PUPS, KARMA, COFFEE.....OH STUPA!
Our Kathmandu mornings never fail to bring a smile to our faces and a chill through our bodies. Our day started in the best way possible by being joined with some furry friends.
Today is our 4th day at Shechen and we have grown more at home with this peaceful bubble. We gained more insight into rebirth, spiritual materialism, and karma. Lopan, our Buddhist mentor, allowed us to understand the causes and conditions in the world and how karma is the reason why everything happens for a reason. With hours of Buddhist philosophy lessons and insightful meditation our bodies and minds began to wither and adapt to the deep thought that Kathmandu promotes. Our class reached an emotional break through as we tried to learn to become less attached to our emotional realities. We also discussed how to deal with guilt. In Buddhist philosophy they believe everything happens for a reason because of karma. It is, however, important to acknowledge those feelings of guilt because that means we have a conscience. Opposite to us westerners, Buddhist believe intention is more important than action. It was important for us to mentally bite that Buddhism is like a menu, you can take what you like.
As a special treat Lopan took us to his favorite restaurant that specializes in Thalis. This special Nepalese dish had several types of Nepali foods that stimulated our senses.
It's not every day you get to sit next to a monk at lunch, and learn how similar we all truly are to him. We even had matching cell phones! While we were all so hungry and the fresh food took an hour to come to our table, we settled for enlightening conversation and giggles.Lopan showed us how to make fresh coffee by muddling ground coffee beans with sugar and pouring it into hot water. Another reminder that some monks are coffee addicts just like the rest of us.
Today is our 4th day at Shechen and we have grown more at home with this peaceful bubble. We gained more insight into rebirth, spiritual materialism, and karma. Lopan, our Buddhist mentor, allowed us to understand the causes and conditions in the world and how karma is the reason why everything happens for a reason. With hours of Buddhist philosophy lessons and insightful meditation our bodies and minds began to wither and adapt to the deep thought that Kathmandu promotes. Our class reached an emotional break through as we tried to learn to become less attached to our emotional realities. We also discussed how to deal with guilt. In Buddhist philosophy they believe everything happens for a reason because of karma. It is, however, important to acknowledge those feelings of guilt because that means we have a conscience. Opposite to us westerners, Buddhist believe intention is more important than action. It was important for us to mentally bite that Buddhism is like a menu, you can take what you like.
It's not every day you get to sit next to a monk at lunch, and learn how similar we all truly are to him. We even had matching cell phones! While we were all so hungry and the fresh food took an hour to come to our table, we settled for enlightening conversation and giggles.Lopan showed us how to make fresh coffee by muddling ground coffee beans with sugar and pouring it into hot water. Another reminder that some monks are coffee addicts just like the rest of us.
After lunch we walked around the Stupa with Lopan guiding us and teaching us stories and important facts. He said that walking around the Stupa allows our wishes and prayers to come true. The more we walk around the Stupa the more good Karma we develop, and the more our lives and health benefit.
After our Stupa adventure most of us retired to our rooms for the night and were looking forward to explore Pharping in the morning.
Cheers to many more walks around the Stupa and a lifetimes worth of good karma.
-Esha and Vanny
༒😼☃
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.