Philip describes his recent trip to Nepal!!
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Last week, on the 21st to the 25th of November, a group of my students (Kecharians) went to Nepal on a pilgrimage trip. Hardworking and kind Su Ming lead them on this trip. Su Ming really was looking forward to taking people to holy places. She is great.
Those who went on the pilgrimage were:
- Su Ming – Pilgrimage leader, Liaison of Kechara Care, Tsem Ladrang and Kechara Lounge
- Pastor Yek Yee – KH Pastor, Liaison to H.E Tsem Rinpoche
- Karen – Kechara Care staff
- Sock Wan – Kechara Care staff
- Cynthia Ng – Kechara Care staff (Administrator)
- Lucy Yap – Kechara Care staff (in-charge of Kechara House souvenir store)
- Clifford Khong – Kechara Member
Grace – Kechara Member
Fiona – Kechara Member
Samantha – Kechara Member
When they returned, I requested Philip Yong, a young 21 year old university student who regularly volunteers in Kechara, to write his account of the trip. Well Philip did a GREAT JOB WITH THIS WRITE UP. TAKE A LOOK. ENJOY HIS WONDERFUL PICTURES…and enjoy his experience through his writing. You will love it. Read and share it with others.
Do take a look at his daily travel journal, filled with beautiful photos!! Let me know, WHO WANTS TO GO TO NEPAL??? Leave me a comment below of why you wish to go to Nepal? Visit our Tsem Ladrang there? The holy places? Why?
Tsem Rinpoche
Nepal, in my eyes…
by Philip Yong
There were mixed feelings prior this trip after hearing about how the roads are, how dirty the place is, how the water is not drinkable… I thought to myself, will I even survive there? But nevertheless I was extremely excited.
Nepal really was not as bad as it sounds. I had a great time there visiting all the holy sites, making offerings, shopping, and just enjoying the company of good friends.
At the end of the trip, I really did not feel like coming home. I liked Nepal very much and I’m sure there are many more holy sites to visit. The knowledge and experience I gained cannot be replaced with anything else. For this I sincerely thank Tsem Rinpoche, Su Ming, David and everyone else who made our pilgrimage a pleasant one.
This pilgrimage was the first of its kind for me. Never have I thought I would join a religious tour but you know what? I realised after this trip that even if we are not religious, we can go for such pilgrimages. The art, culture, and people itself are enough to mesmerize you as it did for me. But of course it was more than that for me.
Back home, I was thinking about our trip to Nepal and I feel very blessed that I was able to visit all the holy sites there. If given the chance, I would definitely want to go again to experience all of the holy sites one more time. Not many people of my age has gone on such a trip before. I feel very happy to have found the Dharma at a relatively young age.
I was also extremely surprise with the quality of the food in Nepal. It was gooood! I never really liked indian food but Nepal’s was different. I guess the authenticity of it made it even better!
Day 1
The day has come! I was so excited that I could barely sleep…and the moment I shut my eyes, my alarm rang! Time to leave my beloved country for a couple of days…
To cut the story short, a group of Kecharians went to Nepal on 21/11 – 25/11 for a Pilgrimage. There were in total 11 of us, mostly comprising of Kechara Care staff.
Group pic @ KLIA
We arrived Kathmandu, Nepal approximately 11.30AM (local time). The moment I stepped off the plane, I felt a little disappointed. Not because the country did not look good, but because the weather was much warmer than expected. I was told prior to this trip that it will be very cold in Nepal which I was really excited about.
We were greeted by Raj Kumar, a good friend of Tsem Rinpoche and Kechara. He was very welcoming and helped us throughout our trip.
We were warmly greeted by Raj Kumar upon arrival
Our first destination was Tsem Ladrang which was our place of accommodation throughout our stay in Nepal. I felt very blessed because although we were at a third world country, our place of accommodation was of 5-star ranking. Everyone who joined this pilgrimage was feeling happy and perhaps relieved that we had a nice and comfortable place to live in. We were greeted by Doggie, the resident dog of the Ladrang when we arrived. She was obviously very happy we were there.
