Bay Area Friends of Tibet NEWSLETTER Summer 1999 Volume 10, Number 2 P -- You Can Help Build a Local Tibetan Can Tibetan Cultural Center Stay in U.S. he Board of Directors of the Tibetan ing Tibetan cultural events such as weddings Association of Northern California and funerals which require days of ceremony By Adam Geller T(TANC), a group representing the Bay in specially consecrated spaces. Area's approximately 450 Tibetans, is organiz- TANC's program includes a Reception at 't was a riddle without any obvious solu- ing a fund raiser. "Childrens' Dances from the 7:00pm, and at 7:30pm, a hour-long perfor- tion: What is a man to do when the law Roof of the World." on August 28. 1999. It is mance entitled "Childrens' Dances from the .orders him to leave the country or forfeit their first fund raising event to establish this Roof of the World." Contributions for this ex- his right to live here, but other nations refuse most needed Cultural Center for the Tibetans citing event are $50.00 per seat. to admit him? For Thupten Phuntsok, part of and their friends in Northern California. TANC is requesting all its friends,Tibet Sup- the answer lay in a roll of the dice. The Tibetan Cultural Center will provide a port Groups, and individuals to help us to make Phuntsok, a former Tibetan monk who, to- multi-purpose facility to host Tibetan events this big step a successful one. Please mark this gether with his sister, found a home with a such as weddings, death ceremonies. Tibetan date in your diary to attend this event. The Cresskill woman last year, is back in New Jer- Cultural performances, Tibetan "town hall" venue for the fund raising event is at the Ber- sey to stay after a six-week journey threading meetings. and provide a single place for the keley Jewish Community Center at 14 14 Wal- his way through immigration laws that nearly offices of TANC and other Bay Area Tibet nut Street, Berkeley. For tickets and more left him stateless. "It's like a reunion with my Support Groups. This facility would allow all information about this important event please family," the former disciple of the Dalai Lama Bay Area Tibetans and Tibet Support Groups call Lhakpa Dolma. TANC Development Of- said Wednesday, hours after his return. "I'm to share costs and save lots of money which ficer at (510) 526-57 16, Tsewang Choedon, back to my home." could be used for more productive purposes. TANC Treasurer at (510) 658-9474, or the Phuntsok's problems ironically began ear- The center will be a strong support in preserv- BAFoT office at (5 10) 548-127 1. lier this year when the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service approved his request to stay in this country There was just one, seemingly minor catch. For Phuntsok China-Appointed Panchen Lama to stay, the law required that he leave the coun- try and go to a U.S. embassy overseas that was willing to hear his case and issue him an Ameri- Appears in Tibet Capital can visa. Embassy officials in Madrid and Paris he 9-year-old declared by China to be the report by the New China News Agency, agreed to dojust that. But when Phuntsok, who the Panchen Lama. the second-ranking Norbu "diligently studied Buddhist sutras," is 28, asked French and Spanish officials to TTibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, has and he "can recite sutras for three successive issue him a travel permit to enter their coun- appeared in the capital of Tibet for the first days." tries, they refused on grounds that he didn't time since his appointment in 1995, the state On his arrival in the capital, Lhasa, he was have a visa to return to the United States, the press reported today. greeted by leading political officials and la- very document he was seeking to pick up. The boy, Gyaincain Norbu, has received mas from major Tibetan temples, the report The problem was complicated by U.S. im- spiritual training under Government protection said. migration law, which gave him until June 28 in a secret location since his disputed appoiit- In May 1995, the Dalai Lama, who ranks to leave the country. If he did not leave. immi- ment four years ago. Another contender for his first in Tibetan Buddhism, angered the Chi- gration officials said, he would be considered title, whom the exiled Dalai Lama endorses, nese authorities by announcing his own se- illegal and could be deported. With just hours is believed to be under house arrest with his lection as the reincarnation of the previous to go before the deadline. Phuntsok still did parents somewhere in China. Panchen Lama. who died in 1989. The Dalai not know what he would do. In his four years of seclusion, according to Lama fled Tibet in 1959, after an abortive up- He ended up crossing the border into Canada rising against Communist rule. The boy while Lisa Hochman, the Cresskill woman whom he selected in 