The Journey to Dharamshala : When the Universe Whispers Through Coincidence

There are times in life when we feel an unexplained pull — a desire to be free, to go somewhere without knowing why. For me, that place was Dharamshala.

I didn’t go there for a vacation or sightseeing. I went searching for answers — clarity, direction, and maybe a sign from the universe. Per Itinerary , my trip was to volunteer at an animal rescue center and  visit the holy Dalai Lama,  but deep down  I sensed there was a bigger purpose waiting for me.

My first picture of the Rakkar, i called home for a week near Dharamshala

Dharamshala greeted me with the stillness of its mountains — calm, yet full of energy. I could feel something shifting within me, though I didn’t yet know what I was looking for… until a series of unexpected encounters began to unfold.

On my first day of volunteering, I had a small accident while walking the dogs and ended up in the emergency room. Thankfully, I was fine — but destiny clearly had its own plans. When the doctor asked where I was from and I mentioned my small hometown, Koraput, Odisha, she smiled and said her husband was from the same place! We exchanged stories and laughter, instantly connected by the comfort of shared roots.

Later that day, at my co-working space, I met another new friend — also from Odisha. It felt almost magical. We spent hours talking about spirituality, science, and the universe. Through him, I was introduced to a few spiritual connectors, and that’s how I discovered Reiki — not through planning, but through pure coincidence. His name is Siddharth, which happens to be another name of Buddha.

I never intended to explore Reiki further, but after returning to the States, curiosity led me to call the healer. To my amazement, she turned out to be from Damanjodi — the very town where I went to boarding school – Delhi Public School ! She had studied at another nearby school, and as we talked, we realized we shared over ten mutual friends — including my best friend, who had been her benchmate for twelve years.

In that moment, I understood — the answer I had been seeking lay in my roots. It was as if life was whispering, “You traveled all this way to find what has always been a part of you.” for me 

A few days later, over chai at a small local shop, I met Shri Navang Taonsu, a monk who would soon become a dear friend/mentor. By another twist of fate, he too was from Odisha, just a few hours from my hometown. We met every morning at the same spot, sharing reflections on spirituality and the flow of life. On my last day, he invited me to his temple, Norbulingka, offered a half-day tour, and blessed me before I left the village. We still keep in touch over WhatsApp.

Was it all a coincidence? Or was it the universe’s gentle way of reminding me that when you’re ready, the right people and energies find you — even in the most unexpected corners of the world?

Oh Dharamshala — greetings from roots.

That journey to Dharamshala became more than an experience. It became a revelation — that sometimes we must travel far to remember where we truly belong: to our roots, our energy, and ourselves. The answer lies within.