Tibet House US facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Tibet House US

Tibet House US
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Established	1987
Location	22 West 15th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, Manhattan, New York, USA

Tibet House US (also known as THUS) is a special place in New York City. It's a non-profit group that works to keep Tibetan culture alive. It was started in 1987.

A group of Westerners created it because the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, wanted a place to share Tibetan culture with the world. Tibet House US is part of a global network. It helps people learn about Tibetan traditions, art, and ways of thinking. They teach about philosophy, how our minds work, and ways to find peace through mediation.

The Story of Tibet House US

In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama had to leave Tibet and go to India. He told his people that their main job was to keep their religion and culture safe.

Years later, in 1987, some Westerners who cared about Tibet decided to help. These people included Columbia University professor Robert Thurman, actor Richard Gere, and composer Philip Glass. They started Tibet House US in New York City. Their goal was to protect and share the rich culture of Tibet. They wanted to show how this special culture can help people today.

Tibet House US has worked with many schools and cultural groups. They have even helped the Dalai Lama give talks in New York City.

Big Events and Gatherings

THUS has hosted important events to promote peace and understanding.

• In 2011, they helped with The Newark Peace Education Summit. This meeting focused on how communities can create peace. Many important people attended, including the Dalai Lama and other Nobel Prize winners.
• Since 2020, they have held the Global Vision Summit. Here, teachers, leaders, and students of the Dalai Lama talk about his life and teachings. Many people from all over the world join these online events. In 2021, the summit focused on "The Power of Compassion."

Books and Awards

Tibet House US has published many books. These books often show beautiful Tibetan art and share knowledge. One book, A Shrine for Tibet, was for an art show at the Smithsonian.

They also give out The Art of Freedom Award. This award honors people who have made great contributions that match the mission of Tibet House US. Famous people like director Martin Scorsese and artist Roy Lichtenstein have received this award.

Fun Ways to Support Tibet House US

Tibet House US holds special events to raise money.

• Since 2002, they have had the Tibet House Benefit Auction. People can bid on unique items to help support Tibetan culture.
• A very popular event is the Annual Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall. This concert started in 1989 and is a big event in New York City. It celebrates Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Many famous musicians and performers have played there. These include Patti Smith, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Björk, Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, and Eddie Vedder.

In 2021, the Dalai Lama sent a video message for the concert. He thanked everyone who started and supported Tibet House US.

In 2022, actor Keanu Reeves appeared at the concert. After this, some people in China were upset. Because of his support for Tibet House US, his films were reportedly removed from streaming services in China.

What Tibet House US Collects

Tibet House US collects and shows many different kinds of Tibetan art. This includes sacred art, fine art, and folk art. They hope that one day these items can be returned to a National Museum in Tibet.

Much of Tibet's art and old writings were destroyed after 1949. This happened during times like the Cultural Revolution. Tibet House US wants to save what is left.

Special Collections

In 1992, they started two important collections:

• The Repatriation Collection: This has over 1500 items like thangkas (Tibetan paintings), bronze statues, and ritual objects.
• The Old Tibet Photographic Archive: This collection began with over 3,000 photos and writings from a missionary named Marion Grant Griebenow. It also includes pictures from famous photographers like Heinrich Harrer. These photos show what Tibet was like between 1928 and 1949. They also show how many monasteries and temples were destroyed. These places were not just for learning, but also for art, music, and dance. They held many treasures of Tibetan art and books.

Books Published by Tibet House US

Here are some of the books Tibet House US has helped publish:

• Worlds of Transformation: Tibetan Art of Wisdom and Compassion, by Marylin Rhie and Robert Thurman (1991)
• Mandala: The Architecture of Enlightenment, by Denise P. Leidy and Robert Thurman (1997)
• Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet, by Marylin Rhie and Robert Thurman (1991)
• The Tibetan Wheel of Existence, by Jacqueline Dunnington (2000)
• Visions of Tibet: Outer, Inner, Secret, photographs by Brian Kistler (2005)
• Vanishing Tibet, by Catherine Steinmann and Danny Conant (2008)
• A Shrine For Tibet: The Alice S. Kandell Collection, by Marylin Rhie & Robert Thurman (2010)
• Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet, a graphic novel by William Meyers, Robert Thurman, and Michael G. Burbank

Scholarly Works

Tibet House US also helps publish academic books. These include the Treasury of Buddhist Sciences series. These books translate old Buddhist writings from Tibet.

Books with Hay House

• My Appeal to the World, by the 14th Dalai Lama (2015)
• The Dalai Lama and the King Demon, by Raimondo Bultrini (2013)

Films About Tibet House US

• His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet recorded a video message for the 34th annual benefit concert of Tibet House US, from the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• First 30 Years of Tibet House
• God and Buddha: A Dialogue with Deepak Chopra and Robert Thurman, Mystic Fire Video
• Robert A. F. Thurman on Buddhism, Wellspring

See also