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Friday, October 5, 2012

When In Nepal: Boudhanath Buddha Stupa Spiritual Healing

Written By
Vince Golangco

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When In Nepal, here’s one of the first things I recommend you do, go visit a Buddha Stupa and feel your worries melt away.

Upon landing in Nepal, you’ll get a little anxious as the normal travel woes come into play. From long lines, crowded airports, immigration woes and more, it’s really a test of patience upon departing the long plane ride. Furthermore, outside the Nepal Airport isn’t really a Spa. There’s barkers and taxi drivers, tour guides and many others all waiting and screaming to get your attention to earn a buck. After making it through that storm, then comes the crazy driving (seemingly crazier than Manila as they drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road), to get to your hotel.

So after settling into your hotel, the first place I recommend you check out is the Buddha Stupa. A temple like venue hidden behind a circular wall of authentic shops and cozy cafes. More specifically, we got to visit the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

We were told that once the Buddha passes away, his ashes, belongings and relics are all buried in a temple like structure. You’ll see it here below.

The eyes represent the gods and how they constantly watch and watch over us. Above that are thirteen steps that represent the thirteen steps one must take towards enlightenment or Nirvana. This Buddha Stupa structure is completely solid, so it’s not like a church or temple where you can enter it, instead, the circular architecture of the entire “village” makes for a great after work walk, where you not only get to talk to the gods and ask for some blessings, but you get to see some cool shops and colorful restaurants around the way too along with actual temples you can pray and ask for blessings in.

Here’s some of the Temples you’ll see in the Buddha Stupa

What really caught my eye was how vibrant the colors were all around the Buddha Stupa. From flags to banners to the incense and the spices, even the stores and shops, the bright vibrant colors were everywhere!

I loved seeing the mix of people there too. It was a relaxing walk around during the beautiful sunset, with the after-work crowd trickling in for an after-work de-stressing walk, along with the tourists and of course the religiously devout, there to pray and ask for blessings.

Moreover, the unique blend of restaurants and cafes there really made it seem like a place I too could swing by daily. From the very traditional holes in the wall to the more modern WiFi enabled coffee shops, you’ll find what you need there at the Buddha Stupa, and maybe you’ll even find yourself.

Oh and here’s the supposed architectural layout from an aerial view. Our guide from HIMALAYA GUIDES mentioned that this original design was actually created by the Dalai Lama.

It only cost 150 Rupees to get in. Once inside, you’ll really notice how much more quiet and tranquil it is as compared to the crazy streets outside.

Oh and thanks to Agoda.com for the great rates when booking our rooms at the AMAZING Dwarika Hotel (article out soon). Of course, thanks to our awesome tour guides fromHimalayan Encounters: Pure Adventures for giving us an unforgettable tour!

When In Nepal, find good food, nice ambiance, a relaxing afternoon, and maybe even find yourself while going for a tranquil walk at a Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.