Living room @ Tsem Ladrang-Kathmandu
One of the dorms @ Tsem Ladrang-Kathmandu
Dining room @ Tsem Ladrang-Kathmandu
Audience room @ Tsem Ladrang-Kathmandu
Rooftop Balcony @ Tsem Ladrang-Kathmandu
Butterlamp House Kitchen @ Tsem Ladrang-Kathmandu
Garage @ Tsem Ladrang-Kathmandu
Garden @ Tsem Ladrang-Kathmandu
After dropping off our luggage, we hopped on to the van once more and headed to Kathmandu Guest House (KGH) to have lunch (Oh btw, a lot of skills and patience are needed to drive in Nepal, the roads are insanely small and bumpy and crowded!).
Clifford and Doggie!
KGH is one of the nicest hotels in Kathmandu where many travellers from around the world stay in. The owners of KGH are good friends of our tour leader, Su Ming. When we were there, they prepared a nice table setting in the gardens for us to have lunch. The atmosphere was bliss, to say the least. The food too was of top notch.
All the ladies @ Kathmandu Guest House for lunch
Our first day in Nepal was rather easy going. After lunch, with our cameras and a tourist look, we walked around Thamel area to have a feel of how Nepal is like…some of us did a little shopping while strolling the streets as well.
The main activity of the day was lighting butterlamps in Vajrayogini Butterlamp House located in Tsem itself. After looking at pictures of how beautiful the butterlamp house is, I was really thrilled to be there physically in the presence of The Queen. The sight of Vajrayogini was amazing. Before we started to light the lamps, Su Ming gave us a little explanation of the significance and benefits of lighting butterlamps which can be found in this video.
With strong and sincere motivations, our group lit 1000 butterlamps every night we were there. After lighting the butterlamps, we gathered once again to recite Light offerings prayer. With all the lamps lighted up in the presence of VY, I felt very strong positive energy, every single night.
Clifford lighting butterlamps – Tsem Ladrang Kathmandu
All of us reciting prayers in VY Butterlamp House – Tsem Ladrang Kathmandu
Day 2
After a good night’s sleep, everyone was energised and ready for more activities on our second day in Kathmandu! The day’s activities were lined up starting from Pharping to visit Self-arising Tara shrine, Guru Rinpoche’s Cave and a Vajrayogini Chapel. Then we headed over to Boudhanath to visit Kechara Lounge and of course not missing out the largest Boudhanath Stupa! Later at night, we lighted another 1000 butterlamps in Vajrayogini’s Chapel.
At the 21 Tara shrine, Su Ming explained to the group how the Taras came about. The shrine was constructed when an image of Tara started to appear on a huge rock by itself. It is said that all 21 Taras will be formed on the rock once the next Buddha arises. For the time being, there are 2 ½ Taras shapes that has been formed. Many Tibetans were seen making prayers to Tara in the shrine as well. There were also two monks there reciting Tara prayers when we were there. One of them was a young boy who recited the prayers very clearly and confidently. I was in awe!
After that we walked up a flight of stairs to Guru Rinpoche’s Cave where he meditated on his way back to Tibet! Guru Rinpoche was the one who brought Buddhism from India to Tibet. Without him, we would not have all our precious Vajrayana teachings today. Outside the cave, Guru Rinpoche left his handprint in which still carries many blessings today.
Fiona lighting butterlamps @ Guru Rinpoche cave
Making butterlamp offerings in Guru Rinpoche’s cave
Guru Rinpoche’s handprint
A group picture outside Guru Rinpoche’s cave
Me putting my palm on Guru Rinpoche’s handprint
While we were there, we made many butterlamp offerings. Each of us held a butterlamp in our hand and went into the cave to make our prayers one by one. It was indeed a great experience.
Later on, we walked a little further to our last stop in Pharping, a very special Vajrayogini Chapel. This chapel was previously a family’s personal place of worship. But since passing it down generation after generation, the chapel has become an iconic landmark where more practitioners started to gather to worship the Queen. We had to wait at the bottom of the chapel for a while as there were a big group of pilgrims reciting prayers in the chapel.
