Dharamsala Conversation 2022: Final Logistics Details

11:15 am -12 noon at Hotel Norbu House
Rinchen la is the founder and director of the Tibetan Nuns Project (TNP) and wife of the younger brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In preparation for Mind & Life’s visit to Dolma Ling Nunnery on Saturday, Rinchen la will provide an overview of TNP, a project that is committed to education, empowerment, and improved status for ordained Tibetan women.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Dalai Lama Archives and Library
An important component of our gathering together in Dharamsala is the community that is created as we share the learnings and insights that emerge from the Conversation with the Dalai Lama plus the surrounding experiences. This is an amazing group of scientists, scholars, leaders, philanthropists, and contemplatives – some old Mind & Life friends and some new – so let’s get to know each other! This session is facilitated by Mind & Life Institute Steering Council members, Bobbi Patterson and Ed Taylor.

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm at the Dalai Lama Archives and Library.
Join Mind & Life Board Chair and His Holiness’ long-time primary English translator, Thupten Jinpa, in this informal talk where he will share highlights of Tibetan culture and what guests can expect to experience over the next few days. Thupten Jinpa is a Tibetan Buddhist scholar, former monk, and an academic of religious studies and both Eastern and Western philosophy.

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Hotel Norbu House.
Hosted by Susan Bauer-Wu, Mind & Life Institute President; Thupten Jinpa, Mind & Life Institute Board Chair; Gábor Karsai, Mind & Life Europe Managing Director; and, Amy Varela, Mind & Life Europe Board Chair.
 

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Hotel Norbu House
A New York native, Father Tiso, has been involved with Mind & Life Europe as faculty for the MLE Summer Research Institute. Currently living in Italy, Father Tiso has studied and taught extensively on Buddhist studies. He brings his perspective as both an academic and a Catholic priest to this engaging talk and contemplative practice. Q&A will follow, time permitting.
 

5:15 pm departure from the entrance gate of Tsuglagkhang (across from the One Two Cafe). Estimated time of return is 8:30 pm.
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) is one of the pioneering cultural institutes established through the vision of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The institute was founded in 1959, registered under the Societies Act of 1860, Government of India. Based in Dharamsala, the institute aims to preserve and promote Tibetan musical heritage and associated arts. This cultural show and dinner is arranged for Mind & Life guests by the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai and TIPA. Meet at the entrance gate of Tsuglagkhang (across from the One Two Cafe) at 5:15 pm for this short drive.
 

4:15 am – 7:30 am. Due to the early hour, cars will pick-up guests at the designated Mind & Life hotel properties.
This early morning excursion will be a special treat as our time in Dharamsala coincides with the Gyuto Monks Tantric Choir being in residence at Gyuto Monastery. The Gyuto Monks Tantric Choir is known for their unique tradition of overtone singing which allows them to chant more than one pitch at a time. They were nominated for a Grammy in 2011. As this is a prayer session, guests will be seated on floor cushions and expected to remain for the duration of the two hour long session (5:00 am – 7:00 am). Gyuto Monastery showcases a beautiful temple that is often pictured in images of Dharamsala.
 

9:00 am departure from the entrance gate of Tsuglagkhang (across from the One Two Cafe). Estimated time of return is 12:30 pm.
In addition to touring the nunnery, guests will witness the tradition of Tibetan debate. According to Elizabeth Napper, Tibetan scholar and co-director of the Tibetan Nuns Project since 1991, “Opening up education to the women, particularly in conjunction with training in debate, has been transformative for the nuns. Not only have they been given access to the full intellectual richness of their Buddhist tradition but also, through debate, they have been trained to actively engage with it in a way that gives them confidence in their knowledge. Their body language changes from the traditional meekness of nuns to that of women who occupy space with confidence in their right to do so.” Meet at the entrance gate of Tsuglagkhang (across from the One Two Cafe) at 9:00 am for the 30 min. drive.

(concurrent option with Bhagsu Falls Hike)
2:00 pm departure from the entrance gate of Tsuglagkhang (across from the One Two Cafe). Estimated time of return is 4:00 pm.
The Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) in Dharamsala was established in 1960 with 51 children. Today TCV Dharamsala has approximately 2,000 residents and 150 day students. Residents live in 42 Family Homes, two hostels for older children and a baby home for toddlers, and attend the educational facilities ranging from Kindergarten to High school on campus. TCV’s goal is to provide parental care and love, develop a sound foundation for nurturing Tibetan identity and culture, and foster character and moral values. Meet at the entrance gate of Tsuglaghang at 2:00 pm for the drive.

(concurrent option with Tibetan Children’s Village)
2:00 pm departure from market square (near Hotel Serkong House). Estimated time of return is 4:30 pm.
Note that due to the distance hiked, possible hot weather, and elevation changes, this is a moderate to strenuous hike experience. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking shoes required.
We will walk past Bhagsu Naag, a small village about 1.5 km to the east of McLeod Ganj, on the way to the waterfall. Along the way, guests can visit the market and the Bhagsunag Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to lord Shiva with a fresh water spring. Beyond Bhagsu Naag is the starting point for the steep 1km hike going up to Bhagsu Naag waterfall.

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Location: Hotel Norbu House