Ms Chopra is both spiritual writer and poet based in Delhi. This book published in 2007, shares her experiences in McLeod Ganj. For those who are intending to spend some time in Dharamsala, this book comes highly recommended – I wish I had come across it earlier.
Ms Chopra informs the reader that Dharamsala is a union of two Hindi and Sanskrit words Dharma (bear support, or religion) and shala (home) – the home of Dhama. It also refers to a resting place for pilgrims and sadhus that can be found in almost every town at minimal or no expense.
Chopra´s experiences in the town are quite varied. She spends time with the Karmpa (head of the black hatted sect - Karma Kagyu), attending conferences held by the Mind and Life institute, attending classes at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA), as well as sharing personal experiences with other “seekers”.
On the Karmapa, she talks about his virtual house-arrest on his arrival from Tibet to India. Distrust continued for years due to his Chinese approval, until HH Dalai Lama took him under his wing.
The Mind and Life Institute was set up by the Dalai Lama to incorporate both Eastern and Western scientific learning. His Holiness is particularly interested in neuroscientific research – clearly a man of many interests!
Chopra talks about “co-worlds” - places that are cultural melting pots and live in co-existence : Indians, Tibetans and overseas visitors. The latter group are all “seekers” - people on some kind of spiritual journey and as such share a common bond. What kind of “seeker” I am is still yet to be determined.
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