TIBET
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
May 23, 2024 – Sagadawa Holiday —up to July 8, 2024.
Dear Gentle Members and Friends of Tibet House US!
I started writing this letter on the full moon day on which we celebrate the full human realm enlightenment of our recent Altogether Realistically Enlightened Buddha Shākyamuni. It is the 15th day of the 4th lunar month in the Tibetan calendar.. A bodhisattva is a seeker of reality whose sense of interconnection with all life is so strong, s/he vows not to awaken perfect enlightenment (experiential knowledge total suffering-free exponential blissfulness overflowing as compassion and love for all sensitive beings) until all beings are equally so enlightened, free, blissful, loving, and wise. Therefore, if Shakyamuni did attain such enlightenment 2500 years ago in our time-sense recording, we ourselves should just be the same as that, and this “universe”—a world which each and every single being feels turning around her/him alone, should have become a perfect buddhaverse, where everyone inter-is with everyone else, joyfully knowingly all in love!
In the Mahayana Sutras of the magnificent deeds type, especially the White Lotus, the Buddha Flower Ornament, and the Teaching of Vimalakīrti, this Planet Earth of ours is indeed scientifically pronounced and artistically displayed to be a buddhaverse (aka, buddha-land, pure land, etc.), and buddhas and advanced bodhisattvas are already long ago recorded as visiting from other universes to congratulate our buddha and us for this miraculous fact of our wonderful lives hereabouts! Our buddhaverse is admittedly not celestial but earthy, with a delicate infrastructure that allows us freedom to make ourselves and others unhappy by being confused, greedy and unloving, but also incites us to learn the nature of this reality and develop compassion and love for ourselves and others as being the best way to succeed in the greatest show on any earth, instead of lounging in celestial infrastructure. This means that Shakyamuni is still with us in the very fabric of our land. This means we are not to be doomed by being eaten by any cosmic blackhole, by our own greedy overpopulating, polluting, and overheating, or by our petulant suicidal violent warring. Huzzah! Hallelujah! Emaho! Alright already!
Now as for recent news, there are a few things to mention, most of them elaborated below by Ganden Thurman in Thus News and Michael Burbank in Menla News. We are quite proud of these two younger Executive Directors who are carrying on the work of guiding THUS
into the future, with the skillful and dedicated help of Kyra Borré and Beata Tikos-McCormick at THUS, and Lynn Schauwecker at Menla, and all their respective staff members and volunteers.
We are sad to report the passing away of Ms. Peggy Hitchcock, at the ripe old age of 90 (See obituary below). We wish her a heavenly vacation, before she returns to loved and loving ones in a future life in a brand new human body. She was a great friend of Tibetans and adored His Holiness and worked with THUS through her formally affiliated Arizona Friends of Tibet. She loved us and we loved her and we will miss her, though not for long, and we sense she is cheerfully hanging out with Siddhartha’s Mom, Māyādevī, in some supernice heavenly palace and gardens in Indra’s Sudarshana city.
Also, just as we were going to press with this newsletter, we heard the sad news that our dear old friend and colleague Prof. Jeffrey Hopkins passed away. He was a great teacher and translator, long time interpreter for His Holiness. He will be greatly missed, and we will do an article on him and his contribution in our next issue. We wish him very well in his transition through the bardo between and look forward to his return and more translations of the profound Dharma books he loved!
We are sad that tens of thousands of Israeli, Palestinian, Ukrainian, Sudanese, and on and on, so many children and grown-ups have been killed and maimed by heartless dictators’ lashing out futilely with militarized destruction of all around them. And we are sad that Ukrainian children have been stolen away to be ethnically cleansed of the Ukrainian culture of their parents and forced to be “Russian,” and that around a million Tibetan children are also being forcibly removed from their family homes and deprived of the affections of mom and dad and siblings, and installed in Chinese Communist missionary type schools where they are not allowed to learn their own Tibetan language but are forced to learn only Chinese in the usual futile colonialist effort to brainwash their victims into being something they are not. At least, Putin is indicted for crimes against humanity for stealing a huge number of Ukrainian children off into Muscovia, while Xi is trying to digest China’s illegally invaded and occupied non-Chinese countries, Tibet, Mongolia, Uighuria, and others, and nobody is making enough noise about it.
Our THUS, within its cultural mission, tries to avoid political activism efforts, but since our mandate is culture preservation and the Chinese ethnicide is a direct assault on the precious Tibetan culture, we have to say something
about these tragic and outrageous events.
We are delighted and honored to have hosted at Menla this year His Eminence Refuge Master (Kyabjey) Ling Rinpoche with his close attendants, where he offered us a lovely Medicine Buddha blessing and a deep teaching on the Three Principles of the Path of Enlightenment. Rinpochey is the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s much beloved senior tutor of many years, and he holds the responsibility of maintaining His Holiness’ legacy and delivering it intact to the eventual Fifteenth Dalai Lama—though Rinpochey will have to himself live an extremely long time to do so, since our Holiness the Great Fourteenth is kindly hanging in there for decades and decades, to our great blessing and delight! We are delighted and honored to have had His Eminence the young Kalu Rinpochey at our THUS City Center, where he plans to teach often when he visits the States.
We are looking forward to the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on July 6, 2025 (this year is the 90th by the Tibetan count). We are finishing this issue of the THUS DRUM just as He has come to New York for a knee operation at the Hospital for Special Surgery. We are happy that it was very successful and that He will once again be able to enjoy walking around more easily and comfortably in the coming decades. We are thinking and planning along with millions of those devoted to Him—Tibetans first of all, then, Mongolians, Touvans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese, Burmese, Sinhalese, Indians, many Westerner, Hawaian kahunas and various shamans and indigenous chieftains, etc., all thinking of how to celebrate Him on his 90th. Thrilled to report the dream He reported recently, wherein Palden Lhamo—the Tibetan form of Shrī Kāli Devī, who is the lovely Savior Goddess Tara, manifesting in her fierce goddess form as the special Protectress of the Dalai Lama line of compassion reincarnations—was riding on His shoulders like a child and whispered in His ear that He could easily live past the age of the 110 He has promised.
In 2015, thanks to a generous patron and hard work of colleagues we published our Man of Peace Illustrated Biography in English, covering His activities up to His 80th year. For this 90th celebration year, we have completed Spanish, German, and Tibetan translations of the English book and will release them at first as e-books. Another thing we are pleased to mention for this celebration year is our publication of A Dalai Lama in Love: The Poetical Adventures of Tsangyang Gyatso, the Sixth Dalai Lama of Tibet, a historical fiction by Annie Bien and Robert Thurman. When I told His Holiness we were working on it few years back, He was very
enthusiastic and advised me to pay close attention of how Palden Lhamo herself had helped the Sixth escape from an assassination attempt by a power hungry Mongolian King by stirring up a mini-tornado to carry him off, just as she did in Tibet in 1959, when she created a dust storm so His Holiness and His escape party would be able to get through Chinese lines encircling his residence in Lhasa! As I always say, dear friends, you all also are enacting our Love Tibet motto by donating to THUS and working with us to save its precious culture. You are THUS members (please don’t forget to renew, handsomely!) because you know that life on this earth without Tibet’s unique inner science of wisdom and compassionate art of freedom, without its beauty and joy—and its teaching of both the blissful grace of every moment blessed by infinite compassionate beings and also the inspiring evolutionary purpose of awakening life—just would not measure up to the precious opportunity of being human. Thank you all so much for your cheerful presence and contributions of every kind. We will need your help even more to expand our presence in America for the next generations, inspiring all to save its culture of essential spiritual knowledge and practical lifestyle. With all blessings for your health and happiness during this year of the Wood Dragon!
Faithfully yours,
Padma Shri Robert A.F. Thurman, THUS President
PS: Please remember your THUS mantra—LOVE TIBET! Tibet’s mantra, !!OM MANI PADME HŪM!! expresses the enlightened vision that true love, deeply intelligent and vastly compassionate, stronger than hate, pervades heaven, earth, and underworld.
PPS: We have included some graphics below from the dalailama.com website and we gratefully thank them.
Palden Lhamo Tangka Icon 19th c., 30” x 22” 2023 John Rezk Donation Tibetan form of Shrī Kālidevī, fierce compassion goddess, protector of H. H. Dalai Lama and Tibetan Dharma culture.
TIBET HOUSE US BOARD & STAFF
FOUNDING PATRON
HIS HOLINESS THE XIVth DALAI LAMA
HONORARY CHAIR
HON. NGODUP TSERING, US Rep. of CTA & H. H. DALAI LAMA
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ROBERT THURMAN, president, PHILIP GLASS, vice president, INA BECKER, secretary, BEATA TIKOS, treasurer, ANONYMOUS, DANIEL AITKEN, PETER BACKMAN, ANNIE CHRISTOPHER, JANET FRIESEN, GESHE DR. THUPTEN JINPA, SUSAN KESSLER, DAVID KITTAY, LUDWIG KUTTNER, MARJORIE LAYDEN, MICHELE LOEW, MICHAEL MCCORMICK, JOHN MILLER, DAVID L. PHILLIPS, VEN. TENZIN PRIYADARSHI, JOHN REZK, LAURENCE H. SILVERMAN, SCOTT SNIBBE, NENA THURMAN, UMA K. THURMAN
HONORARY DIRECTORS
ALAN B. ABRAMSON, LAVINIA CURRIER, PEGGY HITCHCOCK, NAVIN KUMAR, ADAM LINDEMANN, LAURA PINTCHIK, TENZIN NAMGYAL TETHONG
TIBETAN EX-OFFICIO BOARD
CHHIME CHOEKYAPA, Private Office of H. H. Dalai Lama
VEN. GESHE DORJI DAMDUL, director, tibet house new delhi, india
KELSANG & KIM YESHI, directors, norbulingka institute, dharamsala, india
VISITING SPIRITUAL ADVISERS
KARMAPA OGYEN TRINLEY DORJE, NECHUNG KUTEN RINPOCHE, KYABJEY LINGTSANG RINPOCHE, SAKYA TRICHEN RINPOCHE, LAMA PEMA WANGDAK, LELUNG RINPOCHE, LAMA TENZIN WANGYAL
CULTURAL CENTER STAFF
GANDEN THURMAN, executive director, BEATA TIKOS, managing director, KYRA BORRÉ, special events, SONAM CHOEZOM, membership, ANNA VARSHAVSKAYA, office manager, TENZIN KUNSANG, program associate, MAGGIE MOHLER, programming, JOE COSEY, digital development, TASHI TSERING, programs/events, DELGIRA SAMTONOVA, social media, THOMAS F. YARNALL, publications
MENLA STAFF
NENA THURMAN, executive chair, MICHAEL G. BURBANK, executive director, LYNN SCHAUWECKER, managing director, AMBER HALLINAN, general manager, ALICIA OJEDA, executive chef, KATIA SUKHOTSKAYA , front of house,
JESSICA ROMANELLO, dewa spa, DAVID GIANGRECO, facilities, ADAM FOIZEN, events & operations, IQUWAH BEZUYEN, head gardener, JUSTIN STONE-DIAZ, new media
TIBET HOUSE DRUM
ROBERT THURMAN, editor-in-chief, KYRA BORRÉ, MICHAEL BURBANK, WILLIAM MEYERS, SONAM CHOEZOM, GANDEN THURMAN, BEATA TIKOS, ANNA VARSHAVSKAYA, editors, JOE COSEY, CEDAR THOKME, design & production
(Page 5)
Photos by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images.
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Illustration: Robert Beer
THUS NEWS
Spring Greetings, Friends and Patrons of Tibet House US!As we continue our advocacy for and exposition of the best parts of Tibetan culture with the twin hopes of preserving it and simultaneously helping to apply those best parts to our contemporary concerns and challenges, you have our thanks for your interest and help! We sincerely wish that our offerings enliven and inspire your moral, intellectual, personal, emotional, and spiritual perspectives and fulfillment! This winter-spring session here in the city and upstate at Menla, we have hosted many spiritual and yogic adepts, along with academics, artists, and other professionals, Responses have been generally quite positive.
We have just recently concluded a presentation of a Green Tara Sand Mandala invocation, creation, and dismantling, both in person and online. This ritual was graciously performed by the charming nuns of the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery under the watchful eye of their Geshema. It was particularly inspiring to meet the Geshema since she is from the very first class of nuns who graduated with the highest degree in Tibetan Buddhist Monastic studies, the Geshe degree, since the historic expansion of that educational system to allow female monastics to pursue higher education and professional certification in the Buddhist yogic systems and philosophies. We wish them every success on the fundraising and outreach tour of the US: for them as a group of dedicated and inspiring nuns and for the nunnery itself, which currently provides lifetime sanctuary, education, livelihood, purpose, and community for 308 young ladies from Tibet, India, and around the world. Additionally, it plays a vital role in the local communities of the Indians and the Tibetan refugees. The nuns are making similar presentations on their first-ever US tour at various points across the Northeast, and we are releasing a time-lapse recording of the Mandala creation online.
In other news, we continue to support, as Exec. Producers and advisors of the Armchair Academics’ project, “The Animated History of Tibet,” an 8-part series of 30-minute episodes chronicling the history of Tibet from the earliest surviving records in 127 BCE to the present day. At present, episode 3, “The Fall of the Tibetan Empire,” has just been released, and the largely successful crowdfunding campaign for episodes 5-8, as well as the Tibetan and Mandarin versions of the series, has just concluded. To date, many thousands of people have watched these first three episodes. More thanks to those of you who supported us generally and to those who supported this project directly! We will be holding a screening of episodes 3 and 4 in the fall, TBA. Please
check out the episodes thus far: The Animated History of Tibet.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has just arrived for some medical treatment for his knees and will be staying here in the US through July. We join his many thousands of well-wishers who met his plane at the airport and his cars at the hotel, as well as millions more across the globe in praying for successful treatment of his knee issues.
Overall, the state of Tibet House US is good: Menla is thriving with many happy visitors, while The Cultural Center continues its own robust programming and services. We are concentrating on developing the Vajrayoga offerings for all the yoginis out there, as well as self-care-oriented programs for the rest of us dealing with our current rounds of discontents and challenges. Check the websites and this newsletter for listings.
