Dharamsala
De factor Lhasa-in-Exile
“The practice of dharma must be integrated into your lives - cultivate concern for others and become kind-hearted people.”
Dharamsala serves as the spiritual and political home for Tibetans and Buddhist pilgrims. When the Dalai Lama settled there, a large number of Tibetans followed, took up residence and opened shops, cafes and hotels. When Tibetans first arrived in India, the Indian Government provided camps in tropical locations while Tibetans were accustomed to cooler elevations. Dharamsala is a deserted British hill station on the southern side of the Himalaya range.
The heart and soul of Dharamsala is the Thekchen Choling complex which includes the Dalai Lama’s compound, his personal temple and private office with audience room. Public celebrations and teaching are held at the Tsuglagkhang Temple located in the courtyard outside this compound.
On most afternoons, the courtyard is lively with monks debating. Around the ridge of the Thekchen Choling complex, Buddhist followers can be seen in the early mornings and evenings walking clockwise, stopping from time to time to pay respect to religious objects found along the way.
During special celebrations and when HHDL conducts teachings, Tibetan and international visitors fill the complex.
Tsuglagkhang Temple courtyard
Meeting with international visitors to Dharamsala
Abbot of Namgyal Monastery and HHDL
Pilgrims from around the world come to pray and make offerings before the Dalai Lama’s throne in the main Temple.
Thangka painter
Traditional Tibetan Doctor examining a patient
Ancient manuscripts wrapped in cloth and labeled
Painted cover of a centuries-old manuscript.
Tea kettles used by the monks
Director Geshe Lhakdor in front of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives—his task from the Dalai Lama is to integrate modern science into the curriculum of monastic education.
Richard Davidson, HHDL and Tupten Jinpa
Candle offerings
HHDL and participants of the Mind & Life conference during tea break
HHDL on his throne, Tsuglagkhang Temple
March 10 - National Uprising Day Anniversary
Monks from the Namgal Monastery taking a break from serving tea to the hundred attending HHDL’s teaching
TCV students
Tibetans offering kata, a traditional ceremonial scarf, in Tsuglagkhang Temple during Losar, New Year
Senior monks from major Tibetan Buddhist schools at Long Life Offering for HHDL