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Sakyong advises on practice in response to Tibetan protests

Mar 19, 2008

The Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, has sent advice to the Shambhala community about responses to the Tibetan protests that have been taking place. He is currently at the New Treasures Monastery of His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche in Pharping, Nepal, where he will be in retreat for much of this month and next. From there, he sent guidance for our community.

Rinpoche wants us all to know that he has been following very closely the protests and disturbances in the Tibet Autonomous Region and areas in China with large Tibetan communities. In light of these events he would like to encourage everyone in the Shambhala community to offer prayers and practices for all those suffering in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, and in Qinghai and Sichuan provinces of western China. He requests that this be done in a spirit of touching in to the wisdom and compassion inherent in our common humanity, and aspiring for the cessation of all suffering.

This could be done individually by practitioners dedicating their regular practice in this way, and by including the whole situation and all involved, in their tonglen practice. It can be done at Shambhala Centres and groups by dedicating sitting practice, and tonglen, to this aspiration. Other practices, such as feasts, may also be dedicated in this way and include a period of tonglen with this profound aspiration.

Individuals who wish to join in appeals and other manifestations of concern for the Tibetan people and to urge a peaceful resolution to the crisis are more than welcome to do so, the Sakyong said.

On the occasion of presenting the first Living Peace Award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2006 at The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, the Sakyong said: "Aggression often seems the most direct and expedient way to solve a problem but it is fundamentally unstable and will never last. Peace is fundamentally strong and long lasting... Peace is not a choice for some; it is imperative for all. It is the only way forward for humanity and our planet."

The Sakyong has authorized President Reoch to write to the United Nations Secretary General drawing attention to the need to ensure that Tibetans involved in or detained following protests are not subjected to extreme violence or ill-treated in custody. The text of that message will be issued as soon as it has been transmitted to the United Nations.

The Sakyong will enter two weeks of strict retreat today. To offer support to his retreat and connect with the blessings of his practice, the Office of the Kalapa Court suggests that individual practitioners and centres recite the Longevity Supplication for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche three times as part of the closing chants whenever these are done between now and Wednesday 2 April.

(This announcement was from the Shambhala News Service)