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

Does Your Soul Need A Holiday?

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

Click here to watch our tour video!

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

Female Yogis Are Amongst Us

Have you ever dreamed of leaving the comforts of the Western teaching room to go to the East in search of a true spiritual master in their element?  Or wished you could have more one to one time instead of just listening to what seems like a dot on the stage of the auditorium?  Coming to India this time I had a dream… I wanted to find a female master of Tibetan Buddhism that I could learn from and have direct communication with.  My reasons for this were a deep desire within to get the female perspective on this Buddhist philosophy that I was growing more and more fascinated with by the day.  Having attended many teachings and read many books I was keen to have the burning question answered…as a women do we need to be approaching the teachings of Buddhism in a slightly different way?

I really didn’t know what would come of this dream so as I was running my most recent spiritual tour in Dharamasala, India to attend teachings by the Dalai Lama, I put it on the back-burner of my mind.  Then of course India being the magical land that she is, effortlessly provided me with a possible contender as I’m sitting there on my meditation retreat with my group.  Towards the end of our ten day retreat we were shown a video of a teaching given by Jetsumma Tenzin Palmo, a Buddhist nun originally from the East end of London who spent 12 years meditating in a cave.  A reincarnation of a previous Tibetan master, she found herself in the unique and at times very difficult position of not only being the only Westerner in a Tibetan monastery in India but the only woman as well.  Being treated as an outsider by the general consensus, she was excluded from necessary teachings and important Buddhist ceremonies known as ‘pujas’.  

As time past her grasp of the Tibetan language, which was necessary to learn from the sacred texts increased, but also did her impatience with the sexual discrimination that was keeping her from realising her spiritual goal – to become the first enlightened female Bodhisattva.  A Bodhisattva is a person who has vowed that upon attaining enlightenment they will keep returning life after life to work until all sentient beings are liberated from suffering or ‘samsara’.  So in other words for Jetsumma Tenzin Palmo there was much work to be done.  After finally reaching breaking point she packed her bags to leave the monastery in search of the teachings she needed. Only then did her heart guru and teacher finally take her difficulties seriously and he instructed her to go into long term retreat.  She was ready for this massive commitment that no Western woman had done, despite all the hinderances she experienced.

Over a period of 12 years she lived in a cave in total isolation high up in the mountaneous ranges of India where she faced brutal weather conditions, encounters with all sorts of wildlife and a curious nomad who hindered more than he helped.  In short what Jetsumma Tenzin Palmo achieved has resulted in her being highly revered by both Tibetans & Westerners alike.  And I’m happy to include both men and women in that.  Having discovered this wonderful woman I devoured the book written about her life ‘Cave In The Snow’ in about two days.  Then after doing a bit of investigation I was delighted to discover she would be teaching about two hours drive away from Dharamsala in a place called Bir.  I booked myself in and off I went.  What struck me the most about Jetsumma was her ability to cut to the chase in a way that incorporates the East & the West, and for once in my experiences of Buddhist teaching the masculine and the feminine.  Keen to get my questions answered I requested a private audience and was told I could book in a whole hour with her at her nunnery so without hesitation I did so the following Monday!

The nunnery she has created is yet another amazing feat.  When China invaded Tibet it unfortunately brought about the disappearance of the Tibetan female yogis called the Togdenmas, only their male counterparts the Togdens remained in India.  Whilst living in the harsh conditions of the male dominated monastery, the Togdens were the only men at that time that truly saw Jetsumma and treated her with the respect she deserved.  Living a much stricter lifestyle than the average monk, these great masters have incredible abilities and therefore much to teach.  Jetsumma has created the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery with the goal of reviving the female Togdema tradition.  She has built it down the road from where the male Togdens reside today, so they can easily teach the lucky nuns who have found themselves in this unique position.

