Krishna Das New York Concert Benefits the DLF
 Renowned chant master and Bhakti Yoga practitioner Krishna Das performed for an audience of nearly 1,000 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture on Saturday, January 28. The show opened with the beautiful rising harmonies of Baird Hersey and Prana, whose multiphonic chanting was then joined by the deep vocalizations of Krishna Das. This accomplished group practices natural overtone singing and performs with Krishna Das at various venues. Krishna Das was in superlative form and treated the attendees to both the heart-felt traditional Jai Bhagavan and the rousing non-traditional Kirtan offering of Jesus on the Main Line. The evening was highlighted by his richly-layered rendition of Hare Krishna that had most everyone on their feet for over 40 minutes.
Krishna Das offered his performance as a benefit for the educational programs of the Dalai Lama Foundation. Sharon Salzberg, one of America's leading spiritual teachers and authors, introduced the DLF and its mission to the audience, and led a short meditation later in the evening.
"We are so grateful to Krishna Das, Sharon Salzberg and Prana for taking time out of their busy schedules to support the Dalai Lama Foundation," said Diane Hatz, head of the DLF New York Chapter and co-organizer of the evening's event. "Because of them, all the amazing volunteers who helped out that evening, and the standing room only audience, we had an unbelievably successful show. Everyone left with a smile on their face and a little extra love in their heart."
After befriending spiritual teacher Ram Dass in America in the ?Äò60's, Krishna Das began his spiritual journey, which grew into his life-long devotion to chant. Ram Dass, who had just returned from his first trip to India, met Krishna Das and shared his profound experiences with guru Maharaj-ji. Soon thereafter, Krishna Das left on his own first adventure to India. After many intense months with Maharaj-ji, the guru told Krishna Das that the only requirement to serve the world is to do what one truly wishes to do.
Krishna Das, feeling an intense need to serve but having no idea how to go about it, returned to the United States. He began simply to chant the many names of God, looking within this practice for the inspiration for service. This practice soon grew to produce a voice known the world over for its depth, warmth, and grace.
We would like to extend a big Thank You to all those whose generosity and efforts made this wonderful event possible. The seed of the idea was planted in conversations with Krishna Das and Mitchell Markus almost two years ago. Diane Hatz, head of the New York Chapter of the Dalai Lama Foundation and Nina Rao, Krishna Das' assistant, developed the idea over the ensuing months, and provided support to Ambika Cooper, who organized the event, arranging the hall, insurance, tickets, and advertising. Thanks to Sharon Salzberg for her words on behalf of the Dalai Lama Foundation. Thanks to Baird Hersey and Prana ?Äì Jonji Provenzano, Kirsti Gholson, Bruce Milner, Julie Last, Bar Scott, Joe Veillette, Leslie Ritter, Peter Buettner. Also, a big Thank You goes to Sharon Gannon and David Life at the Jivamukit Yoga Center, as well as Cyndi Lee at Om Yoga Center and Swami Ramananda at Integral Yoga Institute for all their help in selling tickets and promoting the event. Thanks also to Eva Vargas from the Dharma Yoga Center for all her hard work and help. And last but not least, thanks go to volunteers from the DLF New York Chapter - Bonnie Harter, Molly Drake Peckham, and Louise Light.
And of course we are deeply grateful to Krishna Das for his beautiful and generous offering.
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Dalai Lama Foundation Canada to be Led by Innovator Thubten Samdup  We are pleased to announce that Thubten Samdup has agreed to serve as the National Chair of the Dalai Lama Foundation—Canada. Samdup, or Sam as he is called by friends, has already begun to build a network of supporters to bring the movement for grass roots education in ethics and peace to communities across Canada.
Samdup is well-known within the Tibetan community and in his adopted city of Montréal. He was named to Montréal's "who's who" list of prominent citizens for his many years of community work including the founding of a national advocacy group, the Canada Tibet Committee, in 1987. Samdup served as National President of the CTC for 17 years. Among his many other achievements, Samdup was presented in October 2005 with the Unsung Hero of Compassion Award, an honour that was bestowed in San Francisco by the Dalai Lama himself.
Samdup offered these reflections as he begins this new phase in his work: "After 20 years of lobbying Canadian politicians and raising public awareness, I have come to realize that this approach on its own, will not achieve peace in Tibet or in other areas of conflict around the world. Knowledge must be informed by wisdom—an ethical base that goes beyond self-interest. I truly believe that the basic principles for ethical living as promoted in the teachings of the Dalai Lama will find resonance with individuals and their communities. Ultimately this approach will contribute more concretely towards changing societies from within."
In addition to supporting the DLF's mission of promoting education for ethics and peace, Samdup hopes to build a national peace coalition to advance concepts such as compassion and non-violence. He is currently working with City of Montréal officials to declare September 21st as an International Day of Peace ?Äì an initiative that parallels similar efforts at the United Nations. Montréal is well-suited to take the lead in this area. It is home to numerous diverse cultural communities and bears the proud motto "Well-being through Harmony."
Samdup has recently established a new organization, "Tibet Innovations," in order to tie professional capacity providers to small community-level livelihood initiatives within the Tibetan diaspora. Samdup feels that the goals of Tibet Innovations will complement those of the DLF through an emphasis on human responsibility, cross-border dialogue and altruism.
"I will focus my time in the coming years to building coalitions in the interest of tolerance and peace" Samdup said. "I believe this is the best way to represent myself as a Tibetan and as a Canadian. I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to pursue my goal as the National Chair of DLF Canada."
Samdup can be contacted at canada@dlfound.org. The DLF Canada will publish a regular update of activities which can be viewed beginning in spring 2006 at the website of The Dalai Lama Foundation.
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California Study Circle Moves into Second Year
By Laura Schaub, Saratoga Study Circle Member
In late 2004, fifteen people gathered for the first meeting of the Saratoga Study Circle. Our focus, Ethics for the New Millennium, came from The Dalai Lama's book by the same name. The book, along with the Study Guide for Ethics for the New Millennium, guided each of our meetings.
 In January 2006, we met for a closing discussion with this material and now begin our second year with a new text, new motivation, and fresh perspectives. We thought we'd share with you some reflections on our progress together as a Study Circle.
From the very first meeting, we knew we were embarking on a special journey. Every month, our discussions covered each individual's experiences in the world. His Holiness's clear words and thoughtful ideas guided us through complex topics such as universal responsibility, peace and disarmament, and the quest for human happiness. The circle became a forum for discussions on local, national, and international issues. It also evolved into an opportunity for each to share how these issues affect us in our daily lives. As with any deep study, the subject comes alive and manifests in unexpected ways. Our meetings allowed us to process these experiences, both the positive and the negative, in an environment of support and openness. These regular Saturday morning meetings became a touchstone that stood to remind and refocus our attention on what is really important. It reinforced the idea that each of us makes a difference in the world. It reminded us to take these teachings and make them a part of our daily practice. With the opportunity for each individual circle member to lead discussions, we became teachers ourselves.
The community and continuity of the group, plus the luxury of spending a whole year on a single book has inspired us to continue. This month (February 2006), we have begun a new, expanded Study Circle with a new focus: How to Expand Love, based on His Holiness's book with the same title. We anticipate discovering a new realm of meaningful growth together and wish you the same opportunity.
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