The Library of Tibetan Works And Archives (LTWA) in Dharamsala is apparantly one of the most significant respositories of Tibetan manuscripts and artifacts anywhere in the world. Built under the direction of the current Dalai Lama in 1971, it houses “more than 80,000 manuscripts, books and documents, hundreds of thangkas, statues and other artefacts, 6,000 photographs, and other materials.”
It is also a center for learning and study of Tibetan culture and Religion.
To get here you head down the road from the more touristy area of Mcloed Ganj, where you will most likey be staying. Just follow any one of the many monks who will be ambling down the hill.
The Library is set amongst a whole villiage of monastaries, and seems to be a real focul point for the community.
Twice or three times a day there are letures given here by different Lama in the teachings of the Buddah. Everyone is welcome and its free and you don’t have to book. I attended twice a day for about a month. The lessons start and finish with chanting – their is an English version “song book” and the lessons were translated from Tibetan by a middle aged English woman.
Probably a third of those attending were westerners, while the rest were Tibetans, or other monks.
Donations can be made to the centre, and their is a suggested amount (which isnt very much) for attending the courses long term. Another good way to support the community is by volunteering to teach English. I taught three classes a day, one individually to a monk, one to a packed class of refugees and another to a group of more advanced monks.
Both attending these classes and teaching the locals English was a brilliant way to make friends and become a part of the local community.
Check out my review of The Library of Tibetan Works And Archives Dharamsala - I am gotiges7 – on Qype
