contact magazine - october 2005

contacta dharamshala community publication

october 2005 8th year of publication free!!!www.contactmag.org

about contact...2 news & issues...1, 3-9

services...12,13non-profit...11

volunteer...14

map...17

Four, in harmony

Dharamsala, literally ‘place of shelter’,certainly lives up to its name, and Tibetansare not alone in seeking refuge here.Migrant communities from India’s poorestregions have also settled in the area.

Attracted by Himachal’s relative wealthand cooler climate, these people comemostly from Maharastra and Rajasthan.The majority were once farmers andherders who came to Himachal in searchof work after encroaching desert andsustained drought put an end to theirlivelihoods.

Sadly, very few of the settlers have foundregular employment, and most struggle tosurvive on an income which barely coverstheir staple diet of rice and dal. The morefortunate have found casual work aslabourers, baloon vendors and shoeshiners. Women and children scavangethrough rubbish looking for anythingthey can use or sell, but many are forced

Tibetan charity offers hope toDharamsala’s forgotten refugeesA look at how Tong-Len has turned compassion into action for thepoorest members of Indian society

into a life of begging. They live in flimsymakeshift shelters clustered together ingroups of up to 300 people. These campshave no sanitation or easily accessibleclean water. Consequently, disease is rife,and is usually exacerbated by severemalnutrition. At least five children fromthe camps died during the monsoon thisyear.

Tong-Len was founded by LobsangJamyang , a monk from Sera monasteryand a group of his friends. The charity’sname comes from the Tibetan Buddhistmeditation practice of ‘giving and taking’,whereby one takes on the suffering ofothers whilst simultaneously sending outlove and kindness. These young Tibetanswere inspired by the teachings of HisHoliness, and set up the charity becausethey felt grateful for the support offeredto them by India, and wanted to givesomething back to their town. Tong-Lenis their way of saying ‘thank-you’.

continued on page 3

Help us to help them!

House No. 118Nandni Niwas

Chonor House RoadMcLeod Ganj

Tong-Len: Registered in India Charity No. 16284Tong-Len UK: Registered in Scotland Charity No. SC036383

Donations of all kinds are Welcomed: Time ! Money !Clothes ! Blankets ! Books ! Household items ! Anything!

All enquiries, including volunteering please call 9816438790or email [email protected]. For more information or to

donate online please visit our website: www.tong-Len.org

continued on page 3

Above: Lobsang Jamyang withone of the children who now livesat the Tong-Len Mandala Hostel

Jamyang explains ‘we noticed that whilevarious charities were working withTibetan refugees, little was being done tohelp these people, and they are, in effect,refugees within their own country.’

At the end of 2004, Tong-Len began itschild sponsorship programme to give theopportunity for some children from thecamps to attend school. Very quickly itbecame clear that they would not be ableto cope with mainstream schoolingwithout additional support. The charityhad provided volunteers to assist them

Contact Magazine 2 October 2005

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R e c o m m e n d e d b y t h e L o n e l y P l a n e t

Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material to our email at: [email protected]

The articles, poems, stories and other material in contact represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Contact staff.

If you would like to contact CONTACT, call Lobsang Rabsel on 9816155523 or leave a message at LHA on Temple Rd (ph: 220-992). If you feel strongly about any of the topics raised in this issue or would like to comment on the articles, write to us at [email protected]

CONTACT is available from many places around McLeod Ganj including Dream Holiday Travels, Central Tibetan Administration Goverment Information Bookshop, (LHA) Centre, Pema Thang Restaurant, McLo Restaurant and Bar, Nick’s Italian Restaurant & Kundilini Shop.

Contact Magazine is Dharamsala�s community publication, which aspires to bring the East and the West together in the most meaningful and beneficial ways.

Contact serves the Dharamsala Community, including residents and visitors, by keeping its readers up-to-date on current issues and events and by networking education, health, and service workers within the community. We hope to help our diverse family of people from all parts of the world to understand and appreciate better each other. The Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy or benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May love and peace prevail!

Contact welcomes submissions of articles, stories, poems, graphics and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects.

All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 15th of the month. Any late submissions will only be considered for the next month�s issue.

contact magazine�Written By You, For You�Phone: 9816155523Email: [email protected]: www.contactmag.org

contact staff

Sarah LacyClayton HopkinsKatja SchwarzRamanathan.LLobsang Rabsel

contributors

NilaSuparna

printed atImperial PrintingKotwali Bazar, DharamshalaPhone : 222 390


LHAVolunteer!Donate!

CommunitySocial Work

Lha is a sacred Tibetan word meaning "innate goodness nature." Lha is a non-profit community social work programme. Our mission is to provide social services to both Tibetan refugees and local residents. Our main programmes include a Language and Computer School, Medical Aid, Clothing Distribution, Health Education and Water Supply. Lha social work projects are made possible through kind financial donations. To help with costs, the following classes and services are offered to travellers.

TIBETAN COOKING CLASSES* Tibetan Momos, Thentuk, BreadCost: Rs.150/class

TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASSES* 2 Week ClassesCost: Rs. 50/hour*Individual instruction availableCost: Rs.100/hour

BASIC YOGA CLASSES* 7:00 - 8:30 am* 5:30 - 6:45 pmCost: Rs.100/classIndividual instruction available

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES* English, French and Computer Teachers* Computer Technicians * Medical * Artists* Yoga Instructors * Massage Therapists* Many other volunteer opportunities available*

Over 300 volunteers from countries around the world serve with Lha annually.

DONATIONS NEEDED* clothing, shoes, school supplies, medical supplies, computers, computer supplies,

books, monetary assistance, etc...

