In the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal stood aloof to the political turmoil its neighbours went through until very recently. While several spiritual practices originated in the mainland Indian subcontinent, they survived as a living heritage only in the hidden valleys of Nepal. Guided by basic principles of nonviolence and harmony, several practices coexisted for over two millennia without conflict. The reminiscence of the coexistence is well reflected by the monuments of Kathmandu valley.
Almost all mountains of the Nepalese Himalayas were either an embodiment or abode of gods. The very reason made it a famous pilgrimage and retreat center of all time.
"A pious person should visit the four holy places and look upon with feelings of reverence."
Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is one of the 4 UNESCO Heritage sites in Nepal. The exact birthplace of Buddha has been developed under a master plan in the area of 2 X 6 km with ample gardens, ponds and monasteries to create the spiritual ambiance. There are also several archaeological discoveries around Lumbini; like Tilaurakot palace where Buddha was raised as prince Siddhartha until he was 29, Ramgram Stupa (only unopened Buddha relic stupa out of the first 8), Kudan monastery where Buddha gave 4 sermons and the birthplaces of Kanakmuni Buddha and Krakuchanda Buddha.
Similarly, hidden in the citadel of mountains, Nepal was a safe haven for Buddhism while its neighbors went through arsion and invasions. There are several meditation caves and monasteries which continuously practiced and preached Buddhism until the date. Yangleso cave and Maratika cave of Guru Rinpoche are the most popular pilgrimage sites for Buddhists from around the world.
In Kathmandu every next house is a temple and every next day is a festival.
The mountainous country of Nepal has been the safe haven for several spiritual practices of the region. While its neighbors went through several political unrest and occupations, Nepal remained independent until the date. The rich Vedic, Buddhist and Tantric practices remained intact in the valleys of Nepal. Kathmandu for example has over 350 medieval Buddhist monasteries which used to be a place of spiritual refuge for monks from India and Tibet. Communities from both India and Tibet fleed at different times in history, lived and practiced together in harmony. Kathmandu is a great place to witness the living spiritual cultures of the Indian subcontinent in harmony.
If you went to live in the Himalayas and everyone was lovely there, I’m sure it would be fairly easy to be a spiritual master.
Nepal is the place where spirituality is felt everywhere and in everything. Nature is respected and worshipped as either god and goddesses or their abode. Traditionally people respected mountains, rivers and jungles. All mountains of Nepal are either the embodiment of god and goddesses or their home Mountains are worshiped in local monasteries and temples. There were many incidents where locals opposed expedition teams fearing the consequences. Even today the expedition teams do a ceremony in a local monastery before heading to the mountains. Annapurna is the goddess of cereals (food), Mt Everest is one of the mother goddesses known as Chomolungma.
For a long time, the Himalayan valleys were mythical for many and were accessible only for those in spiritual quest with great devotion. The hidden valleys of Nepal were lived and protected by Shiddas (who have attended perfection). Many pilgrimage sites are prehistoric and are worshipped by all religious groups. These were the places where god or spiritual masters did miracles making them high in spiritual energy. Muktinath, Gosaikunda Lake, Devghat are some of the pilgrimages from the prehistoric time.
Maratika Cave can be reached by 10 hrs drive or 15 mints Helicopter ride. Maratika cave is where Padmasambhava – Guru Rimpoche did Sadhana of longevity Buddha Amitayus and attended the second vidyadhaha level.
Only USD 280 !
Helicopter tour of
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