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Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 - 7:00 pm Location: Opera Plaza Cinema601 Van Ness AveSan Francisco, CA 94102

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015 - 7:00pm Location: Tibetan Association of Northern California Community Center5200 Huntington Avenue Suite 200Richmond, CA

Pelosi Remarks at 'Unite for Tibet' National Uprising Day Rally San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke at the 'Unite for Tibet' National Uprising Day Rally in San Francisco.  Below is a transcript of the Leader’s remarks: “Thank you very much.  What an honor it is to be with all of you.  Thank you for being here.  Thank you for speaking out again and again.  I know that the day started with John Avalos, Supervisor Avalos, kicking off this rally.  And I’m happy to be with here with Kaydor, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Americas; with Kelsang – I’m using only first names – the President of the Tibetan Association of Northern California; Giovanni Vassallo, President of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet; Tenzin, President of San Francisco Tibetan Youth Congress; Sonamtso Lama, regional coordinator of Students for Free Tibet.  And I want to acknowledge each and every one of you.  How special you are to be here. “It is my privilege to join you in standing united for Tibet.  It’s an honor to be joined by so many of San Francisco’s proud Asian-American community, Pacific Islander community, who have been steadfast advocates for justice and human rights, for peace here in the United States and throughout the world. “As you know better than anyone – some of you weren’t even born yet, some were, I was – for the past 56 years, people around the world have commemorated the Tibetan National Uprising, by marching, advocating, and rallying on behalf of the people of Tibet.  Today, we honor our friendship and solidarity with the people of Tibet by redoubling our efforts on their behalf.  We will continue standing up and speaking out until Tibetans can enjoy religious, political, and cultural freedom. “I’ve said it here many times; I’ve said it on the floor of Congress; I’ve said it when I’ve visited His Holiness in India: the situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world.  Until every child is able to learn about his or her heritage and culture in their own language, we will stand united.  Until every person is able to practice his or her faith without fear of persecution, we will stand united.  Until possessing a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is no longer used as an excuse to imprison the faithful, we will stand united.  Until His Holiness is allowed to return to his homeland, we will stand united. “This year marks the 80th birthday and reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who describes himself, as you know, as a ‘simple monk, no more no less.’  Our cause is also simple: securing the human rights and the human dignity of the people of Tibet.  Together we can help bridge the distance between the inconceivable – to us, it is inconceivable that this will not happen; to us, it is inevitable that this will happen; to the Chinese it is inconceivable it will happen – we have to bridge the distance between the inconceivable to them and the inevitable to us. “A few days ago, I had the privilege of joining a pilgrimage to Selma, Alabama to honor the Foot Soldiers who marched from Selma to Montgomery. I’m going to tell you this story, because when I was there, when I had a chance to speak at a big dinner that they had, I talked about His Holiness.  Because we were talking about what happened in Selma.  What happened in Selma was about nonviolence.  What happened in Selma, and the whole Civil Rights Movement in America, was about nonviolence.  It was nonviolence that was learned from the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in India, where His Holiness now lives.  That nonviolence of Mahatma Gandhi, used by Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement, used by Nelson Mandela – about reconciliation, not revenge, civil discourse.  That’s what Lincoln was about in his Second Inaugural Address.  He reached out a hand of friendship to the South, to bring them in, to end violence and have respectful civil discourse. “So while we were talking about that, I told them this story about His Holiness, and his commitment to nonviolence.  When I visited him there, I brought a very distinguished delegation of Members of Congress to see him in Dharamsala.  And he brought in a large number of Lamas from all over the region.  Before we met with the Lamas though, in the morning, we saw people who had just come over the mountain.  And they were crying at the feet of His Holiness.  They were telling us about what they saw in Tibet, and how the Chinese were treating the people of Tibet and people in prison, and people that they were imprisoning – about the self-immolations that were taking place there.  This was March of 2008, so you know what that year was in Tibet. “So as they cried – it was so sad, and we had seen the little children in the school, and how they were able to be raised according to their culture and how wonderful that was in India, but we wanted to see that in Tibet.  So when it was my turn to speak to the Lamas, I said to the Lamas: ‘This morning, I saw this horrible thing that they told us about, and self-immolations, and the rest.  And we have to make sure that stops.  And we have to make sure,’ – and we had all these Members of Congress – ‘that when it comes to visas, when it comes to appropriations, to help the bridge to help people in India coming over from Tibet.  We have to make sure that the Chinese government knows that we all stand together with Tibet, and that their actions will be condemned.  Because we have no moral authority to speak about human rights anywhere in the world unless we condemn what is happening in China and Tibet.’ “So after I was finished speaking, His Holiness got up and said: ‘You know what we have to do?’  I thought he would like what I said, right?  He said: ‘We have to rid’ – I was Speaker at the time – ‘we have to rid Speaker Pelosi of her negative attitude.’ “But isn’t that just like him?  So beautiful, finding always a more peaceful way, a respectful way, because he has the confidence that right will prevail.  His Holiness, whom I worship and love and have all the respect for in the world – I said: ‘Well, I’m glad that that is your attitude, and that’s your path, and I hope that I can follow your path.  But in the meantime, I have to let people know what is happening in Tibet, and what we can do about it by shining a bright light on it.’  And that’s what you are doing once again today – honoring the nonviolent spirit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – nonetheless, shining a bright light on the injustice that is happening in Tibet to the point that people had engaged in self-immolation.  And your sign is right: ‘China is responsible.’ “So as his Holiness takes the peaceful path, it is really important for others of us to make sure that the world does not forget what is happening there.  And I’m so glad to be with you today, to call attention to what is happening.  Reading your signs, ‘long live the Dalai Lama,’ let us end on that happy note.  Tibet belongs to Tibetans.  Long live the Dalai Lama.  Thank you all very much.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.”

