Last spring, a special Art of Tibet project was done in Mrs. Kastner's sixth grade art classes. The project was to design a Peace Mandala of "Your Ideal World" and it was sent to the Dalai Lama in Dharmsala, India, to show support and concern for his people. The Dalai Lama recently wrote Mrs. Kastner and her class a beautiful letter of appreciation and gratitude in return.

The letter reads:

I am very happy and encouraged to receive your messages of peace and your message for the freedom of Tibet.

Peace is of utmost importance to all of us. Peace is not just an absence of war, but peace is important for people to live in an atmosphere of love and compassion and thus lead a life of non-violence both within oneself and toward others as well, including the animal world and earth in which we live in. I am particularly happy that young people like you are learning about peace. It is of the utmost importance that we start young in developing such concepts as non-violence, compassion and tolerance. These cannot be created overnight or like electricity be switched on when you want them.

As the Dalai Lama I am obviously concerned about the freedom of the Tibetan people. I am therefore encouraged and gratified by the understanding and support that people all over the world have been showing and giving to the cause of the Tibetan people. This is always a source of great encouragement and inspiration.

With my prayers and good wishes,