Contact November 2011 by Lha Charitable Trust

International Concern Grows as Tibetan Self-Immolations Continue By KatieYoutz International media has refocused on the Tibetan issue in recent weeks in light of protests still unfolding both inside and outside Tibet. On Monday, October 17th, twenty year-old Tenzin Wangmo, a nun from the Dechen Chokorling nunnery in Sichuan’s Ngaba prefecture, became the first woman and the ninth Tibetan this year to selfimmolate in protest of China’s severe curtailing of religious freedom in the area. Her protest took place just two days after Chinese security forces reportedly shot and wounded two Tibetans during a weekend protest in another part of Sichuan. According to the London-based organization Free Tibet, Tenzin Wangmo called for religious freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet as she set herself ablaze around mid-day on Monday. She died of her injuries later that day. Many of the other eight monks who have likewise attempted, and often succeeded, to publicly commit suicide in this manner this year are from Kirti Monastery, not far from the nunnery where Tenzin Wangmo lived. The situation has been tense there since the Chinese government stationed security personnel inside and around the monastery in 2008 in order to curb further protests and to keep a closer eye on the monks’ activities. However the rate at which these self-immolations are occurring is increasing, with six out of eight taking place in October alone. The alarming upswing has caused some Western governments and media sources to criticize China for failing to address policies in the TAR and other ethnically Tibetan regions that have led to such drastic actions. The United States expressed its “serious concern” over the recent surge. “We urge China and its leaders to respect

the rights of Tibetans, to address some of the policies in these Tibetan areas that have created tension, and to protect the Tibetans’ unique religious culture and linguistic identity,” said US State Department spokesman Mark Toner at a news conference in Washington. The Chinese government has characterized the recent acts as “terrorism in disguise.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued its response a few days later, stating that “Washington should not meddle in China’s internal affairs.” However the German Foreign Ministry has also called on China to increase transparency in Tibet, especially concerning the situation at Kirti Monastery. A spokesman told reporters on October 21st that the German government is also appealing to China “to change its policy in Tibet to reduce tension.” The Dalai Lama and the Karmapa jointly led a prayer session and 24-hour fast on Wednesday, October 19th, at the main temple in Dharamsala in memory of the monks and nun who have died. “We pay homage to their courage and stand in solidarity with their indomitable spirit,” said Tibetan Prime Minister, Lobsang Sangay, who also attended the public vigil. China has criticized the Dalai Lama for leading the event, claiming that such attention glorifies acts it characterizes as “splittest” and “immoral.” The recent wave shows no sign of slowing, however. On October 25th yet another monk, Dawa Tsering from Kardze Monastery, also self-immolated in protest, bringing the total count in 2011 to 10. Dawa Tsering reportedly shouted slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for the re-unification of the Tibetan people as he lit himself on fire. Chinese security personnel arrived soon thereafter and put out the flames; however the 39 year old monk has refused medical treatment and at the time of this writing was thought to be in critical condition with severe burns and injuries. Meanwhile thousands of security forces were reported to have entered Lhasa on October 24th, and the Chinese

Palden Choetso was the second nun and 11th Tibetan to self-immolate in 2011 .

government appears to be preparing itself for possible future waves of protest. The Tibetan Prime Minister urged the US in Washington on November 2nd to press China to allow both an international delegation and foreign reporters to visit the area where many of the recent selfimmolations have taken place. Yet this recent wave of protest shows no sign of slowing, and has now crossed the border into India. On November 3rd, the first day of the G20 summit, the second nun and 11th Tibetan to self-immolate this year, 35 year old Palden Choetso, died of her injuries after her public protest in Eastern Tibet. Just one day later, Sonam Sherabe, a resident of Majnu ka Tilla in Delhi, set himself on fire during a protest outside the Chinese embassy, bringing the total count to 12. Indian police quickly doused the flames, and he is currently recovering in a Delhi hospital. Additional Sources: BBC International and Phayul.com

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November 2011

Clear Vision and Dental Assistance Projects at Lha 46 residents have received eye care from Lha Charitable Trust this year. Two years ago, Lha began its “Clear Vision” program to provide free optometrist appointments and corrective lenses to residents of McLeod Ganj. The instigation of the program came from the refugee community, many of whom had complained of eye sight problems. At that time Lha provided 145 prescription glasses to those in need. The program came to an end when the funds were depleted.

