As the afternoon session ended, His Holiness descended the stairs with Richard Gere behind him. We always make our way to the edge of the stairs to get a glimpse of him as he makes his way to the car. Yesterday, quite by accident, we were positioned at his car as he came to get in. He looked me straight in the eyes and nodded...I cried. He has such a powerful presence to be such an unassuming man. He describes himself as "just a simple monk." I am always so very impressed.
I love the Tibetan food; not too spicy, but delicious! They didn't have change this morning at the Peace Cafe, so they told me to pay them later. I will probably eat dinner there and pay for both meals at once. Did I mention my dinner costs $1.15? I love this town! There are a few more places to hike and things I want to see before I leave, so I will probably stay the rest of the week. With all these mountains, my legs are hard as a rock.
The night bus leaves McLeodganj each evening at 6 pm and arrives in New Delhi the next morning. I can get my hands done with henna again, spend the night there, and take the morning train to Agra - the Taj Mahal beckons!
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| Room with a View! |
The mountains above the tree line are turning white as the snow deepens on the slopes...so beautiful to see out my windows as I arise each morning. It snowed in the high mountains again yesterday as it poured down rain below.
The wind blew rain onto our backs and the temperature dropped as thousands sat for the teachings of H.H. the Dalai Lama. Not wanting to miss a word, my friend and I sat, freezing, until the noon break when I was able to get back to the hotel for my down jacket. H.H. really has a way of making the text so clear, it is easy for me to understand and strengthen my practice. The teachings are regarding the path to enlightenment through meditation. After the second day, I feel I have a much better understanding of the stages of meditation and the steps needed to reach them. He is giving the lay vows tomorrow in which I will participate. Imagine, taking your vows from His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself!
As the afternoon session ended, His Holiness descended the stairs with Richard Gere behind him. We always make our way to the edge of the stairs to get a glimpse of him as he makes his way to the car. Yesterday, quite by accident, we were positioned at his car as he came to get in. He looked me straight in the eyes and nodded...I cried. He has such a powerful presence to be such an unassuming man. He describes himself as "just a simple monk." I am always so very impressed.
I walked the circumambulation on the trail that circles the mountain below the compound of His Holiness, with his residence perched high on top. It is a paved path with two series of prayer wheels, a temple, a senior citizen home for Tibetans, and an artist carving Tibetan script in stone. The path is lined on the sides in stones with prayers carved and painted and many prayer flags flying above. In the early morning you can see many Tibetans taking the path, men and women alike, some in good shape and many walking with canes...so devoted to their faith.
I love the Tibetan food; not too spicy, but delicious! They didn't have change this morning at the Peace Cafe, so they told me to pay them later. I will probably eat dinner there and pay for both meals at once. Did I mention my dinner costs $1.15? I love this town! There are a few more places to hike and things I want to see before I leave, so I will probably stay the rest of the week. With all these mountains, my legs are hard as a rock.
The night bus leaves McLeodganj each evening at 6 pm and arrives in New Delhi the next morning. I can get my hands done with henna again, spend the night there, and take the morning train to Agra - the Taj Mahal beckons!