Date: Friday, March 6, 2015 - 12:00am to Sunday, March 15, 2015 - 12:00am The Dharma Bums will be performing at the March 10 events, but if you want to catch them in other venues in the Bay Area, here is a schedule of their appearances. 1. Java Beach Cafe, Ocean Beach, Friday 3/6 2. Ashkenaz, Berkeley, Sunday 3/8 3. Sweetwater, Mill Valley, Open Mike Featured Act, 8pm, Monday 3/9 4 19 Broadway, Fairfax, Open Mike Featured Act, 10pm, Monday 3/9 5. March 10th Demonstration, SF City Hall, 11am, Tuesday 3/10 (w/special guest Tim Carbone) 6. March 10 Demonstration, Chinese Consulate, 2pm Tuesday 3/10 (w/special guest Tim Carbone) 7. March 10 Demonstration, Justin Herman Plaza, 4pm Tuesday 3/10 (w/special guest Tim Carbone) 8. Sweetwater, Mill Valley, Post Demonstration Free Tibet Concert, Tuesday 3/10 (w/special guest Tim Carbone) 9. Smiley's, Bolinas, Wednesday 3/11 (w/ special guest Tim Carbone) 10.. Beat Museum, SF, Kerouac Birthday Party, Thursday 3/12 (w/special guest Tim Carbone) 11. 19 Broadway, Fairfax, Friday 3/13 12. 50 Mason Social Club, SF, Sunday 3/15

Date: Friday, February 6, 2015 - 8:00 pm Location: Sacred Stream Center 2149 Byron St.Berkeley, CA 94702 Geshe Thupten Jinpa is the primary English interpreter for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and a world-renowned scholar. Join us for a talk on Buddhism, followed by a Q&A. Suggested minimum donation: $ 40. All proceeds go towards the building of dorms and a prayer hall for the monks of Gaden Shartse Dokhang Monastery. https://www.sacredstream.org/component/option,com_events/task,view_detai...

Date: Thursday, July 3, 2014 - 12:00am to Sunday, July 6, 2014 - 12:00am Location: The Exploratorium Pier 15 on the Embarcadero San Francisco Dear Enlightened Friends, I am thrilled to announce that a sand mandala will be created at the Exploratorium every day this weekend starting Thursday July 3 and finishing Sunday July 6 by 1:30 pm. If you are in the area, please stop by and see the monks in action! Each day, the sand mandala will become more elaborate! The mandala is being created by hand by the monks of the Gaden Shartse Dokhang Monastery who are visiting for a short while with the blessing of HH the Dalai Lama. Please note that the monks expect to finish the mandala by Sunday around 1:30 pm so that they can prepare for the Dalai Lama's birthday. This mandala is being presented in collaboration with Sacred Stream. Nadine Weil Heart of Green http://www.exploratorium.edu

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2014 - 12:00am to Sunday, June 22, 2014 - 12:00am The Tibetan Center for Compassion and Wisdom and Tashi Thek Chok Ling warmly welcome His Eminence Jangtse Choje Rinpoche to the Bay Area for two days of events in June. Please join us for a rare and special opportunity to learn from this great master of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. Saturday, June 21, 2014 Taking the Three Bodies of a Buddha as the Path 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm TCCW Oakland Center, 610 16th St. (at Jefferson St.), Oakland, CA map This teaching will be conferred by H.E. Jangtse Choje Rinpoche. The reading recommended in preparation for this teaching is Death, Intermediate State and Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism, by Lati Rinpoche and Jeffrey Hopkins (ISBN 0937938009). Suggested donation: $50 Register for this event Sunday, June 22, 2014 Avalokiteshvara Initiation 10:30am - 12:30pm Tibetan Association of Northern California, 5200 Huntington Ave., Richmond, CA map This initiation will be conferred by H.E. Jangtse Choje Rinpoche. Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, is the embodiment of the universal compassion of all enlightened beings. This initiation is intended to help practitioners deepen their compassion for all sentient beings. Suggested donation: $20 Register for this event His Eminence Jangtse Choje Rinpoche Born in Tibet in 1934, Rinpoche was ordained as a monk at the age of seven. He entered Sera Jey monastery at seventeen and obtained his Geshe Lharampa degree in 1979. In 1985 His Holiness the Dalai Lama appointed him abbot of Gyume Tantric Monastery, a position he held for 6 years. In 2010 he was appointed to the position of Jangtse Choje, second in line for the Ganden throne holder, head of the Gelug tradition. Rinpoche has taught extensively in Asia, North America and Europe. Aware of Rinpoche’s profound qualities and renown as a great scholar in the systems of both Sutra and Tantra, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has requested that Rinpoche maintain his permanent residence at Sera Monastery in India to serve as a principal teacher to the new generation of scholar-practitioners. There are no prerequisites to these events; everyone is welcome to attend. All events are free for ordained monks and nuns. Please note that His Eminence has explicitly asked that anyone who practices Dolgyal (Shugden) should not attend his teachings and initiations.

