What missing the Dalai Lama’s birthday taught me…

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.”- Alan Watts

When things don’t go according to plan do you tend to fall apart at the seams or carry on regardless? Life is something we will never be able to control and I have a tale to tell that demonstrates there is real beauty in that.  So whatever your natural reaction is to the unexpected I feel this story will either help you relax into life or keep on keeping on!

I had forgotten the Dalai Lama’s birthday would fall on my most recent trip to Dharamsala just after another one of our spiritual tours in India. The monks reminded me as they chatted happily about the day off it would bring from their monastic duties.  And I started to wonder would His Holiness be there?

I had been to celebrations before in his temple where Tibetan men, women and children displayed their abilities in that soft, somewhat sensual traditional Tibetan dance.  Where movements at times are so subtle they can seem like a last minute decision that wasn’t quite followed through.  Wonderful costumes that mimick a life once lived in the peace and serenity of a free ‘Land of the Snows’, a free Tibet.

Children are crucial in the exiled world of Dharamsala for one day they could be the generation that rebuilds Tibet.  The cultural knowledge they absorb could be the future seeds that are planted back into the ground so the forests of religious freedom can grow and prosper once again.By asking around the monastic community I found out a few days before that the Dalai Lama would be present.  And that this was a big celebration due to His Holiness being awarded the Templeton Prize for which he received a sum of £1.1 million that he immediately donated to charity.

My friendships with my Tibetan family are becoming ever more the sweeter, the deeper, the truer. Through difficult times, through exhuberant times, through monotonous times we have stayed strong.  So the opportunity to celebrate this wonderful day with them resulted in me happily extending my stay in Mother India.

I would say the festivities began the night before.  Chilling out with the monks in their monastery we stayed up late sipping chai and cracking jokes that found existence on the precipice of our broken ‘Tibetlish’.  Now their day usually begins  at 6am with the hope shattering resonances of a morning gong so naturally they were looking forward the sleeping in the following morning.  However at about 10.15pm, just before the gates are locked and I have to leave or sleep it out in their living room, Lama Buga received a phone call.

It was his friends in Tibet requesting a puja (Buddhist prayers) the following day.  My dear friend Lama Buga is named such because he has a deep seated loyalty that I currently find very rare in my Western world.  He also happens to be the puja manager so needless to say the word went out that everyone had to be up at the usual 6am for a brief spell of work.  One lama didn’t get the message and despite his ‘holiday’ protests that morning, he was promptly hauled out of bed by the commited monks, for a holiday in exile is yet another nightmare day in Chinese occupied Tibet.

I on the other hand, when all this was going on, was resolutely sleeping it in which interestingly was the first and last time this happened during this trip to India.  After I had finally woken up and was deliriously charging about my hotel room I received a phonecall from Lama Buga declaring “puja finish” which I knew to mean “come on let’s go!” When I made it to the monastery they were waiting at the entrance for me as they watched a rainbow of traditional Tibetan chubas float by.  Children dressed in special outfits that used to be the norm. Women looking like oriental goddesses that make us Westerners look so so plain.  It did make me wonder why did equal rights have to mean equal dress codes?

A young niece of Lama Lobo’s showed up and was being fussed over by her mother as the finishing touches of her ethnic outfit were perfected.  Hers was a rare style of chuba so the attention she was drawing was a plenty.  Many thumbs up from the monks as they tried to convey to me the uniqueness of it accompanied by a “Chuba good!” from Lama Buga.

So alas with the impromptu puja, my lateness, the dress rehearsal and a habitual cup of chai en route we were very late arriving at the big event.  Crowds had already solidly filled out the small space and I found myself stuck between them and an unceasing stream of new arrivals. 

See the full gallery on Posterous

I could see absolutely nothing and due to memories of Kalachakra 2012 being close to the surface of my mind I decided to leave for fear of being stuck in a crimson wave of Tibetans.  Those folks are a lot tougher than me!

Lama Buga who is not a big fan of crowds either was only delighted to accompany me.  As he skillfully weaved his way out a few feet ahead of me he turned around a one stage, pointed into a car ‘squashing’ by us and shouts “Karmapa!”.  The Karmapa, who could be described as being similar in ability to the Dalai Lama for he too is a high level bodishattva or reincarnated Tibetan master, was right there.  And to have him pass closely by like that you can be sure his rays were shining right where we needed them to.

