January 1 - 10. The event is expected to attract over 200,000 devotees.

Tibetans celebrate Nobel Peace Prize anniversary By Catherine McLennan The twenty-second anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize was celebrated at the Main Temple, McLeod Ganj, on December 10. The Kalon Tripa (Tibetan Prime Minister), Dr Lobsang Sangay, addressed an audience which included school children, families, monks and nuns, and peformers, as well as westerners and the media. The event was also attended by chief justice commissioner, Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen, and other dignitaries and NGO representatives.

The evening before, in a coffee shop in McLeod Ganj, Tibetan monk and author, the Ven. Bagdro, spoke to me with enthusiasm about the new Kalon Tripa, describing him as ‘youthful and charismatic.’ In his speech, Lobsang Sangay asked for the release of all Tibetan political prisoners whilst urging the Tibetan people to refrain from self-violence. He acknowledged his concern and sympathy for the 14 Tibetans who self-immolated in 201, reminding the audience that for Buddhists all life is precious, and encouraged the Tibetan people to continue their movement through their

secular and monastic education. The Kalon Tripa thanked the Indian government for its ongoing kindness and hospitality to the Tibetan people over the past five decades. He also thanked liberal Chinese intellectuals who have shown their support for the peaceful Tibetan movement. As an Australian I feel extremely privileged and humbled to have witnessed this public ceremony dedicated to the peaceful liberation of Tibetan soil and the Tibetan people. May we all be inspired to action through talking to our own governments and friends in order to keep this peaceful momentum alive and well.

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January 2012

Lha and Rotary distribute clothes in Lower Dharamsala Over 2000 items of clothing were distributed to people in Lower Dharamsala’s slums on November 14. McLeod Ganj NGO, Lha Charitable Trust, teamed up with the Rotary Club of Dharamsala to hand out some of the thousands of articles of clothing and shoes donated to Lha every year. Lha redistributes these articles to the Tibetan Refugee and Indian communities in Dharamsala through largescale clothing distribution campaigns, which occur several times a year. Each month, clothing donations of between 100-200 items are made from Lha to the Rotary Club. On December 10th, to commemorate the 22nd anniversary H.H. the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize, Lha distributed another 2,000 items to the Tibetan community. Tibetans lined up outside of Lha’s new building, Ahimsa House, to wait for their turn to pick out some items that suited them. Of the donations, the shoes, sweaters and the winter coats were the most sought after, with about 60 winter coats and 100 pairs of shoes and boots being picked out by the individuals. The remaining articles of

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Lha staff and Rotarians hand out clothes and shoes in Lower Dharamsala.

clothing and shoes will be saved for the next clothing distribution day, in the New Year. Most of the items are donated by volunteers and visiting tourists, and are collected at the Lha Office on Temple Road. Additionally, Lha frequently receives packages containing clothing and other donations from around the world. So far over 25,000 articles of clothing have been donated to both the

local Indian community and the Tibetan Refugee community since this project began in 2002. If you are interested in contributing to Lha’s ongoing clothing drive, you can bring in donations of new or used clothing in good condition to the Lha Office. Should you wish to contribute from abroad, donations can also be shipped to Lha at Lha Office, Temple Road, McLeod Ganj – 176219, Dharamsala, Distt. Kangra, India.

January 2012

McLeod Ganj meets World AIDS Day head on By Katie Youtz ‘Today, on World AIDS Day 2011, we are raising awareness in Dharamsala. Please join us in our fight against HIV/ AIDS!’ The call rang out in English, Tibetan, and Hindi in the Main Square on December 1, as members of two local NGOs drew a crowd around their kiosks near the bus stand. Phuntsok Chomphel, project manager for CHOICE – an NGO dedicated to AIDS awareness and supporting HIV patients within the community, addressed bystanders with his megaphone. ‘Zero new HIV infections and zero AIDS-related deaths is the theme for World AIDS Day this year,’ he told Phayul. ‘Right now the number of AIDS patients in the exiled Tibetan community is being put at 49. However, I believe the number could be much higher.’ Representatives of CHOICE and Kunphen - another Tibetan NGO working to prevent AIDS in the exiled Tibetan community - manned information booths, distributed condoms and educational material, and engaged passersby in dialogue about HIV awareness and prevention strategies. ‘We are trying to engage people and help them to see that there should be no discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS,’ said Tenzin Lekphel, of Kunphen. ‘We’re working with people to help them access medication and treatment, and spreading awareness in all Tibetan settlements and schools in India.’ Volunteers encouraged people to add their names to an ongoing signature campaign, pledging to help meet the worldwide goal of ‘getting to zero’ in

