flute-conch

Two musical instruments from the exhibit. The flute like instrument has the sound of an oboe and is only used to signal the entry of exalted figures. The conch is an important symbol to Buddhists, and this one is particularly treasured as it turns to the right. Most shells turn to the left. In Buddhist teachings, the king of the gods, Indra, gave a white conch to the Buddha upon his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, requesting that the Buddha proclaim his teachings to the world. Even today, students may give a white conch shell to an honored teacher when requesting formal instruction.

We have been fond of Tibetan culture for many years, beginning in 1989 when we had the opportunity to interview the Dalai Lama on the eve of his reception of the Nobel Peace prize. This gentle, peaceful culture which has contributed so much beauty to the world, suffers so much today. Since the Chinese invasion of 1959, only 13 of more than 6 thousand Tibetan monasteries escaped destruction. Nearly a fifth of the population died between 1959 and 1969. The US government, infatuated with trade with China, still chooses to look the other way.