His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be in Austria to lead the Kalachakra for World Peace Graz 2002 between 11th and 23rd October 2002.

The event is expected to draw around 10,000 visitors, as well as international media interest. The aim of the event is to promote peace and tolerance. The text of the Kalachakra Tantra - the "Wheel of Time" - describes the phenomena of the external and internal cycles of time as well as methods for achieving harmony between the two. The event represents a special blessing for all those who attend, as well as for the place in which it is being held, the exhibition centre in Graz.

Hubert von Goisern will also be in Graz to present a handful of performances by the TIPA (see below).

During the first few days, the Dalai Lama will give introductory teachings on the principles of Buddhist philosophy. Representatives of the five main Tibetan lineages are also due to lecture on their respective traditions. Preparatory rituals, such as the creation of the Kalachakra sand mandala, will also be taking place at this time. The final four days of the ceremony will be given over to tantric initiations, consisting of a series of complex meditations and visualizations.

The Kalachakra can be attended by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike; there is no obligation for Buddhist practice or conversion to Buddhism. In fact, in addition to the Buddhist rituals and lectures on Buddhist philosophy, a number of non-religious events will also be held. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be giving a public lecture in Graz's new Stadthalle on Saturday, 12th October. During the whole event, visitors will also be able to enjoy encounters with both Tibetan and local culture in the form of exhibitions, displays and stalls selling a wide variety of goods in Exhibition Hall 12.

The City of Graz is also taking advantage of HH the Dalai Lama's visit to invite the city's active religious communities to a further inter-religious meeting at the Schlossberg. His Holiness will be presented with the University of Graz's highest award, its Human Rights Prize.

What would the world be
Without seas, without deserts
Without mountains, without forests
Without the great variety of people,
Without the sky which spans us all?

The Tibetans are very close to this sky,
Not just because they live on the highest mountains in the world!

HvG

ORF 14th October 2002

Unfamiliar sounds and exotic dances in an enormous pavilion - rituals at the Kalachakra 2002 - the world Buddhist festival in Graz. Visitors from 71 nations come here, they are the most diverse of motives which motivate them to their journey.

Some are sympathisers or members of the faith, the others are simply curious.

Hubert von Goisern interrupted his promotional tour in Germany in order to meet his Tibetan friends again in Graz after years - they brought out the album Inexil together in 1998.

Hubert von Goisern took with him many strong impressions from his journey through the occupied country of the Dalai Lama - Inexil is the artistic outlet so to speak: old Tibetan music, combined with new sounds.

This evening a joint appearance approaches - the Goiserer is the guide on an adventure through Tibet - a colourful programme, which should show the various regions and different musical and artistic expression of the country.

Hubert presents and arranges - he will not perform - the work with the Tibetans is not always very easy.

Dalai Lama superstar - so magazines title these days - buddhism is booming. 15,000 spiritually interested people are expected at the Kalachakra, which lasts until the 23rd October.

The highest level of security is in force when the spiritual and secular leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, gives a lecture. A good 8000 people come, they queue up for hours. Buddhist composure is in demand when you come to the speech an hour too late, but it is worth it:

"I am just a simple monk, nothing more," says the 14th Dalai Lama about himself. His friendliness despite the desolate situation in his homeland, is fascinating, thinks not only Hubert von Goisern, who also came to the lecture called "The power of sympathy".

Not far from the pavilion, in the Froschaugasse in Graz, is the home of the Priewalder family. The whole family supports Buddhism, they are not converted, but there are more Tibetans here on the tenth floor than anywhere else in private premises.

Up to ten Buddhist guests find a place in the narrowest room and that is not only at the time of the Kalachakra, when accommodation is scarce. For years, Buddhists have been taken in and fed.

Tenzin, a Thangka artist is also a guest. There is also a simple explanation for the fact that Buddhism is currently actively popular and has become a fashionable religion.

The Priewalder family is in action right around the clock - despite the frequent contact with Buddhists, none of them want to join the religion.

The Dalai Lama's lecture was over a long time ago - the Tibetan group and Hubert von Goisern have only an hour until their appearance.

What connects him and the Tibetans is more than a close friendship, says Hubert von Goisern, who has also noticed a bit of his artistic roots in this culture.

On the other hand, it does the Tibetan artists good to work together again with a musician from the format of one Hubert von Goisern. They feel recognised and valuable.

The Buddhist meeting in Graz should promote not just joy, but also peace and tolerance in the whole world. A global high aim, which often fails because of the individual.

ORF Religion 10th October 2002

Scarcely any other Austrian musician is so connected with the Tibetan people as Hubert von Goisern. On the outskirts of the Kalachakra ritual in Graz, he will appear together with artists from Tibet.

In the middle of the nineties, Hubert von Goisern travelled in the occupied country, in order to make a picture for himself of the situation there. From his impressions in the end the CD Inexil arose in cooperation with Tibetan artists. Even if he himself does not profess a faith in Buddhism, von Goisern is full of respect for the faith and for the Dalai Lama: "He is just an unbelievable personality," says the singer in the APA interview.

Impressed by the Dalai Lama

The impressions in Tibet were very vivid for von Goisern. "Never in my life have I felt a lack of freedom as strongly as there," says the musician. In the end the CD Inexil also arose because he wanted to make a contribution to the fight for freedom of the people. The sympathy, the peace of mind, and also the humour, which the religious and secular leader radiates is all the more impressive in the face of more than 40 years oppression.

The way of violence never supported

It also impresses the artist that since the beginning of the occupation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama has never renounced the violent way. "You only have to compare with America. There a President of a country, which draws on unlimited resources, behaves as if he is standing with his back against the wall."

"Buddhism is not better than Christianity"

It is also the ethical foundation values that Hubert von Goisern in Buddhism. "But you find it in every religion, Buddhism is not better than Christianity," says the artist.

Appearance together with Tibetan artists

On the occasion of the world Buddhist meetings in Graz Hubert von Goisern will appear at three shows together with artists from Tibet. Von Goisern is not taking part himself in the Kalachakra ritual. "That is too serious a thing, you must prepare yourself before," says the singer.

Photo:www.kalachakra-graz.at

Kleine Zeitung 5th October 2002

Tibetan world music rings out in Graz

Virtuosos, for whom the term "world music" is still a global certificate, will provide for sensational sound experiences in the Graz Kammersaal in the framework of the Kalachakra. Hubert von Goisern, who found his emotional adopted country in Tibet, is presenting the ensemble of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts from Dharamsala, the place of exile of the Dalai Lama, three times. World famous musical spirituality will be offered with two further concerts. For one, through the flautist and overtone singer Nawang Khechog, who has collaborated with just about all the sensitive sound artists of the Western world, from Laurie Anderson, Patti Smith, R.E.M. and Tracy Chapman to Alanis Morissette, for another through Loten Namling, who carries away over the highland of sound with his voice. Free your souls, get tickets.

Sounds of Tibet - Presented by Hubert von Goisern: 12th, 13th, 18th October, 19.30
Nawang Khechog, Loten Namling & Friends: 14th und 16th October, both at 20.00
All concert in the Kammersaal, Graz
Tickets: Tel. (0 31 6) 83 02 55