Deathbed Notes

At the time of

my last breath

I realize

Birth and death are like

performance of play

Lifetime is like a flash of light

passing by swiftly

as a waterfall down a cliff

 All my life

My ignorant mind

keep believing

I am beautiful

I am powerful

I am immortal

Pride, hatred, and jealousy

ego, desire, and misery

block my mind

like cloud block the sunshine

and

I believe

there is no sunshine

though sunshine is there

 

All my life

I give a damn

to the sick, poor and destitute

never heal their wounds

never look after them

My obscure mind

love my body wholeheartedly

I keep massaging tenderly

thinking

this will last forever

and

pretending

myself as beautiful

Now

my tender skin

turned to thousands of lines

none of the cream

hide my wrinkle

none of the massage oil

make my body strong

All my life

Due to

The Darkness of ignorance

I believe

my friends, parents, relatives

will be with me forever

Now

time has come

I have to leave

my possessions, family, and friends

they won’t follow me anymore

But

my Karma follows me

 

All my life

I forgot to rejoice in the true nature

the self-knowing wisdom

Never understand

the source of all phenomena of

Samsara and Nirvana

is the nature of mind-void, luminous

all-encompassing, vast as the sky

and

I spent my life in Samsara

doing meaningless activities

Never believe

death chases me

from the time of my birth

 

All my life

I forgot equanimity

Hate enemy

But

In the end

We are on the same deathbed

writing death notes

Now

I am begging for death

To extend my life

But

Death is dumb

won’t hear crying

Death is blind

won’t see begging

I cannot use my power

I can’t bribe death

I cannot escape from death

Helpless

I surrender myself

like little mouse surrender

in the swamp

Realizing the truth

I cannot die

in ease and prosperity

I have to come again to Samsara

wander from life to life

with no particular direction or purpose

Like a bee flying

round and round inside a jar

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Kora;Path towards enlightenment

Kora is a path on which we walk around sacred object or place. Kora means circle in Tibetan and circumbulation in English. It is a path to purify our negative karma. Likewise we can get physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Tibetan circumbulate in a clockwise direction while Bon practitioner walk anti clockwise. When Master Atisha arrived in Tibet, Dromtonpa and his other disciples asked him, “Why do you attach such great importance to circumambulating Stupas in contrast with all other virtuous acts?” Master Atisha told them, “Among all relatively virtuous acts, there is none that brings about more merits than circumambulating Stupas, because it is the amassment of good karma of the body, the mind and the soul.

Lamas doing Kora in Boudhanath Stupa

People enjoying Kora in Boudhanath Stupa

Circumambulating is a very powerful practice, and the very root of the practice is to circumambulate with strong devotion, and with an undistracted mind. Since we need to accumulate extensive merit in order to generate realizations and achieve enlightenment quickly, we should attempt to circumambulate as perfectly as possible. Circumambulations should be done with body, speech and mind. If your mind is distracted and you are gossiping while you are circumambulating, there is no great benefit. Mental circumambulation involves generating devotion by thinking again and again of the qualities of the object you are circumambulating, of the qualities of  the Guru-Buddha. Speech circumambulation involves reciting mantras and praises over and over again. While reciting mantras we can use prayers beads, prayers wheels but it is not compulsion. With body and speech the most  important one is the mental circumambulation i, e having devotion in the mind. Do not think small virtuous things are not worth your attention. Even small drops of water can accumulate and fill a big vessel. Virtue needs to be accumulated little by little; it is impossible to instantly gain all provisions required for becoming Buddha. Sutra of Wisdom and Foolishness (Damamukl Nidana Sutra)

More people doing Kora

myself doing Kora

Most of the time while circumambulating I meditate on emptiness. As with walking meditation it helps in practicing awareness of dependent arising. I question myself self, “What am I doing?—I am circumambulating. Why am I circumambulating?. Except for the fact that the body is circumambulating, there is no reason at all that I am circumambulating. It is very good to apply this reasoning. When I do this, there is suddenly some change in the concrete, independent I. Suddenly it is not so solid, not so real. It is not that the I does not exist, but there is a big change in my perception of it. In the heart there is a feeling of I, but this I is not real in the sense of being independent and existent from its own side. Others people might have different feeling. Finally, at the end of Kora I dedicate all the merit for long life of gurus and benefit of all sentient beings.

lightening butter lamp for the benefit of sentient beings

May all my actions be virtuous actions. May all my actions become cause for happiness and enlightenment. May all my actions bring happiness to all sentient beings. May all my actions bring enlightenment to all sentient beings.

