Hurray!!! Finally at Nepal. The first leg of the journey accomplished. Better late than never. Nepal airport was a small one made of bricks – easily accessible.
Had taken selfi at selfi point on arrival.
As soon as we reached Nepal, we were taken for the Satsang – where we met Kathrin Akka, Praveen Anna and Dr. Asha ; thread dipped in turmeric was tied around our hands, and we were told that we would be going to meet Sadhguru at Dwaraka Hotel. A dream come true moment, that was much needed break after all the pain.
Dwaraka Hotel was amazingly beautiful and Sadhguru was full of life having just returned from Annapoorna mountains.
It was just like listening to him on the You tube videos, only difference being, that we could take a group picture and ask live question. Sai lost her watch.
On return to Hotel Yak and Yeti where we were stationed – I was allotted room were partners from US were staying – already 2 in the room. Would they let one more? No way! I was so exhausted could drop down at the reception. Sai’s room mate’s friend also had similar issue. She being a fighter got another room and she and her friend moved into that. Another blessing – I got the room with Sai.
Having lost 1.5 days at Nepal, So much to see in Kathmandu and so little time...
We thought of imbibing what we could in our brief visit to this beautiful city after contemplating to do it or now. The Doctor couple missed the bus.
Patan : An Ancient Fortified Town
Patan, once the capital of a powerful independent kingdom, is now largely absorbed by greater Kathmandu. Originally, Patan was known as "Lalitpur," meaning "beautiful city".
One of the well-known legends behind the name goes like this...
There once was a time when Patan was nothing but a grass field. One day, a leper from Kathmandu who was a farmer, arrived in search of feed for his cow because the grass here was bountiful. Before getting to the work, the farmer took his bamboo pole and plunged it into the ground. As he did this, a gush of water shot up from the ground and the thirsty farmer drank from the natural spring.
On his way home that evening, the leper stepped to the side of the road to make way for the king's convoy that was passing by. The king ordered his convoy to stop so that he could get a better look at the farmer, whose body no longer appeared to show any trace of leprosy. The king found this man to be so handsome, he named him "Lalit". Lalit shared the story of the natural spring and the king ordered a hiti (a traditional water supply system) to be constructed from the water source.
If you visit Kumbeshwar Mahadev Mandir, the most famous temple in Patan, look for a large, deep brick basin just outside the iron railings and you'll see one of these two hitis.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.
The largest temple complex in Nepal, it stretches on both sides of the Bagmati River which is considered holy by Hindus. The main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and wood carvings of the finest quality. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath.
Nearby is the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi. Cremation of Hindus take place on raised platforms along the river. Only Hindus are allowed inside the gates of the main temple. The inner sanctum has a Shiva lingam and outside sits the largest statue of Nandi the bull, the vehicle of Shiva. There are hundreds of Shiva lingam within the compound.
The second half of the day was spend in repacking into duffle bags – we were given three bags – A bag pack, a duffle bag and a small hand bag; talking to Sai – going around the hotel and getting ready for the next leg of the journey. Pressure was high and had to start taking medicines. The journey had one thing consistent Diamox and pressure variation like the mountains.
On 24th August we set out for our flight to Lhasa. Flight to Lhasa was delayed by 3 hours so had to be in airport for some time, and once we got in – had seat next to Praveen Anna and Gloria Wang – All airhostess looked similar in Shesvan airlines –
could see mountains many snow cladded – and mountains without snows
and alas we were told that we would be getting down at Chengadu instead of Lhasa. After immigration clearance at Chengadu, we were put in next flight, which took and round about and came back. That night we had to halt at Chengadu. We were told that it was weather issue, but there were doubts that there was military parade going on there. Next day morning – finally got into Lhasa – Gongga airport surrounded by mountains, and filled with echoes of clapping inside.
Being into Tibet was another Dream come true moment – which had it’s own hindrances.
Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and the second most populous city on the Tibetan Plateau. At 3656 meters, this is where we stop for acclimatization.
The name Lhasa translates to 'Place of the Gods'. It is one of the highest cities in the world and known for its culturally significant Tibetan Buddhist sites such as Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace.
Jokhang Temple - House Of The Lord
Jokhang Temple is the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism, attracting crowds of prostrating Tibetan pilgrims and curious foreign tourists every day. It is where all ceremonies of initiation for the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lamas are hosted. It is also where the annual Great Prayer Festival is held.
The temple has been regularly expanded over the years; however, the core of the temple is still the original from the 7th century. Jokhang Temple's star attraction is the Jowo Rinpoche (or Jowo Shakyamuni), which is enshrined within the temple. The temple was constructed to house this sacred statue of the Buddha, which Queen Wengcheng brought with her from China as dowry. This ornate statue is the holiest object in Tibet.
Jokhang Temple is located in the centre of Lhasa at Barkhor Circuit, which is known for its handicrafts, Thanka paintings, Yak butter and much more.
Next day enroute to Shigatse we went around
Potala Palace : The Greatest Monumental Structure In Tibet
Early legends tell of a sacred cave on this rocky hill considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva (Avalokiteshvara). Built in 637, the Potala Palace stood until the seventeenth century, when it was incorporated into the foundations of the greater buildings we see today. Fortunately, all the chapels and their artifacts remain very well preserved at this time.
The Potala Palace was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held. It housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators.; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.
The Potala palace's most venerated statue, the Aryalokeshvara, known as "The Supreme God of Asia" is housed inside one of the two most famous chapels, the Phapka Lhakhang.
67 of us in three buses, went through beautiful landscape of mountains and Brahmaputra river flowing. Finally we reached Shigatse the 2nd largest city of Tibet – this had the most traditional hotel, all in red. Once there some of the team members went to a monastery , while we went to the park near by.
On 27th August we set Saga enroute narrow road almost touching Brahmaputra river. (A separate article on Brahmaputra)
While returning, on 3rd Sept – we celebrated Sadhgurus birthday here having Schewan dinner with the full team in traditional style.
All through the call of the nature was answered amidst nature, first behind trees, then behind mountains, and finally on plain landscape. We were becoming one with nature like other inhabitants there. Interesting thing was alomost every one there had mobiles with internet connectivity – Remembered Modi’s Toilet Abhyan and Toliet Eak Prem Katha.
Yaks:
Ever wonder where the term "Beast of Burden" comes from? This refers to a 'working animal' such as a Yak, which is a longhaired bovid commonly seen in Nepal and Tibet. Due to their large lungs and heart, yaks thrive in high altitude and are well suited for transportation.Tibetans are warmed by yak-dung fires and lit by yak-butter lamps; they eat yak butter, cheese and yoghurt. They also use yak hide for tents and the hair to weave clothing, blankets and shelter. Yaks are most often domesticated however not fond of people so as adorable and irresistible as they are, its best to maintain a respectful distance and avoid petting!
Bus:
We were in Bus 2 under the leadership of Hemant. Each day we have one person – Pravin Anna, Kathrin Akka and Dr, Asha in the bus, ensuring that no one sleep. We had Kali Kelly, Crazy Carin, Sexy Shanker (The US partners), Power Panda (missing Gloria Wang his wife who had to be moved to S6 group due to Chinese visa, Rocking Rajani, Annoying Anand (Rajani and Ananad – The Iyer couple Rajani being great singer and Anand photographer), mysterious Meera, Bolder Brandan, Naughty Naveen, Donkey Denny, Dragon Dennis, Terrible Tiana, Akori Dr. Ashok, Bombshell Dr. Babitha, (The doctor couple won best couple – for keeping bus lively with Ganapathi Bhappa moria and songs) Rediculous Rachana, Nappy Neha, Violent Vrishti, Horrible Hemant, Prikly Priya, Rowdy Rajani Dr. , Notorious/Nerdy/Naming Nikhil and Poopy Praveen. We also played – Pink/Ponk/Pink- Number; last name describtion, songs.