We were all anxiously waiting till we finally got the green light to go up! Once again, the sight of Vajrayogini in her form with one leg up was so captivating that I personally did not want to leave, I felt so blessed to be there. Each of us made a butterlamp offering up to Vajrayogini. I also made an aspiration to be able to receive her practice in the future. I believe our entire group was mesmerised and blessed to be in the presence of such a holy statue.
Off we went to Boudhanath, the land of many Tibetans and the largest stupa in Nepal after. Everyone was excited because we have heard and read a lot on the stupa as it is one of the holiest sites in the world. Boudhanath itself became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1979.
Beautiful Boudhanath Stupa
Our first stop in Boudha was not surprisingly Kechara Lounge as we are all Kecharians! The location of Kechara Lounge is very strategic as it is located right beside the Boudhanath Stupa. We could see the stupa from the windows of Kechara Lounge very clearly. Because the stupa is also a global tourist spot, Kechara Lounge serves as the International visitor centre of Kechara as well. This is where Kechara is introduced to the world at large.
The lounge is no doubt very welcoming and comfortable. As we entered the premises, we were greeted by a huge Vajrayogini statue which was mesmerizing as always. Ever since I joined Kechara, each and every department I have visited has never failed to impress me with its interior designs and products, Kechara Lounge was no exception.
Kechara Lounge
Beautiful interior of Kechara Lounge
Book and DVD corner @ Kechara Lounge
@ Kechara Lounge
Our group busy shopping @ Kechara Lounge
Group picture @ Kechara Lounge
After visiting the lounge we made our way to the stupa which was just a stone throw distance away. With strong aspirations for Tsem Rinpoche’s good health, we circumambulated the stupa three times. I saw many people of different ages, races, and gender walking alongside me reciting prayers faithfully. It was a very beautiful sight!
Later at night, we went back to the Ladrang and lighted more butterlamps. I felt really fortunate to be able to light the butterlamps every night to offer up to the Queen, Vajrayogini!
Day 3
Up, up and out we go! The third day was another interesting day with more activities lined up. We were scheduled to visit Manjushri Teaching Site and then Swayambunath Stupa which was a short walk away. After this two places, the group visited Chenrezig Temple and Tara Chapel while I stayed in to rest as I fell ill.
It was really unfortunate that I was not able to join the group to visit these holy sites but the rest I had was vital for me to be fit to join in the activities for the next couple of days.
The Manjushri Teaching Site is said to be the site where the Buddha of Wisdom gives Dharma teachings once a year to celestial beings. Over there, our group did as many butterlamps as we could before reciting Gangloma, Praise to Manjushri and his mantra. It was a great opportunity for us to connect with Manjushri and absorb his energies.
Samantha lighting butterlamps @ Manjushri Teaching Site
All of us reciting Gangloma @ Manjushri Teaching Site
On the way to Swayambunath Stupa, we stopped by Temple of Doors, where it is said to be the home of 16 arhats. They will reside there till the next Buddha, Maitreya Buddha appears. They will then assist Maitreya in teaching the Dharma.
Temple of Doors
We then made our way to Swayambunath Stupa, the second largest stupa in Nepal, which also houses Buddha’s relics. There are also many other smaller stupas surrounding the main stupa where many people circumambulate daily. In fact, there were many animals ranging from pigeons to dogs to monkeys circumambulating the stupas as well. How blessed they are!
Swayambunath Stupa
We then went for lunch and the rest as the saying goes was history. I was very ill that I could not join in for the rest of the tours for the day. The group went to Chenrezig Temple after lunch. The centrepiece of the temple is a beautiful two-armed Chenrezig. There, the group did their prayers and recited Chenrezig mantra. I was told that the statues are really beautiful.
Chenrezig Temple
After that, they went over to a Tara Chapel. The chapel house 3 beautiful Taras, Yellow Tara, White Tara and Green Tara. H.H Trijang Rinpoche has said that the centrepiece of the chapel, White Tara flew from Tibet to Nepal. How true is it, we are yet to know but this statue must have something very special if H.H Trijang Rinpoche says so. I must visit Nepal again to visit these holy temples I have not been to!
