Wollongong Dharma Collective
Tibet & Tibetan Buddhism Archive
| Free Tibet! Wollongong | Tokyo 2008 | Tibetfest 2006 | Edinburgh 2005 | Tibet on Film | Australian Greens Tibet Policy | Wollongong Dharma Collective | Tibetfest06 - Karma Phuntsok | Tibet Support Groups in Australia | Contact |
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| His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama ------------------------ |
1. Origins
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| Founder: Ariane Lewis 1980-2007 |
The Wollongong Dharma Collective was formed at the beginning of 2005 by Ariane Lewis (1980-2007). Its aim was to assist with the promotion of issues and cultural events pertaining to Tibet and the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia. Prior to this, members of the group led by Ms. Lewis had informally worked since the late 1990s in bringing Tibetan monks to the Illawarra region for teachings, public sand mandala events and talks on the political and human rights situation in Tibet. The photograph of Ms. Lewis at right was taken at the Tin Shed Cafe, Thirroul, on the occasion of a talk by the Tibetan Ambassador to Australia, Tenzin Phuntsok Atisha. The success of initiatives such as this led to the formalization of the Wollongong Dharma Collective in 2005.
The Collective initially engaged in a number of activities focused around the 2006 Wollongong Tibetfest, and leading up to the death of Ms. Lewis in 2007. Following this, individual members continued to support His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Free Tibet movement. Ariane Lewis was a deeply spiritual person who devoted much of her brief life to promotion of the Dharma and social justice issues, especially in her home town of Wollongong, Australia. The ongoing work of the Wollongong Dharma Collective, and this online archived collection, is dedicated to her memory.
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2. Wollongong Tibetfest 2006
The 2006 Australian Year of Tibet was celebrated in Wollongong during February with the staging of the two-week long Tibetfest06, organized by the Wollongong Dharma Collective.
Wollongong Tibetfest06 featured a number of free events held at various venues in and around Wollongong, including:
- creation of a sand mandala by monks from the Namgyal Monastery, India, at the Wollongong Art Gallery
- an exhibition of artworks by Tibetan-Australian artist Karma Phuntsok at Project Contemporary Art Space, Wollongong
- the Seven Paths to Tibet photograph exhibition at The Old Courthouse, Belmore Basin, Wollongong
- music and dance performance by Tenzin Choegyal and the Namygal Monks
- a public teaching by Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-exile
- meditations
Tibertfest06 was recorded on video by the late Kathy Cox, whose work is presented below. Kathy's videos are available on YouTube, where comments can be left.
Wollongong Tibetfest06 was a great success in raising awareness within the Illawarra region, and beyond, of the various political, cultural and spiritual issues concerning Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. It also highlighted the deep connections formed amongst Australians with Tibetan refugees and various support networks therein.
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3. Smith's Hill High Rock Eisteddfod - Tibet: Roof of the World 2006-7
One of the most positive outcomes of Tibetfest06 was the inspiration and practical assistance it provided Smith's Hill High School, Wollongong, in their staging of the 'Tibet - the Roof of the World' Rock Eisteddfod performance during July-September 2006. The 8 minute long music and dance performance, involving more that 100 students, was presented at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre before a crowd of some 5,000 people and also at the Sydney Entertainment Centre before an audience of 9,000+.
During October the school was announced as 2nd place winners in the national competition - a wonderful result for this brave and moving performance.
During a visit to Australia the following year, His Holiness the Dalai Lama asked to meet with the students who took part in the performance, and their teachers. They made the trek to Sydney in full dress costume and had a meeting with His Holiness at his Sydney hotel. It was a truly moving experience.
Smith's Hill High School students audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sydney, 2007, duration: 23.33 minutes.
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4. Free Tibet!
Wollongong Tibetfest06 was a success and a confirmation of the significance of the work of His Holiness the 14th Dalia Lama and the people of Tibet in bringing the teaching Tibetan Buddhism to the world, with a message of peace, compassion and following the Middle Way path to enlightenment. There was much evidence of this during the Tibetfest06. One example the writer experienced was when he noticed a visitor to the Karma Phuntsok art exhibition at Project Contemporary Art Space standing before one of the paintings and overcome to the point of tears with emotion and compassion. On inquiring "Are you okay?" the response from the person was a broad smile amidst the tears and "Yes, very much so.... I am just a bit overwhelmed."
The worldwide campaign to Free Tibet! continues. For further information please checkout the information at the following links, or contact Michael Organ on email: hokusai22@outlook.com or mobile 0468 548 709.
Tashi delek.....
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Tibet & Tibetan Buddhism Archive
| Free Tibet! Wollongong | Tokyo 2008 | Tibetfest 2006 | Edinburgh 2005 | Tibet on Film | Australian Greens Tibet Policy | Wollongong Dharma Collective | Tibetfest06 - Karma Phuntsok | Tibet Support Groups in Australia | Contact |
Page last updated: 23 August 2017
Michael Organ, Australia
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