Mystery of Maratika ( Halesi) Cave

Let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that.  – The 14^th Dalai Lama

Maratika Cave is one of the six supreme pilgrimage sites of Buddhist around the world . For Hindu it is famous Lord Shiva temple know as Halesi Mahadev. People also call it Pashupatinath (Pashupatinath is very famous Hindu Shiva temple in Kathmandu )of eastern Nepal. Visiting sacred sites is my passion. On September 13 at around 11am we started our journey from Kathmadu to Maratika ( Halesi) . We travel taking road to Kathmandu to Kotari. The road from Kathmandu to Kotari is good. From Kotari to Ghurmae, the first part of the road was pretty good. However after a few hours of ride some parts the road was really bad. A Japanese company is working on making this road and it will take one year to complete it. After that we can have a safe ride from Kotari to reach Halesi. After 9 hours of ride from Kathmandu we reach Ghurmae. We stayed in Ghurmae for one night. If we have left Kathmandu early than we need not to stay at this place. While going to Maratika cave there are two routes that are possible. The first, flying from Kathmandu to Lami Danda, and then taking a jeep drive to the Maratika . Another is by driving overland from Kathmandu, Kotari to Maratika.

on the way to Ghurme

 

muddy road on the way to Ghurmae

beautiful scenery

 

lodge at Ghurmae

 The next morning we headed towards Halesi. Due to construction of bridge in sunkoshi we can’t take the Jeep we hire. The bride is being constructed and after completion we can travel with single jeep from Kathmandu to Maratika . Next day we took another jeep to Jaya Ram Ghat. After one hour of ride we reach Jaya Ram Ghat . Than again we cross belly bridge and took another Jeep to Halesi. It is 2hrs of ride from Jayaram with the turning and bumping road. On the way to Maratika we can see majestic hills , dense forest, greenery, natural beauty on the way to Halesi.

crossing bridge to go to Jaya Ram Ghat

banks of Sunkoshi

another suspension bridge to reach Jaya Ram Ghat

 

school at Jaya Ram

Finally after 2hours of ride from Jaya Ram we reach Maratika ( Halesi) Cave. It is situated at the hilly region between the two holy rive Dudh Koshi to the right and Sunkoshi to the left. Maratika (Halesi ) is paradise on earth. I was spellbound to see, I cannot describe in words. It is indeed a memorable moment.

Jeep at Jaya Ram to go to Maratika

Prayers Flags ( Lungta) at Maratika (Halesi)

Colorful Lungta

People offer Bells to Lord Shiva once their wish is fulfilled

Time stands still at Maratika cave, the most mesmerizing cave of Nepal. When I enter the cave I  feel the positive energy and the mystery that surrounds.   Lord Shiva and Guru Rinpoche are the essence of the cave. According to Buddhist mythology on the request of the Bodhisattva Avaloketesvara, the Buddha Amitabha taught eighteen tantras of long life. The Dakini Sangwa Yeshe recorded and hid these teachings as Terma( secret hidden treasures) at Maratika cave .Guru Padmasambhava, while in the Kingdom of Zahor met his consort Princess Mandarava who possessed all the marks of a Dakini. The Guru then gave teachings and initiations to Mandarava after which Dakinis appeared in the sky and took Guru Padma-sambhava to Maratika.Princess Mandarava unable to tolerate palace life without the Guru ran away. Hopelessly lost she prayed to Guru Padmasambhava who manifested himself and took Mandarava to Maratika.Here the Bodhisattva Avaloketesvara and the Dakini Sangwa Yeshe gave long life teachings to the Guru and Mandarava.After practicing for ninety days, Buddha Amitayus appeared in the sky and gave initiations to the Guru and Mandarava. They then attained the Vidyadhara of longevity.

