Dearest Friends @ CASonline of Thousand-Arm Chenrezig, We are offering you news related to His Holiness, His views on religious conversions, His ideas about Tibet's political future, things that people usually say after they met Him, spirituality that may have gone bad, become good. May we all work for the greatest good of all !! "Amituofo !!" bb @ CAS of T_A Chenrezig ___________________________________________________________________________________________  From the Tibetan Medical and Astrological College: 2007: Fire-Pig Year His Holiness the Dalai Lama has reached the age of 73. According to Tibetan Astrology, this year is considered to be one of the most obstructive years in one's life........ All are requested to pray for the long-life of His Holiness from the bottom of one's heart, follow His valuable advice and put them into practice. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE BEINGS OF CAS OF T_A CHENREZIG WILL BE PLEDGING OUR PRACTICES AND MANTRAS AND ALL IN HIS HOLINESS'S NAME, DEDICATED TOWARDS THE GOOD OF THE WORLD.  ( Instead of dedicating merit to His Holiness because one really does not dedicate merit to one's Teacher whom the students are supposed to see as an Enlightened Being from the Vajrayana's point of view !! ) ALL FRIENDS OF CAS BELONGING TO THOUSAND-ARM CHENREZIG ARE INVITED TO MAKE YOUR "PRAYER-PLEDGES" AND TO DROP US AN EMAIL ( contact@casotac.com ) YOUR "PRAYER-PLEDGES" BY 15 FEBRUARY 2007, MID-NIGHT. WE WILL BE SUBMITTING YOUR PRAYER-OFFERING TO HIS HOLINESS VIA OUR FRIENDS IN DHARAMSALA. ANY DHARMIC PRACTICES -- SO LONG AS THEY ARE DONE WITH THE PUREST POSSIBLE WISHES - WILL BE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED AND OFFERED !!   Sample(s) A - I will like to make a pledge to do the Four Mandala Offering to Holy Tara everyday in the Fire-Pig Lunar Year offered with sincerest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I will like to dedicate too this prayer-pledge to my recently deceased grandparents, Mr so-and-so and Mrs so-and-so. I will like to dedicate also towards ..... From  XXX B - I will want to make a prayer-pledge of 100,000 to about say 1 million mantras of Green Tara and Yamantaka in the Fire-Pig Lunar Year and will like to offer it to HH. Please dedicate for AAA and BBB too ok ?? I cannot promise to really complete the pledge, but will try my best, provided all conditions allow !! From    CCC ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ From Samuel: Video of HH the Dalai Lama -- HH with Oprah How do i lead a more spiritual life ?? http://www.beliefnet.com/av/preachersandteachers.aspx?v=729&p=276 __________________________________________________________________________________________ Dalai Lama Quote of the Week Suppose... you try to convert someone from another religion to the Buddhist religion, and you argue with them trying to convince them of the inferiority of their position. And suppose you do not succeed, suppose they do not become Buddhist. On the one hand, you have failed in your task, and on the other hand, you may have weakened the trust they have in their own religion, so that they may come to doubt their own faith. What have you accomplished by all this? It is of no use. When we come into contact with the followers of different religions, we should not argue. Instead, we should advise them to follow their own beliefs as sincerely and as truthfully as possible. For if they do so, they will no doubt reap certain benefits. Of this there is no doubt. Even in the immediate future, they will be able to achieve more happiness and more satisfaction. ...When I meet the followers of different religions, I always praise them, for it is enough, it is sufficient, that they are following the moral teachings that are emphasized in every religion. It is enough, as I mentioned earlier, that they are trying to become better human beings. This in itself is very good and worthy of praise. --from Answers: Discussions with Western Buddhists by the Dalai Lama, edited by Jose Ignacio Cabezon, published by Snow Lion Publications ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Meeting the Dalai Lama... ----------------------------------------------------------------------- BY A STAFF REPORTER Afternoon Dispatch & Courier - Bombay, India Wednesday, January 31, 2007     Devotees recall their association with His Holiness and how much their lives have changed since     Today at the MMRDA grounds in Bandra-Kurla hundreds will benefit from the Dalai Lama's all-embracing aura of warmth and compassion. Those who have met His Holiness can only rave about him and those who haven't aspire to do so. This reporter spoke to a few of those who, born to a certain religion in this lifetime, nevertheless found themselves inexplicably drawn to Buddhism in mind and in spirit.   "I met the Dalai Lama quite by accident," said Teejay Siddhu, television personality. "I went to Dharamshala about four years back and was just stepping out of a book store, having bought his book 'Thoughts on the New Millennium', when he was walking past the store with a few monks. The owner of the store took me to him.   "The first thing that struck me about him was his warmth," she said. "I was a complete stranger to him and I am sure thousands of people must be trying to meet him every single day, but when he and I met, I felt . uplifted. He treats every single person who comes his way the exact same way - like the person is very, very special. Thereafter I have made a trip to Dharamshala every year and, uncannily enough, I have had the good fortune of meeting the Dalai Lama every time I've gone!"   Her annual trip is a getaway in the true sense of the word where she slips into the quietude of spiritual bliss.   "I have been meditating every single day for the past 15 years and this only further cemented my connection with all things spiritual," Teejay said. "Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when God talks to you. It helps improve the quality of your life. And everyone needs this or something akin to this to keep them grounded and humble. Otherwise it is very easy to get carried away by success, fame, money, stress, anger, etc etc. Reading a lot of books on the subject and acts of kindness increase one's level of awareness and capacity to feel compassion for others."   Actor Ashmit Patel is yet another who is attracted to the principles of Buddhism.   "I have always admired Buddhism at a distance," he told us. "If one looks at all the religions carefully, one will see that they all began at the same point and head toward the same end, but somehow most became very corrupt along the way. Buddhism has retained its honesty, its sincerity and its spirit today is the same as when it was first conceived. So I was always drawn to it.   "One of the locations of my film 'Benaras' was in the complex where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon, located in Sarnath, at the outskirts of the city Varanasi," he said. "I cannot explain what exactly happened there and I cannot get into the details, but it was a magical experience. The incidents brought me closer to the spirit of Buddhism and I began to form a conscious wish to meet His Holiness. That has happened; Last year in Delhi I finally met him. it is, again, an experience I cannot put down to words."   "I am actually a follower of Sri Ravi Shankar, but one will notice that all great spiritual leaders are essentially saying the same thing," said Manoj Bohra, television personality. "That way, there is no difference between Shri Ravi Shankar and the Dalai Lama. Both their spirits are untainted. A new world will open up to those who will attend the discourse on the 31st."   Sascha Sippy, Chairman, Sholay Media and Entertainment Private Ltd, is the man behind the event.   "Some time back I got the idea of starting a Thought for the Day by Dalai Lama," he said. "I managed to get a meeting with him. I was in his presence for a few seconds only. One look into his eyes overtook my life; I saw and felt the peace and tranquillity I had been looking for. I spoke extensively with others who have been close to him and thus the Sholay Charitable Society was born.   "The most amazing thing about the Dalai Lama is, i.e. when you compare with other religions and leaders, is that conversions are not allowed!" he said. "He has always said that we are born into a particular faith, how can we simply turn our backs to it? Adapt and adopt is his mantra."   Sippy believes that it is Mumbai's good karma that has finally attracted His Holiness to the city and that in turn will further enhance our karma.   "Having met him and having delved into the principles of Buddhism, I can say that it makes one a better person," he said. "I have become more compassionate, loving, giving and accepting. What can be better than to share that wealth with others?"   The Dalai Lama will be interacting with his devotees and followers at the MMRDA grounds from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 today.   ____________________________________________________________________________________________________   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Dalai Lama's visit to U.S. this spring creates awareness and witnessing opportunity for Christians ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Times Guardian January 30, 2007   With the impending spring visit to the United States of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, an author of the new book "Jesus in a New Age, Dalai Lama World" is eager to explain on radio and television talk shows and in magazine interviews how to defend and share Christianity with Buddhists and Americans enamored with or influenced by the Eastern religion.   "The Dalai Lama's visit to the U.S. this spring is certain to heighten awareness about Buddhism," said David Housholder, a missionary and educator with Interserve USA, who lived in India, Thailand and Nepal for more than 20 years, where he worked among Tibetan Buddhist peoples.   "It will be a perfect time to defend and share the Christian faith with recent immigrants, high school and college students strongly influenced by Buddhism, and everyday Americans who have woven the Eastern religion into their personal philosophy and world view. But to do that, Christians need an understanding of Buddhism and its Western variations, and how to best present the Gospel to followers and adherents."   California, Texas and Massachusetts are slated stops to date for the Dalai Lama's spring tour, said Housholder. Interserve USA hopes to host educational seminars for Christians in some of the locations he plans to visit. A large conference to be attended by Tibetan Buddhists from across North America is scheduled for Wisconsin in 2008, Housholder said. .   "Tibetan Buddhism has been highly influential in the religious ecumenical movement," said Housholder. "It has been embraced by many of the cultural and intellectual elite, who are drawn by its message of peace, compassion and spiritual self-gratification."   "Jesus in a New Age, Dalai Lama World," which also is authored by M. Tsering, is a well-researched, in-depth work on the history, culture and influence of Tibetan Buddhism," said Rev. Douglas Van Bronkhorst, Interserve USA executive director. "The point of view is unapologetically evangelical Christian, because Tibetan Buddhists and Americans influenced by the religion need Jesus! Householder can make a highly interesting, articulate and convincing presentation."   Dr. Ralph Winter, founder of the U.S. Center for World Mission, said, "Jesus in a New Age, Dalai Lama World" reveals how a clear understanding of Tibetan Buddhist beliefs can help Christians live out the life of Christ in ways that Buddhists will appreciate.   