Gyuto Tantric Monastery, Dharamsala

Following our wonderful visit of Norbulingka, our driver took us to the Gyuto Tantric Monastery, a short distance away. Built in 1993, the monastery was rather simple in design and lacked the decorative enthusiasm of Norbulingka. Bright colors still were present, with the red robes of the monks contrasting against the yellow buildings, which were framed by the distant mountains and brilliant clear blue sky.

 Single lines of laundered socks were strung in the small balconies of some of the monks’ residences. We arrived there when it was lunchtime and saw monks carrying a plate of rice and bananas. A young boy monk proceeded to walk down the steps with his lunch, careful not to trip in his too-large sandals. Framing the stairways were rows of tree-sized hibiscus plants in red and white, along with many rose bushes. Scattered throughout the grounds were light poles powered by solar energy.

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