Living with the Gods in McLeod Ganj

A balanced living where nature meets progress and development. It's a place that's a blend of culture and faith.

These are the Indians and the Tibetans, living in harmony with the Gods in McLeod Ganj.

In February 2013, I traveled to be with the Gods in McLeod Ganj. They call it "Little Lhasa" because it had had a large population of Tibetans in exile since 1959 when the Indian Government accepted them and gave them a place to establish their Government while in exile. 

That's only in India. They warmly embrace refugees and protect their rights, safety, and security. 

The greatest love is the Indian Government's support of their expression of faith in Tibetan Buddhism.

My journey in McLeod Ganj was graced by a unique encounter with the Dalai Lama, the Spiritual leader of the Tibetans in exile. I was fortunate to meet him at his residence, where he shared profound insights about 'Jataka Tales' with local and international pilgrims. His wisdom and humility left a lasting impression on me, and I felt truly blessed to have had this experience.

I'm a Christian, but I've studied Major religions in India for over a year and incorporated their beliefs into my faith.

The world would be better if we were not too fanatic about our religious affiliation. When people would tend to fight for their faith as the best and the only truth, I would try to learn and understand others' faith deeply.

I befriend people of different backgrounds and faiths in India. It's about respect and understanding, not prejudice and religious superiority. 

With the universal God, we're all equal. This concept of a universal God means that God appears in different places and times in a completely different image depending on the culture and language unique to each country. It's a belief that unites us all, regardless of our religious affiliations.

When I was in India, their Gods were my Gods. The Gods and the Goddesses in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. All are Gods, but also a universal God.

In McLeod Ganj, I felt the Divine Beings, the Gods of the Tibetans and the Indians. It was different images, but I prayed to their Gods on its universal form.

Stepping into the Namgyal Monastery was a transformative experience. It was a union with the Divine that didn't diminish my Christian faith but instead deepened and enriched it. 

That's why Major religions thrive in India, and people learn to live in harmony and reverence for each other's faith.

My visit to Himachal Pradesh was divinely inspired. I traveled alone, guided by my faith in the Divine and a deep sense of spiritual purpose. I felt called to make this journey, and I knew it would be transformative. 

Whether you're a Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, or Christian, we're all brothers and sisters here on earth. We share a common humanity, a beautiful tapestry of shared experiences and emotions. Your suffering is also my suffering, and our joys are shared. We are all part of a larger, interconnected whole bound by our shared humanity.

During these challenging times, we need a sense of shared humanity. We must pray for each other without boundaries, religious affiliations, prejudice, or discrimination. We need love, the purest form of reverence for God, to guide us and inspire hope. It's this love that will see us through, that will inspire us to be better, to do better, and to create a world of understanding and respect.

Just love.

Ultimately, our love for humanity is our highest reverence for God. It's a love that transcends religious boundaries and unites us all. It inspires us to be better, to do better, and to create a world of understanding and respect. 

So it is.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Strolling in the Garden of Dreams

A Garden in the city balances life and achieves a healthier lifestyle. It's a breath of fresher air amidst the toxicity.

With an urban garden in the city center, I was fortunate to have an afternoon stroll in the fully restored Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu, Nepal, in August 2013. It reopened to the public six years after several decades of closure.

While Kathmandu's lifestyle may not be as lavish as that of big cosmopolitan cities, it is steeped in a unique and fascinating culture, making it a destination that piques curiosity and invites exploration. 

The entire city of Kathmandu blends cultural heritage with a modern society due to its preserved structures, such as monuments and temples, and the restoration of public places like the Garden of Dreams and other modern infrastructures.

Stepping into the walled garden, I was immediately enveloped in a serene atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling city just outside. It was a mere 5 minutes from my hotel, a perfect spot for a peaceful respite, where one can truly unwind and find inner peace.

The Walled Urban Garden

One of the most striking aspects of the garden is its European-style architecture, a feature that became more pronounced after its restoration with the assistance of the Austrian Government. The garden boasts six pavilions, each representing a different season of Nepal, earning it the moniker, the "Garden of the Six Seasons." 