MASSAGEBy appointment only. Cost: Rs.250/hour

GROUP MEDITATION* 7:00 - 8:00 pmSuggested donation: Rs.20

TIBETAN ART GALLERY* Contemporary Tibetan Art for viewing and for sale* Art ClassesBy appointment only

For all Lha classes and courses please register: 10am - 5pm, Mon - FriContact Information: Phone 220.992. SEE MAP FOR LOCATION

ALL FEES FROM Lha CLASSES AND SERVICES DIRECTLY BENEFIT Lha COMMUNITY SOCIAL WORK PROJECTS.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

TRADITIONAL REIKITEACHINGS* 9:00-11:00* First Level: 5 days, 2 hrs per day, Mon-Fri* Cost: Rs.2000/class

continued from page 1

with their homework, but the children weremalnourished and frequently fell ill. So,with help from the Mandala Trust (a UKcharity) Tong-Len established a supporthostel catering for 20 children. The Tong-Len Mandala Hostel opened on the 9thof February 2005 (Losar). It is staffed bytwo qualified teachers, supported by acook and a cleaner. Here the childrenreceive regular balanced nutritious meals,support with their studies, and enjoyrecreational activities in which theirfamilies are also invited to participate.The project has been a huge success.

The children and their parents seem veryhappy, and their teachers very pleasedwith their progress. Several children wonawards from their school last year. Nowthat the hostel is full, Tong-Len is activelyseeking funds for a second similar project.

In the camp at Charan Khad, Tong-Lenruns an afternoon school. Here childrenof all ages learn Hindi, Maths and English.On Fridays they have an Art session.Classes are taught by an Indian teacherwith the help of volunteers. Numbersattending have been increasing steadily.Currently the school has between twentyand thirty-five students, but when specialevents are planned, such as picnicoutings, this number swells to fifty.

The charity also provides an emergencymedical fund and co-ordinatescommunity activities in the camps.

And the future? Jamyang is hopeful, ‘Wewant to address the causes of poverty.Help them become self-sufficient. I thinkeducation is the key, but there are manyways in which we can help. Our charity is

very small now, but with support it cangrow.’

Tong-Len is now collecting donations ofall kinds. Clothes and blankets will begiven to those most in need. Other itemswill be sold through a charity shop intheir office.

A young woman receives a prescrip-tion for her baby.

Two children play amoungst theflowers in the hostel courtyard.


The Dogga Internet Café

Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm. Monday is the closing day. You find us(when you come just before ‘Hotel Mount View’, follow the passagedown the stairs and/or look for the Dogga Sign) on Jogibara Road

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· Connecting your laptop directly to the Internet

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- Map #11

Situated in the main town square, whichalso happens to be the busy bus stand,you will find Nowrojee & Sons. Not onlydoes this antiquated store sell everythingfrom newspapers and confectionary togeneral household items, but it has had ahuge part to play in shaping the way thetown of McLeod Ganj is today.

Jimmy Nowrojee, the current proprietor isthe fifth generation of the Nowrojee fam-ily. In his 80s he possesses many memo-ries of the way things used to be inMcLeod Ganj and has a fascinating col-lection of pictures, which he has takenoven the decades as a keen photographer.He passionately recounts the history ofthe store and McLeod and the way hisfamily played a part in shaping the waythis town is now.

The store opened its doors 145 years ago in1860. Set up by Jimmy Nowrojee’s greatgrandfather, the store was run by Jimmy’sbrother Nauzier Nowrojee from 1938 – 2000and initially served the needs of the BritishArmy Cantonment for 63 years. They soldall sorts of goods including cigarettes, medi-cines, wines and even arts and ammunitions!They also served the semi-nomadic GaddiTribe that were settled here at the time.

The family has looked after the interestsof the town well. During the huge 1905earthquake that caused mass destruction,they sent most of the local inhabitants toLower Dharamshala and other safer areas.However the family remained here andcontinued to run the store and serve thosewho remained in the area.

In 1947, when the partition of India tookplace and the British Army left the district,the family fell upon hard times. Yet still theNowrojees refused to leave the town. Withsheer determination, Nauzier Nowrojee triedto reverse the town’s fortune by petition-ing the government to move some of its

Nowrojee & SonsShaping the history of McLeod GanjFrom serving the British Cantonment in the 1860s to inviting HisHoliness the Dalai Lama to McLeod Ganj, this article looks athow 5 generations of owners of this 145-year-old general storeshaped the way McLeod Ganj is today.

offices to the area, but this unfortunately,proved to be unsuccessful.When the Tibetan Spiritual leader His Ho-

liness, the Dalai Lama was forced to fleefrom the Chinese suppression of the up-rising in Tibet in 1959, he moved toMussoorie. It was Nauzier who contactedthe Dalai Lama and suggested that hemake McLeod a base for him and his Ti-betan followers. This was approved byNehru, India’s Prime Minister at the time,and the rest is history. The sleepy town

of McLeodGanj was reju-venated intowhat is now athriving cen-tre compris-ing of a mix ofIndians, Ti-betans, and alarge numberof foreigntourists -many ofwhom stayfor months,even years ata time. Theplace is thriv-Nowrojee’s Store...Back in the days


ing economically and culturally and ishome to the supporters of the “Free Ti-bet” campaigns.

Jimmy has seen many changes through-out the years but one thing he is unhappyabout is the level of filth and pollution inMcLeod Ganj caused by the explosion inpopulation in the area. The amount ofwaste thrown out onto the streets (fromplastic bottles to other types of packag-ing) and the increasing number of buses,rickshaws and motorbikes churning outhigh levels of fumes, has turned McLeodGanj into a wasteland. One thing Jimmywould like, is to see McLeod in its formerglory – a cleaner, less polluted place forthe future. This needs to be done as ateam effort. Everyone from the local in-habitants to the many tourists needs todo their bit to keep the place clean.

