The Dalai Lama VS The International Yoga Festival

Nick1010

I recently found out that the Dalai Lama will be making a series of public appearances at Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj in late February 2008. Here is what HH's website details:

Teaching in Dharamsala (H.P.), India on February 20: His Holiness will give a teaching from the Jataka Tales.

Teaching in Dharamsala (H.P.), India from February 21 to March 1: His Holiness will give his annual spring teachings on Lord Buddha's 34 Jataka Tales (khay-rab so-shi) and Dhammapada (tsom).


His website says that these lectures are open to everyone although some sort of registration is required beforehand. Can this be true, that anyone, even a random American traveler, can see HH talk? Has anyone attended a Dalai Lama speech in Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj before? Would one of the days offer a better chance than another? Is there limited space? Can I register in advance?


In addition, I have found out about a certain 'International Yoga Festival' that takes place at Rishikesh during the first week of March 2008. Has anyone attended this? What is it all about? Is it as interesting as it sounds?


In conclusion: if you had to choose between the two above-mentioned events, weighing in all factors, which one would it be?

Sama

yes, it is true. I suggest you PM our member sirensongs because she has seen HHDL in Dharamsala. I believe she wrote about it in her blog.

yes, you can register in advance. I suggest you email the Office of the Dalai Lama. I emailed them about getting a permit to attend his teachings in Karnataka in January and they were very prompt in responding.

it's a no-brainer for me: the Dalai Lama. I can study yoga in India anytime at the school that I attend every year. yoga "festivals" don't impress me. my yoga question to you is how much yoga have you done? are you experienced, for example, a consistent practice of more than 2 years, or are you a beginner? that might determine your ability to do classes or workshops at the fest. I don't know if they have class "levels" at the fest, but my own experience and that of others I know who go to India for yoga is that the concept of "levels" of yoga classes in India is nonexistent compared to western yoga. but that may have changed, I could be wrong.

I don't know if you have ever seen HHDL, but to be in his presence, at least for me, is unforgettable and something not to be missed. just my opinion.

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My India, 2005-2008

dzibead

As YogaGal said, yes, it's true. You don't even have to register in advance. You can register once you get to Dharamsala, and I'm not aware of them ever running out of space.

The teachings will no doubt be at the main temple (the Tsuglakhang) and you'll have to sit outside, on the concrete. No chairs, bring your own cushion. It might also still be cold in late Feb.

The teachings will be in Tibetan, but they're translated and broadcast, so you should take a cheap transistor radio with you (or get one there) unless you don't care about the substance of the teaching and just want to have the experience. Personally, as a non-Buddhist, I have no idea what he's talking about in his teachings half the time. His actual teachings, as opposed to his large public talks aimed at Westerners, are usually pretty esoteric - not "dumbed down" for the novice or "Buddhism lite" dilettante. Also, depending on where you're able to get a seat, you may not actually have a view of HH during the teaching, but you'll see him when he enters or exits.

I'm not trying to discourage you - it's a great experience. I was pretty thrilled the first time I saw him, which was at just such a teaching in "Dhasa."

fagdiva

as noted above, the teachings are open to all, tho be prepared to arrive early in order to get thru the security checks and huge crowds. there is always a section near the front reserved for foreigners, often you must sit in this area to recieve the FM signal with the translation. the custom is for people to 'claim' their patch of ground by leaving a piece of cardboard or other marking, so be aware of this when looking for a seat. accomodations in mcleod ganj are tight during the teachings, so you may want to plan or reserve ahead.

as noted by all above, the experience is well worth it, to be in HH's presence and recieve his blessing is indeed an opportunity not to be missed. however, if you are nervous of crowds, it may be a challenge. good luck and spread the blessings around!

__________________
May all beings exist free of suffering and its causes. May liberation swiftly encompass all.

wurry

Well, I've seen the Dalai Lama a number of times. My parents helped found Wisdom's Goldenrod, a center for eastern thought in upstate NY. The Dalai Lama visited regularly, there is a picture of me at 4 years old sticking my tongue out at him as he bows at me. I was just being impudent, but apparently a quick show of the tongue is tantamount to waving in Tibet, so he thought I was being culturally aware. Anyway, since I've seen the Dalai Lama so many times and since I just began yoga this year I'd choose the yoga. But if you haven't seen him ... this may be your only chance.