Robert Thurman's 'Why the Dalai Lama Matters' Offers Dalai Lama's Solution for a...

Robert Thurman's 'Why the Dalai Lama Matters' Offers Dalai Lama's Solution for
a Free Tibet

Dalai Lama Says: 'Tibetan Protests are Suicidal'

NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The 60 year struggle of the Tibetan people to
be free of Chinese rule and domination has reached a turning point says Robert
Thurman, scholar, former Tibetan Buddhist monk, co-founder with Richard Gere
of Tibet HouseUS in New York Citywww.tibethouse.org and close personal friend
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Thurman's recently published book Why the
Dalai Lama Matters (Atria Books/Beyond Words, $24.00) www.bobthurman.com
explores the Dalai Lama's blueprint for a free and autonomous Tibet and
provides realistic, detailed programs of reconciliation at the very moment
Tibetan protestshave become, according to the Dalai Lama, a "Death Sentence."

"The Tibetans are fed up with demographic oppression and their non-violent
protests are suicidal," says Thurman who stresses that the Dalai Lama Matters
More Now Than Ever: "It was clear from the Dalai Lama's visit to New York
City this month that the situation in Tibet is urgent. It is also clear that
the time is ripe for change because China has become a world power and has
more self-confidence so it is in China's best interest to gain the respect of
the world by embracing the Dalai Lama and his Middle-Way Approach for a free
Tibet."

Why the Dalai Lama Matters focuses on the Dalai Lama's Middle-Way Approach, a
path between outright independence and Chinese occupation. The Middle-Way
Approach (which has gathered accolades for the Dalai Lama from the Nobel Peace
Prize to the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal) will achieve meaningful autonomy
within the Chinese union rather than accepting the status quo. Thurman's book
also explores just why the Dalai Lama has earned the world's love and respect,
and how restoring Tibet's autonomy within China is not only possible, but
highly reasonable, and absolutely necessary for China, Tibet, and all of us to
have a peaceful future.

Dalai Lama's Middle-Way Approach is a Win-Win

Free Tibetan Economy Means Economic and Environmental Benefits for China
Including:
Environmentally beneficial agricultural products.
Sustainable forest management.
Sustainable herbal tea and medicine harvesting.
Non-polluting mining.
Increased, high value tourism.
Switzerland-like global finance and banking industry.

Five Step Plan for China:
Unite Tibetan provinces.
Establish one-country, two-system governance like Hong Kong.
Mend relations with the world's beloved Dalai Lama.
Support environmental restoration of Tibet.
Instill peace of mind.

Five Step Response From the Dalai Lama:
Tour Tibet to make Tibetans happy.
Reward Chinese leadership - restore Chinese spirituality.
Promote unity and spiritual wellbeing.
Lead Tibetans to join China voluntarily.
Become China's goodwill ambassador.

Why the Dalai Lama Matters is not merely a book about Tibet or the Dalai Lama.
It is a revealing, provocative solution for a world in conflict, dealing with
the very fundamentals of human rights and freedoms and illuminates a worldwide
call-to-action NOW while spotlighting a humble monk who inspires optimism for
all people in conflict.

A substantial portion of the proceeds from the sale of Why the Dalai Lama
Matters further the work of Tibet House US to preserve the culture of Tibet.

Note About Robert Thurman:
Scholar, author, co-founder with Richard Gere of Tibet House US.
Former Tibetan Buddhist monk (first American ordained monk, 1964).
Professor Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies, Columbia University.
Dubbed "The Dalai Lama's man in America" (NY Times Magazine).
Named one of the "25 Most Influential Americans" (Time magazine).
Lectures all over the world about a free Tibet, his charisma and enthusiasm
drawing packed audiences.

Contact:

Robert Thurmanwww.bobthurman.com

Tibet House US www.tibethouse.org (212) 807-0563

SOURCE Robert Thurman

For Media, Joanne Cole, Cole Communications, +1-212-995-1415,
joanne@jcolecomm.com