Talking about former glory, things mayhave changed rapidly around town, butNowrojee’s store still remains a place fullof charm and is still home to plenty ofhistorical artifacts ranging from old ad-vertisements dating back from the firsthalf of the 1900s to old gramophonerecords and ancient sweet jars. This placeis a must-see ... an attraction in itself!

By Nila

Certainly lost time is gone forever and can-not be recovered. But we always try to builda better future for all of us, based on thoseexperiences of the past. In this processmany sacrifices are made by the peopleinvolved. The concerned community keepsmoving forward through both the goodand bad times. We all know the story ofthe Lord Buddha’s own life. He left theluxury of his palace to find peace of mind.All the wealth and luxury of the palacecould not deter him from attaining theBodhisattva, and he chose to serve the

people by imparting theknowledge of peace.

The Tibetan communityand Buddhism are bothsynonymous. Buddhismimparts the message of uni-versal responsibility, love,compassion and kindness.Universal responsibilitymeans feeling for otherpeoples’ sufferings as wefeel for our own. Today hu-manity is facing a bigthreat from terrorism and

violence. Its very survival is at stake.There is global concern as the wholeworld shrinks to a small neighbourhoodthrough the power of communication.One incident in a remote community cancreate ripples throughout the world. Inthe same way, a small Tibetan settlementin the northern region of India has al-ways attracted worldwide attention in aunique way. His Holiness the Dalai Lamahas become a powerful and charismaticfigure on the world stage. The hardshipsthat this community is facing will cer-tainly one day change in their favour.The young Tibetans and their dreamsare the future of Tibet. Education andthe economic strength of these youngTibetans will make them self confidentand independent. Since the day thiscommunity sought refuge in India, it hasbuilt its own initiatives in education,healthcare, economics, science and cul-ture. This community has always main-tained its commitment to finding a peace-ful solution and sharing what little theyhave with an ever increasing number ofTibetan refugees. They have proudlykept their cultural identity alive whileadapting to life in a foreign country. It ismy belief that a community so rich inculture will certainly gain independenceone day.

I wish to render my heartfelt desire fortotal freedom for all Tibetans.

[This letter was dedicated by a friendin Canada.]

Tribute to ‘A little Tibet’By Suparna

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First of all, can you tell us somethingabout yourself?My name is Tsering Tobgyal. Eight yearsago I started to work here. My duty is tobe the main responsible person for theproject named “Clean UpperDharamsala”.

Can you please give a short introductionto the history of this project?In the 1980s and 1990s, UpperDharamsala was a remote place. It wasabsolutely different from today. It was asmall village with almost no tourists.There wasn’t a big garbage problem. Butin the beginning ofthe 90s it became atourist area and,therefore, it ex-panded very fast.Since hotels,streets and waterpipes were builtvery quickly, thequality wasn’tgood. The garbagealso increased withthe tourists coming. The tourists mainlycame to receive audience with His Holi-ness the Dalai Lama. What they saw herewas not what they expected to find. Theythought about a peaceful, clean settle-ment in which His Holiness lived. Somepeople were thinking about doing some-thing and asked - what could be done?So, in 1994 the program was started.

What is the aim of the project?Of course, we want to solve all problemsthat are related to garbage. There is a lackof information in Tibetan and Indian com-munities. Both societies haven’t learnedanything about garbage.

Can you explain how the garbage systemworks so far?There exists two departments - the Mu-nicipal Council, which is run by the In-dian government, and the Tibetan Wel-fare Office, of which the “Clean Upper

Clean Upper DharamsalaBy Katja Schwarz

Dharamsala” project is one part. Both de-partments work together. The “Clean Up-per Dharamsala” project is in charge ofcollecting garbage from households. Butthe Municipal Council had some problemwith their workers and many were sent toour department. Since 2004 we have hada contract with the Municipal Councilwhich gives us total responsibility. Thereare two kinds of workers now, the streetworkers who get their salary from the Mu-nicipal Council, and the Green Workerswho are paid by the Tibetan Welfare Of-fice. On the one hand, we pay them fromdonations (from private persons and

some non-gov-ernmental orga-nizations) and, onthe other hand,the householdshave to pay forthe service as wepick up their gar-bage right fromtheir houses. Theprogram is nowself-sustained.

Furthermore, there are two groups of gar-bage: Dry and wet garbage. The dry gar-bage we pick up from the households. Af-terwards, we separate the garbage andmost of it we recycle ourselves. One ex-ample is that we make paper out of it thatis then sold in our Green Shop on BhagsuRoad. For the plastic there is a middlemanwho buys the garbage and transfers it toPunjab, where there are very good plasticrecycling machines. For the wet garbagethere is a big dump in Lower Dharamsala.

Another big section of your organizationis the education of local people and tour-ists. How does that work?Yes, we offer workshops for local peopleand for tourists and we also teach inschools. These workshops are open foreveryone who is interested. Dependingon the age of the person, we either speakto them or play games about the environ-ment. The main topic is the question

“How should we handle the garbage?”

How do you inform the people about theseworkshops?In the schools we organise dates withthe director, and the local people are in-formed by their block-leader. UpperDharamsala is divided into four blocksand each block has a leader with whomwe inform about the programs.

How much interest is there in theseworkshops?Some of the local Tibetans are very in-terested and take it very seriously. TheIndians, who we mostly meet in theschools are teachers and students, andare also very interested. Even Indiansfrom other places around Dharamsalacome to be taught by us. Afterwards theytry to set up similar projects in their vil-lages or cities. They pass on the knowl-edge about garbage management to theirfellows. The same occurs with Tibetanswho visit from Tibetan settlements inSouthern India. On the whole, we arevery happy with the interest levels.

Are you also satisfied with the use ofyour Green Shop?Oh yes, it’s a nice shop. In particular tour-ists like our goods. The recycling is doneright next door and we produce great pa-per, books, diaries, postcards and photoalbums. The tourists buy quite alot of

I feel that it is extremely important that each individual realize their responsibility for preserving the environment, to make it a part of daily life, create the same attitude in their families, and spread it to the community.

- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“

”

Project Co-ordinator -Tsering Tobgyal

Contact Magazine recently interviewed the co-ordinator of the “Clean Upper Dharamsala” campaignMr Tsering Tobgyal. With the growth of the town and the huge inflow of tourists, garbage has become a worrying issue. Readahead and find out how this campaign aims to clean up Mcleod Ganj and reduce waste.


them. The money earnt we use in sus-taining our program. Also, some non-governmental organizations from abroadorder our paper.

This year, the Himachal Pradesh Gov-ernment banned plastic bags. But manygoods are packed in plastic, like waterbottles and sweets. So, is it better to banplastic or teach people how to recyclethem? In the 1990’s the government did attemptto teach people ways of recycling, How-ever now the plastic bags have been for-bidden. We like this ban very much. Aswe see it, it works well to carry the boughtgoods in bags made of old newspapers.However, the government can’t stop plas-tic packaging. These companies pay a lotof taxes and some things must be packedin plastic. When we educate the peoplewe tell them not to buy these goods. Mostof the goods you can buy in other ways atthe market. Things sold at the market arealso fresher, tastier and healthier. And con-cerning the water bottles - most of the Ti-betan households boil their own water anddon’t buy these bottles. Tourists are the

main customers. But inUpper Dharamsala,there are many placeswhere you can refillyour bottles. It’scheaper and better forthe environment. Thiscan be done in allGreen Shops and inmany other places aswell. Especially thosewho are staying for along period of time,should and do use thisfacility.

What about garbagebins in the streets?There are only a veryfew and some touristswonder about this.We did set up lots ofbins in the years be-fore, but it wasn’t verysuccessful. Ourstreets are small andcars often hit the bins.Many of the bins werealso stolen as it’s a

good deal to sell them in other villages.Now we are trying to set up new onesand are thinking about good places toput them. However, there are a few bigcontainers on Temple Road which canbe used, and there’s also a way to takethe garbage home to collect it until theGreen Workers come. For this project wealso get help from the Municipal Council.

What about the garbage build up in thenatural environment?Sometimes we organize events, for ex-ample the “Environment Day” or some-thing similar, but the Green Workers can-not always help. They have more thanenough work in picking up the garbagefrom households, and we can’t hire moreworkers because we cannot pay them.Some volunteers do it from time to timewhen there are many tourists in town.

Volunteers have contributed to cleaningthe environment, then other people makeit dirty again the next day. What do yousay about these kind of people?These people just don’t think. Nobodywill punish them, so they stick to their

Featuring Mexican specials and tastysandwiches made with our homemade bread

Sunday at Sunset Speaker Series 6:30pmThis series features talks from ex-politicalprisoners speaking about their experiences inTibet under Chinese occupation, as well aslectures and presentations on various topics.Monday: The Open Stage 7:30pmLive performances by you! Bring your songs,music, stories, poems, or just a pair of handsto clap with!Tuesday: Cultural NightsConcerts, fundraisers & special events night(if you have any ideas please come forward!)Wednesday: Jam Night 7:30pmBring your instruments and voices to comeplay together with whoever shows.Thursday: Film Night 7:30pmFeaturing interviews with spiritual teachersfrom around the world, or the journeys of theTibetan refugees over the Himalayas.

On Temple Road, above Stitches of TibetWe are now OPEN from 9:30am-10pmContact Samdup (Mobile: 9816328167)

Khana NirvanaCommunity Café

old habits, polluting the environment.These people should be punished ac-cording to the law. It’s the only way tostop their behavior. There is a law, but wehaven’t the power to carry it out. Thepower is with the Municipal Council. Wedon’t know why they don’t use it, butperhaps it’s because of their individualmindset. We have complained about thismany times.

Make a last statement!I request everyone to keep this beautifulenvironment clean and tidy. And pleasetry to avoid making garbage as much aspossible by not buying plastic.

REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERSWe are always looking for volunteers tojoin the Green Workers to help clean Up-per Dharamsala. We would like all Tibet-ans, Indians and foreigners to becomeinvolved in the project, even if it is onlyfor a day or two. Every bit of help we canget counts for a better environment forus to live in!

Tibetan Welfare OfficeClean Upper DharamshalaBhagsu Road Mcleod GanjWeb: www.tibet.net/twodhasaEmail: [email protected]

Green Workers collecting dry garbage from eachhousehold


Guru Shruti PrakashNATURAL HEALING, SOUL REALIZATION &

MYSTERIES EXPERIENCE CENTREHere you can have session of reading of lines of

your palm (Palmistry) Palm Reading,Rebirthing, Chakra (Energy Centers) Energy Healing,

Shiatsu - Acupressure - Yogik Massage,Yoga, Medita-tion, Tantra Therapy, Inner Body Cleansing with Water

Techniques, Body Movements Therapy etc.(Learning Courses are also available)

AND/OR through Natural Healing you can recover from physical ofpsychological problems. For more information please come at any time

between 8am to 8pm and enquire with Guru Shruti Prakash (Palmist &Healer).

Mobile: 98161 20108Email: [email protected]

fifty 50rupeesfor five

minutes.

Location:Inside Hotel Snow Palace, Upstairs, First floor, 60 meters from mainsquare, main market, Jogiwara Road, in the small street, opposite

Prayer Wheels. McLeod Ganj. Map # 7

Two Western natural therapists are estab-lishing a temporary health clinic to raisemoney for the Tong-Len charity (see frontpage). Anna and Elyse, who have trav-eled, studied and retreated in Asia for ayear, wanted to give back to the commu-nity that has helped and inspired them.With several medical service ideas in mind,Elyse consulted her Lama who encouragedher to establish a health clinic in McLeodGanj. Through this clinic she is offeringher skills in Chinese medicine, acupunc-ture and Thai massage to raise money forlocal charities. Anna heard of the idea andis offering her skills in breathwork and re-flexology. And so the Healing MandalaClinic emerged.