Dear Friends, I wanted to share this letter I received from our friend, George Ge, President of Humanitarian China in the hopes that you, too, will be excited and join us in shared purpose and endeavors in the coming months. The presence of Bay Area Tibetans and friends of Tibet at the 6/3 event at San Francisco's Chinatown's Portsmouth Square was appreciated and applauded by many Chinese humanitarians and democracy advocates who attended. It is exciting to celebrate this special friendship between Chinese and Tibetan people's as inspired by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. I've also shared my speech at Portsmouth Square on the Tiananmen Massacre's 25th Anniversary. I hope it inspires you to do what you can do help freedom, democracy, and justice along in China and occupied-Tibet. Also, please chip in and help if you can. Check out Bay Area Friends of Tibet's long-time project on Chinese Outreach at: http://friends-of-tibet.org/projects/chinese-outreach and make a donation today at http://friends-of-tibet.org/donation Sincerely, Giovanni ----------------------- George GePresident of Humanitarian China Giovanni Vasallo(president) Friends of Tibet June 9th, 2014 Dear Giovanni Vasallo, We highly appreciate your speech on June 3rd, 2014 in San Francisco. A quarter century passed since June 4th, 1989, during that dark night, Chinese troops opened fire on innocent civilians and peaceful students. It was a large scale Human Rights violation. Since then, Human Rights situation in China has become worse and worse. Thus, we need to work together, not only to commemorate those lost their life, but also to protest Chinese government's ugly behavior. Safeguarding Human Rights in China is the goal of Humanitarian China. We share this common purpose. On behalf of Humanitarian China, I send this appreciation letter. Thank you for showing solidarity with us. Sincerely, George Ge -------- Speech to Chinese and Tibetan Friends on 6/4 25th Anniversary Dear Friends, Thank you for all coming here today and for the invitation to speak. On behalf of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet, I express solidarity with the Chinese people on this 25th anniversary of the June 4 massacre in Beijing. We mourn for all those who died and pray for those who died for freedom, democracy and human rights. Please let me offer this prayer for the people of China and Tibet. (recited prayers invoking the Buddha of the Three Times and Call for Enlighten Mother-Loving Kindness Mind) The Chinese government claim that their PLA army soldiers became the guardians of the public, and the military crackdown was justified as one that was necessary for stability and prosperity and that the student uprisings was also against a Western conspiracy to divide and weaken China," there is a sense that China is being victimized by the West." They use the same lies to justify their occupation of Tibet. So Tibetans are used to the upside down claims of the government. I believe in the genuine reality about 6/4 is as the Dalai Lama has said previously: The students involved in the Tiananmen Square movement were neither anti-communist nor anti-socialist. Their speaking out in defense of the Chinese people's constitutional rights, in favor of democracy, and taking a stand against corruption, truly conformed to the underlying beliefs of the Chinese Communist government. This was confidently stated by the then Party chief Zhao Ziyang. Today we stand in solidarity with the popular demand for the government to be more accountable to its people, less corruption, for the freedom of the press, for freedom of speech, and four the restoration of workers' control over industry. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said on today's anniversary that: These values of freedom, democracy and human rights are the foundation of a free and dynamic society. “They are also the source of true peace and stability. While great progress has been made to integrate China into the world economy, I believe it is equally important to encourage China to enter the mainstream of global democracy. This will help China to gain the trust and respect of the rest of the world, enabling China to fulfill its potential in playing a leading role in global affairs.” Today, we honor our fore-fathers and mothers and their vision, courage, and determination. We must never forget the Chinese people defiantly-enduring. Today is to honor China and the sacrifices made in 1989 by our elders and community and recommit ourselves to take any steps, leave no stone unturned in search of peace and justice. We bow our heads and pay respects to these and all our 6/4 martyrs and all the human rights victims of the Chinese Communist Party, offer thanks and tribute to all these Chinese. We pray for genuine social, religious, political, and cultural freedoms and a China that honors everyone human rights highly and equally. We stand in solidarity and pray for the Tiananmen Mothers and call for the Chinese government to heed their demands. We are not called to sacrifice as extraordinarily as our 6/4 heroes, but to do our own many small parts for peace, to perform numerous ordinary acts of peace for China with great love and never forget, to work incessantly to free the Tibetan and Chinese people, and remove a terrible blight on the world’s conscience and bring China back as a respectable partner on the world stage. Thankfully we are not dead like some of our heroes. We are not cowards. We feel the pain of our elders and still resist the corruption of government leaders. We must protect the blessings that are meant for us all to enjoy life, liberty and the genuine pursuit of their happiness. On June 4 We Remember, memorialize and we Press On! We Show we Remember and we Carry On! We Always Remember and keep Going! With remembrance in hearts and vision, courage and determination we will make a Free Tibet and a Free China. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama, said, Never Give Up! June 4 means we keep the Dream of liberty, equality and justice for all, Alive. Free Tibet & Free China! ------------------------------------------------- Portsmouth Square, June 3, 2014 by Giovanni Vassallo on behalf of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet Again, please help and join us! See make a donation today at http://friends-of-tibet.org/donation and http://www.friends-of-tibet.org/join-us Thank you! Sincerely, Giovanni Vassallo President | Bay Area Friends of Tibet

Phayul[Thursday, June 05, 2014 16:15] DHARAMSHALA, JUNE 5: The jailed Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen has been released this morning after serving six years’ imprisonment sentence, said Gyaljong Tsetrin, Dhondup’s cousin who lives in Switzerland. He was driven by the police to Khotse, (about two hours drive away from Xining) where he reached his sister's home around 15.00hrs local time. A very emotional Dhondup Wangchen said in a phone conversation with Gyaljong: "At this moment, I feel that everything inside me is in a sea of tears. I hope to recover my health soon. I would like to express my feeling of deepest gratitude for all the support I received while in prison and I want to be reunited with my family." Lhamo Tso, wife of the imprisoned filmmaker who was granted US asylum in 2012 and now lives in San Francisco, is overjoyed. “Six years of injustice and painful counting the days ended today. It is a day of unbelievable joy for his parents in Dharamsala, our children and myself. We look forward to be reunited as a family," said Lhamo. Bay Area Friends of Tibet extends congratulations to Dhondup Wangchen for his release as well as his  endurance, courage, and determination. We look forward to this Tibetan hero reuniting with his wife, Lhamo Tso and his family in San Francisco. Full Article is here: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=34950&article=Dhondup+Wangchen+released%2c+thanks+supporters  Sincerely, Giovanni Vassallo  President | Bay Area Friends of Tibet

Our goal is to introduce a formal soccer training program to the female members of the Tibetan refugee community in India in order to improve their quality of life and to foster a connection with female athletes worldwide. The Tibet Post reports on the Tibet Women's Soccer Project, of which the Bay Area Friends of Tibet is the financial sponsor. Read more .. . For more information, please visit the Tibet Women’s Soccer website Listen to an interview with Cassie Childers on BYU Sirius Satellite Radio recorded on May 15, 2013.

Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2014 - 7:00pm Location: Landmark Opera Theatre Cinema 601 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 Poster for Little Tibet 2 in San Francisco Sonam Ajantsang Bay Area Friends of Tibet presents Little Tibet 2, a moving sequel to Director Nawang (Sonam) Anjatsang's original film, Little Tibet. Little Tibet 2 is the story of one man’s journey to discover his heritage and set eyes on a homeland he has never seen. With beautiful vistas and intimate encounters, Little Tibet 2 provides a rare insight into a culture and people that live on the edge of extinction. Sonam retraces his father's footsteps through Nepal to Mustang, where the historic Tibetan way of life still persists. On his journey, Sonam encounters a myriad of people intent on keeping Tibetan customs and traditions alive, including nuns educating Tibetan children, a nomadic family struggling to live on the land, and a group of Tibetan women learning to conserve and restore monastic paintings over 500 years old. Sonam also has a rare meeting with the King of Mustang and gains a unique insight into the life of a Yogi who teaches traditional religious values to youngsters attracted to the bright lights of modern society. Sonam's journey concludes as he confronts his father's past as a guerilla fighter, who in the 1960s and 1970s fought in vain against the Chinese Army. Ultimately, Sonam must make a decision whether or not to step into his homeland that remains occupied by the Chinese to this day. Directors’ Background: Nawang Anja-Tsang (Sonam) is a Tibetan raised in exile in India, and schooled in Dharamsala at the Tibetan Children's Village. He moved to London in 1999 and worked for six years as an extra in films such as Batman Returns, Valhalla Rising and The Bourne Identity. There he seriously utilized downtime on the sets to gain knowledge and learn the art of filmmaking. He felt that many Tibetan films he had seen were either religious or political. It is Sonam's wish that sharing his experience, a wider audience may be reached and made aware of what is being lost on so many levels - cultural, political, religious and ecological - in the real Tibet today. Sonam works full time for the London Transit Authority and sells t-shirts on the weekends to fund his film projects. $10 special admission to help offset the director's travel expenses.

Dear Friends, I wanted to share this letter I received from our friend, George Ge, President of Humanitarian China in the hopes that you, too, will be excited and join us in shared purpose and endeavors in the coming months. The presence of Bay Area Tibetans and friends of Tibet at the 6/3 event at San Francisco's Chinatown's Portsmouth Square was appreciated and applauded by many Chinese humanitarians and democracy advocates who attended. It is exciting to celebrate this special friendship between Chinese and Tibetan people's as inspired by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. I've also shared my speech at Portsmouth Square on the Tiananmen Massacre's 25th Anniversary. I hope it inspires you to do what you can do help freedom, democracy, and justice along in China and occupied-Tibet. Also, please chip in and help if you can. Check out Bay Area Friends of Tibet's long-time project on Chinese Outreach at: http://friends-of-tibet.org/projects/chinese-outreach  and make a donation today at http://friends-of-tibet.org/donation Sincerely, Giovanni  ----------------------- George GePresident of Humanitarian China Giovanni Vasallo(president) Friends of Tibet June 9th, 2014 Dear Giovanni Vasallo, We highly appreciate your speech on June 3rd, 2014 in San Francisco. A quarter century passed since June 4th, 1989, during that dark night, Chinese troops opened fire on innocent civilians and peaceful students. It was a large scale Human Rights violation. Since then, Human Rights situation in China has become worse and worse. Thus, we need to work together, not only to commemorate those lost their life, but also to protest Chinese government's ugly behavior. Safeguarding Human Rights in China is the goal of Humanitarian China. We share this common purpose. On behalf of Humanitarian China, I send this appreciation letter. Thank you for showing solidarity with us. Sincerely, George Ge -------- Speech to Chinese and Tibetan Friends on 6/4 25th Anniversary Dear Friends, Thank you for all coming here today and for the invitation to speak. On behalf of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet, I express solidarity with the Chinese people on this 25th anniversary of the June 4 massacre in Beijing. We mourn for all those who died and pray for those who died for freedom, democracy and human rights. Please let me offer this prayer for the people of China and Tibet. (recited prayers invoking the Buddha of the Three Times and Call for Enlighten Mother-Loving Kindness Mind)   The Chinese government claim that their PLA army soldiers became the guardians of the public, and the military crackdown was justified as one that was necessary for stability and prosperity and that the student uprisings was also against a Western conspiracy to divide and weaken China," there is a sense that China is being victimized by the West." They use the same lies to justify their occupation of Tibet. So Tibetans are used to the upside down claims of the government.   I believe in the genuine reality about 6/4 is as the Dalai Lama has said previously:   The students involved in the Tiananmen Square movement were neither anti-communist nor anti-socialist. Their speaking out in defense of the Chinese people's constitutional rights, in favor of democracy, and taking a stand against corruption, truly conformed to the underlying beliefs of the Chinese Communist government. This was confidently stated by the then Party chief Zhao Ziyang.   Today we stand in solidarity with the popular demand for the government to be more accountable to its people, less corruption, for the freedom of the press, for freedom of speech, and four the restoration of workers' control over industry.   His Holiness the Dalai Lama said on today's anniversary that:   These values of freedom, democracy and human rights are the foundation of a free and dynamic society. “They are also the source of true peace and stability. While great progress has been made to integrate China into the world economy, I believe it is equally important to encourage China to enter the mainstream of global democracy. This will help China to gain the trust and respect of the rest of the world, enabling China to fulfill its potential in playing a leading role in global affairs.”   Today, we honor our fore-fathers and mothers and their vision, courage, and determination. We must never forget the Chinese people defiantly-enduring. Today is to honor China and the sacrifices made in 1989 by our elders and community and recommit ourselves to take any steps, leave no stone unturned in search of peace and justice.   We bow our heads and pay respects to these and all our 6/4 martyrs and all the human rights victims of the Chinese Communist Party, offer thanks and tribute to all these Chinese.  We pray for genuine social, religious, political, and cultural freedoms and a China that honors everyone human rights highly and equally. We stand in solidarity and pray for the Tiananmen Mothers and call for the Chinese government to heed their demands.   We are not called to sacrifice as extraordinarily as our 6/4 heroes, but to do our own many small parts for peace, to perform numerous ordinary acts of peace for China with great love and never forget, to work incessantly to free the Tibetan and Chinese people, and remove a terrible blight on the world’s conscience and bring China back as a respectable partner on the world stage. Thankfully we are not dead like some of our heroes. We are not cowards.  We feel the pain of our elders and still resist the corruption of government leaders. We must protect the blessings that are meant for us all to enjoy life, liberty and the genuine pursuit of their happiness.   On June 4 We Remember, memorialize and we Press On! We Show we Remember and we Carry On! We Always Remember and keep Going! With remembrance in hearts and vision, courage and determination we will make a Free Tibet and a Free China.   As His Holiness the Dalai Lama, said, Never Give Up!   June 4 means we keep the Dream of liberty, equality and justice for all, Alive.   Free Tibet & Free China! ------------------------------------------------- Portsmouth Square, June 3, 2014 by Giovanni Vassallo on behalf of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet   Again, please help and join us!   See make a donation today at http://friends-of-tibet.org/donation  and http://www.friends-of-tibet.org/join-us    Thank you!   Sincerely,   Giovanni Vassallo  President | Bay Area Friends of Tibet

