If you long for moments of solitude and contemplation to rediscover your positive energy, meditation is excellent. Join a retreat in a monastery and take a course in meditation under the able guidance of a Lama or enrol at one of the several specialised centres in Nepal that offer meditation courses, some of them even Vipassana (an ancient meditation practice).
Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, to see international Buddhist monasteries, study Buddhism, and meditate.
Rinpoche or the Incarnate Lamas
If you long for moments of solitude and contemplation to rediscover your positive energy, meditation is excellent. Join a retreat in a monastery and take a course in meditation under the able guidance of a Lama or enrol at one of the several specialised centres in Nepal that offer meditation courses, some of them even Vipassana (an ancient meditation practice).
Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, to see international Buddhist monasteries, study Buddhism, and meditate.
Rinpoche or the Incarnate Lamas have long been offering blessings and conducting ceremonies for the well-being and benefit of individuals, the community, and all sentient beings. You could, if you wish, also receive the blessings of the Lamas at a monastery.
Find peace and prayers at Swayambhunath, one of the holiest and oldest Buddhist stupas in Nepal that has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises.
The ancient Pashupatinath Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the subcontinent’s great Shiva sites.
Here, you will have the chance to interact with a Sadhu (holy man).
In the evening, enjoy the beautiful aarati (a ritual of worship in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (clarified butter) is dedicated to the Divine by priests) ceremony on the banks of the River Bagmati – the tandava (cosmic dance of Shiva), singing of hymns and bhajans (religious songs), playing of classical instruments, chanting of Vedic mantras, melodious ringing of bells, burning of incense, and lighting of oil lamps will keep you spellbound throughout.
Want to experience divinity in real life? See a Kumari or living goddess.
In a unique 17th century tradition in Nepal, a pre-pubescent girl, one who is seen as the incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Durga, is chosen, anointed, and worshipped as a Kumari.
During Nepal’s spectacular Indra Jatra festival, the Kumari is carried across the city in her golden palanquin. Hundreds of masked men and devotees dance to traditional Newari music and draw the chariots of Indra (the God of the Heavens in Hindu mythology) and the Kumari.
You may catch a closer glimpse of her at the Kumari Ghar – her home – in Basantapur, where she occasionally makes an appearance at the window! Meeting her is a rare experience. The Kumari will apply kumkum (a red paste pigment) on your forehead and give you her blessings.
For another unusual experience, you might enjoy attending the classical music concerts that take place every full-moon night at the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple near Pashupatinath.
And if you are interested, you could even meet a jhankri (shaman/faith healer). The ancient healing tradition and spiritual practice of shamanism is rooted in nature, and is a way of life in many parts of Nepal.
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