The book can be ordered from Interserve USA by calling toll free 1-800-809-4440, extension 114, or by emailing requests to info@interserveusa.org.   Interserve USA is part of an international and interdenominational fellowship of Christians committed to each other in a partnership for service to the people of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It is made up of Christian professionals and highly trained personnel who use their skills to minister holistically to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the people they serve.   _______________________________________________________________________________________________________   Turkey thanked for building Buddhist temple in tsunami-hit Sri Lanka Hurriyet, Dec 29, 2006 Istanbul, Turkey -- Among the 450 homes ordered built by Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a Buddhist region of Sri Lanka hit hard by the tsunami two years ago, a Buddhist temple was also built with Turkish funds. State Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin yesterday recounted his impressions of the work done in Sri Lanka following the tsunami to the Council of Ministers in Ankara. The minister had recently returned from a ceremony in the region dedicating the new homes to the victims of the tsunami in both Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Sahin said yesterday, "In particular, the Buddhist temple built by Turkey in Sri Lanka has attracted a lot of interest. In fact, Buddhist monks came to two mosques in Colombo to thank the imams there for Turkey's initiative." Sahin reported that in both Sri Lanka and Indonesia, gratitude to Turkey for keeping its promises following the tsunami disaster was at an all time high.     ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Archbishop: Pinochets will be forgotten, but Gandhi will live on' -----------------------------------------------------------------------   New Delhi, Jan 30, 2007 (IANS) The Hitlers, Mussolinis and Pinochets of the world will be forgotten but prophets of peace like Mahatma Gandhi, the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa will continue to dwell in people's hearts and minds, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the legendary anti-apartheid activist, said here Tuesday.   Tutu, a Nobel peace prize winner who addressed the concluding session of the international conference on 'Peace, Non-violence and Empowerment - Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century, narrated in his characteristic animated speech how truth and non-violence could overcome the world's political and diplomatic crises.   'When will we learn that most effective way of dealing with differences is not by force or by annihilating each other but by making compromises? We are not learning from the history,' he said.   His half-an-hour long speech frequently drew applause from the audience and it moved them so much that they, along with the dignitaries on the podium including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, gave him a standing ovation.   Pointing out that the war and the violence in trouble-torn Iraq would not be able to find solutions, he said: 'They will all find stability, peace and prosperity only through negotiations, compromises and getting into the shoes of one another.'   'This is a moral universe. Injustice, evil and destruction cannot have the last word. Truth, compassion and forgiveness will prevail.'   'The Hitlers, Mussolinis, Pinochets (Chile's former military ruler) or perpetuators of apartheid ... where are they now? But we hold Mahatma Gandhi, Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela in the highest possible esteem and in deep reverence,' Tutu said.   'We will never win a war against terror...We can be free together, we can safe together, we can be prosperous together, we can be humane together,' he added.   The archbishop, who will receive this year's Gandhi Peace Prize Wednesday from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, praised the Indian government and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the 'remarkable' economical growth the country has achieved.   He also thanked Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma for his support to the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.   ____________________________________________________________________________________________________   -----------------------------------------------------------------------  Dalai Lama our leader- A tribute by Tibetans in Agartala -----------------------------------------------------------------------   Indigenous Herald Tuesday, January 16, 2007   Born in India, but 39 year old Yeshi Choephel is desperate to return home in 'free Tibet' - the 'country' always haunts his mind and soul. 76 year old Tasok Choepherl was born in Tibet and fear he might die in India before he could see his country liberated.   They are of 75percent Tibetan refugees across India engaged in trading and retailing winter garments. Their great exodus, pain and sorrow tail disparity toil of being refugees, and continued struggle grow fainter by the affection and blessing of Dalai Lama. Tibetans started inflowing India in 1959, after Communist China's invasion of Tibet and its violent repression of a rebellion forcing the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, to flee across the Indian frontier. 85,000 Tibetan refugees followed the Dalai Lama when China annexed Tibet in 1959. More came in following years.   The head of Tibetan government in exile Dalai Lama is slated to pay a visit for three days starting on January 16 next. The occasion would be touching and historic for the small group of Tibetan garment traders besides some one lakh Buddhist tribe men and women in Tripura.   "It's a great feeling to have a great man here. He is our leader.everything", Yeshi utters. He saw Dalai Lama before from a distance as they attended religious programmes at Dharmashala - the headquarters of the government in exile. "Even through I started crying - the affection is such an immense".   The man born at Shimla, grew in Delhi and now in trade at Agartala - but with one hope with intense belief that haunts his mind everyday has been return to the motherland now under 'Chinese occupation'.   Tasok Choepherl was in the 'resistance force' that unsuccessfully fought Chinese forces in 1959. "I lost two brothers in the fight and even could not perform their last rights in such a conflict situaion", injured Tasok, then 25, along with family members walked for six days to reach India from Kham in Tibet's remote Dherung district.   Men and women of Kham region sacrificed life in the fateful year for countrymen's 'better tomorrow'. Tasok is member of Tibetan group called " Four Rivers Six Ranges " (translated in English) as symbolises rivers and ranges in Kham region as for all time to remember they are in a home away from home.   "We are compelled to fight, but now we want to get back our country through peaceful and nonviolent means", Tasok says adding "like British left Indian after 200 years - China would vacate Tibet ".   A graduate from Delhi University , Tenzing Pema (25), sees Tibetan issue not only political and more complicated. "Chinese are working with a vested design to destroy tradition, culture and heritage of Tibetans. They have specially targeted the new generation".   Tenzing opines China in one hand suppressing upsurge of Tibetans and in another unleashed all measures through wrongful education and cultural invasion to dissociate Tibetan youths from feeling of nationalism. This is now a complex situation.   Despite differences how the old and new generation of Tibetans see attribute the problem - for them Dalai Lama is 'everything' and they would abide by his directive always. They are encouraged, moved and enthusiastic over His Holiness's forthcoming visit. "We would make a gate in line with Tibetan tradition outside historic Buddha Bihar (temple) in Agartala to mark his visit", Yeshi states.   The noble laureate during his stay would visit remote Manu Bankul area in south Tripura to attend a series of rituals including blessing anniversary function of a Buddhist Dhamma Dipa residential school. In Agartala he would address a religious gathering at Buddha Bihar and would attend an interactive session at the Town Hall.   www.indigenousherald.com   ______________________________________________________________________________________________________   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Dalai Lama says it is in Tibet's interests to be part of China (dpa) -----------------------------------------------------------------------   dpa German Press Agency Published: Sunday December 24, 2006   New Delhi- Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said Sunday that it was in Tibet's interest to remain a part of China, news reports said. "To remain with the People's Republic of China is in our interest," he said adding that China was an economically powerful Asian nation, PTI news agency reported.   "But we are seeking political freedom to preserve our culture and environment and are opposed to cultural genocide being promoted by China due to increasing influence of the Han people and spread of Chinese language in Tibet," he added.   The Dalai Lama was delivering a special lecture at the Indian capital. The Buddhist leader lives in exile in the Indian hill town of Dharamshala.   He said the increasing Han population in Tibet and deployment of the Peoples Liberation Army was a hindrance towards attaining political autonomy in Tibet.   He also said "intentionally, or unintentionally, some kind of cultural genocide is taking place in Tibet."   He requested Beijing to downsize its military presence in Tibet and stop shifting Han people to the region.   "This will help achieve our goal to make Tibet a zone of peace free from nuclear weapons," he said.   He asked India to play a role in helping Tibet realize this goal.   The Dalai Lama said there was more scope for talks between the Tibetan government in exile and Chinese officials. "We are fully committed to a dialogue with China despite the Chinese government's criticism and repression towards us."   The Chinese army occupied Tibet in 1950. The Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans fled to India nine years later after a failed rebellion against the Chinese.   ?2006 dpa German Press Agency   -----------------------------------------------------------------------  Future Dalai Lamas will not commend political influence     - Buddhist spiritual leader -----------------------------------------------------------------------   Moscow, January 16, 2007 (Interfax) - The Buddhist spiritual leader predicts that future Dalai Lamas will have no political influence.   In an interview with the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper published on Tuesday, the 14th Dalai Lama said that in 2001, a political leadership was elected in Tibet through democratic elections and that he had "half-resigned" ever since. He added that in future reincarnations a Dalai Lama would not be a leader of political power.   Asked whether the institution of Dalai Lamas will continue its existence or die out, he said that it was "down to the Tibetan people".   Speaking of whether conflicts and wars based on clashes of civilizations could be avoided, the Dalai Lama said that he had the impression that there was a collision between the Western world and Islam. He said that the conflict was exaggerated, and that those Muslims who are involved in terrorist acts are a handful, who "cannot represent the whole of Islam as such."   According to the Dalai Lama, people who are poor representatives of their religion can be found among Buddhists, among Christians, and among Hindus.