Tara Chapel
At night, the group lighted another 1000 butterlamps in VY’s Butterlamp House. I did not join in this round as I had difficulties breathing and hence called it a night as soon as I was done with a delicious porridge dinner cooked with care by our lovely group. I really wish I took care of myself better so that I would not have missed all these holy activities.
Day 4
Every day, there were designated people to cook breakfast for everyone. Our fourth day’s breakfast was one of the best throughout our stay. We made it like a competition where each day we complete to see who makes the best breakfast. And thanks to Cynthia, Clifford and Lucy, we had a very good breakfast this morning.
Breakfast made by Clifford, Cynthia and Lucy
Our first stop of the day was Phatan, the land of creative cravings. At Phatan we visited a Vajrayogini Chapel @ Mahaboddha Temple. There, Su Ming taught us how to make traditional offerings to offer up to Vajrayogini. The caretaker of the chapel also gave us the opportunity to offer beer to the Vajrayogini statue which was very rare. After offering butterlamps and beer, we recited tea offering prayers to Vajrayogini.
Some of our group members even shed tears upon sight of this holy statue, that is how strong Vajrayogini’s energy is.
Our group reciting tea offering prayers @ Vajrayogini Chapel
Coincidentally, Raj Kumar’s daughter had her new shop opening on this day so we all went to visit and give support. Her shop was located nearby so it was very convenient for us to go. Over there, we were greeted by Raj Kumar’s wife and daughters. Everyone went on a shopping spree to show support. Raj Kumar and family has helped Kechara a lot by looking after Kechara Lounge and the Ladrang very well. So we did the least we could to repay his kindness.
Our group visiting Raj Kumar daughter’s shop @ Phatan
After Phatan, we went over to Boudhanath once again to visit more places and also to circumambulate the Boudhanath Stupa again before we left Nepal. This time, we walked up a flight of stairs to be closer to the stupa. As we were walking towards the stairs, a security guard was seen closing the gates. We had to beg him to allow us in. Seeing our sincerity, he allowed us in to circumambulate the stupa one round. It was very nice up there as we were the only ones left. We took some photos for memories besides chanting mantras. We were very fortunate to be so close to such a holy stupa.
Group picture @ Boudhanath Stupa
Back in the Ladrang, we once again gathered in the Vajrayogini Butterlamp House and offered our last 1000 butterlamps to Vajrayogini as it was our last night there.
Day 5
The last day of our pilgrimage in Nepal. Obviously everyone was upset because we had to leave this Holy land but we were all very happy that we had the opportunity to come together to visit all the holy sites we visited for the past few days.
We woke up very early this day because there were still so much to be done. Our first stop of the day was Vijashwari Vajrayogini Chapel. We were joined by Likim and David who were in Nepal for business. The chapel is very special as it contains the four different forms of Vajrayogini – Flying Vajrayogini, Vajravarahi, Vajrayogini with one leg up, and Naro Kacho, the form that we have in Kechara.
Preparing traditional offerings to offer up to Vajrayogini
The final product!
Li Kim making offerings to Vajrayogini on behalf of everyone
Fiona making a butterlamp offering to Vajrayogini
Over there, we made traditional offerings and butterlamp offerings once again to Vajrayogini. Su Ming led us in reciting Tea Offering Prayers to Vajrayogini after. It was magical to view all the forms of the Queen. Beautiful beyond words!
Right after visiting the Vajrayogini Chapel, we went to Naropa and Tilopa’s cave. That was our last holy site of our trip to Nepal. While we lit candles for Naropa and Tilopa, David told us a story where Naropa followed Tilopa diligently, serving him dutifully for 12 years even though Tilopa had never once acknowledged Naropa as his student. When Tilopa finally acknowledged Naropa as his student, he began giving him teachings of Vajrayogini. The cave was where Naropa engaged in Vajrayogini retreat and gained visions of her within 3 months.
Our group reciting tea offering prayers to Vajrayogini led by David Lai
Me making prayers to Naropa!
Each of use went into the cave to make aspirations to be like Naropa whose Guru Devotion was very pure. We made aspirations to excel in our Dharma work and to follow our Guru’s instructions/teachings well.
