The rest of the population supported the earthly needs of the monasteries and, in return, received ritual protection. Tibetan sculpture, painting and appliques are made under the supervision of Buddhist priests and have a liturgical function. Once consecrated, these objects are empowered with the mystic force of the divinities they represent. Images made of clay, wood or metal are the common focal points of large temple altars and small family shrines. Arizona Friends of Tibet is a non-profit corporation.
All donations are federally tax deductible.
For 2,000 years, Tibet was an independent country. In 1950, the People's Republic of China invaded and occupied Tibet, in violation of international law. The Dalai Lama, Tibet's head of state and spiritual leader, tried for eight years to resolve the situation through dialogue and persuasion. In 1959 when a Tibetan national uprising was brutally crushed by the Chinese, the Dalai Lama fled to India with his government and tens of thousands of Tibetan citizens. Human rights are under siege.