The Dalai Lama teachings

Teachings of His Holiness The Dalai Lama

For Teachings in Dharamsala,Himachal Pradesh,India

Registration 

 

In general, all teachings in India are free and open to the public.  For teachings in Dharamsala, you will need to register in person at the Tibetan Branch Security Office in McLeod Ganj (near Hotel Tibet), preferably three to four days before the teachings begin.  For registration, you will need to bring 2 passport size photos along with your passport.  There is no advance registration service.  People attending the teachings are responsible for their own board and lodging.

Seating

 

Seating is usually reserved on a first come - first serve basis.  In the West, seating for public events is in most cases designated by your ticket and seat number.  In India, seating for teachings is usually on the ground.  The conventional practice amongst Tibetans is that you take your seat on the first day of a series of teachings, mark it with your cushion or piece of cloth, and thereafter, keep to that same seat for the duration of the teachings.  This is how Tibetans have traditionally avoided hassling with each other over who sits where every day.  So, following the old adage “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, it seems reasonable to suggest that when among Tibetans, do as the Tibetans do.  Usually, people come to the teaching venue 1 or 2 days before the teaching begins to reserve their seating space.  For people requiring translation services, there is a designated area at the teaching venue. 

Translation

 

His Holiness teaches in Tibetan.  Therefore, on most occasions when His Holiness is teaching in India an effort is made to provide simultaneous translation into English.  If you wish to listen to the translation, you are advised to bring a FM radio.  Headphones are a must since you do not want to disturb the majority of listeners nearby, who may not be listening to the translation.  Although the quality of the signal varies according to the local conditions, you can often improve reception by changing the angle and position of the antenna of your radio, which is often incorporated in the headphone lead.

Travel FAQ'S when coming to Dharamsala for teachings

What will the weather in Dharamsala around the year?

The best seasons are the beginning of March through to the end of June and mid September through to the end of November. The temperature is around 20-24c. The summer/monsoon season which brings fog and mist, an umbrella and non-slippery or waterproof type shoes are recommended. Winters are quite cold, temperature around 7-14 c nights severly cold when temperature dips to 0 c.

What suitable clothing should I bring?

Dress appropriately for the weather. During the teachings - No sleeveless tops or spaghetti straps. Electricity and voltage Electricity used in India is 220 volts AC. They use a 2 pin plug.

Are there internet cafes?

Yes.

What is the time difference?

India Standard Time Time = GMT+5.5

What important things do I to bring on this trip?

His Holiness will be teaching in Tibetan so a portable FM radio with earphone is necessary to receive the translations.   Torch light because power failure is common.   Sleeping bag   Water bottle

What are the things that I cannot bring into teachings?

Mobile phone or PDA   Recording devices   Camera   Sharp objects   Lighters, cigarettes or matchboxes

What are the things I should bring to the teachings?

FM radio with earphone   Security badge (will be given in Dharamsala)   Prayer book and text (will be given in Dharamsala)   Notebook and pen   Wallet    Cup/flask (for tea)   Water bottle   A plastic bag to put your shoes in when you go into the gompa

Posted in: Dalai Lama