The next step was to decide what charityto donate the clinic proceeds to. WhenElyse met Rachel of Tong-Len Charity atthe Karmapa’s teaching, she learned of theorganization’s wonderful contributions tothe local community. It was a natural union!

Elyse is a California and National licensedacupuncturist. She earned a Master’s ofScience and Oriental Medicine from the

American College of Traditional ChineseMedicine (TCM) and did post-graduatework at Zhejiang College of TCM inChina. She trained in Thai massage inboth California and Thailand. Chinesemedicine sees the body as an energysystem where each part is indivisible fromthe whole. Acupuncture addresses thebody’s energy channels, or pathways,which relate to our organ, lymph, bloodand nervous systems. It benefits thewhole range of physical and mental im-balances such as colds, flu, pain, diges-tive disorders, fatigue, depression, anxi-ety, menses and organ problems. Elyseexplains “My appreciation is alwaysgrowing for this medicine as I see howbeneficial it is for both prevention andtreatment of long term diseases. It’s sucha complete system addressing the inter-relationships of the energetic and physi-cal. It really offers something foreveryone...to re-establish harmony andbalance of body and mind.”

Anna has a degree in psychology and isa certified and experienced breathworkfacilitator and reflexologist. Breathwork

is a powerful healing tool which uses acombination of intention, consciousbreathing, body awareness and skillfulfacilitation. It is especially effective forclearing emotional, psychological andphysical blocks, limiting beliefs and open-ing one’s heart. Anna explains, “It stillamazes me how simple and highly effec-tive breathwork is. I have had so manymajor positive shifts and openings in mylife from doing it and have seen manyothers undergo amazing positive trans-formations. It’s great because you learnto use your breath to tap into your owninner wisdom in a gentle and empower-ing way that has lasting benefits.”

Reflexology works by stimulatingacupressure points on the feet. It is deeplyrelaxing, excellent for overall health andbalance, as well as for specific ailmentsor problems. Anna explains “ You can tellso much about a person and their healthjust by working on their feet. The foot isan incredible map and reflection of thewhole body. I love how you can help neckpain just by working on someone’s big toe!”

The Healing Mandala Clinic will be openfrom October 4 through December, Tues-day to Saturday, 1-6pm by appointmentand drop in. Consultations and treatmentsare by donation and all proceeds go di-rectly to Tong-Len charity. The clinic islocated at Yeti Trekking, the grassy areabehind the shops at the corner of Tipaand Tushita Raod. Walk up Tushita Roadabout 50 meters past the Osho shop andenter the Yeti Trekking gate on the righthand side.

Healing Mandala ClinicRaising Funds forTong-Len CharityHelp Others by Helping Yourself


* Handmade recycled paper procucts

* 100% safe boiled & filtered water

* Chemical free cosmetics

* Souvenir T-shirts to support The Green Shop

* Profits go to the Clean Upper Dharamshala-Project

* Utilization of local resources for� protection of local environment

Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj

thegreen shopan eco-friendly store!

Run by T.W.O. Clean Upper

Dharamshala-Project

non-profit

Friends of Bill W.AA MeetingWednesday

6-7 PMYoungling School

Jogiwara Rd, Mcleod Ganj

GENERAL INFORMATION

Public Audience with HH KarmapaLOCATION: SidhpurHOURS: Wed/Sat; 2:30pm For a privateaudience, appointments need to bemade at least five days in advance.PHONE: 98161 54611Bus ScheduleLeaving from McLeod Ganj BusStand unless stated otherwise. Dlxbuses can be booked at any travelagency in McLeod Ganj. Govt. busescan be booked at stand under McLo’s.Prices and times may vary!DELHI: Lcl 3x2, Rs292: 4:30pm, 5:30,6pm, 7:30pm , AC, Rs707: 7pmDlx Bus, Rs.400: 8:pmHim Tour Dlx Bus, Rs400: 6:20pmPATHANKOT: Lcl 3x2, Rs75: 10am,11am, 1:20pm, 2:50pm, 4pmAMRITSAR: Lcl 3x2 from Dhasa, Rs125: 5amDEHRADUN: Lcl 3x2, Rs283: 8pmMANALI: Lcl 3x2, Rs208: 5pmSHIMLA: Lcl 3x2 from Dhmsla Rs186:6am, 8:30am 7:45pm, 9:30pmJAMMU: Lcl 3x2 from Dhmsla, Rs112:9:45amPolice Contact InformationPHONE: 221483LOCATION: Past St.John’s Church, onroad to Dharamsala in Cant area

TheClean UpperDharamshala-ProjectFounded in 1994 to fight environmentalpollution in and around McLeod Ganj, the CUD-P is run by the Tibetan Welfare Office and con-sists of four sections:• The Green Workers• The Handmade Recycled Paper Factory• The Green Shop• The Environmental Ecucation Center• Green Workers are seeking volunteers tohelp for one or two days..

Contact: The TWO, Bhagsu [email protected]

www.tibet.net/twodhasa

Government PhoneUse this phone to call around theworld at a cheaper rate. Fax, web,telegram and other services.LOCATION: BSNL Telecom Centre inBus StandHOURS: 10am-6pm, closedSundays and holidaysPost OfficeThe McLeod Ganj post office is locatedon Jogiwara Road, near the market.HOURS: M-F 9:30am-1pm, 2pm-5pm,Sat 9:30am-12pm. Closed Sun.Parcels and moneyorders can besent in the mornings only.PHONE: 221924Tibet MuseumThe Tibet Museum is located inMcLeod Ganj near the main templeand Namgyal Monastery gate.HOURS: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm (sum-mer) Tue-Sun 9am-5pm (winter).Closed on Mondays.Tibet Photo Exhibition“50 years of struggle & oppression”The Tibet Photo Exhibition is located inMcLeod Ganj on Jogiwar Road Gu-Chu-Sum Hall.HOURS: 1st June 2005, 2-5pm onMonday, Wednesday and Friday.