After that we went to a couple more places to buy some necessary items and headed back to Ladrang to do our final packing. Before we left Ladrang for the airport, we all gathered to recite The King of Prayers! With a heavy heart, we left on an airplane back to Malaysia.
Photography credits:
- Clifford Khong
- Philip Yong
For more interesting information:
- Nepal Pilgrimage full videos
- Photo Album: Sacred Sites in Nepal
- Pokhara Stupa
- It’s in the scriptures they exist
- Yeti Exhibition in Pokhara, Nepal
- Japanese Mountain Climbers Say They Found Yeti Footprints
- Sasquatch (Bigfoot)!!!
- Quick Photos from Nepal Trip
- Nepal is the land of spirtuality, beauty and Mystery
- Look at this picture!!!
- Great Articles in GOING PLACES on Kathmandu
- Aerial view of Bodha Stupa
- Puja at Naropa’s Cave, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Jan’s a Hero ~ Saving beings ~ Kathmandu Nepal!
- Making Nepali Momos
- My Dream House in Nepal Mountains
- The birth palace of Gautam Buddha
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If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Thanks Philip for those pictures!
It is good that you took these pictures,i really wanted to know about the trip.
This is a very educational trip for the group.
As we kecharians we would like to know more about Buddha’s and more about the Dharma.
It is such a blessing to be in Kechara where we could get so much things than we could get in other places.
I wish one day I can visit Nepal and Tibet but i afraid my health condition will not allow me to visit Tibet.
Dear Tsem Rinpoche,
Thank you very much for this clear teaching. Especially emphasising the difference between merit and good karma was very interesting. Eventually it is all about the motivation we have to do things.
Thank you very much for tagging me on the photo’s. I don’t know how my name got there 🙂 but i am very happy with it.
Sincerely,
Iwan Lindeboom
Thank you, thank you and thank you … After going through it the second time, I just feel the energy getting into me and tears just fill my eyes. Suddenly, I am overwhelmed by all these and feel the love our Guru coming through and all the things he does to benefit us and yet sometimes I think we want to be lazy and do a little less and what kind of attitude I have. When Our Guru have done so much for us. I just feel that and truly it is coming into me. Thank you Philip for this write up and the pictures and thank you Rinpoche for sharing.
Wow, what can I say. First of all these people must have created alot of merits in order to make it for the trip and sure these holy places . Rejoice, I am so glad that these young people can go these places and make offerings. I am sure they will benefit in their spiritual path and also in their daily life. I wish to make a wish here that I can go these places in this current lifetime of mine and also to be able to move myself closer to KH physically and spiritually. Rejoice Rejoice Rejoice.
感谢Philip拍的金刚瑜伽母圣象，就像最高佛母就显现在我眼前。能见到那洛巴、度母等圣相真是无比幸福。祈愿我及家人累积足够的功德到尼泊尔朝圣。
Wow! Looking at the pics and write up makes me MISS Nepal so much. I wish we have the merits and blessings to visit those Holy sites and offer butter lamps/offerings AGAIN!
Thank you the beautiful write up and pics. Great job. Now people can understand and see all these beautiful places!
Thanks phil and clifford the pictures really captured the spirit of the group and the land. Nepal is spiritual country no doubt about that.
I would love to go there again, to go on to connect with the strong spiritual places of power again, I would also like to see the beautiful Ladrang there, the Tara Chapel with the three taras, and be in the place where Naropa and Tilopa meditated. When I was studying in UK one of the first books I came across on Tibetan Buddhism was about the life of Naropa, after that I had a strong yearning to read his life story. Rinpoche bought me the stories of Naropa and Marpa of which I was very grateful for years later.
Great that everyone from Kechara Care had such an enriching trip.
‘A picture can paint a thousand words’, I’m sure this trip did more than that for you.
May you be re-energised to overcome all inner and outer obstacles on the spiritual journey !
Great write up, Philip! It is written with great details and with great pictures! You young people are so fortunate to be able to experience this wonderful pilgrimage.
Looking at the pictures brings back so many treasured memories. I have visited Nepal a couple of times and would not hesitate to go again in the near future.