Whilst I was there for my audience the first nuns in this decade long training had just come out of their first three year, three month, three week & three day retreat.  Their hair was beautiful and long as they don’t cut it whist on retreat but what really struck me was their presence.  Sitting waiting for Jetsumma I ended up across from them as we curiously eyed each other up, offering something fresh and new from our respective norms.  I noticed how other wordly the look was in their eyes and how they couldn’t seem or want to hold a conversation for too long as they quickly went back to clicking their malas.  These women have made a commitment to do a 12 year retreat in total and I had come across them during a small break before they go back in to do another three year, three month, three week and three day retreat in total isolation.

As if that wasn’t enough excitment for a wannabe such as myself, I had the privilege of being taken on a tour of the nunnery by my friend Aileen who is the nun acting as secretary to Jetsumma who also happens to be from my homeland Ireland.  We walked into the shrine room and I was mesmerised.  Every single statue and painting was in the female form.  It was so inspirational and an absolute first for me.  In fact during my interview with Jetsumma I asked her is that the norm for nunneries to have such an open reverence towards the enlightened feminine form and her reply was “Well I haven’t seen it anywhere.”  She then went on to explain that if she wants her girls to truly believe that they can realise nirvana or enlightenment then they need to have authentic female rolemodels to follow.  The artist that created the paintings and statutes spent a long time going back into the history of Tibetan Buddhism to pull out these seemingly long forgotten figures of the feminine.

Now I don’t want to paint Jetsumma in an extreme feminist light, in fact during my time with her I found words of wisdom that sought only a balance.  Having been taught herself by men she has nothing but the deepest gratitude for all she has learnt which is demonstrated by the pictures of her male teachers all around her nunnery.  Finally finding myself in a position where I felt the answers to my questions would have equal representation from both sides, I asked Jetsumma what is the best path for a woman in a system dominated by the patriarchal where we are believed to be a lesser rebirth.  Her response was that even in a group of women some things that work for one, don’t necessarily work for another.  That there are no specific methods that suit just the feminine or the masculine and it is my job to check what works for me as an individual in everything that I am taught.

Those words brought me great peace. Yes the world needs to come more into balance and when I sit on retreat after retreat looking at the consistent female dominating percentage I know it is happening.  However every teaching has that pearl of wisdom in it and whether we are male or female, I believe it is still our choice to swallow or not.  What do you think?

Tashi delek from Dharamsala

Lisa

If you wish to go see Jetsumma Tenzin Palmo or make a donation to her incredible vision the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery please visit her website at www.tenzinpalmo.com.

www.spiritualbackpackersindia.com

Skype: Spiritualbackpackersindia

Mobile: +44 78 726 24603

Twitter: Retreatsindia 

Are we truly suffering or blindly blessed?

Are you feeling like the world is going a bit crazy these days? Have you had some recent first hand experiences of an upsetting globally renowned event?  This article will hopefully make you feel better as it gives you access to the bravery others have shown in the face of similar or indeed much worse adversity.

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Having recently sat through the London riots in the safety of my south London flat I gave thanks for the fact I was not above any commercial shops which seemed to be the main target.  As upsetting as it was I must admit it was a major reality check.  We all at times feel like we are in a bubble of safety here in the West and looking around that bubble is becoming more and more like the impermanent dream that it actually is.  Major shifts are happening as we move forward into 2012, the year predicted by the Mayan people as a powerful yet possibly terrifying time for humanity as we are forced to either take responsibility and step up or cash in our ‘karmic debt’.

So as we move forward into such uncertainty what can we do to make ourselves deal with it better?  One suggestion I would like to make is to look back and learn from our brothers and sisters who have already felt the harsh blow of fate and lived to not only tell the tale, but also have worked hard to share it in their writing.   Palden Gyatso is one such person who wrote the book ‘Fire Under The Snow’. In it he tells us how he was imprisoned for thirty-three years by Chinese forces in Tibet for the supposed ‘crime’ of wanting to be free to live his life as a Tibetan monk.  Upon his long awaited release he courageously fled across the Himalayan range to India smuggling with him the instruments of his repeated torture.  Determined to tell the world of the atrocities he experienced under the hands of the Chinese after their invasion of Tibet in 1950, Palden Gyatso was the first Tibetan to give evidence at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on the realities of Tibetan life under Chinese rule.  The response to which by the Chinese was that his story was “untrue”.