And in that moment I had a realisation.  I had been lucky enough to visit the Dalai Lama in India three times on this trip and perhaps my uncharacteristic tardiness that morning was the work of a higher intelligience orchestrating what I really needed in that moment.  For what the Dalai Lama brings in compassion and openess I would say the Karmapa matches in wisdom and wrathfulness.  All much needed qualities for the world we live in today!  Don’t you agree?

So in your life if things don’t go to plan or how you wanted them to, I say let it go for really there is no wrong.  There is a higher plan mapped out which we agreed to before we came down to earth, its our soul contract.  And if you take the time to reflect back and join the dots that got you to where you are today you may find that the times were everything fell apart did so so that the right path could come together.

All the best

Lisa

Magic In The Making...

“When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find ways to do it.” – Dr David Schwartz

Ever had a vision for a project you are working on but you had no idea how you were going to make it happen? Or experienced a knock back yet still believed you could do it as you held true to your dreams?

Our filmmaker Chico fitting in well with local Tibetans!

We have recently completed our trailer video for our tours to visit the Dalai Lama in Indiaand there is a wonderful tale of unexpected magic behind it that we hope will inspire you to believe in the purpose of your life’s work as you make it happen piece by piece.

Upon creating these tours I was faced with the realisation that video was an essential way of communicating what we do to the world at large yet I had no resources or ability to deliver it myself.  I also learned that getting a travel writer to accompany us on a tour can give great media coverage too so when I found the person who could do both I can assure I felt very excited!  With the offer of our very own youtube channel and exposure in a leading publication expectations were high.

However little did I realise that I was walking into a situation where strong willed business people would view my tour as a first class ticket to India so they can work on other projects rather than a means to help others improve their lives and all the delicate considerations that essentially go with that.  Hell bent on getting the free ride I was faced with an agent who was determined to fill my tour with everyone and anyone she could get her hands on by her specific date.   My natural instincts was to recoil and remove our tours from this unfortunate situation and upon doing so I was threatened with unfounded legal action which only confirmed my suspicions all that more.

Suffice to say I was a reluctant to follow that path any further and gave up on the idea of involving the media for the time being.  But what I did not give up on was the idea of a video for our tours.  As a regular attendee of my local Buddhist centre in London I am privileged to be part of a wide community of talented and openhearted people.  The Dalai Lama says his religion is kindness and from my firsthand experiences of a Buddhist community in action I would say that sums it up quite nicely.  So why do I say that?  I discovered that one of my friends Chico at the centre was a professional filmmaker and photographer who was willing to come to India to do a video.  Money was the next hurdle and one that was impossible for me to jump over at that point in time so I parked that dream in the back of my mind but little did I know what magic was about to unfold.

The next time I was in India on one of my tours I received an unexpected email from Chico telling me he would be arriving in Dharamsala, the place of ourspiritual tours in India, in two days time on the overnight bus.  He had spontaneously decided to take a pilgrimage to India to attend teachings by theKarmapa and to shoot footage for a documentary he is making on Akong Rinpoche which meant he had all his camera equipment with him.  Two days after his arrival he told me he had a business proposition for me and consequently offered to shoot a video for our tours at a price that could only be described as the best ‘mates rate’ ever!  Needless to say I jumped at the chance and the following day we found ourselves climbing up the hills of Dharamsala in the wee hours of the morning with all the camera equipment in tow.

In the making of this movie the luck I had encountered by the arrival of Chico continued to be on our side all the way through.  Chance meetings with local Tibetan people that we knew meant we got access to all the areas we needed to film.  Yet as we wove our way in and out of the Tibetan culture from behind the camera lens a certain cultural sensitivity was needed.  The Tibetan people are shy upon first meeting yet incredibly curious and welcoming underneath it all.  So a balance was necessary in how we approached each and every situation, which Chico being on the spiritual path himself was able to do naturally.  Upon reflection on this I realised that had I gone with the initial filmmaker I had found the video may not have captured the magic of this sacred place so well.

As upsetting as it was to have the bad experience with the original media team, by not getting attached to them being the people to help me and having the courage to say no when it took a turn for the worst what I got in the end of it all was real magic.   A beautiful film at a price that worked with a conscious producer who has now become a dear friend.

So for those of you working on your own dreams I would say this.  Believe in what it is that you are doing, let go of what your ego thinks it should look like and listen to the wisdom of your heart for guidance rather than the voices of those who perhaps don’t understand what it is that you are doing in the first place no matter how loud they seem to shout.

And here is the completed video…enjoy!

