The Red and White palace of Potala Palace
In the midst of the 2008 travel ban to Tibet, I signed up for a tour to Nepal and Tibet. Back then in 2008, I was buried by work, no time to research my travel logistics nor my destinations. I would pick up brochures and find somewhere far, far away from my cubicle in Toronto, Canada. I submitted my request for 4 weeks vacation in February 2008 to ensure work will be scheduled around my “escape time”. Continue reading
Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet – the country which the 14th Dalai Lama had to flee from back in 1959.
Rows of souvenir shops in Lhasa
During my 2008 visit of Tibet, I often wondered how the country would look if it was untouched by China. Continue reading
Back in October 2008, I was very fortunate to have crossed the border from Nepal and visited 4 cities in Tibet; Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse and Sakya.
Tibetan Buddhism is sacred to me. Though I do not claim to be a Tibetan Buddhist yet in this life.
Every now and then though, I would recite one of Tibetan Buddhism’s oldest and most sacred mantra: Om Mani Peme Hung. In Sanskrit, it is Om Mani Padme Hum. This mantra is associated with Chenrezig Bodhisattva and it means “Om, jewel in the lotus, hum.” Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit) is the embodiment of compassion.
When this mantra is recited (aloud or silently) or seen visually, it invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig.
While traveling between cities, I captured these photos…
Tibetan Buddhism mantra – Om Mani Peme Hung
“March 10, 2014, marks the 55th anniversary of 1959 National Uprising against China’s illegal occupation of Tibet, when H.H. the Dalai Lama was forced to flee into exile. It also marks the 6 year anniversary since wide spread protests against Chinese rule swept Tibet in 2008.” ~ This quote is taken from a handout I received on Monday during the annual Tibetan National Uprising Day rally in Toronto, Canada.
Back in October 2008, I traveled to Tibet on a flight from Kathmandu, Nepal, stayed there for 7 days and traveled overland back to Nepal. It was an extremely memorable experience for me. The natural landscape was stunning while surveying the remnants of old Tibet broke my heart. Continue reading
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.
And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.
~ H.H. the Dalai Lama
Your memory will improve if you are able to practice a little meditation every day, withdrawing from the scattered mind. The conceptual mind that runs on thinking of good things, bad things, and so forth will get a rest. A little non-conceptuality can provide a much needed vacation.
~ H.H. the Dalai Lama
Whenever we see any disagreements, we must think how to solve them on the basis of recognition of oneness of the entire humanity.
~ H.H. the Dalai Lama
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
~ H.H. the Dalai Lama
Laziness has three aspects: having no wish to do good, being distracted by negative activities, and underestimating oneself by doubting one’s ability. Related to these are taking undue pleasure in idleness and sleep and being indifferent to samsara as a state of suffering.
~ H.H. the Dalai Lama
Single Woman Travels! 