In other Tibet news, the Tibetans in China continue to face two special and heartbreaking challenges in the form of the PRC’s (1) current program of forced assimilation through their Tibetan-only mandatory boarding school system that has taken an entire generation of Tibetans from their families (estimated to involve up to one million children), and (2) the mass appropriation of Tibetan lands, homes, and livelihoods in thirteen river valleys along the east side of the Himalayan plateau, dammed to transfer water from the south of mainland China to the rapidly desertifying north of China, specifically Beijing. The latter outrage also involves mass arrests of anyone who even mildly questions losing everything of what little they have to temporarily offset China’s unsustainable misuse of its own resources. On the bright side, the US federal government is making a new effort to formally recognize the plight of the Tibetan people in China’s empire and push for a just resolution of it, with the RESOLVE Tibet Act. In sum, THUS, like our colleagues and many others, continues to do its small part in humanity’s ongoing effort to meet our challenges and solve our problems so that we might more comfortably and respectfully enjoy each other’s company in this precious human life that is supposed to be endowed with liberty and opportunity. Thank you all for your interest, work, and support; please continue to help us! Thanks and have a great fall and winter!
Ganden Thurman, THUS Executive Director
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
TIBET HOUSE US | IN-PERSON, HYBRID , ONLINE
BUDDHIST STUDIES
Golden Age Peacekeepers: White Manjushri And Chenrezig Empowerments
Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoche
September 4
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Internal Kalachakra Mandala: Yoga, Astrology And The Subtle Body
Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoche
September 5
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Death and Dying, How to Transform Angst in to Bliss
Venerable Losang Gendun
September 12
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
The Lojong Of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Do Tulku Rinpoche
September 13
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Introduction To Vajrayana Do Tulku Rinpoche
September 16
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Summoned By The Earth: Becoming A Holy Vessel For Healing Our World
Cynthia Jurs
September 17
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Monthly Buddhist Teachings
Venerable Robina Courtin
September 18
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Bhikkhuni’s Life and Legacy: Women and Modern Buddhism
Cindy Rasicot
September 20
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Enlightened storytelling: Dissolving our Limiting Views Through the Power of the Narrative
Venerable Losang Gendun
October 4
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
A Two-Day Teaching On The Recitation Of The 35 Buddhas
Demo Rinpoche
October 5-6
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Original Love: From Mindfulness To Awakening With Henry Shukman
Henry Shukman
October 8
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Cultivating Emotional Balance: Full 42-Hour Training
Michael Lobsang Tenpa
September 28-December 14
Location: Tibet House
ONLINE
MEDITATION
Lunchtime Meditation
Annie Bien and Geshe Ngawang Thugje
Every Tuesday, Wednesday,
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
TIBET HOUSE US | IN-PERSON, HYBRID , ONLINE
Thursday and Friday
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Here In The Floating World | Bi-Monthly Sessions Of Qigong And Lojong
Annie Bien
September 9, September 23, October 7 , October 21, November 25
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Still Life: A Sound Bath And Slow Art Experience
Sara Auster and Alex Falk
September 11, October 17, November 13, December 11
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Sound Meditation
Franck Raharinosy And Mary
Reilly Nichols
September 19, October 24, November 14, and December 19
Location: Tibet House IN PERSON
Resetting The Anchor From Loss With Bodhicitta
Annie Bien
September 27-September 28
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Dharma Friends
Megan Mook and Kevin Townley
September 30, October 28, November 18
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Navigating Grief And Loss: Support For Healing
Kimberly Brown
October 2-November 6
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Remembrance Ceremony –Honoring Grief And Loss
Kimberly Brown
November 23
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
YOGA
Daily Yoga And Meditation
Instruction From The Indo-Tibetan Traditions
John Campbell and Jamie Bonelli
Daily
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Shelter from the Storm: Yoga for Resilience and Healing
Robert Thurman, John Campbell and Jamie Bonelli
September 6-7
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Relax, Rest, Let Go With The Restorative Tools Of Buddhism And Yoga
Kimberly Brown
September 21 + October 26
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Tibetan Dream Yoga
Michael Katz
September 26, October 3 & October 10
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Vajra Language: The Yoga Practice of Mantra
Robert Thurman, John Campbell and Jamie Bonelli
October 18-October 20
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
Tibetan Yoga: Subtle Body, Breath Practices And Healing Meditations
Dr. James Bae
November 15-16
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
The Clearlight Of Falling Asleep & Dream
Michele Loew
December 13-15
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
SPECIAL EVENTS AND SERIES
TENZIN Film Screening | Tibet House Movie Nights
Joshua Reichmann
October 25
Location: Tibet House IN PERSON
Liar In The Sky | Poetry Series
Arden Wohl
October 15, 22, 29
Location: Tibet House
HYBRID
The mandala creation process was open for in-person viewing, and we also offered daily live streams, allowing a wider audience to witness this beautiful tradition. Each day began with an invocation prayer and ended with the live stream concluding at 4 pm ET. A special opening ceremony marked Day 1, and the event culminated on Day 5 with a moving closing ceremony, where the mandala was swept away in the traditional manner.
Be sure to check out the timelapse video for a glimpse into this sacred art form and its significance in honoring Tara.
Jon D’Orazio, originally from Youngstown, Ohio, transitioned from architecture to painting after completing a Master’s degree in Architecture from Columbia University. Settling in the vibrant Westbeth Artists Community, he immersed himself in the practice of Shambhala, which profoundly influenced his work. Tibet House US is thrilled to present his body of work, titled “MIRROR PAINTINGS” which reflects the profound influence of Buddhism on his art.
Through his exploration of various materials, including 12-inch stainless steel discs, he created mirror paintings. This artistic endeavor focuses on perception, offering viewers a unique experience. His artworks prompt distinct engagement, fostering a new point of view. As a collection of meditation mirrors, D’Orazio’s work invites sustained contemplation and encourages viewers to delve into their own consciousness through a meditative gaze.
MENLA NEWS
Menla Event and Program News
Our Wood Dragon year’s spring and early summer offerings have been phenomenal so, and the energy of the land is quite magnificent as we head into summer. Tibet House US program highlights at Menla earlier this year included three notable first-time events: the first in-person gathering ever of THUS teacher David Nichtern’s pandemic-era online Dharma Moon community, the first east coast retreat led by Lama Lhanang Rinpoche along with celebrated ambient musicians Laraaji and Arji, and the historic inaugural visit of H.E. Ling Rinpoche, who blessed our community with clear and concise teachings, a refuge ceremony, and a special Medicine Buddha initiation. Along with outstanding annual Menla faculty— Dr. Nida, Nina Rao, Dr. Joe Loizzo, Dr. James Bae, Krishna Das, and others—our Tibet House US retreat offerings during the first half of 2024 were packed with highly enriching teachings and inspiring practices. Looking forward, Tibet House US continues to develop its signature Vajrayoga initiative, as one strand in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s third life-aim effort of bringing Tibetan and Indian Universal Vehicle Buddhist spiritual philosophy, inner science, and yogic practice into its ancient multi-millennium conversation with all the other Indian Inner Science traditions. Master Vajrayogini Michele Loew and Bob Thurman are leading an introductory weekend retreat July 26-28, Introduction to Vajrayoga, as a primer for people interested in learning more about this innovative approach to the historic common origins and contemporary confluence of Buddhism and yoga as well as for those who are interested in enrolling in our annual Vajrayoga Teacher Training. From August 19-25, Jonang Kalachakra master Khentrul Rinpoche is headlining a special Vajravega Kalachakra Tantra initiation and retreat as our 2025 Vajrayoga intensive retreat for the general public, co-lead by Bob Thurman. Then from September 9-15, Michele and Bob will offer a 200hr Vajrayoga Teacher Training for the first time, as a supplement to the 300hr teacher trainings they have taught the past three years. Our next 300hr Vajrayoga Teacher Training will commence this November and run through March of 2025. We will host many other wonderful retreats this year in addition to the ones mentioned above. Please check
our current upcoming events list and go to www.menla. org/retreats for the most up-to-date list. We continually add new retreats, so we encourage you to check back regularly. Many Tibet House US retreats at Menla are now also offered in hybrid format, so please check the Menla Online section of Menla’s website to register for virtual attendance. We sincerely appreciate the enthusiastic engagement of our worldwide community in attending all of our wisdom and compassion teachings and keeping awareness of Tibetan cultural and spiritual offerings alive and well in the Catskills!
Dewa Spa News
In addition to our unique offerings of Tibetan external healing therapies, such as meridian massage, herbal baths, KuNye massage etc, we have teamed up with our friend and colleague Dr. Alberto Villoldo in bringing his groundbreaking Grow a New Body healing program to Menla this past June for the very first time. This exclusive program includes brain foods and nutrients that repair the brain, regulate cellular energy production, and reverse damage done by free radicals and oxidative stress, as well as antioxidant and mitochondrial repair formulas. In addition, this program features both regular sessions with our new portable oxygen delivery system by Cellgym (www.cellgym.de/en/) and cutting-edge vitamin push therapy—IV injection drips of vitamins, minerals and amino acids—which has grown very popular in recent years as treatment for many chronic illnesses, fatigue, viral infections, muscle aches and more. Our pilot program in June was a big success, and we are very excited to be formally partnering with an experienced local physician, Dr. Matthias von Reusner, to form a joint PLLC with Tibet House US to allow Menla to sponsor both the entire Grow a New Body program here on our property as well as individual med-spa therapies, which will be available to Menla retreat participants and day visitors from the local public on an on-going basis. Dr. Reusner is a very well-respected doctor who lives in nearby Red Hook, and his friendly, knowledgeable and professional demeanor combined with his long standing affinity for Tibetan Buddhism makes him an ideal partner for our non-profit. In conjunction with introducing the Grow a New Body program, and because our Dewa Spa is often booked
MENLA NEWS
to capacity much of the year, we continue to plan the construction of a 1500+ square foot addition to our existing spa building. This extension will house six additional treatment rooms, a dedicated space for IV vitamin therapy treatments, and innovative medi-spa services such as oxygen and ozone therapies. Fundraising is underway for this project, with the first $250,000 (of a $530K goal) having been donated to THUS so far. We invite you to join us in this endeavor to make our spa an even more remarkable destination for those seeking restoration, well-being, and a profound connection to the ancient wisdom of Tibet. Your donation will be instrumental in realizing our vision to expand the horizons of healing for all who seek it. To make a fully taxdeductible donation, please email mburbank@menla.org. Over the past several years, we have carefully developed a Dewa branded line of six luxury beauty products in conjunction with the famed Ila Spa in England: an Enriching Facial Cleanser, a Radiant Face Serum, an Immortal Day Cream, a Meditative Body Balm, a Meditative Body Oil, and a Bath & Salt Scrub Ritual. These products are crafted with sustainably-sourced, wild, and organic ingredients cultivated in women’s cooperatives, tribal communities, and villages across the planet, including several from the Himalayan region. Several of the products are powered by plant stem cells, which are thought to contain a concentration of antioxidants 1000 times greater than other forms of plant extracts and have anti-inflammatory properties to defend your skin against sun damage and aging. These products smell and feel amazing! We will launch our Dewa product line this autumn, both at our NYC and Menla locations as well as at select spas around the world.
Other News
Menla is very happy to announce the return to Menla this October 25-27 of the Eminent Seiji Yamamoto Sensei, a Japanese master of the sacred ways of the old Shinto masters. Last October, Yamamoto Sensei conducted an ancient ceremony to invite and enshrine the Shinto deity, Sukunahikona at Menla. He is returning to conduct the traditional Shinto ceremony normally performed one year after enshrining a deity in a new hokora (Shinto shrine). For those who missed the newsletter last fall,
Sukunahikona is the deity of healing, medicinal plants, fermentation, agriculture and hot springs, and he is revered as one of the mythic founders of the nation of Japan. His divine form is that of a blue dragon, which resonates deeply with the Dalai Lama’s recognition of a large naga (water guardian serpent-dragon) abiding on the land, guarding the purity of Menla’s extraordinary spring, considered sacred by the First American tribes. Sukunahikona now resides in the natural boulder hokora located below the Lhasa Inn and supports Menla’s healing activities to benefit many people in the wider community. The hokora is open to visitors who would like to pay their respects and make a connection with Sukunahikona, a mighty deity with global reach who can benefit all in a multitude of ways. There is also an interior altar for Sukunahikona by the fireplace in the Lhasa Inn dining room. We invite you to commune with our new divine friend on your next visit!
Finally, Menla is also pleased to announce that we are nearing completion of 10 brand new private singleoccupancy guest rooms in the lower level of our Nalanda Conference Center, where the fitness center and dorm used to be. Friend of THUS-Menla and architect, Duke Beeson, designed the room layouts and included an ingenious and elaborate soundproofing system to keep sound traveling between the new guest rooms and the Main Hall above to an absolute minimum. These rooms are being furnished by Menla’s friend and accomplished designer, John Robshaw, and will be available for the public to book by this fall.
MENLA PROGRAMS & RETREATS | MENLA.ORG MENLA
RETREATS
Ascending the Mystical Mountain: Sonic Tibetan Healing Journey
Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Laraaji, Arji Oceananda | July 03 – July 07, 2024
Volunteer Trail Work Weekend
Michael G. Burbank | July 04 – July 07, 2024
Rejuvenate & Rediscover: Women’s Yoga & Workshop
Samantha Demick (PMP, ICP), Kara Morelli (CYT, 200), Brittany Peo(MA, LMT) | July 12 – July 14, 2024
The Real Deal Summer Reset: 3-Day Wellness
Lisa Bondy(ERYT 5000, INHC) | July 14 – July 17, 2024
Eros, Alchemy, and the Shadow:
Tantra Intensive
Laura Carrotti | July 17 – July 21, 2024
Good Move Summer Retreat: Joy, Creativity, and Connection through Movement!
