Today is our last day in India. We traveled by jeeps yesterday from Dharmsala, a 12 hour journey back down the Himalayan Mountains. I learned from the last trip that Dramamine just might be my friend again. I was right. Coming back to New Delhi was a much better trip for my stomach. We were stopped twice by police armed with machine guns on the side of the road. There was unrest in the Punjab region due to an assassination of a Sekh leader in Austria last week. One armed police man quizzed us on where we were from, what we were doing and where we were headed. At one point, our driver was taken out by the armed police for questioning. But, we all made it through safely.
The U of MN posted foreign travel warnings in and out of India. We are to arrive at the airport 4 hours in advance for security checks this evening. Please send out good thoughts for our safe journey home. There seems to be some unrest here. We leave at 2pm Wednesday, Central US time which is 12:15am New Delhi time.
When I return home I'll do some back blogging about our adventures here. I apologize. There just hasn't been a lot of time to write.
Best to you all-
Christa
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
On a lighter note...
There are many monkeys wandering about the streets. It is a bit disarming as they can become aggressive if they try to take food from you and you don't give it to them. We saw it first had today when my classmate, Rebecca, had a mango sitting next to her as part of her lunch. A monkey the size of a 3 year-old circled her for a bit, then promptly went up at took the mango from her side. He then proceeded to go to a high point on a nearby home, watching us all while he ate it. You don't see that everyday! :)
We have class scheduled as normal today, then we will be meeting with a Bon Practitioner. Should be fascinating.
Haven't had time to write about the Oracle and the Karmapa, but I'll fill you all in when I have a chance.
Best-
C
We have class scheduled as normal today, then we will be meeting with a Bon Practitioner. Should be fascinating.
Haven't had time to write about the Oracle and the Karmapa, but I'll fill you all in when I have a chance.
Best-
C
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Dalai Lama, cupping and biffing it...
Yesterday was a big day. I'll try to fill you in the best I can, but for some reason time here seems warped to me. Yesterday seems like a week ago, a week ago seems like a month ago. So strange. A week ago today I was at the Taj Mahal, and a lot of us in the group were commenting that it seems like ages ago. Bizarre.
In any case...yesterday. I was up at 5:30am for our 6:00am walking departure to see the Dalai Lama at his temple. May is considered an auspicious month in the Tibetan culture as Buddha became enlightened during this May. Once a year the Dalai Lama has a special ceremony in the temple for the people. He also blesses the "precious pills" on the 26th of May. Precious pills are the most potent Tibetan medication that is produced here. We went through security with only our passports and the clothes on our back. There were metal detector passageways and we were also searched. A few armed guards were scattered about when we arrived. As the hours went on you could sense he was closer as more and more guards became apparent. I found presence of armed guards ironic as the Dalai Lama stands for non-violence, but obviously it was necessary.
For three hours we sat with Tibetans as they chanted in unison out of their prayer books. There is a sound system there where a monk was leading the chanting for the people. The temple is an open air square to explain it simply. The first tear of the square was reserved for hundreds of monks. Then the rest of the square meant for the locals and lay people. There was a large group of elderly Tibetan woman sitting in front of us that reminded me of church ladies from the Midwest. A fellow student sitting next to me, Linda, had her knees exposed which bothered the Tibetan woman next to her very much, so much so that the elderly woman kindly pulled down her skirt a bit to cover her knees. I guess the Dalai Lama would be offended? The elderly woman, Linda and I got a good laugh about this. Tibetan monks came out two times to serve the crowd Tibetan bread and butter tea. Yes, butter tea. I need to research how this is made when I return home. Not to make it, but just to see how it is made. Ummm...yeah...not so great for those with the Tibetan trots.
At 9am the Dalai Lama walked over from his home to the temple. He had an entourage as he walked up the stairs from the street below, circled the temple, and then went to his respective place at the front and center of the temple. As he came up and was seen, everyone stood and started doing prostrations. Prostrations are when one has their hands in prayer position, then puts their hands to third eye center, mouth, heart then down on ones knees and finally forehead to the ground and back up to standing again.
I had a good view of him. He looked happy as always and you could feel the buzz of excitement in the air by his presence. After he sat the service started up again. We stayed for about an hour and left as we had to get to class. Overall the most interesting part was watching all of the people before hand socializing, laughing, eating bread and drinking the butter tea. Although the ceremony was considered very special, the atmosphere was much more casual than I expected. It was quite comfortable and lovely.
We went to class for the day where we learned accessory healing techniques from a Tibetan physician, including cupping. The physician wanted a test patient, so I of course raised my hand to be the guinea pig. I've got some pretty fascinating photos from the experience! I look like I have 3 huge hickeys on my upper back. Totally worth the experience. My classmates and I are still laughing about it today.