An enchanting video that brings to life the magic that awaits you on our Tibetan Path Tour to Dharmasala, India. Hosted by Tibetan monks who take you to attend public teachings by the Dalai Lama and then we go on to do a 10 day meditation retreat. To book or learn more about this tour you will find us at www.spiritualquestadventures.com.

If you would like Chico to help you with a film you will find him by clicking here.

We have an extra Lama host on board!

Originally these spiritual tours in India where we take you to visit the Dalai Lama were led by just myself Lisa Tully and Lama Buga.  My reasons – after quitting her job in the corporate world – in founding these tours were two fold.  The first being that after spending time in Dharamsala, India where I witnessed first hand the plight of the Tibetan refugee community based there, a desire to help them grew within me fast and strong.  Secondly, the impact this sacred place and heartfelt people had on me personally was so magical that I wanted to share the experience with as many people as possible from what I call “the spiritually starved West.”

Lama Buga has been a Tibetan monk since he was six years old. Having lived in both Delhi and Dharamsala for many years, and being a dear friend of mine, he was the natural choice to help me host these Tibetan Buddhist meditation tours.  His insider knowledge and local contacts both within and outside the local monastery ensure that the people who come on these tours get into the local ancient culture immediately.

Over time I began to study all the monks I knew to see if any of them had something extra to bring to the tour offering, and that was when I decided to approach Lama Kalden for his kind assistance.  Not only does Lama Kalden have a very good command of the English language, he also has  a sense of humour to beat the band. As a result he has proven to be an entertaining host who can communicate about the local customs and ways that has participants laughing just like the Buddha himself.  Kalden also has been a monk for many years and comes all the way up from his monastery in South India to help ensure that participants have a memorable experience in India.

So rest assurred with the two lamas leading the way you are will have a very special time on our tours!

All the best

Lisa

Are you a sleeptalker too?

“Your belief determines your action and your action determines your results, but first you have to believe.” -Mark Victor Hansen

Ever gone on a trip that was so magical words could not express it when you got back home and it was time to share?  All efforts made to recreate it just didn’t do any justice to what was seen, felt, tasted and experienced?  I have felt like that and continue to feel more and more like that as I travel on my spiritual tours to India.

It is almost easier just to sit back and let the banter of life back home carry on as normal.   Yet the danger of that is the day-to-day realities begin to fall like a layer of dust on all the new things you have learnt and really should share.  All the while preventing you and the people around you from continual growth.

As a race we are deeply sleepwalking and at times that is terrifying to witness firsthand.  We have our global disasters, which break our hearts, but I beg to question why don’t the smaller daily ones have the same effect?

I was out catching up with a friend at the weekend and it was the first time I had seen her since my most recent trip abroad.  We chatted about all the usual things and I know I held back but sometimes that is the right thing to do.  Force-feeding people doesn’t work either.  Yet in the conversation there was a moment where I should have spoken up.

I was hearing how instead of using towels to dry her hands she uses tissue paper every single time.  Her very words were “we go through them like there is no tomorrow”.  Those words felt like an arrow through my heart.

I lived in the Bolivian rainforest in South America for one year  where I witnessed trucks carrying chopped up primary forest out of the jungle.  24 hours a day 7 days a week there were trees all along the road as far as the eye could see.   Some of the trees were so big only a section of them would take up an entire truck!

I had that experience and I didn’t share it for fear of upsetting my friend.  The story in my head was if I nag her she won’t want to hang out.  Yet she is a doting and loving mother who I know thinks about all her daughter’s tomorrows.  How hard would it have been for me to link up my experiences with her daughter’s future?

My friend is one of the most loyal friends I have ever had.  In hindsight I am sure she would have listened and taken it on board on some level without getting upset.  I have dwelled on it since and have decided that instead of being a ‘sleep talker’ I will share share share!  Otherwise what is the point?

Change is needed and it is only through changing ourselves that we can begin to change the world around us.  So as you start to grow my friends from whatever it is that you do to facilitate that, don’t let it be dampened by the norm or fears of rocking those moored boats.  See, speak and act from the place of the heart.  Then perhaps together we could all wake up?

Much love

Lisa

Are you a sleeptalker too?

“Your belief determines your action and your action determines your results, but first you have to believe.” -Mark Victor Hansen

Ever gone on a trip that was so magical words could not express it when you got back home and it was time to share?  All efforts made to recreate it just didn’t do any justice to what was seen, felt, tasted and experienced?  I have felt like that and continue to feel more and more like that as I travel on my spiritual tours to India.

