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Courtesy Steve Harmon,  

            (Laredo, Tx)-Nawang Khechog, a former Buddhist monk and the first Tibetan to ever be a Grammy Award nominee, will be at Texas A&M International University Wednesday, Feb. 4 to sign his new book and present a flute concert.            

            A dedicated student of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama and Tibet’s foremost world music and spiritual music composer, Khechog will sign his new book, “Awakening Kindness,” from 4  – 6 p.m. in the Student Center, room 236. Khechog, who aims to utilize music as a means to inspire non-violence, compassion and spirituality and for the freedom of Tibetan people, will also perform on the flute during the book signing.

            The event is free and open to the public.

            Endorsed by the Dalai Lama and three Nobel Peace Laureates including Dr. Desmond Tutu as well as actor and activist Richard Gere, “Awakening Kindness” details the many ways people can enrich their lives by simply being kind to each other and ourselves. The book delves into observing a day of kindness, walking in kindness, the universal dance of kindness, chanting of kindness and compassion and a kindness meditation.

            Khechog was a monk for 11 years, including four years as a hermit meditator in the Himalayan foothills,  personally guided by the Dalai Lama. He has studied Buddhist philosophy and meditation with the Dalai Lama as well as with many other Tibetan masters. He now fills a unique spot in Buddhist culture as a teacher, practitioner and Tibetan freedom fighter as well as a Grammy-nominated musician.

            Khechog received the Tibetan Music Award “Special Recognition,” similar to the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” He also received the Raasrang World Flute Festival Award of India from the former president of India, Dr. A.P.G. Abdul Kalam. He has produced over eight albums by himself and co-produced four albums with artists such as Jeff Beal, Kitaro, Peter Kater and Carlos Nakai.

            His music has been used in various documentaries, most recently for part of the soundtrack of the major motion picture, “Seven Years in Tibet,” directed by Jean Jacques Annaud and starring Brad Pitt. He also worked as Tibetan assistant director and played in six different acting roles for the film.

            He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Universal Amphitheater, Radio City Music Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, The Pentagon, World Peace Festivals as well as in numerous schools, and art galleries.

            Having spent more than 30 years in India as a Tibetan refugee, Khechog now lives in Colorado and continues sharing the value of universal kindness and compassion in workshops across the country.

            For more information, please contact Mariana Barberena, U.S.-Mexico Relations coordinator at the TAMIU Office of Global Initiatives and Bi-National Center, at 326.2831, e-mail mariana.barberena@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Pellegrino Hall 302E.

            University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.