A vivid example of the success of the latter approach is the rapid spread of Tibetan Buddhism and the Way of Shambhala into Western countries, fueled by the avid interest of Western students hungry for genuine spiritual insight. Fortunately, many of the most accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation masters were able to escape from Tibet  during the invasion, and to bring with them many of their treasured scriptures, art works and ritual implements.

Direct help is needed, as well. For example, it is not enough to save examples of religious paintings in museums -- the skills involved in creating the paintings must be passed on from teacher to student, along with the understanding of the meaning of the images and their function in the meditation practice -- but Tibetans living in countries where they are allowed to really practice Buddhism simply cannot afford to devote their time and energy to dharma study and art work, unless someone helps to pay their living expenses. In old Tibet, the tradition of supporting monks and nuns and monasteries was strong.

In setting our goals we should face certain realities af the current situation: It is highly unlikely that classical Tibetan culture will survive anywhere, even in free countries. Given the choice, many Tibetan people appreciate Western medicine and other aspects of Western culture. A more realistic goal would simply be to protect their lives, and to restore their freedom to live by their own choices; and to make available, to anyone who may be interested, the insights and wisdom of this amazing culture.

Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhist Art

The Ancient Wisdom of Shambhala

Tools for Spiritual Healing
Meditation, Prayer Wheels, Prayer Flags, Mantra, Incense

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You can study meditation practice, and make it part of your life. 

You can build stupas or help pay for them, hang prayer flags, or put up prayer wheels. It's especially good to do these projects with other people.

You can sponsor monks and nuns in training, and support projects working to preserve the teachings -- the actual physical texts and audio or video recordings -- or efforts to translate tibetan dharma teachings into Western languages. Most Tibetan Buddhist centers are involved in such projects. Here are a few specific projects:

Naropa's Tibetan Language Library -- Preserve sacred treasures and support a nunnery at the same time.

Cultural Survival "helps indigenous peoples and ethnic groups deal as equals in their relations with national and international societies." 

See also: handicrafts

See also: documentaries -- Tibetan Buddhist Art -- handicrafts

dZi - The Tibet Collection -"the wholesale and retail marketing arm of the Tibetan Handcraft Development Project."

Ringing Mountain Imports --  Traditional, exquisite hand-knotted carpets, made by Tibetan Refugees in Nepal, who are thus "able to support their whole complex of culture in exile. We call this 'Heritage Preservation through Craft.' We'd like to become a stable source of income to the exiled Tibetans."

Tara Healing Incense (Agar 31) -- symptomatic relief from stress, depression and tension, headache, and asthma; totally natural, safe, non-toxic and non-habit-forming. Can be used by many people who have allergic reactions to ordinary incense. 

Changing and Unchanged: Images and articles on Tibet from the New York Times.  (Requires free registration)

Dreams of Tibet: PBS Frontline Special

Wild Life, Tamed Mind: The Spirit of Tibet. Glow Online Magazine

Glow Magazine Archives: Special focus on Tibet

The Office of Tibet, the official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

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Tibet Online Resources Gathering

Tibet Support Groups: Global Directory

Australia Tibet Council

Canada Tibet Committee

Arizona Friends of Tibet

The Tibet Global Link -- giving Tibetan refugees access to e-mail.

The background of this page, and this prayer wheel show the mantra of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in Tibetan script. This is the most common prayer in Tibetan Buddhist regions.