The garden has a veranda, fountains, and a pergola, giving it a European vibe. Also, the Amphitheater is where visitors can sit or lie down to chat or read a book. Such a relaxing scene.

The Amphitheater

European-inspired pergola

The garden's lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and well-maintained shrubs and trees are testaments to the dedication of its caretakers. Its pristine condition and rejuvenating ambiance are truly inspiring.

I appreciate art, so I spent time at the gallery and conversed with the locals. That was a meaningful encounter as I learned more about their culture. 

Café by the garden

It was a delightful afternoon stroll at the Garden of Dreams, and before leaving, I had a cup of cappuccino as I reflected on and planned my next journey around Kathmandu.

The Garden of Dreams is a testament to the need for green spaces in urban areas. Its sophisticated design and the beauty it exudes after restoration inspire more cities to adopt similar gardens, offering a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Garden of Dreams. The Garden of the Six Seasons. A garden for the soul.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Kathmandu: The Gems and the Lost Treasure

The Gaddi Tribe of Naddi Village

When I step foot in Dharamshala, I'll have a pleasant vacation with its friendly vibe. That was a long 12-hour bus ride from New Delhi, India, and I promised my stay would be worth it, like a lifetime vacation.

Emotions are still alive whenever I flashback to my soulful journey in the lower Himalayan foothills of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. It was a journey filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, heartwarming encounters, and profound tranquility. Seven years have passed, but the memories still live on.

A little rain greeted me at the bus station in McLeod Ganj as I looked for a taxi heading to the hotel in Naddi Village -- the home of the Gaddi Tribe, known for their unique customs, traditional attire, and warm hospitality.            

That was a cold and shivering early morning check-in at around 7 a.m., so I unpacked my things, had a little rest, enjoyed a cold shower, had my first breakfast of steaming hot momos and butter tea, and got ready for my first day of tour and adventure in the land of the Tibetans-in-exile in McLeod Ganj.

I spent four days exploring McLeod Ganj and saw and heard from The Dalai Lama when he talked about his place in the Tsuglagkhang temple.

While McLeod Ganj was the bustling town center, it was in Naddi Village that I found true serenity. It was a blissful experience, a peaceful retreat from the world.

Just a few steps away from the hotel where I stayed in the home of the sweet and gentle Naddi tribe. I've met several Gaddi people, including children and adults, and learned about their culture, livelihood, and living conditions. A little interaction but a meaningful observation.

An effortless yet joyful and soulful living in the mountains. When I met them downhill, the Gaddi people, mostly shepherds, took care of their flocks and did their morning activities.

Little kids are courteous, with their rosy cheeks and smiling faces. They have grown up to be refined young ladies and gentlemen. 

At Naddi View Point, near the hotel, I was finally face to face with the majestic Dhauladhar range. I was spellbound by its beauty, a sight I had never witnessed before. It was a moment of profound tranquility, and the snow-capped peak was simply breathtaking.

Even when I'm back at the hotel, I can't get over that experience. I've been to some of the mountains in the Philippines, but seeing the Dhauladhar range is purely captivating. 

I was finally in the Middle Himalayas. A dream turned into a reality.

My time in Dharamshala was a profound experience that I will always hold dear. It's a memory I will cherish and revisit for a lifetime. Since then, I've made a promise to return, and I hope to fulfill it one day.

I had breakfast at the hotel's roof deck restaurant and had the most beautiful view of the Dhauladhar. It's a picturesque view as if heaven were real. India is genuinely the Home of the Gods, and I felt the Divinity of the place—a soulful solitude in a paradise closer to heaven.

I will never forget Dharamshala, a wondrous place in the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. I will never forget the beautiful natural scenery and the Naddi people of Naddi Village.

India has a prominent place in my heart. I have learned much about these places and met soulful and endearing people like the Gaddi of the Naddi Village. When the Kingdom of heaven is on earth, it would have been there in the Dhauladhar, and I've met God there and live forever here in my heart.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay