Reminiscing back to March 2023, my flight from Delhi to Kangra, approximately one hour flight over the Himalayan Mountain range. Sitting in my seat peering out the window and the mountain peaks, thinking of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama my root Guru it was like a golden sword to my heart the tears flowed I could not stop them. I felt a great sense of familiarity, a sense of knowing an embrace so vast.
Dharamshala is at an elevation 1,457m surrounded by many forests and snow peaked mountains. Kangra is a small airport set in a valley amongst majestic mountain’s, truly out of this world. At the airport we are met by Geshe Tsering Chophel and taken to our hotel steps from His Holiness residence and resident Temple. Mcleod Ganj small bustling valley town, many crystal shops, saffron, incense, Buddhist precious objects and lovely fruit, vegetable stands. There are many monasteries in the region and immediate surrounding regions. We see many monks and nuns walking with their mala beads doing mantra recitation (praying) for all sentient beings.
For us Buddhists cultivating our mind is of utmost importance. We want to peel back the layers of conditioning, so we come into the purity of our very being. Watching our intentions, mantra recitations, Dharma study are some of the ways to break through the layers. When we come into being it’s as if the light comes forth helps oneself and surrounding environment.
We come here to deepen our understanding of Compassion and Wisdom. To be in the presence of a living Buddha, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. On 12th March 2023 early morning we had the great opportunity to meet His Holiness to get his blessings. This was one of the best days of my life to meet His Holiness who represents Compassion and Peace.
We arrived very early in the morning around 7:00am to grounds close to resident temple and just outside of His Holiness resident, for security check. After security check we lined up going up on an incline alongside the beautiful giant cedar trees. It was such a peaceful atmosphere. Standing in line, so many thoughts came to my mind, tears swelling up thinking of His Holiness vast and enlightened activities for all sentient beings, and particularly the Tibetan cause. His non-violent movement has reached and continues to reach far and wide. Just these thoughts alone made me tear up even more, this is someone who has given his Body, Speech and Mind for the benefit of all.
As we move further up the line, I am now able to see His Holiness, the sunshine of our world. As I come in front of him it’s as if standing in front of infinity, time seems to stop, I bring my head to his palm of his hand. I dismantled and shortly after whisked off by security and attendant monks by his side. Meeting Great beings such as His Holiness who has and continues to dedicate this life and many past lives to the Dharma and practice is very precious. There is a degree of inner untangling that happens whether felt in the moment of presence, days, months and or years after the initial meeting.
Some of precious places to visit; Gyuto Monnastery, Norbulingka, Library of Tibetan Works & Archives and The Tibet Museum. Other nearby monasteries in Bir; Sherabling Monastery, Chokling Monastery, Tashi Jong and Dzongsar Khyentse College. A beautiful uphill walk from center Mcleod Ganj to Dharmkhot, spend some time in Dharamkhot by foot in the inner part of this beautiful valley town surrounded by Mountains.
Written: 12th January, 2025 ~ Mareika Muller
