The 1000 Lamp Mandala CeremonyThe 1000 Lamp Mandala Ceremony
World Appeal from T.D. Lakha Lama
see also http://www.tibet.dk/charity/mandala/
To all friends of Tibet, the organisation for Tibet and Buddhist Centres:
As a chairman of the Tibetan Charity I am happy to inform you that we are arranging "The 1000 Lamp Mandala Ceremony" for Tibet in the cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen, Denmark on the Day of Human Rights, and Nobel Peace Price; December the 10th at 18.00 o'clock.
The work has already begun in Aarhus and Copenhagen, but I would appreciate interested parties to commence similar initiatives for instance in Stockholm and Oslo but preferably all over the World.
I know that it is impossible for many people to fully join in the ceremony. However, their participation and concern may be demonstrated if they would just light a candle and put it on the windowsill at the same day and time. The purpose is to lighten up the many years of darkness that have been oppressing Tibet.
The mandala format is flexible. It could be in two or three dimensions ie. flat or as an erect structure. The choice is fully on the parties that take up the challenge.
I wish to thank all those who have sympathy for the Human Rights in Tibet.
Yours truly T.D. Lakha, Denmark
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The Idea of The 1000 Lamp Mandala:
In order to focus our attention on the unhappy situation of Tibetans in particular and people under the stress of non-peaceful conditions in general, we wish to express our sympathy, understanding and feeling of responsibility by the action of constructing and lighting a mandala with 1000 candles. Its our hope and wish that this simple act will inspire others thereby enhancing its effect and impact.
We are hereby submitting this idea for an activity that could be held in all major cities on the 10. December - the day of human rights.
Thubten Dorje Lakha Rinpoche the lama of Batang in East-Tibet has come up with this idea, which is now realized in the capitol of Denmark, Copenhagen, and in Aarhus another major city in Denmark. The idea has spread to Sweden where it will be held in Stockholm.
In a very popular square in the city a big mandala will be made out of candles. People, companies, shops will be able to buy candles that all will be lit at sunset in Denmark and Sweden on the 10. December. There is supposed to be at least a thousand candles in the mandala.
In Denmark a poem about Tibet and its unique culture, probably written by the Danish famous author Ib Michael, will be given to the passers-by. No politic posters, flyers or speeches will be held. The happening will be a cultural event that will stand on its own for Tibet and for peace in the world.
Anyone that is inspired by this idea and want to realize it in their neighbourhood can contact tibetdk@hotmail.com for questions. Please inform us if you will be using this idea.
The ritual can be performed in many ways. Please feel free to
develop your own.
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Ten points to get you started:
1. Inform us if you will be using this idea and keep in touch (via email: tibetdk@hotmail.com). This way we can make at greater impression on the press, on the Internet e.t.c. knowing about the events going on world-wide.
2. Then gather helpers and brief about the event.
3. Find a suitable place for the mandala and get the permission.
4. Inform the fire brigade about the event.
5. Write a letter to a candle firm explaining about the mandala and ask for a reduced price for the candles. The candles have to be big and with tinfoil because of the heat from the many candles. It causes a mess with the melted candles without the tinfoil.
6. And maybe make a contact to a poet that would write a poem about Tibet or peace that could be handed out to the passers-by that day.
7. Now it is time for PR. Contact relevant magazines, papers, members, make posters/flyers and so on. Tell the editors of magazines about the event and ask them for free publicity. Be sure to be polite. Remember to explain them that this a non-profit event for Tibet and for peace in the world (any profit should go to the cause of the Tibetan people).You could also announce it at the Internet (e.g. http://www.tibet.dk/charity). In that way you give people the opportunity to buy candles in at advance.
8. Before the 10. December remember to contact radio stations, TV stations, newspapers and invite them to come on the 10. December.
9. Now on the 10.december you should finally be ready for lighting the candles! In Europe we will be lighting the candles at 18.00 o'clock when it is getting dark. Let one or two people talk to the press.
10. People will now be able to buy a candle and lit it for Tibet and peace in the world. In Denmark there will be held no speeches or distributed any political flyers e.t.c. during the event. We have chosen to let the event stand alone only explained in the press. This way we think it will be a stronger expression. People will then be able to make their own thoughts about this without any pressure or negative impressions. The mandala should be a symbol of Tibet and the Tibetan people and made in the hope of peace in the world.
We wish you the very best of success with the mandala. Please feel free to contact us (tibetdk@hotmail.com) with questions, comments or ideas/experiences you would like to share with us. We will try to help you in any way possible.
Please forward this message to any suitable parties.
Sincere best wishes
Tibet Charity:
WWW: http://www.tibet.dk/charity/
Email: tibetdk@hotmail.com
