We meet the Dalai Lama

During our entire trip to India, we've been hoping for an audience with H.H. the Dalai Lama. The day before we left Leh, our group was given the opportunity to meet with and be photographed with the Dalai Lama.

After 5 hours of public teaching to 50,000 Ladakians, the Dalai Lama drove to his house, greeted us warmly, spoke about the importance of the Jamyang school, and expressed appreciation for our support. He then nestled in for the photo and said "Here, take my hand. Stand shoulder to shoulder." He emanates goodness and compassion. At 82 years old, he can sit in one place and teach for 5 hours straight without a break, and then be the consummate diplomat to a group of foreigners.

Allyson, Susie, Aleeta, Geshe Lobsong, H. H. Dalai Lama, Gordon, Navnit, Juhi

While it was on our trip's agenda to meet with His Holiness, there were so many factors to work around. We only got this opportunity because of Tenzin's dedication to getting us an audience and because Gordon, Aleeta, and Navnit are strong Buddhist practitioners. We developed a special bond with Tenzin and are--again--very grateful to him for all that he has done for us while we were in Leh. He is a very special man. (Unfortunately, there were too many foreigners for Tenzin to come with us. Also, we missed Tekla, Katie and David and wished they were with us.)


Susie (second to left) has raised a lot of money for the Jamyang school, including purchasing a vehicle to take the children to the hospital, bringing loads of new winter clothes for the children. She is head of a non-profit organization in France and has been supporting the Jamyang school since 2009. (I'll post a link to her blog as soon as I get it.) Susie is looking for help in transferring her blog into a web site. If you know of anyone who can help, please let me know!

Juhi (far right) runs Tara for Children, an organization that supports disadvantaged children in India. Her organization supports the Jamyang school by matching sponsors with individual children. She comes once a year to interview the children and track their progress. She is holding a collection of Mala beads that the Dalai Lama blessed which she will be auctioning to raise funds for the organization.

We have done our best to support the Jamyang school by bringing used clothing for the children and house mothers, and giving a donation.