Well written by Philip and photographed by Clifford and Philip. I can hear the excitement in Philip here as well as of the others with him.
Kathmandu is a must visit for those who have not been. It is a melting pot for people of all ages, color and creed, spiritual or not. Best time to visit is in Spring or Autumn. Summer is hot and dusty while winter may be too cold for those who are unaccustomed.
Yes, the roads and taxi drivers are a nightmare. Food is no problem as attested by Philip here. The people in general are warm, friendly and sincere.
I have been there, I think 12 0r 13 times, but I do not get tire of this quaint city.
Wow! Very awesome trip you guys have 🙂 Philips, thank you very much for the good write up. Also how lucky we’re the pioneers have been there to setup Tsem Ladrang and Kechara Lounge.
Such a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing. I wish that Philip will quickly be able to receive his VY practice and fulfill all his excellent wishes.
You are truly blessed. Kathmandu is a very special place. I am still mesmerised from my trip in October 2008. Hoping to be able to go again.
I follow Philip updates like I follow a book! I followed closely as I am very very happy that the team got to visit the most sacred and holy place on earth. I feel their enthusiasm and excitement when the team told me that they are leaving to Nepal.
I looked at their pictures on facebook and you can really feel the joy and laughter from the team. Looking at the pictures, it brings back a lot of memories. Nepal is a wonderful place with such holy presence. Of course, the food the immaculate!
Most of all, Nepal is a place that you can never get tired of visiting. I love Tsem Ladrang. Doing prayers there has a very nice feeling.
Congrats Phil, I am very happy to see you all having much fun and learn a lot. Wish you spiritual growth and happiness always!
great photos! very happy that all of you got to visit such a beautiful holy place, especially for Samantha… i wonder how many young teens like her have seen Boudhanath with their own eyes and circumambulated it. very very lucky =) i really like the photo of cliff lighting candles and the Boudhanath evening shot, and the preparation of VY offerings photo…
Nostalgia is what I am experiencing seeing the photos and comments from Philip. I was there twice in 2008 and never went back. Shame on me that I have not even visited Tsem Ladrang and Kechara Lounge, which were in the process of renovation back then.
Time flies, but I make a promise that next year I will go back with my family and have a dharma holiday with a Manjushari retreat for my grandchildren. Dharma should begin early in life, do not waste time.
Marvellous write up Phil,great experience for you, fantastic trip. when i was reading, i feel i were there too hehehe 🙂 Great pictures. Thank you so much for sharing, can’t wait to goooooooooooooo 🙂
Nice and easy to read account of the trip. Hopefully will be able to visit soon to this amazing country. Visit to such a place really do plant seeds and leave strong imprints on our mind. Maybe more of such trip could be organize often.
Thank you so much Philip, it feels as if we were there with you!
Thank you for the effort in giving us explanations, accounts and even links. I really appreciate that.
It sure sounds like you all had an amazing trip!
I wish I can go to Nepal soon and be blessed by visiting such holy places, wow, such a concentration of spiritually energized places there are there, it is stunning.
I feel particularly drawn to The Manjushri Teaching Site, just to imagine that we are standing on the same ground where such events take place, mind blowing!
There is a lot to learn from such a trip, and then there is a lot that can be shared from it too. I wish I can be part of that dynamic soon also.
Philip, thank you for the detailed and thoughtful sharing of your pilgrimage to Nepal. The images to captivating but your words and expressions of awe is truly inspiring. I pray that more and more young individuals like you will have the blessings of Dharma and great Masters like Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
Nice! Philip writes really well! Detailed explanations, I actually almost felt like I was there =)
I have always wanted to go on a pilgrimage to holy places, now after reading this I’d say specifically Nepal. Travelling for pleasure is fun, but travelling with a purpose is even better; which is why going for pilgrimage appeals to me. It is not just about seeing holy sites, but I want to feel the energy of the place, make offerings and just be captivated. To be at places where so many great masters have tread, meditated and achieved much realizations is just so blessed and fortunate. It must have been a wonderful experience for the Kecharians that went to Nepal, and I rejoice for their good fortune to be able to go to these holy places.