Campaigners dressed as condoms and syringes raise AIDS awareness in McLeodganj

Dharamsala. The groups estimate that approximately 83,000 Tibetan refugees in India could be categorised as a high-risk group for HIV infection due to high mobility, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare facilities. To highlight the issue, a group of young people – friends of CHOICE and Kunphen – marched towards the town centre in costume, beating drums and drawing spectators towards the Main Square. A street play educated a growing audience of locals and tourists alike about the spread of HIV/AIDS and strategies for prevention. ‘It’s great that they’re doing this out here in the Main Square,’ a foreign volunteer told Contact as he watched the performance. ‘It’s silly and fun, and I think it’s breaking the ice really well so people don’t feel so shy about this topic.’ The tactic appeared effective, as after the performance groups of people approached the kiosks requesting information, free condoms, and markers to sign the pledge. As a new year approaches, CHOICE and Kunphen will continue to work towards making assistance available to families in the Dharamsala area Even McLeod Ganj’s canine residents wore red ribbons on affected by HIV/ their heads to express solidarity with people with HIV/AIDS.

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AIDS, and spread awareness to eliminate discrimination. ‘This kind of support not only ensures better treatment but also improves their quality of life,’ Chomphel told Phayul. ‘It enables them to feel accepted in their society and gives them the confidence to be a constructive part of the community.’

Members of Tibet Theatre perform a stirring piece on the effects of HIV/AIDS on families.

January 2012

Exiled Tibetans defend self-immolaters’ actions By Sophie Jay Self-immolation is ‘arguably one of the biggest expressions of oppression’ according to a spokesman of Kirti monastery in McLeod Ganj. Kanyag Tsering, who spent nine years as a monk at Kirti’s sister monastery in Ngaba County in China’s Sichaun provence - the epicentre of the spate of self-immolations by Tibetans protesting Chinese oppression in their homeland added that the 14 monks, nuns and layman were ‘compelled’ to set themselves alight, even if their actions temporarily exacerbate the current clampdown in ethnically Tibetan areas by Chinese security forces. The ethics surrounding such actions have become a matter for debate among Tibet’s exiled population. Suicide is considered a grave sin according to the Tibetan Buddhist doctrine, which emphasises the preciousness of human life. Speaking to the BBC last month, His Holiness the Dalai Lama praised the courage of those who attempted (at least six of whom succeeded) to lay down their lives for Tibet, but questioned the wisdom of making the ultimate sacrifice, asking ‘how much effect’ such actions are having. But Kanyag Tsering, who maintains regular contact with monks at Kirti monastery in Tibet, says the worsening situation in Ngaba since Kirti became part of a chain of demonstrations protesting Beijing’s hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games, when dozens of Tibetans were killed and many more imprisoned, drove Phuntsok Jarutsang to set himself alight on March 16 - the third anniversary of the protests - and thirteen others to follow in his wake. He said: ‘Since 2008 the oppression has increased and tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers have flooded into Ngaba. They have set up new garrisons and whenever there’s a festival or public gathering the town is flooded with Chinese military who intimidate the people. They have turned the town into something that looks more like a battlefield. ‘On March 16, most people mourn the deaths of those killed in 2008, and from March 10 this year the military started pouring into the county. ‘That’s why Phuntsok selfimmolated. He was unable to bear the

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oppression.’ Eight of the 12 Tibetans who selfimmolated in ethnically Tibetan areas of China were from Ngaba. Four were monks at Kirti monastery, whilst another three were former monks forced to disrobe after the Chinese authorities allegedly expelled over 1200 monks, before forcing a four month ‘political re-education’ programme on those remaining at the monastery. Tenzin Wangmo, a 20-year-old nun from the Mame Dechen Chokorling nunnery, two miles from Ngaba, also fatally selfimmolated, whilst four more Tibetans set themselves alight in Kardze and Chamdo in Kham, three of whom are known to have died from their injuries. Another two survived self-immolation attempts in New Delhi and Kathmandu. Asked if he expected the selfimmolations to exacerbate the Chinese

‘Self-immolations are the biggest expression of resentment towards the oppressive regime, and for Tibetans it’s very important to use all media to convey the message that’s coming out from Tibet, so all these lives don’t go to waste.’ Kanyag Tsering clampdown in Ngaba, Kanyag Tsering said: ‘It’s obvious that for the moment there’s going to be so much oppression. ‘But for the greater cause of Tibet (the self-immolations) are a big contribution because of the interest they have generated around the world. ‘They are the biggest expression of resentment towards the oppressive regime, and for Tibetans it’s very important to use all media to convey the message that’s coming out from Tibet, so all these lives don’t go to waste.’ Outside the monastery most exiled Tibetans seemed to share both his support for the self-immolators and his desire to spread the news of Tibet’s plight to an international forum. President of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tsewang Rigzin, said: ‘The Tibetan Youth Congress is deeply inspired by these ultimate sacrifices by our brothers and sisters. ‘Self-immolations and hunger

