Helping the refugees of Tibet and other places...William Aura, old friend, does good work.

Date:   7/26/2007 2:59:09 PM ( 17 y ago)

12:55 PM
July 26, 07

This is from my old friend William Aura.
He is helping the people in Thailand now.

He helped with the original channelings we did
with Kevin Ryerson in the late 70's.

He went into music, started a new genre...
smooth jgzz.

Then went on the develop a new direction.

He loves the Buddhist path and is doing fulfilling work.

I haven't fully read this, but wanted to send it your way.

Love,
leslie



"Your cultivation of love and great compassion should not be left in a state of mere imagination or wish alone; rather, a sense of responsibility, a genuine intention to engage in the task of relieving sentient beings of their sufferings and providing them with happiness, should be developed. It is important for a practitioner to work for and take upon himself or herself the responsibility of fulfilling this intention. The stronger your cultivation of compassion is, the more committed you will feel to taking this responsibility. Because of their ignorance, sentient beings do not know the right methods by which they can fulfill their aims. It is the responsibility of those who are equipped with this knowledge to fulfill the intention of working for their benefit."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Bangkok, Thailand
July 24, 2007

Nameste,

I trust you are well. This is William Aura of Aura Imports and I have just arrived safely in Thailand from one of the most profound journeys of my life. It is my desire to share some of the highlights with you. The previous seven weeks have flown by so quickly. Half of that time was spent in rural Nepal and the other half in northern India.

The arduous journey to the remote village of Tintale Nepal was especially rewarding. For nearly five years it has been a dream of mine to personally visit the birthplace of 18-year-old Shyam. Our relationship continues to be especially rewarding. Arriving alone in Kathmandu on a bus from his impoverished village at the age of nine, he suffered unimaginable child labor conditions for nearly five years as he slept on the streets. Tears well up in his eyes as he attempts to describe his unspeakable condition. When we met in 2002, I immediately provided his education for three years through Aura Imports proceeds. Now with the loving support of his continuing sponsor Ted, his spirit is flourishing beyond my wildest imagination. Shyam dedicates every available moment to uplifting as many disadvantaged children as possible. He swears he will not allow this suffering to happen to any other child of his village. This candle continues to light others in a profound way my friends.

We now have 36 grateful students receiving a basic education thanks to his tireless devotion and the donations of a committed few. These precious youngsters' only dream is to be able to go to school. They have been outfitted with their very first school uniform and for some, their very first pair of shoes. A basic lunch is also provided. The school is in shambles due to relentless monsoons. The students diligently study outdoors while sitting on burlap bags. Their beloved teacher is a mere 16 years old. Until this visit, textbooks had been painstakingly photocopied in Kathmandu and delivered personally by Shyam via a twelve-hour motorcycle marathon braving bandits and Maoists. My heart is filled with admiration for such tenacity.

This year the world celebrates the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. But a new report from the US State Department shows the abhorrent practice of trafficking in humans is alive and well. Too many children often end up in the worst forms of child labor. It is estimated that over one and a half million children in Nepal suffer from unspeakable exploitation. The boys are easily exploitable by people offering apprenticeships and the girls often fall prey to traffickers selling them into the sex trade. It is estimated that 90% of the children rescued from the brothels of Southeast Asia are infected with HIV. Shyam has literally begged for my help to ensure that the children of his village will not suffer this fate. And here I am.



After a 12-hour drive and forging two rivers on foot the appreciative villagers eagerly greeted us with garlands of flowers. Deeply humbled by such an unexpected spectacle, I made it clear to them I accepted this honor on behalf of all the sponsors who have so far benefited so many of their children. The schoolbooks and classroom supplies hiked in on via heavy-laden backpacks were received with deep appreciation and joy. In the months ahead I'll be forwarding further episodes about this remarkable adventure. For now, I just ask that you imagine walking into a primitive village that has never experienced electricity, plumbing, cell phones or a single television set. We presented the enthusiastic children with gift bags filled to the brim with school supplies. They were so thankful. On top of that I was the first foreigner to be seen by the vast majority of the villagers. (My shiny white shaved head was the cause of much amusement I assure you.)



The children were so eager to read the books. They patiently stood in line for their turn. Education is obviously the key to their future and the groundwork has been set. Yet there is so much more to do. For one thing, the water supply is treacherously contaminated. I desperately need to learn more about water purification systems. Dysentery, diarrhea and jaundice are epidemic. We are also seeking donations for a laptop computer and a solar-powered charging station. It's imperative that we help them build a school with a decent roof that protects them from the harsh elements. (Any advice would be deeply appreciated!)

Ignorance and disease is rampant in this part of the world my friends. Yet the hunger for learning knows no bounds. In future writings and video postings I will introduce you to a number of disadvantaged children seeking sponsorship for their basic education. We have promised to tell their story. Thank you everyone for the support of these precious innocents over the past five years.



