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HH the XIV Dalai Lama Blesses Wellbeing Beneficiaries
Report by: Jeremy Russell, Dalailama.com, November 25, 2012

Kochi, Kerala, India: Sethu Das, founder of the Friends of Tibet, a people's movement to keep the issue of Tibet alive through direct action, escorted His Holiness the Dalai Lama through a small exhibition of photographs and artifacts related to Tibet in Kochi this morning. Then, before an assembly of Friends of Tibet and patients who have benefited from Tibetan medical camps, he gave him a fulsome welcome. He described the development of medical camps providing people with access to the Tibetan Medical Tradition, which have since grown into a programme called Wellbeing. He said, "It is the tragedy that has befallen Tibet that has brought this ancient medical tradition to the notice and benefit of people in India, as it has indeed brought His Holiness's blessed presence among us today."

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet addressing a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' Members and 'Wellbeing' Beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn in the southern city of Kochi in Kerala on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'. (Photos: Ramesh Kumar PS)

Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar read a report explaining that since they began in 2010, the Tibetan medical camps have acquired 2000 registered patients who are served by two Tibetan physicians. These patients have all been alerted by word of mouth alone. Many of them with chronic ailments have made a remarkable improvement and there is a demand for more Wellbeing camps in other towns.

His Holiness responded that he was happy to address the gathering and particularly happy to know of the success of the Tibetan medical facilities being offered. He said it is symptomatic of Tibetan culture, which is a culture of peace, non-violence and compassion. He added that since the arrival in Tibet of the message of the Buddha, with its logically presented philosophical views, Tibetan society as a whole became more compassionate. He admitted that he too is someone who regularly takes Tibetan medicine and recalled that after an international medical conference convened in Tibet by King Trisong Detsen in the 8th century CE, Tibetan medicine had become much more effective, adding that there is still room for improvement.

Referring to Tibet's culture of peace and compassion, he said, "It's like a medication ensuring peace of mind. Sadly, narrow minded and short sighted communist officials in Tibet today only consider the power of the gun; they don't even recognise the power of peace of mind."

"As far as the Buddhadharma is concerned, the tradition we Tibetans preserve is the richest anywhere and as such is a world treasure. Although Buddhist doctrine is really only of interest to Buddhists, there are aspects of Buddhist cultural that can be applied by anyone, whatever their own faith."

Talking about the difficulties that prevail in Tibet, His Holiness remarked that China maintains such huge forces there that their internal security budget exceeds their defence spending. He said that pursuing the Middle Way approach is not to deny Tibet's past status and recalled a Chinese archaeologist telling him in 1979 of evidence that Tibetan civilisation had evolved from its own roots, quite distinct from China. He concluded that supporting Tibet is in India's interest and expressed his appreciation for the Friends of Tibet's dedicated efforts.

CLICK HERE FOR KOCHI DALAI LAMA AUDIENCE PHOTO GALLERY

Feeling the Presence
Report by: Appu Jacob John, Friends of Tibet, December 01, 2012

Kochi: November 25, 2012 was a great day for Kochi in south India. The day was remarkable as it is on this day that His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet visited the city. His Holiness visited in connection with programmes and a Private Audience with the Beneficiaries of the Kochi Wellbeing Tibetan Medical camps organised jointly by Friends of Tibet and the Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Many Keralites have been benefiting from these camps from the last two years. The camps were formally inaugurated by His Holiness during his previous visit to the city on September 04, 2010. Around 300 hundred patients and guests attended the private audience. Some of the beneficiaries didn't know His Holiness or has only heard of him as just an iconic figure. Some didn't know about the situation inside Tibet. Wellbeing camps were an eye-opener for many. Many people wanted a deeper insight and with this in mind that the Friends of Tibet organised this Audience.