Kirti Monastery spokesman, Kanyag Tsering

strikes are the last resort of a non-violent movement, and non-violence is what the Tibetan struggle is all about.’ Asked if he considered such acts to be contrary to Buddhist doctrine, he said ‘It’s true that Buddhism says that taking a life, no matter whether it’s yours or anyone else’s, is a sin. ‘But these martyrs who have selfimmolated have done it for the greater good of the six- million Tibetan people.’ Dhundup Tsering, 27, who works for the Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Religion and Culture, said: ‘These immolations happened because people don’t have any human rights in Tibet. They don’t have any other choice. ‘Tibetans are now a minority in Tibet, and if they protest the Chinese authorities can easily put them in prison. ‘Some people say this kind of thing is violent. This thinking is totally wrong, because the self-immolators haven’t hurt other people. Whatever they are doing is for the sake of other people. ‘They burn themselves to raise their voices internationally.’ Tenzin Cheme, 26, who is in charge of the Tibet Museum, added: ‘It’s quite obvious that they (the self-immolators) are very desperate. ‘Most are monks and nuns, and this shows that they don’t have enough religious rights in Tibet. ‘Some people feel that talking about self-immolations - especially to the outside world - encourages people inside Tibet to do it, but rather than encouraging them to do these things, I think we’re spreading the message to the outside world that Tibet needs attention. ‘As far as sacrificing oneself for a bigger cause is concerned, it doesn’t count as a sin.’ January 2012

Self-immolation survivor Bhutuk tells his story By Sophie Jay What first struck me about Bhutuk, the Tibetan monk who self-immolated in Kathmandu in November, was the beaming smile with which he told much of his story. Despite soaking his robes in petrol before setting himself alight in the Tibetan area of Boudhanath on November 10, Bhutuk escaped with relatively minor injuries before fleeing to the safety of McLeodganj, where he is now recovering. Sitting in his simple guesthouse, the 45-year-old Buddhist monk, who - in spite of recent events - exudes an air of childlike innocence and serenity, told me he decided upon his drastic course of action after becoming deeply distressed by the oppression he witnessed in his native Tibet, and more recently in Nepal, where, since the impoverished Himalayan country’s monarchy was ousted by its current Maoist coalition government in 2008, Tibetans have suffered at the hands of authorities sympathetic to, and aided by, China’s communist government. Speaking through an interpreter, Bhutuk, who made the perilous monthlong Himalayan trek to India from Tibet in 1994 so he could practice his religion freely, said: ‘Even to practice Buddhism is extremely difficult for Tibetans inside Tibet. They can’t even have a picture of our root guru, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and in Nepal they can no longer celebrate certain festivals. ‘A protest was planned in Nepal on October 19, but the Tibetans were not given permission to hold it, so many monks, nuns and lay people held prayer vigils and hunger strikes instead. No movement of Tibetans was allowed in Nepal on that day, but vigils took place all over the country. I feel very sad when I see how Tibetans in Tibet and Nepal are being treated.’ What he saw in Nepal inspired Bhutuk to join the growing number of Tibetans – 14 to date – who have selfimmolated. Most of these incidents took place in the Ngaba region of China’s Sichaun province, but instances have also occurred in the Tibet Autonomous Region and New Delhi. He said: ‘I wanted to express myself and my resentment at how Tibetan people are being oppressed, so I chose to selfimmolate on November 10, as it was a full moon night – an auspicious day for us. ‘The day before I bought petrol and Contact Magazine

rented a room close to Boudhanath. ‘On that fateful day I woke up at about 6am and circumambulated Boudhanath Stupa three times. I prayed that I would be the last person to selfimmolate, that the Tibetans would have their freedom, and for the long life of the Dalai Lama. ‘I then went back to my hotel, poured the petrol into a bucket, removed my clothes and soaked them in the petrol, before putting them back on. I took with me a Tibetan flag, and put on a hat with the Tibetan flag on it. ‘At about 7am I returned to Boudhanath and walked over to the place where butter lamps are offered. I spread my shawl around the flames of the butter lamps, then I felt that my clothes were on fire. ‘I began shouting slogans calling for Tibet’s freedom, and for the long life of the Dalai Lama.’ Asked if he had experienced any great, physical pain, Bhutuk continued: ‘I had a sense that I was on fire, but overriding that was this great feeling of accomplishment. ‘I took three strides and then I thought the flames had gone out, so I went back to the butter lamps to set myself alight again, but I didn’t realise that my back was still on fire.’ At that moment the burning monk was mobbed by a group of Tibetan people who put out the flames, begging him not to continue. ‘So many Tibetans came over and asked me not to do it, telling me I would face serious consequences if I were caught,’ he said. ‘When they refused to let me try to self-immolate again I was extremely disappointed.’ The concerned Tibetans took him to a nearby monastery where they removed and replaced his petrol-soaked robes. It did not take long for word of the incident to reach the Nepalese police who, according to Bhutuk’s friends, had swamped the area within 15 minutes of his attempted self-immolation. He said: ‘The Tibetans decided to take me to hospital wearing layman’s clothes, but as we were about to leave I got a call from a friend asking me not to go to the hospital, as the police had started a manhunt, and were searching all Kathmandu’s hospitals.’ A Tibetan doctor was called, but Bhutuk recalled that even he was uneasy. 6

Bhutuk is now recovering from his injuries in McLeod Ganj.