Even the play enacted by our bus team was on Parikrama-Ganesha and Karthik around the world/parents with Isla and trip to Kailash included. Bus three enacted the bus trip and bus one did a spiritual delivery of the complete essence of yoga, inner engineering ending with Jai Ho...song and dance. Krishna's dance on Choli Khe Pichee was highlight, as Rajani and Gloria Wang's song.
Bus 1 had birthday girl Maples poem as below:
A tribute from the birthday girl to her birthday guru,
🖤JAI SHRI SADHGURU🖤
Rumi said, “the wound is the place where the light enters you.” Indeed, the divine does work in uncanny ways too I know now my heart’s in the right place Only because of your grace.
Once upon a time now seems like worlds away, When my heart was a rock, and my insides twisted like my fate.
The time I asked the universe for the highest dimension of intelligence, And invoked every god I knew for assistance.
Gautama The Buddha responded with that which is known as the nature of the mind.
Not long after, Youtube answered with a voice saying ‘I’m not the body, i’m not the mind’,
His words nudged my mind...from the guru who instantly became mine.
Inner Engineering set me straight.
What used to be pain, bloomed into something great.
Shambhavi gave me my first dose of clarity,
My GPS is ON, Ive detoured and arrived as Shakti.
When you taught me the true meaning of yoga,
It felt like I went from hell to a spa.
Whenever I would go off my rocker,
I hear your voice saying, ‘from filth to flower.’
You showed up & brushed me by,
You even showed up, as a buzzing fly.
You show up as many a disguise
But you always show up, like the sun will rise.
A day without you is therefore a day without the sun.
I see now how my life has just begun.
Simply live, you say, simply BE WITH ME
And so I live, everyday as your undercoveryogi.
My devotion to the process & to you,
Has brought me to Kailash.
I’ve come away from everyone & everything I knew,
To breathe every step of the way with you.
Indeed, what a glorious sojourn the whole way through...
Again, you let me know you were there through & through.
Everytime rays of light cut through the freezing air,
You were blasting into every wound, from my toes to my hair.
For all the brilliant, brilliant work you’ve done for us,
For your immense devotion to each one of us,
Thank you for this chance to walk with you in this life...
So profound a chance, to flourish in your light.
In my heart you live.
In every aspect of my life, you give.
I bow down to you, my guru,
For this chance, this life, to breathe with you
With eternal gratitude I bow down to you, my guru,
JAI SHRI SADHGURU🙏🏽
This was soon after Steve's Tribute:
Shiva's Grace for America
Tears flow down as I sit in your presence, eroding my very being. Washing my mind of thought my emotions of impropriety. Washing my body of impurity and restoring equanimity. My spirit soars to your magnificent brow where I am drawn inside to be shortly expelled as a new being.
As I slowly lose my physical Grace to time, I hear you telling me to sit and reverberate with you. You want us to build a wave of Grace that will sweep across America reaching every city, every town, every village, every campsite, every river, and every beach.
You want us to build a wave of Grace into an inescapable tsunami that washes away hatred, biggotry, violence, and exploitation.
You want us to leave in its wake a path of balance, equanimity, and justice, not as an achievement but as a birthright.
You want us to build a wave so powerful that it melts guns, reduces nuclear weapons to rubble, and melts away weapon control systems.
You want our wave to mollify fear and melt hearts into pools of love and compassion.
A few years ago I would have called you crazy, but since then I've become a little crazy myself. I see no other path that can lead to our success.
With you, my guru, and Isha we have made a twenty year start. Now we must make the wave build in intensity until it engulfs the wavelets we have seen so far. With all of your contribution, maybe 12 years from now that golden age of spiritual development will be riding the crest of an enormous wave of Grace.
Let's make it happen!
Your Servant
Our journey to the Himalayas of Tibet with Sacred Walks was to be an intense spiritual experience, complete with meditation sessions, satsangs, chants and much more. With songs, dance and celebration even in hotel when returning. It was emotional moment both at Lhasa and Shigatse when returning.
Got to see live examples of East being process oriented vs. Goal oriented.
