After spending 'quality time' (understatement) at the 10 day retreat ~ Introduction to Buddhism ~ at Kopan Monastry with other discriminating folks/ participants from around the world I am readjusting to my self inflicted busyness here at Child Haven, Kathmandu...
I try to recall for you now a little of the sense of uncomplicated-ness lightness, gentle acceptance and focus that we experienced at Kopan. Such a culture shock! Mental pictures easily recalled of monks of all ages and nuns who have given up everything as they take on their daily 19-20 hour Buddhist training. They sort of embody and release the agonising history of their story. They appear so calm, peaceful and often even joyous. I spent many moments during those past few days watching the monks at leisure, between their many ceremonies and functions. They walk together, sometimes arm in arm, the young ones skipping along their way or kicking a plastic water bottle for a while. You can see a few moments of competition as they race to have momentary control of the bottle .... a few moments of youthful exhuberence, joy and, dare I say, abandonment? Then there is the young monk (7 or 8 ..) helping another who has tripped and fallen or has dropped his huge maroon scarf...
Kopan Monastry is on top of a hill overlooking Child Haven and the Kathmandu valley. I was immersed for ten days in a beautiful world! quiet paths leading you to another solitude, colourful plants, flowers and grasses. Powerful stupas and statutes adorn certain areas .... the Kite birds fly overhead, gentle birdsong in nearby bushes and trees .... I go on ...
Then I return to Aari Bari, where our CH home is and I once again face the realities of Kathmandu and Nepal. Despite the contrasting sights and sounds I cannot bring myself to define the scene as being in "abject" poverty. I cycle/ walk to the Buddanath square and I see hundreds or thousands of Nepalesse or Tibetan folks in front of their corrugated doorways. They are waiting for customers, 6 days a week, cross legged beside their early morning carefully laid out wares on the mud or flag stoned area. Through the open doors, and beyond these patiently seated families and individuals you see other men and women busy doing .... cutting meat, turning sewing machine wheels, and metal instruments and fires intent on making prayer flags, colourful hangings, clothing, singling bowls, icons .. everywhere you go you see goats, dogs and hens. Oh yes! there is the occasional cow and always those darned emaciated and often wretched looking dogs. They appear dead as they lie there lifeless. But, just wait, when the sun goes down there is a transformation of sound! The air is now filled with dogs barking. Could drive you nuts! I think I have zoned them out ...l
I am bringing visitors to Child Haven so I better stop my musings for now. There is just not enough time and space to give justice to my current experiences here in Nepal.
Reaching out to you with huge hugs,
Dyane
The monastry is situated on top of a hill overlooking Kathmandu. It is a beautiful area, and the grounds are immaculately kept, with stupas and statues here and there. Very tasteful and you will feel such peace as you walk around these gardens. There always seems to be a gentle breeze atop this hill. May and June are very hot and dusty months.
Strong Women
7 years ago