On a side note, I was getting ready to take my bucket shower this morning when I realized that I needed to get shampoo out of my suitcase. I put on a towel and walked out into the room where my roommate was eating breakfast in her bed as she hasn't been feeling well. My flip-flop slid on the wood floor, I went flying and so did my towel. So, yeah. I skinned my knee off and was wet and naked on the floor as my roommate witnessed the whole thing. So classic. I couldn't stop laughing. So ridiculous! It was so good travel bonding.
Last night was really an amazing experience as we met and spoke with the Oracle. Today we met and spoke with the Karmapa, the third highest ranked Tibetan leader and the head of the Black Hat Karma Kagyu sect of Buddhism. (There are four branches of Buddhism, he is head of one). I'll have to write about it tomorrow. I'm too beat to continue on. I hope my writing makes sense and sounds somewhat intelligent and cohesive as I write these at the end of the day and am ready to fall into my bed.
Best to you all-
C
In any case...yesterday. I was up at 5:30am for our 6:00am walking departure to see the Dalai Lama at his temple. May is considered an auspicious month in the Tibetan culture as Buddha became enlightened during this May. Once a year the Dalai Lama has a special ceremony in the temple for the people. He also blesses the "precious pills" on the 26th of May. Precious pills are the most potent Tibetan medication that is produced here. We went through security with only our passports and the clothes on our back. There were metal detector passageways and we were also searched. A few armed guards were scattered about when we arrived. As the hours went on you could sense he was closer as more and more guards became apparent. I found presence of armed guards ironic as the Dalai Lama stands for non-violence, but obviously it was necessary.
For three hours we sat with Tibetans as they chanted in unison out of their prayer books. There is a sound system there where a monk was leading the chanting for the people. The temple is an open air square to explain it simply. The first tear of the square was reserved for hundreds of monks. Then the rest of the square meant for the locals and lay people. There was a large group of elderly Tibetan woman sitting in front of us that reminded me of church ladies from the Midwest. A fellow student sitting next to me, Linda, had her knees exposed which bothered the Tibetan woman next to her very much, so much so that the elderly woman kindly pulled down her skirt a bit to cover her knees. I guess the Dalai Lama would be offended? The elderly woman, Linda and I got a good laugh about this. Tibetan monks came out two times to serve the crowd Tibetan bread and butter tea. Yes, butter tea. I need to research how this is made when I return home. Not to make it, but just to see how it is made. Ummm...yeah...not so great for those with the Tibetan trots.
At 9am the Dalai Lama walked over from his home to the temple. He had an entourage as he walked up the stairs from the street below, circled the temple, and then went to his respective place at the front and center of the temple. As he came up and was seen, everyone stood and started doing prostrations. Prostrations are when one has their hands in prayer position, then puts their hands to third eye center, mouth, heart then down on ones knees and finally forehead to the ground and back up to standing again.
I had a good view of him. He looked happy as always and you could feel the buzz of excitement in the air by his presence. After he sat the service started up again. We stayed for about an hour and left as we had to get to class. Overall the most interesting part was watching all of the people before hand socializing, laughing, eating bread and drinking the butter tea. Although the ceremony was considered very special, the atmosphere was much more casual than I expected. It was quite comfortable and lovely.
We went to class for the day where we learned accessory healing techniques from a Tibetan physician, including cupping. The physician wanted a test patient, so I of course raised my hand to be the guinea pig. I've got some pretty fascinating photos from the experience! I look like I have 3 huge hickeys on my upper back. Totally worth the experience. My classmates and I are still laughing about it today.
On a side note, I was getting ready to take my bucket shower this morning when I realized that I needed to get shampoo out of my suitcase. I put on a towel and walked out into the room where my roommate was eating breakfast in her bed as she hasn't been feeling well. My flip-flop slid on the wood floor, I went flying and so did my towel. So, yeah. I skinned my knee off and was wet and naked on the floor as my roommate witnessed the whole thing. So classic. I couldn't stop laughing. So ridiculous! It was so good travel bonding.
Last night was really an amazing experience as we met and spoke with the Oracle. Today we met and spoke with the Karmapa, the third highest ranked Tibetan leader and the head of the Black Hat Karma Kagyu sect of Buddhism. (There are four branches of Buddhism, he is head of one). I'll have to write about it tomorrow. I'm too beat to continue on. I hope my writing makes sense and sounds somewhat intelligent and cohesive as I write these at the end of the day and am ready to fall into my bed.
Best to you all-
C
Monday, May 25, 2009
It's official...
We are going to see the Dalai Lama tomorrow!!
