Pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Buddha

Monlam Festival at Lama Puja Sakya Monastery in Lumbini, Nepal

The bus stopped at a dusty crossroad and the driver shouted “Lumbini, Lumbini, Lumbini.” Indeed, I was Lumbini bound, but I had been told this bus would carry me all the way; suddenly it seemed I would have to change buses. I unfolded my aching legs from the cramped space between seat rows, stood and … Read more

VIDEO: The Making of Tibetan Carpets

Carpet Factory at Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Settlement in Pokhara Nepal

At the Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Settlement in Pokhara, Nepal, women card and spin wool, which is then dyed in rainbow colors and painstakingly woven into intricate carpet designs on huge wooden looms. The carpet being woven in the video is approximately eight feet long and will take about two months to complete, after which it … Read more

The Art of Tseten Chomphel

Tseten Tsering, artist and art teacher at Tashiling Tibetan refugee settlement

As I waited to fill my plate during the International Human Rights Day celebration at Tashiling Tibetan refugee settlement in Pokhara, kids darted back and forth through the dinner line, playing tag. When one of them unexpectedly scooted in front of me, I reflexively took a step back and bumped into Tseten Chomphel. He laughed, … Read more