1995. Gedhun Choikyi who has more or less adopted Phuntsok, con- Nyima, was already on the short list of a Gov- tinued to work onobtaining permission for him ernment-approved selection committee. But to go to Spain. :r the Dalai Lama is seen by the Government as Hochrnan finally secured that permit inearly Action an enemy, and Beijing officials, angered by July. But the chaos had left Phuntsok so his effort to pre-empt their selection process, shaken, he was fearful of making any move. declared his choice invalid. He left his decision to a roll of the sho, a trio (continued on page 3) (continued on page 4) Lama's position as a leader of Tibetan Bud- Communication Coordinator's Corner ] dhism. China's government involvement in reli- gious meddling is now so blatant that they have By Giovanni Vassallo taken to parading the nine year old Chinese- appointed Panchen Lama in the streets of t has been six months now since I've taken on this part time position of Communication Lhasa while HH Dalai Lama's Panchen Lama I Coordinator at BAFoT and a lot has happened since I've started. First of all, there have is still under house arrest along with his fam- been some office changes. BAFoT now shares office space with three other Tibet Support ily. Further, now that oil has been discovered Groups (TSGs), the International Committee of Lawyers forTibet (ICLT), Tibet Online/Com- by a Chinese petroleum group, China's grip mittee of 100 for Tibet (C-loo), and the newly aniving Tibetan Nuns Project (TNP). Previ- on Tibet appears to be on the verge of tighten- ously we shared a room with only ICLT and we have went on to sublease a portion of our ing more than ever. China's paranoia has in- room to Tibet Online. Two months ago ICLT acquired a lease for an adjacent room to our creased with NATO's involvement in the office which they subleased to Tibet Online. Tibet Online's vacated space was subsequently internal affairs of Serbia assisting the filled by ICLT who took over their sublease from BAFoT. Kosovars. China fears this might lead to a simi- I work at the BAFoToffice at least two days of the week. It has been a great experience and lar involvement in 'their' Tibet. Tibetans are a delight to be working in the space with these three other groups. Tibet Online's Dan Haig still being imprisoned or beaten simply for pos- has given me free computer advice on how to access BAFoT's e-mail in our antiquated com- sessing a picture of HH Dalai Lama. Tibetans puter system and has volunteered to wire BAFoT in on their DSL line, a much more powerful are still crossing the treacherous Himalayas to and a quick way to access to the internet. Additionally, Tibet Online's Yolanda O'Bannen has escape to India and Nepal for a chance to pre- provided me with good Tibet-related information tips. ICLT has greatly helped to straighten serve their culture. the office space and is even decorating the space with plants. As a full-time student I can be So now is the time for all good BAFoTers preoccupied sometimes so I also want to thank Meg of the newly aniving TNP who consis- to come to the aid of BAFoT so that we can tently reminded me to go to an evening orientation of the Foundation Center, a great source of continue to do the job that is still unfinished. I grant research and money for nonprofits (which BAFoT badly needs). In short, BAFoT is urge all concerned to give me a call at the now in an exciting, new beginning stage and is now sandwiched in an office with some BAFoT office so that wc can all put our minds wonderful, dedicated Tibet-loving groups. and hearts together for a renewed and orga- All we need now is your continuing support to continue to do what BAFoT has been doing nized commitment to the Tibetans. since its inception in 1984, making it the West Coast's oldest Tibet Support Group. BAFoT BAFoT needs more volunteers in every area: continues to need funding to support our mission statement which is to provide assistance to urgent action, newsletter, phone banking, let- local Bay Area Tibetans, do educational outreach, grassroots activism, educational assistance ter writing, computer expertise, grassroots or- to Tibetans, support other Tibet support groups, and other activities designed to promote ganizing, and more. With your help we can ! human rights, Tibetan culture, and freedom and self-determination for the Tibetans. make a difference for Tibetans and therefore As many of us know things have not been good for the Tibetans under Chinese rule. Cul- help a great cause toward world peace. Please tural genocide is still being implemented help by either renewing your membership or Bay Area Friends of Tibet through Chinese actions. The recent World donating your time or money to BAFoT. Bank decision to provide a low interest loan I can do my job as Communication Coordi- NEWSLETTER of millions of dollars