His book is a heart breaking yet at the same time entrancing account of all he endured.  Yes it is difficult to read about the brutality that went on and is still going on in Tibet.  But the reward for facing that reality as a reader is the lesson we learn that ultimately we are blessed and can draw upon the strength of people like Palden.  We may have difficulties ten fold, but if we still have the freedom to walk outside when we choose to, drink water when we are thirsty and speak openly to the people around us then are we truly suffering or blindly blessed?  Once we can see our reality through reading testimonies such as that in ‘Fire Under The Snow’ we can begin to relax.  Once we relax we are more equipped to make better decisions.  Once we start to make better decisions we are one individual creating a better world for all.   And together we can perhaps begin to slowly rebuild the wall of good karma that seems to have been left demolished for far too long here in the spiritual poverty of the West.  As many people travel to the Dalai Lama in India from all corners of the globe on spiritual retreats they don’t realise people like Palden Gyatso are also there in Dharamsala with their door open to visitors from far and wide as they courageously continue to share their incredible story…

Om mani padme hum

Tashi delek

Lisa & Lama Buga

Untitled

Are you feeling like the world is going a bit crazy these days? Have you had some recent first hand experiences of an upsetting globally renowned event?  This article will hopefully make you feel better as it gives you access to the bravery others have shown in the face of similar or indeed much worse adversity.

Having recently sat through the London riots in the safety of my south London flat I gave thanks for the fact I was not above any commercial shops which seemed to be the main target.  As upsetting as it was I must admit it was a major reality check.  We all at times feel like we are in a bubble of safety here in the West and looking around that bubble is becoming more and more like the impermanent dream that it actually is.  Major shifts are happening as we move forward into 2012, the year predicted by the Mayan people as a powerful yet possibly terrifying time for humanity as we are forced to either take responsibility and step up or cash in our ‘karmic debt’.

So as we move forward into such uncertainty what can we do to make ourselves deal with it better?  One suggestion I would like to make is to look back and learn from our brothers and sisters who have already felt the harsh blow of fate and lived to not only tell the tale, but also have worked hard to share it in their writing.   Palden Gyatso is one such person who wrote the book ‘Fire Under The Snow’. In it he tells us how he was imprisoned for thirty-three years by Chinese forces in Tibet for the supposed ‘crime’ of wanting to be free to live his life as a Tibetan monk.  Upon his long awaited release he courageously fled across the Himalayan range to India smuggling with him the instruments of his repeated torture.  Determined to tell the world of the atrocities he experienced under the hands of the Chinese after their invasion of Tibet in 1950, Palden Gyatso was the first Tibetan to give evidence at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on the realities of Tibetan life under Chinese rule.  The response to which by the Chinese was that his story was “untrue”.

His book is a heart breaking yet at the same time entrancing account of all he endured.  Yes it is difficult to read about the brutality that went on and is still going on in Tibet.  But the reward for facing that reality as a reader is the lesson we learn that ultimately we are blessed and can draw upon the strength of people like Palden.  We may have difficulties ten fold, but if we still have the freedom to walk outside when we choose to, drink water when we are thirsty and speak openly to the people around us then are we truly suffering or blindly blessed?  Once we can see our reality through reading testimonies such as that in ‘Fire Under The Snow’ we can begin to relax.  Once we relax we are more equipped to make better decisions.  Once we start to make better decisions we are one individual creating a better world for all.   And together we can perhaps begin to slowly rebuild the wall of good karma that seems to have been left demolished for far too long here in the spiritual poverty of the West.  As many people travel to the Dalai Lama in India from all corners of the globe on spiritual retreats they don’t realise people like Palden Gyatso are also there in Dharamsala with their door open to visitors from far and wide as they courageously continue to share their incredible story…

Om mani padme hum

Tashi delek

Lisa & Lama Buga

A magical Indian town that is dripping in Tibetan culture…

Do you feel like you could do with a bit of magic in your life right now?  Have you had enough of recent struggles and just want to escape it all to far off lands on a spiritual retreat? Well read on dear friends because I might have just the place for you…McLeod Ganj, India! 