HOMEMADE TOFU, HUMMUS,

PEANUT BUTTER, JAMS & MORE!

Look for them at variousshops around McLeod Ganj,or visit our store in Bhagsu.

All profits go to the IWA.

Drop of your clothes at My Cafe onJogiwara Road. MON-FRI for

the public. SAT-SUN for the needy.

L A U N D R YSoon McLeod Ganj will have its first

free laundry service for people in need!The elderly, poor, sick, or anyone else unableto take care of their laundry themselves areinvited to take advantage of this free communityservice.

The laundry is also available to the general publicfor a regular fee. The profits will help continuethe free service for the needy.

A Division of theIndian Woman’s Association

Visit their craft shop, nearNorbulingka, Sidhpur

All profits are for Tibetanhandicapped children.

Phone: 01892 246366Email: [email protected]

Treat yourself & the childrenat Nyingtob Ling!

THE TIBETAN VOLUNTEERSFOR SOCIAL SERVICE

Contact: Jigmey / SangayChaya Niwas, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj

Mobile: 98164 91733 /9816148042E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.tibchildren.org

Multi-Literacy Class

For more information on this& other Tibetan Volunteer’s for Social

Service programs visitwww.tibetanvolunteers.org

TIBETAN, ENGLISH, FRENCH, CHINESELANGUAGE CLASSES

Classes begin in July and are free toTibetan nationals and on a donation

basis for foreign students.

Classes run Mon - Frimorning, afternoon and evening

Saturday evenings - cultural discussions

Volunteer English and French TeachersRequired on a Long / Short term basis

These courses aim to increase literacyamongst Tibetans and promote global

communication

Tibetan Children’s Education Centre


services

Library of Tibetan Worksand ArchivesLOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, betweenMcLeod Ganj and Lower DharamshalaPHONE: 222 467HOURS: Classes from 9am-10amand 11am-12pm

Tushita Meditation CenterLOCATION: Above McLeod Ganj, inDharamkotPHONE: 221 866.EMAIL: [email protected]: www.tushita.infoHOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30am-11:30amand 12:30pm-4:00pmLIBRARY HOURS: 1:00pm–4:30pm

Lhamo’s KitchenLOCATION: Bhagsu Rd(below Rangzen Restaurant)PHONE: 98164 68719EMAIL: [email protected]: 8am-9pm

Sangye’s Kitchen TraditionalTibetan Cooking ClassesLOCATION: near Post Office, Jogiwara RdPHONE: 94180 66184EMAIL: [email protected]: Classes from 11am-1pm &5pm-7pm

Tibetan Cooking SchoolLOCATION: LHA, Temple RdPHONE: 220992HOURS: Registration from 9am-11am M-F,See ad on page 3

Bhimsen Indian CookingLOCATION: Mount View Hotel Complex,Jogiwara RdPHONE:HOURS: 10am-6pm

Nisha’s Indian Cooking ClassLOCATION: Hotel Lotus Leaf, Jogiwara RdPHONE: 220833EMAIL: [email protected]: Classes from 3pm-5pm

Yeshi’s Cooking ClassLOCATION: Below Yongling School,near Univeral YogaPHONE: 98163 14894EMAIL: [email protected]: Classes from 10am-12pm &5pm - 7pm Monday to Saturday.

Indian Cooking ClassLOCATION: Ansali Kapoor Behind Dr. YeshiDhonden Clinic, Jogewara RoadPHONE: 221678HOURS: Classes from 9am

BUDDHIST PHILOSPHY

Tibetan Delek HospitalLOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, be-tween McLeod Ganj and LowerDharamshalaPHONE: 222 053/223 381HOURS: Outpatient services: Mon-Sat9am-1pm; Specialist clinics: 2pm-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24-hours

Dr. RPMC HospitalLOCATION: DharamsalaPHONE: 22233

Men-Tsee-KhangLOCATION: between McLeod Ganj andLower DharamsalaPHONE: 222 618 / 223 113EMAIL: [email protected]

Primary Health CentreLOCATION: Jogiwara Rd main marketHOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Sunday closed

Dr. Sant Marwah ClinicLOCATION: in front of His HolinessTemple – McLeod Ganj.PHONE: 221106MOBILE: 98160 21106HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm, ClosedMonday afternoons

Maanav Health ClinicLOCATION: near Green Hotel, Bhagsu RdHOURS: 8am - 9pmDr. Tsomo Acupuncture &Massage TherapyLOCATION: 2nd floor of Mount View HotelPHONE: 94180 44176EMAIL: [email protected]: 9am - 6:30pm

Saini Homeo ClinicLOCATION: near Bus Stand, in BhagsuPHONE : 224 521 - 94180 86721,EMAIL: [email protected]: www.sainihomoeopathy.comHOURS: 11am-3pm, 7pm-10pm

Dr. BumchungLOCATION: Hotel Shagri-LaPHONE: 01892 9816174890EMAIL: [email protected]

Ayurvedic Rejuvination CenterLOCATION: Near Post OfficePHONE : 981618121EMAIL: pappugasay@ hotmail.comHOURS: 7am-9pm

Dr. C.Dolma-Tibetan MedicineLOCATION: Hotel Mount View (down stairs)Room #7HOURS: 9am to 8pmPHONE: 98162 86758

Tibetan Astrology CenterLOCATION: Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara RdHOURS: 9am-6pm

