The founding of The Tibet Heritage Institute serves as a profound call to action, urging humanity at its core to protect a valuable aspect of our shared global cultural heritage. This call extends beyond advocating for Tibet and its people. As China takes on an increasingly prominent and influential role in the global community, there is a growing awareness worldwide about the importance of preserving ancient cultural legacies. The Institute’s mission resonates not only with the interests of Tibet but aligns with the broader recognition of the significance of preserving diverse cultural heritages for the enrichment of the entire global community.

For millennia, the Tibetan people, residing on the expansive plateau sheltered by the formidable Himalayas, cultivated a distinctive civilization. They meticulously preserved and advanced the Buddhist tradition of scholarship and practice, maintaining its vitality long after its decline in its place of origin, India. However, the trajectory of this civilization took a catastrophic turn when Tibet was invaded in 1949.

This marked the initiation of a universally acknowledged prolonged and tragic process, gradually dismantling Tibet’s ancient heritage. Once the predominant inhabitants of the Tibetan plateau, native Tibetans have, regrettably, been relegated to a status of second-class citizenship, evolving into an increasingly inconspicuous minority in their ancestral homeland. Presently, the situation in Tibet and for its people has reached a critical juncture. In a rare expression of frustration, the Dalai Lama has likened it to “a death sentence,” underscoring the severity of the challenges faced by the Tibetan people and the imminent threat to their unique civilization.

Over the past sixty-three years, the flame of the Tibetan people’s aspirations has been sustained, to a significant degree, through the tireless endeavors of their revered leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. At the age of 88, the Dalai Lama’s advanced years have ushered the Tibetan people into a precarious phase of existential threat.

The institute is established with the aim of channelling the global response to ensure that Tibet, as a vibrant presence, does not fade into obscurity. It is dedicated to fostering an environment where the Tibetan people and their unique culture and spirituality not only endure but also adapt, thrive, and transcend into the twenty-first century and beyond.

The significance of THI’s endeavors transcends the interconnected fates of Tibet and China. The Tibetan Buddhist heritage, an opulent reservoir of Buddhist traditions from India, enhanced over thirteen centuries by the commitment of Tibetan scholars and practitioners, holds the potential to enrich diverse Buddhist traditions globally, including those in China. Its influence is poised to contribute significantly to fostering greater compassion and spirituality in the contemporary world.

The Tibetan people serve as custodians of an exceptional global civilization, centered on the principles of interdependence and compassion—a profound regard for the well-being of others. This civilization holds significant potential to contribute to our highly interconnected world, provided it endures not just in historical records but as a vibrant presence and influential force in our contemporary reality.

The Tibet Heritage Institute holds a 501(c)3 status, making your contributions eligible for full tax deductibility within the legal limits.