ACTION ALERT: Buddhists Stand with Larung Gar, Tibet

Dear BPF community,Have you heard what's happening at Larung Gar, the largest Buddhist studies institution in the world?Now's the time to:

1. Learn about the struggle to save Larung Gar from demolition
2. Check out beautiful global solidarity actions — Chile, Japan, France, India, & more
3. Sign the petition today! [click the link, then scroll to the bottom of the page]

Let us know in comments if your organization would like to join Buddhist Peace Fellowship in endorsing the campaign to #StandWithLarungGar.As beneficiaries of Buddhist traditions and lineages, particularly those of us practicing in Shambhala or Tibetan traditions, it is a humbling opportunity to show solidarity with our Tibetan siblings in dharma and social justice.Please sign on today, and share with your sangha!

Statement from Students for a Free Tibet

Endorsed by Buddhist Peace Fellowship

Dear friend,

On June 20th, 2016, the Chinese government officially launched their multi-year demolition plan to downsize Larung Gar, the largest Tibetan buddhist academy in the world. This plan will result in over 50% of Larung Gar being destroyed, leaving over 5,000 monks and nuns evicted from their homes.

Thousands of monks and nuns travel to Larung Gar, located in Eastern Tibet, every year for the opportunity to further their practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Together, the monks and nuns of Larung Gar have created a unique community of peaceful practitioners devoted to the advancement of Buddhist teachings and values.

Not only is the Larung Gar community facing a physical invasion of their religious community, they are also experiencing a ruthless crackdown on their spiritual and religious practices. Three nuns have already committed suicide, and we are fearful that things will get even worse when the largest scheduled demolition begins on October 30.

As Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” By the same token, religious persecution anywhere, is a threat to religious freedom everywhere. The Larung Gar community needs friends and allies from around the world to speak up in solidarity and protect religious freedom.

We hope your organization/group will join in the voices around the world that stand with Larung Gar. Here’s how you can support the movement for religious freedom in Tibet:

1. Confirm that your organization name and/or logo can be displayed on our website (www.StandWithLarungGar.org) as an endorser of this campaign

2. Join us in the streets to protest and take visible public action. Visit www.studentsforafreetibet.org for details on local rallies already taking place and for information on how you can organize your own solidarity event.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your support and solidarity.

With Hope,

Sonamtso
USA Grassroots Director, Students for a Free Tibet