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Hans India
07-07-2025
- Hans India
Dharamshala: Not just home-in-exile for Tibetans, but hub of global moral leadership
Kathmandu: Dharamshala, nestled in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, has become globally recognised not only as a picturesque hill town but also as a spiritual and political centre for the Tibetan diaspora. This transformation is largely credited to the arrival and leadership of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, who turned the area into a living karmabhoomi, a sacred ground of virtuous action. Today, Dharamshala, often called "Little Lhasa", serves as the de facto capital of Tibetans in exile and a beacon of Buddhist values, intercultural dialogue, and global ethics. Dharamshala lies in Kangra district, divided into Lower Dharamshala (administrative zone) and Upper Dharamshala or McLeodganj, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and forests, the region offers an ideal environment for meditation and spiritual practice. Historically, the area was part of the Trigarta kingdom and later became a British cantonment. After a devastating earthquake in 1905, the town declined until its spiritual rebirth following the Dalai Lama's arrival. In 1959, following the Chinese suppression of the Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet with about 80,000 followers. India granted him asylum and in 1960, Dharamshala was chosen as the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). From this moment, the spiritual and political identity of Dharamshala changed. Schools, monasteries, and institutions began to flourish under the Dalai Lama's guidance, emphasising non-violence (ahimsa), compassion (karuna), and universal responsibility. The establishment of institutions like the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) in 1970 and the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD) in 1973 marked major milestones in preserving Tibetan culture and philosophy. The LTWA houses invaluable manuscripts, while the IBD continues the Nalanda tradition of debate, philosophy, and logic. Other important monasteries such as Namgyal Monastery and Gyuto Tantric Monastery contribute to Dharamshala's spiritual richness. Dharamshala is more than a refugee town; it is a hub of global moral leadership. The Dalai Lama's teachings and diplomatic efforts have reached over sixty nations, engaging figures like Barack Obama and Pope John Paul II. His philosophy of "universal responsibility" emphasises that global peace stems from individual compassion. This moral vision has inspired secular ethics programmes worldwide, including the Dalai Lama Centre for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT. These initiatives draw on Buddhist principles such as interdependence and mindfulness but frame them in universal human terms to reach a broader audience. The Dalai Lama's ecological vision is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings on interdependence (pratītyasamutpada) and non-harming (ahiṃsa). He has championed sustainable living and environmental preservation as spiritual responsibilities. Cultural institutions like the Norbulingka Institute further contribute by preserving Tibetan arts, music, and traditional crafts, reinforcing Tibetan identity in exile. Though a Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama has played a pivotal role in revitalising Indian Buddhism. He consistently reminds Indians that while India is the "guru" and Tibet the "disciple", it is now Tibetans who have preserved India's ancient Buddhist wisdom. His teachings in places like Bodh Gaya and Sarnath have rekindled Indian interest in Buddhism, especially among Dalits inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Institutions like the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath and LTWA serve as centres for Indo-Tibetan Buddhist learning. The Dalai Lama has also encouraged translations of Tibetan scriptures into Sanskrit and Hindi, helping Indian audiences reconnect with their spiritual heritage. The Nalanda tradition, once flourishing at the historic Indian monastic university between the 5th and 12th centuries CE, forms the backbone of Tibetan Buddhism. Emphasising dialectical logic, rigorous scholarship, and ethical conduct, the tradition continues through Tibetan monastic curricula in exile. Texts by Nagarjuna, Asanga, Dharmakīrti, and Śantarakṣita remain central. Institutions like the re-established monastic universities, Sera, Drepung, and Ganden, carry forward the Nalanda lineage. In Dharamshala, the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics serves as the torchbearer of these traditions. Tibetan monks undergo decades of training culminating in the Geshe degree, engaging deeply with logic and debate rather than faith alone. The Dalai Lama has expanded the Nalanda tradition beyond religious boundaries, promoting its logical and ethical frameworks as tools for secular education. In works like Beyond Religion and Ethics for the New Millennium, he advocates for an "education of the heart", merging reason with compassion. His scientific curiosity has led to dialogues between Buddhist psychology and modern neuroscience, notably through the Mind and Life Institute, bridging ancient contemplative insights with cognitive science. The Dalai Lama's reference to Nalanda also serves as a symbol of India's Buddhist legacy. His statement, "India is the guru; Tibet is the disciple", has resonated with Indian leaders, prompting efforts to revive Buddhist scholarship and heritage sites. For Tibetans, the Nalanda lineage offers continuity and identity; for the world, it provides an ethically grounded, rational spirituality. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday, the occasion is not just a personal milestone but a global moment of reflection. His teachings have spanned the spiritual and secular, East and West, tradition and science. His core message, that true transformation begins within, and that kindness is the essence of religion, continues to inspire millions. Dharamshala, under his guidance, has evolved into a sacred landscape, a mandala where Tibetan identity is preserved, Buddhist teachings flourish, and universal values are taught. Visitors from around the world come to engage with his teachings at the Tsuglagkhang Complex, often translated live into multiple languages. Prominent Western monastics like Pema Chodron and Thubten Chodron have trained here, helping transmit Tibetan teachings globally. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) stands as a model of democratic governance in exile, emphasising non-violence and dialogue over confrontation. Dharamshala's transformation from a colonial cantonment into a moral epicentre exemplifies how compassion and ethical leadership can revitalise a community. In sum, Dharamshala is not merely a haven for exiled Tibetans, it is a karmabhoomi for the entire world, sanctified not by power but by compassion, and guided by the enduring wisdom of the 14th Dalai Lama.
India Gazette
12-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
LTWA marks 55 years of Tibetan heritage preservation amid continued threats from China
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 12 (ANI): On the auspicious day of June 11, 2025, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) honoured the 55th anniversary of its establishment and the laying of its foundation stone, which was graciously blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1970. According to a report by the Central Tibetan Administration, it is one of the most important libraries and institutions for Tibetan literature in exile. The 55th anniversary was attended by the Chief Guest, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration, and Special Chief Guest Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel. The ceremony began with the Chief Guest and Special Guest lighting the traditional butter lamp, followed by Geshe Lhakdor, the LTWA Director, delivering a welcome address. In his speech, he provided a brief outline of the Library's 55-year history and founding mission, according to CTA. He stated that the key goals of LTWA are to serve as a vital source of Tibetan cultural knowledge while also fostering an academic environment that stimulates study and learning among researchers and students. He emphasised that such efforts are especially crucial in today's world, where political and spiritual uncertainty continue to challenge communities around the world, according to the CTA report. Former LTWA employees gave speeches, expressing their personal views, work experiences, and perspectives on the Library's critical role in conserving and promoting Tibetan history. Sikyong provided an account of the LTWA's history and accomplishments in the preservation of Tibetan writings, old manuscripts, artefacts, and other aspects of Tibetan cultural heritage, according to the CTA report. When Communist China annexed Tibet in 1959, it put Tibetan culture in grave peril. Many schools, historic manuscripts, artefacts, and other aspects of Tibetan history were taken or destroyed in the name of modernisation. Seeing this serious threat, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama established the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives to conserve, safeguard, and promote Tibetan culture, according to CTA. He further highlighted that when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama first arrived in exile in India and outside of a foreign country, he did not speak of Tibet's struggle or exile, but rather of human values, empathy, and compassion, which sparked increased interest in Tibetan Buddhism and culture around the world. Foreigners and politicians gradually began to support the Tibetan cause and struggle, CTA reported. The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of appreciation from Ngawang Yeshi, LTWA's General Secretary, who expressed deep gratitude to all of the Library's guests, former personnel, and supporters. He thanked them for their ongoing support and efforts to safeguard the institution's purpose of preserving Tibetan knowledge and tradition, CTA stated. (ANI)
