I have always wanted to go to Tibet.
In 1986 I painted
a picture entitled Tibetan Sunrise. It hangs in my bedroom and
I look at it every day that I am home. It reminds me that
there are places in this world that no matter what goes on
outwardly, these are spiritual anchor points. Such a place is
Tibet.
My husband Gary won this trip to Tibet in a draw from a
publishing company in New York called Snow Lion. Over the
years, Gary has purchased many publications and Buddhist
artifacts from Snow Lion. I guess they drew from their
customer base and he was the lucky winner.
The trip
centered around a spiritual group of people from all over the
world and it was led by Glen Mullen author of many books on
Tibetan Buddhism. At first, though I was interested, I had not
really planned to take the trip. This was Gary's trip or so I
thought and I felt that I might hold him back from meditating
in the temples and appreciating all the sites and lore that he
has studied for so many years. But, when he showed me the
pictures of some of the sites and temples the trip would
visit, I made the decision to go. I am so glad I did!
We started off in Beijing spending a few days there before
landing in the barren, rugged country of Tibet. Right away you
could feel the essence of the people - spiritual, deep, hard
working, tenacious and steadfast. It was clear, regardless of
their circumstances, that they fully embodied the principles
of tolerance, living in the moment, deep appreciation,
spirituality above all else and an acceptance of things as
they are.
Tibetan Buddhism is alive and well in Tibet
despite history, politics and circumstances. If you ever feel
down or depressed in your life, just know that thousands of
Tibetan people are praying, chanting, spinning their prayer
wheels and fingering their beads while doing their mantras -
all for you! Buddhists pray for "all sentient beings" which
means everyone everywhere regardless of circumstances,
alignments or sentiments. To me Tibet is one of the main
anchor points for healing and peace that radiates out into the
world on a daily basis.
We started out in Tsetang and visited several monasteries
and a nunnery. I got so much out hearing the monks and nuns
chant. It gave me such a deep sense of peace that I could have
happily listened to them for hours. The artifacts, paintings
and hangings really didn't matter as much to me as the
vibration that emanated from the people living so simply
within those walls. It was evident that this is a simple
religion. There really is no need for temples or any
complicated philosophy. The heart and mind know.
After a few days there we moved on to more monasteries in
Shigatse - one dramatic one high up in the mountains with
staggeringly beautiful views of the valleys below. Here
several Tibetan mystics are said to have achieved
enlightenment while meditating in the small caves perched high
in the rugged terrain.
I think this area of Tibet could be
a focal point where old patterns are removed and new insights
gained.
I almost always wanted to spend time outside - connected to
the land not the past. I felt the vibration, essence and
purity of the place from the rugged land and the expansive
skies. Something moved within me each time.
The group was fun to be with and the bus drivers and guides
became our friends. We enjoyed carefully chosen restaurants,
with for the most part, great food. The hotels were nice,
especially the one in Lhasa - the capital. Our room opened up
onto a courtyard and I have never heard such birds singing to
us at dawn each morning.Toilets flushed and showers worked.
Put Tibet on your list of places to visit. I am sure you will
enjoy it.
Take a look
at some of the pictures of our trip.
