Originally the association was founded with only 12 members in 1961 at the stage very critical and tragic for the Tibetans when many Tibetans fled to India in exile. However in the course of time due to the grace of H.H. the Daiai Lama and the support from the Indian government and the other world wide supporters the Tibetan issue gained momentum along with which the members of DTSA increased to about 25 in around 1983 which helped shape the Association much more. The members thus started to construct a building with five rooms and a small puja hall (15ft X 10ft) to accommodate the then existing members despite their undergoing a very difficult phase.

The aim of DTSA is to spread the message of peace as taught in Buddhism to the whole world and to revive the rich ancient culture and tradition of Tibet that is presently under the danger of extinction. Regaining Tibet s independence thus forms the greatest responsibility of DTSA for every effort will be in vain or of very little effect without that.

On this ground the careers are basically decided on the basis of the individual monk's wish. Some continue to remain in the monastery to disseminate the Buddha Dharma by becoming lecturers and Implanting in the young many new monk students the seed of the wisdom and method to become a contributive practitioner. Whereas some set out among the hills in solitude for intensive meditation of what they have learned for the past many years. And some go to Tibet to help revive the Dharma in the remote areas where the Dharma was once in full blossom. In the schools for the young lay Tibetan students also some of our monks choose to become religious instructors so that the new generations remain in touch with the rich culture and tradition of ones own motherland.

Study programs are strictly followed in accordance with the one set by Loseling College which offers the five major philosophical courses of Buddhism:

• 1) Prajnaparamita - Perfection of wisdom (seven years).
• 2) Madhayamika - The Middle Way View (three years).
• 3) Vinaya - Moral code (four years).
• 4) Abhidharmakosh - Metaphysics (two years).
• 5) Pramana - Logic (depends on the students) and two or three years of preliminary training in logics.

  After completion of the courses mentioned for the minimum of eighteen years of intensive study the students have to appear in another six years of All Gelukpa Board Examination for Geshe Lharampa Degree (Doctoral Degree in Philosophy).

  The mode of study is by way of debating which is very powerful way of learning and for penetrating deep into the subtlest parts of the concept of reality. The students spend about six hours every day for debating. It involves both congregational and of two persons debating.

  Examinations are conducted annually and it consists of written debate and memorization test. Those outstanding ones getting 60% and above are exempted from all manual works of the Monastery. DTSA is proud to have it's young members qualifying in the said category.

  Appeal:
  

  Following that, the arrival of still many more young new comers from Tibet, added to the strength of DTSA to 75. This resulted in the acute shortage of accommodation and smallness of the Puja Hall which is in use often. Although DTSA is proud to bring up the new students who are really enthusiastic in their studies and much inclined towards the upholding of the Buddha Dharma, the problems with these basic necessities indeed seem to have adverse effect in their mentality and thus DTSA feels it a very important responsibility to assist them at least in these basic facilities so that the young seeds of Tibetan Struggle shoot out properly in their studies and practices of Dharma.

  To help solve the persisting problems, DTSA has already started with a construction work of a bigger but simple and economic puja (Fig. 1) hall and eight rooms atop it. Despite spending all the money it has, DTSA yet faces deficit of Rs: 5,60,000 equivalent to US $ 14,000.00.

  

  Our admirations are always with our friends and supporters whose assistances are valuable in every respect in giving inspiration and so forth for the destitute but enthusiastic young monks. DTSA thus requests your kindness as well, in this regard, however small your donations may be.

  Dedication:
  

  DTSA treasures all the supports received and dedicates the merits so accumulated by the kindness of the donors towards the long life of H.H. the Dalai Lama and flourishing the Buddha Dharma.

  May you, the kind donors, have sound health and success in all your endeavors.

  All donations (in the form of check), bank draft, money order are requested to be kindly send to the following address.

  
  Dre-Tsang Students' Association
  Loseling Monastic College
  Tibetan Colony
  Mundgod - 581 411
  KARNATAKA (INDIA)
  
  
  Or to our Account No. 50029, at Syndicate Bank (branch)
  Tattihalli, - 581411 Karnataka, INDIA
  
  
  Contact :
  
  For brochures or further information, please contact
  
  Tenzin Kalsang (Monk)
  32-35 30TH STREET 3RD FLOOR
  SUITE # B35 ASTORIA LONG ISLAND CITY 11106-2932
  NEW YORK U.S.A.
  TEL & FAX 1-718-545-6916
  
  E-mail: tenzinkalsangpeace@yahoo.com