Our professor went to his home today to speak with his people to see if our class could have a private meeting with him. He got back to Dharmsala the day before yesterday and took a day of rest yesterday. He leaves again out of town the day after tomorrow for speaking engagements. The Tibetan people don't plan meetings more than 2 days in advance, so my professor waited to set up the meeting. In any case, tomorrow the Dalai Lama will be doing some kind of special prayer ceremony at the monastery. There is supposed to be high security, so no cameras, bags, etc, only our passport and our body is allowed in the door. A group of us will be walking there (10 minutes away) at 6am to get a good spot. He will start the ceremony around 9am.
I hiked up the mountain today after our class for a workout. Mountains really have a way of reminding one that they are out of shape. (I guess this will just kick into gear the half marathon I'm planning on training for when I get back to the US). There is a reason that no one carries extra weight here! My goal is to walk back up from class everyday from now on. Our morning "walk" to class is a 45 minute hike down steep, rocky terrain. I biffed it yesterday on a particularly steep area and rolled my ankle...nice. It took me about and hour and a half to get back up today. You should see the elderly monks and townspeople hike around here. If an 85 year-old monk in flip flops can do it, so can this white girl in quality hiking gear from the states. :)
Tomorrow is a really busy day so I will most likely write the day after the Dalai Lama.
Best to all of you-
C
Our professor went to his home today to speak with his people to see if our class could have a private meeting with him. He got back to Dharmsala the day before yesterday and took a day of rest yesterday. He leaves again out of town the day after tomorrow for speaking engagements. The Tibetan people don't plan meetings more than 2 days in advance, so my professor waited to set up the meeting. In any case, tomorrow the Dalai Lama will be doing some kind of special prayer ceremony at the monastery. There is supposed to be high security, so no cameras, bags, etc, only our passport and our body is allowed in the door. A group of us will be walking there (10 minutes away) at 6am to get a good spot. He will start the ceremony around 9am.
I hiked up the mountain today after our class for a workout. Mountains really have a way of reminding one that they are out of shape. (I guess this will just kick into gear the half marathon I'm planning on training for when I get back to the US). There is a reason that no one carries extra weight here! My goal is to walk back up from class everyday from now on. Our morning "walk" to class is a 45 minute hike down steep, rocky terrain. I biffed it yesterday on a particularly steep area and rolled my ankle...nice. It took me about and hour and a half to get back up today. You should see the elderly monks and townspeople hike around here. If an 85 year-old monk in flip flops can do it, so can this white girl in quality hiking gear from the states. :)
Tomorrow is a really busy day so I will most likely write the day after the Dalai Lama.
Best to all of you-
C
School, shop, school, shop...
Hello again from the Himalayans. Today was our second day in class with Dr. Pema Dorjeey. He is one of the most renown Tibetan physicians in the world and has taken care of countless dignitaries and the famous from America, including Micheal J. Fox. We studied his book in my Tibetan Medicine course last fall. His lectures have been facinating and his is an excellent teacher. I don't even know how to begin describing the teachings over email, but Tibetan Medicine is medical system that originates everything from nature. It is the most comprehensive system that I've found to explain true health and wellness before one experiences disease. It is about balancing one's system. It is extremely complex and we could study here for months and only scratch the surface. Tibetan physicans study for 8 years in the field. Dr. Dorjeey has practiced for 35 years and said he still feels like a baby in the field. If anyone is interested, I can explain more about the Tibetan/Ayurvedic system when I'm back in the states and guide you to books on the topic and a Tibetan physican in the Twin Cities. Tomorrow I will be having a consultation with him which is one of the most exciting parts of the trip for me.
Last night I went to a Kashmirian store in the heart of Dharmsala with some fellow students. They primarily sell hand embroydered scarves and rugs from Kashmir. The father/daughter team were so gracious and fun to be around. Another student was really in the market for the rugs, while myself and two others just wanted to experience the store and look at all of the beautiful things. A 6x8 rug in the States would be around $8000, while here its around $400. Great deal, just not my cup of tea. Speaking of tea, the daughter served us the most incredible tea I've ever put in my mouth while shopping there. So incredible in fact that I'm trying to bring 2 kilos back to the States. Cardamom and some kind of green tea that is only grown in Kashmir. Ummm...yum. I've been thinking about it all day. I mean really, who thinks about tea all day? I tell you, it was that good. My friend Aimee would agree. We were laughing with other students this morning at breakfast, showing them what our "tea faces" looked like from last night.
Tonight after class I'm heading to lower Dharmsala to get some custom made yoga clothing. Two outfits run around $15. You can pick out all of your own fabric bolts and in 5 days...custom made clothing! I'm also heading to an hour and a half yoga class with friends in the middle of town.
Alright...the classroom calls!
Best-
Christa
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Backtrack to the beginning...