The expedition out of the jungle for the return trek to Kathmandu was quite a challenge. I mistakenly thought navigating through the tiger and snake infested bush was the main challenge. Yet we soon discovered Maoists were forcibly halting buses and torching them in an attempt to stop the flow of goods into the valley as a protest against the inaction of the newly formed coalition government. Poverty and hunger is a mighty catalyst for mob rioting. Our driver, Shyam and myself were aggressively brought to a standstill numerous times by understandably angry crowds. Their beef was not with us so after terse negotiations a Maoist leader jumped in our vehicle and provided us safe passage through the smoldering firestorm. The usual 12-hour bone-jarring drive took over 20 hours. I arrived in the Tibetan community of Boudha thoroughly exhausted and raging with fever.

In sharp contrast, the next morning it was my pleasure to present the documentary "Playing for Change International" at a major press conference in Kathmandu. (It's my privilege to appear in Mark Johnson's epic film featuring musicians from around the globe including Nepal and India.) As the associate producer for the Asian portion of the film this duty is exceptionally rewarding. The Nepali media ate it up. There were five TV interviews aired countywide in one evening alone. Numerous newspapers also enthusiastically picked up the story. This besieged yet proud country was so supportive of our endeavor. It seemed wherever I went locals recognized me from the intense coverage.

The Nepali reaction was absolutely staggering. I have never observed such nationalistic pride. The press there is unfortunately jam-packed with negative stories about atrocities in the countryside, so this film of peace and tolerance through the power of music was received like a breath of fresh air. This is very therapeutic stuff. I was taken aback by the reaction. To be affiliated with such a groundbreaking motion picture is deeply gratifying.

Onto Delhi India where we premiered both films, "Playing for Change International" and "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama". (My video footage shot in Tibet is presented in Rick Ray's award-winning film featuring the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.) Yangzom and Choeden provided invaluable assistance in procuring official Tibetan government clearance to project both films on a large screen right out in front of the main temple in the Aruna Nagar Refugee Camp. Hundreds of energized Tibetans gathered. The response was tremendous. Most could not understand English, but without a doubt they felt the beauty and grace of the music and the mission. It was my honor to be interviewed by the "Students for Free Tibet" during the presentation. These dedicated Tibetan student activists are eternally grateful for the representation of the Tibetan struggle in both films.

The 14-hour passage north towards Pakistan into the picturesque Himalayan village of Dharamsala was fortunately uneventful. Dharamsala pulsates with the sights and sounds of old Tibet. Though certainly more modern, life is basically Tibetan in character. Shops strung out along the narrow streets of McLeod Gunj sell traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and the aroma of Tibetan dishes lingers in the air.

The PFCI film was received with deep admiration. Our larger showing had numerous monks, nuns as well as local and international visitors. Crowds at our smaller venues were just as electrified. Many foreigners sang heartily along with the closing anthem "One Love". Internationally I'm certain this film will be a smash.

The distinct pleasure was mine to perform live on stage with Tibet's acclaimed band "The Exile Brothers" before one of the screenings. (They appear in the PFCI film in a potent sequence.) Musically we are a natural fit. I look forward to performing with them for their first US concert this November in Denver where they are co-headliners at the premier of the PFCI film. Afterwards they are invited to record at Keb Mo's studio in Los Angeles where I will help co-produce their second album with Grammy award-winner Mark Johnson! I spent many miraculous evenings rehearsing their new material. They were open and eager for my suggestions. I really got to know these Tibetan brothers and how they interact. They graciously made me feel like part of the family. I truly believe the world is ready for the powerful message these brave and talented freedom fighters have to offer.

Unbeknownst to me, I was delighted to discover it was the Dalai Lama's birthday on July 6th. What a miraculous place to be during this special occasion! Hundreds of pilgrims poured into this quaint village from around the world. Tibetan ritual dancing in native dress, celebrative song and no small amount of pomp and circumstance from world leaders and local officials filled the air with great expectation. An unusual amount of Chinese and Taiwanese visitors ventured forth to receive teachings from His Holiness. Many Tibetans appeared astounded that so many foreigners are becoming interested in Tibetan Buddhism and the insight of the Dalai Lama. Needless to say security was unusually tight as the locals continue to receive numerous threats on his life. One gets the sense something big is about to transpire in this diminutive Himalayan community that may affect global events. The world desperately needs the Dalai Lama's message of tolerance and compassion. To witness such an auspicious moment in time was truly inspirational.



