In a way, it can be said that the spread of Tibetan culture in India was a result of the migration of the Dalai Lama and several of his followers after the 1959 uprising. Ever since, the Holiness resides in the country and several Buddhist monasteries are built in different parts of India to preach and practice their religion. The highly looked upon Buddhist leader recently turned 87, and his birthday was celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. While several dignitaries including Hollywood actor Richard Gere graced the occasion with their presence, it was the two different cakes on the table that caught our eye.
Organised at Tsuglakhang temple, a significant Buddhist temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the 14th Dalai Lama cut all the cakes in the presence of well-known personalities as well as his followers. There was one three-tier cake and a smaller cake on the table. One of them was covered in strawberry cream while the other big one was topped with fruity treats. Both the cakes were cut simultaneously and they looked absolutely tempting. Not only were cake choices quite interesting, if you were to know about the Dalai Lama’s dietary habits you would be even more fascinated.
The holy leader starts his day with some porridge and tsampa. Made from roasted barley, tsampa is a commonly eaten flour across Buddhist sects in Tibet. This light and healthy meal is taken in the early hours of the day after his morning walk and meditation. A common misconception is that the Buddhist leader is a vegetarian. While he was a meat-eater in Tibet, he stopped eating it after he fled to settle down in India. However, due to medical reasons, he was recommended to start eating meat and therefore, he now consumes the same once or twice a week.
Source: Hindustan Times/Instagram
Interestingly, the 14th Dalai Lama doesn’t eat dinner based on certain Budhhist beliefs and therefore, his last meal of the day is around 11.30 am, as reported by a media publication. The concept of consuming solid foods after midday is not propagated in certain sects of this belief and therefore, the spiritual leader abstains from the same. Another fascinating fact about the Buddhist leader is that he still loves to eat noodles and momos. From Thukpa to Shapale, several dishes are prepared for the Dalai Lama during his meals. For the uninitiated, Thupka is a thick noodle soup made with meat broth and lots of vegetables that is nutritious and healthy while Shapale are similar to momos, with the bread stuffed with meat and cabbage that is shaped into semi-circles and deep-fried.
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Close to his roots and a person filled with positivity, Dalai Lama believes in homegrown fruits and vegetables as well as home-cooked food. Plenty of vegetables like cauliflower and carrots grow in his residence and he prefers them to be used in cooking his food. Although solid food is prohibited, the Dalai Lama is an ardent fan of tea and likes to take his yak butter tea in the evenings after completing the tasks for his day. The yak butter tea is a creamy concoction made with yak butter, salt and tea leaves, making it a rich and salty beverage.
Source: Shutterstock
The fact that the leader still relishes a cup of Tibetan butter tea or Tsampa for breakfast makes it quite evident that he is still connected to his roots. All his dietary practices reflect how closely connected the Buddhist leader is to his home i.e. Tibet and what a simple yet fascinating life he leads, serving as an inspiration for many.
