Dharamsala (Little Tibet)
The second
part of my trip I set off on my own up to Delhi and then on to Dharamsala. The
journeys were at times challenging, but each experience was valuable, I wouldn't
change a thing!
I had wanted to see the Dalai Lama and the Karmapa. I had not been able to find
out before I left if the Dalai Lama was going to be in residence at the time,
but apparently the Karmapa is always there as he doesn't travel. Well, for the
first time he had gone to teach with the Dalai Lama, so neither were there! I
was disappointed for a few minutes, but it obviously wasn't meant to be.
So I decided that if I couldn't be a pilgrim I would be a tourist! So I went on
a horse trek up into the mountains, I visited the Dalai Lama's residence and
the Karmapa's house and spent time meditating in the temple. I
visited the Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute which was
fascinating, the refugee centre and the Tibetan Children's Village.
There are over 2000 children of all ages there.
Most are orphans. Most have made the long, arduous and very dangerous journey over the mountains from Tibet, to the safety and cultural and religious freedom of India. Some parents make this incredible journey twice, to take their children to safety, then return to Tibet themselves.
All refugees who make it over the mountains are granted a personal interview with HH the Dalai Lama. As their spiritual leader this mean so much to them. The rest of their future is less certain though. What struck me about the Tibetan people I met , as well as their deep and all pervading spirituality was their inner strength and self assurance.
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If anyone would like to send a donation for the refugees please make your cheque/ bank draft payable to:
The Office of Reception Centres
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