A room of one's own, my own...
Trip Start
Jan 30, 2008
1
10
11
Trip End
May 31, 2008
Dharamsala, India
Monday, April 14, 2008
residence to His Holiness (he's never here), where they are preserving
Tibetan culture through art. The layout was designed by a Japanese
architect, and is in the form of an Avalokitesvara mandala
(bodhissattva of compassion, Dalai Lama incarnate). There is a
temple at his head, painted and with sculptures by the students here.
There is a fountain at his heart.
I am staying at the guesthouse, in a room that smells like fresh paint
and wood. I wake up to the sound of exotic birds in the bamboo
and flowers around the house. This is my little retreat, away
from the group, alone, with time to read novels. I'm working on
my independent study project, learning how the Tibetan community in
exile is preserving their culture, how they can at an institute that is
foreign owned....
I've made friends with Tashi, the night watchman. Last night we
watched The Matrix and struggled through the language barrier,
something I do quite often here. He's from Kham (Tibet).
That's about all I learned...
--------------
I haven't spoken much about Bhutan because I wasn't allowed to.
The government is too sensitive, so any little criticism is taken very
seriously. A friend was put on probation for a few little descriptions
of their culture...we were told not to write after that, until we left
the country.
I'm not sure what I think of my time spent there. I tried to be
happy in my empty moments, but was never completely until the plane
touched down in India again...
In
Bumthang I learned how to milk cows, feed chickens, scare the cat away
from our toasted rice (chhhhhh!!!). I watched the clouds
change through the valley, twist themselves around the surrounding
mountains. Becuase of the elevation, the clouds were so close...
At Sherubtse College, we learned with our host students, rose when the
teachers entered, said "yes ma'am, yes sir" when they asked a
question. Bhutanese guys threw us notes, asking us to go on
"walks" with them...the Bhutanese form of dating, and actually probably
much better than the way it's done in the West. I went on one
just for the experience (a bit awkward...).
The food was terrible, and we feared malnutrition, no, we lived
malnutrition. Chilis, cheese, rice....a few vegetables maybe here
or there, hardly a fruit, no meet, a lot of potatos, always too
spicy. It was a hungry month....
We've been a lucky semester. We got to witness the first
democratic elections. Some are excited about it, some hate it,
most call it an experiment. "We'll see how it works." My
"walk" can't wait. He said finally, Bhutanese people would be
able to speak... I really hope it works for them...I'm beginning to
understand how democracy isn't for every country...
-------------------------
I'm glad to be back in Dharamsala, amongst Tibetans, people I know, a
language I know, streets I know, momos and thukpa. I'm even
considering coming back here after the program, instead of traveling to
Nepal or Ladakh...we'll see what happens. It's good to feel at
home when I'm so far from it....
Every night there are candelight vigils here. We chant and march
to the temple from the bus stop, we take moments of silence, and we
join in the community's hope for peace. There are posters
everywhere with disturbing pictures of silenced Tibetans, there are
signs pleading for peace and recognition. There is a lot of pain
here, different from the last month when I was here. Jampala, our
beloved Tibetan teacher, has had many tearful conversations with us...
Stay updated as to what's happening with the Olympics. Don't let this die out.
With that, I'll say ciao for now. I have to visit some workshops and start making connections.
Missing home, very much, and yet not ever wanting to leave...I wish the world were smaller....I wish there were 10 of me....
Be well.
Comments
Yet again, I'm amazed and delighted....
Oh, dear girl, I, too, wish there were ten of you! Have you considered cloning yourself?
Painful as it is, it's a beautiful and holy thing to feel the pain of others. That kind of emotional pain stunts the ego's growth and, thus, you dig deeper to reach higher ground. Big egos are too heavy to take to a higher level. You are most fortunate to be rid of the weight of ego. I feel strongly that you will be 'at home' no matter where you are. I can not help but see you as a universal spirit; hence a 'resting place' for God/Spirit/Source. Congratulations!
Love,
Rosita
Spring Flower in Bloom
Dear Charlee,
Despite how much I (we all) miss you, I love that you are feeling such passion in your experience. It is precious that our primary communication with you right now is the written word; it is allowing us to hear your heart's most intimate stirrings without any of the usual social packaging. I feel the rawness of your emotions and I am there with you. Thank you for inviting me in.
Charlee, I have to tell you that I am in awe of the woman you have become. It takes my breath away to read your words and to realize how you have grown. It was only a moment ago that you were sitting on my knees, sliding down into my lap, giggling and saying 'again again'....
Really, it was only a few minutes ago, I assure you.
I miss you so much and can't wait to see you; but putting those emotions in check, what I most want is for you to continue to steep yourself in this amazing historical experience. I know that being where you are is shaping a passionate commitment to social justice that will be with you throughout your life wherever you are. This, my sweet niece, is as you've discovered, among life's most important purposes.
I love you with all my heart Charlee, not only because I always have, but because of who you've become.
Auntie Loie
p.s. When you come home and realize how much Iladro has grown in these few short months, you'll have a real taste of how I am feeling about you.
Words from your Sweet Grandma and Ole Grandpa
Hi Charlee,
This is your ole Grandpa!!! I'm glad you are having a good time and continue to have a good time. Quite pleased that you know how to milk a cow. There should be no shortage of milk when you get home. Can't wait for you to come back. Your trip sounds very interesting.
Now, this is Grandma speaking...We're sitting here waiting to have fried matzah with your mom; wish you were here to join us. Your blogs are very very interesting to read. Wish I could have been there to see what you are seeing. Looking forward to summer when you'll be back home so that we can see you again soon, and back to the old grind. I'm sure you're going to feel mixed emotions, sad to leave, but happy to be home. Right now the weather here has been beautiful, very sunny, with a warm trend. Hope it continues, don't need anymore ice storms. Well, hopefully we will be able to blog you again before you come back. If that doesn't work out, have a safe trip home. Looking forward to seeing you.
Love, kisses, hugs,
Your Grandma and Grandpa
p.s. You are still my diamond and will always be (Grandma)
p.p.s. Love and kisses (Grandpa)