and consequently help nator o~ilyif I have people with whom I can Chinese population transfer into HH Dalai communicate. Now that the office is in a bet- A Quarterly Publication of Lama's birthplace is appalling. Only by the ter situation, surrounded by some dedicated Bay Area Friends of Tibet actions of the worldwide Tibet Support net- people, I look forward to hearing from all of Volume 10, No. 1 work, have funds for the population transfer you in the coming months in order to help me Winter 1999 portion of the loan been halted for further re- help you, help you help me, help the Tibetans. view. China's recent crackdown on the Falon Together, I am confident that we can take many Editorial Collective Gong religious movement, a worldwide move- small steps to our goal and contribute to one ment that involves a mixture of martial arts, big movement toward world peace and a Free Ventul Rinpoche Buddhism, and Taoism, has recently eclipsed Tibet. Please feel free to give me a call at Max Butler decades old persecution of the HH Dalai BAFoT at (5 10) 548- 1271. Tashi Delek! Jamie Delman Diane Hume I i Bonnie McCalla Raylene Samson Qiovanni Vassallo Jigme Yugay ...Bogus Lama Show Happy Birthday! 1l I l I l (continuedfrom page I) The Editorial Collective seeks more vol- Instead, officials of the atheist Communist BAFoT would like to take this opportunity to unteers. The Newsletteraccepts, at Its dis- Party staged a ceremony dating from imperial wish a very Happy Birthday to well-know cretion, Tlbet-relatedadvertisements that do not necessarily represent the views of times, in which the reincarnated lama is se- Tibet activist and movie star RICHARD GERE BAFoT. Please contact BAFoT for informa- lected by lots drawn from a golden urn. The who was born on August 3 1,1949 and is turn- tion. winning name was then endorsed by the State ing 50 years old (or 51 according to Tibetan PRINTEDON RECYCLEDPAPER Council, the Cabinet. (June 19, 1999, Satur- customs). Congratulations Richard and thank day. Foreign Desk, The New York 7imes) you for all your help with the Tibetan Free- $4 dom Movement! Urgent Action 1 Get on Your Computer and Take Action... morn Daniel King Copy This Letter The twelve nuns are Prisoners of Conscience
s a symbol of their continued support for The museum's cultural programs comple- The American Himalayan Foundation, since A the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, ment the beauty and stimulation provided by its inception 20 years ago, has sponsored over Senator Dianne Feinstein and her husband its exhibitions, and drawing on both contem- 170 different projects in Nepal, India, Tibet, Richard C. Blum have pledged $5 million to porary trends and ancient traditions to present Bhutan, and Pakistan. Most of the projects the New Asian Art Museum Project. a rich and relevant view of the diverse cul- funded are projects that involved education, This commitment is an addition to their pre- tures of Asia. In the 395-seat Dianne Feinstein health care, cultural preservation, and the en- vious agreement to fund the Asian Art & Richard C. Blum Theater at the New Asian vironment. Museum's Himalayan Gallery. The gift will --with its enlarged, modern facilities-the Richard Blum added that his many years of establish the Dianne Feinstein & Richard C. museum will be able to offer an expanded pro- personal and business involvement in Asia Blum Theater, a state-of-the-art performing gram of live performances, films, and lectures, have created a deep respect for the people of arts hall that will serve as the centerpiece of all of which are designed to bring people into the region and their art and culture. "We felt it the performance wing of the museum's future the museum and encourage them to take ad- is important to continue to give back to Asia facility at Civic Center. vantage of its resources. something that would reflect our gratitude for This gift comes from close friends of both Blum is a San Francisco investment banker what it has meant in our lives, that would en- the Asian Art Museum and the City of San Fran- and an honorary consul general to Nepal. He rich our entire community and visitors, and that cisco," said Johnson S. Bogart, chairman of the is the founder and chairman of the American would create further understanding with a first Asian Art Museum Foundation. "As Mayor of Himalayan Foundation, and he holds close ties rate art and cultural institution. This donation San Francisco, Dianne Feinstein spearheaded to the Dalai Lama. He led the first American gives us that opportunity and we are pleased the campaign to move the museum to Civic climbing team ever in an attempt in 1981 to to participate." Center. By naming this theater in her honor, we scale the previously unclimbed East Face of This gift of $5 million brings the campaign pay respect to this great