Jules Bakshi | July 18 – July 21, 2024
Somatic Ecology: Embodying Sustainability
Iquwah Bezuyen & Aaron ‘water’ Piepszny | July 19 – July 21, 2024
The Feminine Flow: Past Life Regression, Sound Healing, Yoga, Meditation & Spiritual Painting
Alica Fuks & Lisa Annese | July 19 –July 21, 2024
Introduction to Vajrayoga: Summer Immersion
Robert A.F. Thurman & Michele Loew | July 26 – July 29, 2024
Sacred Metals: Standing Gongs/ Himalayan Singing Bowls, Bells & Shruti Songs
Lead Garnier | July 26 – July 28, 2024
Restoring the Soul of Vitality: Rejuvenation, Tibetan Yoga and Yuthok Healing Meditations
Dr. James Bae(DACM, E-RYT, C-IAYT) | August 01 – August 04, 2024
The Deep Space Experience: Cosmic Forest: A Sound, Yoga and Breathwork
John Minks, Billy Pinkerton & Anne Marie Miller | August 02 – August 04, 2024
Holotropic Breathwork® Workshop: Exploring Integration of Expanded State of Consciousness
Dr. Laurane McGlynn, Jeffery Warren & Yulia Meshoyrer | August 04August 07, 2024
Cultivating the Joy of Sexuality & Intimacy: Ketamine-Assisted Retreat for Couples
Jayne Gumpel(LCSW), David Gumpel(MA), Irina Linetskaya(MD), Donna Sorgen(LMHC,LPC) & Daniel Zimmerman(MD) | August 08 – August 11, 2024
Know Your Own Mind: The Best of Buddhism and Psychotherapy
Mark Epstein (MD) & Robert A.F. Thurman | August 16 – August 18, 2024
Awakening the Divine Within: A New Paradigm of Consciousness
Irene Siegel, Ph.D., LCSW | August 16 - August 18, 2024
VAJRAVEGA WHEEL OF PROTECTION: Fierce Kalachakra Empowerment & Retreat
Shar Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoché & Robert A.F. Thurman | August 19 - August 25, 2024
Crystal Core Awareness: Crystal Bowls, Pyramids & Singing Crystal Consciousness
Lea Garnier | August 23 – August 25, 2024
The Life-Force Academy Immersion
Jai Dev Singh | August 28 –September 01, 2024
200-hour Vajra Yoga School
Michele Loew & Robert A.F. Thurman | September 09 – September 15, 2024
(Retreat is followed with online meetings)
Spirit Sisters Yoga & Healing Retreat
Tina Conroy & Dawn Peer | September 12 – September 15, 2024
Garden Volunteer Retreat
Aaron ‘Water’ Piepszny | September 12 – September 15, 2024
Yoga for Life: Know You Are Enough
Colleen Saidman Yee | September 13September 15, 2024
MENLA RETREATS
Dark Retreat, Psychedelics, and Virtual Reality: Peril or Promise?
Andrew Holecek, Robert A.F. Thurman & Anthony Bossis (PhD) | September 16 – September 22, 2024
Balance Creation: Guided Journey
Connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit
Sarah Ireland & Sille Ostergaard | September 27 - September 29, 2024
Refuge and Renewal in the Sublime Mother Gaia: Finding Support on the Path of Sacred Activism
Cynthia Jurs | September 27September 29, 2024
Reclamation: A Writing, Intuition, and Mindfulness Retreat
Michelle Cassandra Johnson | September 29 – October 02, 2024
Autumn Iyengar Yoga Retreat
EVE HOLBROOK | October 03 –October 06, 2025
13th Annual Sage Academy Autumn Sound Healing Intensive
Joseph Schmidlin, Lea Garnier, Peter Blum, Jessica Caplan & Scott Williams | October 04 – October 06, 2024
Deepening Our Relationship to Practice: An Exploration of Ashtanga, Yin & Chanting
Bibi Lorenzetti & Alex Tse | October 04 – October 07, 2024
Return to Radiance: Annual Women’s Retreat
Connie Viglietti | October 10 –October 13, 2024
Om Tara Yoga Retreat
Jacqueline Deflorio-Reid | October 13 – October 15, 2024
Being Love: Yoga & Meditation Retreat
Gemma Farrell | October 18 –October 21, 2024
Cultivating Joy: Ketamine-Assisted Mindfulness Retreat
Jayne Gumpel(LCSW) & David Gumpel(MA) | October 24 –October 27, 2024
Simplicity Yoga: A Yoga, Hiking & Sound Healing
Rosanne Ferraiuolo| October 24 –October 27, 2024
Soul Stories: Holotropic Breathwork® & Past Life Regression Workshop
Dr. Laurane McGlynn, Jeffery Warren & John Stockberger | October 27 –October 30, 2024
Building Posture from Awareness: Iyengar Yoga and Meditation
Lucienne Vidah & Mitchell Owen | November 01 – November 03, 2024
Autumn Iyengar Yoga Retreat
Rebecca Hooper | November 06 –November 10, 2024
Tibetan Yoga For Health and Wellbeing
Alejandro Chaoul (PhD) | November 14 – November 17, 2024
Yogic Lifestyle Retreat: Weekend Immersion into Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda & Nature
Sue Bonanno | November 15 –November 17
Cultivating Joy | AEDP & IHRP informed: Ketamine-Assisted Retreat for Professionals
Jayne Gumpel(LCSW), David
Gumpel(M.A), Seema Desai(MD), Irina Linetskaya(MD), Andrew Tatarsky(PhD) & Mark Green(MD) | December 05 - December 08, 2024
Igniting the Light Within: A Dharana & Dhyana Retreat
Kacy Harnedy | December 05 –December 08, 2024
PROGRAMS
Vajra Vega Wheel of Protection: Fierce Kalachakra Empowerment & Retreat
Shar Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoché & Robert A.F. Thurman | August 19 - 25, 2024
Dark Retreat, Psychedelics, and Virtual Reality: Peril or Promise? Andrew Holecek & Robert Thurman | September 16-22, 2024
Vajra Yoga Teacher Training | Online with Optional In-Person Modules
Robert Thurman, Michele Loew with Guest Teachers - September 22, 2023-April 12, 2024
Wisdom Is Bliss: An On-Going Class Series
Bob Thurman | January 6th - March, 2024
Devoted to Wisdom: Celebrating Buddhism & Bhakti Yoga
Krishna Das & Robert Thurman | May 2024
Clearlight Yoga Nidra 2024 100 Hr Course & TT w/ Michele Loew March 28-31, 2024
TIBET HOUSE US
2025 Special Dedication
His Holiness Dalai Lama 90 th BIRTHDAY
His Holiness The Dalai Lama, with many spiritual elders, urges all to face and overcome our current earthly challenges, deadly wars and climate crises, wildfires, hurricanes, major floods, etc., all endangering sentient life. It is therefore timely that we awaken to the reality of our times, and work harder to educate many people of all nations to the deeper self knowledge required for compassion-driven responsible action, for which purpose His Holiness is founding a new university at Bodh Gaya, India, with a core curriculum based on ancient Indian Inner Science and an outer curriculum in natural, social, and human sciences and arts, to accelerate the achievement of inner peace and world peace.
Tibet House US will continue steadfastly through this last half of 2024 Wood Dragon into 2025 auspicious year of the Wood Serpent with four main themes for our programs:
1) Upcoming Special Concert dedicated to His Holiness upcoming 90th Birthday Celebrations, while working on possible 90th Birthday Festival upstate in a fairground!
2) Tibet House US and MENLA Spa Resort ongoing streamline events, retreats and educational programs based on H.H. Dalai Lama’s long term Principal Commitments.
• Human Happiness: cultivation of warm-heartedness and human values such as compassion for all sentient beings, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and selfdiscipline via mind and heart training.
• Interfaith Harmony: recognition that human beings observe several religions and several aspects of the truth with creative presentations to resolve current predicaments.
• Tibetan People and Culture: supplementing recognized Tibetan organizations for a free Tibet, and creating opportunities to preserve the Dharma Culture in accordance with Tibet’s ancient heritage from Nalanda; making it available to more people; supporting The Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan and Indian Ancient Wisdom (see the spread below, images courtesy of Dalailama.com website.
3)THUS–MENLA Special Winter Symposium: a commemorative event in collaboration with other Tibet Houses, with exhibits and talks – historic presentations live and online celebrating the pivotal years of the 13th Dalai Lama and the stressful times of our Great 14th Dalai Lama’s monumental efforts to create a renaissance of Tibet spiritual science, art, and culture, keeping hope alive for the future of Tibet and the world .
4)Man of Peace multilingual graphic novel ebooks launch: ongoing efforts to epublish our celebrated graphic biography in Tibetan, Spanish, and German distributed worldwide. For His Holiness’ 80th birthday, we launched the English version, so we are completing this multilanguage launch this year for His Holiness’ 90th birthday, 2025 – keep posted!
Joyous Tribute to His Holiness The Dalai Lama of Tibet
DALAI LAMA’S SECRET TO LONG LIFE
1. Waking up at 3:30 AM for prayers and meditation: Engaging in deep meditation and prayer in a serene and beautifully decorated room.
2. Morning walk: Strolling in a lush garden with the beautiful Tibetan landscape in the background.
3. Simple breakfast: Enjoying a simple yet nutritious breakfast that includes traditional Tibetan food.
4. Reading and studying: Deep reading and studying in a library filled with ancient scriptures.
5. Meeting visitors: Warmly welcoming visitors, including religious leaders and scholars, in a beautifully decorated hall.
6. Lunch: Having a humble lunch in a peaceful setting.
7. Nap: Taking a peaceful nap in a cozy room.
8. Afternoon meetings and charity activities: Participating in afternoon meetings and charity activities in an elegant meeting room.
9. Evening reflections and prayers: Engaging in evening reflections and prayers in a tranquil space.
10. Dinner and rest: Enjoying a light dinner in a serene and a beautifully decorated room before going to bed early.
A true scholar and prolific writer, H.H. has authored, or coauthored, some 135 books on a variety of subjects from philosophy to science, consciousness, interfaith dialogues, environmental concerns, psychology, social ethics, to business management and children’s educational books.
His Holiness has declared that when he is about ninety years old he will consult leading Lamas of Tibet’s Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people with an interest in Tibetan Buddhism, and assess whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue after him. His statement also explored the different ways in which the recognition of a successor could be done.
If it is decided that a Fifteenth Dalai Lama should be recognized, responsibility for doing so will rest primarily with the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama’s Gaden Phodrang Trust. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oathbound Dharma Protectors, who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas.
HOW TO PRACTICE
The Way To A Meaningful Life
H.H. Dalai Lama, Jeffrey Hopkins (Editor)
Atria Books 240 pages
ISBN: 9780743453363
CRUSHING THE CATEGORIES
Nagarjuna
Wisdom Publications Hardcover 346 pages
ISBN: 978-1949163001
THE HEROIC HEART– Awakening Unbound Compassion
Jetsun Tenzin Palmo
Shambhala 232 pages
ISBN: 978-1645470557
WISDOM IS BLISS: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life
Robert Thurman
Hay House 232 pages
ISBN: 9781401943431
THE ESSENCE OF THE OCEANS OF ATTAINMENTS – creation stage of Guhyasamaja Tantra
Penpa Dorjee, Yael Bentor Hardcover 280 pages
ISBN: 978-1614294825
UNDEFEATED: Confessions of a Tibetan Warrior by Paljor Thondup
Tibet House US 248 pages
ISBN: 978-1941312100
TANTRIC PATH OF DESIRE: Bringing Passion to the Spiritual Path
Shar Khentrul Rinpoche Jamphel Lodro Dzokden 428 pages
ISBN: 978-1958229750
DEITY, MANTRA and WISDOM Developmental Stage Meditation
Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche, Getse Mahapandita
370 pages
ISBN: 978-0997731989
EMBODYING TARA – Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken your Innate Wisdom
Chandra Easton
Shambhala 352 pages
ISBN: 9781645471141
REPATRIATION COLLECTION
Tibetan metalworking boasts a rich history linked to the introduction of Buddhism in the Himalayas and is significantly influenced by the artistic traditions of northern India (Kashmir) and Nepal. Tibetan artisans are renowned for their ability to craft intricate bronze statues. They are celebrated for their exceptional skill in rendering exquisite detail, artistic complexity, and spiritual meaning into their work. The subject matter of almost every Tibetan sculpture up to our more contemporary time period is indisputably religious. A noteworthy fact is that sculptural depictions of the Bon pantheon, which preceded Buddhism in Tibet, are comparatively uncommon despite the presence of the Bön religious
practice co-existing with Tibetan Buddhism to this very day. Secular sculpture before the 21st century is virtually unknown save for massive ninth-century stone lions marking royal tombs. Another exception is that the early Tibetan Buddhist kings are revered, and their portraits are enshrined alongside Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and protector deities. Buddhism prevailed in Tibet from the turn of the eleventh century and Buddhist symbolism is omnipresent, from private altars to devotional images in nomad tents, to large and important monastic institutions. To commission a Buddhist image is considered a meritorious deed, and kings, highly ranked members of society, and wealthy donors are therefore often acknowledged and identifiable in the lower register of paintings.
The bronze sculptor is fundamentally influenced by their meditative practice which supports the view that they are creating a sacred representation of a fully enlightened being that emits an energetic field. The quality of the craftsmanship, the size of the piece, the thickness of the bronze, and iconographic style are a critical part of this process of rendering a manifestation of a fully enlightened being.
The art of making bronze sculptures in Tibet has a long history, with techniques developed over hundreds of years. The tradition was especially strong in the Dzongsar valley of Dêgê County, historically part of Tibet’s cultural heartland, known as the Dege Kingdom. The Khyenle tradition, which combines khyen and le, meaning bronze, refers to the Dzongsar Khyentse Buddhist lineage. Derge was one of the larger kingdoms established in the 13th century in the Kham region of Eastern Tibet and became a major center of the printing industry, as well as Buddhist studies and artisanal craftwork. By the 1630’s Derge was one of the major players in the dramatic transformation of Tibetan politics, society and religion of the time.
