Tibetan Children's Village

I'm in the Delhi airport, waiting for my flight to Amsterdam via Paris.  So I'd like to share again. .  going back to Dharmasala, India where we visited the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) and shared the Dances of Universal peace with a few hundred of the approximately 1500 kids there!   TCV is a non-profit, charitable institution for the care and education of orphaned and destitute Tibetan children in exile.
"The Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959 led to the mass genocide of the Tibetan people.  Over 1 million Tibetans died.  In the aftermath, around 100,000 refugees followed His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile.  Among them were thousands of orphans and destitute children ravaged by war, hunger and the psychological devastation of losing their families, homes and country.. . .Tibetans continue to flee persecution in their homeland (to this day!).  Parents still feel compelled to give up their children by the pervasive sense of hopelessness in Tibet, where educational opportunities for Tibetan children is extremely poor."

The Dalai Lama initially proposed the creation of "Nursery for Tibetan Refugee Children"  which expanded under the direction of his younger sister Mrs. Jetsun Pema eventually becoming TCV.

"Today, the TCV head office is managing 5 children's villages, 7 residential schools, 6 day schools, 9 day care centers, 3 vocational training centers, a further studies scholarship program, an outreach sponsorship program and the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education, reaching out to over 16,000 Tibetan children and youths in exile." (From a brochure I got when I visited the village in Dharamsala).

Passang, our guide in India, was orphaned and raised by TCV and has become the head of their handicraft centers.  He is an amazing example of the beauty of this system in restoring a sense of family and culture to these refugee children.  He is one of the most beautiful people I have met and a devote Buddhist who takes his practice very seriously waking up every morning at 5 am - including yoga into his practice and a very healthy diet.   He is a person of amazing integrity and joyful spirit.  I was inspired by him and by the Tibetan refugees in general.

The village was AMAZING.  . .schooling 1500 kids from preschool through high school and boarding close to 1,000 in houses with house mothers.   The grounds were neat, clean and simple and made me wish we lived more like this. . .in simple community.  They don't have many things but they have what they need and are surrounded by natural beauty.   I was very impressed by what the Tibetans have managed to do as refugees. . .of course with the help and support of the Dalai Lama.  Many of them, I believe are shining examples to the world.  I'm so grateful for them holding up the vibration of the planet in general- helping to keep things in balance energetically.  I really have come to believe this and I believe much of it has to do with their Buddhist practice.  May we all learn from the way many of them are living their lives!

Brazilian Sylvia interacting with a preschool child at TCV.  Notice the neat uniform!

Being given a tour of the school.

This is one of the many boarding houses for about 20 kids- each with a house mother.

Dances of Universal Peace with the students (Brazilian Cecilia) 

Dancing with the kids

Another view of the the school (Australian pilgrim, Maria- Eleni)

Goodbye Buddha!

(I actually wrote this last night but the internet was so spotty I couldn't add the pictures or publish it!)
I just got out of a jacuzzi bathtub at the Norling Hotel and Resort on the outskirts of Khatmandu. . . surrounded by beautiful grounds. .flowers, ponds with water lilies, stone paths, a beautiful swimming pool (which I swam in yesterday evening).  I feel a profound sense of gratitude and completion.  The pilgrimage is officially over and it definitely was a great success.  At 11am today, "our bus" picked up most of the pilgrims who were going off on the next leg of their journey- some are staying a few more days, some traveling to other places and some on their way home tonight.  Anahata and I waved goodbye as they drove off- we all waved until we couldn't see each other anymore- yelling out "I love you!!!".  What a beautiful journey!  Yes, there were amazing sights, temples, holy places, etc.  But what really made the trip was the people . . .first the pilgrims, an incredible heart centered group, and then all the people we met along the way- especially our local guides, Passang, Andrea and Pabitra.  My favorite moments/visits were with the children we met- especially at Bright Nepal, a hostel that Anahata started with Pabitra, a Nepali who runs it- AMAZING WOMAN!!  There are 13 girls in the hostel who are cared for by Pabitra and a house mother- including being given the opportunity to go to school.  They are all from villages in Nepal with no family that can properly take care of them for one reason or another (many of them have only one parent or just a relative alive)- who also would not have had the chance at an education- prime targets for the sex trade.  When we visited them, they put on a concert for us, performing songs and dances and then we all sang and danced together. . it was beautiful.  We got to eat cake with them and then yesterday they came and visited us where we were eating lunch to say goodbye.  A couple days ago Pabitra informed me that one of the girls (7years old) just came a week ago and they were told she needed a new name (hard to explain why here) and she had been contemplating naming her Angela after meeting me and finally decided on the name.  So, I got to connect with her yesterday - she is adorable- and the whole experience inspired me to create a project to find "god parents" in the West for each of the girls as a way of supporting the program and creating more deep and meaningful relationships with these girls.  I would of course be Angela's god mother!!!  More on that as the project progresses- first step is to get permission from Pabitra on what it would look like more specifically.  I'm really excited about continuing my relationship with this organization- it is so "right" for me!

