MARCH FOR TIBET'S INDEPENDENCE: FLORIDA 2004
–A Fifty-Five Mile March For The Six Million Who Cannot–"What a Difference a Unitarian Universalist Makes"
Sometimes the most powerful statements don't even require ten syllables. The Buddha said "Question everything ... Even Me." I have been following this viewpoint on life for many years now, and ironically it is what eventually brought me to investigate Buddhism on a philosophical level way before I knew the Buddha had such advice. It is refreshing to hear that there are belief systems out there that don't TELL you what to believe even though our world is dominated by the exact opposite mindset. I am not religious and never really have been, but over the course of recent efforts to expand our society's awareness of issues facing the communities outside of our isolated borders I have come to appreciate the Unitarian Universalists philosophy. You most likely are reading this page to learn more about the progress of the March for Tibetan Independence: Florida 2004, and I felt that it was paramount to discuss the Unitarians, for without their support, hospitality, genuine concern, and open minds there would be no such things as PeaceRides or Marches for Tibetan Independence.
Unitarian Universalists say:
"I want a religion that respects the differences between people and affirms every person as an individual."
"I want a church that values children, that welcomes them on their own terms- a church they are eager to attend."
"I want a congregation that cherishes freedom and encourages open dialogue on questions of faith, one in which it is okay to change your mind."
"I want a religious community that affirms spiritual exploration and reason as ways of finding truth."
"I want a church that acts globally on the great issues of our time- world peace; women's rights; racial justice; homelessness; and protection of the environment."
Much like His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, says to the masses who greet him around the world, I am not advocating everyone to convert from their formulated religious beliefs, as I am not myself, but what I am advocating is for people to think about the kind of community and world that these extremely diverse congregations are working collectively to achieve. Although this religion was born out of the Jewish and Christian traditions they regularly incorporate Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Islamic, and Hindu philosophies, as well as myriad of others. As a direct result of this open-minded nature our efforts to educate the communities we have traversed on these PeaceWalks and PeaceRides have been well received and promoted in places one would not expect.
On this most recent March for Tibetan Independence, which just concluded yesterday (Wednesday, 22nd) in South Miami Beach, the Unitarian Universalist congregations of Fort Lauderdale and Southern Miami did more than simply provide us a meal and a place to stay. Although this was initially all that was requested of them they, much like all the ones in Pennsylvania and New York along the PeaceRide route, provided an atmosphere conducive to stretching our message throughout the community. Adam Bryn Tritt, his wife Lee, and their daughter Sef not only supported the March to Miami with their actual participation, assistance in accommodation, and medical attention, but developed a sense of unity among their community and the Marchers, which invigorated and motivated us to press on through the pain in our bodies and hearts.
Earlier this year they also hosted a group of seven monks from the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was re-established at the southern settlement of Byalkuppe in Karnataka State, India. I had the pleasure of guiding these monks around the northeast for several months doing much of the same work that the PeaceRide and March to Miami set out to accomplish, and that North American Tour also would not have been as successful as it was if not for the support of congregations like Adamıs.
But it didn't end there. A day and another twenty miles of walking later and the community in Southern Miami guided by Reverend Lucy helped further the commitment of a long heritage that goes back hundreds of years to courageous people, who like these Tibetans, struggled tirelessly for freedom in thought and faith. It is truly difficult to put into words how it feels to complete an undertaking such as this March and have a warm meal with total strangers who quickly become genuine friends. There we were, twenty or so of us gathered around a large square of conjoined tables openly discussing the reasons why we are committed to Tibetan Independence or why we are interested in learning more about the truth of this forty-five year situation.
Three unannounced, yet very special members of the square-table discussion illuminated their involvement in the progressive movement for Tibetıs Independence. Mrs. Norbu- wife of Takster Rinpoche- eldest brother of His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, and Co-Founder of the International Tibetan Independence Movement, expressed extreme sympathy for Ani Kalsang Palmo- a Tibetan Nun who relayed her horrific experiences of physical and mental torture while in prison within a Chinese controlled Tibet. She furthered this with an extension of gratitude and congratulations for the Marchers and in my mind stated the truth plain and simple when she said "Tibet is a sad story and a sad mark in history. We are fighting a Giant and itıs all in the hands of our youth to see that we succeed."
Marcia Keegan- a Cultural Photographer- whose book "Ancient Wisdom Living Tradition: The Spirit of Tibet in the Himalayas' opens up the Tibetan Buddhist world to her readers, reiterated Mrs. Norbu's sentiments, relayed a comparison of the Tibetanıs plight to that of the Native American Indian, and exuded a warmth that permeated the discussion. Her husband, Harmon Houghton of Clear Light Books, Inc whose Publishing House promotes books by and about the Native American, Hispanic, Southwestern American, and Tibetan communities through Holistic, Metaphysical, Religious, and Philosophical means discussed the early days of the movement when their tireless efforts in places like New York City were unable to draw an audience for His Holiness. As he sees it "Tibetans relay what being human is all about. We are no longer saving whales here for Tibet has preserved the roadmap of spiritual, cultural, and societal thinking." Just as the others around our table, I felt invigorated and realized that without their efforts the message His Holiness had just brought to this community would not have been possible. A new wave of confidence courses through me knowing that with more efforts like these, Tibet WILL Be Free!
The Marchers and all those involved would like to thanks all the members of the communities who have made these events possible, especially these most recent additions like Jeremy Ferderber and Julie Selvaggi to our family of Freedom Fighters. Your energy is priceless, and our collective efforts will one day succeed in Peacefully Liberating Tibet for Real!
Douglas F. Herman
Tour Coordinator/Photographer