Aline with her students
Since my childhood, my parents awakened in me an awareness for the Tibetan cause and its incredibly rich culture. I always knew I would end up one day in Dharamshala, I just didn’t expect it to come this early in my life.
I arrived at the start of April when the city was still fresh and quiet. My first two weeks were a bit chaotic since I had to take over all the French classes and open a new level. Then I was quite lucky to replace a dear friend to assist Rabsel Ji with his job of coordinating the Lha volunteers and I also got the opportunity to write for Contact Magazine. Combining those three tasks meant I got to know better the staff and to meet all the incoming volunteers. I immediately decided to stay longer than planned.
Teaching French was not as challenging as I initially expected thanks to the enthusiasm and motivation of my students. It was a real pleasure to see them every day and to witness their progress. It has been an incredible experience where I have been able to develop genuine friendships with some of my students, other volunteers and staff members. I am eternally grateful to Lha for providing such a fantastic place of exchange.
Aline in traditional Tibetan dress (Chupa)
For two months I have swapped a view of a concrete backyard for a room facing eternal snows, pigeons for eagles and Saturday nights out for Dharma conversations with both friends and strangers. I had the chance to meet amazing people. What was initially supposed to be a tour of northern India, jumping from place to place, turned out to be another type of journey. I learnt how to take my time and to put people before places. Moreover it has been a joyous encounter with Buddhist philosophy and the Tibetan language.
I am definitely coming back to this blessed place. My short stay has shown me a glimpse of the complexity and the depth of Tibetan culture. I now understand better how tradition meets modernity in exile and will do my best to support its development.
Print
Email
