"Come and see."-The Buddha During my recent pilgrimage to Nepal, I found myself being asked a question that I had never really considered before. "What Buddhist tradition do you follow?" At first, I wasn’t sure how to answer. Over three weeks I spent fourteen days in Kathmandu and four days in Lumbini, the birthplace of Read More
Tag: Nepal Pilgrimage
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.
Manjushri and the Meaning of Wisdom in Buddhism
The word "wisdom" appears repeatedly throughout the Dhammapada, and for good reason. Within the Noble Eightfold Path, wisdom forms one of the three central areas of practice alongside moral discipline and mental discipline. The two elements associated with wisdom are Right View and Right Intention, which together encourage a clearer understanding of ourselves and the Read More
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
Why Buddhists Use Incense and Candles
One of the first things many people notice when entering a Buddhist temple is the presence of incense, candles, lamps, flowers, and water offerings. To some, these may appear mysterious or purely ritualistic. But over time I have come to see them less as acts of worship and more as aids to mindfulness and attention. Read More