A Visit to Tibetan Museum and Some More Dharamsala Sights

Today I visited the Tibetan Museum that is part of the Dalai Lama Temple Complex. It was quite a sad visit as I learned more about the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama's escape and the current situation in Tibet under the Chinese.

Refugees are still making the dangerous exit across high mountain passes to escape the situation in Tibet.

Increasingly the original Tibetan people are being outnumbered by influx of Chinese into Tibet. The Tibetan people are forced to speak and learn Mandarin in school, suffer from unemployment and other forms of cultural repression/destruction. 

This exhibit outlined all the current problems Tibetans are experiencing in what remains of their country today.

This wall of photos is a memorial to all of the 138 Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest of Chinese occupied Tibet. This practice is not condoned by the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan Government in Exile.

On a positive side, a beautiful vision for Tibet by the Dalai Lama was also a part of the exhibit.

Here is a glimpse of the area around the Dalai Lama Complex. This area is called McLeod Ganj. 

On the lighter side this sign was posted at several places around the Dalai Lama Complex where you need to remove your shoes before entering. Not quite sure how you can guard your shoes while inside?? 

A few more photos from inside the Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Beautiful big prayer wheel

I bought a necklace of multicolor/shaped beads from this Tibetan woman with a small shop.

Spotted this gal with super-long dreads!

This little guy caught my eye on his very own little perch on one of the roadside vending stalls

Tomorrow I am heading out to see some of the sights outside Dharamshala-that should be interesting : Kangra Fort, some ancient temples etc. I also discovered some fascinating art here that I will be offering in my Sacred Art endeavor. Stay tuned for more soon and I hope you are enjoying my sojourn in Dharamshala.