Tibetan Aid Project

The Tibetan Aid Project (TAP) is an operation of the Tibetan Nyingma Relief Foundation. TAP was founded in 1969 by Tarthang Tulku—a leading Tibetan master and teacher—to support the efforts of Tibetans to survive in exile and re-establish their cultural heritage. The Tibetan Aid Project helps Tibetan people by providing them with important resources like books, art, and tools for practice and education. They work to preserve Tibetan culture and support communities in need and Tibetan refugees in exile. Taste and Tribute is a Tibetan Aid Project event where exquisite chefs cook special meals, and people come together to enjoy the food and raise money. Attendees provide support through:

Meal tickets sold
Silent auction
Live auction
Monetary donations

This event has made a significant impact by bringing in much-needed funds, which support the education, practice and cultural preservation efforts for the Tibetan people. Through these efforts, the project helps keep Tibetan traditions alive and supports the well-being of their communities. For example, TAP and its sister organizations have distributed over 5.5 million sacred texts, 176,250 prayer wheels, and over 4 million sacred art prints to Tibetan communities in exile. These efforts help sustain Tibetan cultural practices and education across the Himalayas. The books, sacred texts, and art distributed by the Tibetan Aid Project (TAP) are produced through a collaborative effort involving various Tibetan and international organizations. Here’s an overview of the process and locations involved:

1. Dharma Publishing: This organization, founded by Tarthang Tulku, plays a key role in producing many of the sacred texts and art prints. Dharma Publishing operates in the United States and works to print and distribute these materials. They are located in Cazadero, California, and have been a significant partner in supporting TAP’s mission.

2. Tibetan Communities in Exile: Some of the texts and art are produced within Tibetan communities in exile, particularly in India and Nepal. Monasteries and cultural centers in these regions are actively involved in the preservation and production of traditional Tibetan art and literature. These centers ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the materials being produced.

3. Collaboration with International Partners: TAP collaborates with various international partners to fund and support the production and distribution of these materials. This includes fundraising events like Taste & Tribute, which provide the necessary resources to continue these efforts.

4. The sacred texts and art are shipped from Dharma Publishing in the USA to the Mahabhodi temple in Bodh Gaya India, where they are distributed to monks, nuns and laypeople at the Monlam Chenmo. The shipment is supported financially via Tibetan Aid Project's Taste and Tribute event. The Monlam Chenmo, or the World Peace Ceremony, is a significant annual event in Tibetan Buddhism, held in Bodh Gaya, India. Tarthang Tulku has played a significant role in organizing a contemporary form of the Monlam Chenmo in Bodh Gaya, especially in connection with large-scale book and practice materials distributions. Here are the key points:

1. Modern Monlam Chenmo: The modern Monlam Chenmo in Bodh Gaya, as organized by Tarthang Tulku and associated organizations, includes large gatherings of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners who engage in prayer, meditation, and teachings. This event has revitalized the traditional prayer ceremony in a contemporary context.

2. Book Distribution: One of the unique aspects of the Monlam Chenmo organized by Tarthang Tulku is the distribution of sacred texts. These texts include sutras, commentaries, and other important Buddhist scriptures that are distributed freely to monks, nuns, and practitioners. This effort helps preserve and disseminate Buddhist teachings widely.

3. Cultural Preservation: Initiatives through the Monlam Chenmo aim to preserve Tibetan Buddhist culture and education. The distribution of texts ensures that monastic communities have access to essential teachings, supporting their spiritual practice and study.

4. Global Participation: The event attracts participants from around the world, fostering a sense of global Buddhist community and shared purpose in preserving and promoting Tibetan Buddhism. For more detailed information on these activities, you can refer to sources like Dharma Publishing and the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo website, which provide insights into the events and their impact.