Guide to Participating in a Dalai Lama Teaching in Dharamshala

Chilling with the Big Boss: Dalai Lama Teachings in Exile

Ever wondered what it'd be like to hang with the 14th Dalai Lama up close and personal, without the glitzy concerts or grand ballrooms? Well, I got a taste of it when I found myself in Dharamshala, India, and the Big Boss was giving a two-day teaching. So here's a sneak peek at how to score a spot, and what to expect when the big day comes.

First things first, you'll want to understand the Dalai Lama's unique situation: back in 1959, he made a daring escape over the Himalayas to flee the Chinese invasion of Tibet, settling in India for political asylum. To this day, his native land's conditions of oppression haven't changed much, while his Tibetan government-in-exile and countless refugees followed him to the mountains of India.

Now, you may find His Holiness residence in The Tsuglagkhang Monastery (also known as the Dalai Lama Temple Complex), nestled in McLeod Ganj, a part of Dharamshala higher up the mountain. But security's super tight, so if you want a front-row seat (or any seat at all), you'll need to register at the Branch Security Office of HH the Dalai Lama a few days before the teaching.

Once you roll up to the little building on Bagsu Rd, expect to join a lengthy queue in a tight courtyard, brushing elbows with fellow foreigners. Some of these hippy-looking folks might remind you of characters from a Biblical epic. Inside, you'll fill out a form, have your details entered into a database, get snapped for a passcard, and hand over a measly 10 rupees ($0.12) to cover processing fees.

Your passcard is crucial for entering the teaching, so don't lose it! But since it's only valid during the current teaching's timeframe, you'll have to re-apply if you want to attend another later event.

Now that you're all squared away, here's what you'll need for the big day:

Cushion: Forget plush stadium seats – you'll be sitting on the floor. Use a foldable, square cushion to keep things comfy. You can find 'em everywhere in McLeod Ganj (mine set me back 250 rupees, about $3).
Radio: Since the teachings are in Tibetan, you'll need an English-language radio to hear the translations. (Don't worry, no Carrie Fisher impressions here!) There are plenty of spots in McLeod Ganj selling compact portable radios.
Cup: The monks and nuns distribute snacks and tea during the teachings. They've been known to run out of paper cups, so bringing your own is a smart move. Check out the fancy Korean-type shops like Miniso for a good deal ($1.50 or 120 rupees) on a mug.
Pen and Notebook: If you want to single out deliberate gems from the teachings, bring a pen and notebook to take notes.
Breakfast Food: You know yourself best, so pack some snacks or a meal if you don't want to go hungry.
Mask: Protect your health by buying a mask and don't forget your smartphone is a no-no inside the temple!

Arrive bright and early on the day of the teaching (around 6:30-7am) to stake out a decent spot on the floor, as the lecture begins around 8:30 and ends at 10. If you can't make it early, try writing your name on a piece of cardboard and taping it to an available cushion to save your spot. Prepare for a confusing, chaotic experience as you wade through the crowd of monks, nuns, Tibetans, Indians, Westerners, and Asian visitors.

Once you find your seat, relax and soak in the atmosphere. The Dalai Lama will chat away from a throne-like chair beneath the temple's main Buddha statue. If you catch a good spot, you can watch him on the many screens around the temple while following his translations on your radio. (Spoiler alert: he looks pretty darn charming when he waves and pats children on the head!)

If you're interested in Buddhism, take this opportunity to learn more about the Dalai Lama's specific teachings, focusing on bodhicitta (cultivating a mind of infinite altruism and compassion) and emptiness (the notion that nothing in existence has a permanent, unchanging essence). If not, even casual spirituality fans will leave feeling amazed by the singular atmosphere inside the temple, filled with Tibetans in traditional clothing, and fellow viewers of every ethic background.

Ready to join the Buddhist enlightenment movement or just curious to learn more? Head over to Dharamshala, register for the Dalai Lama's teaching, and let the spiritual journey begin!

A captivating lifestyle experience could be attending the teachings of Dalai Lama, even in the midst of traveling, as his residence in Dharamshala, India offers this unique opportunity.
Countless cultural interactions and spiritual growth machinery are packed in a travel itinerary that includes a visit to the Dalai Lama, making a valuable addition to any travel lifestyle.