Eastern Indian, Kashmiri and Nepalese sculptures were frequently carried to Tibet by pilgrims or visiting teachers, where they were reverently copied and from which a unique style evolved over the centuries. The famous teacher Atisha (982 - 1054), credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet is known to have brought commissioned art from India. In the 12th century,
REPATRIATION COLLECTION
the flourishing relationship between Indian Buddhist teachers and Tibet was abruptly interrupted by the Muslim invasions. Nonetheless for centuries afterwards, Tibetan bronzework flourished, and developed into a breathtakingly singular style, filling Tibetan monasteries and sanctuaries with a tremendous range of sculpture with complex iconography as well as intricate detailing, precious stone inlay, and painting, following the particular Buddha, Bodhisattva, or teacher created.
Specific metallurgy techniques have historically been maintained in Tibet through an oral tradition, where styles and methods are passed down through a lineage of skilled artists and their successors. Perhaps the most prominent method for creating statues is the Lost-Wax technique, a centuries-old process allowing for intricately detailed and mindful artistry, originating in 10th-century Nepal but continuing in Tibet. Also known as investment casting, this intricate and labor-intensive process begins with the crafting of the figure using clay, wax, or other moldable materials. This form is the prototype and includes the most intricate details; larger sculptures are sometimes created in sections and assembled after the metal is cast. Once the prototype form is complete, it is covered in layers of clay or silicon rubber. A wax “sprue” (a wax rod or tube) is also attached to the wax pattern to serve as a channel for the flow of molten metal and to allow gasses to escape during casting. The mold is then heated, melting the wax and leaving behind the mold for the sculpture.
the wax pattern may be made in multiple sections, which will be joined together later. The clay is then dried and baked in a kiln, hardening the clay and melting the wax. The empty space left behind is then filled with liquid metal, creating the final sculpture.
An artist is charged with precisely rendering the traditional postures, hand gestures, and body proportions of a Buddha or Buddhist deity into a clay model. Once revealed, the statue is polished and often embellished with delicate gold or colored paints. Often the hollow space is filled with mantras, scriptures and other blessed items prior to being sealed and provided with its ‘home’.
Tibetan bronze sculpture has faced numerous challenges throughout history. Bronze is vulnerable to a chemical reaction known as bronze disease, a phenomenon which occurs when bronze is exposed to saltwater or buried in chloriderich soil, leading to the formation of damaging corrosive products. The progression of bronze disease is influenced by environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity, which can accelerate the reaction and further endanger these valuable cultural artifacts. The Cultural Revolution of the 1960s witnessed the ransacking and destruction of roughly 6,000 monasteries and countless bronze sculptures were destroyed, resulting in the displacement of many surviving pieces.
The negative mold is then filled with molten wax to create a positive wax reproduction of the original sculpture. The wax model, or “pattern,” is meticulously crafted to ensure it retains all the intricate details of the artist’s design. The wax is typically hollow, allowing for easy removal during the casting process. If the final statue is large or complex,
The mandate of the Tibet House US Repatriation Collection is to serve as a guardian collection for art and artifacts donated by generous collectors who are concerned about the future of Tibetan cultural heritage.
Selections of the Repatriation Collection are on view at Tibet House US at 22 west 15 street, NYC. https://collections.thus.org
IN MEMORIAM
Peggy Mellon Hitchcock Obituary, written by Sophia, Nuria & Wolfe Bowart, Kerry Negus and Michale Dwyer
Peggy Mellon Hitchcock, who devoted her life to a path of service, philanthropy and spiritual inquiry, passed at sunset on April 9th, 2024, at her home in Tucson, Arizona. She was surrounded by her family and close friends amid Tibetan Buddhist prayers and rituals.
Ms Hitchcock’s 90-year life described an immense arc from virtual American aristocracy to the experimental frontier of psychedelic therapy in the 1960s; yoga and alternative healing in subsequent decades; and pioneering 21st century research into mindfulness and compassion as tools for personal and social transformation.
In 1991, with encouragement from her lifelong friend Robert Thurman, she co-founded the non-profit organization Arizona Friends of Tibet, through which she arranged for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit Tucson for teachings in 1993 and 2005. She also served as an honorary director of Mr. Thurman’s Tibet House US.
and colorful life, especially given what she recalled as the “boring” expectations of her upbringing.
Peggy Hitchcock was the youngest daughter and the third of five children born to Margaret Mellon Hitchcock, the daughter of Gulf Oil patriarch William Larimer Mellon. Margaret’s second husband, Peggy’s father, was Tommy Hitchcock Jr., the celebrated hero of two world wars and a polo champion of historic renown.
It was the seminal trauma of her father’s early passing — he was killed in an aircraft research exercise in England in 1944, aged 44 — that inspired Ms. Hitchcock’s lifelong pursuit of healing therapies in myriad forms. A singer and lover of classical music and stage musicals, she briefly studied music at Columbia and Barnard before being swept up in the whirlwind of the New York jazz scene. Allen Eager and Miles Davis were close friends. Charles Mingus wrote Peggy’s Blue Skylight after a fixture in her Park Avenue apartment.
Indeed, from 1950s jazz society to the inner sanctum of Timothy Leary’s LSD revolution to trekking a newly opened Tibet in the late ‘80s, Peggy Hitchcock’s selfdetermination and sense of adventure made for an active
In her late 20s, Ms. Hitchcock was among the first subjects of psilocybin and LSD experiments conducted by Harvard psychologists Leary and Richard Alpert (later Ram Dass). She joined their first “psychedelic training” project in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, in the summer of ’62. Upon their expulsion from Harvard, she offered her family estate, Millbrook, for Leary, Alpert and Ralph
IN MEMORIAM
Metzner to continue their work.
Her first marriage to New York doctor Louis Scarrone in 1965 was short-lived. In 1968, through her associations with the ‘60s counterculture she met Walter Bowart, the founder and editor of New York underground journal The East Village Other, who became her second husband.
They left New York that year to begin a spiritual community in the southwest, leaving behind her family and social connections to begin a new life in Tucson. Ms. Hitchcock became a stepmother to Mr. Bowart’s son, Wolfe, then mother to daughters Sophia in 1971 and Nuria in 1973. In addition to starting a family, the couple founded Omen Press, a pioneering publishing house for metaphysical literature.
An avid yogi and seeker of wisdom and personal transformation, Ms. Hitchcock also became a student and friend to Pir Vilayat Khan, a teacher of the traditions of the Chishti Sufi order whose teachings derived from those of his father, Inayat Khan.
The marriage to Mr. Bowart ended in 1980. A third marriage, to attorney Larry Weisman, ended in divorce, after which Ms. Hitchcock returned to Tucson and a rededication to her spiritual path.
In 1989, Ms. Hitchcock participated in a Buddhist Kalachakra initiation in Santa Monica where she was introduced to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This critical meeting inspired her to focus her energies on Tibetan Buddhism, the preservation of Tibetan culture, and her own responsibility to service within her community.
Among many arts, educational, environmental and social justice concerns she supported over decades, in 2004 Ms. Hitchcock helped to launch the non-profit, nonpartisan organization AUDIT USA: Americans United for Democracy, Integrity, and Transparency in Elections whose mission is to create elections that are transparent, trackable, and publicly verified.
For the past twenty years, she supported innovative models to help build community and communicate across the divides of race and class with the organization Be
Present and its founder Lillie Allen.
Ms. Hitchcock also provided generous funding to help establish the Center for Compassion Studies at the University of Arizona. Executive Director Leslie Langbert said Ms. Hitchcock was “the benefactor at the forefront of what would become a larger movement - the seed that began a decade of teaching, outreach and research on compassion and mindfulness in many more academic centers dedicated to compassion studies in universities throughout the United States.”
In 1999, Ms Hitchcock met doctor and jazz saxophonist Allan Bayer at a Buddhist teaching weekend at her home in Tucson. Cancer would claim him after seven happy years. They married just before his passing in 2007.
Ms. Hitchcock’s elegance, the depth of her evolution, and the sparkle of her quick and bright mind were vibrantly reflected in her remarkable homes in Tucson, where she brought together people from around the world. Her family said Ms. Hitchcock’s motto was, “With love all things are possible.”
Peggy Hitchcock is survived by her older sister, Louise, younger brother Billy, her daughters Sophia and Nuria, stepsons Wolfe and Wythe, son-in-law Neil, daughter-inlaw Kerryn, and three grandchildren, Khalil, Aya and Ona.
Professor Emeritus Paul Jeffrey Hopkin passed away in Vancouver, just as we were going to press. Jeffrey was a close friend of mine since 1961, when we were classmates at Harvard as undergraduates, me class of ‘62 and he ‘63. In March of ‘63 he came to join me at Geshe Wangyal’s monastery in New Jersey, but Geshe la made him return to Harvard to graduate in June of that year. He then returned and spent 7 years studying there, before earning his PhD. at U. Wisconsin/Madison. He visited the Dalai Lama in 1972, and became his main interpreter for more than a decade (Geshe Wangyal la prophetically had prepared him by having him make special effort to study the colloquial language as well as the classical. Since establishing the premier Tibetan Studies program at UVA/Charlottesville, he taught dozens of outstanding students for over 30 years, translating and writing 50 excellent books himself. He was a friendly person and a national treasure! He will be back!
#LTRC–LOVE TIBET READERS UPDATES
DESTRUCTION OF ANCIENT CULTURAL MURALS AND THE DERGE DAM PROTEST
Image (L–R): #1 Buddha Akshobya from the Five Dhyani Buddhas, detail head. #2 Vairochana depicted in the form of SarvavidVairochana (Kunrig Nampar Nangdze in Tibetan) in the style of an Adi-Buddha with four faces, became particularly popular in the Sakya tradition and is depicted in a large mural at Wontö Monastery. #3 Derge Öntö Gön’s Dükhang’s Mural of Derge King with Four Main Masters. Just three of the many ancient murals that will go underwater with the dam construction flooding the Öntö Gön aka Derge Wontö Monastery, Derge District, Kham. Image credits: Naldjor — Institute for Movement and Tibetan Yoga
In this newsletter, we hope to create more awareness of major issues that are still causing untold suffering to our greater Tibetan family in China’s expansionist tight grip, and amidst the international Tibetan diaspora at large. Continued erosion of their ancient wisdom culture and precious artifacts resulted in the recent protests that led to more than a thousand arrests of villagers. Derge is famed for its woodblock printing of sacred texts.
DRICHU (DERGE) AND MACHU RIVER DAM PROTESTS
Quote from Dr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Representative of the Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia (Tibet House)
Ten sites along the Drichu River are being or will be dammed. On February 14, a peaceful protest arose in Derge County (Khampa region), part of the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where the Gangtuo (Kamtok)
hydropower project began work. Many were arrested and beaten in custody, including more severely, the senior monk administrator of Wonto Monastery and a Village official. There is widespread opposition to the dam construction as six heritage Tibetan monasteries will be submerged underwater. Thousands of Tibetans from Upper Wonto and Shipa villages also face forced relocation from their ancestral homes. Wonto Monastery, built in the 13th Century, is home to priceless murals of the time and will lose all its treasures. Local Tibetans argue that the project disregards the sacred nature of these sites, integral to Tibetan culture and religion.
The Derge Wontö Monastery by Drichu River, Derge District, Kham.
Image courtesy of ‘Students for a Free Tibet’ (SFT).
The dam provides hydropower only to Chinese cities and does not benefit the Tibetan villagers. A China report mentioned that: “More than 70% of (China) hydropower and water energy resources are concentrated in the Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet and Yunnan regions of the Greater Southwest China.” We can expect more ecological and cultural heritage to be lost in years to come.
Reportedly, there is not much of an environmental and social impact assessment from the China Huadian Group (in charge of the dam) or the Chinese authorities.
“Despite its claims to the contrary, China treats Tibet as a colony. It seeks resources at the expense of the Tibetan people’s well-being and culture.” (Dr.Tsewang Gyalpo Arya).
On April 13–15, both SFT (NY) and Eurasia Review reported that another heritage and culturally significant Tibetan site: Atsok Gon Dechen Choekhorling Monastery in Dragkar county (Xinghai) will be submerged and
destroyed with the Machu (Yellow) River dam. It is reported that 15,555 ethnic Tibetans will be relocated in this ‘Yangqu hydropower’ project: 24 towns and villages from Dragkar, Kawasamdo, and Mangra counties. Protests by the communities as usual have met with aggressive and unjust measures from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
“The monastery, founded in 1889 and named after its founder Atsok Choktrul Konchog Choedar, is home to more than 160 monks. In 2021, the government issued an order forbidding monks under the age of 18 from enrolling, or studying and living in the monastery. And while authorities have announced that the monks and residents of nearby villages will be relocated to Khokar Naglo, near Palkha township, no alternative housing has been built for the monks, the sources said.” (Eurasia Review)
(Map courtesy of www.MeltdowninTibet.com)
Note: The map dates from 2013, so it may not be accurate in terms of which dams have been completed. For instance, some megadams on the Mekong river are now in operation. However, as a general overview, the map is still accurate as to showing the insane intentions of China to destroy the rivers from Tibet. (Mick B. of “Meltdown in Tibet”).
THE “WATER TOWER OF ASIA”
In ancient times we thought only of our own locality, but now we have to think on a global level. We must consider all eight billion human beings alive today, those who will be born in the future, as well as the health of the entire planet. Global heating is very serious. If we don’t act to address it, the world will become intolerably hot. When I was a child in Tibet, the mountains around Lhasa were covered in deep snow. These days the snow is greatly reduced. We have to recognise how global heating, like the global economy, affects us all—and when it comes to taking action, warm-heartedness will give us inner strength. (HH Dalai Lama)
In a previous issue of Tibet House DRUM | Fall 2022 –Winter 2023,* pages 21–27, His Holiness Dalai Lama’s “Call to Climate Action,” H. H. spoke about the importance of greater international awareness of the big rivers flowing from the mountains of Tibet, Earth’s Third Pole: Brahmaputra, Mekong, and Yellow rivers, and their tributaries. H. H. brought our attention to the technology-derived “sweet water” for deserts, and the importance of being mindful about our “pure water” from earth’s natural resources.