The view from Hotel Mandala where we stayed most of the time while in Nepal

The girls from Bright Nepal saying goodbye on the rooftop restaurant we had lunch at on Sat.

"My" 7 year old Nepali namesake, Angela.   I will be a supporter of Bright Nepal and Angela for the rest of my life!

Leaving the Boudha stupa courtyard where people do kora (our hotel was near here)

The morning of departure at the resort we spent our last night at.  We ate breakfast and then sang songs together.  It was incredibly sweet.

These pilgrims last journey in "our" bus.. . off to other adventures!  What an incredibly loving and beautiful group.  Many tears were shed as we departed.

There are so gaps in my accounting of this pilgrimage- just too much and no time.  So I'm sure that over the next few months I will share more especially as I am able to process and integrate so many wonderful and moving experiences.  This has of course been a life changing journey.  But for now I'm focused on my departure today and arrival in Europe to see my son, brother and his family.  Another adventure awaits as always!!

Goodnight Buddha!

Images of India

Here are a few more images that pretty much speak for themselves!

I'm still here!

We were up in the mountains a couple days and I had to do a little hiking to get to the hotel which was on the side of a mountain with great views of course.  But I was carrying too much and my computer bag slipped off of my shoulder and hit the slate path banging up the corner of my computer so that I couldn't open it.  I waited until I was back here in Kathmandu to look at it- it's still a bit tricky, but got it open and just as my intuition told me- everything is fine internally!  WHEW!

About every other day, I say "this is the highlight of my trip"!  And there's just no way I can catch up completely.  We have visited many holy and sacred sights to the Buddhist and Hindu traditions.  We have also visited some holy people.  In India, we met the Karmapa who is the head of a lineage of Buddhism like the Dalai Lama is the head of Gelukpa lineage.  But, the person I have been most impressed with so far is Kuten La- the Nechung oracle- or  the state oracle of Tibet who advises the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.  We had a personal meeting with him and his spirit shone so brightly.  He has a beautiful manner and laughs a lot.  I really loved him- his presence actually reminded me of the Dalai Lama.   It was such a privilege to spend time with him.

Some of our DUP pilgrims in front of the Buddhist temple where the Karmapa resides.  He is basically under house arrest and cannot travel due to his position as a Tibetan spiritual leader and refugee.

We were able to get individual blessings from him.

Here is my favorite Buddhist next to Dalai Lama, Kuten La!  Passang, our Tibetan guide in India is on one side and Anahata, our pilgrimage leader on the other.

It's late again. .after a long day of amazing events and conversations.  I'm mostly feeling grateful and peaceful. . .deeply.  We arrived in Nepal late yesterday afternoon and are at the Mandala hotel just off of the Bouddah Stupor.  The energy here is amazing.  What a relief! especially after a somewhat harrowing day previous to leaving India.  That day we were driving out of a the mountains- or very tops of the Himalayan foothills on VERY precarious and narrow roads.  At one point, we met a very large bus full of people coming towards us- head-on with no room to pass at all with one side of the road making a steep drop down the mountain.  We actually had to back up to get to a spot that was a little wider and then let the bus slowly passed us within inches of our van and the edge of the road which of course had no guard rail or anything!  I was so nervous for the people on the bus but they just calmly looked out of the window at us as if it were no big deal.  And, of course, it wasn't to them because I'm sure the situation was a very common occurrence.   I don't know how they do it.  I've come to the conclusion that there must  be lots of angels working the roads in India!

Although I'm starting to have another set of amazing experiences in Nepal, I'm going to do my best to catch up on India in the next day or two first.  In order to do that though, I'm going to simply post some pictures depicting some highlights.  There is just too much to really cover it all!  Enjoy.

Thought I'd throw in a picture of myself at Norbhulingka!

Doing kora (clockwise circumambulation in prayer and meditation) around the foothill that the Dalai Lama's residence and the main Tibetan temple are on.  . . spinning prayer wheels.   We spent a few days based out of Dharamasala in a beautiful hotel on the side of a hill overlooking this hill.. all the rooms had a balcony with an awesome view!

A monk on the path- chanting.

Just outside a Hindu temple we visited outside of Dharamasala.  Pilgrims: Maria-Eleni (Australian) and
Cecelia (Brazilian)

Okay so I was going to try and add more pictures tonight, but I've had issues with this program and it's taken longer and it's almost 12:30 so I've got to sign off for tonight!  Love to you from Nepal!!!

Norbulingka

At the close of our second day, we made a 5 hour drive north and then stopped to sleep for a few hours and on day three we finished our drive to Norbulingka- a Tibetan artisan community set up by the Dalai Lama to preserve the culture.  It is GORGEOUS and so peaceful there.   . .they have a guest house we stayed in one night that was filled with beautiful Tibetan art.  The grounds were covered in trees with streams running through and included a beautiful temple at the top of a hill.  We were all wishing we could stay more than one day.

