Global Prayer Service and Fast for Peace observed across Europe
Monday, 1 September 2008, 3:34 p.m.
 500 Tibetans and friends from Switzerland and Liechtenstein observed the 12-hour fasting and prayers at the conference hall of Hotel Banana City in Winterthur. |
Geneva: Worldwide fasting and
prayer service on 30 August 2008 was observed by members of the Tibetan
communities in Austria, Italy, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland from 7
a.m. to 7 p.m.
About 500 Tibetans and friends from Switzerland and
Liechtenstein observed the 12-hour fasting and prayers at the
conference hall of Hotel Banana City in Winterthur. The abbot and monks
from the Tibetan Institute, Rikon lead the prayers for His Holiness the
Dalai Lama’s long life, for peace and justice and the welfare of fellow
Tibetans in Tibet especially for those under Chinese detention. In
front of the UN building in Geneva, over 10 Tibetans and friends
observed the prayer and fasting.
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Around 100 Tibetans and supporters in expression of solidarity
took part in the 12 hours fasting in Vienna. An inter-religious prayer
ceremony for peace, harmony and prosperity in the world especially in
Tibet was held at the end of fasting. Representatives from the various
religious organizations took part in the ceremony accompanied by
speeches showing solidarity with the Tibetans in Tibet.
In Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, Tibetans gathered at
the Tibet Support Group Office. Mr. Hendrey Tibor, president of Tibet
Support Group reiterated the importance of global non-violence. Around
100 people gathered to show their solidarity by taking part in the
12-hour solidarity fasting. More than 1000 students from different
Buddhist communities and Buddhist colleges took part in the fasting
from their homes. Chenrezig, Guru Rinpoche, Tara and Long Life prayer
for His Holiness the Dalai Lama were chanted throughout the day. At the
end of the prayer, Mr. Choegyal Tenzin, the former member of Tibetan
Parliament-in-Exile expressed his deep appreciation for Hungarians
taking part in the universal prayer service.
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In Italy over 70 Tibetans observed the 12 hours fasting prayer
and in Germany, the worldwide fasting and prayer service was organized
in five different cities by the Tibetan Community.
Tibetan exiles in Munich, led a 12-hour mass fasting and prayer
service, in conjunction with Tibetans and supporters around the world,
to draw attention to the plight of the Tibetan people.
While observing fasting, the Tibetan exiles and supporters
simultaneously offered prayers for the wellbeing and long life of the
Dalai Lama, world peace and, for freedom from oppression in China,
Tibet and elsewhere.
–Report prepared by Tibet Bureau, Geneva. Additional information by Tibetan Community in Munich.