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 12:00am to Sunday, May 18, 2014 - 12:00am Location: Live Oak ParkBerkeley, California BAFOT will again be participating at the Himalayan Fair in Berkeley. Please come by and visit us at our booth near the stage. BAFOT will again be participating at the Himalayan Fair in Berkeley. Please come by and visit us at our booth near the stage. Himalayan Fair website

Here are statements by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery on the the occasion of the Panchen Lama's 25th birthday in English and Tibet. OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY THE TASHI LHUNPO MONASTERY ON THE 25TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS HOLINESS THE 11TH PANCHEN LAMA 25 April 2014, Bylakuppe: Today, we are gathered here to observe the auspicious 25th birthday of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama in an event organized by the Central Tibetan Administration's (CTA) Regional Organising Committee of the 25th Birth Anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama. On behalf of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the Central Association of His Holiness the Panchen Lama, I extend a warm welcome to our most esteemed guests -- His Eminence Gaden Tripa Rizong Sey Rinpoche, Head of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism, Mr Penpa Tsering, Honorable Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically-elected political head of the CTA, His Eminence Lochen Rinpoche, Abbotts and monks of different monastic schools, Chief Representative Officer of South Zone, Settlement officers of the old and new settlements in Bylakuppe, heads of various schools and institutions of learning, and members of the public. Today marks 25 years since His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, was born in Lhari County, Nagchu, Tibet to Kunchok Phuntsok and Dechen Choedon. On this auspicious day, the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, on behalf of Tibetans everywhere, with immense veneration, wish for the good health and happiness of the 11th Panchen Lama and offer prayers for his well being. It is a well known fact that the Panchen Lama has always been an important figure in Tibet's spiritual and political history. Historically, all the Panchen Lamas, in their lifetime, have made tremendous contributions to the spread and propagation of Tibetan Buddhism, while simultaneously working for the well being of all sentient beings. The 10th Panchen Lama, in particular, was renowned for his fearlessness and role in ensuring the welfare of the Tibetan people during one of Tibet's darkest periods. A harsh critic of the Chinese government's policies in Tibet, the 10th Panchen Lama was relentless in his efforts to seek redress for the atrocities committed against the Tibetan people by the Chinese government. As a result, he suffered 14 long years of imprisonment and was subjected to untold mental and physical torture at the hands of the Chinese government. Despite these hardships, the 10th Panchen Lama was unwavering in his crusade to improve the social, economic, political, and environmental conditions in Tibet and, most importantly, to promote and revive the Tibetan language, religion, and culture. In 1989, the 10th Panchen Lama was only 52 when he passed away under mysterious circumstances after delivering a public speech in which he was sharply and openly critical of the Chinese government's policies. Since then, over the past 25 years, we have witnessed a swift deterioration of the political, economic, and social conditions of the Tibetan people in Tibet, accompanied with the Chinese government's heightened efforts to systematically wipe out the Tibetan culture, language, and religion -- all of which form the very basis of the Tibetan identity. In addition, China's violation of the Tibetan people's religious freedoms and human rights have worsened over the past 25 years, amid growing economic and social inequality. Today, we cannot help but remember the 10th Panchen Lama's greatness, foresight, wisdom, sacrifices, and courage, and we offer prayers for the fulfilment of his aspirations and vision for Tibet. Tibetans have always referred to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Panchen Lama as the "Sun and Moon" – recognizing the special historical and spiritual relationship they share in leading the search for each other's reincarnation and ensuring the other's subsequent religious education. In keeping with the historical tradition of recognizing each other's incarnation, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on 14 May 1995 publicly announced Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the rightful incarnate of His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama. A mere three days after this announcement was made, Chinese authorities abducted the then six-year old lama, along with his parents, and Chadrel Jampa Trinley Rinpoche, the then Abbott of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and head of the Search Committee for the 11th Panchen Lama, among others. With no regard whatsoever for the Tibetan people's religious aspirations and freedom, the Chinese government instead appointed Gyaltsen Norbu, another young boy from Nagchu, as the 11th Panchen Lama. Since their abduction in 1995, the world has not seen or heard from the 11th Panchen Lama and Chadrel Rinpoche; their whereabouts remain unknown till date and the Chinese government's assurances of their well being are questionable, as authorities have not offered any concrete proof over the past 19 years to substantiate their claims. Despite repeated calls and campaigns for their release, Chinese authorities have continued to play a deaf ear, refusing requests by UN human rights groups and other international bodies to allow an independent figure to meet the young lama and verify his well being. As such, it is with a sense of great concern and sadness that we observe this 25th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama. In the past 19 years, the young Panchen Lama, who was once the world's youngest political prisoner, has turned into a 25 year old adult under Chinese custody; through this time, the young lama has been denied his fundamental rights, clearly highlighting the fact that Tibetans in Tibet do not enjoy basic human and child rights, and religious freedom. The experiences of the previous and the current Panchen Lamas, undoubtedly, serve as strong testimony of the Chinese government's conscious and deliberate efforts to control every aspect of the Tibetan way of life, which, in effect, has and is still continuing to provoke the self-immolations protests. Over the past few years, more than a hundred Tibetans in Tibet and in exile have sacrificed their lives to protest Chinese policies in Tibet by setting their bodies on fire. All the self immolators were unified in their call for freedom for the Tibetans, the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the release of the Panchen Lama. Until now, Tibetans have been firm believers in and followers of non violence in our struggle to find a resolution to the Tibetan issue, boosted in part by our religious view and the gentle Tibetan human nature. However, Tibetans have now been forced to resort to drastic expressions of resistance such as self immolations. If the Chinese government does not heed their call quickly enough, Tibetans could be pressured to adopt even more radical measures to protest Chinese policies in Tibet, which, in turn, would exacerbate the number of problems that the Chinese government has to deal with. Hence, the Chinese government should, without any further delay, make sincere efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Tibetan issue under the Middle Way approach proposed by the Dalai Lama, as this is the only approach that seeks a mutually beneficial solution for both Tibetans and Chinese. This year, the Central Tibetan Administration has organised this event to mark 25 years since the birth of the 11th Panchen Lama -- a much-needed endeavour on the part of the government given the political, spiritual and historical significance of the Panchen Lama. Tibetans in Tibet and in exile welcome the CTA's move and are unified in our expression of gratitude to the CTA for this undertaking, and, without doubt, regard this as one of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay's key achievements. We are also grateful to all those individuals and organizations -- both governmental and non governmental -- that have relentlessly campaigned for the release of the Panchen Lama, Chadrel Rinpoche and other political prisoners. We thank you for your support and beseech you to continue this fight for their release until we achieve our goal. We pray for the swift, just and peaceful resolution to the Tibetan issue and for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, and earnestly await the day when the Tibetan people's Sun and the Moon would be reunited in Tibet.