stairs at Maratika ( Halesi) Cave

Maratika Cave

more stairs

According to Hindu Mythology Shiva was running from the demon Bashmasur whom Shiva himself gave a boon to kill any person putting his hand on the head of the person. The demon chased Shiva himself to kill him. Shiva flees in the Halesi caves to take shelter. While Shiva was hidding, Lord Vishnu play a trick and make the demon put his hand on his own head. Shiva flees through a hole in the ceiling of the cave. You can still see Shiva’s foot steps in the air shaft and the intestines of the monster on the ceiling of the cave. After Bashmasur got killed the cave became temple. You can see a natural shiva linga formed by a stalagmite here.The sacred cave that houses the two feet tall Shiva Linga is one of the popular and most important religious destination not only in Khotang but also in Nepal. The cave popular by the name of Halesi Mahadev has two pillars to the north side of the Shiva Linga that stands very close to each other making a narrow pass. It is believed that the sinners cannot pass through this narrow passage and only a confession from them shall grant them a passage through. Every year, thousands of devotees come here to worship the lord with a belief that he could give knowledge, wisdom to the children and prosperity to the poor.

 

Shiva Lingam  named as Halesi Mahadev

Halesi Mahadev

Bats like twinkling stars inside the cave

There is lower Maratika cave as well. It is more dark and full of mystery too. Guru Rinpoche (Padmashambhav) kill the demon and flew from the big open hole . We can see his big feet and other body parts as well. While entering such sacred caves it is good to blow a conch .

blowing conch before entering the cave

lower Maratika cave

stairs to go inside the lower cave

Guru Rinpoche kill the demon inside the lower cave and flew out from this upper part of cave

Blessed at lower cave

We did prostrations, long life prayers, Kora, Ganachakra feast, offerings and many prayers at Maratika cave. Likewise, we offer Trident to Lord Shiva as well. It is indeed a beautiful moment difficult to describe in words . There are many lodges, guest house and hotels in Halesi. Water is a big problem with only the water source down below the lower Maratika Cave and people come far away to fetch water. Opposite the main cave, high up a prayer flag hill, is another cave called Chenresig cave. It is said that these days many lama’s actually do retreat here in this cave. Similarly after forty five minutes of steep walk from Halesi there is another cave named Manjushree cave.

Prostrating at Maratika Cave for the benefit of all sentient beings

The hill where Chenrigiz ( Avaloketeswora) cave lies

ready to enter Manjushree cave at Halesi

on the way to Manjushree Cave

women and children carrying water

Visiting such a sacred cave makes me alive at the deepest . These places are the truest definitions of the earth. They stand for the earth immediately and forever. It makes you alive, gives you inner peace and generate compassion. In fact it helps us to know about our existence. The memories of these experiences will last a lifetime, making God’s presence an ever-deeper reality for you.This deep soul satisfying trip gives me countless opportunities for inner inspiration.

guest house at Halesi

my bed

Halesi

what a nice greenery

colorful prayer flags that we offered

 

Fasting purifies your body, speech, and mind

“Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence,  quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity. Enter again into yourself.” Saint Augustine

A few days ago I attended the Nyung Ne retreat at Kopan Nunnery. I was busy practicing Nuyng Ne so I can’t take more pictures. I hope you will enjoy this article with a few pictures too.   Nuyng Ne is a fasting retreat to purify your negative Karma and accumulate merit and wisdom. Moreover, it is a powerful and quick method to purify a lot of negativities and at the same time collect a vast amount of merit. Meditators of the past have been able to cure diseases such as Leprosy through this practice. There is a story on Nyung Ne which goes like this. Gelongma Pelmo was born to a royal family in India. She abandoned the luxury of the royal palace and follow the path of Buddhism which she carry out for 12 years. One day her previous negative Karma ripened and she was stricken terribly with leprosy. However, she overcomes this disease with the practice of sadhana, mantra chanting, and fasting for the one-thousand-armed and one-thousand-eyed Chenrezig ( Avalokiteshvara). From that day onwards the practice of Nyung Ne continues. However, the principal purpose of the practice is to purify our negative Karma and to accumulate merit.

