His Holiness the Dalai Lama

It was a rare privilege to have a private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an opportunity that many have noted as significant. Following our meeting, I took a moment to reflect on the impact of this encounter. I feel inspired to cultivate greater discipline in my meditation practice and to inspire open dialogue and understand in our communities. I am particularly grateful for this opportunity due to the multifaceted role the Dalai Lama plays. He exemplifies both spiritual and political leadership, having dedicated his life to the betterment of the Tibetan people. His efforts in fostering education while encouraging a strong sense of cultural identity are truly admirable. The Dalai Lama is revered as the reincarnation of each of the previous thirteen Dalai Lamas and is believed to be a manifestation of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This remarkable lineage dates back to a Brahmin boy who lived during the time of Buddha Shakyamuni.

When addressing his current objectives, His Holiness articulated two primary areas of focus: first, the promotion of essential human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline; and second, the advancement of religious harmony and mutual understanding among the world’s major faiths. He emphasized that despite differing philosophies, all major religions share a fundamental message regarding the importance of being good human beings. These commitments are inspiring ideals that can guide our aspirations for a better world. The Dalai Lama possesses a remarkable presence, and I was struck by his strength of mind, character, and intellect. He is proficient in multiple languages and has successfully advocated for the Tibetan cause on a global scale, solidifying his role as a spiritual leader for the Tibetan people.

Dharamsala, Part II

Education in Dharamsala

We were fortunate enough to interview directors of various Tibetan schools, nunneries and the Transit School. When Tibetan refugees arrive in India, they are transported to the refugee center. They await their rare meeting and personal blessing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

After the blessing, younger refugees are placed in the Sherub Gatsel Lobling School (Tibetan Transit School) where they have the option to remain for up to five years. The school has approximately 700 students. There they are taught a trade, language skills, technical training and education along with food and board. These young refugees have the option to stay the five years or leave earlier. After their time at the Transit School, either they go to a regular school, begin working, or are placed in one of the many Tibetan centers all over India. Some go back to Tibet so that the Tibetan culture is preserved and the aim of independence is never forgotten. I was impressed with their organization and outreach to the International community.

We interviewed the Director of a Tibetan and Indian school in Dharamsala who is a very excited about the work he does with the schools. Because the school is a mix of Tibetan and Indian students, he stressed ongoing cultural exchanges during childhood. This ensures a mutual understanding between ethnic Indians and the Tibetans. He told us the Indian government has been good to the Tibetans and allowed them to freely live in Dharamsala, while allowing them to preserve their culture...in many ways better than in Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has aided his people well, and people all over have been generous to the Tibetans out of care and concern.

School children taking a break at the Tibetan cultural festival. Tibetan school girls out for a walk.

Dining hall for primary school children

My research has led me to the understanding that the schools in Dharamsala are largely in satisfactory condition and are undergoing continuous improvements and modernization efforts. It is encouraging to note that Tibetan schools and the newly established villages in the region benefit from significant support through international philanthropic initiatives. Funding is also provided by esteemed organizations such as the Dalai Lama Foundation, the Tibet Administration, and various governmental programs.

Many Tibetan schools face pressing issues such as the need for enhanced building structures, better quality benches, softer mattresses, and more nutritious food options. The strategies employed by the Tibetan government in exile to develop, maintain, and modernize their educational system can serve as a valuable reference for Indian states that have struggled to achieve similar advancements in their public schools and are working towards enhancing their public education infrastructure. This collaborative spirit may pave the way for future improvements in schooling across the region. It was very inspirational to observe many of these schools in Dharamsala. unable to do the same for their own schools.

Kids in their music class excited to see us!
Tibetan girl dressed for her art and music class.

Tibetans in Dharamsala, India

Dharamsala, city of exile for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan people, has become a very diversified place over the last fifty years. It is like a second home to many Western people, including celebrities, who cheer and support the Tibetan cause.

It is rather easy to get around in Dharamsala since there is much Western influence, but getting there is the hard part! We were fortunate enough to have a reliable driver from Delhi. "Jack," our Tibetan driver had a broad range of influences. He was born and raised in India, speaks English, Tibetan, Punjabi, Hindi, and many other languages, and is learning Spanish and French! He went to Punjab University in Chandigardh, is a practicing Buddhist, and listens to many genres of music. On our drive, he played a wild range of music videos including Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Eagles, Cat Stevens, Bhangra, Tibetan, Chinese, and many others. He is the proud father of a baby girl with his wife, whom we had a brief chance to meet in Dharamsala.

The Tibetans, in general, had very genuine qualities of kindness, peacefulness, and an abundant openness to people of all walks of life. Jack, a modern Tibetan in my view, had a fusion of cultural influences from his proud Tibetan heritage, his upbringing in India, interactions with Western travelers, and the effects of globalization.

Many Tibetans in Dharamsala were very open about the growing concern of the survival of their Tibetan culture and identity. Nevertheless, it was refreshing to see that many Tibetans including Jack were adjusting well to modernization, yet thoroughly practicing their religion and honoring their heritage.

Tibetans are doing many things to preserve their culture and promote their cause by having cultural shows, presentations, and concerts. This attracts Western attention, and Dharamsala definitely had many foreigners compared to surrounding areas like Punjab and other states. In the five days we were in Dharamsala, the Tibetans had a protest against the Chinese government's atrocities, Tibetan cultural shows, a candlelight vigil, and a concert against drugs and to promote AIDS awareness.

The Tibetan Unemployment Co-operative Society was happy to announce that weekly a group of new arrival artists from Tibet will entertain visitors, educate the public on Tibetan identity, and encourage support of Tibetan youths.

We noticed pictures of the missing Panchen Lama posted all over Dharamsala. I guess that keeps the search ongoing and keeps fresh the memories of a lost Tibet. Panchen Lama is a title like Vice-President or Prime Minister. According to the Tibetans, the Panchen Lama was 6 years old when he and his parents were "kidnapped" from their home in Tibet by the Chinese government. He has been missing for over 6 years. Panchen means "Great Scholar" and Lama is a word Tibetans use for a religious teacher. Tibetans believe that the Panchen Lama is the protector of all the world's living beings.

Dharamsala