His Holiness said,
“Now we already have the technology for sea water to be transformed to sweet water. Some areas of Arabia, and India also, are always very dry – desert sand. With sweet water, many of these areas can be cultivated, as green land. So, for the next few decades, or a few centuries, we can keep land green. Previously, we simply felt about water, just use it, with no responsibility for its purity…
…Now the reality is that this water is greatly reduced. And we have a responsibility to develop a concern for how to preserve it. So I really appreciate a group of people here now thinking of how to preserve this pure water. Wonderful.”
Altar of the Earth
The Life, Land, and Spirit of Tibet by Peter Gold
Altar of the Earth takes us on a vivid journey into the majestic environment of Tibet—its people, places and matters of the spirit. Published in 1987, this rare guidebook is still engaging, with written essays and stunning color photographs capturing the beauty and magnificence of Central Tibet’s most important sacred and natural places, events and ways of life-adding a dimension of understanding beyond that available in most guidebooks.
With his captivating style and artistic vision, Peter Gold leads us across rivers and mountain passes, towns and villages, and into temples, monasteries, shrines and homes for an intimate glimpse of the essence of Tibet.
Available at Amazon.com
You are invited to follow #LoveTibet publications for book posts. @facebook.com/lovetibetclub
“NEIDIBAN” or “INLAND BOARDING CLASSES” – Bullying of minorities continues, China-occupied unceded Tibetan territory
Image credit: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/15/opinion/chinatibet-boarding-school.html
Today the Tibetan population stands at roughly 7 million (according to the China census), subsumed in China’s overall population of 1.4 billion—the five large minorities therein of around 10 million, respectively: Zhuang, Hui, Manchus, Uyghurs, and Miao, and the smaller minorities of around 5 to 10 million, respectively: Yi, Tujia, Tibetans and Mongols; a total of approximately 85 million minorities. Assimilation, not multicultural is increasingly China’s policies. Observed Dr. Gyalo, Academic Researcher and Educational Sociologist:
In 2023, Dr. Gyalo reported in the New York Times that there are now “One Million Tibetan Children in China’s ‘Neidiban’ or ‘Inland Boarding Schools.’ ” Dr.Gyalo is instrumental in bringing this act—of taking the child as young as four away from the security of their family and communities into forced assimilation—to the world’s attention. He spoke again about what is ongoing in China today at a recent THUS event called, “The Role of the
Modern Tibetan Intellectual” with Prof. Emeritus Robert Thurman, Tibet House Co-founder and President, and Lhadon Tethong, Co-founder and Director, Tibet Action Institute.
Lhadon Tethong applauded the 21 United Nations Member States who spoke out for Tibet, especially Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and the United States. These countries recommended to China that it abolish its coercive colonial boarding school system intended to forcibly assimilate Tibetan children.
“You just do not in good conscience take young children away from their parents and families and communities and put them in boarding school at the rate that they are in Tibet,” said Lhadon Tethong, the Tibetan Canadian director of the U.S.-based tibetaction.net
Fernand De Varennes, former UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues stated on April 18, 2024, in New York:
“Sometimes I get the impression that we should name what is occurring in China, in Xinjiang, and also in Tibet, as this is not only a phenomenon of a series of massive violations of human rights, but something much bigger, in fact, much more systematic. And the name of the process is colonisation, erasure, and elimination of a civilization and a people in China”.
“I would say that what is occurring with Tibetans, with Uyghurs, and perhaps also with a few other minorities, is a form of Han nationalism—adopting a series of measures that involve massive violations of international human rights.”
This month on June 12, the House of Congress passed a bipartisan bill: ‘The Resolve Tibet Act to Counter Chinese Government Misinformation about Tibet; and to Push for Negotiation Between Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama to End Longstanding Dispute’. The Bill will now proceed to President Biden to be signed into law. You can read the Bill here: .congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senatebill/138/text Earlier, in August last year, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken announced that the US would restrict visas to Chinese officials behind the policy of state boarding schools.
The House of Commons in Canada published a comprehensive Report, “The Human Rights Situation of Tibetans and the Chinese Residential Boarding School and Preschool System,” with ten recommendations. Sadly, powerful news media have had few further news reports in 2024 about China’s policies violating basic human rights to one’s culture and freedom of faith.
“The teaching and administrative staff are uniformly Han Chinese, with the exception of a handful of minority teachers who are dispatched by the XUAR (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region) and TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) governments to serve as chaperones and indigenous counsellors. All classes are taught in Putonghua, with some Tibetan and Uyghur language classes provided in the early years but largely phased out as exam preparation intensifies. Outside of class, students are encouraged to shun their native languages, and in some cases are rewarded for doing so.”
(Excerpt from “Interior Ethnic Minority Boarding Schools: China’s Bold and Unpredictable Educational Experiment”; research by James Leibold, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.)
Below Image credit: Radio Free Asia (rfa.org/english/news/tibet/)
Child of Tibet
The Story of Soname’s Flight to Freedom by Soname Yangchen with Vicki Mackenzie (2007)
This book tells the remarkable story of Soname’s triumph over adversity, told against the backdrop of a turbulent and dangerous Tibet.
Soname was born in the harsh Tibetan countryside during the Chinese occupation. When she was just sixteen, Soname risked death in a freedom trek across the Himalayas, finally arriving in Dharamsala, home in exile of the Dalai Lama.
Even after managing to escape from Tibet, she faced further dangers and heartache in India, being forced by destitution to give her daughter away. Soname later managed to reach England, where she met and married an Englishman and came to live in Brighton.
Her hidden talent was discovered when she sang a traditional Tibetan song at a wedding reception, unaware that a member of a famous band was a guest. Concerts followed. Tracing her long-lost daughter has long been Soname’s preoccupation, and it is hoped that her daughter will finally join her in England later this year, 2007. Hers is a story of immense will, unbelievable courage and, above all, an indomitable, soaring free spirit. Available at Amazon.com
Tenzin Topdhen, Director, The Tibet Museum (Dharamshala)
Topdhen la, let’s start with some of the latest news you may wish to share about the Tibet Museum .
Topdhen: Thank you, there’s plenty to share. We’ve recently unveiled the “Self immolation” temporary exhibition as the 4th topic of the last financial year 2023–24. The earlier captivating exhibits showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Tibet are “Mapping Tibet” and “Shadow Circus and Numismatic Heritage of Tibet.” In 2024, we’re excited to introduce new projects focusing on preserving and promoting Tibetan art, history, and traditions. The 22nd of May is the launch date of “Self Arisen—Jowo Wati Zangpo,” followed by “Fragile Ecology of Tibet” and many more. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming exhibits and events on our website tibetmuseum.org.
In a recent issue, our newsletter highlighted that way back in 2011, His Holiness had alerted the world that the Tibetan Plateau (the Third Pole) was the source of major rivers flowing throughout Asia. Environmental degradation with ongoing excursions and developments from China will have a detrimental impact.
Topdhen: In my recent traveling exhibition around Central Europe, one of my key areas of talk was around the fragile ecology of Tibet having a direct impact on a population of 1.4 billion and humanity at large. The ongoing environmental degradation, spurred by developments and excursions from China, poses significant threats. GIS (Geographic Information System) technology has been instrumental in monitoring the impacted regions in Tibet. Through satellite imagery
and spatial analysis, we’ve gained insight into the severity of the situation. Reports and research reveal alarming levels of ecological degradation, including rampant logging, extractive mining, and infrastructure expansion, all of which are taking a heavy toll on Tibet’s delicate ecosystem. This underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address these challenges and preserve the ecological integrity of the region.
Could you please give readers an overview of the state of affairs of how the younger generation of the children of the Tibetan diaspora (now going into the 2nd or 3rd generations) are coping in terms of losing their connectedness to their ancestral land?
Topdhen: The younger 2nd or 3rd generations face a unique set of challenges in maintaining their connection to the ancestral land. While many still hold strong cultural and emotional ties to Tibet, the distance and geopolitical circumstances often create a sense of disconnection.
However, initiatives such as cultural education programs, language classes, and community events play a crucial role in nurturing a sense of identity and belonging among younger Tibetans in the diaspora. Additionally, advancements in technology and social media have provided avenues for them to stay connected with their heritage and engage with global Tibetan communities.
Despite the obstacles, the resilience and determination of the younger generation offers hope for the preservation and continuation of Tibetan culture and identity into the future.
How has the ‘Mapping Tibet’ project, and the Tibet Museum in general, helped alleviate this problem of loss of land and culture?
Topdhen: Through well researched and curated interactive exhibits, educational programs, and digital resources, “Mapping Tibet” provides a platform for younger generations to explore and reconnect with their ancestral land. By showcasing the rich history, traditions, and geographical significance of Tibet, it helps instill a sense of pride and identity among Tibetans living in diaspora, and serves as a space for dialogue and community engagement, fostering connections among individuals who share a common heritage. Overall, “Mapping Tibet” and the Tibet Museum play a vital role in preserving and promoting Tibetan culture, helping to alleviate the challenges of cultural loss and disconnection faced by younger generations.
What more do you think needs to be done?
Topdhen: From the perspective of the Tibet Museum, we are working towards “Tailored Outreach Programs”: targeted programs specifically designed to engage younger generations of Tibetans in the diaspora. As the Tibetan-exile diaspora is spread across more than 25 countries, we desperately need customised outreach for more effective impacts.
Digital Engagement Platforms: Expand the museum’s online presence and digital engagement platforms to reach younger audiences who may be geographically distant from physical museum locations. This could involve creating virtual exhibits, interactive educational resources, and social media campaigns aimed at connecting with and engaging younger Tibetans.
Youth Leadership Development: Empower younger Tibetans to take on leadership roles within the museum and broader Tibetan community. This could involve creating mentorship programs, internship opportunities, and youth advisory councils to give younger generations a voice in shaping the museum’s programming and outreach efforts.
Collaborative Partnerships: Forge partnerships with other cultural institutions, educational organizations, and youthfocused NGOs to amplify the museum’s impact and reach a wider audience of young Tibetans.
Let’s now turn our attention to MAN OF PEACE—The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. I heard from William Meyers, one of the coauthors of this wonderful graphic novel, that Tibet Museum will be doing an exhibit with enlarged photos of selected artwork, as well as considering fundraising for an animated film based on the graphic novel. Can you please elaborate on this?
Topdhen: Certainly! The graphic novel MAN OF PEACE tells the story of the Dalai Lama through vivid and engaging illustrations. The Tibet Museum may feature an exhibit showcasing enlarged photos of selected artwork from this graphic novel. If so, the exhibit aims to highlight the artistic and narrative richness of the novel, offering visitors a closer look at the illustrations that bring to life the Dalai Lama’s life story and teachings.
Additionally, the museum is considering an initiative to produce an animated film based on the graphic novel. This animated adaptation would expand the reach of the Dalai Lama’s story, making it accessible to a wider audience and preserving his legacy through a new and dynamic medium. Currently, we are targeting the animated version to be inaugurated on the 90th birthday of His Holiness, on July 6. Later, fundraising efforts would be needed to support the various stages of the film’s post-production, from animation to distribution, ensuring that the film captures the essence and spirit of the original graphic novel. This initiative was inspired by the positive feedback we received in 2022 for a small, previously animated section of the book, about the recognition of his reincarnation. It generated great interest from both Tibetan and non-Tibetan support groups.
Tibet House US hopes to get the Bodyig version out soon. Most of the translations are already completed. I wonder if you could also say something about how you feel, as an active part of the Tibetan diaspora yourself, what is the best way to get younger Tibetans who may now be as varied as the countries that have taken them in, each now educated in different languages and may not even know Bodyig— how do you get them excited about Man of Peace?
Topdhen: Rightly said. It’s always challenging for us to execute any initiative, and because of that we have our museum audio guide available in 11 different languages. The better side of the diverse Tibetan diaspora is that we now have
Tibetan communities in more than 25 different countries, advocating for Tibet in their host languages and raising the voice of Tibet more effectively and efficiently through bilingual and bicultural understanding.
Do you see the possibility of DIIR*–The Tibet Museum and THUS collaborating in fundraising as well as promoting MAN OF PEACE (English-Bodyig-German-Spanish) versions as an exhibit?
Topdhen: Oh definitely, we see great potential in a collaboration between DIIR–The Tibet Museum and THUS for fundraising and promoting the MAN OF PEACE exhibit in its various language versions. Such a partnership could enhance our reach and impact, benefiting both organizations and the broader community. (*DIIR: Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration)
Last but not least, please tell readers: will the Travelling Exhibition be going further afield to western lands?
The Travelling Exhibition is indeed planned to reach further afield, including destinations in western countries. Our goal is to share the rich cultural heritage and history represented in the exhibition with a global audience. The exile community census clearly shows a trend of an increasing number of Tibetans seeking life in the West, making it imperative for us to offer our travelling exhibition to the younger generation. This initiative aims to remind them of their roots and keep the flame of their struggle alive.
Our recent travelling exhibition in Central Europe was particularly encouraging, as we engaged with numerous new prospective supporters, students, and professionals (totaling 700 attendees), as well as Tibetan communities and existing support groups. They all found our visit fruitful and innovative in garnering international support.
Encouraged by this positive experience, we plan to extend our travelling exhibition to western countries. We believe this will further our mission of cultural preservation and advocacy, building on the momentum we have gained in Europe. We look forward to collaborating with local organizations, educational institutions, and community groups to make this initiative a success.
DREAMS and TRUTHS from the OCEAN of MIND
Memoirs of Pema Lodoe, the Sixth Sogan Tulku of Tibet
A Tibetan lama tells his life story, from childhood with nomadic parents to his entrance into a monastic community, participation in Buddhist retreats, recognition as a reincarnated lama, meeting with the present 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, and studying and training in the Dzogchen tradition of Buddhism for service as a teacher to the world—based for the last ten years in California.
