Faces of Humanity

Tibetan Refugees, Bodhgaya, India

Photos by Dr. Melissa Andersson,copyright 2002

“The other side of the world is just a heart beat away. We are all united together through one great love.” Louis Hay

Note from Dr. Melissa; I was deeply honored to serve the Tibetan Refugees in medical relief work in India. Even though Pakistan was threatening nuclear war on India (January 2002) 200,000 people made the arduous journey to Bodhgaya. The Dalai Lama was to initiate the attendees as instruments of world peace with the Kalachakra prayers and teachings.

“We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.” Stephen R. Covey,
Author of Principle Centered Leadership

Many of the Tibetans I saw – monks, nuns and families with aged parents and little children – had just recently escaped Tibet under the threat of capture and death. They were dangerously depleted. Some where frostbitten and had lost fingers and toes on their 2 week journey scaling the Himalayas to freedom. Before escaping the communist China regime, many of the Tibetans had been raped, tortured, imprisoned and seen their loved ones murdered and their communities and beloved places of worship destroyed.

“I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.” Mother Theresa

And yet, I saw no signs of hate or revenge. I saw gentleness, commitment and tremendous inner-power and strength which translated to love in the face of unimaginable circumstances. The collective commitment seemed to say… “we will heal and educate our children…we will invest ourselves and work hard to rebuild our lives for the future of our people and our children.” These people gave more to me than I could have possibly have given to them. I continue to be in awe and honor of their loving strength and “triumph of the human spirit.”

We can do no great things; only small things with great love. Mother Theresa

Sometimes we can’t halt the horrors but we can help to heal the wounds. Should you like to learn more about the Tibetan people and/or the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-exile, see links to websites. (link to page) I know these amazing people would greatly appreciate your help. Personally, I have some projects which I hope to see manifest…like sponsoring Tibetans for college (so they can earn money to give back for the needs of their people], sponsoring trips for the International community to assist in Refugee camps and projects, providing water systems so the school children don’t have to be sickened by polluted water, etc. If you have interest or ideas, please contact me personally at DrMAndersson@aol.com.

“My message is the practice of compassion, love and kindness. Compassion can be put into practice if one recognizes the fact that every human being is a member of humanity and the human family regardless of differences in religion, culture, color and creed. Deep down there is no difference.”
The Dalai Lama, Leader of the Tibetan Government – in -Exile (http://www.tibet.com/) recipient of The Nobel Peace Prize 1989