Our Trip to Nepal

Our 1st pilgrimage trip to Kathmandu was really an amazing and blissful experience.  The best part of the whole trip was we got to witness the enthronement ceremony of Venerable Tulku Tenzin Puntsok Rinpoche and meeting up front with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khenrinpoche, followed by pilgrimage to the holy sites in Kathmandu valley. 

1^st Holy site -Swayambunath Stupa or the

Monkey

Temple  This nickname was given due to the large community of monkeys surrounding and guarding the hillside and temple.   We had a long climb to the top, but worth it to see Kathmandu

Valley’s oldest and most sacred shrine.  It was in the middle of the day when we sat foot on Swayambunath and it was also the best time to visit as we could see that this holy place was not just a tourist attraction but a very active shrine.  Swayambunath was so crowded with many tourists.  Of course we could take a taxi and drop us at back of temple and save us climbing 300 stairs, but we missed out on that fun.    We managed to climb up the steps to the top of the Stupa – a climb that was even more challenging than the Great Wall of China. According to the legend of this Stupa climbing up without stopping - cleanses us of so much negative karma it automatically assures us of a good rebirth and eventual enlightenment.  Hey, we made it.  Rejoice !!

NOTE: Swayambunath Stupa is listed as a World Heritage Site.   

2^nd Holy site -Boudhanath, Kathmandu

Our third day in Nepal was spent exploring Boudhanath.  We visited the temple of

Boudhanath, the colossal Stupa, one of the largest in the world. It was awesome.  The Stupa is huge and has the all seeing-eyes of the Buddha by king Mana Deva.  As we circumbulated the colossal Stupa, we could not but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony and quiet happiness.   Also, the smiling faces of the Nepalese, the rich culture and their warmth were forever imprinted in our memories.  It was a pity that we did not walk our way to the top of the Stupa, as the buses were waiting for us.Again, we could not but be overcome with great positive energy coming from the glow of the Stupa.  Our rooms in Hyatt Kathmandu faced the excellent view of the Bouddhanath Stupa.  Hyatt Kathmandu is located directly opposite the Boudhanath Stupa  ( to be precise - it is on the same road ).   

3^rd Holy site -Pharping (Mother Tara Shrine)

On our fourth day, the whole group visited Pharping.  We arrived at the New Treasures site early in the morning on buses from Kathmandu.   Arriving at this legendary place was almost overwhelming. The site was so beautiful, so peaceful, and so holy.This is a place of Enlightenment.  Again, we had to climb the steep steps in order to reach the holy sites.  It was challenging, fulfilling and fun with the camaraderie of more than 350 people from Nepal, Tibet, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, USA, and UK.

Although our trip was just five days and four nights, we enjoyed this amazing country very much.  For sure, we would like to visit Nepal again to explore more of its history, culture and people.  

Visiting Kopan and Kathmandu have transformed our minds and hearts.   My hubby and I felt that we were one step closer to divinity.   We also found the right balance between spiritual practice and daily demanding routine.   Just like the 80/20 principle.