Concerning class and activities

    Before commenting on the students' classes and various activities it is worth mentioning the field trip we went on the weekend of the 19th. We began at the Tibetan Department of Information and International relations (DIIR) in Dharamsala, where the protocol officer gave us the rundown on the multifaceted nature of this section of the Central Tibetan Administration.

    The DIIR handles information and publication of the environmental, political, and human rights conditions in Tibet. It is in charge of the education of the Tibetan community in regards to those things, and the publication of magazines and newspapers as well. We were given a tour of the DIIR complex, which handles the communications and publications in regards to the 11 offices of Tibet in New Delhi, Kathmandu, Geneva, New York, Tokyo, London, Moscow, Brussels, Canberra, Pretoria, and Taipei. The department also handles the publication of two Tibetan magazines and newspapers for the general Tibetan public. Below is a picture of the printing press.

    After our stay at the DIIR we moved on to the library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which is an integral part of the preservation of Tibetan culture. Founded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1970, the library acts as a resource center for the promotion of the exchange of ideas between students and scholars. Since it's opening in 1970 the library has been active in acquiring manuscripts, artifacts, works of art, and books, and gives access to the Tibetan community to these things. It provides copies and prints of its holdings and is a reference center for such resources. The archives contain bibliographies and documentation of all of the artifacts and literature kept by the library, and is it's own publishing company as well. The colorfully shelved scrolls and Tibetan manuscripts were an impressive site to us, and really spoke of the rich heritage characteristic of Tibetan culture.

   
    Today marks the beginning of the third week of classes here at Sarah. Languages offered are Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, and Tibetan. Some of the more brave students are taking two languages at once, such as Tibetan and Hindi. Buddhist philosophy is taught by Geshe-la Graham Woodhouse, an accomplished British monk who has spent over 15 years in the area. He began the course with a history of the development of Buddhism in Tibet, as it came to popularity over the previously practiced Bon religion. He has now begun to introduce concepts such as the four noble truths and the six addresses of rebirth to the class.

    As an added supplement to the class Geshe-la Woodhouse is running 45 minute meditation sessions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Those interested have been learning the value of breathing meditation, and how it can provide a healthy experience to the practitioner through relieving the mind of judgment and overactive thought. Slightly more eerie, but equally as valuable has been the meditation on death! The first session was today and I think the participants left with a sense of energy and urgency to use their time on this planet wisely!

    Tibetan medicine is taught by Dr. Raj, a specialist in ayurvedic medicine and traditional Tibetan healing arts. He teaches about interrelatedness of all of the systems functioning within the body, how they can be affected by the outside world, and what can be done to restore unbalanced parts to their natural rhythms. Remaining in harmony with one’s environment and spirituality are important concepts. Students will have the opportunity to visit his, and other clinics in the area to observe these medical practices firsthand.

    Other courses being taken include ethnographic field methods, where students learn interview and mapping techniques, as well as research project design. Coupled with the applied anthropology course taught by Dr. Akers the students will have a chance to turn project design into implementation by completing needs assessment surveys with the local community. Each student is conducting research as if he or she intends to create a business plan for a Tibetan merchant, provide health care to pre-diabetic monks, or streamline the efficiency of the check-in process for newly arrived Tibetan refugees. This research involves conducting interviews and talking with policy makers, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, monks, and laypeople within the community here and in nearby Mcleod Ganj.

    Optional activities for the students have been a good source of insight, exercise, and fun. Students that are interested a more action-packed experience than what meditation has to offer have been attending pulse-quickening martial arts classes, taught by program director Dr. Sidky. Basketball is played daily by the Tibetan students on campus. Both men’s and women’s teams have formed, and two students have even played games against opposing teams from Dharamsala and Mcleod Ganj! For tight muscles and stiff joints a few of us have participated in yoga class, taught by a very skilled member of our group! After one hour and a half session I felt as if I was walking taller and with more energy than I ever have before. The list goes on. Carom board, ping-pong, chess, roof-top jam sessions, trekking the Himalayas (!), badminton, shopping trips to Mcleod, camping trips, and more keep everyone happy and busy, with the occasional short night’s sleep.

    There are just three weeks left on the Sarah campus before students move to their homestays in Mcleod Ganj. Many have found their experiences here fulfilling, relaxing, or just plain comfortable, and wish they could stay the whole time! Others have been challenged by their stay here, have learned from it, and are open to the new experience that will be living with a Tibetan family.

    One last note of good news: Our private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been approved, and we are awaiting to hear of the exact date. Needless to say, we are all excited to meet the world leader, and to represent our school and country by listening to his words, asking of him questions, and showing our appreciation for him giving us his time and energy.

Thanks for reading,
All the best,
Zack