Muktinath temple Prayer flags flutter along the wall inside the Muktinath temple compound. Just outside the wall Buddhist monks air their blanket on a bed of jagged rocks. A Sadhu (holy man) of Tibetan origin, with his possessions, a bronze ewer, two hardbound books, makes a wooden bench at the main entrance his temporary home. With […]
I feel grateful and privileged beyond words to be part of such a beautiful planet, perhaps the best place in the universe. For enduring pain inflicted and yet being ever so kind and loving.
Durbar Square before earthquake reminded me of Florence, it had a tinge of red, yellow, orange, blue and green to it and the place came alive with tourists and locals alike. The temple domes with clear blue sky and snow-capped mountain for a backdrop was its specialty.
I say this at every opportunity, “not for nothing people associate The Himalayas with renunciation of the material world.” If you spend enough time in the mighty mountains, renunciation becomes a natural process. When you are up there, in the lyrics of Metallica, nothing else matters.
From one campsite to another, Annapurna Circuit is replete with tea houses. They are multi cuisine tea houses offering delectable array of menu choices. Best part of the menu and something I enjoyed the most during the trails is, a warm cup of lemon tea. For one I can thaw my hands while sipping on the tea. And for another, it was refreshing. Unlike the other trails, end of a grueling trek I retired to a cozy bed. I literally buried myself under layers of quilts and read a book, while the mighty glaciers, sometimes bordered by rustling streams, busied themselves providing a stunning view.
While you are in the company of Himalayas inner, peace is a natural process. The hardship I went through climbing the godlike Mountains was perfectly justified when I found myself meditating without fighting thoughts. Snow peaks, gorges, streams, yaks, horse, pine trees and a lot peace and quiet surrounded me. This is exactly why Himalayas is synonymous to renunciation. When you are up there you are really “up” there. Everything else in life seems insignificant.
Young or old, happy or sad, rich or poor, working or playing, Nepali women, they are all so beautiful and a few thoroughly inspiring.