civic leader and her Mt. Everest from Tibet. (continued on page 7) commitment to showcasing - in all its forms - the arts and culture of Asia. We are pro- Review foundly grateful for her continued leadership." Senator Feinstein and Blum have long con- Dinner at the Cafe Tibet nections with both Asia and the~sianA; Mu- seum. Dianne Feinstein, serving as Mayor of by Max Butler San Francisco from 1978 through 1988, was afe Tibet is a new restaurant, which just phenomenally good. These are momos that the author of the proposal for the museum's Copened in Berkeley. In fact it is the first would be fit for a king or queen. They are rich move from Golden Gate Park to the old Main Tibetan restaurant in the East Bay. Owned and in flavor, not at all heavy, yet so delectable Library at Civic Center. As mayor, Feinstein operated by Samten and her husband Dhonyo- that they are truly satisfying. also provided the support for the beginning of la (President of Tibetan Association of North- There are many other delicious dishes besides the highly regarded cultural programs depart- ern California (TANC)), Cafe Tibet is a the momos. Amongst the appetizers are two ment of the museum, which has presented live friendly and welcoming place full of culinary dishes that are quite good. They are the batter musical concerts, dance, readings, films, art- surprises. Samten, who has for years worked coated and deep fried finger sized pieces of ist demonstrations, and family festivals. for Stars restaurant in San Francisco and be- tofu and eggplant. They are served with a pi- It was my belief that the museum needed to fore that was the operator of a well known res- quant dipping sauce and are perfect for begin- reach out to the communities represented taurant in Dharamsala, India, takes traditional ners. The salads are either a combination of within its collections and bring an additional Tibetan cuisine and creates some pretty won- slivered cucumber and carrot with a light rice cultural dimension to their experience," com- derful dishes. All of this happens in a setting wine vinegar or mixed organic greens with a mented Senator Feinstein. "In addition, it is that has all the charm and warmth of home. balsamic vinegar dressing. Both salads are extremely important as we move into the 21st The restaurant was decorated with skill and light, simple and good for cleansing the pal- Century for Americans to better understand tasteful restraint by a local Tibetan artist, ate. Besides the momos there are a number of Asian cultures, as there will be continued rapid Rinchen Lekshay. other entrees which give the menu a variety to growth in trade, commerce, and the movement I had dinner at Cafe Tibet on two occasions suit all tastes. Last but not least are the deserts. of people between America and Asia." and each time I was impressed by the quality Samten makes the best ginger creme brul&. The As mayor, Dianne Feinstein together with her of food and the care taken in its preparation. deserts are not Tibetan, but they are to die for. husband Richard C. Blum were active in ex- Everything that is served is fresh and I was Cafe Tibet is conveniently located in down- panding San Francisco's sister city ties in Asia. struck by Samten's fusion of Western and Ti- town Berkeley. It is at 2020 university Ave. New or expanded sister city relationships in betan cuisines. Without any doubt her momos between Shattuck and Milvia Streets. The res- Asia include Shanghai, Osaka, Manila, and are superb. The meat momos (steamed noodle taurant is open every Tuesday through Sun- Seoul. The City also has similar ties withTaipei enclosing a delicious filing of meat and spices) day, 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. (510) 548-5553). and Sidney. are wonderful, but the mushroom momos are. Ample parking is available. deposit, with 200 million tons, in the Lhupola Basin, and 1.5 million tons of proven reserves International News have been found. Geologists have found 6-sq. km. No 1 field, and a major oil formation has been found along the Changliu Spring-Tsony- China To Develop China Seeks To Baitan Lake Block in the Qiangtang Basin. Many geologists believe that Tibet has favor- Tibet Field Despite Prove Linqian able geology for oil formations. The strata are Political Reserves At 10 of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic periods and similar to oilfields in the Persian Gulf and the Controversy Million Tons Karakorum in Central Asia. Tibet is called "the last and largest oil belt on espite environmental and political con- NSPC is looking to prove the field re- the continents". Professor Liu Tianyou, of D cerns, China plans to develop one or two Cserves up to 10 million tons from three China Geology University, points out that, in oil fields in Tibet for commercial production million now, Zhou said. The