It is almost easier just to sit back and let the banter of life back home carry on as normal.   Yet the danger of that is the day-to-day realities begin to fall like a layer of dust on all the new things you have learnt and really should share.  All the while preventing you and the people around you from continual growth.

As a race we are deeply sleepwalking and at times that is terrifying to witness firsthand.  We have our global disasters, which break our hearts, but I beg to question why don’t the smaller daily ones have the same effect?

I was out catching up with a friend at the weekend and it was the first time I had seen her since my most recent trip abroad.  We chatted about all the usual things and I know I held back but sometimes that is the right thing to do.  Force-feeding people doesn’t work either.  Yet in the conversation there was a moment where I should have spoken up.

I was hearing how instead of using towels to dry her hands she uses tissue paper every single time.  Her very words were “we go through them like there is no tomorrow”.  Those words felt like an arrow through my heart.

I lived in the Bolivian rainforest in South America for one year  where I witnessed trucks carrying chopped up primary forest out of the jungle.  24 hours a day 7 days a week there were trees all along the road as far as the eye could see.   Some of the trees were so big only a section of them would take up an entire truck!

I had that experience and I didn’t share it for fear of upsetting my friend.  The story in my head was if I nag her she won’t want to hang out.  Yet she is a doting and loving mother who I know thinks about all her daughter’s tomorrows.  How hard would it have been for me to link up my experiences with her daughter’s future?

My friend is one of the most loyal friends I have ever had.  In hindsight I am sure she would have listened and taken it on board on some level without getting upset.  I have dwelled on it since and have decided that instead of being a ‘sleep talker’ I will share share share!  Otherwise what is the point?

Change is needed and it is only through changing ourselves that we can begin to change the world around us.  So as you start to grow my friends from whatever it is that you do to facilitate that, don’t let it be dampened by the norm or fears of rocking those moored boats.  See, speak and act from the place of the heart.  Then perhaps together we could all wake up?

Much love

Lisa

Lisa Tully

________________

Mobile: +44(0)7872 624603

Website: www.spiritualbackpackersindia.com

Facebook: Spiritualbackpackersindia

Twitter: Retreatsindia

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"To this day I still cannot explain how much this retreat has changed my life"

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Kalachakra 2012 – How The Dalai Lama Raised The Spiritual Roof In India!

 

Ever dreamed of experiencing the power of Tibetan Buddhism at its peak?  Or thought of fully letting go of all physical comforts and attachments in search of the ultimate comfort, that of the mind and heart?

Upon hearing about the Kalachakra initiation happening in Bodhgaya India, the place where Buddha achieved enlightenment whilst sitting under the Bodhi tree, I just knew I had to be there.   However I will put my hands up straight away and say I didn’t fully understand what it would entail.  What I did know was that Tibetans travel from far and wide, including from Chinese occupied Tibet to get to this special 10-day tantric initiation.  All sects of Tibetan Buddhism are represented, so it really is one big ol’ Tibetan party and one that the Dalai Lama does not do on a regular basis.   In 2011 there was one held in Washington D.C but previous to that it was as far back as 2006 since the last one held at Amarvati in India.

As I began to share with people both Tibetans and Westerners that I really wanted to go the overall response was don’t do it! It will be filthy dirty, totally chaotic and you will most definitely fall ill.  The reasons for their concerns were Bodhgaya is situated in Bihar one of the poorest states in India and is filled with beggars, sickness and a understandable culture of get what you can from whoever you can.  Add 300,000 Kalachakra pilgrims to that and the picture definitely starts to look somewhat daunting.

When I actually arrived to host my November Dalai Lama tour in India I had no hotel or transport booked for the Kalachakra which others had done up to a year previous.  Hotel prices were through the roof at an escalated price that was fifteen times the norm!  However somehow a room manifested at a fraction of the cost others were paying at the last minute in a Burmese monastery affording me a peaceful escape from the Kalachakra crowds.  Having been there a good two weeks before the event itself I got to witness the build up to it including the assembly of the breathtaking chair for His Holiness and the raising of colourful thankas all around it.  In general Tibetans wait till the last minute to arrive because of the inflated costs but when they did finally arrive they did so by the busload and that in itself was a sight to see.  Armed with pots, pans and bedding of all sorts it was not unusual to hear of up to 12 of them sleeping in one double sized room.  The Gyumed monks that help host our spiritual tours in India were sleeping in a hall with no less than 500 monks with barely enough room to turn over.

