Hello All
A brief update on what's happening in South Africa regarding Tibet.
For the first time since we started our activities, I received a
call from the Chinese Cultural Studies Centre (the equivalent of the
acting embassy). A Mr Shoo has asked to meet with me to discuss
my involvement with Tibet. So on Monday morning we meet on neutral
ground; the Brazilian Coffe Shop.
I will submit something to the TSG list if it turns out to be a
substantial event. Any wise advice from TSG old timers on how to
treat this meeting would be appreciated.
Professor Samdhong Rinpoche arrives in S.A on the 1st of April for
the first time. He has been invited by the Chancellor of the
University of Natal on a seminar concerning Commonwealth
Universities. Besides Durban, he will also visit Cape Town and Johannesburg.
We have arranged some meetings for Rinpoche over the two days he will be in
Jo'burg:
Thusday, 10 April
* A meeting with the Chief of Human Rights and Social Affairs, Dr Alan
Sharpe;
* A lunch meeting with Dewachen members;
* A human rights conference with members of various HR groups based
in S.A;
* A dinner with 20 - 25 socially active S.Africans. There will be speeches by
both an executive member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
and an African Shaman. A select group of religious, political,
sympathetic corporate leaders, foreign aid and other such folk
will attend the dinner.
Friday, 11 April
* An interview on national breakfast TV;
* morning with the media;
* afternoon Dharma talk;
* Tea at Buddhist centre en route the airport;
* Departure for India.
The rest of Professor Rinpoche's itinerary will be submitted from
Durban. I am sure his prescence in S.A will clarify for those who meet
him the seriousness of the Tibetan struggle.
Earlier in the month I spoke about a Rinpoche who is involved in aid
projects in Tibet, which deny his Sangha here access to any of our
overt activities regarding Tibetan freedom. I had the wonderful
opportunity to sit with Rinpoche and discuss the nature of his work
there. I was very impressed at how he was approaching the preservation
of the Tibetan culture. I am sure many of you know of this Rinpoche
and what he is doing in Tibet.
If anyone would like further details and anecdotes of the stories he
told me about his activities there, let me know. You will be suprised
at how humourously he is approaching Tibet's oppressors. No doubt
a man of tremendous intelligence and courage!
Guy
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Dewachen Tibetan Cultural Centre
P.O. Box 55033
Northlands, 2116
South Africa
Tel:(+2711) 880-3090
Fax:(+2711) 447-4688
E-mail: guylieb@iafrica.com
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