‘He said the police were watching him, so he provided enough medicines, balms and bandages for three days and left,’ he said. The injured monk moved to rooms in different parts of the city each night to evade detection from the Nepalese authorities who, according to ‘reliable eyewitnesses,’ continued their full-scale search for two or three days. Realising that he would most likely be handed over to the Chinese police in Tibet if caught, Bhutuk and his friends began planning his escape to India. The plan was to travel by motorbike and car out of Kathmandu, through various checkpoints, and then by bus into India via Nepal’s eastern border town, Siliguri. As they approached a notoriously strict checkpoint on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Bhutuk was transferred to a car, fearing his bandaged arms would give away his identity. He said: ‘So many policemen were checking cars, and one asked who I was. I said that I had to go and help a friend whose car had broken down. ‘We were allowed through and then the Tibetan driver handed me 1,000NRs and promised to help me in any way he could in the future.’ After an extremely anxious sevenhour journey he took a bus to Siliguri, where he spent the night, before boarding another bus into India. He smiles sweetly as he tells me his only regret is that he was unable to accomplish his mission and that if his karma allows, he would not rule out a second attempt at self-immolation. ‘I want to evoke the conscience in the minds of the Chinese and Nepalese people,’ he said. ‘I will continue to work for the Tibetan cause until Tibet has its independence.’ January 2012

His Holiness inaugurates Tong-Len charity hostel

His Holiness bringing smiles to some of Tong Len’s young students.

By Wes Griffin Hundreds turned out to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurate a new hostel for a Dharamsala charity on November 19. Opening the hostel for the Tong Len Charitable Trust, which provides education for Dharamsala’s slum children, and much needed medical care in the town’s poorer communities, His Holiness reminded the world that it isn’t just the welfare of struggling Tibetans that deserves his attention. ‘Everybody has the right to overcome poverty and it is everybody’s moral responsibility to look after each other,’ he told a crowd that included over forty international visitors. Heartily commending Tong-Len’s founder, the monk Jamyang, for his dedication to improving the future opportunities of underprivileged Indian children in the Dharamsala area, he added, ‘As long as there is money with The Dalai Lama Trust, it’s yours.’ Bharatiya Janata Party vice president and MP, Shanta Kumar, also announced a donation of one million (10 lakh) Rs from his MP fund to the Charitable Trust last month. However, Jamyang and his crew of dedicated volunteers haven’t been resting and waiting for generosity. They have been working since the organization was founded in 2002, determined to help the displaced communities of people close to Dharamsala improve their situation. From Rajasthan to Maharashtra and all points in between, they come, and too often their

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journey leads to a slum with little shelter and fewer opportunities to find good nutrition or education. Jamyang told the Times of India, ‘When I was a Buddhist student, every day I would see from my window some kids eating rotten bread and tomatoes from heaps of garbage. It pained me and I surrendered my dinner for some days and started sharing it with those children… It marked the start of my campaign.’ The new hostel - Tong Len’s third, will be home to children under the age of three. Whereas older children rise early for exercises and breakfast before taking a bus to one of the best public schools in the region, these young ones will be steeped in educational social activities in the hope of making their transition to public school a seamless one. Alongside the vital healthcare that Tong-Len provides to thousands who dwell in Dharamsala’s nearby slums, Jamyang considers education to be the key to a brighter future for many of the area’s children. Some of TongLen’s children come from families in which girls have never made it beyond Class V, or brothers begging on the streets are simply a fact of life. Now, having been offered a combination of stability and opportunity, many of them top their classes and profess long-term goals of becoming

doctors or engineers. Volunteer, Angela Clyburn, explained that: ‘the long-term vision is to provide these children with educational opportunities that can take them out of the slums and all the way through university graduation.’ Along the way, their teachers and mentors instill in them the value of giving back to their community, in the hope of turning the cycle of poverty – which brought the children to Tong-Len in the first place – on its head. While Tong-Len’s newest building may boast a very popular benefactor, the children still rely on personal generosity in the form of sponsorship for many of their daily needs. Individual sponsors not only have the flexibility to dedicate their gift to either educational or residential needs, they are also kept informed about the children they are supporting with regular updates and photographs. Monthly sponsorships are very affordable, and Tong-Len guarantees that every penny goes directly to a child in need. As His Holiness has stressed repeatedly throughout his global campaign for compassion and social justice, it’s our moral responsibility to look out for one another. For more information on sponsoring a child through Tong-Len, please contact anna@tong-len.org.

Young girls supported by Tong Len enjoy the fest ivities.

The new hostel in Lower Dharamsala.

