Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama gives teachings around the world throughout the year including at his residence, Tsuglakhang temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala.
Meeting the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala —
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama gives teachings around the world throughout the year including at his residence, Tsuglakhang temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala.
LOBSANG WANGYAL/AFP/Getty Images
Locals call McLeod Ganj "Little Lhasa." It's also the home of the self-declared Tibetan government in exile.
"Little Lhasa" —
Locals call McLeod Ganj "Little Lhasa." It's also the home of the self-declared Tibetan government in exile.
Manjunath Kiran/AFP/Getty Images
Thousands of monks flock to Dharamsala to hear the Dalai Lama's teachings on wisdom and compassion.
A pilgrimage to Dharamsala —
Thousands of monks flock to Dharamsala to hear the Dalai Lama's teachings on wisdom and compassion.
R.L. Norton/cnn
For some, a handshake with the Dalai Lama is an experience of serenity followed by giddy childlike joy.
Spiritual handshake —
For some, a handshake with the Dalai Lama is an experience of serenity followed by giddy childlike joy.
R.L. Norton/cnn
"Our whole world is interconnected and the global economy is concerned with the whole world and not only individuals," the Dalai Lama says. His deep, roaring laugh brings a smile to everyone's face.
'The whole world is connected' —
"Our whole world is interconnected and the global economy is concerned with the whole world and not only individuals," the Dalai Lama says. His deep, roaring laugh brings a smile to everyone's face.
R.L. Norton/cnn
Teaching in Tibetan and sometimes English, the Dalai Lama speaks about the importance of secular ethics, universal human values, inter-religious harmony climate change and preserving Tibetan culture.
The teaching —
Teaching in Tibetan and sometimes English, the Dalai Lama speaks about the importance of secular ethics, universal human values, inter-religious harmony climate change and preserving Tibetan culture.
R.L. Norton/cnn
There's a large choice of yoga workshops, dream catcher classes and Ayurvedic cleansing programs in surrounding communities.
Touring the neighborhoods —
There's a large choice of yoga workshops, dream catcher classes and Ayurvedic cleansing programs in surrounding communities.
R.L. Norton/cnn
Evidence of the Dalai Lama's teachings are seen on the streets, in coffee shops, internet cafes and book stores throughout the nearby hill communities.
Spreading the word —
Evidence of the Dalai Lama's teachings are seen on the streets, in coffee shops, internet cafes and book stores throughout the nearby hill communities.
R.L. Norton/cnn
While the culture of the towns, Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, are predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, the small surrounding villages are more Indian and have a hippy vibe.
Hillside cafe stop —
While the culture of the towns, Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, are predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, the small surrounding villages are more Indian and have a hippy vibe.
R.L. Norton/cnn
Despite living the simple life, many monks can be seen with technology such as smart phones.
Everything is connected —
Despite living the simple life, many monks can be seen with technology such as smart phones.
R.L. Norton/cnn
Followers visit from more than 60 countries and simultaneous translation machines are given out at the teachings.
Global village —
Followers visit from more than 60 countries and simultaneous translation machines are given out at the teachings.
R.L. Norton/cnn
All visitors must register with the Tibetan Branch Security Office in McLeod Ganj near Hotel Tibet or at the temple first.
Spiritual security —
All visitors must register with the Tibetan Branch Security Office in McLeod Ganj near Hotel Tibet or at the temple first.
courtesy R.L NORTON