Tibetan Travelers Arrive at Indiana

The Tibetan culture's prominence in Bloomington is nothing new to much of the local community. And the oppression the people of Tibet have endured has been well documented globally. \nBut many new IU students may not realize the strong presence and impact the local Tibetan community has on Bloomington.\nLong-term area residents might know Thubten Jigme Norbu, the Dalai Lama's oldest brother, a retired IU professor. \nNorbu's presence in Bloomington has helped establish Bloomington as a world renowned haven for Tibetan culture.\nStarting Friday, IU Students for a Free Tibet will sponsor "Week of Tibet," which includes a week-long string of events associated with Tibetan culture.\nSome of the events include a presentation of Tibetan music and dancing, Gomang Monks teaching and chanting and movie showings on campus.\nIUSFT members are looking forward to the upcoming events, and believe students should become involved with the Tibetan community and learn about the culture in addition to what they learn in the classroom.\n"Students should take advantage of all diverse multicultural opportunities throughout our community as a part of their educational experience," said IUSFT member and graduate student Tenzin-erin Mitchell. "This 'Week of Tibet' is a wonderful opportunity to see traditional Tibetan sacred dance, debate and theatrics, as well as an introduction to Tibetan Buddhist culture. \nMitchell said one of the films shown in Woodburn Hall centers on Tibetan children who have never been able to see their homeland. The second film focuses on an elderly monk who suffers years of torture in a Chinese prison. \n"It is really our hope that the 'Week of Tibet' will educate and motivate students to become more involved not only in the Tibetan cause, but also in the struggles of other oppressed cultures, and aid in their restoration and preservation until they can enjoy their rightful freedoms," Mitchell said.\nAlong with IUSFT, "Week of Tibet" is coordinated by the International Tibet Independence Movement, The Tibetan Culture Center, Mathers Museum of World Cultures and the IU Central Eurasian Studies Department.\nIn addition to the movies, another event during "Week of Tibet" will include the Gomang Monks, who were brought to Indiana by the ITIM. The movement was founded seven years ago by Norbu with the intention to secure Tibet's independence through non-violent methods.\n"Currently there are four Gomang Monks living on the grounds here," said Christy Stingely, a volunteer at the TCC. "By having this outlet in Bloomington, we're introduced to a culture we wouldn't normally be, and there's so much to gain spiritually about peace and love. If we don't house these monks in the West, their religion and culture could potentially be killed."\nThe Gomang Monks began their tour in February at the Tibet House annual fundraising concert at Carnegie Hall, performing with David Bowie, Philip Glass, Patti Smith and Adam Yauch.\nThe group will perform at the TCC here in Bloomington Sunday afternoon, and TCC employees said they encourage students to participate in the events and learn about the efforts of the Dalai Lama, Norbu and the Tibetan people.\n"Participating in any cultural event of any culture broadens our mind and awakens us to the realization that all people are the same and desire to be happy," said Sandy Belth, a TCC employee. "As for (Thubten) Norbu and the 14th Dalai Lama, they have worked tirelessly to educate the world about the plight of Tibet. Students can learn a lot about steadfastness and what has happened in (Tibet) in the last 50 years." \nAccording to the IUSFT, 1.2 million Tibetans have died since 1959 as a result of the Communist Chinese government's denial of freedom of speech, religion or press.\nMitchell said she urges students to help with the cause.\n"Students who value their own rights can help others seek what most people here take for granted: freedom," he said.\nSchedule of Events for Week of Tibet include:\n• "Tibet's Freedom" -- Presentation by International Tibet Independence Movement -- 7 to 8:30 p.m., Sept. 6, Monroe County Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave.\n•Tibetan Music and Sacred Dance -- 7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 7, Harmony School Gymnasium, 909 East 2nd St.. Suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for students.\n• Gomang Monks Teaching and Chanting -- 1 p.m., Sept. 8 at the Tibetan Culture Center, 3655 S. Snoddy Rd. Donations gratefully accepted.\n• Presentation by Jamyang Norbu, Tibetan Scholar and Author -- 7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 9, Monroe County Library, 303 Kirkwood Ave.\nMovies: Shown on the IU campus at Woodburn Hall, Room 003:\n•7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 10: "Freedom: the Life of the Venerable Palden Gyatso, a Tibetan Story of Tragedy, Courage, and Hope"\n•7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 12: "Seeds of Tibet: Voices of Tibetan Children in Exile."\nFor more information contact Mary-Kate Oreovicz at (812) 339-1557.