Dear FPMT brothers and sisters

We, Valentina Dolara and Alison Murdoch, are writing from Delhi where we have had the good fortunate to attend some private teachings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Yesterday His Holiness spoke directly about the troubles in Tibet, asking all supporters worldwide to help in any way they can, providing that this happens in a strictly non-violent way. He explained that this is a moment of crisis, and that it is all of us, rather than the Tibetans in exile, who have the potential to shift the situation.

His Holiness specifically stated, not for the first time, that Tibetan dharma cannot survive without Tibetan freedom. He explained that only Tibetan Buddhism has been able to preserve the full Nalanda tradition and its message of universal compassion, its techniques to promote inner values and its teachings on interdependence, with their extraordinary potential to bring peace and harmony to the modern world.

As members of the FPMT network, we have tasted these precious teachings for ourselves. From the heart, this most precious of teachers has asked for every dharma student to support the cause of Tibet.

One of the only ways that we can influence the decisions of the Chinese government is to show that there is widespread and increasing public condemnation of their actions in Tibet. How can we do this? How can we link together all the feelings of individuals, who by themselves may feel powerless, but as a group could have an unforgettable impact?

We have a simple suggestion. We all want to stand up for Tibet. Let's do it, literally. Every day, let's commit to simply standing up. just for a few moments, with either a printed or digital photo of the Tibetan flag in our hands. Individually or in a group. Quietly or noisily. In the most creative and spectacular way imaginable. On the street, in schools, on trains and buses, in the workplace, in bars and restaurants. Let's be visible, newsworthy, fun and contagious. We want to make our feelings public throughout the world, and we want millions of people to join in.

March 31st has been designated an international day of action by the International Tibet Support Network. Will you stand up that day, wherever you happen to be? And then continue, as long as the situation lasts.

Via the FPMT, we have the capacity to reach tens of thousands of people. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has specifically suggested that we use our centre mailing lists for this. Can you circulate this email before March 31st?

We are seeking a way to record the numbers of people who do this – a simple system whereby we can record how many people do this, and upload photos of it taking place? Obviously we want to generate as much publicity as we can. We will let you know when this is in place.

We are not only standing up for one country that is experiencing oppression, but for every act of injustice and repression that has happened personally to us, or to other people in the world.

This is something we can all do for Tibet. Who can you phone, text or email and encourage to join in? Can we make this happen across the globe, particularly during the next weeks, before it is too late?

We're in Delhi, where it's difficult to check our email. We may not be able to respond to you personally at this time. But we need your help and are very grateful for anything you can do to make this happen.

With a big prayer for peace in Tibet

Valentina and Alison Alison Murdoch
Director Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW)

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