Book Review by Christina Fox

"Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Reflect on the Rule of Saint Benedict'
by Norman Fisher, Joseph Goldstein, Judith Simmer-Brown,Yofa(Editor), Patrick Henery(Editor).

In Benedict's Dharma, Zen priest Norman Fisher, meditation teacher, Joseph Goldstein, professor Judith Simmer Brown, and Yifa, a nun of the Chinese Buddhist tradition, flesh out The Rule of Saint Benedict, which has guided the organisation and daily life of the Western Christian monastic tradition since the nineth century.

Overseas News

His Holiness Dalai Lama in good health
His Holiness Dalai Lama was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, India, after complaining of stomach pain and exhaustion in January 2002. Several weeks earlier, doctors had advised the Dalia Lama to rest after a bout of gastrointestinal problems and complaints of giddiness. His Holiness was consequently forced to cancel his Kalachakra teaching at Bodh Gaya. He was discharged from hospital a few days later however, with a clean bill of health, after being treated with antibiotics for a stomach virus. A fortnight later, the Dalai Lama was given a medical checkup by his personal physicians, who concluded there was no cause for concern. As a precautionary measure, His Holiness' travel programs, audiences and interviews were cancelled for the next three months. However, this period of retreat will end in time for his Australian tour, which begins in Melbourne on 19th May 2002. His Holiness is said to be recuperating well. Please pray for his long life. If anybody would like a copy of the long version of His Holiness' Long Life Prayer, please call the E-Vam Institute office on 9387 0422.

Annual March 10th Statement from His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Below is an extract from this years March 10 statement from His Holiness Dalai Lama. It commemorates The Tibetan National Uprising Day, the failed people's uprising against Chinese occupation of the Himalayan region in 1959.
'Today, we commemorate the forty-third anniversary of the Tibetan people's Uprising. However, I have always considered the present and future more important than the past. The world is greatly concerned with the problem of terrorism as a consequence of September 11. Internationally, the majority of the governments are in agreement that there is an urgent need for joint efforts to combat terrorism, and a series of measures have been adopted.

Unfortunately, the present measures lack a long-term and comprehensive approach to deal with the root causes of terrorism. What is required is a well-thought-out, long-term strategy to promote globally a political culture of non-violence and dialogue. The international community must assume a responsibility to give strong and effective support to non-violent movements committed to peaceful changes. Otherwise, it will be seen as hypocrisy to condemn and combat those who have risen in anger and despair but to continue to ignore those who have consistently espoused restraint and dialogue as a constructive alternative to violence.
We must draw lessons from the experiences we gained. If we look back at the last century, the most devastating cause of human suffering has been the culture of violence in resolving differences and conflicts. The challenge before us, therefore, is to make this new 21st century a century of dialogue when conflicts are resolved non-violently.

In human societies there will always be differences of opinions and interests. However, the reality today is that we are all inter-dependent and have to co-exist with one another on this small planet. As a result, the only sensible and intelligent way to resolving differences and clash of interests today, whether between individuals, communities or nations, is through dialogue in the spirit of compromise and reconciliation. We need to research, develop and teach this spirit of non-violence and invest in these efforts as much resources as we do for military defence.

Within the context of the present tense political atmosphere the Chinese authorities in Tibet have continued in the past year to subject Tibetans inside Tibet to gross violations of human rights, including religious persecution. This has led to an increasing number of Tibetans risking their lives to flee Tibet and to find refuge elsewhere. Last summer the expulsion of thousands of Tibetan and Chinese monks and nuns from a Tibetan Buddhist learning institute at Serthar in Eastern Tibet highlighted the intensity and scale of the repression in Tibet. These abuses of rights are a clear example of how Tibetans are deprived of their right to assert and preserve their own identity and culture…

The Buddhist culture of Tibet inspires the Tibetans with values and concepts of compassion, forgiveness, patience and a reverence for all forms of life that are of practical benefit and relevance in daily life and hence the wish to preserve it. Sadly, our Buddhist culture and way of life are under threat of total extinction. The majority of Chinese 'development' plans in Tibet are designed to assimilate Tibet completely into the Chinese society and culture and to overwhelm Tibetans demographically by transferring large numbers of Chinese into Tibet. This unfortunately reveals that Chinese policies in Tibet continue to be dominated by 'ultra-leftists' in the Chinese government, despite the profound changes carried out by the Chinese government and the Party elsewhere in the People's Republic of China. This policy is unbefitting of a proud nation and culture such as China and against the spirit of the 21st century.