However, Lha recently received a donation from a private donor, Miss Aubrey Lynne, which has allowed them to continue the Clear Vision program. Since September 2011 Lha has provided 46 residents with eye appointments at Delek Hospital. With the cooperation of an optician in Dharamsala, Lha was also able to purchase prescription glasses for 31 individuals who required them. Clients were able to choose their own frames f rom an af fordable selection. Prescription eye drops were also

provided if needed. The participants for the program were both students at Lha, as well as members of the larger McLeod Ganj community. Lha also specifically approached a handicrafts cooperative, and provided the employees with eye care. We hope to continue the Clear Vision program, dependent on funding, when the residents of McLeod Ganj return from the Kalachakra initiation in January 2012. We anticipate a resurgence of interest in the program, and appreciate any donations.

In a similar process to the eyeglass project, Lha has now commenced a Den tal Assi stan ce Proj ect, funded by a donation from Frances Phares of Loui si ana. Some Tibetan locals have never had the opportunity to have a dental examination or treatment for a dental problem due to a lack of public dental services. Refugee populations worldwide have been found to have a higher likelihood of poor oral health due to several factors:

· Poor nutrition and diet when traditional lifestyles are disrupted, during imprisonment, or while in transit.

· The impact of prolonged anxiety including acid reflux, grinding.

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· Reduced possibility of self-care (little or no access to toothbrushes, · Torture related injuries to the mouth paste, clean water). and face (including electric shock, remov al of teet h). As a result · Greater availability of low-cost highsurvivors may experience intense sugar foods (including cola) in country of refuge. fear of dental procedures. · Disruption of regular health care ‘Nutrition for Good Dental Health’ due t o f orced geographi cal inf ormation sheets will also be available. Donations are welcome to displacement enable this program to continue.

November 2011

Children Sports Tournament Organized by Five Volunteers By Gerardo Angiulli On October 1st, Dharamsala’s first ever kids’ Football and Handball Tournament began at Gyalyum Chemo Hall. The four boys’ football teams and two girls’ handball teams were entirely made up of children aged 8 to 11 years old, all students at the TCV Day School. Everything started when six volunteers from Dharamsala, Tsering Dorjee, Dorjee Palden, Tamorang La, Mgawang Lobsang, Jamyang, and Tashi Gyalpo decided to start teaching sports to kids. “We noticed that the school didn’t have any sports activities, and we all liked football. So we thought it would be a fun activity, both for us and for the children,” said Dorjee Palden. “We first started football teams for both boys and girls. But the girls didn’t show much interest, and so we created the handball teams and decided to try to ‘sell’ each of the teams to local businesses to raise money for the equipment and uniforms we would need.” The Tibetan Parents Association provided 15,000 rupees upfront, and several local shops agreed to “buy” the teams and sponsor them, at a price of 7,500 Rupees per team. Altogether, 60,000 rupees were raised for sports materials and for the trophies presented in the final matches. The four football teams were sponsored by Nick’s Italian Kitchen, Samyai Real Estate, the Green Hotel, and Dharma Arts. Dompatsang Boutique and Jewels of Tibet sponsored the girls’ handball teams. Each team was coached by one of the six volunteers after school, from 4:00 to 5:30 in the evenings. After months of training, all their hard work paid off. On the 22nd of October the final football match was played, starting at 2:30 pm. The TCV Day School courtyard was crowded with supportive family members, friends, and community members. This year, the Green Hotel’s team won the final

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Boys’ Football Team with their coaches and sponsor. Photo By: Gerardo Angiulli

match. Trophies and prizes were awarded to the winning teams, as well as to the runners-up. The match marked the closing of the sports season for kids this year. But this project is far from over. Following their exams and the winter holiday, new tournaments will be organized to include not only the football and handball teams but also volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and even chess. Each game will be taught by two of the original volunteers, but anyone interested in coaching is welcome to join the group. Students will rotate every day, so that all participating students get the opportunity to try each game. The tournament this year showed that there is a great deal of support for this endeavour in the Dharamsala community and even further afield. One couple from as far away as Manali, K.P. and Kunsang, donated 10,000 Rs for the creation of the new table tennis team.

