The Art of Happiness – HH Dalai Lama | Memorable Jaunts Travel Photography

No, I did not actually meet HH Dalai Lama but I came close 🙂 – I spent a beautiful day exploring his beautiful abode – Dharamsala and I felt his presense everywhere I turned. Even since I read his book, The Art of Happiness, I have wanted yearned to see him.

Last year we travelled to India and while visiting Mr. MJ’s family in Pathankot, we were told that Dharamsala was just 2 hrs away and HH Dalai Lama may be in residence. I don’t think I even waited to hear the rest of the sentence – I immediately started planning for a drive up the moutain in the off-chance that I could see him or even meet him (wishful thinking, right!)

 The views and sights along the drive to Dharamsala are as stunning and pretty as Dharamsala itself.

Nothing quite prepares you for your first view of this mountain abode – it is completely breathtaking! – almost as if life stood still and took a deep breath of this clean mountain air and gave a big sigh of relief!

I felt HH Dalai Lama’s presence everywhere I looked – the sights that I saw and the people that I met. It was as if everyone was “CONTENT” – imagine that…I wanted to move there permanently.

A little beyond Dharamsala is the town of Naddi. It overlooks the Dhauladhar mountain range. We met Mr. Singh there – an enterprising man with a telescope. For Rs.10 ($0.20c) he offered us a view of the Dhauladhar mountains and pointed out the key spots – an ancient temple, a waterfall that never stops flowing and backcountry campgrounds that require a two day trek :)…

At sunset, the Dauladhar mountains around Dharamsala take on a magical glow – the setting sun casts a pink cast on these snow covered mountains! – the sky is ablaze with color and it is magical…

As we were walking around Dharamsala, we heard a group of Tibetan children signing. It was one of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard. The whole town stopped and listened…I do not know what they sang, but their voices carried hope, laughter and happiness…

Link to the video is  https://vimeo.com/67672809

It was quite clear from our visit to Dharamsala, that HH Dalai Lama has chosen the right place to live – peaceful, friendly and so beautiful…just like him!