Many of you have heard the news stories of the recent demonstrations in Tibet and have wondered how you can show your support. With regard to this, Lama Zopa Rinpoche recently sent us a message urging us to find a way to turn our peaceful action into Dharma practice:
| “The purpose of doing demonstrations is to fulfill the Guru His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Holy wishes, this Guru Yoga practice is the path to enlightenment for the benefit of sentient beings.
It is also important to repay the kindness of the Tibetan people, who have preserved the complete Buddha Dharma, not only Vajrayana but the whole path, they have preserved all the teachings for a long time. Due to this we non-Tibetans are able to receive the complete teachings, enjoy and make our lives meaningful. Now that their need is most urgent we need to be aware of how we can help – it is very important. This is what you would do if you are a sensible person, a thoughtful, intelligent person.“ |
This in a nutshell is engaged Buddhism. With the proper motivation and intention, our peaceful actions can become a powerful response to the suffering we see around us. Here are a few specific suggestions for how you can help:
- Lama Zopa Rinpoche has specifically recommended that we recite the Golden Light Sutra for world peace. You can also join a monthly recitation group.
- Read and consider the International Campaign for Tibet’s “Tibetan Protests in Lhasa: Ways You Can Help“.
- Consider signing the AVAAZ petition supporting the people of Tibet.
- These companies are sponsoring the 2008 Olympics: McDonalds, Kodak, Coke, Volkswagen, GE, Visa, Johnson & Johnson, for a complete list: http://en.beijing2008.cn/bocog/sponsors/sponsors/. Support human rights for Tibetans, as well as Fa Lun Gang, Uighurs, and Christians in China, and end the genocide in Darfur by boycotting these companies now.
Please Note: This post is for informational purposes only. The Guhyasamaja Center does not officially sponsor the AVAAZ petition or the initiatives of the ICT.
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