Earthquake April 14 2010 Tibet

Urgently need your help and donations

The people devastated by this earthquake are not receiving News coverage because the former Tibet was taken over by China who are playing down the devastation.

The people who have been killed are Tibetans and do not have a voice.

Please read the following appeal sent by one of the very highly respected Tibetan Lamas in the west Garchen Rinpoche.

His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche requests your immediate help April 16, 2010

To All of You in Garchen Rinpoche's Mandala~

This past Wednesday, April 14, a devastating earthquake struck Tibet's prefecture of Yushu in Qinghai province. This is an area with a special connection to our beloved teachers, as Gar Monastery lies within eight hours travel time of Yushu. The families of Gape Lama, Traga Rinpoche, and many others call this area home.

Tragically, at this moment, thousands of families' homes lie in rubble.

Over 1,000 lives have already been lost, with more than 10,000 injured. As is the case for any disaster that leaves many homeless and without access to adequate medical supplies, shelter, and food, these numbers could rise dramatically. At the very least, people are in need of the basics to sustain life, yet they are in a situation where relief is difficult to obtain.

Unfortunately, this remote area will not receive the high profile attention given to other recent disasters. Garchen Rinpoche is thus asking his students and friends to make a special effort to help the people of Yushu, many of whom have a special connection to our lamas and lineage. Donations are needed immediately. Even an hour or a day can make a difference to someone's life.

If you would like to be a part of our effort to help the people of Yushu recover from this disaster, please donate. Even a small donation can have a great impact. We are working with Tibet Aid to get the funds to Yushu, as we have partnered with Tibet Aid for the last decade on many projects ranging from schools and health clinics to monasteries. Tibet Aid was started by a student of Garchen Rinpoche, and we have complete confidence in Tibet Aid's dedication and integrity on behalf of the Tibetan people. We will collect the monies as a worldwide sangha and send it to Yushu on behalf of Garchen Rinpoche's efforts for the Tibetan people of that area.

Please Donate on-line immediately if you can

All you need to do is go to Tibet Aid

to make your pledge online. Click the "Donate" Button under the heading "Tibetan Plateau Earthquake Relief." Under "Notes to Tibet Aid," please type in: "Garchen Rinpoche."

You can also mail in a donation to:
Tibet Aid
34 Tinker Street
Woodstock, New York 12498
Earmark your donation: "Garchen Rinpoche--Earthquake Relief."

We will also be conducting a Chenrezig/Tara Drubchen here at the center in Chino Valley from April 23-28, and we will dedicate this practice to the earthquake victims. During the Drubchen we will do a special 100 Deity Practice on their behalf. Everyone can help the victims of the quake by reciting Chenrezig mantras, and we've put up a counter at www.garchen.net where you can enter your accumulations.

We can make a difference for the Tibetan people affected by this quake at this critical time, and we thank you for your good hearts!

With great love,
The Staff at The Garchen Institute

Photos

Sometimes seeing some photos can make us realize how real this catastrophe is.... especially as it is NOT in the News each night on TV.

Photos from Yeshu