APRIL 2009 Dear Friends, Welcome to our April newsletter, as we edge our way closer to His Holiness visit in December. His Holiness has three main commitments in his life; Firstly - on the level of a human being, His Holiness' first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. All human beings are the same. We all want happiness and do not want suffering. Even people who do not believe in religion recognize the importance of these human values in making their life happier. |  | His Holiness refers to these human values as secular ethics. He remains committed to talk about the importance of these human values and share them with everyone he meets. Secondly - on the level of a religious practitioner, His Holiness second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding among the world's major religious traditions. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create good human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other's respective traditions. As far as one truth - one religion is concerned; this is relevant on an individual level. However, for the community at large, several truths, several religions are necessary. Thirdly - His Holiness is a Tibetan and carries the name of the Dalai Lama. Tibetans place their trust in him. Therefore, his third commitment is to the Tibetan issue. His Holiness has a responsibility to act as the free spokesperson of the Tibetans in their struggle for justice. As far as this third commitment is concerned, it will cease to exist once a mutually beneficial solution is reached between the Tibetans and Chinese. During his visit this year, His Holiness will be speaking on the importance of universal responsibility - a message that ties in very closely with his three main commitments in this life. Sydney Venue It is with much pleasure that we are now able to announce our venue for the Teachings and Public Talk in Sydney. The Sydney Entertainment Centre is one of Australia's most popular and versatile indoor venues and is located in the heart of Sydney's entertainment district, only minutes away from major transportation links and the central business district. | For those who are not familiar with Sydney, the Centre is located at the southern end of the Darling Harbour precinct and is conveniently located near Chinatown and Central Station. Both the two days of Teachings and the Sydney Public Talk; Our Future, Who is Responsible?, will be held at the centre and once again we will have screens in place to ensure there are excellent sight lines from all seats. Further information regarding the centre, transport options and disabled access, will be posted on our website. |  | The Teachings - Awakening the Mind Tuesday 1st & Wednesday 2nd December, 2009 | Morning Sessions | 9:30am to 11:30am | | Afternoon Sessions | 2pm to 4pm | Developing a kind heart and awakening the mind is not just a sentimental or religious goal. It is for everyone, irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation. It is for anybody who considers themselves a member of the human family. His Holiness the Dalai Lama feels that different religious traditions have a great responsibility to provide peace of mind and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among humanity. Nagarjuna's Commentary on Bodhicitta, touches on the two aspects of the awakening mind - the twin qualities of wisdom and compassion, which are necessary for anyone who aspires to be a better person and implement change in their lives. The instructions for cultivating them within each of us are explained in this Teaching, so that we too may follow in the footsteps of the Buddha. Recognised as one of the most accomplished Buddhist Masters, His Holiness will deliver these teachings based on his own profound and authentic experience of compassion, loving kindness and inner peace. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently has stated, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not simply a holy man. He is recognized throughout the world as one of our few true moral authorities. He is a teacher who has shown us all how to live our lives with compassion, non violence and love." Exclusive Members Internet Pre-sale As a thank you to our friends and supporters, Dalai Lama in Australia will be making tickets available to the Teachings, for an exclusive members internet presale
period from Wednesday 27th May to Tuesday 2nd June. Take advantage of this offer to get the best available seating to the Teachings and ensure you do not miss this wonderful opportunity to receive the words of Nagarjuna from such a highly realized teacher and listen and connect with His Holiness once more. | Once again tickets will be available direct from our website and Dalai Lama in Australia has endeavored to make available several ticket types to enable people with varying budgets the opportunity to attend the Teachings. All ticket prices are for the full two days of Teachings. | Type of Ticket | Internet
Pre-Sale Price | | Platinum | $ 525.00 | | A Reserve | $ 262.00 | | B Reserve | $ 175.00 | | C Reserve | $ 105.00 | |  | Buddhists and non Buddhists alike, will come away profoundly moved and motivated to take responsibility and create positive changes in their lives. Tell your friends to register so they too can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Sydney Public Talk -