Kopan Nunnery
Image Source : Kopan Nunnery

Gelongma Pelmo
Image Source: Google

On the first day, I was accompanied by other 200 nuns and more than 30 foreigners, and a few locals for the Nyung Ne. We started the practice at 3:30 am. We take the 8 Mahayana precepts avoidance of killing, stealing, sexual activity, telling lies, taking intoxicants, not eating more than one meal, no singing/dancing/playing music, wearing jewelry, and using high seats or beds.  Interestingly, Nyung Ne also coincides with Saka Dawa. It is the special month in which Buddha’s conception, birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana all occur. In particular, the full moon day, or the 15^th day, of the fourth month marks the holiest day in Tibetan Buddhism. We chant mantras, and did prayers for Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) followed by prostrations. I was so moved to do all this that most of the time I sob. I can’t scribble in words right now. It was unbelievable.  At 12 noon, we had heavy lunch, and thereafter, we skip our dinner but of course, we had the privilege to drink tea till 9 pm.

Beautiful Nuns
Image Source: Kopan Nunnery

Nuns debating
Photo source: Kopan Nunnery

On the second day,  we start our day very early at 4am. On this day, besides taking eight precepts, we took on additional vows of not speaking (except reciting the prayers and mantras) not eating, and not drinking for 24 hours. The meditation and practice sessions include prostrations and reciting mantras. Specifically, the fasting of the body (food and drink), purifies the obscurations of the body; the fasting of speech (silence) purifies the obscurations of speech and the fasting of mind (meditation, etc.) purifies the obscurations of the mind.

We start to prostrate in front of the altar and recited mantras without having any food or drinks led by respected Lama Gurus. This process continued till 6am.  At the end of the day, I experience little hunger, thirst, tiredness, and dizziness. Likewise, pain from doing prostrations. I am able to ease my pain knowing that I am purifying a great deal of my negative Karma accumulated over countless eons. I remember what Buddha has advised the  “middle way” – not too soft, not too tough. During fasting  I experience discomfort, but it is bearable and not too tough.  This pain and discomfort give me a better understanding of the suffering experienced by animals, hungry ghosts, and some humans, and thus develop greater compassion for all sentient beings, and greater renunciation of samsara. Our fasting ended at 4 am the next day, where initially we were offered to drink a handful of holy water and thereafter a series of drinks. Hence, everyone seems to be alive once again with a smile on everyone’s face after the heavy meal.  All of the nuns finished 8 sets  ( 16 days)of Nyung Ne.  perhaps we can imagine how they feel. Besides all this hardship  I can see them all content and smiling all the time.

everyone busy prostrating

me doing prostration

If you find this kind of practice awkward and you do not believe in this kind of practice even scientific research has proved that fasting is good for health. The Telegraph recently reported that scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have discovered that fasting “for as little as three days can regenerate the entire immune system, even in the elderly, scientists have found in a breakthrough described as ‘remarkable.'”Researchers suggest that the mechanism behind this phenomenon is that “starving the body kick-starts stem cells into producing new white blood cells, which fight off infection.” And fasting “‘flips a regenerative switch’ which prompts stem cells to create brand new white blood cells, essentially regenerating the entire immune system.

nuns offering puja

Nyung Ne practice proves to be advantageous for my spiritual growth.  It was also an unforgettable and interesting experience for me. After leaving Kopan Nunnery my mind says these two days of Nyung Ne are not enough for me. I would love to do whole sets i.e. 8 sets ( 16 days ) of Nyung Ne in the future.

Meditation for a Healthy Living

Buddha was asked, “What have you gained from meditation?” He replied, “Nothing! However, let me tell you what I have lost: anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death

 Oxford dictionary defines meditation as Focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes, or as a method of relaxation. Meditation is certainly not a panacea it is something that can bring positive qualities into your life – awareness, focuses, compassion and generosity to name just a few. Human beings are born nothing but they are raised something. There are many things in life that are beyond our control. However, it is possible to take responsibility for our own states of mind and to change them for the better. Human life is precious. Every second of our life is meaningful because everything has consequences. Whatever we do, feel, or think builds habits and sows the seeds of cause and effect.  We do not realize this.   In fact, we are profoundly attached to jealousy, greed, misery, anxieties, fears, and hatred and we embrace them all time.