Drungtso Tibetan Healingand Astrology Centre

LOCATION: Between Varuni & PauseDwelling Guest HouseMOBILE: 94181 16627/ 94181-21519PHONEL: 221031E M A I L : d r d r u n g t s o @ y a h o o . c o m ,[email protected]: www.tibetanmedical-astro.org HOURS: 9am-7pm Mon-Sat

Yhongkow Gyal TibetanTraditional Astrology InstituteLOCATION: next to VolunteerTibet,Jogiwara RdPHONE: 01892 221181EMAIL: [email protected]: 9am-5pm

DANCE & MUSIC

Belly Dancing ClassesLOCATION: Bhagsu, Buddha HallHOURS: Classes from 12pm-1:30pm &every Sunday

Kumar School of MusicLOCATION: Kunga Guest House Bhagsu RadHOURS: 9am to 6pmEMAIL: [email protected]: 98163 37709

Tibetan Traditional MusicClass with Tsewang ChoedenLOCATION: Kunga Guest House Bhagsu RadHOURS: 9am to 6pmPHONE: 221180/98160 21180

LHA Computer SchoolLOCATION: LHA, Temple RdPHONE: 220992HOURS: Registration from 9am-11am M-F,See ad on page 3

COMPUTERS

ASTROLOGY HEALTH SERVICES

COOKINGDancing Dragon Restaurant& Cooking ClassLOCATION: Jogiwara Rd Lung-ta JapaneseRestaurant, in Hotel Ladies VenturePHONE: 98163 35572EMAIL:HOURS: Seven days a week. Classesfrom 3pm -5pm


Traditional Thai &Ayurvedic MassageLOCATION: Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara RdPHONE: 221382EMAIL: [email protected]: 7am-9pm

Zen Shiatsu MassageLOCATION: Manu at Akant Lodge,Jogewara RoadPHONE: 221593HOURS: 11am-7pm

Siby’s Kerala TraditionalSchool of Ayurvedic Mas-sageLOCATION: Bhagsu, Temple RdPHONE: 220495, 98170 94124EMAIL: [email protected]

Tushita Meditation CenterLOCATION: In DharamkotPHONE: 221 866.EMAIL: [email protected]: www.tushita.infoHOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30am-11:30amand 12:30pm-4:00pmLIBRARY HOURS: 1:00pm–4:30pm

Vipassana MeditationLOCATION: In DharamkotPHONE: 221 309EMAIL: [email protected]: www.sikhara.dhamma.orgHOURS: Mon-Sat 4pm-5pm

Z MeditationLOCATION: Below Yongling School,Jogiwara RdPHONE: 01892 220621, 94181 44185EMAIL: [email protected]: www.zmeditation.comHOURS: 11.30am

Asho InstituteLOCATION: Bhagsu, Temple RdPHONE: 220429 or 226420EMAIL: [email protected]: www.ashoayurvedahealing.comHOURS: 9am-6pm

Tibetan LanguageLOCATION: the Library, see Buddhistphilosophy listingHOURS: Classes from 10am-11am

Tibetan Language ClassLOCATION: LHA, Temple RdPHONE: 220992HOURS: Registration from 9am-11am M-F,See ad on page 3

Hindi Classes with SunilLOCATION: near main pizzeria in DharamkotPHONE: 221942EMAIL: [email protected]

Pema Youdon: Tibetan TeacherLOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opp Post OfficeHOURS: 1pm-4pm or leave a messageanytime at the French Cafe or DoritsungBookshop

Yeshi’s Tibetan ClassLOCATION: Below Yoongling School,PHONE: 98163 14894EMAIL: [email protected]

Hindi Lessons with KailashLOCATION: Hotel India on Bhagsu RoadPHONE: 220063 / 9418161947HOURS: come daily from 4-6 pm

Jamyang DorjeeLOCATION: Kyirong Dhuntso,TIPA Road 1150 #47PHONE: 9418121518 or 221190EMAIL: [email protected]

LANGUAGES

MASSAGE

MARTIAL ARTS

servicesUniversal Yoga with Vijay

LOCATION: Room #5, Yongling SchoolBuildin, Jogiwara RoadPHONE: 94180 07630EMAIL: [email protected]: www.vijaypoweryoga.comHOURS: office open 12:30 to 2pm only

Reiki & Meditation CentreLOCATION: Near Bhim Sen IndianCooking Class, Jogiwara RdPHONE: 94182 21615EMAIL: [email protected]: 9am-5pmWEB: www.nirvanabudha.com

Care of Soul: Rishi Yoga &Meditation Center, Ayurveda

LOCATION: behind LungTa restaurant,on Current Events.EMAIL: [email protected]: http://www.rishiyoga.comHOURS: 9am-8:30pm

Kailas School of Yoga &Kerala Ayurvedic Massage

LOCATION: Bhagsu Road near Green ShopPHONE: call Sivadas at 98161 50326EMAIL: [email protected]: office open from 1pm-2pm

Raj Yoga

LOCATION: Jogewara Road,PHONE: 98161 96582EMAIL: [email protected]: Ayurvedic Rejuvenation,

Buddha Hall Center forYoga, Reiki and Healing

LOCATION: Bhagsu NagPHONE: 221171 or 9817094108EMAIL: [email protected]: www.buddhahall.comHOURS: 9am-7pm

Neo Yoga, Reiki, & Meditation

LOCATION: Bhagsu NagPHONE: 01892 220501/98163 18674EMAIL: [email protected]: www.neoyoga.netHOURS: 9am-4pm

Himalayan Lyengar Center

LOCATION: Dharamkot, Bhagsu pathEMAIL: [email protected]: www.hiyogacentre.comHOURS: Info and reg Mon 1:30pm

MEDITATION

Tibetan Universal MassageRecommended by the Lonely Planet

LOCATION: Jogiwara RoadEMAIL: [email protected]: www.tibetanmassage.comHOURS: See ad on page 2

