Reflection on Dawn at Swayambhu Stupa There are places that remain with us long after we have left them. For me, dawn at Swayambhu Stupa is one of those places. The sound of monks chanting, the steady rhythm of temple drums, the fragrance of incense and the first light spreading across the Kathmandu Valley combine Read More
Category: Pilgrimage & Nepal
A Buddhist pilgrimage in Nepal and its effect on my daily life and spirituality
Why Buddhists Walk Clockwise Around Stupa
Why do Buddhists walk clockwise around stupa and mani walls? A personal reflection from Nepal exploring Buddhist respect, karma, pilgrimage, and the deeper meaning of circumambulation.
The Quiet Stillness of Lagan Ashoka Stupa
In the busy heart of Lalitpur, the Lagan Ashoka Stupa feels unexpectedly quiet. Traffic moves constantly nearby, people pass through the surrounding streets, and yet within the stupa grounds there is a noticeable sense of stillness. Trees and shrubs soften the noise of the city, while a large pond—currently being restored—adds to the atmosphere of Read More
The Temple of 1000 Buddhas, Lumbini
Pilgrimage Reflections #3 A PlaceThat Drew Us Back Some places are visited once. Others call you back. The Temple of 1000 Buddhas in Lumbini was one of those places. From the first visit, there was a sense that more time was needed—not to see more, but simply to sit. Over the following days, Babita and Read More
The Temples of Lumbini Peace Park: A Pilgrimage Across Traditions
Pilgrimage Reflections #4 A Landscape of Many Traditions Beyond the Sacred Garden at Lumbini lies a very different kind of space. The Lumbini Peace Park temples extend outward in quiet symmetry—paths, water, and open ground surround the temples built by different countries and traditions. Each one represents a particular lineage of Buddhist practice, expressed through Read More