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Tucked away in between Himalayan peaks and troughs is this bustling town with a difference.  Taking a stroll down the local bazaar you will be greeted by the maroon clad monks and nuns of the ever growing Tibetan community that is so widespread this town has become known as ‘Little Lhasa’.

Apart from being home to His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama, this special place offers a variety of different things to do to help you while away your time.  It is not unknown for a traveller to have spent a busy month in this great place and still not be quite sure what they actually did all that time.  And I have to be honest and say I am one such traveller.  Upon arrival in McLeod Ganj I found my head turning in surprise in the back of the taxi as I spotted a Tibetan monk strolling down the road with headphones on listening to his personal stereo.   And that set the scene completely.  So much that was totally new to me that I quickly started to explore and see what else I could find.

A medley of different pursuits are on offer from yoga to learning how to cook Tibetan momo’s, from teaching English to refugees to learning how to work with healing crystals.  Should you fancy it you can go down to the local Library of Tibetan Works and attend Buddhist philosophy classes pretty much every day.  One of the most fascinating aspects for me around the Tibetan culture is fact that the government have a ‘state oracle’ whom they consult when making decisions.  How great would it be if all governments did that? And that particular lama also resides down near the library if you are feeling brave!

I came here specifically to visit the Dalai Lama in India which was an incredible heart warming experience.  As a result I was keen to learn ways that I could somehow bring the magic of this place back to my friends and families back home I did a course in Tibetan massage.  This is a wonderful technique that was developed by the nomads of the Tibetan plains.  It has the physical aspect of helping the body unwind and regenerate, yet also focuses on the energy body including chakra alignment and clearing.  Learning something like that from someone who had it passed to them from one Tibetan nomadic generation to the next was a real privilege and true to form of this enriching town.

However if all you want to do while you are here is kick back and have a decent cup of chai McLeod Ganj has numerous coffee shops and restaurants scattered about the place.  One of my favourites has to be Shangri-La Restaurant.  This unique spot is run by Tibetan lamas from Gyumed Monastery and regardless of whether you are travelling alone or with a friend you are guaranteed to make friends.  But I must be honest and say most of McLeod Ganj is like that as looking back I can see the best souvenir I left with was friendships that continue to cross language barriers, oceans and time.

Fancy some of that for yourself? Check out our next spiritual tour in India.

Tashi delek

Lisa & Lama Buga

A magical Indian town that is dripping in Tibetan culture…

Do you feel like you could do with a bit of magic in your life right now?  Have you had enough of recent struggles and just want to escape it all to far off lands on a spiritual retreat? Well read on dear friends because I might have just the place for you…McLeod Ganj, India! 

Tucked away in between Himalayan peaks and troughs is this bustling town with a difference.  Taking a stroll down the local bazaar you will be greeted by the maroon clad monks and nuns of the ever growing Tibetan community that is so widespread this town has become known as ‘Little Lhasa’.

Apart from being home to His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama, this special place offers a variety of different things to do to help you while away your time.  It is not unknown for a traveller to have spent a busy month in this great place and still not be quite sure what they actually did all that time.  And I have to be honest and say I am one such traveller.  Upon arrival in McLeod Ganj I found my head turning in surprise in the back of the taxi as I spotted a Tibetan monk strolling down the road with headphones on listening to his personal stereo.   And that set the scene completely.  So much that was totally new to me that I quickly started to explore and see what else I could find.