Sogan Rinpoche’s account of his life evokes the beauty of the Tibetan land and people and their unique Dharma culture. It also bears witness to the destruction and oppression of Tibetan culture by the communist colonialism of the government of the People’s Republic of China, while inspiring us with the survival in extremity of Buddhist ethics and education. He describes his beloved Golok homeland in the northeast Tibetan region of Amdo, now carved up into Chinese provinces. He vividly evokes the wisdom and kindness of his parents
and grandmother, and of his extraordinary teachers who survived harsh treatment in the Chinese gulags. His unflinching description of the harsh cruelty of the Chinese invaders of Tibet forces us to confront the reality of senseless, amoral actions of people driven by delusive convictions and emotions, while his ability to still appreciate the humanness of Tibet’s enemies reflects the generous and tolerant Tibetan spirit.
Finally, his detailed and sensitive sharing of his remarkable process of inner development allows us to witness how human beings can stretch themselves to encompass truly challenging teachings and practices and emerge with open eyes and open heart, while maintaining humility and positive intentions. The “truths” that he shares are the deep, experiential Buddha teachings, especially the exquisite, expansive wisdom view and compassionate practice and ethic of the Nyingma Dzogchen.
MAN OF PEACE – Tibetan version
Updates by Michael G. Burbank, Coauthor and Letterer
Michael, what are your hopes and thoughts in 2024 for the Tibetan version of Man of Peace? What kind of impact do you hope it will have?
Michael Burbank: It’s very, very exciting for us to be finishing the Tibetan version of the Man of Peace graphic novel for a couple of different reasons. First, it’s the kind of book that is accessible to people of almost all ages, and of course, you know the Tibetans are very familiar with the situation in Tibet, and almost all of the Tibetans know about the Dalai Lama. But this is really a story about Tibetans and what the Tibetans have been through. It’s nominally about the Dalai Lama, but it’s really about the national struggle to maintain the Buddhist culture and its own integrity in the face of one of the most brutal and oppressive governments and military invasions in history. So we feel that it’s very good in terms of helping to give a voice to Tibetans, especially those living in Tibet, whose own voice has been suppressed.
been published in English, the major part of the work is the translation and then lettering it properly. When you translate for a conventional book, it’s easy, you just translate the language and there’s not much formatting that has to happen, but for a graphic novel, it’s different. Because of the lettering, which is what I am doing, if you change even a little bit of the shape of the words or the amount of translated word space, the text balloon is no longer useful, and you either have to spend time adjusting the balloon and all the graphics, or you need to create a new balloon.
At this point, we have a little bit of translation left to do, and also the sound effects, like, “BOOM!” Tenzin Norbu, the brilliant Tibetan translator who is volunteering his time to do this, is thinking about that. I know there aren’t many graphic novels in Tibetan, so there’s not much precedent. But I told him to think about sounds in Tibetan that sound like explosions or gunfire or something like that. And he can sort of make it up. So once that’s translated and I think that’s going to be soon, we just have a little bit more lettering to do, and then we’ll have a full draft. Then it needs to be proofread, minor corrections made, and then we’ll be done.
It’s also the fulfillment of promises we made to ourselves, which is to do that for His Holiness in his own language. Man of Peace was intended for His Holiness’s 80th birthday, but we were two years late. Initially, the hope was to deliver it to His Holiness at the 2017 January Kalachakra initiation in Bodhgaya, but it was only nearing completion, not finally launched until March 2017.
Michael, can you give us an update on the current efforts to translate Man of Peace for the Tibetan readers?
Michael: I think it’s possible to complete the first draft of it by His Holiness’s birthday this year. Since Man of Peace has already
Marion Gehlker and William Meyers recently completed the translation for the German version as well.
Michael: Yes, and that’s because his wife, Marion, is German so it was natural for them to start doing it themselves. I heard it still needs quite a bit more work. Tibet House wanted to do a Tibetan version from early on and into many languages actually, even in Chinese, to try to counter the propaganda among Chinese immigrants in the West, or get it into Taiwan— anywhere where it can help to counter the terrible propaganda that the Chinese communists still pretend is the truth. I think the difficulty is because we are nonprofit and the resources are limited. We would like to publish it in eight languages or something like that.
Pages in Man of Peace illustrating the search for and discovery of H. H. the 14th Dalai Lama in his home village.
the lettering. And so I developed arthritis in my neck. It’s gotten better now, because I do exercises and I don’t spend as much time with the computer. But it was so worth it to make this a reality and be able to share this wonderful story with so many people. Otherwise, we would just get lost, right? China’s dream is to get the truth lost. Then not only the world doesn’t know it, the younger Tibetans won’t know it.
It is actually very important, in fact that it’s graphic because then people get a sense that they are living through it rather than, you know, reading the words. If you’re a young Tibetan and you’ve already lost the hold on your culture and your land, the traditions and the
continuation are destroyed, and you aren’t able to even visualize what it feels like, right?
Michael: That’s right. And the Tibetan Museum in Dharamshala, India, has made an animated version of the first part of Man of Peace, and they hope to make the entire book into an animation using the original art in the book, and voice-overs, and some camera techniques to give it some movement
It was very, very powerful to see when we were there, two or three years ago. And, they’re hoping to continue and make the whole series. I think then that becomes even more accessible, especially for the very young populations..
Pages in Man of Peace illustrating the Regent and advisers on a pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Lhamo Lhatso.
Pages in Man of Peace: “1936—Tibet’s Northeastern Province of Amdo... the village of Taktser...”
Starting as a teenager at Marvel Comics in New York, working and learning alongside the industry’s top creators, Steve has been an illustrator, author, small-press publisher, and the head of two boutique digital-art studios.
Tibet House US–Publications is grateful that Steve managed to find time, despite being in the highly competitive Game industry, for this interview about his role as Art Director for Man of Peace, the graphic-novel version of H.H. Dalai Lama’s life story.
Steve, please tell us about how you got involved?
Steve Buccellato: Tibet House contacted me after meeting with one of my colleagues at DC Comics—Marie Javins, who has since become their Editor-in-Chief. At that time, the Man of Peace graphic novel had been in production for several years, but progress had been very slow. Marie suggested that William Meyers and Robert Thurman, both coauthors, talk to me about how to fix this since my studio
“Legendhaus” had experience creating similar custom content for other clients.
What were the much-sought-after skills or experience that Tibet House US needed from Legendhaus?
Steve: When I was first approached by William Meyers, my Legendhaus artists and I were mainly creating what we refer to as “custom comics” for various corporate and not-for-profit organizations. For example, at the time I was freelance editing corporate product crossovers for DC Comics, and creating art for several stories published by Rotary International and the Lions Club. Somehow I fell into this specialized niche of comics storytelling, probably due to my previous involvement with nonfiction comics—in particular, a “graphic biography” of Ronald Reagan.
In any case, the Tibet House project was a great fit, and surprisingly enjoyable to work on. I especially like the challenges involved with doing research and referencing other time periods. Also, this book had something
Storyboard editing by Steve.
genuinely interesting to say, beyond merely being entertaining.
You mentioned that had already been in production for several years. What were some of the problems you were brought in to help out with?
Steve : Well, as I recall, the book was originally conceived as a collaboration with a Tibetan artist who was hand-painting the pages using oil paints or acrylics —a daunting task! When you consider the volume of work necessary to tell a story of this magnitude, it just isn’t realistic for one artist to do it alone. At first, I tried speeding things up by creating pencil layouts for the artist to paint over, but he was not used to conventional sequential graphic novel storytelling methods, and my efforts ended up slowing things even more.
aspects of his early life where no visual references could be found, including some people and places. Some historic locations no longer exist. When we could find no reference, we had to fall back on imagination.
Steve, it is truly amazing that you and your team managed to not just pull off the graphics needed, created from scratch, but to produce it all par excellence in depicting the life and times of the events—the spiritual motifs, the historical scenes and costumes—truly impressive! At the time, were you in New York or L.A.?
Steve: I was based in L.A.
It became clear that we needed to find a new way to work or abandon the project. I proposed a new process, using a team of digital painters and some of my regular Legendhaus collaborators to create the art. Tibet House accepted, and we started anew.
Steve, give us a broad stroke about stage one in developing the graphic-novel project.
Steve: First, I worked closely with William and his written script. I’d draw “thumbnails” or “storyboards,” working out how to pace the drama and action, and how each page would be composed visually. These were pretty loose sketches but incorporated the massive amounts of visual reference the team needed.
This project was challenging because of its historical nature—almost all the characters, locations and situations were real—and we wanted to make everything as authentic as possible. In addition, the book includes a lot of cultural references and imagery that were new to me, requiring a ton of research. One problem we encountered repeatedly was due to the Dalai Lama’s long lifetime; there were many
Was it the “before the exile” period (His Holiness coming out to the world) when the story was happening within historical Tibet, and the armed resistance—that you found a scarcity of material?
Steve: Yes, the earliest years were the most challenging to find visual records for reference, but I think that is pretty normal for this kind of historical recreation. As the story progresses and His Holiness and the rest of his companions become more prominent public figures, it was easier to find photographic reference materials. And this is true of places and objects as well; once we get into the later 20th century and into the 21st century, well, you can find photos of anything. You can find out what people ate for lunch on a particular day!
If one of the sub-stories was known yet too complex to be drawn out – did you have to drop the sub-story?
Steve: Not really. It’s possible that William and Robert cut certain story threads out of the script before sharing it with me—that can happen for a hundred reasons—but the art team and I did our best to be as accurate as possible with the scenes we were tasked to illustrate.
In any kind of adaptation, you have to take certain liberties. There’s no such thing as a perfect recreation of a real event or moment. Every book or film depicting a story based on true events relies on the storytellers to imagine the missing parts; whether that’s dialogue that nobody was around to hear, the particular clothes they were wearing on a given day, etc. And of course, everything they include or leave out creates a subjective interpretation of those events. Comics or graphic novels are the same. Thank you for all of that. Getting back to the process— what was the next step?
Steve: After my thumbnail drawings were approved, they were given to another artist—the very talented and skilled Don Hudson—who would take my rough sketches and draw them “for real” in pencil. [See the images provided in this story.] Don would work out the fundamental basis
#1
#2
Steve, what are the names of the three international artists? Looking at the illustrations and their astounding realism, they must be the cream of the crop in digital art!
Steve: Of course! All three are digital artists working as illustrators and concept artists, primarily in the comics and gaming industries. Kinsun Loh is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Andrei Pervukhin is from Voronezh, Russia; and Miranda Meeks is from Salt Lake City, Utah, here in the U.S.
How did you discover these particular digital artists from the many incredibly talented artists of the world?
Steve: I felt very lucky to have assembled this team of talented artists. They were chosen because I knew that they’d deliver the look and feel that I felt was necessary for this project, and I’d worked with a couple of them before, so I knew I could rely on them to stick with the job,
#3
The making of the Man of Peace graphic novel—Steve’s first round of pencil layouts or “thumbnails,” #1; followed by Don Hudson’s original detailed sketches, #2; and finally, the digital artists’ overlay of colored digital painting, #3.
for every panel in the book; making sure the perspective, structure and scale of everything was correct and believable, making sure any objects were technically correct (including all vehicles, weapons, costumes, etc.), and providing the basic likenesses of all historical characters. Don’s contributions were enormous, and the book would not have been possible without him. Next, the pencil art was distributed to our team of digital painters—three artists from around the world who brought Don’s pencils to life— beautifully rendered in living color!
which took a couple of years to complete. Because we were creating art digitally it was easy for us to work together, even though we were all in different time zones. The fact that the team was assembled from different countries wasn’t an intentional choice, but I do believe that our international collaboration adds something to the project.
Interesting. It would have been nice if some Tibetan thangka-trained artists could have participated in some of the more ornamental part breaks or dividers...
(Previous page) from pages depicting “Young Tenzin Gyatso, incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, begins to realize who he is...”
Steve: I agree with you. People want to read authentic voices, but I do think William and Robert’s research and the sources they drew from provide that perspective. I understand the power of representation, and I’ve witnessed it first-hand many times in venues like Comic-Con. Persons of color and from marginalized groups react with palpable interest and admiration when confronted with characters— and creative people—who look like them. It’s especially true of kids, in my experience. There’s a connection and an aspirational dynamic that can’t be denied.
It’s a complicated subject that I’ve thought about a lot, but to keep this about Man of Peace, our choice of artists was purely based on their skills and their ability to get the work done promptly. I’d worked with most of the art team before on other projects, so I knew I could count on them
(This page) from pages depicting “At the Jokhang Cathedral for the Monlam festival...Examination during the Great Prayer Festival...”
Steve, I know Art Directors are often the driving force behind a creative project, and I wonder if you are completely satisfied with the outcome of the graphic novel?
Steve: I’m not sure about what I’d change. Originally we planned something totally different for the part openers, and we commissioned some lovely portraits of His Holiness by the illustrator Jon VanFleet that we didn’t use in the book. I would have liked to find another way to use them— on the text pages, or somewhere else.
In terms of visual style for Man of Peace , you were managing international artists, all with independent creative styles. It would be interesting to know how you managed to present their artwork in an organic flow that appears as if one artist had done it all.
to deliver. That said, it definitely would have been ideal to have thangka-trained artists contribute—especially for those part dividers, to provide more authenticity. I would do that differently today, if I could.
Steve: Actually, I can see a real difference between the work of all three, because I’m very close to their work. But I’m glad to hear that you objectively feel the art flows together seamlessly! Of course, we were aware that this could be a potential problem, so we divided the work among the artists by chapter and included breaks in between to avoid any jarring differences. That said, I don’t think it would be such a problem if there had been three very distinct styles—
I think the main reason that the book has a unified look is because of the work that Don and I did, which forms the foundation of every single page. The layouts and “under-drawings” are consistent throughout, and the style shows through.
Besides managing the artists and storyboards, I wonder if you had other responsibilities?
Steve: At each step of the process, my job was to oversee the art team, make sure they understood what they were working on, had what they needed, and also that they were happy and paid regularly! But mostly, I was a conduit between the writers and the art team, providing artists with feedback. Often that would be related to historical likenesses of the characters and other details important to the script, but sometimes it was aesthetic as well; making sure the compositions remained clear and easy to understand.
