I really like how he speaks of how tattoos help to spread the message of “Free Tibet” and Tibetan art.

Maybe we’ll be able to purchase some of his t-shirts online one of these days – here’s hoping.. Tamding’s designs are really exceptional!

You can check out Tamding’s website here

It’s so interesting to hear his story of being in exile in Dharmsala, his contribution to the Free Tibet movement and his philosophy on tattooing “Free Tibet” on folks for free.

Heidi is so inspirational in bringing these stories. She’s the Boddhisatvic Barbara Walters of Buddhism and it’s AWESOME that she’s putting together these features.

This is Part 1 of the series so I’ll be sure to post the next installment once I see that it’s live.

That was the style… Now for the substance…

As you’ll recall, quite a few buddhabloggers have been following the fab Ms Minx lately and her work for her non-profit “Built on Respect” that works with Tibetan community organizations to enact change. I’m completely inspired by the work that Heidi is doing and can only hope that I’ll get the cajones or divine intervention to use my talents for good.

You’ll note that on the right hand side of this blog, I’ve got a nice little space dedicated to help Heidi raise funds for her return to Tibet and the development work that “Built on Respect” is conducting. We’re sure appreciate it if you’d take some time to sign yourself up on SocialVibe.com and help to spread the word by adding the widget to your MySpace, FaceBook, WordPress and other social media accounts. The more people that view the widget,  the more money that is raised for this important cause.

Heidi started a punkrawk fashion line called Franky & Minx and runs her business guided by the mantra of “Treating people with respect, and sewing the seeds of fairness creates solidarity”.

Heidi has been avidly volunteering in Dharamsala, India by helping to provide essential educational skills to the rural population as well as Tibetan refugees. She’s also lent her talents for marketing and sustainability initiatives and is dedicated to educating youth worldwide. She’s developed a non-profit organization called “Built on Respect” to help fund these projects.

Heidi has some awesome friends in the punk rock and tattoo scene who believe in her mission.

Check out this clip of Pennywise who have given their support for this important cause.

In Heidi’s words:

Be responsible in your decisions. Be responsible for your decisions. Be responsible in your actions, hold only yourself accountable for your actions. Look out for others more than yourself. Never think what something or someone can do for you, but what you can do for them.

Conviction, compassion and patience can propel you forward slowly; anger can destroy everything quickly.

Question everything to see if it is just.

In short, learn the rules, learn how to break them, inspire others to follow.”

Please visit the Built on Respect website to see how you can help. From sales of their “After Inked” tattoo aftercare lotion, financial support (every bit counts & there is a handy “Donate $1 button on the site) to  donating a portion of your sales on eBay – there are many ways that you can help this cause and make a difference.

Thanks for all of your hard work Heidi. You are an inspiration.

****Here’s a great article on Built on Respect in Alarm magazine if you’d like a bit more information on the project.