A medley of different pursuits are on offer from yoga to learning how to cook Tibetan momo’s, from teaching English to refugees to learning how to work with healing crystals.  Should you fancy it you can go down to the local Library of Tibetan Works and attend Buddhist philosophy classes pretty much every day.  One of the most fascinating aspects for me around the Tibetan culture is fact that the government have a ‘state oracle’ whom they consult when making decisions.  How great would it be if all governments did that? And that particular lama also resides down near the library if you are feeling brave!

I came here specifically to visit the Dalai Lama in India which was an incredible heart warming experience.  As a result I was keen to learn ways that I could somehow bring the magic of this place back to my friends and families back home I did a course in Tibetan massage.  This is a wonderful technique that was developed by the nomads of the Tibetan plains.  It has the physical aspect of helping the body unwind and regenerate, yet also focuses on the energy body including chakra alignment and clearing.  Learning something like that from someone who had it passed to them from one Tibetan nomadic generation to the next was a real privilege and true to form of this enriching town.

However if all you want to do while you are here is kick back and have a decent cup of chai McLeod Ganj has numerous coffee shops and restaurants scattered about the place.  One of my favourites has to be Shangri-La Restaurant.  This unique spot is run by Tibetan lamas from Gyumed Monastery and regardless of whether you are travelling alone or with a friend you are guaranteed to make friends.  But I must be honest and say most of McLeod Ganj is like that as looking back I can see the best souvenir I left with was friendships that continue to cross language barriers, oceans and time.

Fancy some of that for yourself? Check out our next spiritual tour in India.

Tashi delek

Lisa & Lama Buga

What's it like to attend teaching by the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India?

High up in Northern India is a bustling town McLeod Ganj, which is home to the world’s most famous refugee, his Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama.  Since the Cultural Revolution in Tibet in the 80’s thousands of Tibetans have put their lives in danger and courageously walked across the Himalayas to reach this now sacred place.  So strong is the Tibetan culture in this town that it has fondly become known as ‘Little Lhasa’.  As China continues to morph the Tibetan landscape and strip it bare of its diverse and rich way of life, tourists are now flocking to McLeod Ganj for an authentic experience of Tibetan Buddhism and all it entails.  

 A myriad of different spiritual pursuits are on offer which at times can seem a bit overwhelming but the number one thing that is guaranteed to draw global crowds in their thousands is the public teachings by the Dalai Lama.  The immense faith is so high in this great spiritual leader that it knows no borders or language barriers.  For example at the teachings you will find people listening to their personal radios to hear the translations of the teachings into their own global language.  But one of the most striking things has to be the sight of people from all walks of life going into deep states of meditation simply by being in the heartfelt presence of this wonderful man who refers to himself as ‘a simple monk’.   

On the mere sight of him people are reduced to tears as he blows hearts wide open.  I had no idea this was a common thing until I experienced it first hand myself.  Initially I was pleasantly surprised to discover he would be walking right by me to leave the teaching, however as he passed I was even more surprised to find myself quickly reduced to my knees with tears streaming down my face.  My mind clambered to make sense of such a profound and unexpected experience.  Out of the blue came the words “I have made it back home” and I am not even Tibetan…well in this lifetime anyway!  And from that this idea of ‘Spiritual Backpackers India’ was born where we run group tours to afford people the opportunity to experience the wisdom and beauty of his teachings first hand, and learn meditation from the monks and nuns of the Dalai Lama’s lineage.  We feel if ever there was a time for the wonder of this man’s love and the power of meditation to be more accessible to the world it has to be now! Is this what your heart has been crying out for?  Are you ready to join us for the next teachings in October?

If so visit our website

http://www.spiritualbackpackersindia.com/Home.html

Tashi delek

Lisa & Lama Buga

 

What's it like to attend teaching by the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India?