Luenpola petro- keeping with the country's oil industry strat- in two years, according to a senior oil com- leum basin could contain up to 150 million tons egy of "stabilizing the output in eastern pany official of China National Star Petroleum of in-place reserves, he added. An appraisal oilfields while developing the west", there will Corp. Wednesday. Chinese industry officials well, Lunqian 3, flowed an average of 214 be greater exploration in Tibet. "We are confi- said they believeTibet will benefit greatly from barrels of oil a day during a steam lifting July dent that Tibet will become an oil reserve base the exploitation of natural energy resources, 9-12, he said, adding that the oil is of heavy in the 2 1st century," he noted and China likely will ignore possible opposi- type. It is the first time China has made a ma- Xinhua news agency, Beijing, 15 Oct 97 tion from political and environmental lobby jor discovery in Tibet. China National Petro- groups to see its plans go through, according leum Corp. gave up exploration in northern to the official of CNSPC - operator of the field Tibet three years ago after failing to strike any in Tibet. The plans follow last week's discov- discovery. Tibet gets its oil products supplies International ery of an oil reserve in northern Tibet's from northwest China's Qinghai and Gansu Luenpola basin at an altitude of 4,700 meters- province through a 1,080-kilometer pipeline Seminar on Ozone the highest altitude ever for an such a discov- running from Golmud in Qinghai to Lhasa, the Layer Protection ery. The discovery well flowed a significant capital city of Tibet. CNSPC began searching amount of oil and contains recoverable re- for oil in northern Tibet eight years ago, under Opens in Tibet serves of 3 million tons of oil, according to what Zhou calls "very harsh natural condi- the CNSPC official. The discovery has re- tions," with oxygen content in the air standing n international seminar on protection of ceived widespread international attention due at only 52% of the normal level. State-owned A the Earth's ozone layer opened today in primarily to the fact that Tibet is touted by CNSPC, established in January 1997, is an this capital of southwest China's Tibet Autono- many as China's political and religious hot- upstream company. With eight regional bu- mous Region. bed. International human rights critics have reaus, it operates in 76 basins in Jilin, Ordos, More than 100 Chinese and foreign experts accused China of implementing rules meant Jiangsu, Tibet, Northern Tarim, Sichuan and and officials from related departments of the to destroy the Tibetan culture and tradition. the East China Sea. Its oil and natural gas pro- United Nations, Sweden and China's State International environmental protection agen- duction was 842,562 metric tons in 1998, ac- Environment Protection Administration are cies have raised concerns over the possible counting for 0.5% of the national total. attending the seminar, and have warned that damage of the natural environment and ecol- human beings cannot exist without the ozono- ogy in the area. An official with Japan's Envi- sphere. ronmental Protection Promotion Institute said They also discussed global protection of the environmental protection is of vital importance ScientistS Comment ozone layer, environment protection on the to Tibet, which is still a pristine highland. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and ways to decrease However, according to ~houBaixiu, vice On Possible Tibet the production and use of Freon in developing president of CNSPC, "the discovery will add countries. wings to the welfare of Tibet.'"'Oil develop- Oil Re~eme~ To date, 168 countries have agreed to the ment in Tibet will help improve social siabil- Montreal Pact on Ozonosphere Pmtection. It ity and promote the local economic hinese scientists think that the Tibet Au is estimated that the production of Freon has development," he said. CNSPC is planning to Ctonomous Region could follow in the reduced the ozone layer by as much as 10 mil- build at least one field with an annual capacity footsteps of the oil-rich Tarim Basin in the lion tons. of 50,000 metric tons in the Luenpola Basin Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. A UN official said that the various man- in northern Tibet, according to the CNSPC After years of oil exploration, potential made gases are destroying the ozonosphere. official. oilfields have been mapped by the Ministry of and this could lead to many diseases such as Singapore, Jul21, (Dow Jones) Geology and Mineral Resources and the China skin cancer and cataracts, as well as do irrepa- National Petroleum Corporation in the rable hann to agricultural production. '. Qiangtang Basin in northern Tibet. 