04/21/2024
Dallas Yoga Center
Journey to North India
🌟 Reflecting on a journey that still feels like a vivid dream... 🌟
When I was young, my heart yearned to be in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He represented more than just a spiritual leader; he embodied compassion, wisdom, and a profound care for all beings. It was this longing that shaped my path, leading me to study Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and psychology as an undergrad at Hampshire College.
But the real turning point came during my junior year, when serendipity introduced me to a remarkable opportunity: teaching English at the Tibetan Monastery, Ganden, nestled in the Tibetan resettlement community in South India. I was merely 18, wide-eyed, and bushy-tailed!
Life took on new dimensions there. I found myself in gorgeous Tibetan temples amidst countless monks chanting and conducting ceremonies. And often His Holiness would visit, and I would have the incredible opportunity to sit amongst a handful of westerners and receive teachings that resonated deep within.
Also I would travel to Dharamsala, at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the Dalai Lama lives. Sitting in the Dalai Lama’s serene Namgyal Monastery Temple, mere steps away from where His Holiness would lead Tibetan Ta***ic initiations, I was filled with a sense of wonder and excitement.
And then there were other moments of profound significance, like my pilgrimage to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his inaugural teachings. There I joined 30,000 Tibetans to experience the Kalachakra, the pinnacle of ta***ic practice in the Gelugpa sect.
Upon graduation, I returned to Dallas, carrying with me the treasures of my epic trip. I continued nurturing my relationship with Tibetan Buddhism, bringing a piece of that mystical world to my community. I organized events where Tibetan monks showcased their mesmerizing dances and created intricate sand mandalas, weaving a tapestry of culture, spirituality, and profound connection.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to be in the presence of His Holiness many times. I traveled to D.C. once for his teachings and was grateful to see him in Arkansas and even once he visited SMU here in Dallas.
And for the last 10 years my mission has been to share the incredible world of Tibetan culture and spirituality with others by leading transformational spiritual journeys to Dharamsala. Each trip is carefully curated to give participants the time and energy to explore their innermost being. I teach about Tibetan Buddhism, guiding them on a journey of self-discovery and awakening.
And amidst it all, with deep reverence we dip into the preciousness of Tibetan culture—a culture that has persevered despite the challenges of history. We are blessed that the Tibetan people have preserved their diaspora as refugees since the invasion of China into their homeland in 1959. Their resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and compassion.
And then, every once in a while on a journey to sacred North India, something truly magical happens. We receive blessings from His Holiness—a transcendent experience that defies description. It's as if we're bathed in a divine love, enveloped in an otherworldly profound transmission of wisdom and compassion.
Looking back, I'm humbled and grateful for the opportunity to walk this path, to share the wisdom and beauty of Tibetan Buddhism with others. Each moment, each encounter, is a reminder of the boundless possibilities that await when we open our hearts to the world around us. 🙏✨
