Course organiser:Frank Tay
Presenter:Various
First, Eric Livingstone, a past National President of the New Zealand China Friendship Society and a long-time member of Chinese Industrial Co-operatives established by Rewi Alley, will give a series of three talks on Tibet. Then Judy Cockle, a retired university administrator, will lead us further afield.
To many of us, Tibet is a fascinating mysterious land full of conflicting stories but compelling because of its uniqueness and extremes of location, weather, history, beliefs and life of its people. For over 30 years Eric has collected these stories, attempting an understanding of Tibet’s mysteries and beliefs from Buddhist and earlier histories and more recently the Chinese version of events. The result is an intriguing collection of facts and myths summarized in these talks that will aid our understanding of why Tibet is so unique.
21 Aug:
Eric Livingstone on 'Physical and Ancient Tibet': Where did the rocks and the early people of Tibet come from? A look at ancient provinces, the Tibetan language and cultural influences.
28 Aug:
Eric Livingstone on 'Early Tibetan History and Religions of Tibet: 'Early peoples' beliefs, legends of Tibetan Kings, early clans, invasions, arrival of Buddhism, its sects, outside contact
4 Sep:
Eric Livingstone on 'Recent history of Tibet--1900 till today:' The British interest, recent Dalai Lamas, serfdom, Chinese arrival, cultural revolution, changes in the last fifty years.
11 Sep:
Judy Cockle on 'Journey across China:' The last two talks, illustrated by photographs (including Snap shots along the Silk Route) will be given by Judy Cockle. Born and educated in Canterbury, Judy spent much of her working life in the University Registry, helping to ensure that the institution functioned smoothly. She was, amongst other things, the Administrator for the Science Faculty and the University's Supervisor of Examinations. Judy is an enthusiastic and adventurous traveller.
18 Sep:
Judy Cockle on 'Visiting the Stans:' A personal view of Kyrgystan and Uzbekistan.