January 2012

Tibetan girls train for ‘the beautiful game.’ By Wes Griffin Tomer Woelz and Paul Dascalu had nearly finished teaching their session on ‘Laws of the Game’, but the questions jkept coming from all angles. ‘Is it possible to score directly from the kickoff?’ ‘No, a kickoff is considered indirect, and the ball must touch two players before going in the goal.’ ‘Should football matches continue during a storm?’ ‘Rain, yes. Lightning, no.’ ‘If a player is angry and intentionally kicks the ball in the wrong net, does the goal count? Does using foul language merit a yellow card? Suppose a spectator comes onto the field and starts a fight. Should the player be penalized for fighting back?’ ‘Emphasize teamwork, fair play, and respect to all the girls on your football team, and good things will come. If someone from the crowd wants to attack teenage girls, we have much bigger problems than what the rules say.’ These questions – and more – were eagerly posed by the physical education teachers of nine Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) schools across India, who spent November 21-26 at TCV Upper Dharamsala for a workshop aimed at establishing an organized football programme for Tibetan women and girls. Needless to say, the participants themselves showed exemplary sportsmanship and kindness for the duration of their visit, as well as an affinity for the sport. Cassie Childers, a women’s football player from the United States and longtime supporter of the Tibetan cause, planned and sponsored the workshop, which was organized in conjunction with Kalsang Dhondup, General Secretary of the Tibetan National Sports Association. With her husband, Tomer Woelz, and Paul Dascalu (a former professional footballer in Romania) taking the reins in training and tactical sessions, Childers was free to drive the workshop in a holistic direction - one that addressed needs far more critical than skills such as dribbling and shooting. ‘It’s important to remember that our ultimate purpose has nothing to do with Contact Magazine

Tibet’s future sports stars question US women’s footballer, Cassie Childers.

football,’ she said. ‘The idea is to use football as a tool to empower Tibetan women and show them they can do anything that a man can do.’ To that end, Childers complimented her own football knowledge by assembling a team of experts. A sports psychologist conducted classes on the best way for male coaches to address the unique mental and emotional needs of female athletes. A pair of sports physiotherapists led the coaches in yoga before each morning’s training and explained how girls’ physical and nutritional demands differ from boys’. Guest of honour, Manjushree Roy, herself a sports administrator and a vital voice of support from within the Indian government, offered a sweeping longterm vision of the importance of women’s athletics and the potential for sport to inspire and unite people. The coaches, hailing from as far away as Ladakh in the north and Bylakuppe in the south, were enthusiastic from start to finish. The workshops typically kept them busy from 7 o’clock each morning until well into the evening. ‘What a great bunch of characters, with great energy,’ Woelz noted. ‘They came from so many different parts of India but found one common purpose: to soak up all the knowledge they could in hopes of being not only good football 8

coaches, but also a resource to improve the lives of Tibetan girls.’ The Tibetan Men’s Football Team first played an exhibition match in 1998 and has since toured a number of European nations. Childers and her team believe in building passion for women’s football at a grassroots level. Already, she’s set to spend January in Gopalpur with three girls from each TCV school. They’ll receive intensive skills training along with focused lessons on leadership and nutrition. With any luck, the Tibetan girls who join football clubs at their respective TCV schools next academic year will take up the challenge from their coaches and form the backbone of a Tibetan Women’s Football Team that will one day compete internationally. European football fans may be known for their rowdiness and hooliganism at times, but to answer the eager young coach’s question, it’s pretty unlikely a fan will leave the stands to attack a player. In fact, if there is any negativity at all from the crowd, it will probably just be whistles of jealousy from the boys, surprised to see their female counterparts excelling at ‘the beautiful game,’ their confident smiles whispering, ‘challenge met.’

January 2012

ART & MUSIC Naam Art Gallery LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamsala MOBILE: 9816043708 Tibet Museum LOCATION : Near the Main Temple and the Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: 9am-5pm, Tue-Sun Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression LOCATION : Gu-Chu-Sum hall on Jogiwara Rd, next to the Lung-ta Japanese Restaurant HOURS: 2am-5pm on Mon, Wed and Fri Wood Carving Classes LOCATION : Zoha Art, Bhagsu Nag Rd CONTACT: Meena EMAIL: kriast@rediffmail.com Music Classes Kailash Tribal Music School All kinds of Indian Traditional instruments WEB : www.musictribe.org LOCATION : Bhagsu Rd, near Green Shop HOURS : visiting 1-2pm, no class on Tues PHONE: 981 615 0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com

Vedic Astrologer LOCATION : Kunga Guest house (Nick's Italian Restaurant), Bhagsu Rd McLeod Ganj-Map #6 MOBILE : 09897339026 HOURS : Drop-in

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works & Archives LOCATION : Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamsala HOURS : 9-10am, 11-noon and 3-4pm PHONE: 222 467 Public Audience with HH Karmapa CONTACT: Cheme Choegyal LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: 2.30pm, Wed and Sat PHONE: 9816315336 DETAILS : www.kagyuoffice.org Tushita Meditation Center WEB : www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: 9:30-11:30am & 12:30-4pm, Mon-Sat PHONE: 221 1866 EMAIL: tushita_info@sacharnet.in

