SONGS FOR TIBET - The Art of Peace Foundation's CD Project

As a show of solidarity with the Dalai Lama and Tibet, 20 artists have come together to release this historic double album on the eve of the Beijing Olympics.

These recordings - some original for the project and some acoustically driven recordings of previously released songs - express our common vulnerabilities and experiences in pursuing happiness, peace and freedom. Collectively, these tracks represent a heartfelt message of support for the path of compassion and non-violence championed by the Dalai Lama. Begun in May of 2008 and completed in two months, the outpouring of support from all corners of the world was unparalleled. Funds raised from the album will go to support peace initiatives and Tibetan cultural preservation projects important to the Dalai Lama.

Background of the Project

Over the last 50 years, Tibetan culture has fed a spiritual renaissance in the West. The Dalai Lamažs universal message of compassion, tolerance, non-violence and self-awareness, has become a profound spiritual source of inspiration for countless millions of people worldwide.

In 1950, the Chinese invaded Tibet and the Dalai Lama fled in exile to India shortly thereafter. Since then, the Chinese government has systematically suppressed Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture.

Recently, the Chinese government has embarked on a Han Chinese resettlement program within Tibet. Several million Han Chinese have been moved to Tibet. Tibetans are becoming an ethnic and cultural minority in their own land.

As this tragedy unfolds, the global economic and political might of the Chinese government continues to grow. Even the most powerful nations are hesitant to confront the Chinese meaningfully on human rights issues.

This a critical point in history with the potential loss of one of the worldžs great cultural treasures. The world's current focus on China may be the last opportunity that Tibet's plea for autonomy and freedom of expression to be heard on the world stage.