The global trend today is towards more openness, freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. No matter how big and powerful China may be, she is still a part of the world. Sooner or later China will have to follow the world trend. In the coming months and years the process of change that has already taken place in China will accelerate. As a Buddhist monk, I would like China, which is home to almost a quarter of the world's entire population, to undergo this change peacefully. Chaos and instability will only lead to large-scale bloodshed and tremendous suffering to millions of people. Such a situation would also have serious ramifications for peace and stability throughout the world. And as a human being, it is my sincere desire that our Chinese brothers and sisters enjoy freedom, democracy, prosperity and peace.

Whether the coming changes in China will bring new life and new hope for Tibet and whether China establishes herself as a reliable, constructive, peaceful and leading member of the international community depends largely on whether China continues to define herself mainly through her size, number, military and economic powers or whether she decides to commit herself to universal human values and principles and define her strength and greatness through them. This decision by China, in turn, will be influenced to a large degree by the attitude and policies of the international community towards China. I have always drawn attention to the need to bring Beijing into the mainstream of world democracy and have spoken against any idea of isolating and containing China. To attempt to do so would be morally incorrect and politically impractical. Instead, I have always counselled a policy of responsible and principled engagement with the Chinese government.'

Lamps for World Peace
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) invites you to light lamps for world peace. Lighting lamps and offering prayers for the benefit of all beings at the first light of each day is a Buddhist tradition for encouraging the world to turn their thoughts toward happiness and the freedom from suffering. KTD - the North American seat for H.H. the Gyalwa Karmapa - intends to keep lamps lit throughout this millennium, as a gesture towards world peace and a reminder to extend compassion and loving kindness towards all beings. If you would like to assist with this project, donations can be made to Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, 335 Meads Mountain road, Woodstock, New York, 12498, or by phoning 845 679-5906. For further details, contact www.kagyu.org or light@kagyu.org.

Chogyal Namkai Norbu - Dzogchen Retreats in the US
Chogyal Namkai Norbu is conducting two Dzogchen Retreats in America: the first in May at Harvard university, Cambridge, MA the second in June at New York, NY. All retreats are open to anyone wishing to learn and experience the Dzogchen tradition. Please visit www.tsegyalgar.org for complete in formation on the Dzogchen Community in America and detailed retreat information as it becomes available.
Alternative Site for Maitreya Project

As a result of the present political climate in Bihar State, unexpected bureaucratic delays have so far resulted in three postponements to the commencement of construction on the Maitreya Project site in Bodhgaya. In order to avoid the further escalation of costs, it has become necessary for Maitreya Project to seriously consider moving to a site outside of Bihar State. The adjacent states of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh are being considered, as both have been very enthusiastic in their response to the project. The Maitreya Board has temporarily frozen any further detailed design and engineering work until these new site opportunities have been evaluated.

Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD)
At KTD, the resident teacher, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche is continuing his series of teachings on the Retreat Manual of Karma Chakme. In July he will offer a ten-day Mahamudra teaching retreat. In the spring, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche will begin teaching Distinguishing Between Consciousness and Wisdom, a text by Rangjung Dorje, the 3rd Karmapa. Over the course of the next year, KTD anticipates teaching seminars from Kagyu linage masters, such as Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and the 7th Mingyur Rinpoche.

KTD is also currently undertaking The Monastery Completion Project. Before his death in 1981, His Holiness the sixteenth Karmapa requested that a traditional Tibetan Monastery be built, providing a drawing of his vision for the physical design of KTD. To date, only the gompa has been completed. The efforts to complete the entire vision have been stepped up in anticipation of the arrival of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. The architectural and engineering designs for the project are being refined while the Centre waits on the approval and building permits of the Woodstock Planning Board.

Traleg Rinpoche's 'Essence of Buddhism' has been officially nominated as recommended reading for the upcomming tour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia, May 2002.

The Venerable Traleg Rinpoche is conducting a number of courses from February 2002. To find out more details visit the Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institutes website.

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