'There is a saying in Tibetan, “Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.” No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster'
--Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.
After a twelve hour ride in an HRTC (Him Pride) bus from Delhi, an overnight journey, we got off at Dharamshala ISBT late morning on a cool clear day. At first it seemed like any average town in the foothills of the Himalayas, but after a five minute walk we came across a Caucasian girl, the sight of whom is still vivid in my mind. She must have been around 25. She was tall, had grey eyes, and yes she was very pretty and had a charming smile. She was also donning a bright red kasaya (Buddhist robe), wearing a serene expression, and had a clean shaven head. Pun unintended, she exuded a particular radiance, associated with the monks of lore. We realized then that we have come to a different world, a spiritual oasis, secluded in this niche of the Himalayas. Dharamshala indeed.