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Lhamo’s Kitchen, Tibetan Cooking Classes LOCATION : Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop PHONE : 981 646 8719 HOURS: 8am-9pm N is ha ’ s Ind ia n C o o k ing C la s s LOCATION: Hotel Lotus Leaf, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Classes from 4-6pm EMAIL : nisha@indiancookingcourse.com S angy e’s K it chen Tr ad it io na l T ib e t a n C o o k ing C la s s e s Recommended by Lonely planet LOCATION :Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Rd HOURS:10am-12pm and 4-6pm PHONE: 981 616 4540 EMAIL : sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in

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Lha Tibetan Cooking School LOCATION : Lha Office, Temple Rd PHONE : 220 992 HOURS : Registration from 9am-11am, See pg 3. Indian Cooking Classes LOCATION : Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10am-6pm PHONE : 941 813 0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Ayuskam Health Care LOCATION: First floor Hotel Anand Place, near Bhagsu taxi stand and near Tibetan Hotel Ashoka Guest House McLeod Ganj MOBILE: 9805928923/9736211210 WEBSITE: www.ayuskama.com

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REIKI I, II, III WITH TREATMENT OM YOGA MEDITATION CENTER KETAN LODGE, JOGIWARA ROAD. TEL: 9805693514 - Map #18, EMAIL: OM.YOGA@YMAIL.COM WEBSITE: WWW.OMYOGAINDIA.COM

January 2012

HEALTH SERVICES (continued from page 9) Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic LOCATION: in front of Main Temple HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE : 221 106, 98160 21106 Kumar Ayurvedic and Panchkarma LOCATION : Hotel Surya Rd, opposite the Tourism Informations Centre PHONE : 941 824 9399 OURS: 10am-2pm and 2:30-7pm Maanav Health Clinic LOCATION : Main Square HOURS: 10am-12:30pm and 2-5pm PHONE: 941 815 5795 EMAIL : maanavcare@yahoo.co.in Men-Tsee-Khang LOCATION: between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE : 222 618, 223 113 EMAIL: tmai@vsnl.com Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE :: 941 813 0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Primary Health Centre LOCATION : Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamsala PHONE : 222 053, 223 381 HOURS : Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, MonSat; Emergencies: 24 hrs, daily

LANGUAGES

Tibetan with Teacher Pema Youdon: LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite the post office HOURS: 1-4pm, or leave a message.

MASSAGE Angel Massage Center LOCATION : Ping House, below Yongling School, Jogiwara Rd PHONE: 9736083627, 9736083554 EMAIL: delima1959@yahoo.com Lha Healing Oil Massage Courses & Treatment LOCATION : Lha Office, PHONE : 220 992 HOURS :

Kailash Tribal School Taught byYogi Sivadas WEB : www.yogatribe.org LOCATI ON : Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop - Map #6 HOURS : visiting 1-2pm, no class on Tues PHONE: 981 615 0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka,Jogiwara Rd PHONE: 941 813 0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Shiatsu & Swedish Massage LOCATION : Lha Office, Temple Rd PHONE : 220 992 See ad pg 3. Synergy Ayuredic Massage Centre LOCATION : Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Rd PHONE: 941 80 8488 EMAIL: mcleodganj@gmail.com Traditional Thai Massage LOCATION : Opposite the Govt. Tourist Information Centre, Hotel Surya Rd PHONE: 981 633 9199 EMAIL: jite02@yahoo.com

YOGA & REIKI

Hindi Classes LOCATION : Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE : 981 649 4732

Kailash Tribal School, RYS 200 & RYS 500 YTTC (Yoga Alliance USA Recognized) LOCATION : Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop WEB : www.yogatribe.org HOURS : visiting 1-30 pm, Closed on Tuesday PHONE: 981 615 0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com

Tibetan Language LOCATION : The Library HOURS: 10-11am and noon-1pm See Buddhist philosophy listing.

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MEDITATION

Registration from 9am-11am, See pg 3.

Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre LOCATION: Dharamkot, on the footpath to Bhagsu - Map #5 EMAIL: info@hiyogacentre.com WEB: www.hiyogacentre.com

Hindi Lessons with Sunil LOCATION : Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE : 221 942, 941 818 7281 EMAIL : sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in

Universal Yoga with Vijay Recognized by Yoga Alliance WEB : www.vijaypoweryoga.com LOCATION: Room #5, Yongling School Building, Jogiwara Rd - Map #15 HOURS: 9:00 -11:10am & 2:00 - 4:00Pm EMAIL : vijayamar@yahoo.com

Temple Rd

Tibetan Language Class LOCATION : Lha Office, Temple Rd HOURS : Registration from 9-11am, Mon-Fri PHONE : 220 992 See ad on pg 3.