Photo credit: Google

Mind is everything. A healthy mind makes a healthy body.  We should protect our mental health with the same care that we give to our physical body. Just as our body requires healthy, nourishing foods, and a balanced diet, so does our mind. Make sure you feed it plenty of positive thoughts. Above all, most illness begins with a negative mind. There is a remedy for the negative mind.  Meditation is the best mantra to keep your mind healthy. There are many techniques of meditation. First, we need to know what meditation exactly is. Meditation is watching your mind, and staying meaningful. The most important question is how to watch or stay meaningful when the mind is traveling so fast. It is said our mind travels faster than light. There is one thought coming after another and then you cannot even stay in meditation for a minute. In such a condition to watch his mind is nearly impossible. Of course, there is a solution to this problem. It can only be meditation.

Photo Credit: Google

If you are learning meditation one thing you need to be clear that practicing meditation requires time. Don’t give up because you feel like it isn’t working. If you don’t have patience you can’t.   With time and by practicing you will make progress deliberately. The most important thing is that you need to have a deep feeling that meditation is going to bring positive results in your life. Be thankful for what you have. Feel that everything is impermanent. Sit in a comfortable position.  While meditating keep your spine straight and erect and the body relaxed. Having thoughts during meditation is natural. Let it come and go. Do not try to dominate your thoughts. If you feel sleepy, sleep and practice again at a suitable time. It’s not a good idea to force yourself to stay alert. Be calm and watch everything that arises.   In the beginning, you can sit in meditation for 5 minutes. Once you feel you can watch your mind then you can increase your time too. Nevertheless, a minimum of 30 minutes will have some effect on you.  Gradually your meditation will become your habit. Moreover, you will find your mind more focused and peaceful.

my meditation posture

I am neither a meditation teacher nor a  meditation specialist. I am an ordinary human being,  an avid practitioner of meditation. I am meditating for more than 8 years. In the beginning, I find it difficult. However, I give continuity. Slowly I find changes in my mind. I feel more peaceful.  Nowadays meditation is like oxygen for me.  It helps me stay mindful all the time.  It makes me feel everything is impermanent. Daily I meditate for forty-five minutes. It’s like having food daily.  I have experienced that each moment in meditation is always healing. Your body and mind take exactly what it needs from your practice. It simplifies our outer life and energizes our inner self.  It is a divine gift in this chaotic life.  Just try it once your life becomes so natural and spontaneous that you cannot breathe without being conscious of your own divinity.

Shakya Muni Buddha in meditation posture

Have you ever realized that slowing you are aging? . Researchers believe that the aging process somewhat leads to a reduction of immune response capability, which in turn contributes to more infections, more inflammatory diseases, and more cancer.  With aging, we are sure to suffer from some diseases. Close your eyes and feel as if you are old and suffering from cancer. You are in bed counting the days of your death.  How do you feel ? .  Aren’t you scared ? . There are 24 hours a day. We need to manage our time and make meditation compulsion in our daily life. After all managing, your time means managing your life.

The Magic of Cave Meditation

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” — Saint Francis de Sales

Meditation is like oxygen something I cannot do without. My eight years of meditation experiences help me to know my inner self at least for some hours in a day. My day starts with 45 minutes of meditation early morning and ends with half an hour of meditation in the evening. There are many benefits of meditation. It lowers stress, energizes you, helps us to stay focused. Have a look at the diagram to know more.

Photo credit: Google

The mighty powers of meditation 

Now I have a dream to go to the cave and meditate. If you are a mediator then you will definitely enjoy meditating in a cave.  There are many Lama Gurus, Nuns, and Saints who abide in cave retreat withdrawing the outgoing senses and mind for a long time.   My source of inspiration is Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo. She is born in 1943 is a Tibetan Buddhist nun in the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school. She is an author, teacher, and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, India. She is best known for being one of the very few Western Yoginis trained in the East, having spent twelve years living in a remote cave in the Himalayas, three of those years in strict meditation retreat. Her book “Cave in the snow” is a must-read book for people who are seeking cave retreats.

must read book: “Cave in the Snow”   Photo credit : Google

“I took the vow to attain enlightenment in a female body, no matter how many lifetimes it may take.”

— Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

Cave where Tenzin Palmo meditated for 12 years, Photo credit: The Dakini Power

There are many caves in Nepal where people experiment with their inner self.  One of the solitary caves is in Pharping,  Nepal.  Pharping is a small village South West of Kathmandu.  Outside of the town on the hillside resides Padmasambhava’s Meditation Caves known as  Asura cave.

Pharping

Prayers Flag

The great master, Padmasambhava, attained the Mahamudra level of enlightenment through the practice of Vishuddha Heruka combined with the sadhana of Vajra Kilaya at the upper cave of Yangleshö, also known as Asura Cave. Asura Cave is also the retreat center for ‘practice’ .

Asura Cave

Butter lamp

The Prayers in Seven Chapters is a proof that Guru Rinpoche meditate in Asura Cave.

inner shrine of another cave nearby Asura cave

Butter Lamps

As it says in chapter five, the prayer requested by Nanam Dorje Dudjom, in ‘The Prayer in Seven Chapters to Padmakara, the Second Buddha’:
“In the rock cave of Yangleshö in Nepal,
You accomplished the practice of Yangdak, ‘Essence of Great Bliss’
Liberating all obstacles and obstructors through Vajrakilaya;
And, in this sacred place you attained the siddhi of mahamudra:
To Dorje Tötreng Tsal, we pray!
To the Lotus-born Guru of Orgyen, we pray!

From “A Great Treasure of Blessings”. In the life story of Guru Rinpoche it says: “Then at Yangleshö, present day Pharping in Nepal, he practised the sadhana of Yangdak Heruka with the consort Shakyadevi, daughter of a king of Nepal. Powerful spirits caused a three-year drought, with famine and disease, and Padmasambhava asked his teachers in India for a teaching to counter them. Two men returned, laden with the tantras and commentaries of Vajrakilaya, and the moment they arrived, the obstacles were pacified. Guru Rinpoche and Shakyadevi both attained the third vidyadhara level, ‘vidyadhara of the great seal, or mahamudra’. Guru Rinpoche recognized that Yangdak is like a merchant engaging in trade-the achievement can be great, but so can the obstacles, whereas Vajrakilaya is like an armed escort; he is needed to guard against obstacles and overcome them. He then composed sadhanas of Yangdak and Vajrakilaya combined, and bound the guardians of Vajrakilaya to protect the teachings.”

another cave on the way to Asura Cave

Bad Karma or fate , asking for money

Few years ago, I visited Asura Cave in Pharping.  Cave is something different for mediator.  Entering such a you  can feel a kind of sensation and positive vibes too. There is solitude in cave and it is so peaceful.  Going on a cave retreat  means you need to be free from everything. Actually, it is only meant for aspirants who have intense feelings of meditation. You need to bear hunger, cold, thirst and lost attractions for the world, sense objects etc.  Once you come back from cave retreat and practice in the daily life than it helps in spiritual growth. Cave is warm in winter and cool in summer.  I am sure I will get chance  to experience  the magic of cave meditation very soon.

Shrine inside cave

There is another sacred cave in the high Himalayan Mountains. Lawudo cave is in Solu Khumbu, eastern region of Nepal. Lawudo (altitude 4,000 m.-13,000 ft.) is situated in the highest area of Solu Khumbu, the northeastern region of Nepal bordering Upper Tsang in Southern Tibet. Nestling in the jade green Himalayan Mountains, amidst the  juniper trees, mountain peaks and floating clouds is the most beautiful hermitage of Lawudo. This extremely beautiful and fascinating region is considered to be a “hidden valley” or beyal, a special country blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).In fact, just above Lawudo is a large cliff known as the Dragkarma, or White Cliff, which is said to be the actual entrance to one of the secret valleys of Khumbu. Lama Zopa Rinpoche , the head of foundation of head of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition spent the last 20 years of his previous life in intense retreat in Lawudo.

Lawudo  Gompa Cave, photo credit : Lawudo Gallery

Another Lawudo Gompa cave,  photo credit : Lawudo Gallery

Decoration inside Lawudo Gompa  cave, photo credit : Lawudo  gallery

Yes cave is a pleasant place  to dwell and practice.   Wise Shabkar   beautiful poem is more than enough to explain the meaning of cave.  Shabkar is a model hermit, yogin, and Tibetan Buddhist teacher .

