Categories: culture, himachal pradesh, himalayas, photo essay

Tibetan Buddhism at Dharamsala

I spent a few days in McLeodganj or Upper Dharamsala in November, walking on its narrow roads and gazing at the mountains, trees, birds and Tibetan Buddhists. Being the home of HH Dalai Lama, you see Buddhist Monks and Buddhist symbols in every corner of McLeodGanj. Before I arrived at Dharamsala, I had made plenty of plans about places to see and things to photograph. I was getting a feeling that my three days would be so packed that I will hardly manage to get the feel of the place. But there was a sudden change the moment I arrived in town. I kept my camera away and spent most of my time in Dharamsala walking in the beautiful hills, often aimlessly and randomly. I did not find the need for a schedule. I did not find the need to go see all things that must be seen. I did not wish to get busy with the camera. I simply let the days pass from moment to moment and spent most of my time walking in the hills. Only on  my last day in McLeodganj did I spend a few hours taking pictures. Here are some of the images of the Buddhist world in Dharamsala captures in those few hours.

prayer wheels

Prayers wheels on the way to Dalai Lama Temple in Dharamsala

prayer wheels

Prayer wheels – handheld ones.

prayer flags

Prayer flags fluttering near Dalai Lama Temple

prayer flags

A stupa or chorten with prayer flags in the background

dharamsala

dharamsala

dharamsala

Buddhist monk

A Buddhist Monk carving mani stones. Mani stones are tablets bearing the sacred mantra – Om Mani Padmehum

mani stone

A mani stone

dalailama temple

Devout Buddhists prostrating at the Dalailama Temple

Buddhist monk

A monk on the streets of McLeodganj

dharamsala

Finally.. an elderly lady with rosaries in hand, walking on the circumambulation path around Dalailama Temple

Prints of all the images available. Request for prints.

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