Hindi Lessons with Kailash LOCATION: At Bhimsenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Indian Cooking Class PHONE : 220 063, 941 816 1947 HOURS : 4-6pm, daily

Siddhartha Yoga Centre with Yogi Shivam WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION : Upper Bagsu Nag Map #1 HOURS: 7-8am & 6:15-7:15pm PHONE: 981 656 5138 EMAIL : yogi_shivam@yahoo.com

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre LOCATION : Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #17 HOURS : 8am-6pm PHONE : 980 569 3514 Rishi Yoga Centre with Yogi Shivam WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Himalyan Paradise Hotel Jogiwara Rd - Map #15 HOURS: 7-8am & 6:15-7:15pm PHONE: 981 656 5138 EMAIL : yogi_shivam@yahoo.com

Kailash Tribal Meditation School Taught by Yogi Sivadas WEB : www.yogatribe.org LOCATION : Bhagsu Rd, nr the Green Shop - Map #6 HOURS : visiting 1-2pm, no class on Tues PHONE: 981 615 0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com I am Happy Open Ashram www.iamhappy.in EMAIL: info@iamhappy.in LOCATION : Behind Hotel Akashdeep, Bhagsu- Map #6 & Mcleodganj HOURS: 4-5pm, Mon-Sat MOBILE : 9882868470 or 9569221047 WEB:

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre See the Yoga & Reiki section. Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: 9:30-11:30am, Mon-Sat PHONE : 221 866 EMAIL : spc@tushita.info Vipassana Meditation WEB : www.sikhara.dhamma.org LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: 4-5pm, Mon-Sat PHONE : 221 309 EMAIL: info@sikhara.dhamma.org

Free training session for English teachers. Experienced English teacher, Saul Deason, will run a free teacher training session for volunteer English teachers in McLeod Ganj in late January. The time and place of the lessons, which are open to all, will be announced later. For more information, please contact Saul on: 9736802034, or deasonsaul@yahoo.co.uk, or visit his website at: www.saul.deason.co.uk. January 2012

Traditional Tibetan Soft Dolls

- Map #3

For play or decoration! Individually handcrafted and filled with pure, local sheep wool. Tamana Shop, Jogiwara Rd, or visit our workshop. Contact: 981 637 4389

Nature Cure Health Club with Mahinder Kapoor Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map # 13, Mobile: 94181 30119 or 09736333888 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,

GOING TOAMRITSAR? Come see us at Tourist Guest House British colonial mansion turned into beautiful guest ho use that tourists have been flocking to for a taste of the Raj life style. We have I nternet connection at Rs 1/min.

12 years’ experience & recommended by the Lonely Planet Visit us for: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA , Singing Bowl Treatment, steambaths, sauna & mud baths.

Comfortable stay with home cooked meals. Dorm bed Rs 85, Single/dble w. bath Rs 125-250. Walking distance from train and bus. Private parking. Recommended in travel guide ‘Lets Go-2000’.

Our teacher has had experience teaching in Israel.

Contact Harindar at : 0183-2553830 / 09356003219 E-mail : bubblesgoolry@yahoo.com

Tourist Information Police Contact Information

Bus Schedule

LOCATION :

Past St.John’s Church, on road to Dharamshala in Cantt area. PHONE: 221 483

* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.

Tibetan Delek Hospital

LEAVING FROM THE MCLEOD GANJ BUS STAND, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED: DELHI:

Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840)

AMRITSAR:

Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165) *from Dharamsala

DEHRADUN : MANALI:

Ordinary Bus: 9pm; AC Deluxe: 5:30pm

Ordinary Bus: 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm (Rs75)

Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs235) *from Dharamsala Semi Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs???) *from Dharamsala

The McLeod Ganj Post Office is located on LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe HOURS: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. PHONE: 221 924 Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only.

TAXIS

FOR BOOKINGS: LOCATION : ticket stand under McLLo’s, main square HOURS: 10am-6pm, daily PHONE: 221750 For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

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Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, MonSat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. PHONE: 222 053,223 381

Post Office

Ordinary Bus: 5:40pm, 8:40pm *from Dharamsala

PATHANKOT:

SHIMLA :

LOCATION:

A private taxi to Lower Dharamsala will cost you Rs 160. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs10.

January 2012

Around Town: Helping Out ANIMAL

RESCUE

Dharamsala Dog Rescue We are in urgent need of vet volunteers, animal experts and sponsors. W e are in immediate need of sponsors for two paralysed dogs that need a home, wheelchair, monthly food and medicine. Please contact us if you see an injured/sick dog. Anything you can do is appreciated. WEB : www.hnsindia.org LOCATION : Behind the District Court Complex on Chilgari St, Lower Dharamsala PHONE : 981 622 0841 EMAIL: friendsforanimals@gmail.com