'hick oil Human activities in Tibet have also caused layers have been discovered in the Gangba some loss to the ozone layer in summer and Basin in southern Tibet on more than 10,000 further protection of the natural environment sq.m. of ground, according to Qiu Dongzhou, in this region remains an urgent task. of the China Academy of Geological Sciences. Xinhua via NewsEdge Corporation: Lhasa Geologists found the region's first deep oil (A%. 4) HongKongNPC Dalai Lama Prays $5 Million Pledge Deputies Interested for Kashmir Victims (conritzued from page -5) in Tibetan Medicine pledge total to $125 million toward the over- By Tom Rachman all project goal of $160 million. The gift also reinforces the intent of the lead donor to the eputies to the 9th National People' s Con he Dalai Lama chanted prayers Friday for campaign, whose wish it was to create a cen- D gress (NPC) from the Hong Kong Spe- Tsoldiers, animals and insects harmed in the ter of art and culture. Chong-Moon Lee gave cial Administrative Region (SAR) became in- recent conflict in the Kashmir region, and a lead gift of $15 million to the New Asian terested inTibetan medicine when they visited pleaded with the combatants to embrace non- project in 1995 to launch the campaign. Rec- Qinghai Province in northwest China. violence. ognizing that gift and agreeing with the intent, 'The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is known for its Speaking at a meeting to honor slain Indian the Asian Art Museum has named the com- cold, bright sunlight, and clean environment," soldiers, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan plex in which it and this new theater will re- said a local official. 'The plateau abounds in Buddhists paid his respects to those killed and side the Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Tibetan medicine, which is highly effective wounded on both sides. Arts and Culture. with a history of 2,000 years, " he added. 'There is always the danger of using vio- Lee commented that he was particularly After a tour of a local medicine company, Tso lence, so it's extremely important to make a pleased to see that he has been joined in the "'ung-waiW said. " We're now trying to make habit of the practice of nonviolence," he said. campaign by Senator Dianne Feinstein and Hc sng Kong a center of traditional Chinese "India has in the past exported a lot about the Richard C. Blum. "They have long been ml edicine, and we hope Qinghai will develop theory of nonviolence. Now still you must uti- known in Asia as interested and involved in its richTibetan medicine resources and become lize it more continuously so the world will our arts and culture. This is a fine expression important production base for Hong Kong." benefit." of that appreciation," he added. July 22, 1999 Xinhua via NewsEdge Cor- Indian troops launched a campaign in the The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, ration : Xining, July 21 (Xinhua) Himalayan region of Kashmir earlier this year one of the largest museums in the Western to dislodge Pakistani-backed militants who had world devoted to Asian art, opened in 1966 as occupied mountain peaks in Indian-held terri- a result of a gift to the City of San Francisco tory. The Indian military estimates that 1,400 by industrialist Avery Brundage. The people were killed in the fighting in Kashmir, museum's holdings include more than 12,000 a frigid region divided between India and Pa- art objects representing the countries and cul- kistan. tures throughout Asia. Its collection is world- The Dalai Lama, who won the 1989 Nobel renowned, and as a city-owned asset in the Beijing Preparing Peace Prize, fled Tibet in 1959. He lives in a multi-billion dollar category, its value is ex- Tibetan Buddhist community in the northern ceeded only by the city's own land and build- for Talks with Indian town of Dharmsala. ings. (AP) New Delhi, India The new Asian Art Museum, which is sched- HH Dalai Lama uled to open in 2002 in the former Main Pub- lic Librqry building, is the culmination of a hina is preparing to resume informal con- the Court House, the Civic Center complex and decade-long effort by San Francisco to revi- Ctacts with the Dalai Lama, but no new the Opera House. The combined cost for the talize the Civic Center district. By the turn of proposals are on offer, Taiwan's official Cen- Civic Center revitalization project is estimated the century, several buildings in the immedi- tral News Agency reported Sunday. at more than $1.3 billion. ate vicinity of the new museum will have been Chinese President Jiang Zemin has set up a San Francisco-(Business WirebAug. 