“In wild places where no one lives 

Are pleasant caves to dwell and practice
In wild places where no one lives
One’s consoling friends will be animals and birds.

In wild places where no one lives
One’s nourishment will be roots and berries.

In wild places where no one lives
Is the market where samsara  is traded for nirvana

In wild places where no one lives
Are the conditions favorable for realization

In wild places where no one lives
Is natural beauty delightful to behold

There is no possible way to express
The many virtues of staying in remote and lonely places
Far removed form human habitation

Therefore, heir of the victorious Ones
Go to a secluded place and practice

 

Pullahari Monastery: An Oasis of Peace

In Pullahari, with its good clean earth,
Its water is so sparkling clean and its clean fresh air;
Here in the solitude of this secluded place,
With its spacious scenery and relaxing view;
To listen and reflect on the Teaching here
In Pullahari, what Lucky Star!    

 Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim Gyatso Rinpoche

Visiting a monastery is like having a glimpse of Buddha. It not only strengthens my practice but also refreshes my mind. I can feel the positive vibes of the monastery. There are many monasteries here in Kathmandu. Recently I visited Pullahari Monastery nestled north of Bouddhanath Stupa. This monastery is the abode of faith, peace, and knowledge. It is nearly a one-hour walk from Bouddhanath. There are many pathways to reach there. But if you take a taxi from Bouddha, it will go through Jorpati and you will reach Gokarna. After Gokarna you will enter a beautiful forest (where a park in the name of martyrs is being made ) you can drive along a beautiful forest of Salla (Pinus roxburghii ) trees and finally to Pullahari monastery.

Salla (Pinus roxburghii ) trees

Prayers flag

prayers flag spreading peace

In 1986, the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche accepted the offer of a piece of land by the Third Dilyak Dabzang Rinpoche (1929 – 1992) and agreed to his request to set up a 3-year Mahamudra retreat center. He named the place “Pullahari” after Lord Naropa’s monastery in Bihar, India, where Naropa declared Lotsawa Marpa (1012 – 1097) his Dharma Heir in Tibet. Pullahari Monastery is opened in March 1992.

way to Pullahari Monastery

The monastery itself is rich in wonderful architecture. The treasured images of deities and scripture cover the wall of the monastery. We can feel positive energy everywhere. The atmosphere & surroundings are distinctly serene and picturesque. Having quietly entered the hall I walked closer to the idols, admired the tastefully crafted & painted deities, and took pictures.

Pullahari Monastery

Buddhas and Lama gurus statue  inside  the monastery

Drums hanging inside the monastery

Lama praying

Pullahari Monastery extends into a huge area. Everywhere you can greenery and blossoming flowers of various species. The place is serene spreading harmony at every corner of the monastery.

beautiful flower

posing for a photo shoot 🙂

I was speechless to see a small Stupa cluster in one place which is another major attraction of Pullahari Monastery.

Small Stupas

The rhythmic chanting and the smell of incense fill the air. Inside the monastery, a large congregation of monks was reverentially conducting their prayers for the benefit of beings and ultimate realization Lamas (teachers) and student monks were deeply engrossed in chanting in their booming voices unmindful of the surroundings & activities around them. Their chanting always brings tears to my eyes.

small monks chanting prayers

more monks

We can see monks involved in various social activities. They are aware of environmental pollution too.

separating biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable waste for recycling and disposal.
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Innocent little monks are the manifest of Little Buddha.

I finally left the monastery and promise myself to visit it again. I think a one-time visit didn’t quench my thirst. The rhythmic deep chants continued to resonate in my mind on the way home. The whole experience was out of the world and deeply transformational and I came away with a feeling of belonging and peace. Such is the power of the monastery and the prayer of monks.

Eyes of wisdom

I took this photograph a few days ago.  Boudhanath Stupa looks different due to the light all around. This Stupa which is listed as a world heritage site is a major tourist attraction. This alternative light is adjusted due to a power cut here in Nepal.  We are facing 12 hours of power cuts in a day.