High up in Northern India is a bustling town McLeod Ganj, which is home to the world’s most famous refugee, his Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama.  Since the Cultural Revolution in Tibet in the 80’s thousands of Tibetans have put their lives in danger and courageously walked across the Himalayas to reach this now sacred place.  So strong is the Tibetan culture in this town that it has fondly become known as ‘Little Lhasa’.  As China continues to morph the Tibetan landscape and strip it bare of its diverse and rich way of life, tourists are now flocking to McLeod Ganj for an authentic experience of Tibetan Buddhism and all it entails.  

 A myriad of different spiritual pursuits are on offer which at times can seem a bit overwhelming but the number one thing that is guaranteed to draw global crowds in their thousands is the public teachings by the Dalai Lama.  The immense faith is so high in this great spiritual leader that it knows no borders or language barriers.  For example at the teachings you will find people listening to their personal radios to hear the translations of the teachings into their own global language.  But one of the most striking things has to be the sight of people from all walks of life going into deep states of meditation simply by being in the heartfelt presence of this wonderful man who refers to himself as ‘a simple monk’.   

On the mere sight of him people are reduced to tears as he blows hearts wide open.  I had no idea this was a common thing until I experienced it first hand myself.  Initially I was pleasantly surprised to discover he would be walking right by me to leave the teaching, however as he passed I was even more surprised to find myself quickly reduced to my knees with tears streaming down my face.  My mind clambered to make sense of such a profound and unexpected experience.  Out of the blue came the words “I have made it back home” and I am not even Tibetan…well in this lifetime anyway!  And from that this idea of ‘Spiritual Backpackers India’ was born where we run group tours to afford people the opportunity to experience the wisdom and beauty of his teachings first hand, and learn meditation from the monks and nuns of the Dalai Lama’s lineage.  We feel if ever there was a time for the wonder of this man’s love and the power of meditation to be more accessible to the world it has to be now! Is this what your heart has been crying out for?  Are you ready to join us for the next teachings in October?

If so visit our website

http://www.spiritualbackpackersindia.com/Home.html

Tashi delek

Lisa & Lama Buga

 

The raw power of Mother Gaia...

McLeod Ganj is a bustling little town nestled high up in northern India at the foothills of the Himalayas.  Despite wide belief that the hometown of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama is Dharamsala, it is actually this wonderful little town that is his home in exile.  Since the Cultural Revolution in Tibet thousands of Tibetans have taken the perilous trip over the Himalayas for the safe sanctuary that this town provides.  The Tibetan culture is so strong here that it now has the nickname ‘Little Lhasa’.  I flew into Gaggal airport which is a short taxi ride away from McLeod Ganj where you are instantly greeted by the peaks and troughs of the majestic Himalayan range.  Straight away a yearning was born to get higher up to see the full beauty of what was on offer from this incredible landscape.   A few days into the trip I learned of a trek that could be done in one day that affords you a wonderful up close and personal view of the snowy peaks I had seen in the distance.   

Armed with water, snacks and many layers of clothing we set off a week later to climb up to this place which is commonly known by the locals as ‘Triund’.  Straight away our band of two became a band of seven as five local dogs decided to accompany us all the way to the top.  Something told us that this was their way of ensuring a daily meal or two from many unsuspecting tourists who were easily smitten by how cute they were.  And their endearing ways had us pulled right in there with the best of them!  Two hours into the climb we stopped some local people to ask them was it much further.  The glint in their eyes accompanied by scoffs of laughter confirmed we were nowhere near where we wanted to be and had to toughen up if we wanted to get to the view we had heard so much about.

The day got hotter and hotter, the climb got steeper and more perilous as we found ourselves weaving around and up the edge of the mountain with nothing but a seemingly infinite drop to our right to make sure we kept our focus.  At one point we turned a corner and could see the path winding and winding its way upward and beyond, which at the point in time made our feet ache that little bit more.  Three quarters way up to the top, although we didn’t know it at the time, we came across a little house with a shop selling food, drink and beautiful raw crystals cut straight from the mountain.  It was there we got chatting to other climbers who were Nepalese and did this climb regularly.  Their advice was ‘slowly slowly’.   Armed with more water, extra biscuits for the dogs and fantastic crystals for friends and family we set off once again.

