Post from Michelle:
A sign read "Welcome to the Land of the Eternal Snow Peaks" as the bus started ascending up the steep windy road from the warm, green plains of farmland below. The temperature was getting noticeably cooler as we climbed higher and I reached for my jacket. The bus rounded a bend and revealed white peaks jutting into the sky, keeping company with the clouds. Tim and I grinned broadly at our first glimpse of the Himalayan Mountain peaks. The bus continued to climb as the sun set and soon the mountains glowed bright pink until darkness blanketed the land.
Our destination was Dharamsala, home of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet and the Tibetan exiled government. The Dalai Lami is giving public teaching in the temple for two weeks and therefore the town is packed full of red-robed monks and foreigners seeking spiritual enlightenment. Arriving at 10 PM, we found the hotels full but eventually found a room in a small village 2 km away. From the moment we arrived I noticed the town has a different feel from the rest of India. The Buddhist influence and gentle Tibetan community make it an easy, laid-back place to hang out.
The Chinese invaded Tibet in 1949 claiming it to be a part of their country and in 1959 the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government were forced into exile into India. Now they reside in Upper Dharmasala, (called McLeod Ganj). The Tibetan community here is very strong and their on-going struggle against the Chinese is evident. Posters line the street with slogans such as "Free Tibet" and "Boycott Chinese Goods." Over 1000 refugees are still coming out of Tibet each year, fleeing from the violence and their stories are moving and tragic. The Dalai Lama, a gentle man with a huge smile, still hopes to return his people to their homeland. He is a committed to non-violence and compassion towards the Chinese; so much so that in 1989 he won the Nobel Peace Prize.
The community atmosphere here is very strong. There are many organizations set up to help the refugees - an orphanage for the children, medical clinics, cafes sponsoring speakers, a center for former political prisoners, and many opportunities to volunteer. It is a special opportunity to visit a community where people work together for peace and healing with a common purpose - freeing Tibet and saving its culture.
Our destination was Dharamsala, home of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet and the Tibetan exiled government. The Dalai Lami is giving public teaching in the temple for two weeks and therefore the town is packed full of red-robed monks and foreigners seeking spiritual enlightenment. Arriving at 10 PM, we found the hotels full but eventually found a room in a small village 2 km away. From the moment we arrived I noticed the town has a different feel from the rest of India. The Buddhist influence and gentle Tibetan community make it an easy, laid-back place to hang out.
The Chinese invaded Tibet in 1949 claiming it to be a part of their country and in 1959 the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government were forced into exile into India. Now they reside in Upper Dharmasala, (called McLeod Ganj). The Tibetan community here is very strong and their on-going struggle against the Chinese is evident. Posters line the street with slogans such as "Free Tibet" and "Boycott Chinese Goods." Over 1000 refugees are still coming out of Tibet each year, fleeing from the violence and their stories are moving and tragic. The Dalai Lama, a gentle man with a huge smile, still hopes to return his people to their homeland. He is a committed to non-violence and compassion towards the Chinese; so much so that in 1989 he won the Nobel Peace Prize.
The community atmosphere here is very strong. There are many organizations set up to help the refugees - an orphanage for the children, medical clinics, cafes sponsoring speakers, a center for former political prisoners, and many opportunities to volunteer. It is a special opportunity to visit a community where people work together for peace and healing with a common purpose - freeing Tibet and saving its culture.