Shivapuri to Shivapuri village hiking

EVERYTHING HAS A BEAUTY BUT NOT EVERYONE SEES IT. CONFUCIUS 

Shivapuri is my all time favorite place to hike /trek around in Kathmandu. It is the second highest hill around Kathmandu with its peak reaching to 2563m.  If you have limited time and would love to go on a short hiking Shivapuri village might be your destination. There is multiple option you can hike for two or three hours or entire day. The choice is yours.

 

 

There are several trails to reach Shivapuri. My destination is not to reach a peak but to go to Shivapuri village and relax. Shivapuri is accessible by minibuses. I took minibus from Samakoshi chowk. The minibus headed to north from Samakoshi chowk to Tokha road- Baudeshwor, Jhor – Gurje Bhanjyang and Shivapuri village.  You need to buy tickets at army check post in Gurje Bhanjyang. This money goes for the for the conservation o National park.  The road is black-topped till we reach  Gurje Bhanjyang.  From Gurje Bhanjyang to Shivapuri Village the trail is concrete and fair.

 

 

Shivapuri village is just 2km from Gurjaebhangyang. Though it is short hiking trail it is rich in flora and fauna, dense forest, you can hear chirping of birds and greenery all around. After walking for about 2 km I reach Shivapuri village. National Geographic Traveler has featured it in the list of “50 Top Wellness Destinations” around the world.

 

 

 

It you are bored with the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city and looking for divine place this place is perfect. It is about 25km north of Kathmandu city and at an altitude of 200m above the sea level.  If the weather is clear will see incredible views of majestic Himalayas. The lush greenery and  fresh air  is best for meditation, yoga and pranayams.

 

Unplanned visit to Western Nepal continue…

Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world. BUDDHA

An ancient hill town Tansen, 1350 meters above sea level, is the administrative headquarter of the Palpa district and lies in the Lumbini zone of west Nepal. Tansen is the best and nearest hill station in southwest Nepal. This hill station is famous for various kinds of handicrafts, textiles,s and organic coffee. Karuwa, a water jug made of bronze, a typical Nepali cap & shawl made of Dhaka textiles are legendary souvenirs from Tansen, Palpa.  This place is renowned for its mild climate.  Though there are many historical places and things to see due to limited time  I roamed for one hour only.

Batasae Dada also known as Windy Hills is one of the most beautiful places where mild wind keeps blowing every time.

“Batasae Dada” means windy hills

People use organic compost as fertilizer which is also good for vegetable farming. We can see these types of compost in most of the villages of Nepal. Organic compost is made up of cow manure and hay.

organic compost

view from the windy hill

sunset  from the windy hill

beautiful forest

A typical Nepali cap is also known as ” Nepali Dhaka Topi”  m Dhaka textile. Shawls, Nepali bags, west coats, etc are very good souvenirs for any visitors to take back their home.

Dhaka Shawl and cap

Typical Nepali Cap

sunset

In the Vedic language ‘Sanskrit’, Lumbini means ‘The lovely’. It is a holy Buddhist pilgrimage situated in the Kapilvastu district of the western Terai region of Nepal. Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha.  It is nearly 300 kilometers from Kathmandu and 190 kilometers south of Pokhara.  This place is listed as a world heritage site. There are many Buddhist Stupas and temples to see.  This place is full of peace.

Royal Thai Monastery

outside view of Royal Thai Monastery

Garden

Buddha’s statue inside Royal Thai Monastery

The Myanmar Temple ( Lokamani Cula Pagoda ) is the most fascinating temple in Lumbini. It is a gleaming gold and white structure gracefully soaring into the sky in the Shwe-dagon in Yangon

The Myanmar Temple ( Lokamani Cula Pagoda)

Replica of the Swayambhu stupa

Shanti Buddha Vihara

Chinese Monastry

Shanti Deep is a never-ending flame that symbolizes peace.

Shanti Deep

As soon as Buddha was born he walked seven steps northwards on lotus petals raised his right-hand forefinger and spoke.

little buddha

The pond where Mayadevi, mother of Buddha take bath after Buddha was born.

Pond

There are more monasteries and temples to visit. All you need is you should have enough time to visit all these sacred sites and know their meaning. I can’t post more pictures because this is my unplanned trip due to my limited time schedule.