Dharani Kerala AyurvedicMassage CentreLOCATION: Jogiwara RoadPHONE: 01892221678 or 98164 92049

Sundar: Swedish MassageDeep TissueLOCATION: Yongling School,PHONE: 94180 07630EMAIL: [email protected]: 11:30am-4pm & 6:30pm-8pm

Tibetan MassageLOCATION: Yellow Guest House, Bhagsu RdPHONE: Tashi & Tinlay: 9816156148

YOGA & REIKI

Shivananda YogaLOCATION: Bhagsu NagPHONE : 98170 13510EMAIL: [email protected]:


Contact MagazineHelp to produce this local, grassroots,free community magazine. You can sub-mit articles, proofread copy or work ongraphic design.CONTACT: Lobsang at LHAMOBILE: 9816155523EMAIL: [email protected]

English Proof-ReaderN e e d e dA volunteer who is preferably staying atleast two months is needed to contributeand correct articles written in English byTibetan children for the Children’s Trea-sure in Exile monthly Magazine. TibetanChildren’s Education Center is lookingfor a volunteer web-designer to build awebsite for the organization..CONTACT: Sangay Tashi / JigmeyMOBILE: 98164 91733 / 98161 48042EMAIL:[email protected]

CommunityAssistance ProjectsLHA fosters projects for the benefit andenrichment of the local community.Please see Jampa or Pema at the LHAoffice (see Map for location) to see ifyou could be of some assistance, es-pecially if you are into event planning.

There is a wide-range of long term vol-unteer opportunities in and aroundMcLeod Ganj. Organizations such asthe Tibetan Welfare Office, the TibetanLibrary, the Tibetan Women’s Associa-tion, the Tibet Institute of PerformingArts, Tibet Museum, the Institute of Bud-dhist Dialectics, various monasteriesand nunneries, and offices of the Gov-ernment-in-Exile frequently offer volun-teer opportunities. Volunteers shouldbe prepared to make a minimum timecommitment of 3 months.

Aku Pema Performance ArtEstablished in 2000, Aku Pema Perfor-mance Art group was organized in orderto preserve traditional Tibetan art andculture in order to be passed on to futuregenerations. The group also addressesmulticultural themes. International visi-tors and volunteers are welcome to con-tribute and enjoy our cultural programs.We are seeking volunteers who are ableto teach: group music and singing,English language (any level and age),dancing (any style!).LOCATION: Norbulingka InstituteMOBILE: 9816315822 or 9816174922EMAIL: [email protected]

VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT

volunteer

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

DONATIONS

Volunteer TibetThere are many ways to share your timeand assist organizations in the Tibetancommunity! Even if you’re just passingthrough Dharamshala, there are stillmany ways to donate your time andmake a difference. For a full list of vol-unteer opportunities please contact us.CONTACT: TseyangHOURS: open 3pm - 5pm, Mon to FriLOCATION: Jogiwara Road oppositeAkash Guest HouseMOBILE: 98161 91216EMAIL: [email protected]: www.volunteertibet.org

Gu-Chu-SumEstablished in 1991, provides sup-port to ex-political prisoners and theirfamilies, and organizes campaignsworking for their release.Gu-Chu-Sum School needs help withEnglish conversation and tutoring from6:30 pm to 7:30pm,Monday through Friday.LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, samebuilding as the Lung-ta restaurantCONTACT: Sonam, the headmaster ofthe school, 10am - 5pm

L H AComputer teachers, English teachers,French teachers, and other opportunities areavailable at the LHA office. See the LHA ad-vert on page 3 of this newsletter.

Donations are the best way to help outif you are only around for a few days.Picking up a few supplies at a localstore can be of great assistance to edu-cational and social service organiza-tions.

LHA Donation CenterAccepting donations of all kinds: clothing,sleeping bags, books, School supplies,office supplies, medical supplies andfinancial assistance. All donations areclearly recorded and distributed to thosein need, both Tibetan and Indian. LHAis a registered non-profit social ser-vice organization. See advert page 3

Tibetan Children’sEducation CenterFinancial supports, Donating techno-logical equipments/computer/printer/scanner. Educational materials/books/classic videos. Stationary items/pens/papers/notebooksLOCATION: Sangay Tashi / JigmeyChhaya Niwas, Jogiwara Road,Mcloed GanjMOBILE: 9816491733 / 9816148042EMAIL: [email protected]

LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES

Tibet Charity –Multi Education CentreMany shy Tibetans would love to askyou questions about your life andexperiences. If you can spare anhour for a few days and don’t mindsharing your life story with others,come to our school and help ourstudents improve their conversa-tional English. Advanced:12pm-1pm, Beginners 4pm-5pm.HOURS: before 12pm, any weekdayand talk to JigmeLOCATION: Jogiwara Road (BelowMain Temple)PHONE: 221877MOBILE: 9418106626EMAIL: [email protected]: www.tibetmec.org

The Dogga SchoolTeaching & class assistant opportunitiesavailable for English classes for variouslevels through the day and an Introduc-tion to Computers course.CONTACT: Rinchen TseringHOURS: Mon-Fri 10am-12:30pm and2pm-6pmLOCATION: Next to Hotel Mount View,Jogiwara RdMOBILE: 98161 39358EMAIL: [email protected]: www.dogga.org

TUTORS & CLASS ASSISTANTS

R e i k i a n d M e d i t a t i o n C e n t e rLearn Reiki 1, 2 and Master.

Meeting time from 9am-5pm. 3-day silent meditation retreat course given by an experienced teacher.

Reiki Training Center, Upstair, Bhimsen Indian Cooking Class, Near Hotel Mount View,Jogiwara Rd,

(2 min walk from Post Office, on left) - Map #10Mobile: 94182 21615

contact magazine - october 2005

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