"This day will remain the most memorable day in my life," says Abba Mohan, who met with a tragic accident some years ago. Abba Mohan, a photographer by profession was one of the hundreds who got blessed by His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama on November 25, 2012. His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan nation. Though crushed by the Chinese authorities, no Tibetan can deny the Dalai Lama as it is something deeply etched into their minds. For them he is the God incarnate; incarnation of Avalokiteswara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. One can see even fierce Tibetans bursting out into tears in his presence; also it is interesting to see people bending double before him. People put the Dalai Lama's photos on their heads and consider themselves as blessed by His Holiness.

Among the hundreds of pseudonyms for His Holiness, one is "Kundun" which means 'the Presence of Lord Buddha on Earth'. Because of his popular associations, the present Dalai Lama has captured the hearts of millions on the Earth and it is for this matter that this report is titled — Feeling the Presence. We were blessed by him standing next to us; him holding our hands; or him shaking hands; or tapping on the shoulders; or him holding us on his lap; or him embracing us. Hence I leave this report open for all to include their comments regarding the visit by His Holiness. Some comments are included below:

"The Dalai Lama is part of our culture and many have come from distant places to see him."
Namgyl Dorje, local Tibetan representative

"It was like bathing in dew. Such soothing energy radiating from him. All of our family are happy to have seen him. He has given me two orders one is to study the philosophy of Nagarjuna and the other is to study the Tibetan Medicine."
Dr V Madhavachandran, Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group

"What attracted us most is his ability to laugh. Even in the midst of all these problems he is able to laugh openly."
Prof PC John and Dr Susan John, Retired Professors, Kottayam
Dr Anju Miriam John, Medical Officer, NRHM Palliative Care, Kottayam

"It was a golden opportunity. I was able to understand a lot about the Tibetan sanyasis."
Brahmanandan V, Retired Customs Official

"It was a great occasion. I have no words to express my joy. How simply His Holiness is able to merge with the people around."
Paul Manalil, Assistant Editor, Malayala Manorama

"It was a blessed occasion. My whole family is overjoyed. My son had the fortune of sitting on the Holiness' lap."
Sharath Chandran, GAIL

"He is a great source of bliss, a positive energy. My whole family is happy. My little girl who doesn't know the greatness of the position of HH the Dalai Lama was fortunate to be tapped on her cheeks by his Holiness and now she demands to have a big picture of His Holiness in her room."
Nirmal Antony, Musician

"My whole family is happy to have had this great opportunity. It was a wonderful time and my family was overjoyed. My elder son Elvin was fortune of having His Holiness enquiring about his health."
Eldhto T Mathew, GAIL

"I was very much blessed by the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is a positive energy. He has met many political as well as religious leaders and he couldn't find such an attracting power in any body else. He is happy to have been embraced by such a great dignitary even in the midst of such hectic security."
Abba Mohan, Photographer

"During my Private Audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he had acknowledged the support India extended to him. He also expressed his firm belief in socialism and non-violence. His Holiness the Dalai Lama stands for humanity and compassion, he is the living Buddha."
Justice VR Krishna Iyer, Retired Supreme Court judge

"Standing
waiting for You
earth and body shake.

Tears stream down my cheeks
River without words
Ancient Sweetness without a name."
Shih-In Ma, Mata Amritanandamayi Math

This is how some persons around us have felt the presence. Yours might be different. But it is rarely one has such opportunities and the experiences are still more to come.

PHOTOS FROM THE KOCHI AUDIENCE WITH HH DALAI LAMA (NOV 25, 2012)

Waiting for the Dalai Lama: Justice VR Krishna Iyer, Dr VC Harris, Dr KS Radhakrishnan, Cartoonist Yesudasan, Brahmanandan V, Dr V Madhavachandran, Francis Kodenkandeth, Ravi Palathingal, NK Pavithran and others are seen. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at the function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

The Dalai Lama Entourage. HH the Dalai Lama was in southern city of Kochi in Kerala to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at the function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Justice VR Krishna Iyer, former Judge in the Supreme Court of India presents a "Ponnada", traditional Kerala clothe woven with golden thread to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet. HH the Dalai Lama was in city to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at the function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet addressing a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' Members and 'Wellbeing' Beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn in the southern city of Kochi in Kerala on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Welcome Speech by Sethu Das, Founder-President of Friends of Tibet (India). While speaking at a function organised by the Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing to welcome His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet to Kochi on November 25, 2012 Sethu Das said: "It is a tragedy of nation that brought an ancient medical system, a culture and spiritual values back to India. It is the very same tragedy that helped India to get blessed by the presence of an enlightened guru."