About an hour and a half later, we were so high that snowflakes gently falling all around had replaced the blistering sun and we thought we must be near!  Another quick check in with some locals passing by in the opposite direction confirmed we had guessed right.  Inching our way up the last winding pass we came out into a view that can only be described as incredulous!  Snowy peaks towered over us in the nearby distance bringing about genuine humility at the true power and beauty of our dear Mother Gaia.  It was one of those times in life where you are totally present to the mercy we humans are at when it comes to her leniency towards us and all the harm that we do to her.  The mighty strength coming from those mountains was so intense that one could only feel respect.  And as I looked out over the Himalayan range I knew in my heart mess with Mother Gaia and there would be only one winner...so why as humans do we not see this? When will we learn?

With love

Lisa

P.S. As for the dogs well they followed us all the way back down and at the end of our journey ran back into their respective houses! 

www.spiritualbackpackersindia.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spiritual-Backpackers-India/169789129745613

The raw power of Mother Gaia...

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McLeod Ganj is a bustling little town nestled high up in northern India at the foothills of the Himalayas.  Despite wide belief that the hometown of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama is Dharamsala, it is actually this wonderful little town that is his home in exile.  Since the Cultural Revolution in Tibet thousands of Tibetans have taken the perilous trip over the Himalayas for the safe sanctuary that this town provides.  The Tibetan culture is so strong here that it now has the nickname ‘Little Lhasa’.  I flew into Gaggal airport which is a short taxi ride away from McLeod Ganj where you are instantly greeted by the peaks and troughs of the majestic Himalayan range.  Straight away a yearning was born to get higher up to see the full beauty of what was on offer from this incredible landscape.   A few days into the trip I learned of a trek that could be done in one day that affords you a wonderful up close and personal view of the snowy peaks I had seen in the distance.   

Armed with water, snacks and many layers of clothing we set off a week later to climb up to this place which is commonly known by the locals as ‘Triund’.  Straight away our band of two became a band of seven as five local dogs decided to accompany us all the way to the top.  Something told us that this was their way of ensuring a daily meal or two from many unsuspecting tourists who were easily smitten by how cute they were.  And their endearing ways had us pulled right in there with the best of them!  Two hours into the climb we stopped some local people to ask them was it much further.  The glint in their eyes accompanied by scoffs of laughter confirmed we were nowhere near where we wanted to be and had to toughen up if we wanted to get to the view we had heard so much about.

The day got hotter and hotter, the climb got steeper and more perilous as we found ourselves weaving around and up the edge of the mountain with nothing but a seemingly infinite drop to our right to make sure we kept our focus.  At one point we turned a corner and could see the path winding and winding its way upward and beyond, which at the point in time made our feet ache that little bit more.  Three quarters way up to the top, although we didn’t know it at the time, we came across a little house with a shop selling food, drink and beautiful raw crystals cut straight from the mountain.  It was there we got chatting to other climbers who were Nepalese and did this climb regularly.  Their advice was ‘slowly slowly’.   Armed with more water, extra biscuits for the dogs and fantastic crystals for friends and family we set off once again.

About an hour and a half later, we were so high that snowflakes gently falling all around had replaced the blistering sun and we knew we were almost there.  Another quick check in with some locals passing by in the opposite direction confirmed we were almost there.  Inching our way up the last winding pass we came out into a view that can only be described as incredulous!  Snowy peaks towered over us in the nearby distance bringing about genuine humility at the true power and beauty of our dear Mother Gaia.  It was one of those times in life where you are totally present to the mercy we humans are at when it comes to here leniency towards us and all the harm that we do to her.  The mighty strength coming from those mountains was so intense that one could only feel respect.  Mess with those mountains and there would be only one winner...

As for the dogs well they followed us all the way back down and at the end of our journey ran back into their respective houses!