Name: Dolma
(Alias: Yes)
Gender: Female
Interview Age: 68
Date of Birth: 1947
Birthplace: Utsang, Tibet
Year Left Tibet: 1980
Profession: Farming
Monk/Nun: No
Political Prisoner: No
Interview No.: 21N
Date: 2015-04-09
Language: Tibetan
Location: Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
Categories: Culture and History
Keywords: Buddhist beliefs, childhood memories, customs/traditions, farm life, marriage practices, nomadic life, Utsang
Summary:
Dolma was born to a nomadic family in Utsang Province. They engaged in raising animals like yaks, dri 'female yaks' and sheep. She describes the various nomadic activities such as milking, churning curd and making cheese and butter. These were sold to the farmers in exchange for grains that the nomads made into tsampa 'flour made from roasted barley.' She talks about the difficulties they faced during rainy season in the mountains due to the lack of proper clothing to protect them from the cold and rain.
Dolma recalls how she was given in marriage to a farmer's family. She faced many problems due to the sudden change in her lifestyle from a nomad to a farmer. She was praised for her skills at cooking and weaving, but struggled to harvest the grain on the farm. She had two sons who both died at a young age and eventually separated from her husband. She believes they were a poor match based on their individual birth signs and elements. Dolma gives her opinion on arranged marriages that happened during her days in Tibet and today's love marriages.
While living in Nepal she has received Buddhist teachings from a learned lama that has helped transform her mind. She describes her beliefs in one's destiny, the meaning of the Buddha dharma and the various spiritual activities she follows.
Interview Team:
- Katharine Davies Samway (Interviewer)
- Henry Tenenbaum (Videographer)
- Palden Tsering (Interpreter)
