Crafts, Culture, Cuisine : Experiences of Life

  During  my recent visit to Dharamshala I was fortunate enough to have a personal audience with his Holiness the Dalai Lama with my family and had a soul stirring discussion with him on meditation and its impact on us mortal beings especially in finding peace and substance .   Receiving the Blessings from his Holiness  He said two things- “practice analytical meditation on a regular basis – not for few days or few months  but for years and years and the n you shall start finding some substance in yourself” . And secondly that  “ practice  Karuna  (compassion) for any and  every one . ”   So simple  -  yet so difficult.  After our meeting with his holiness I took my parents to visit the Norbulingka Institute for Tibetan art and crafts. A beautifully designed complex which was inaugurated in 1995 by the Dalai Lama. I and my husband were residing in Dharamshala at that time and since then have seen it blossoming– completely befitting the meaning of its name – Treasure Garden . A treasur

  One of the most ancient crafts in the world is pottery making. With Arun's large family and officers of the state Arun Guleria with his little daughter   The potter’s wheel was invented somewhere between 6 th to 4 th BCE in Mesopotamia and since then the world has produced exquisite pottery of all shapes, colors and sizes. It not only is beautiful but has held an important place in enhancing the heritage and culture of all the civilizations world over. Apparently, pottery is one of the most durable form of art and has helped a lot in tracing history, connecting connections and indicating the financial status of a particular region or culture.   Today also Pottery is considered to be a great hobby to have - as it’s mentally and physically soothing, almost therapeutic. Most of us are fascinated by the idea of creating something beautiful with our own hands.   And if one can do it professionally than it is a God’s blessing. Mr Arun Guleria is one such blessed Artisan/Potter/Terr