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Our 2nd Annual LOSAR Immersion Retreat held at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery located in South India, Bylakuppe was a memorable success. There were many highlights during the 7-day immersion on February 15 - 22, 2023. Here is a short reflection written by one of our retreat participants, Marjorie Ochstein from Jackson, Florida “Our trip to India for LOSAR 2023 really expanded my view of the world and especially my view of the Tibetan experience in India. Seeing and meeting the monks of Tashi Lhunpo and witnessing the work they are doing daily to preserve Tibetan life, culture, and religion showed me what people can do in the face of aggression and even possible extinction. The most important events occurring during our visit were, of course, the celebrations of the end of the year and the beginning of the new year. I was amazed by the Cham performance with its intricate and beautiful costumes. I marveled at the stamina and dedication of the dancers in spite of the heat of the day, while we were comfortably seated in the shade with a generous supply of snacks and tea. On the morning of the Cham dance, we made a very early morning visit to the prayer hall. When I left the guest house at 5:20 AM it was still very dark and there was a foggy mist everywhere. The younger monks were chanting at the entrance to the hall as the older monks filed in. I was welcomed in by one of the monks stationed at the door and shown to the comfortable pillows at the back of the hall where visitors can sit. We listened to the prayers and meditations in the richly painted, pillared prayer hall that was presided over by Khabje Khen Rinpoche Tehor Zeekgyab Tulku. We even witnessed the rooftop ceremonies where the sounds of the trumpets and horned instruments filled the air. During the five days and nights, we stayed at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, we met with the leadership and gained an understanding of what their goals are for maintaining and sustaining the monastery and the Tibetan people and their culture. We toured the fabulous new library where precious religious texts are kept and where they are being digitized so they can be accessed worldwide. We toured the school where all the young monks are being challenged academically and where they are learning the skills they will need to succeed in the modern world. Within the monastery, I experienced the positive and upbeat attitude of the Tibetan people who are so warm and welcoming. I am thankful that I was able to go there to learn about this fascinating religion and culture. My visit reassured me that the Tibetan people and their culture will flourish and that the concepts of Tibetan Buddhism will help guide the rest of the world to a more peaceful and happier existence.”
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