Comicrafts sound effects in Man of Peace ’ pages— ”..mortar shell explodes in lake of Norbulingka...”
Finally, when the art was completed, we brought in my friends at Comicraft to provide beautiful sound-effects lettering, which helped pull the whole thing together visually.
Since we’re here, could you tell us, in terms of workmanship, what is different between a Marvel comic and a graphic novel like Man of Peace? Any interesting points...
Steve: Indeed, Man of Peace didn’t have as many sound effects as a classic action-oriented comic book, but we used a few! Below are a couple of examples where we used the technique for dramatic effect: Personally, I am a big fan of this kind of lettering. Some modern comic book creators and fans find sound effects lettering to be old-fashioned and feel that it’s more serious or sophisticated to avoid onomatopoeia and bombastic display lettering completely, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Unlike film or animation, comics have to work harder to depict sounds and motion,
and sound-effect lettering is one of the unique tools we have to play with. To me, scenes become cold and uninteresting without the addition of this visualization of “sound.” In Man of Peace we used the technique sparingly, but with great dramatic effect, I hope.
Steve, this is a politically sensitive question: Man of Peace is a historically unique narrative of how one small nation lost its independence and is still struggling with this loss today—at a time, post–WWII, when many other smaller
nations were getting liberated and regaining independence. So, it must be extra painful for the Tibetans. Did you feel Man of Peace illustrated this point at all?
Steve: I agree, it is impossible to avoid being political when dealing with subjects like those we tackled in Man of Peace. When it comes down to it, all history is subjective, and Man of Peace is told from the perspective of injured,
oppressed people whose very identity is threatened. Even with its globe-spanning storyline that covers several decades of history, it is still a very personal story with a distinct point of view, and I hope the book illustrates that perspective well.
And what were your feelings about the China part as the aggressor—from an artistic project point of view— were there any emotions or questions in treating this subject?
Libraries in Canada, for example, haven’t been accepting Man of Peace may be for whatever reasons, since they have shelves for graphic novels, perhaps due to its political sensitivity .
Steve: Now that’s a more political question than artistic. It’s obvious why China would boycott such material, but I’m surprised to learn that Canada would also deny readers access to Man of Peace. I’m no expert, but that seems to indicate an agenda that transcends marketplace concerns.
Man of Peace pages on the March 10, 1962 –China invades Indian territories...
Comicrafts sound effects added –March 10, 1962 China invades Indian territories.
I’d be curious to learn more about that. As for my feelings, I’m not sure they’re particularly relevant. My role on Man of Peace was to provide artwork that accurately depicted the text as written by William Meyers and Robert Thurman. The story and its politics are their vision, and my team and I did our best to bring that vision to life.
Individual readers may or may not agree with that vision, but unpopular viewpoints certainly shouldn’t be suppressed. The very concept is anathematic to artistic expression, which relies on strong personal perspectives, provocation, and controversy. China may dominate this narrative, but the lesser-known story of the plight of Tibet and its people is an underdog story that is irresistible, fascinating, and worth telling. I hope we did it justice and made it accessible by choosing the popular graphic-novel form.
Comicrafts sound effects in Man of Peace pages—”Slaves of the Communist work camps.”
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet
The great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet has become the first global Dalai Lama, a prominent transnational leader of all who want to make the dramatic changes actually necessary for life on earth to thrive for centuries to come. Considered the incarnation of the Buddhist savior Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara—archangel of universal compassion—he is believed to appear in many forms, at many different times, whenever and wherever beings suffered. Representing the plight of his beloved Tibetan people to the world, he has also engaged with all people who suffer oppression and injustice, as recognized in 1989 by his being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Most importantly, the Dalai Lama walks his talk throughout these pages, as he has throughout his life, and he radiates a powerful hope that we can and will prevail.
Man of Peace presents the inside story of His Holiness’s amazing life and vision, in the high tension of the military occupation of Tibet and the ongoing genocide of its people—a moving work of political and historical nonfiction brought to life in the graphic-novel form.
After they had scripted the first of a projected ten parts, William Meyers worked for over 20 years to fulfill his and his late wife’s promise to make the story of the Dalai Lama’s altruistic life better known and more accessible to young people— in the form of a graphic novel. His good friend and publisher, coauthor Robert A. F. Thurman, President of Tibet House US, the Dalai Lama’s Cultural Center in America, helped to fund the ambitious project and bring it to completion. The third coauthor, and graphic letterer, Michael G. Burbank, has dedicated his life’s work to making Tibetan Buddhist culture more widely understood by his and future generations through his work at Tibet House US–Menla Mountain Retreat.
The graphic artistry in Man of Peace is a concerted team effort of five artists coordinated by master artist/designer Steve Buccellato of Legendhaus Studio in Los Angeles. The history itself that’s embedded in the graphic novel makes it a worthy investment for readers who wish to support a Tibet where human rights, higher knowledge and a life-respecting, life-loving future are duly recognized and respected.
Purchase: THUS.org/man-of-peace-dalai-lama-book
THUS MEMBERS
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS.
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions above basic membership:
Jonathan Anderson | Ursel Barnes | Stephanie Beaudett | Ina Becker, MD | Peter Bokor | Madeline Breckinridge | Jeffrey Brody | Michael Bruzik | Julia Calnek | Sandra Chedi | Drolma Chodron | Anthony Cholst | Kapil Chopra | Katherine Collins | Sandra Constantine | Katherine Cook | Adina Dabija | Christopher Smith & Dawn Carey | Candra Docherty | Jim Dove | Mehera Shanti Durkee | Jessie Jo Egersett | Pamela Farkas | Kimberly Ferrari | Jonathan Garfin | Patricia Gift | Stephen Gould | Gary Greenberg | Camille Grosdidier | Paul Harrison | Lyle Henderson | Heather Henson | Holly A. Hyde | Danji Jiang | Bon Johanna-Ima | Gregory Kaufman | Jim Kelly | Abbe Krieger | David L. Phillips | Allison Landry | Chris Langdon | John Loomis | Ryan Magnussen | Sandra Magnussen | Cheryl Manganella | Helen Mangano | Hesham Masoud | Moira McCaul | Mark Molle | Ned Mudd | Susanna Nicholson | Scott Noteboom | Don Parris | Elizabeth Peyton | National Philanthropic | Laura Pintchik | Maura Rampolla | John Rezk | Eric Ripert | Sybil Robson Orr | Mike Romoff | James Maher & Sara | Levenson | Brian Saul | Dara Schreiber | Milus Scruggs | Elizabeth Sobol | Cordelia Tappin | Robert Thurman | Matthias von Reusner | Laurie Ware | Virginia Warner | Paul L. Weber | Monica Winsor Jeanette Witten | Ivan Zimmerman
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DIRECTORY
TIBET HOUSES
Tibet House- New Delhi Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama 1, Institutional Area, Lodhi Rd. New Delhi 110003 INDIA
Phone: + (91) 8447218959 office@tibethouse.in
The House of Tibet-Sweden
Svensk tibetanka Skol Vivstavarvsvägen 200, 122 43 Enskede SWEDEN
Phone: + (46) 8-643 49 47 info@tibet-school.org https://tibet-school.org
Casa Del Tibet Barcelona
Fundació Casa del Tíbet Carrer Rossello 181 08036 Barcelona SPAIN
Phone: +(34) 93-207-5966 info@casadeltibetbcn.org https://casadeltibetbcn.org
TibetHaus Deutschland
Georg-Voigt Straße 4 60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany +49 (69) 7191 3595 info@tibethaus.com https://tibethaus.com
Tibet House Brasil Alameda Lorena, R.Guara, 108-Loja2- Jardins Paulista
São Paulo- SP, 01425000 BRAZIL
Phone: +55 (11) 3889-0646 info@tibethouse.org.br https://tibethouse.org.br
Tibet House Holland Pakhuisplein 41 1531 MZ Wormer
THE NETHERLANDS
Phone: +(31) 0-6-43119269
Tibet House California 2620 Capitol Avenue Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 672 1048 https://thcal.us
Casa Tibet Mexico
Orizaba 93, Roma Nte. Cuauhtémoc, 06700
Ciudad de México CDMX
México
Phone: +52 (55) 5514 7743 https://casatibet.org.mx/
Tibet House Foundation
Varosmajor u. 23
Budapest XII 1122 HUNGARY
Phone: + (36-1) 355-1808
Tibet Culture House – Italy
Via P. Pascoli 29 20093 Cologno Monzese Milano, ITALY
Phone: + (02) 2532-287
https://tibetculturehouseitaly. org | info@tibetculturehouse.org
Tibet House Foundation
Italy facebook.com/ Tibethousefoundation Italy
Tibet House Moscow
Rozhdestvensky Blvd, 19 107045, Moscow RUSSIA
Phone: + (7) 905 517-51-70 moscow@tibethouse.ru https://tibethouse.ru
Tibet House Switzerland Foundation
Via Maggio 1 6900 Lugano SWITZERLAND
Phone: + (41) 76 571 7273
Tibet Open House Cultural Center in Prague, Czechia
Ven. Yeshi Gawa
Phone: +420 (720) 158-196
Email: yeshi@tibetopenhouse. cz https://tibetopenhouse.cz
Školská 28, 110 00 Praha 1-Nové
Mesto, Czechia
TIBET ORGANIZATIONS
Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture (CTAC) 1825 Eye St. NW St. 400 Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-828-6288 info@tibetanculture.org https://tibetanculture.org
Dokham Chushi Gangdruk
Contact: Gyatso New York, USA
Phone: (917) 361-8566
Email: contact@ chushigangdruk.org
International Campaign for Tibet
1825 Jefferson Place,NW Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: (202) 785-1515 info@savetibet.org https://savetibet.org
International Tibet Independence Movement
26 S. Bottom Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Phone: (773) 398-1178 rangzen@aol.com https://rangzen.org
Office of Tibet 1228 17th Street NW Washington, DC, 20036 Phone: (202) 948-2986 otdc@tibet.net https://tibetoffice.org
Students for a Free Tibet
602 East 14 Street, 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10009 Phone: (212) 358-0071 info@studentsforafreetibet.org https://studentsforafreetibet.org
The Tibet Fund 241 East 32 Street New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 213-5011 https://tibetfund.org
Tibet Justice Center
440 Grand Avenue, Suite 425 Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: (510) 486-0588
tjc@tibetjustice.org https://tibetjustice.org
Tibetan Community of NY & NJ
57-12 Tibet Way, 32nd Ave Woodside, NY 11377
Phone: (347) 612-3407 https://tcnynj.org info@tcnynj.org
United States –Tibet Committee (USTC) 241 East 32 Street
New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 481-3569
ustc@igc.org https://ustibetcommittee.org
Voices of Tibet Tibetan Oral History Project 595 Main Street, Suite 203 New York, NY 10044 Contact: Tashi Chodron Phone: (212) 355-1527 tashi@voicesoftibet.org
FRIENDS OF TIBET ORGANIZATIONS
Bay Area Friends of Tibet 1310 Fillmore Street, Ste. 401 San Francisco, CA 94115 Phone: (415) 409-6353
bafot@friends-of-tibet.org https://friends-of-tibet.org
Los -Angeles Friends of Tibet
https://facebook.com/ Los-Angeles-Friends-ofTibet-132968430570/ friends@latibet.org
Project Tibet Inc. 403 Canyon Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: (505) 982-3002
DIRECTORY
San Diego Friends of Tibet
Gaden Shartse Cultural Foundation
Contact: Lobsang Wangchuk
Phone: 562-225-3072 wangchuk1943@gmail.com
Santa Barbara Friends of Tibet
315 Meigs Road #A-104
Santa Barbara, CA 03909
Contact: Kevin Young Phone: (805) 564-3400 Email: keviny42@hotmail.com
Tibetan Bridge
Phone: (347) 935-1929 Fax: (212) 290-0214 samten@tibetanbridge.org https://tibetanbridge.org
Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
3655 S Snoddy Rd Bloomington, IN 47401
Phone: (812) 336-6807 https://tmbcc.org tmbcc.kcl@gmail.com
RESTAURANTS
BaRo 1376 Restaurant and Bar
75-32 Broadway Elmhurst, NY 11373
Phone: (781) 475-4434
Cafe Himalaya
78 E 1st Street
New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 358-0160
Dawa’s Tibetan Restaurant *
51-18 Skillman Ave, Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 899-8629
Gakyizompe
47-11 47th Avenue
Flushing, NY 11377
Phone: (917) 832-6919
Himalayan Curry House
254 West 108th Street (Uptown)
New York, NY 10025
Phone: (212) 749-7800
220 East 53rd Street (Midtown)
New york, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 861-1060
himalayancurryhousenyc.com
Himalayan Yak Restaurant*
72-20 Roosevelt Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 779-1119
Khampa Kitchen*
75-15 Roosevelt Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (347) 507-0216
Lhasa Liang Fen 8007 Broadway
Queens, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 806-1712
Lhasa Tibetan Restaurant
NYC*
177 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 917-388-2230
Lhasa Tibetan Restaurant (Queens)*
76-03 37th Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: 347-952-6934
Lungta Restaurant
75-16 Broadway
Jackson Heights, NY 11373
Phone: (917) 745 1777
MOMO Ramen
78 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 622-4813
Momo Ramen
160 Havemeyer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (347) 529-5999/ (347)463-9773
Nagma Restaurant*
83-17 Broadway
Elmhurst, NY 11373
Phone: (347) 730-6117
NY Lhasa Liang Fen
74-17 Roosevelt Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 779-6777
Om Wok Restaurant*
40-13 78th Street
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (929) 615-2827
Om Wok Restaurant*
89017 Northern Boulevard
Queens, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 639-8800
Phayul*
37-65 74 Street 2nd Floor
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 424-1869
Phayul Restaurant*
37-59 74 Street
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 433-9688
Spicy Tibet*
75-04 Roosevelt Ave
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 779-7500
Tibetan Japanese Restaurant
75-26 37th Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 440-9359
Trisara Restaurant & Bar*
72-19 Roosevelt Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (347) 808-0033
Wasabi Point*
76-18 Woodside Avenue Elmhurst, NY 11373
Phone: (718) 205-1056
STORES
CC Brow Bar
78 West 47th Street Ste. 303, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (917) 472 7748/ (703) 997-4157
Danang Publications: Himalayan Plaza (929) 510-7077
Danang Tsongkhang (store) Himalayan Plaza 76-11 37th Avenue, Suite 201 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 (347) 730-4983
Dharmaware Inc. 7 Maple Lane Woodstock, NY 12498 Intl: (845) 679-4900 https://dharmaware.com
Distinctly Himalayan Imports Wholesale 300 Enterprise Drive Kingston, NY 12401 Phone: (845) 876-6331 sales@distinctlyhimalayan.com https://distinctlyhimalayan.com
Do Kham* 117 1st Avenue New York, NY 10003 Phone: (212) 966-2404 https://dokham.com
Dolma Inc.* 417 Lafayette Street, Fl. 2 New York, NY 10003 Phone: (212) 460-5525 dolmarugs@gmail.com https://dolmarugs.com
dZi –Tibet Collection Phone: 800-318-5857 info@tibetcollection.com https://dzi.com
Eastern Knots, Inc.*
Handmade Tibetan Rugs 3263 33rd Street Long Island City, NY 11101
Himalayan Arts Gift Shop* 10 Main Street #408 New Paltz, NY 12561 Phone: (845) 256-1940
Himalayan Eyebrow Threading Salon
75 West 47th St. 2 Fl. New York, NY 10036 Phone: (212) 840-0084
Jewels of Buddha group
28-42 Steinway Street
Astoria, NY 11103
obelgasi@hotmail.com jphuntsok@yahoo.com
Phone: (718)-880-8172
Karma Nepal Craft*
266 Bleeker Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (918) 926-0834
Karma Nepal CraftBrooklyn 169 Seventh Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (918) 926-0834
Kathmandu Artifacts*
4625 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Phone: (412) 742-4461
Kunye Tibetan Healing Center:
Himalayan Plaza, 76-11 37th Avenue, Suite 201 Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 255-1622
Kyichu Tibetan Handicrafts*
45-53 47th Street
Sunnyside, NY 11377
Phone: (929) 522-0207
Land of Buddha I 20%*
11 St. Mark’s Place New York, NY 10003
Phone: (646) 602-6588
Mandala Tibet – Park Slope* 59 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 789-0071 https://mandalatibet.com
Mandala Tibet –Bedford* 132 North 5th Street Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 302-0005 mandalanyc@gmail.com https://mandalatibet.com
Modern Tibet–Wholesale*
86-30 Chelsea Street
Jamaica, NY 11432
Contact: Tsering Naktsang Karma Yangzom Phone:
(917) 912-8788
Phone: (917) 470-8310
https://moderntibet.com
PEMA Boutique
187 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211 (347) 916-1517
Pemcho Design
Designer Pema Chodon
Phone: (718) 205-7820
pemcho4@hotmail.com
Potala Tibetan Store
46-07 90th Street
Elmhurst, NY 11373
Phone: (917) 400-5795
https://potala.com
Tea Tibet
Dr Tashi Rapten
Phone: (845)-612-7717
https://teatibet.org
Tibet Gallery*
1909 9th Street, Ste. 120 Boulder, CO 80302
Contact: Tenzin Pasang
Phone: (303) 402-0140
https://tibetgallery.net
Tibet Home
417 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 460-5688
https://tibet-home.com
Tibetan Art & Crafts*
7 Rock City Road
Woodstock, NY 12498
Phone: (845) 679-2097
https://tibetanartsncrafts.com
Tibetan Market*
40-23 76th Street
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (929) 423-5653
https://tibetanmarketnyc.com
Vision of Tibet I
76 Main Street
New Paltz,, NY 12561
Phone: (845) 633-8541
Vision of Tibet II
416 Main Street
Rosedale, NY 12472
Phone: (845) 658-3838
Windhorse Trading Inc.
33-31 71st Street.
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Phone: (718) 606-9565
TIBETAN AGENCY
Jamling Law Firm
37-32 75th St. 2nd Floor
Jackson Heights, NY 11373
Phone: (718) 500-3141
https://jamlinglaw.com
Tibetan Care
349 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Phone (646) 599-2645
Email:pema@tibetancarenyc. com
https://tibetancarenyc.com
Tibetan Nannies
68-01 Central Avenue
Glendale, NY 11385
Phone: (646) 266-9694
Tibetan Nanny 14 Wall Street, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Phone: 866MY-NANNY
info@tibetannanny.com
Tibetan Practitioner
Meridian Medical Group
Dr. Choeying Phuntsok
102 E. 30th Street
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 683-1221
TIBETAN BUDDHIST STUDY CENTERS
Center for Buddhist Studies
Columbia University
80 Claremont Ave, Room 303
New York, NY 10027
Phone: (212) 851-4122
https://cbs.columbia.edu/
Center for Dzogchen Studies
157 Northfield Rd. Litchfield, CT 06759
Phone: (203) 387-9992
https://dzogchenstudies.com
Chuang Yen Monastery
2020 Route 301
Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512
Phone: (845) 225-1819
https://baus.org
Danang Library: Himalayan Plaza 76-11 37th Avenue Suite 201 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 (929) 510-7077
Deerpark Buddhist Center 4548 Schneider Drive Oregon, WI 53575 Phone: (608) 835-5572 https://deerparkcenter.org
Dharma House NYC 6006 39th Avenue
Woodside, NY 11377 (between 60th St. & 61st St.) Phone: (718) 635-2849 https://dharmahouse.org
Drala Mountain Center 151 Shambhala Way Red Feather Lake, CO 80545 Phone: (970) 881 2184
Drikung Meditation Center 29 Mohawk Street Danvers, MA 01923 Phone: (339) 368-5740
Drikung Dharma Surya-Buddhist Temple 5300 Ox Rd. Fairfax, VA 22030 Phone: (703) 273-5189
Gairesville Karma Thegsum Choling 1216 NW 9th Avenue Gairesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 335- 1975 https://ktcgainesville.org
Gompopa Center 1202 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: (410) 881- 3230
Insight Meditation Center 115 West 29th Street 12th Fl. New York, NY 10001 Phone: (212) 213-4802 info@nyimc.org www.nyimc.org
Kagyu Dzamling Kunchab 410 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10024 Phone: (917)-406-3602
https://kdk-nyc.org
Karma Thegsum Choling
690 Alison Rd. Shamong, NJ 08088
Phone: (609) 268-3341
Karma Triyana
Dharmachakra Monastery
335 Meads Mountain Road Woodstock, New York 12498 (845) 679-5906
https://kagyu.org
Kunzang Palchen Ling
4330 Rte 9G
Red Hook, NY 12571
Phone: (845) 835-8303 info@kunzang.org
Nalanda West
3902 Woodland Park Ave. N#7989 Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 529-08258 https://nalandawest.org
Nalandabodhi Buddhism Centre
64 Fulton Street, Ste.400 New York, NY 10038
https://nyc.nalandabodhi.org
Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies
210 Tibet Drive Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 272-2785 https://namgyal.org
Naropa University 2130 Arapahoe Avenue Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: (303) 444-0202
Natural Dharma Fellowship
253 Philbrick Hill Road Springfield, NH 03284 info@naturaldharma.org https://naturaldharma.org
Nechung Foundation
Lama Pema Dorjee
537 Depot Hill Road
Poughquag, NY 12570
Phone: (347) 771-2529 nechungfoundation.org
New York Insight Meditation Center
28 West 27 Street, Fl. 10
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 213-4802
https://nyimc.org
Nitsan Choephel Ling
Buddhist Temple
186 West 6 Street
Howell, New Jersey 07731
Phone: (732) 367-3940
Orgyen Cho Dzong Retreat
5345 Route 81 Greenville, NY 12083
Phone: (646) 668-0742
https://tersar.org
Padmasambhava
Buddhist Center
618 Buddha Highway
Sidney Center, New York 13839
Phone: (607) 865-8068
https://padmasambhava.org
Palden Sakya Center (PSC)
4 West 101 Street, #63
New York, NY 10025
318 Marlboro Road Eaglewood, NJ 07631
Khenpo Pema Wangdak
Phone: (212) 866-4339
https://vikramasila.org
Palpung Thubten Choling
245 Sheafe Road Wappinger Falls, NY 12590
Phone: (845) 297-5761
https://kagyu.com
Palyul Retreat Center
359 German Hollow Road McDonough, NY 13801
Phone: (607) 656-4645
https://retreat.palyul.org
Nyingma Palyul Dharma Center
23-11 98th Street
Flushing, New York 11369 https://palyulnyc.org
Rashi Gempil Ling
First Kalmuk Buddhist Temple
47 E. 5th Street
Howell Township, NJ 07731
Phone: (732) 364-1824
Rigpa NYC
151 West 30th Street
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (866)200-5876 X 715 info@rigpaynyc.org
Sakya Monastery of Tibetan
Buddhism
108 NW 83rd Street
Seattle, WA 98117
Phone: (206) 789 2573 https://sakya.org monastery@sakya.org
Samye Hermitage New York
Tibetan Buddhist
Meditation Retreat Center
412 Glimmerglen Road Cooperstown, NY 13326 https://samyenewyork.org
Sera Jey Buddhist Culture Center
41-30 57th Street
Woodside, NY 11377
Phone: (347) 601-1726, https://serajey.org serajeyusa@yahoo.com
Shambhala Meditation Center Boulder 1345 Spruce Street Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: (303) 444-0190 x100 https://boulder.shambhala.org
Siddhartha School Partnership
P.O. Box 3405 Portland, ME 04104
Phone: (207) 776-9927 https://siddharthaschool.org
Tibetan Meditation Center 9301 Gambrill Park Road Frederick, MD 21702
Ven: Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Phone: (301) 473-5750 https://drikungtmc.org
The Tibet Center PO Box 1873
Murray Hill Station New York, NY 10156
Phone: (718) 222-0007 https://thetibetcenter.org
Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center
93 Angen Road
Washington, NJ 07882
Phone: (908) 689-6080 https://labsum.org
Tsechen Kunchab Ling (TKL) Temple of AllEncompassing Great Compassion Seat of H.H. The Sakya Trizin in US 12 Edmunds Lane Walden, NY 12586
Phone: (301) 906-3378 https://sakyatemple.org
TKL-Sakya Phunstok Ling Center For Buddhist Study & Meditation 608 Ray Drive Takoma Park, MD 20912
Phone: (301) 200-1289 admin@sakyatemple.org
Thubten Kunga Center 201 SE 15th Terrace Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Phone: (954) 421-6224 https://tubtenkunga.org
Vajra Buddhist Gampopa Center
Khenpo Tenzin Nyima 6 Fox Lane Denville, NJ 07834
Phone: (973) 586-2756 https://gampopa.org
Yeshe Nyingpo 19 West 16 Street
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 691-8523 thefearlesswisdom@gmail.com https://www.dudjomtersar.org
Zangdokpalri Foundation PO Box G Claverack, NY 12513 https://zangdokpalri.org
BECOME A MEMBER
“…I describe the situation in Tibet as something like this: one ancient nation, with a unique cultural heritage, is now passing through something like a death sentence: a very critical, very serious situation…I want to thank those supporters who, financially or in some other way, are helping Tibet House and ask you to please continue…”
— H. H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama
Tibet House US remains committed to preserving, presenting, and promoting the Tibetan people and the distinctive, beautiful, and uplifting culture they created. We rely on your generosity to keep our mission and programs growing and relevant.
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & BENEFITS
B ENEFITS:
• Reserved seating for THUS programs*
• Unlimited access to THUS online digital media archive
• 10% off Tibet House & Menla retreat program tuition, accommodations and gift store purchases
• Pre-sale of preferred seating for THUS large events
• 20% off all titles from Wisdom Publications
• 10% discount from select Tibetan businesses marked with asterisk in THUS Directory
• 15% discount on first treatment in Dewa Spa
• Member only giveaways
B ENEFITS:
• Reserved seating for THUS programs*
• Unlimited access to THUS online digital media archive
• 10% off Tibet House & Menla retreat program tuition, accommodations and gift store purchases
• Pre-sale of preferred seating for THUS large events
• 20% off all titles from Wisdom Publications
• 10% discount from select Tibetan businesses marked with asterisk in THUS Directory
• 15% discount on first treatment in Dewa Spa
• Member only giveaways
B ENEFITS:
• All benefits of the Basic and Student/ Senior Membership, plus:
• YAK Tote Bag
• Reserved seating for THUS programs*
• Free webcasts*
• 50% off your first spa treatment at Dewa Spa at Menla
• 15% off Tibet House & Menla retreat program tuition, accommodations and gift store purchases.
• Private Docent Tour of Tibet House US Collections and Gallery Exhibitions (by appointment)
PLANNED GIVING
Endowments, Securities and Bequests : Executive Director, Ganden Thurman
• ganden@thus.org or 212-807-0563 x102
For donations (cash, check, PayPal or Credit Card):
• thus.org or 22 West 15th Street New York, 10011
FOUR EASY WAYS TO JOIN!
Online: https://thus.org/become-a-member/ Mail: Tibet House US, attn: Membership, 22 West 15th St., NY 10011
In Person: 22 West 15th St., NY 10011
Phone: Sonam Choezom, Membership Coordinator @ (212) 807-0563
What might a better world look like? I believe the answer is straightforward: A better world is one where people are happier. Why? Because all human beings want to be happy, and no one wants to suffer. Our desire for happiness is something we all have in common.
- His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Tib et House U S is ded i c ated to preser v ing Tib et ’ s uni que cul ture at a time w hen it is conf ronted w ith extincti on on it s ow n soi l By presenting Tib eta n ci v i l iz ati on a nd it s profound w isdom, b e aut y, a nd sp eci a l a r t of f reedom to the p eople of the wor ld , we hop e to inspire others to join the effor t to protect a nd s ave it.
Tib et House U S is p a r t of a wor ld w i de net wor k of Tib eta n instituti ons committed to ensur ing that the l i g ht of the Tib eta n spir it ne ver d is app e a rs f rom the f ace of this e a r th