ZEPHYR 3.3 TIBET - the people, the religion - why now? ZEPHYR Other dimensions and awareness

TIBET - a country where the Tibetan flag can no longer fly

 The Tibetan Government in ExileDharamsala, India

The People

Films and Videos on Tibet

"Kundun"

Written by Melissa Mathison.

A Hollywood big-bucks production. Mathison (screenwriter of, among other films, "E.T.") is Harrison Ford's wife. Martin Scorcese is also involved. The title is from the Dalai lama's childhood nickname and the film is about his life. The Dalai Lama has said, "I have read Melissa Mathison's script. It is very good, It is very moving. Those people have been very supportive and sympathetic."

"Seven Years in Tibet"

Produced by Iain Smith.

Another Hollywood big-bucks potential blockbuster which is currently being filmed. Based on the Heinrich Harrer book, this film will star Brad Pitt as Harrer. The Dalai Lama has approved the film saying "Harrer is one of the few Westerners who is fully acquainted with the Tibetan way of life."

The Religion:

   The Kalachakra sand mandala           The Bija symbolising the Mandala         Three-dimensional mandala

Part of Tibetan Buddhism is the concept of the Kalachakra Mandala - the beautifully designed coloured sand picture that was depicted in both of these films. The picture above is what is known as the visual representation of the Kalachakra mantra or the seed symbol, and is known as the "Power of Ten"

The Kalachakra Tantra was taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. For 2,500 years the teachings of Kalachakra were preserved in India and Tibet. The Kalachakra has a special connection to the land of Shambhala and a future golden age of Dharma. In Tibet, the Kalachakra empowerment was done in public only four times per century, and at times of special danger. Although it is generally meant for experienced practitioners, it has a profound message for all people of this planet. For that reason, the initiation is traditionally given at a public gathering, and may be taken simply as a blessing, giving people the opportunity to establish a personal link with the message and benefits of Kalachakra.

The Kalachakra, or "turning of the wheel" teaching, emphasizes universal peace. Kalachakra tantric initiation/empowerment is open to all lineages and traditions of Buddhism.

Many web sites now show the whole process on creating the Mandala ....

The Opening ceremony	the construction and completion of the Mandala	to the final important dismantling and dispersal of the sand

It has been delightfully described as the "Art of Building a Universe"

Traditionally most sand mandalas are destroyed shortly after their completion. This is done as a metaphor of the impermanence of life. The sands are swept up and placed in an urn; to fulfill the function of healing, half is distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony, while the remainder is carried to a nearby body of water, where it is deposited. The waters then carry the healing blessing to the ocean, and from there it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing.

WHY NOW:

One of the most important developments that has happened as a result of the Tibetan people no longer living in their country, is that His Holiness has travelled even further afield to bring his culture, the plight of the Tibetan people and his blessings.  He has visited South Africa twice already.  He attended the World Parliament of Religions held in Cape Town and was warmly welcomed by Buddhists and those of all religious persuasions.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Cape Town - on the eve of the Millenium