This was an email that I sent out yesterday. Hmmm...yesterday? No, our first full day was Friday. I think. I can't keep my days straight. In any case, consider this the first email in the time line of events. I appologize if the writing seems disjointed. Long days here in Dharmsala and I have a limited amount of time at the internet cafes. So, it begins...
It is in the middle of the day here in Dharmsala...our first full day. It took us 12 hours to get here yesterday, 5am to 5:30pm in jeeps, the last half winding through the mountain roads. The drive didn't seem that long as there was so much to look at and take in. There was a Pakistan tourist bus being escorted by Indian police. That was the only time where I felt a little uncomfortable on the road. It is hard to describe over email everything that I saw, so I'll have to do it later. I got car sick and was sick last night pretty bad with a stomach thing. Taking it really slow with food today. Robyn, after traveling with you last year I'm pretty sure you would have lost your cookies on this trip. ;)
This place is incredible. I've never seen anywhere like it in the world. We are so high in the Himalaya's that eagles and hawks are flying BELOW us. People are here from all over the world. You can see why this place is considered one of the most spiritual places on earth. You can literally feel the energy. It smells wonderful and is a very happy place.
Today after breakfast we went to visit the Tibetan Children's Village. The Tibetan people send their children over the Him Mts for safety from the Chinese government so they will not be tortured or killed. After the children are sent, most of the parents are beaten, tortured, imprisoned or killed, but the parents just want their children to be safe. There are 1800 children housed, fed and taught there, the head facility in India and one of five in the country. Over 16,000 parentless Tibetan children are in India. We each brought an extra suitcase full of children's clothing and medical supplies. We officially donated them today, were given a tour of the facility (which is HUGE and absolutely beautiful) and then played with the children. It was quite emotional. These kids will most likely never see their parents again. Many of them come with frost bite and major trauma as it takes over a month to get here. I totally lost it while singing songs with 3 and 4 year olds. Just tragic and beautiful all at the same time. They seem very happy, loved and well taken care of. I won't be posting any pictures online as if the faces of these children are broadcast, the Chinese government has traced the faces back to the parents in the past.
Tomorrow is our all day course in yoga with a yoga master that teaches here...can't wait. Then we officially start our coursework on Sunday.
It is in the middle of the day here in Dharmsala...our first full day. It took us 12 hours to get here yesterday, 5am to 5:30pm in jeeps, the last half winding through the mountain roads. The drive didn't seem that long as there was so much to look at and take in. There was a Pakistan tourist bus being escorted by Indian police. That was the only time where I felt a little uncomfortable on the road. It is hard to describe over email everything that I saw, so I'll have to do it later. I got car sick and was sick last night pretty bad with a stomach thing. Taking it really slow with food today. Robyn, after traveling with you last year I'm pretty sure you would have lost your cookies on this trip. ;)
This place is incredible. I've never seen anywhere like it in the world. We are so high in the Himalaya's that eagles and hawks are flying BELOW us. People are here from all over the world. You can see why this place is considered one of the most spiritual places on earth. You can literally feel the energy. It smells wonderful and is a very happy place.
Today after breakfast we went to visit the Tibetan Children's Village. The Tibetan people send their children over the Him Mts for safety from the Chinese government so they will not be tortured or killed. After the children are sent, most of the parents are beaten, tortured, imprisoned or killed, but the parents just want their children to be safe. There are 1800 children housed, fed and taught there, the head facility in India and one of five in the country. Over 16,000 parentless Tibetan children are in India. We each brought an extra suitcase full of children's clothing and medical supplies. We officially donated them today, were given a tour of the facility (which is HUGE and absolutely beautiful) and then played with the children. It was quite emotional. These kids will most likely never see their parents again. Many of them come with frost bite and major trauma as it takes over a month to get here. I totally lost it while singing songs with 3 and 4 year olds. Just tragic and beautiful all at the same time. They seem very happy, loved and well taken care of. I won't be posting any pictures online as if the faces of these children are broadcast, the Chinese government has traced the faces back to the parents in the past.
Tomorrow is our all day course in yoga with a yoga master that teaches here...can't wait. Then we officially start our coursework on Sunday.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Karmapa!
I'll be posting back stories (I hope) but for now I'll start with the trip at its current state. Today is our first day at the Men-Tsee-Khang. We will be having class daily here until we head back to New Dehli. We just found out that on Wednesday we are getting an audience with His Holiness Karmapa Trinlay Thaye Dorje, the third-ranking spiritual leader in Buddhism. Our advisor at the school stated that the Dalai Lama is back in town after being in Amsterdam, and he will be trying to set up a meeting with the Dalai Lama for our group. Amazing. Put out good thoughts that we will be able to do this! That's all for now. I will try to write again soon.
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