More of India, since it fills my head everyday. Mcleod Ganj, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's place of residence. Prayer flags on every tree, mouth-watering momos (ie dumplings), delicate butter sculptures (to highlight our impermanence), lessons in selflessness, smiling monks (both adult and mini ones), Himalayan views, friendly dogs, eternal flames of hope, singing meditation bowls, monk-run hotels, exiled souls, quiet forests, inspiring volunteers. So much to learn from this tiny town with so many displaced Tibetans.
I learnt that their Panchen Lama (the second most important Lama in the after HH) was abducted by the Chinese when he was 6 years old, he hasn't been seen since 14 May 1995. Oh, and the Chinese installed their own approved Lama in his place. How China's 'liberation' over 60 years ago has led to the exploitation of Tibet's natural resources (an estimated 14 billion tons of oil, 1500 billion cubic m of natural gas, and one of the world's largest deposits of uranium and chromite), massive deforestation of the 'roof of the world', the killing of over 1 million Tibetans, the destruction of over 6000 monasteries, religious freedom is not allowed and portraits of the Dalai Lama are banned, their native language is being phased out of schools, women are forcibly sterilised, the entire country is militarized with 1 soldier per 20 Tibetans, as opposed to 1 per 2000 Chinese, movement of Tibetans is strictly controlled thus dissolving their nomadic way of life as they are forced to stay in concentration-type housing, how so many brave the harsh month-long trek across the Himalayas to India, while they leave their home that is used as a toxic dumping ground. Something to consider when we read about the latest monk who has self-immolated himself out of pure desperation, or when we blindly purchase 'Made in China' items, which could be made by politically detained monks (some adhesives are toxic to humans, so Tibetans are used for this). This one learns from coming here, LHA is a wonderful volunteer initiative where one can help, even if its coming in for an hour and speaking with the monks to improve their english. And hear all their stories firsthand. So much good is being done and so many good people congregate here, like that tattooed teddy bear who runs an eco-educational art initiative for children, but so much more needs to be done. Even if it involves a small action of checking the label to see where it was made, and reconsider. Besides, local is always more lekker.
I learnt that their Panchen Lama (the second most important Lama in the after HH) was abducted by the Chinese when he was 6 years old, he hasn't been seen since 14 May 1995. Oh, and the Chinese installed their own approved Lama in his place. How China's 'liberation' over 60 years ago has led to the exploitation of Tibet's natural resources (an estimated 14 billion tons of oil, 1500 billion cubic m of natural gas, and one of the world's largest deposits of uranium and chromite), massive deforestation of the 'roof of the world', the killing of over 1 million Tibetans, the destruction of over 6000 monasteries, religious freedom is not allowed and portraits of the Dalai Lama are banned, their native language is being phased out of schools, women are forcibly sterilised, the entire country is militarized with 1 soldier per 20 Tibetans, as opposed to 1 per 2000 Chinese, movement of Tibetans is strictly controlled thus dissolving their nomadic way of life as they are forced to stay in concentration-type housing, how so many brave the harsh month-long trek across the Himalayas to India, while they leave their home that is used as a toxic dumping ground. Something to consider when we read about the latest monk who has self-immolated himself out of pure desperation, or when we blindly purchase 'Made in China' items, which could be made by politically detained monks (some adhesives are toxic to humans, so Tibetans are used for this). This one learns from coming here, LHA is a wonderful volunteer initiative where one can help, even if its coming in for an hour and speaking with the monks to improve their english. And hear all their stories firsthand. So much good is being done and so many good people congregate here, like that tattooed teddy bear who runs an eco-educational art initiative for children, but so much more needs to be done. Even if it involves a small action of checking the label to see where it was made, and reconsider. Besides, local is always more lekker.
this is so beautiful. S
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