Pilgrimage update #1

It's 11pm and once again I'm really too tired to really write much.  So I'm going to post pictures with a brief description and let them speak for themselves. (I only ended up covering day two of the pilgrimage here and we are finishing day five.  I thought I would have enough energy to do more but I will have to try to catch up as I go!  Tomorrow is another full day!)

Gonzalo buying fresh flowers in front of the Hindu temple to be used as an offering. 

Cecelia receiving a blessing in the form of a red dot on her third eye (made from a plant).

Meditating in a Hindu temple in Delhi (Brazilians Guilbert, Casia, Rubins, Ceclia)

At the famous Bahai Lotus Temple in Delhi.  There were many Indians that wanted to have a picture taken with us individually. ..especially the light haired women!

Doing the Dances of Universal Peace at the Lotus temple.  This pilgrimage is actually a Dances of Universal Peace pilgrimage. Most everyone participating is part of a DUP group in their country that meets regularly.   Basically DUPs are sacred texts put to music and danced in a circle (simple movements) together.  It's a way of embodying the sacred.

Here I am at Ghandi's tomb. .this was a special moment for me.  We were required to take off our shoes before entering the compound and we joined in the tradition of circling the tomb clockwise three times.  Just out side in the park we danced and the Indians were enthralled. . they surrounded us, clapped and then when we were done hugged and kissed us, gave us blessings etc.  There was this real heartfelt exchange despite the language barrier.  It moved many of us to tears.  

Happy New Moon (beginnings!)

Here we are!  All the pilgrims gathered in front of our hotel for the first time

Wow. . we have officially begun the pilgrimage. . .it's 11pm and I'm exhausted but wanted to share just a little- no way I can really share all the colors, smells, rituals, sounds, feelings resulting from two amazing events this evening.  The first was our opening ceremony in the form of a Hindu fire puja- basically a sacred ritual for cleansing and blessings (calling in the divine) that includes a fire, of course, the burning of certain offerings, sacred ash, chanting, prayer ties on the wrists for health.   .I'm I forgetting anything?  Probably!  Here are some pictures to help give you an idea:

After the punja which was held in a courtyard of the hotel, we ate and then travelled in two mini buses to a beautiful sacred Sufi compound that encompasses the tomb of Sufi saint Hazrat (title) Inayat Khan. We were led in a couple songs by Anahata on her guitar- Hazrat Inayat Khan's words put to music and then we had the fabulous experience of the Sacred Sufi Musician/Singers called the Qawalli.   Composed of four men, the group played and sang for about an hour- some of the most divine music you will ever hear I think!  Amazing rhythms, voices, feeling, heart was found in their music. I was entranced as was everyone else I think.  We finished off the evening on the balcony of the courtyard with masala chai tea and biscuits and great conversation in the ethereal light of the night surrounded by magnificent architecture, roses in bloom below and palm trees moving with the soothing breeze.  It has truly been a sacred time.  Gratitude to and for God!

Quietly entering the tomb, one by one, making an offering of fresh flower garlands.  Women cover their heads out of respect for the Sufi tradition.

Spirited Qawalli singers in action while Anahata looks on.  They actually invited her to play her open-tuned guitar (makes it sound like a sitar) with them.  She had a great time!

To close I would like to leave you with the words of Hazrat Inayat Khan many of which were engraved in the walls of the tomb.

KHATUM 

O Thou,

   Who art the Perfection of

   Love, Harmony, and Beauty,

   The Lord of heaven and earth,

Open our hearts,

   That we may hear Thy Voice,

   Which constantly cometh from within.

Disclose to us Thy Divine Light,

   which is hidden in our souls,

   that we may know and understand life better.

Most Merciful and Compassionate God,

   Give us Thy great Goodness;

   Teach us Thy loving Fogiveness;

   Raise us above the distinctions and

   differences which divide men;

Send us the Peace of Thy Divine Spirit,

And unite us all in Thy Perfect Being.

Amen

Happy 2070!! Honk Honk

Yesterday as I was working on the computer I kept hearing sounds of a marching band. .I finally went out to the street and there was a parade!  Traditional costume, decorated dancing animals, drums, kids marching etc. to the end of the street where there was some kindof party happening- so crowded that I didn't attempt to go there.  Later I found out that everyone was celebrating the Hindu New Year which officially starts today (it's also a new moon).  An Indian told me that according to them the year is actually 2070!  Not sure how they came to this number but I'm determined to find out!

Dancing horses!

I'm finishing up my last breakfast at this lovely cafe in preparation for moving to the official guest house of the pilgrimage which starts at 4pm tonight.  Of course, I have already met several of the pilgrims who arrived early and stayed in our same hotel.  I'm personally getting ready to be the official photojournalist/videographer of the pilgrimage!

Lastly, I can't believe that I haven't mentioned the horn when talking about driving in India (and Ghana for that matter).  The use of the horn is more common and more important than the use of the brakes here and often times used instead of a turn signal.  People use it all the time to let people know they are there and to preferably move out of the way or at least be aware.  Honk Honk!

Hotel Relax balcony- notice the elephants- ancient Indian art, furniture was everywhere in this hotel!