1997 March Info | 1997 March Home

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The walkers drove a long distance away from the walk route to participate in a program at SUNY New Paltz and to visit the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery in Woodstock. While at the monastery the walkers were served an excellent lunch and enjoyed the company of the KTD sangha.

Special thanks to Arthur and Jo Schwartz for their hospitality and their organization of the presentation in conjuction with the New Paltz Students for a Free Tibet.

The presentation at New Paltz was blessed with the performances of many great artists including flutist John Gorn, vocalist Ingrid Sertso and poet Janine Vega. Phil Void and some of his Dharma Bums buddies performed their tune "Rangzen" bringing a taste of politically edged rock 'n roll to program.

Rangzen

Oh Shangrila, where does your sun shine now?
Your shining light is lost behind the clouds.
The chains of darkness are upon you now,
Your spirit held in bondage.

Chorus:
Rangzen! Free just like the river flows.
Rangzen! Free just like the wind that blows.
Rangzen! Freedom for the Land of Snows.

Oh, who will speak on your behalf?
And tear on down the Golden Calf
Imposed on you by China's wrath
For progress without honor?

Chorus

And who will sing the songs to be sung,
And speak the name on every tongue,
And fight with words though they have guns,
And lift the yoke upon us?

Chorus

And who will set the people free,
Return Tibet to harmony,
And set the goal that ought to be,
The far shores of Nirvana?

Chorus

May Great Compassion Chenrezi
Look down with untold sympathy.
May Tenzin Gyatso set his people free,
And shine a light into the darkness.

Chorus

words & music © 1991 Phil Void

Poet Ed Sanders eloquently paid tribute to Allen Ginsberg, a long time Tibet supporter.

Lama Pema Wangdak, after pointing out the obvious fact that he is a monk, explained the inseparable aspects of religion and politics in Tibetan culture. He stressed the importance of political activism and asked the crowd, "if your spare time is not already filled by some other activity, then please use your time to help Tibet."

Thubten Jigme Norbu concluded the evening with a very strong speech which was several times interrupted by enthusiastic applause particularly when he said, "Tibet must belong to the Tibetans!"

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1997 March Info | 1997 March Home

International Tibet Independence Movement
PO Box 592 Fishers, Indiana 46038-0592 United States
e-mail: rangzen@aol.com