Many of the kids’ new supporters, including their sponsors, are expected to attend the finals this upcoming year. Sponsorship opportunities for next year’s teams are being offered first to existing sponsors, but if others in the community are interested there will be further opportunities to support the teams. The six coaches are greatly encouraged by the interest and enthusiasm generated from the recent tournament, and look forward to next year ’s activities. “We feel this is something fun and important for the kids.” said Palden Dorjee. “And it’s something that we volunteers can look back on later in life and be happy with what we’ve done.”

November 2011

Local Indo-Tibetan Meeting Promises Bright Future On the 20th of October, the heads of around 35 Indian and Tibetan organizations met at the Suriya Hotel to convene a collective “meeting of the minds” in Dharamsala. Organized by the Tibetan Center for Conflict Resolution and the Dharamsala Tibetan Settlement Office, this meeting aimed to find constructive ways to “bond Indo-Tibetan friendship.” The leaders of these organizations – whose specialties ranged between social services, business, politics, protecting the environment, and transportation – discussed the similarities and differences between the two communities in order to come up with innovative ways to promote unity and mutual understanding. “For the last 51 years there has been, for the most part, peace and harmony and relations have been very good,” said Tibetan Settlement Officer Sonam Dorjee. “But it’s very important for us to maintain these relations and to foster a better understanding between both communities.” The meeting agenda consisted of three main topics: “cleaning and greening” the local environment, promoting inter-cultural awareness by analyzing the communities’ strengths and weaknesses, and coming up with new ideas and strategies to ensure better relations in the future. On the environmental front, the Tibetan Settlement Office (TSO) currently runs the “Clean Upper Dharamsala”

project. Volunteers and staff members organize the waste management for all of McLeod Ganj, and organize a mass cleanup each month. These efforts will continue with renewed enthusiasm, after the support they received from other community leaders at this meeting. Several of the organizations present stressed the importance of not only

“We should be aware of our differences, respect those differences, and look forward to greater friendship and peace in the society.” understanding each other’s cultures, but respecting and even participating in them. Sharing festivals like Diwali and Losar would not only educate Indians and Tibetans about their neighbors, but also allow them to celebrate together and build alliances based on a strengthened sense of community. The importance of having a working knowledge of both languages was also presented as a means to promote mutual understanding, both linguistically and culturally. Breaking down stereotypes through increased positive contact between members of the two communities was also stressed at the meeting. A legal education program was proposed to help inform Tibetans about Indian law, thereby reducing the likelihood of legal strife between the communities. Additionally,

“Buddhist Economics” A possible solution to today’s economic crisis By: Zsuzsanna Noszlopi The disturbances in Athens started months ago, after the painful recognition that Greece’s ongoing financial crisis might ultimately stifle the Greek people’s future opportunities for economic advancement. Spanish youth have been demonstrating against the political and economic elite since this past May. The bloody demonstrations in the Arab world began last winter, effectively re-creating the political landscape of the Middle East.

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Youth in these countries, fed up with decades of oppression and hopelessness, went to the streets to demand their rights and the hope of a freer life. In New York the demonstrations started a few weeks ago in Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park. The protests were originally directed against the political influence of big business, the increasingly unequal distribution of wealth, and the impunity with which the American government treated those responsible for the monetary crisis. They advertised their demonstration on the 17th

