Norbulingka: The First Twenty Years of an Adventure

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We live in a world in which, due to vastly improved communications and modes of travel, we come into contact with many different cultures. From these encounters we learn that culture is not something spontaneous, but a phenomenon that develops over time, its agents passing it on from one generation to the next. Tibetan culture, for instance, had begun to evolve before Buddhism arrived in Tibet and began to be assimilated there. Ultimately Tibetan culture became so imbued with Buddhism that this ancient spiritual tradition from India became an inseparable part of the Tibetan identity. It is largely from Buddhism that Tibetan culture draws values that have the potential benefit not only Tibetans but also human beings all over the world.
The events that have occurred in Tibet in the last fifty years have dealt a huge blow to Tibetan culture. Over a period of twenty years, from the late 1950s through the 70s, most cultural and religious landmarks were obliterated or severely damaged. Beginning in the 1980s reconstruction efforts began in earnest, thanks to the dedication and resilience of the Tibetan people who volunteered their resources and labor to reconstruct a great number of temples, monasteries and other cultural sights. In spite of this, bridging the past and the present has not been an easy task. In Tibet efforts were more focused on rebuilding using whatever talents were available rather than establishing training institutions in the arts that would ensure continuity for future generations. In exile resources were wanting other priorities were earmarked, and efforts were scattered.