We shot lots of high-definition video documenting this amazing sojourn. In future postings I will forward a few of these astounding clips to all who care to see. The highlight for me personally of course is our time spent at the Tibetan Refugee Receiving Center. Yangzom and Choeden were instrumental in getting the rare proper permission for video and photo activities. To protect the new arrivals from being exploited, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile has certain procedures that require much patience to navigate through. This is completely understandable. It took two days for us to get the proper clearances so we could freely interview and document their condition. Three days were spent on location in an effort to slowly gain their trust.

My highest moment is when I have the distinct pleasure to speak with the refugees as a representative for THE PLAYING FOR CHANGE FOUNDATION who graciously sponsored this portion of the journey. Destitute men, women and children traveled on foot for up to 6 weeks over the treacherous Himalayan range facing risks few of us could ever begin to imagine. Most carried little food for fear of arousing suspicion and went hungry for days. Many resort to begging when supplies run out.



On behalf of all of us I warmly welcome them to freedom. They were told they are not alone. My translated words are received to thunderous applause. A few anguished souls meekly come forward and collapse in my arms sobbing uncontrollably. My heart is barely able to accept such agony. Tears flow freely. The healing begins slow but sure.

So many Tibetan refugees have been fleeing to India for so long that their crossing is accepted as something normal. Unfortunately the situation turned menacing recently when a group of 70 unarmed Tibetan refugees were fired upon by Chinese border guards while trying to cross into Nepal. An unidentified monk (to protect his identity) from Tibet's Gyamda county claims the shooting started about 8am. He was in a group fleeing to Dharamsala that included 15 small children between the ages of 8 to 10. Only one escaped and the rest were arrested.



When this violent incident is discussed with my dear friend Choeden, who just seven years ago took the identical perilous route, he conveys with great concern this tragic turn of events. He was told the soldiers fired for about 15 minutes and everyone was understandably terrified. A 17-year-old nun was shot dead and a young boy was wounded in the leg. Climbers in the region claim they saw as many as eight killed. The UN's high commissioner is strongly protesting this outright murder of Tibetan innocents.

Although shootings are relatively rare, I must tell you the abuse of Tibetan refugees is quite common. Gradually these traumatized people opened up to us. It takes every bit of fortitude I can muster to keep my sanity upon hearing these brutal tales of beatings, severe torture and sexua| assaults at gunpoint by the Chinese border guards. The long-term impacts of such dangerous circumstances are having a large impact on the physical and mental suffering of these harmless refugees. Their stories are heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend. Our video footage is powerful and will speak for itself.

I have much more experience now in understanding the Tibetan refugees immediate needs and how we can best help. The situation is ominous. Young Tibetans are getting noticeably restless. I fear the Dalai Lama's words may not be able to subdue a growing call for violence. Self-immolation is again rearing its ugly head. I witnessed more outpourings of grief and anger than I have ever seen in my past five years of visits. Numerous hunger strikes and collective calls for boycotting the 2008 Olympics in China are ever-present. I assure you the Tibetan struggle for dignity and justice is a just and moral cause.

On behalf of the peoples of the Himalayan world, we sincerely thank you for spending some of your precious time reading this letter. Under no circumstances should you feel obligated or pressured to donate money towards this cause. We have promised to be a voice for the disadvantaged and we do so as a compassionate act of love. I do humbly request that you please drop us a line if these communications have stirred your heart in some way. Hundreds of readers receive this message and it means the world to us to hear from you.

You can also help by shopping at the Aura Imports on-line store. 50% of your purchase goes directly to this effort. We are a fair-trade company that I personally guarantee does not employ child labor or women in servitude for the production of our products. Your support also helps Himalayan artisans continue their time-honored trade. Our handcrafted items make great gifts for any occasion. Please visit us at
http://www.auraimports.com
to find out more.

I have learned it is always good to ask for financial support. If the spirit moves you please consider requesting a photo and profile regarding a child that is waiting to hear from you. You can help sponsor a deserving student for less than a dollar a day. We are actively seeking donations for the need is overwhelming. As always, 100% of any contribution goes directly towards the education of a desperate individual. We deeply appreciate you forwarding this letter to family and friends for their deliberation. Because of you, this mission is making a difference.

Stay tuned.

Yours in the spirit of peace,
William Aura
Aura Imports
Ancient Light in Sacred Design

http://www.auraimports.com

auraimports@gmail.com
805-649-9022

"We often speak of the external enemy. For example, in my own case, our Chinese brothers and sisters are destroying Tibetan rights and, in that way, more suffering and anxiety develops. But no matter how forceful this is, it cannot destroy the supreme source of my happiness, which is my calmness of mind. This is something an external enemy cannot destroy. Our country can be invaded, our possessions can be destroyed, our friends can be killed, but these are secondary for our mental happiness. The ultimate source of my mental happiness is my peace of mind. Nothing can destroy this except my own anger."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama



 

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