Here are statements by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery on the the occasion of the Panchen Lama's 25th birthday in English and Tibet. OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY THE TASHI LHUNPO MONASTERY ON THE 25TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS HOLINESS THE 11TH PANCHEN LAMA 25 April 2014, Bylakuppe Today, we are gathered here to observe the auspicious 25th birthday of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama in an event organized by the Central Tibetan Administration's (CTA) Regional Organising Committee of the 25th Birth Anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama. On behalf of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the Central Association of His Holiness the Panchen Lama, I extend a warm welcome to our most esteemed guests: His Eminence Gaden Tripa Rizong Sey Rinpoche, Head of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism Mr. Penpa Tsering, Honorable Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political head of the CTA His Eminence Lochen Rinpoche Abbots and monks of different monastic schools Chief Representative Officer of South Zone Settlement officers of the old and new settlements in Bylakuppe Heads of various schools and institutions of learning Members of the public The Birth of the 11th Panchen Lama Today marks 25 years since His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, was born in Lhari County, Nagchu, Tibet, to Kunchok Phuntsok and Dechen Choedon. On this auspicious day, the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, on behalf of Tibetans everywhere, with immense veneration, wishes for the good health and happiness of the 11th Panchen Lama and offers prayers for his well-being. The Historical Role of the Panchen Lamas It is a well-known fact that the Panchen Lama has always been an important figure in Tibet's spiritual and political history. Historically, all the Panchen Lamas have made tremendous contributions to the spread and propagation of Tibetan Buddhism while simultaneously working for the well-being of all sentient beings. The 10th Panchen Lama, in particular, was renowned for his fearlessness and role in ensuring the welfare of the Tibetan people during one of Tibet's darkest periods. A harsh critic of the Chinese government's policies in Tibet, he was relentless in his efforts to seek redress for atrocities committed against the Tibetan people. As a result, he suffered fourteen long years of imprisonment and was subjected to severe mental and physical torture at the hands of the Chinese government. Despite these hardships, the 10th Panchen Lama remained unwavering in his efforts to improve the social, economic, political, and environmental conditions in Tibet and to promote and revive the Tibetan language, religion, and culture. The Death of the 10th Panchen Lama and Conditions in Tibet In 1989, the 10th Panchen Lama passed away under mysterious circumstances at the age of 52 after delivering a public speech sharply critical of Chinese government policies. Over the subsequent twenty-five years, Tibetans have witnessed: A deterioration of political, economic, and social conditions in Tibet Intensified efforts to eradicate Tibetan culture, language, and religion Increased restrictions on religious freedom Continued human rights violations Growing economic and social inequality Today, we remember the 10th Panchen Lama's greatness, foresight, wisdom, sacrifices, and courage, and offer prayers for the fulfillment of his aspirations and vision for Tibet. The Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama: “The Sun and Moon” Tibetans have traditionally referred to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Panchen Lama as the “Sun and Moon.” This reflects the unique spiritual relationship in which each plays a key role in recognizing the other's reincarnation and ensuring the continuation of religious education and leadership. Following this historical tradition, on 14 May 1995, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama publicly announced Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the rightful reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. Only three days later, Chinese authorities abducted: The six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima His parents Chadrel Jampa Trinley Rinpoche, then Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and head of the Search Committee for the 11th Panchen Lama Others associated with the recognition process Ignoring the religious wishes of the Tibetan people, the Chinese government instead appointed Gyaltsen Norbu, another boy from Nagchu, as the 11th Panchen Lama. Nineteen Years of Disappearance Since their abduction in 1995, the world has neither seen nor heard from the 11th Panchen Lama and Chadrel Rinpoche. Their whereabouts remain unknown. The Chinese government's assurances regarding their well-being remain questionable because no concrete evidence has been provided over the past nineteen years to substantiate such claims. Despite repeated appeals from: United Nations human rights bodies International organizations Governments Civil society groups Chinese authorities have refused requests to allow an independent observer to meet the Panchen Lama and verify his condition. A Birthday Marked by Concern and Sadness As such, it is with great concern and sadness that we observe the 25th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama. Over the past nineteen years, the young Panchen Lama—once described as the world's youngest political prisoner—has become a twenty-five-year-old adult under Chinese custody. His continued disappearance highlights the absence of: Basic human rights Child rights Religious freedom for Tibetans living in Tibet. The experiences of both the previous and current Panchen Lamas stand as testimony to the Chinese government's efforts to control every aspect of Tibetan life, a situation that has contributed to the self-immolation protests. Self-Immolation Protests and the Tibetan Struggle Over recent years, more than one hundred Tibetans in Tibet and exile have sacrificed their lives by self-immolation in protest against Chinese policies. The self-immolators were united in calling for: Freedom for Tibetans The return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama The release of the Panchen Lama Tibetans have long embraced non-violence, inspired by religious principles and Tibetan cultural values. However, Tibetans have increasingly been driven toward desperate forms of protest. The statement argues that if Chinese authorities continue to ignore these appeals, Tibetans may be pushed toward even more radical forms of resistance, creating greater instability and challenges. Therefore, the Chinese government is urged to pursue a peaceful resolution through the Middle Way Approach proposed by the Dalai Lama, which seeks a mutually beneficial outcome for both Tibetans and Chinese. Appreciation for the Central Tibetan Administration This year, the Central Tibetan Administration organized this event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the birth of the 11th Panchen Lama. Given the Panchen Lama's political, spiritual, and historical significance, this initiative is regarded as both important and necessary. Tibetans inside and outside Tibet welcome this effort and express gratitude to the CTA, viewing it as one of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay's significant achievements. Gratitude to Supporters Worldwide We are also grateful to all individuals and organizations—governmental and non-governmental alike—that have tirelessly campaigned for the release of: The Panchen Lama Chadrel Rinpoche Other political prisoners We thank you for your support and urge you to continue this effort until our goal is achieved. Conclusion We pray for a swift, just, and peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue. We pray for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. And we earnestly await the day when the Tibetan people's Sun and Moon will once again be reunited in Tibet.

