Dharamsala is one of the most magical destinations in all of India. Not only because of its privileged location, located in the Kangra Valley - which belongs to the incredible Dhauladhar mountain range - but also because of the unique atmosphere that is breathed. The sumptuous curves that separate the airport - very small compared to the vast dimensions of Indian infrastructure - from the urban core already reveal some small glimpses that the city has nothing to do with the rest of the country. Here, driving is much quieter, and the absence of the constant din of horns gives the visitor a mental break. “Here we make everything much more relaxed,” says Ranjit, a taxi driver who has been working in the area for more than 20 years.
It seems that the decision to move the official residence of the Dalai - and of the Tibetan government in exile, therefore - in April 1960 to this small mountainous enclave, gave the region a halo opposite to the constant freneticism that is breathed in much of it. of the great Indian cities.
The premises of His Majesty's Temple (Dalai Lama Temple Complex), located in the McLeod Ganj neighborhood, feature courtyards and sheds where Tibetan monks walk, speak or publicly discuss their famous dialectical battles. Tourists, amazed by the majesty of the facilities, walk through the corridors while spinning some of the tempting prayer wheels installed around the walls.
Buddhism is the predominant philosophical tradition in the region. In its streets, the Hindu and Western attire of the numerous tourists mix with the orange robes of the monks, who glide almost effortlessly down the steep streets of the city. In addition to the particularity conferred by the Tibetan government entourage, Dharamsala is also a place of pilgrimage for lovers of meditative practices. In fact, many of the temples and ashrams in the city are aimed at giving courses, training and retreats for practitioners of one of the many mindfulness techniques that exist today.
“Entering a meditative state is not only achieved by sitting in the lotus position and being silent. We can also enter states of calm and serenity by jumping and dancing non-stop.” With these words, Alpesh Patwari, owner and founder of Alpesh Yoga India, begins the class. Located in the Dharamkot neighborhood, in this yoga and meditation school not only silence reigns. According to Patwari, with body movement “you can reach the deepest traumas and blockages in our body.”
While trying out one of their classes, we jumped, danced, and screamed like we'd never done before. The result: amazing exhaustion, peace and tranquility of mind. “If one is not very trained in passive meditation techniques, it is better to start with active ones to notice their first effects.” In addition to one-off retreats, they also offer instructor qualifications at very affordable prices.
The Tushita Meditation Center is another of the places most revered by followers of yoga and meditation. It is a center for the study and practice of Buddhism of the Tibetan Mahayana tradition, attended by many attendees from all over the world. From Monday to Friday, except holidays, they offer guided meditation sessions completely free of charge from nine to ten in the morning.
Aarav, a 25-year-old boy, has come to the city for the first time to try one of the courses offered. An engineer by profession, he says that it is the first time that he will try to delve deeper into Tibetan meditation. “My mother has always tried to teach me since I was little, but it wasn't until now that I decided to try it for myself. It has been difficult for me to break the prejudices of my mathematical mind, but here I am,” he tells La Vanguardia.
Another of the most popular options is the Om Yoga Ashram, where in addition to meditating one can also do yoga retreats and even reiki courses. Himachal Vipassana Center is also another specialized center. In this case, in Vipassana meditation, as taught by S.N. Goenka following the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. Another option is the Osho Nisarga Foundation, located in a spectacular setting, which follows the guidelines set by the famous Indian guru of the same name. For those who want a complete experience, the Dalai Lama Temple also offers specific courses and guided meditations, many of them free of charge.
