We will honor Losar by renewing our efforts to work for peace and justice in Tibet

22.02.2012

Dear Marylise, Losar Tashi Delek! At ICT, we will honor Losar by renewing our efforts to work for peace and justice in Tibet and we thank you for your support in standing with people of Tibet at this time.
	The word Losar is derived from two words, “Lo” meaning “year” and “sar” meaning “new.” For centuries, Losar, Tibetan New Year has been a time of celebration, a time for families to come together and be thankful for their blessings, for religious faith to be honored in prayer and a time when neighbors and friends greet each other with “Losar Tashi Delek!” or (Best wishes for an auspicious New Year!”). But this year’s Losar is marked with sorrow, with repression in Tibet reaching new lows, so it will be observed as a time for quiet reflection and tribute to all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their freedom and even their lives in protest against Chinese policies in Tibet. We humbly wish you a Losar Tashi Delek, and best wishes for the Tibetan Water Dragon Year 2139. Mary Beth Markey President
This painting of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism is by 15 year-old Shaokyi Amdo, a student of the Capital Area Tibetan Association’s weekend Tibetan language school for Tibetan-American children living in the Washington DC metro area. The eight symbols are very popular in Tibet and represent the eight precious offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha upon his enlightenment.