Date: Friday, April 25, 2014 - 10:00am to 12:00pm Location: Chinese Consulate of San Francisco1450 Laguna Street at GearySan Francisco, CA For Immediate Release Photo Opportunity 24 April 2014 TWENTY-FIVE YEAR OLD TIBETAN PANCHEN LAMA’S WHEREABOUTS REMAIN UNKNOWN AFTER 19 YEARS. DEMONSTRATION AT SAN FRANCISCO CHINESE CONSULATE TO ASK ‘WHERE IS THE PANCHEN LAMA?” Evening Vigil outside downtown Berkeley BART station Contact: Jampa Lhawang, 510-423-1428 Giovanni Vassallo 415-264-3264 WHO: San Francisco Team Tibet* WHEN: April 25, 2014, 10 AM – 12 PM WHERE: 1450 Laguna @ Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco) On April 25 Tibetans and Tibet supporters will mark the 25th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama. But, there will be no party or celebration; Gedhun Choekyi Nyima will once again be spending his birthday in an unknown location having been abducted by the Chinese authorities in 1995, following his recognition as one of Tibet's most important religious figures [1]. "We have been seeking news about the Panchen Lama's whereabouts for nearly 19 years, but China has failed to give us any true indication of where he is being held [2]." said Jampa Lhawang, President of the San Francisco Tibetan Youth Congress. [3] "China's continued detention of the Panchen Lama is not only a crime against this young man, but against the entire Tibetan people who regard the ongoing detention of one of their most important religious leaders as a source of great distress." Tibetans, Tibet supporters, human rights organizations and world governments have consistently urged China to release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima but these appeals continue to go unheeded. For nearly two decades the Chinese authorities have denied requests from governments and the United Nations for access to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family, claiming that he was leading a normal life and does not wish to be disturbed. However, Tibetans in exile in Dharamsala, India, believe this is far from the truth. "His Holiness the Panchen Lama’s parents are currently placed under house arrest in their home town; they are not allowed to make any outside contact and police officials reportedly escort and monitor all their movements.” said Ven. Ngawang Woebar, former President of Gu Chu Sum [4]. "The Panchen Lama’s abduction is yet another part of China's ruthless strategy to show control over the Tibetan people." Giovanni Vassallo, president of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet "[5]. For 19 years they have held this young man, in an attempt to manage the beliefs of the Tibetan people, and counter His Holiness the Dalai Lama's strong and enduring influence inside Tibet [6]. But, even after more than 60 years of an illegal occupation of Tibet, China has failed to gain any political or religious legitimacy in the eyes of the Tibetan people." Later at 7 PM there will also hold a candlelight vigil outside the downtown Berkeley BART station. - END - 1. In 1995, at the age of six, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, one of Tibet’s most important religious leaders. A few weeks later, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family disappeared from their home in Lhari (Nagchu Prefecture, north of Lhasa). For more information visit http://www.freepanchenlama.org/panchen-lama/ 2. The Chinese Government has refused repeated requests for independent access to establish his health and well-being, claiming he was leading a normal life and did not wish to be disturbed. China justified his disappearance on the grounds that it was for his own protection against "splittist" forces. Chinese Government officials have made a number of statements concerning his whereabouts: In February 1998 a group of American religious leaders who visited Tibet were told that the Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was in Beijing, as previous reports had indicated; in March of the same year a TAR official told an Austrian delegation that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was living in Lhari, his birthplace; In April 1998, Ngabo Ngawang Jigme, a senior Tibetan official based in Beijing (formerly Governor of Chamdo) told a British journalist that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was studying, possibly in Gansu Province - a remote area bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region, with a relatively small Tibetan population; In 2010 Padma Choling, Govenor of the Tibet Autonomous Region, said he was living in Tibet and was "reluctant to be disturbed" and wanted "to live an ordinary life" - (Xinhua) 2010-03-07 http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-03/07/content_9550348.htm 3. San Francisco Regional Youth Congress. See http://sfrtyc.org/ 4. Gu Chu Sum is a Tibetan Non-Governmental Organization providing support to former Tibetan political prisoners - http://www.gu-chu-sum.org/ 5. Bay Area Friends of Tibet – www.friends-of-tibet.org 6. Six months after Gedhun Choekyi Nyima's abduction China enthroned Gyaltsen Norbu as Tibet's 11th Panchen Lama. Gyaltsen, who lives in Beijing, returns to Tibet only rarely and his visits are carefully stage managed and heavily policed. Tibetans still refer to him as the 'Panchen Zuma', or 'false Panchen'. *SAN FRANCISCO TEAM TIBET consists of Tibetan Association of Northern California (www.tanc.org), San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (www.sfrtyc.org) Students for a Free Tibet (www.studentsforafreetibet.org) Bay Area Friends of Tibet (www.friends-of-tibet.org).