So what is it that drives the Tibetans to take on such physical challenges without a second thought?  The Kalachakra initiation was given over 10 days and is considered to be the one of the most auspicious initiations within the world of Tibetan Buddhism.  There was eight days of preparation rituals during which the Dalai Lama and his monks made the incredible Kalachkra sand mandala.  In the morning time we could go into the grounds and listen to their chants and watch them prepare.  Sitting there in the energy of the proceedings was a blessing in itself as meditations ran so so deep.  In the afternoon the place would fill to bursting and beyond with steadfast devotees from around the globe eager to listen to teachings by His Holiness.  Outside the same numbers of people were blocking the streets as they watched the event on the big screens.  It was an all time record for the number of devotees attending a Kalachakra.  After the teachings and preparations were done, the initiation itself happened over the final two days.

I feel it is important to mention that at the end of the day we fell into our rock hard beds exhausted, crashing out immediately.  Yet the Dalai Lama was getting up at three in the morning most mornings to prepare, followed by giving teachings and all the while holding us in his big heart.  The energy of this wonderful 76-year-old monk as he calls himself, is indeed endless.  On the night of the first day of initiations something really special occurred which I will never forget.  I was sitting meditating under the Bodhi tree in the Mahabodhi temple as around the perimeter devotees walked uttering their mantras and prayers.  It was totally packed with people shuffling and prostrating their way around.  In the distance I heard singing and I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from.  Then sure enough as the crowd continued to circle around the ancient melody got louder and louder.  A throng of Tibetan monks were signing their hearts out and as they flowed past it did not falter.  It was as if the song had spread around the perimeter like a flame to petrol.  In that moment I felt like I had the chance to witness the true beauty of Tibetan Buddhism.  The Dalai Lama had worked so hard for eight solid days, had given us the initiation and we were as high as spiritual kites.  It was totally electric and my initial thought was the Chinese government will never ever dampen this spirit and I hoped so much that the 200 Chinese spies reported to be at this event were witnessing that moment.

The Dalai Lama then finished by giving us the White Tara initiation for long life.  When he was leaving Bodhgaya people were understandably running after his car crying and I was grateful I didn’t have to witness him going for I know I would have been right there with them.  The sand mandala remained for 3 days to allow us to go and have a closer look.  According to a book distributed at the Kalachakra in Washington D.C, just by looking at the mandala you remove all negative karma from countless eons previously.  A wonderful sight it was, the feeling from it was one of inner beauty.   The ceremony then ended by monks releasing the positive energy of the mandala into the everyday world by a final ritual.  The Kalachakra is for world peace and I have no doubts whatsoever it has the deepest of impacts.

As Bodhgaya is quite a small town many people had to camp and tents were rented out ranging from $3 to $100 per night.  However it rained severely on the first day which is apparently normal for when high Lamas arrive and start cleansing the place.  But that meant conditions on the campsites were pretty awful and only went downhill from there due to poor organisation and sanitation.  Towards the end of the initiation the Dalai Lama asked why should people pay to stay in those awful tents when we have received so much in donations? So he requested that all tent dwellers get a refund and so they did.  Then he left not taking one remaining Rupee of donation with him; instead he gave it to the local schools and hospitals of Bodhgaya.  This man has the power to change the world…so why won’t we let him?

Kalachakra 2012 – How The Dalai Lama Raised The Spiritual Roof In India!

Ever dreamed of experiencing the power of Tibetan Buddhism at its peak?  Or thought of fully letting go of all physical comforts and attachments in search of the ultimate comfort, that of the mind and heart?

Upon hearing about the Kalachakra initiation happening in Bodhgaya India, the place where Buddha achieved enlightenment whilst sitting under the Bodhi tree, I just knew I had to be there.   However I will put my hands up straight away and say I didn’t fully understand what it would entail.  What I did know was that Tibetans travel from far and wide, including from Chinese occupied Tibet to get to this special 10-day tantric initiation.  All sects of Tibetan Buddhism are represented, so it really is one big ol’ Tibetan party and one that the Dalai Lama does not do on a regular basis.   In 2011 there was one held in Washington D.C but previous to that it was as far back as 2006 since the last one held at Amarvati in India.

As I began to share with people both Tibetans and Westerners that I really wanted to go the overall response was don’t do it! It will be filthy dirty, totally chaotic and you will most definitely fall ill.  The reasons for their concerns were Bodhgaya is situated in Bihar one of the poorest states in India and is filled with beggars, sickness and a understandable culture of get what you can from whoever you can.  Add 300,000 Kalachakra pilgrims to that and the picture definitely starts to look somewhat daunting.