the Tibetan Center for Conflict Resolution (TCCR) has in the past organized projects in which Tibetan volunteers help Indian families in the wider Dharamsala area with yearly tasks, such as bringing in the harvest. “It’s about helping each other, and proving stereotypes wrong,” said Sonam Dorjee as he described his own experience helping an Indian family bring in their November harvest in Kanyaru, about 10 km from Dharamsala. “It’s very important to make this a peaceful, harmonious place,” he continued. “Especially with His Holiness the Dalai Lama living here, it is essential that we create communal harmony between Indians, Tibetans, and visiting foreigners.” A follow-up meeting is planned in the near future, to discuss the developments and progress made so far. The community leaders attending are expected to discuss the current role of local organizations in protecting the environment around McLeod Ganj, as well as existing problems with the roads and electricity and their possible solutions. This effort to work together to collectively improve the Dharamsala area is off to a positive start.”We do encounter problems within a family, so why not within two communities?” said Sonam Dechen, Associate Director of TCCR and host of the meeting. “But we should be aware of our differences, respect those differences, and look forward to greater friendship and peace in the society.” of September - the anniversary of the signature of the American Constitution – with the slogan ‘Occupy Wall Street!’ The demonstration grew quickly into what appears to be an anti-capitalist mass movement. Among others issues, protesters are demanding a response to the alleged crimes of Wall Street, workplace discrimination, animal testing, disdain for employee rights, illegal campaign financing, and the seeming continuation of flawed economic policy. The demonstrators believe that big companies have an inordinate amount of influence over world governments, and continued on page 8 November 2011

Artist in Exile Brings “Tibet” to Dharamsala

By: Katie Youtz For the first time in Dharamsala, Tibetans who have not seen their homeland in many years have recently been given the opportunity to touch the soil of their country again. Members of the younger generation, many of whom have never set foot in Tibet themselves, can now keep with them a piece of the land their mothers and fathers have had to leave behind. Artist Tenzin Rigdal’s installation, entitled “Our Land, Our People” opened on October 26th at the TCV School not far from McLeod Ganj. His exhibit consisted of 20,000 kg of soil which he brought undercover from an undisclosed location in Tibet. Laid on a stage in the courtyard at TCV, the soil was crowned by the banned Tibetan flag waving over a portraitof the Dalai Lama placed in the center of the installation. The more than 1,000 people who attended the opening event were invited to touch the soil, walk over it, and otherwise remind themselves of the feel of their homeland. The piece was inspired by his father’s experience, said the New Yorkbased Rigdal. A graduate of TCV himself, Rigdal was raised by his family abroad, and his father died in exile before fulfilling his last wish of returning to Tibet. His story is a very familiar one here in Dharamsala. “Walking on Tibetan soil, I felt as if I was returning home to my native land after 51 years,” said Phuntsog Namgyal, 57, who attended the opening ceremony. “I was born in Tibet. Since my escape in 1959 I have not had the opportunity to go back. I felt the same emotion in my heart as if I was back in Tibet.” As the opening progressed, the Contact Magazine

atmosphere became increasingly emotional, with many breaking down in tears or full prostrations when they laid eyes on the soil. Many TCV students and others in attendance were touching a piece of Tibet for the first time in their lives, and promises to study hard and work for the Tibetan cause spread among the crowds of young people. Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay spoke precisely to the emotions triggered by the presence of this installation in all members of the Tibetan community. “It has been the dream of many Tibetans to return to Tibet and set foot on Tibet’s soil. Many have passed

away with that wish unfulfilled. Today I am stepping on this soil as a gesture of our struggle to reunite with our brothers and sisters in Tibet.” A tray of the soil was taken to the Dalai Lama, who blessed it and traced the word “Bodh,” the Tibetan name for Tibet, at its center. As community members were invited to interact with the exhibit, a flute player from the Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts performed a rendition of Dentsig Monlam, or “Prayer of Truth,” written by His Holiness. Younger students at TCV performed the song “Let’s Return to Tibet” and monks from the Kirti Monastery in Dharamsala held a prayer vigil for those who have died in the name of Tibet in recent months. Since it’s opening, more than 6,000 Tibetans have visited the exhibit. It remained intact for three days, after which Tenzin Rigdol invited members of the community to bring containers of the soil back with them to their homes. Now, for the first time in more than 50 years, a veritable piece of Tibet can be found all throughout Dharamsala, living in the hearts – and now literally in the homes – of the Tibetan community in exile.

