Mcleodganj/ Dharamshala: Like the countless prayer flags in myriad colours fluttering in the cool breeze, hope floats in the twin towns, despite the abjectness of their circumstances. The Dalai Lama’s temple over-looking the Dauladhar range, has a continuous flow of devotees who leave behind an array of interesting offerings, from party pack of soft drinks to large packs of milk powder, biscuits, imported chocolates and chips. At the end of the day, the offerings are accounted for and distributed amongst the lamas.
The offerings at the temple are as much reflective of devotion as pragmatism on the part of the believers. They bring what they think the lamas would like, and maybe need. After all, having renounced the world, why must they be denied occasional pleasures? Yet another of the Dalai Lama’s influence, who has pulled his faith out of the boring, sombre confines of joylessness into the glorious world of satiation and fun. [Source] or [PDF]