CO MMU NIT Y

OUT REA CH

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC) facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on A N E C nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levls of human society. As part of our General Outreach Program, ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas and views of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea for volunteers. WEB : www.anec.org.in LOCATION : No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamsala PHONE : 941 809 4476, 941 898 7745 EMAIL : executive_directoranec@yahoo.com Learning and Ideas for Tibet (L.I.T.) is a non-profit organization that needs a range of volunteers interested in the Tibetan movement and community education. CONTACT: Lauren PHONE : 941 879 4218 L O C AT I O N : Jogiwara Rd, near the Korean Restaurant Lha Community Social Work fosters projects for the benefit and enrichment of the local community. We provide a library, English and French classes, computer training, medical assistance programmes, environmental programmes and clothing distribution to needy Tibetans and Indians, in addition to supporting construction and renovation projects. See ad pg 3. WEB : www.lhaindia.org LOCATION : Temple Rd, across from State Bank of India HOURS: 9am-noon and1-5pm, Mon-Fri PHONE : 220 992 Nyingtob Ling (‘Realm of Courage’) helps support Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children work hard at making delightful handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and LOVE visitors! LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE : 0189 224 6366, 981 685 1841 EMAIL: nyingtobling@hotmail.com

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Rogpa Baby Care Centre We help low income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. Can you help with art, games, singing and lots of hard work? (including diaper changing!) If you can create and maintain a fun and loving atmosphere with our children, hours are Mon-Sat, either 8.30am-12pm or 1pm-5pm (located near no.13 on map) Rogpa Shop and Cafe Help serve drinks and cakes, plus sell our fairly traded products. We accept donated clothes & books (located near no.14 on map) Min. commitment for both jobs is 3 weeks Please contact us directly or by email rogpa2004@yahoo.com Volunteer Tibet You’re motivated to share your time and assist organisations in the Tibetan community. Even if you’re j us t passingthrough Dharamsala, there are still many ways to donate your time & make a difference. For a full list of volunteer opportunities,both long- and short-term, please contact us: WEB : www.volunteertibet.org.in LOCATION : Jogiwara Rd, opposite Akash Guesthouse. HOURS: 9am- and 5pm, Mon-Fri PHONE : 98820 17083, 220 894 EMAIL:volunteertibetdharamsala@gmail.com Women’s Team Volunteers required to teach Indian women computer/English skills. For more information visit Jitender@WomensTeam.com or mobile 09817515123

Cleaners every Monday at 9.30 am & join them up to The Clean Upper Dharamshala Project was founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLod Ganj. The Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Daramshala Project. Join us for the weekly guided tour on Wednesdays at 3 pm at the office of CUDP!

PUBLICATION Contact Magazine Submit a single piece or become a steady correspondent of this local, grassroots publication. Contact needs volunteers to write, proofread and edit copy and work on graphic design.Volunteers needed, especially those with a knowledge of Photoshop. CONTACT: Lobsang Rabsel at the Lha office, Temple Road. PHONE : 981 615 5523 EMAIL : info@contactmag.org

TUTORS & CLASS ASSISTANTS Volunteer language teachers, for both longand short-term placements, are needed for quality education in Mcleod Ganj: Gu-Chu-Sum provides support for ex-political prisoners and their families. It also organises campaigns for the release of current political prisoners. Gu-Chu-Sum School needs volunteers for its English conversation classes and tutoring sessions from 6pm onwards, Mon- Fri. LOCATION : Jogiwara Rd, downstairs Lung-ta Japanese Restaurant HOURS: 4:30-6:30pm PHONE : 220 680 EMAIL: humanrights.desk@guchusum.org

DONATIONS Lha Donation Center Accepting donations of all kinds: clothing, sleeping bags, books, school supplies, office supplies, medical supplies, used laptops, financial assistance... Donations are clearly recorded and distributed to those in need, both Tibetan and Indian. Lha is a registered non-profit, social service organisation. See advert on pg 3. Tong-Len Donations welcomed: medical supplies, stationary, books, toys and children’s clothing. LOCATION : Top floor, Bank of Baroda opposite the art gallery Kotwali Bazar, Dharamsala PHONE : 981 608 1562, 223 930

ENVIRONMENT The Mountain Cleaners is a voluntary organization founded in April 2009 by Jodie Underhill who have successfully set up a waste management system at the popular trekking destination Triund. You can help Jodie and the Mountain

Tibet Hope Center is a registered NGO started by two Tibetans to support the newcomers from Tibet. We run a conversation class where our students can practice their English, and we are in constant need of conversation partners. They love to ask questions about your life and exchange ideas on many topics. Think Globally, Act Locally WEB: www.tibethopecenter.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, behind Gu-Chu-Sum HOURS : 4:30-5:45pm, daily, and we even have a campfire every evening! PHONE : 981 637 3889 EMAIL : info@tibethopecenter.org works with Indian communities liv ing in poverty toward a healthy and sustainable future. Needed urgently: volunteer primary teachers and assistants for maths, English and art, as well as nurses and health workers. CONTACT: Tashi Lhamo LOCATION : Top floor, Bank of Baroda opposite art gallery, Kotwali Bazar, Dharamsala PHONE : 981 608 1562, 223 930 EMAIL : volunteer@tong-len.org

January 2012

Contact Magazine

January 2012

Contact Magazine

January 2012

Contact Magazine

January 2012