Goodbyes in Dharamsala

On Saturday, October 27, we had a farewell banquet in McLeod Ganj. We invited all the people who touched our lives, the women who danced Tara with us, the hotel staff, the bus and taxi drivers, shopkeepers, the tailors and more. It was joyous, yet tearful. We made some profound heart connections with many of these people, and leaving felt much like leaving home.

We honored each of these new friends with Kataks and small gifts, and they honored us in return. One of the most meaningful gifts was a speech given by Tsering Palmo, the woman who organized our Tibetan dancers through the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA). I share this now with you for your own encouragement, but also so we can always remember these precious nineteen women and their kind words to us.

She said:
My dearest Venerable Taras from all over the world. I, on behalf of all the members of TWA in Dharamsala and particularly on behalf of the Tibetan women who had this golden opportunity to take part in this extraordinary pilgrimage, thank you greatly for your love, wisdom and compassion.
We are the most fortunate among our members all over the world to receive this precious moment to be with you all. I strongly believe this is the fruit of our good karma of previous life. In spite of all the difficulties and tense time in America, each and every one of you have put every possible effort to be with us. We are very grateful and we honour your commitment highly.
This pilgrimage had made our faith in 21 Taras clearer and powerful. Now we know our refuge in this life is in 21 Taras. It has also made us realize our manifestations of Tara to bring love, peace and freedom to all those who are deprived of them. I feel strongly that the lasting impression this pilgrimage will always make us to emanate the qualities of 21 Taras to promote, preserve and to
protect love, happiness and equanimity to all sentient beings.
This unforgettable pilgrimage has brought us closer to 21 Taras. I believe when we look inside deeply we all have great qualities as great as 21 Taras. The only simple thing is we need to manifest all the 21 Tara's praises in our day to day life as much as possible.
This memorable pilgrimage has transformed us and made lots of difference in being a strong, loving and compassionate woman, mother, friend and sister of the world. By being together we have empowered each other and been reminded of our roles in this precious human life before the eternal silence comes to us.
We promise to spread Tara Dhatu's message of love, peace and compassion wherever we go. We are grateful to Tara Dhatu and very specially to Prema and Anahata who made this marvelous and everlasting pilgrimage possible. We again thank you all heartily for this memorable and unforgettable pilgrimage. So let us pledge to join hands to bring peace, love and freedom to all sentient beings.

Last but not least, I would like to conclude here with reciting a poem by His Holiness the Dalai Lama:
Never give up
No matter what is going on
Develop the heart
Too much energy in your country
Is spent on developing the mind
Instead of the heart
Develop the heart
Be compassionate
Not just to your friends
But to everyone
Be compassionate
Work for peace
In your heart and in the world
And I say again
Never give up
No matter what is happening
No matter what is going on around you
Never give up
Speech given by Tsering Palmo

The next morning, many of the women came to see our busses depart. After this sad farewell, we began the three-day journey to Kathmandu, where our adventure continues.

Blessings,
Jessica Zebrine