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet laughs after making a humourous remark pointing out a factual error in the Welcome Speech. HH the Dalai Lama who's on a two-day visit to Kerala state met with a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn Cochin on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Opening remarks by Yeldtho Mathew of Friends of Tibet. His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet spoke to a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn Cochin on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar, Chief Medical Officer of Men-Tsee-Khang, Bangalore presents an overview of Kochi medical camps to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet. HH Dalai Lama spoke to a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn Cochin on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Suresh Babu of Friends of Tibet coordinates Question and Answer session with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama of Tibet spoke to a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn Cochin on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Tibetan Poet and Activist Tenzin Tsundue presents the documentary film 'Compassion in Exile'. The Dalai Lama of Tibet spoke to a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn Cochin on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Vote of Thanks by Appu Jacob John of Friends of Tibet. His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet spoke to a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn Cochin on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Sethu Das, Founder of Friends of Tibet (India) shows a Zenith radio to His Holiness at the exhibition hall of Friends of Tibet Collection of Tibet Artifacts. "Yes, I remember. I used this radio in Lhasa," His Holiness replied. His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn Cochin on November 25, 2012. His Holiness spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet looks at coins and currencies of the then free and Independent Tibet from the Friends of Tibet Collection of Tibet Artifacts. His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama also spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet looks at the map of Tibet from the Friends of Tibet Collection of Tibet Artifacts. His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama also spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at a function organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Pointing at the Amdo Province in the Map of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama with all his wisdom and sense of humour told Sethu Das who escorted him to the exhibition hall: "This is the region where I was born, But China does not consider Amdo a part of Tibet...then I am not a Tibetan!" His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' Beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama spoke about 'The Art of Happiness' at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama looks at "Art of Happiness" painting exhibition by Francis Kodenkandath at the exhibition hall. The artist presented his Tibet painting to the Dalai Lama. His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' Beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama is being welcomed by Keval Shah and Nirmal Antony of Friends of Tibet. His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Dr Tenzin Norbu of Men-Tsee-Khang, Bangalore seeks blessings of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama while he was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

TV Presenter "Q" seeks blessings of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama for his two year old daughter who had the opportunity to get blessed by the Dalai Lama in 2010. His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet blesses Swaroopa Nirmal and Kelvin Eldho during the Friends of Tibet meet in Kochi, Kerala. His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

"You seem to be having some health problems. Please get this checked" His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama tells Elvin Eldtho while asking Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar to offer medication. His Holiness was in Kochi to address a gathering of 'Friends of Tibet' members and 'Wellbeing' beneficiaries at the Holiday Inn on November 25, 2012. The Dalai Lama spoke about "The Art of Happiness" at this event organised by the 'Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing'.

Team Friends of Tibet and Team Men-Tsee-Khang: Sunil Agarwal, Samta L Shah, Bhavana L Shah, Sharath Chandra, Suku Dass, Reeba Vikramathithyan, Suresh Babu, Dr Tenzin Norbu, CA Kallianpur, Yedltho Mathew, Sreejith Saseendran, Dr Shirmali Tharoor, Francis Kodenkandeth, Jill Marie Karras, Anto V, Swaroopa Nirmal, Nirmal Antony, Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar, Simi Nirmal, Rashmi Siddharthan, Deepa Sharath, Sethu Das, Migmar Dorje, Emmanuel Thompson, Keval L Shah, Appu Jacob John, Tenzin Tsundue and Prince Prabhakaran. (Photos: Ramesh Kumar PS)

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