Date: Sunday, April 6, 2014 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm Location: First Unitarian Center, Martin Luther King Room, 1187 Franklin St, San Francisco Amnesty International Local Group 30 invites you to a screening of "Leaving Fear Behind," a film by imprisoned Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen. The film will be introduced by his wife Lhamo Tso, who has been actively campaigning for his release. Dhondup Wangchen was arrested and imprisoned while making this film about ordinary Tibetans expressing their views on life in Tibet. Following the film John Kamm, founder of the San Francisco based Dui Hua Foundation, which works to release prisoners in China through dialogue with the Chinese government, will discuss Dui Hua's current initiatives. Light refreshments will be served. Suggested donation $5, but no one will be turned away. Take action for Dhondup Wangchen!

March 8, 2014 Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616 Pelosi Statement on the Anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today to mark the 55th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day – the date of Tibetans’ peaceful uprising and the ensuing crackdown by Chinese authorities that devastated the Tibetan people and forced His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile: “On this anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, we honor the many brave Tibetans who have lost their lives fighting for their religious freedom and human rights. “Fifty-five years after the People’s Uprising, the Chinese government continues its harsh crackdown on the Tibetan people.  The current situation on the ground in Tibet continues to worsen as the Chinese military presence grows and more Tibetans subject themselves to self-immolations.  It is long past time for the Chinese government to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people and cease its repression. “This week, it was a distinct honor join with congressional leaders to welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Capitol and to reiterate our strong support for the Tibetan cause.  These meetings build upon the support expressed by President Barack Obama in his meeting with His Holiness last month.   “The cause of Tibet continues to be a challenge to the conscience of the world.  We must heed the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and we must never forget the people of Tibet and their ongoing struggle for dignity and human rights.”

Date: Saturday, January 25, 2014 - 9:45am to 1:00pm Location: Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists 1924 Cedar St Berkeley, CA Photo of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche of Ligmincha Institute will be giving a talk on “Awakening the Sacred Body” here in Berkeley. The talk is organized in partnership with the Tibetan Association of Northern California and all the proceeds will go to our community center renovation project. (He has done this earlier for our school as well). Everyone is encouraged to attend to receive this valuable sacred wisdom of Tibetan health and spiritualism. To register, please email to gensec@tanc.org AWAKENING THE SACRED BODY By Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche Saturday, January 25th 2014 9:45 AM - 1PM SUGGESTED DONATION : $20 Join Bön Buddhist meditation master Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche as he invites you to engage in the practice of meditation and reflection, to look intimately within and find the jewel that is hidden in your everyday experiences. Your ordinary body becomes a powerful doorway to connect with a sacred dimension of being. Through bringing together the focus of the mind, breath, and physical movements, you will be taught simple and powerful exercises to open your body and release the obstacles that obscure you from recognizing the unbounded space within, the inner refuge. Discover the inner refuge and the gifts of spaciousness, awareness, and warmth that bring healing and benefit not only to you but to your relationships with others and the greater world. Please share this information with your friends.

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm Location: San Rafael High SchoolHayes Auditorium185 Mission AvenueSan Rafael The independent film, Nationless, will be screening at 185 Mission Avenue, San Rafael High School on Tuesday, January 14th at 7pm in the Hayes Auditorium. The screening will be followed with a Q&A of myself, the director. Nationless is a 45 minute long documentary which tells the story of Tibetans living in Nepal and the unique struggles they face. Tibetan men speak from their personal experiences and collectively explain their geo-political situation. The film is comprised of original interviews shot in 2012, as well as colorful footage of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Kodari. I grew up in San Rafael and am grateful to have the privilege of showing my most recent work in the town. I am pleased to announce that this will be the California premiere of the film.Thank you for your time! Emily Packer emilyrpacker@gmail.com Director of Nationless http://marginalgap.wordpress.com/ watch film link