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November 2011

Tibet Blurred in Long-Awaited Indian Film by Juliana Inglish The Tibetan National Flag was blurred before the release date on the 11th of November 2011, of director Imtiaz Ali’s new film, “Rockstar.” This controversial decision by India’s Film Censor Board to blur or remove images of Tibetan banners and flags throughout the film has sparked Tibetan demonstrations in India and abroad. It has also provoked a discussion around whether such censorship will in fact achieve the opposite effect of increasing awareness of the Tibetan political situation through the controversy it has sparked. Dorjee Tseten, the director of India’s chapter of Students for Free Tibet, stated, “By caving in to Chinese pressure, the Censor Board is allowing China to threaten the freedom and liberties that Indians enjoy.” Further, “-one would expect India to be promoting and protecting the Tibetan people’s basic human rights, not censoring their struggle in a free country simply because China demands it to be done.” Tseten is not the only advocate who feels frustration with the Board’s decision. Shashi Tharoor, former Under-Secretary

General of the United Nations and current Member of Indian Parliament, has expressed that “-the censors undermined our Government’s standard explanation

to Beijing that in our democracy we cannot control or restrict our media.” Tibetan activists across India are gathering and rallying in protest of the film. Also, Nepal is being closely monitored by the Chinese government,

having been told that it could pose a threat to China’s security if protests were to continue. The Nepali media remains silent, perhaps unwilling to antagonize China, resulting in frustration among those who feel the struggle the Tibetans are facing both inside and out of Tibet must be publicized. As Tenzin Tsundue, Tibetan activist and writer in Dharamsala, has noted in recent days, “The police in Kathmandu have been extra alert. Nepal is so much under Chinese pressure to act (tough).” The blurring of the Tibetan flag in such a long-awaited popular film comes on the heels of a troubling season for Tibetans around the world. Twelve monks and nuns have self-immolated in this year alone, as a statement to the world of the oppression that Tibetans are facing inside Tibet as a result of China’s restrictive policies. India’s decision to hide from Chinese pressure instead of asserting itself as the democracy it is seems to be just more proof of the level of control that China exerts over the discussion of the Tibetan issue around the world.

Mass Clean Up Takes Place in Bhagsu Nag By Gerardo Angiulli Around 60 local Tibetan refugees, students, monks, Indian residents, tourists from all around the world, and officials joined a group of volunteers from Australia, England, South Africa, Germany and America in collecting nearly 100 bags of rubbish in a mass clean up of Bhagsu waterfall on Sunday, October 9th. The groups from Mountain Green and Volunteer in India are also working with the Tibetan Hope Centre, teaching English to Tibetan refugees and working in the Hope Centre’s new cafe 'Oasis'. They were pleased to see a large number of people from a range of different groups turn out to help with the clean up. Even families of Indian tourists donned gloves and bags in an inpromptu fashion, and picked up rubbish as part of their visit to the falls. Tiffany Schultz, an environmental educator from Australia spoke about how waste was everyone's responsibility, and this extends to what you put down the drain which ends up in the rivers affecting users downstream. "The best way to reduce waste is not to create it in

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He believes more education on the issue should start in schools. Paul from Australia and his partner from the UK commented "we were here (in Bhagsu) about a year ago, and found it to be a relatively clean, Photo By: Tiffany Schultz beautiful place. But the first place (by buying goods on returning this year we noticed decidely packaged in plastic etc.), or at the very more rubbish around. So we saw this as a least carrying your rubbish to the nearest great opportunity to come and help out". Volunteer in India, The Tibet Hope bin or recycling facility. In the longer term Centre, Mountain Green & friends hope you can also make it clear to your municipal council or local political the event will continue to grow and inspire representative that waste management locals and tourists alike to keep the area and education should be a higher clean. They would like to thank all of the individuals who helped promote the event priority", she said. Jagjeet from Punjab "felt ashamed and all those who participated. For more that a group of foreigners were doing our information and photos from the day work" so was glad to help out. Jagjeet contact Tiffany Schultz at 9736325948, believes there is, “a problem with Vikas at 9857093289, or Kusang at complacency among Indian residents with 9882162770 regards to appropriate rubbish disposal.” 7 November 2011