4, newly built or seismically renovated and ar- task force to preside over renewed talks with 1999 chitecturally restored. These include San Fran- the Tibetan spiritual leader's government in Contact:Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, cisco City Hall, the Bill Graham Civic exile, CNA said, quoting a recent report by Michele Ragland-Dilworth, 4151379-8813. Auditorium, the new San Francisco Main Li- Taiwan's cabinet-level Mongolian and Tibetan Tim Hallman, 41 51379-8787 brary, the War Memorial Veterans Building, affairs council. The Dalai Lama has said he was engaged in back-channel contacts with the Chinese gov- sJ Tibet Calendar I ernment until Beijing cut them off abruptly and without explanation late last year. Though China's leaders may now be ready to resume Khenpo Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche, KalaChakra information: dialogue, they will continue to insist that the Drikung Kagyu Lineage will be in SF http://www.kalachakra.com/History/ Dalai Lama agree to standing demands, includ- from Sept 14th through the 20th. He will History.htm ing that he live in Beijing if he returns toChina. give Vajrasattva empowerment and teach While disavowing Tibet's formal separation on his book The Transformation of Suffer- HH Dalai Lama is visiting Pasadena in from China, the Dalai Lama has called for ing. The teachings are to be held at the Far October 1999. Pleasecheck here for detailed Beijing to grant Tibet real autonomy to safe- East Fine Arts Gallery, 5 18 Sutter Street, information: lard its unique Buddhist culture. Beijing re- 3rd floor, SF. Contact Jeff Beach 415-668- http://www.compassionbuddha.org/ rds him as rogue element seeking to split 8210 or [email protected] bet apart from China. (AP) 'T~mesof India" Report Taipei: 12 July Let us know what your group or teacher is doing! 1999 ICLT Wish List I Dear ICLT members and friends, Our Tibetan Children's Rights Project mission team members will be leaving for India in mid- BAFoT Wish List October to conduct interviews/investigation of There are a number of specific types of help Seeking Jobs human rights abuses against Tibetan children we could use: under Chinese occupation. We are in need of We could use funding for a new computer. and Tutors the equipment listed below (the computers, We would like an iMac. The cost of this com- adapters & cases would be on a loan-only ba- puter would be around $1,000, leasing it would For Tibetans sis for the duration of the mission-approxi- cost $30 a month. Our current computer is ith the success of the family reuni- mately 4 weeks). If you, or someone you know, years out of date and very slow. fication project, many hard-work- can provide any of these, please let us know. Professional accounting services, includ- W ing Tibetans are now seeking employ- Your support is very much appreciated. ing tax preparation would be greatly appreci- ment. The newly-arrived Tibetans have ated. Laptop computers (2) Financial assistance for Tibetan students a wide variety of skills and backgrounds. BAFoT is sewing as a clearinghouse. Computer Adapters (2) in India. We are currently seeking scholarship At present, educational opportunities, Computer Disks (one box of 10 disks) assistance for a large family headed by a scholarships, and job offers (full- and Computer Carrying Cases (2) widow. One daughter is struggling to complete part-time; housecleaning, baby-sitting, Battery tester college and two children are still in elemen- painting, clerical, gardening, etc.) are Toys, coloring books, maze-books, kids' cross- tary school. needed. If you can contribute, even an word puzzle books, colorful pens and pencils, Financial assistance for the office salary hour a week, to help someone with read- Tibetan-English story books, journals. of the Communication Coordinator in order to ing, etc., or if you have a job orjob refer- 2 tape recorders: Sony TCM-59V (cassette- continue to continue to have someone attend ral to offer, please call Giovanni Vassallo size, with auto-reverse).and tapes the BAFoT office on a regular basis. This criti- at BAFoT at (5 10) 548-127 1 or Sonam cal position enables someone to answer Gonsar at (510) 658- 1266. Kind regards, phones/mail/e-mail in a timely fashion as well Thank you! I as coordinate volunteers, take and publish min- Janice Mantell utes, update the Web page, and update and Executive Director reconfigure our membership database. Our co- '&- International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet ordinator will be helping with grant research '2288 Fulton Street, Suite 312 and writing in the near future as well. Berkeley, CA 94704 Volunteers for a variety of work includ- Thank YOU- ~ ICLT ing at events*etc. For the Macintosh computer to augment our tel. (5 10) 486-0588, fax. (5 10) 548-3785, Thank you, old PC and be available for people helping us e: [email protected], http:Nwww.tibeticIt.org/ The BAFoT Board who "don't do windows."
ORQANIZATION U.S. POSTAaE PAID SAN FRANCISCO, CA
BAY AREA FRIENDS OF TIBET 2288 Fulton Street, Suite 3 12 Berkeley, CA 94704 Phone (5 10) 548- 127 1 Fax (5 10) 548-3785