EARTHQUAKE IN TIBET

Dear Dharma Friends and Students,

In response to the earthquake appeal we have collected little over $3000 through Dharmakirti and AWAM Foundation from contributors in Europe and the US. Khenchen Rinpoche's students from Malaysia have donated over $8500. All this money was quickly transferred to Tibet, with the first round of donations received within a week from the earthquake. Khenpo Wosel with his monks immediately purchased what was needed and personally delivered and distributed two trucks full of food and water to those suffering. There were other lamas, masters and monks from many other monasteries who similarly helped victims of the earthquake. According to local sources, 46 trucks of food and water, including those we contributed to, were delivered by lamas and monks to people in need within a week from the disaster. Despite our efforts, it was not possible to place some of the orphans from the earthquake in the AWAM Foundation orphanage. The government prohibited any orphans to be taken away from the earthquake region, and majority of them were transported to China, for placement in orphanages there. Most recently, Chinese government requested all monks and lamas to leave the earthquake hit region and it is difficult to get first-hand reports on the current situation. This is preventing delivery of further material support from our volunteers in the region. We need to pray that those in need would receive further help and support they need.

The earthquake was result of bad karma, but at the same time it gave rise to compassion and generosity of many people around the world. Now it is time to continue the practice of compassion; it is also time to rejoice in the good virtue created through the practice of compassion, efforts and material help provided to those in need. I ask for continued prayers for those who died or are suffering as a result of this earthquake, other natural disasters around the world and all sentient beings in the cycle of death and rebirth. Please recite the Avalokiteshvara mantra (OM MANI PADME HUNG) or the Shitro mantra (OM AH HUNG BODHICITTA MAHA SIKHA JANA DHATU AH OM RULU RULU HUNG DJO HUNG).

Thank you for all your help and support!

Khenchen Lama Rinpoche