continued from page 5 that they are ultimately responsible for the current state of the environment. For these companies, profit is more important than human well-being and environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, China’s statecontrolled media has been working hard to keep Chinese youth from knowing the magnitude of what’s happening with other young people around the world. As we can see from the recent uprisings in Tibet and other areas around China, however, this effort is failing. The Chinese government may fear that its youth might soon form movements of their own, and unite with others around the world to stand up against the injustices of their government’s recent efforts to promote economic development. “Buddhist Economics” This article does not give generalized answers, but merely attempts to acquaint the reader with a new economic approach – one which may possibly help our society to weather new economic crises in the future. Ecological overconsumption, the avidity of the consumer, and eternal discontentment make viable the concept of the Buddhist economy. The idea of Buddhist economics – a theory founded on the basic principles of Buddhism – was first introduced in the West in 1973 by E. F. Schumacher, an English economist, in his book Small is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered. Many of Schumacher’s theories were prescient, and inspire respect for small-scale solutions that enhance the triple-bottomline: people, planet and profit. Buddhist economics does not promote asceticism, but instead a minimal consumer level that still provides the individual with a sense of achievement and well-being. However, the individual’s happiness is dependent on the happiness of the rest of the society’s members, as well as on the overall condition of the environment. The small-scale usage of ecological resources is regarded as good, and it is considered important to differentiate at the time of their usage between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. This theory considers the usage of non-renewable power sources as robbing the environment. Humans should not be the Contact Magazine

lords of nature, but because of their special situation should be vigilant in their protection of it. But this does not fit into today’s dominant economic notions, which surmise that contentment can be reached only through satisfying all of our desires. Western economic society recognizes that commerce will never end if the fulfillment of all desires is the ultimate aim of commerce. Because we may never be totally satisfied, our desires are endless. The teachings of Buddhism idealize a correct quantity, moderation,

“Because the impacts of our choices are so widereaching, we must recognize the qualitative difference between different actions, and then make the wise decision.”

and balance. The dominant economic ideology in the West motivates us to maximum consumption, while Buddhist economics holds the view that less consumption is also able to generate a good general societal condition. It admits that the satisfaction of certain needs is essential, and therefore does not reject these needs. But consumption supporting human vanity should be inferior to physiological needs. Then, consumption is only a means to an end and not the aim itself. The question then, is how we can make choices in such a way that it furthers our own development? Choices have a crucial significance from a Buddhist viewpoint. Making decisions between opportunities demands qualitative assessment of each opportunity. The intention, or karma, behind a choice comes from one of the central teachings of Buddhism. Karma has an effect not merely on the economy, but in all of the areas of our lives, including our social and natural environment. Those economic decisions from which ethical thinking is missing do not derive a desirable result. Good economic decisions – those which examine equally the costs on the individual, as well as on 8

the social and natural environment – are not solely focused on the level of production and consumption. On all occasions, when an economic decision happens one’s karma changes, and the process sets in motion a subsequent series of events which impacts, for better or for worse, the individual, nature and society as a whole. Because the impacts of our choices are so wide-reaching, we must recognize the qualitative difference between different actions, and then make the wise decision. The global movement we are seeing today seems to show that people have started to understand that the process we call “economic development” is driving us in an unsustainable direction. Buddhist economics is just one of the possible solutions, and is one which proclaims that humans and nature are more important than profit in the longrun. Every act of our life, whether verbal or physical, should follow ethical and moral principles in order to avoid the harmful effect of our actions – not only for ourselves but also for others and for the natural environment. We need to understand that the measurement of economic performance does not demonstrate one of the most important human values – happiness. We must recognize that happiness and satisfaction are not determined purely by economic development, and that quantity and size should not be the most important considerations in our consumption.

Further reading on Buddhist economics: - E.F. Schumacher, Small is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered. (1973). - Ven. P.A. Payutto, Buddhist Economics: A Middle Way for the Market Place. 2nd Edition (1994). Laszlo Zsolnay (ed.), Ethical Principles and Economic Transformation: A Buddhist Approach. (2011).

November 2011

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

Tibetan Astrology LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near KCC Bank PHONE: 941 810 1965 EMAIL : soyeshi@yahoo.co.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

HEALTH SERVICES COOKING

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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

November 2011

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 Bhimsen’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

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

Integrate Mind Body Universe Training in Goa and Thailand

 

Reiki 1st, 2ndand 3rd levels. NLP basic course and therapy Hypnotherapy by Amit has over 8 years experience

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

Contact: www.amitreiki.com Email: amit@amitreiki.com

November 2011

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.

November 2011

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

November 2011

Contact Magazine

November 2011

Contact Magazine

November 2011

Contact Magazine

November 2011