Dharamsala photos

The above is me on an early morning walk before yoga, before the streets fill up with cars.  The dogs inspired me to do Downward Facing Dog on the spot.

Early morning yoga class on the roof of our hotel (which also serves as a restaurant at night) in Dharamsala.  A mile high, at 5280 ft. in altitude, at the foothills of the Himalayas and pleasantly cool, this was the most beautiful spot, overlooking mountains and trees:

Om Mani Padme Hum Prayer Wheels at the temple outside the Dalai Lama’s residence.  “Mani” is the JEWEL and “Padme” is the LOTUS.  This mantra is a greeting to the the jewel which represents compassion, love, full human potential awakening and growing in the lotus which represents the emerging human individual on the path to becoming a better person, to becoming the best we can be.

From the Buddhist Temple, a reminder of how hard Buddha had to work, how hard the journey to Enlightenment:

Beautiful Bodhisattva of Compassion:

Buddhism is about overcoming suffering and so Buddha brought wisdom and light to the world with the teachings of Buddhism. Butter burning candles represent this light, knowledge and guidance:

Rinchen is married to the Dalai Lama’s brother.  She hosted us at her home and spoke to us at length about the current situation of the Tibetan refugees.  She was delightful. eloquent,  ever so well educated and well spoken:

Rinchen’s cat!  This little girl looks just like my Little Bear!!  I couldn’t believe it:

Kelley and Arvind next to Rinchen:

Don, Julia, and Theresa at Rinchen’s cottage.  We had the best meal that evening, traditional Tibetan food.  I wish I had photographed the dishes, but I was too busy eating!