When I actually arrived to host my November Dalai Lama tour in India I had no hotel or transport booked for the Kalachakra which others had done up to a year previous.  Hotel prices were through the roof at an escalated price that was fifteen times the norm!  However somehow a room manifested at a fraction of the cost others were paying at the last minute in a Burmese monastery affording me a peaceful escape from the Kalachakra crowds.  Having been there a good two weeks before the event itself I got to witness the build up to it including the assembly of the breathtaking chair for His Holiness and the raising of colourful thankas all around it.  In general Tibetans wait till the last minute to arrive because of the inflated costs but when they did finally arrive they did so by the busload and that in itself was a sight to see.  Armed with pots, pans and bedding of all sorts it was not unusual to hear of up to 12 of them sleeping in one double sized room.  The Gyumed monks that help host our spiritual tours in India were sleeping in a hall with no less than 500 monks with barely enough room to turn over.

So what is it that drives the Tibetans to take on such physical challenges without a second thought?  The Kalachakra initiation was given over 10 days and is considered to be the one of the most auspicious initiations within the world of Tibetan Buddhism.  There was eight days of preparation rituals during which the Dalai Lama and his monks made the incredible Kalachkra sand mandala.  In the morning time we could go into the grounds and listen to their chants and watch them prepare.  Sitting there in the energy of the proceedings was a blessing in itself as meditations ran so so deep.  In the afternoon the place would fill to bursting and beyond with steadfast devotees from around the globe eager to listen to teachings by His Holiness.  Outside the same numbers of people were blocking the streets as they watched the event on the big screens.  It was an all time record for the number of devotees attending a Kalachakra.  After the teachings and preparations were done, the initiation itself happened over the final two days.

I feel it is important to mention that at the end of the day we fell into our rock hard beds exhausted, crashing out immediately.  Yet the Dalai Lama was getting up at three in the morning most mornings to prepare, followed by giving teachings and all the while holding us in his big heart.  The energy of this wonderful 76-year-old monk as he calls himself, is indeed endless.  On the night of the first day of initiations something really special occurred which I will never forget.  I was sitting meditating under the Bodhi tree in the Mahabodhi temple as around the perimeter devotees walked uttering their mantras and prayers.  It was totally packed with people shuffling and prostrating their way around.  In the distance I heard singing and I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from.  Then sure enough as the crowd continued to circle around the ancient melody got louder and louder.  A throng of Tibetan monks were signing their hearts out and as they flowed past it did not falter.  It was as if the song had spread around the perimeter like a flame to petrol.  In that moment I felt like I had the chance to witness the true beauty of Tibetan Buddhism.  The Dalai Lama had worked so hard for eight solid days, had given us the initiation and we were as high as spiritual kites.  It was totally electric and my initial thought was the Chinese government will never ever dampen this spirit and I hoped so much that the 200 Chinese spies reported to be at this event were witnessing that moment.

The Dalai Lama then finished by giving us the White Tara initiation for long life.  When he was leaving Bodhgaya people were understandably running after his car crying and I was grateful I didn’t have to witness him going for I know I would have been right there with them.  The sand mandala remained for 3 days to allow us to go and have a closer look.  According to a book distributed at the Kalachakra in Washington D.C, just by looking at the mandala you remove all negative karma from countless eons previously.  A wonderful sight it was, the feeling from it was one of inner beauty.   The ceremony then ended by monks releasing the positive energy of the mandala into the everyday world by a final ritual.  The Kalachakra is for world peace and I have no doubts whatsoever it has the deepest of impacts.

As Bodhgaya is quite a small town many people had to camp and tents were rented out ranging from $3 to $100 per night.  However it rained severely on the first day which is apparently normal for when high Lamas arrive and start cleansing the place.  But that meant conditions on the campsites were pretty awful and only went downhill from there due to poor organisation and sanitation.  Towards the end of the initiation the Dalai Lama asked why should people pay to stay in those awful tents when we have received so much in donations? So he requested that all tent dwellers get a refund and so they did.  Then he left not taking one remaining Rupee of donation with him; instead he gave it to the local schools and hospitals of Bodhgaya.  This man has the power to change the world…so why won’t we let him?

Lisa Tully

________________

Mobile: +44(0)7872 624603

Website: www.spiritualbackpackersindia.com

Facebook: Spiritualbackpackersindia

Skype: Spiritualbackpackersindia

"If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism."  - Albert Einstein