Indiana University attracts a global population of students, professors and academics, but many people may not know that Bloomington holds particularly close ties to Tibet. Professor Thubten Jigme Norbu moved to the city in the 1960s to teach at IU, and the 14th Dalai Lama (his younger brother) has visited multiple times.
Although Norbu passed away in 2008, his legacy lives on through the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center he established in 1979 to acquaint the community with the history and culture of his home country. Open to visitors of all faiths for workshops, worship and meditative contemplation, the idyllic 108-acre site is also home to the Kumbum Chamtse Ling Monastery.
Visitors are welcome to explore the spiritual landscape adorned with prayer flags, Buddha statues, mandalas and domed stupa monuments. Make sure to send out some good vibes as you spin the Tibetan prayer wheels, and don’t miss the beautiful shrine room in the basement of the main temple building. Guests can even book overnight stays in cottages and retreat rooms on the property.
Elsewhere in Bloomington, Anyetsang’s Little Tibet (part of an international grouping of eateries along 4th Street restaurant row) offers a taste of authentic Tibetan cuisine for adventurous eaters. Here, owner Pema Wangchen proudly introduces customers to the flavors of his homeland through a menu that highlights tasty dumplings, curries, satay and noodle dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner service in a colorful dining room or on a charming patio.
To learn more about Bloomington’s Tibetan connections, go to tmbcc.org.
