Venerable Thubten Ngawang’s reflections on unmet expectations

Venerable Thubten Ngawang recently returned from a three-week journey to India.

His trip aimed at receiving teachings and attending a retreat at the Tushita Meditation Centre in Himachal Pradesh.

His initial excitement was tempered by unmet expectations, notably the absence of the Dalai Lama, who was in New York for knee surgery.

Upon arrival, Thubten Ngawang experienced a nerve-wracking taxi ride marked by erratic driving and constant honking, sharply contrasting with his expectations.

Dharamshala, anticipated to be a tranquil town, turned out to be a bustling city with a mix of animals, people, and modern vehicles.

Throughout his trip, Thubten Ngawang confronted numerous misconceptions about monastic life in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

He faced self-doubt when asked to explain Buddhist practices, realizing his knowledge was primarily limited to his own monastic community at Sravasti Abbey.

This highlighted the importance of being open-minded and flexible.

Thubten Ngawang’s encounters with cultural differences, such as monks watching soccer, challenged his preconceived notions.

His participation in the chaotic yet spiritually enriching Sojong ceremony underscored the need to embrace differences without judgment.

Ultimately, he learned that focusing on commonalities rather than unmet expectations fosters a sense of connection and respect for diverse traditions.