Our Future, Who is Responsible? Thursday 3rd December, 2009 - 2pm to 4pm In a world that confronts us each and every day with difficult and often upsetting situations, the wisdom of the Dalai Lama challenges us and invites us to seek alternatives which not only achieve our own well being but which also contribute to the good of all. His Holiness advocates for individual and universal responsibility. This is his message, the very basis of his teachings and those of the Buddha. During the Sydney public talk His Holiness will present, demonstrate and discuss our 2009 visit theme, how responsibility for our future lies with each of us. Our Future, Who is Responsible? is about helping people to become aware of their individual responsibility as global citizens for their own actions, the world in which they live and for all other living beings they share it with. The Dalai Lama makes no claim to be anything other than a 'simple Buddhist monk' but his practical advice for living and working in these current times, is highly sought after and universal. Do not miss the opportunity to hear one of the most respected and thoughtful figures of our time. Reconsider what is important to you and how you can make a difference to Our Future. Ticket Release | Tickets for the Sydney Public Talk can be purchased by either visiting www.ticketmaster.com.au or via the link on our website. Tickets to the Public Talk will also be available for an exclusive members internet presale
period from Wednesday 27th May to Tuesday 2nd June purchase for our supporters and friends from the 27th May. | Type of Ticket | Final Cost | | Platinum | $ 100.00 | | A Reserve | $ 65.00 | | B Reserve | $ 45.00 | C Reserve -
restricted viewing | $ 25.00 | |  | Soldiers of Peace -
Special Film Screening To coincide with the release of tickets for His Holiness Our Future, Who is Responsible? 2009 visit, Dalai Lama in Australia will be hosting a special screening of the international award winning film, Soldiers of Peace. Narrated by Michael Douglas, actor and United Nations Messenger for Peace, and featuring a who's who of international luminaries, the Australian documentary Soldiers of Peace delivers a powerful and moving message on the vital importance of peace to world sustainability. Featuring interviews with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sir Bob Geldof, Sir Richard Branson, Dr Hans Blix, and Australians' Tim Flannery and London-7/7-bombing victim Gill Hicks, Soldiers of Peace aims to put peace back on the world agenda and to illustrate the connection between individual acts of enterprise and heroism and the systemic changes needed for our planet's survival in the 21st Century. You will meet some amazing people and see what they are accomplishing around the world in the way of peace and reconciliation. They are taking responsibility for their future into their own hands. "Soldiers of Peace tells the story of the many unsung heroes of the world who have dedicated, and regularly risk, their lives in pursuit of peace," explains Mr Steve Killelea, the films Executive Producer. "Through this film, we also wanted to bring to people's attention the little-recognised fact that the number of wars across the world is in fact dropping; that the world is actually in the grip of an outbreak of peace," he added. "If there is more peace in the world, then government leaders will have more time, and most importantly resources, to tackle the global threats facing humanity, such as climate change, which require collective international responsibility, co-operation and action," Mr Killelea concluded. Soldiers of Peace has been directed and filmed by award-winning director and war correspondent, Tim Wise, who has travelled to some of the world's most dangerous countries in pursuit of 'hard access' news stories. "The remarkable and humbling experience of making this film was meeting the many individuals from countries from Nigeria to Columbia who were taking amazing steps to force peace out of trouble and violence," said Mr Wise. "Hearing their stories and witnessing their courage has given us faith and confidence in our world's future." http://www.soldiersofpeacemovie.com/movie-trailer/movie.php This special screening will be held to coincide with our public ticket release on Thursday 4th June, at the Chauvel Cinema Paddington, Sydney. Further information regarding tickets will be available on our website early May. And screenings in other capital cities will follow shortly. Happiness & Its Causes Have you noticed that everyone is talking about happiness? How to improve the happiness and overall quality of life is today's no. 1 issue. And it is not just an individual quest for happiness. Now is a time of intense focus on how to improve the happiness of others in care, within families and in the workplace. One of Dalai Lama in Australia's key supporters is the annual Happiness and Its Causes annual conference which is in its fourth year. The 2009 conference will bring together 50+ inspiring speakers for a thrilling exploration of the science, psychology and philosophy of human happiness. Being held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and held over two action packed days, the world class speakers will debate the underlying causes of happiness. Thursday 14th & Friday 15th May are the conference days with post conference workshops being held on Saturday 16th. Visit www.happinessanditscauses.com.au to book your place at this outstanding conference. | The team at Happiness are seeking volunteers to assist in the staging of the conference. Do you need to gain event management experience or just want to volunteer at one of Sydney's most successful conferences? |  | They have a variety of volunteer positions available and would love to have you join them. For more information contact Helen on 02 8916 7414. What's On We have added a new section to our website. WHAT'S ON is an area where various Buddhist centers and groups share what's happening. Visit our website regularly to ensure you don't miss any of these fabulous opportunities to engage with the Dharma - attend teachings and participate in events. Many blessings until next month. Dalai Lama in Australia Ltd Board of Directors
and General Manager, Lynn Bain | 
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