I’ve known Philip Yong for about six months and he has always been very helpful and enthusiastic. He can write, take good photos, very organized, intelligent, diligent and has a very good memory. He was the assistant floor manager for the previous big event held in KH last month, he did a very good job in organizing and planning.
In this Nepal trip, although he fell sick in the first 2 days, he still worked very hard to make sure everyone was well taken care of. I can see the leadership in him. He is also an interesting boy, he likes to work/sleep under the table..seriously..weird boy… but he is a true friend worth keeping.
Thankyou for sharing, Philip!! ^^
It is a wonderful writeup and great great photo taken by you two , Clifford Khong & Philip Yong…. Its really nice…!!! agree with sharon , Philip is a potential writer… =P
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing,
Philip is really one of the aspiring young men that is always around when help is needed and with Su Ming great guidance he has been very active. Alto I have not work with him closely but from news and write up he surely have a very kind heart.
Thank you, Philip for sharing all the beautiful photos and also the experience that you have during these trips. I’m sure you will be able to visit Nepal again and again in the very near future as you have generated such good motivation.
Looking at the beautiful pics taken by Philip and the well written account of his trip brought back many memories of my many trips to Kathmandu. Every trip to Kathmandu feels like it’s my first. As Philip recounts, the energies there are very uplifting.
Visiting the holy places especially the Vajrayogini temples and Naropa and Tilopa caves at Pashupatinath is never enough. I don’t think any words can ever describe the tranquility that permeates through our body and mind when we’re there.
Those of you who’s not been to Kathmandu on a pilgrimage should definitely go with Kechara Discovery. They’ll give a similar guided pilgrimage.
Carmen Koo
Excellent writeup, Phil! Reading it and looking at the photos brings back so many amazing memories I have of Nepal when we went on our pilgrimage earlier this year. It’s like I was re-living my entire Nepal experience through your post. Nepal is really a beautiful place, with a strong, positive spiritual energy. And of course, the sites of the Diamond Lady herself are mesmerizing beyond words. I particularly loved the Vajrayogini chapel in Phatan! Definitely a must go.
After I showed mum some of your pictures, she said… “I have to visit!!” hhaha. Thanks again Phil, and thank you Rinpoche, for kindly posting such a lovely account up.
Love,
Carmen.
Please pray for those other 26+ persons who registered for Kechara’s Nepal pilgrimage (that was cancelled in Nov2011) so they may be able to go on similar trip like this in the very near future to receive blessings from holy sites and plant the seeds for them to receive VY’s teachings also …. don’t forget them
Thank you Philip for the writeups and sharing the pictures taken during the trip to Nepal.
I would also want to visit Nepal one day to receive blessings from the Buddhas that are residing in those holy places, and to witness the holy places where the holy beings have resided before they have become enlighten being. These places serve as strong reminder to myself that me too have the capacity to attain enlighenment within one lifetime should I be deligent in pursuing the path of enlightenment. There is no doubt that my faith in dharma would grow stronger should I come back from the trip to Nepal 😀
You are fortunate young people to be able to visit the power places of pilgrimage in Nepal! It is just a wonderful pilgrimage place but whatever prayers you had done on this power place are known to manifest quickly. This power place is on the centre of gravity of our planet Earth just in case you are not aware.
CONGRATULATIONS young people!
Philip Yong is the youngest one in this Nepal trip. When we arrived at Kathmandu, Philip already started feeling no well. He very quiet but still laugh whole day, I think he feel so lucky can join this spiritual trip.
Read through his write up about our 5 days journey in Nepal, Philip really want to make sure he not miss up every single holy place, history, even a holy item. He want to absorb all those knowledge and information he can.
This trip is fruitful and full of rejoice because a young people like Philip Yong because of this trip he will be more grateful what we have in Malaysia and how fortunate we have our spiritual guide and Kechara!!!
Thank you Philip for such a great writeup with all the photos. I can imagine seeing such holy sites and beautiful Buddha art. I don’t know if it’s my being Buddhist, but I think anyone would be awed by such statues of Vajrayogini or Manjusri. They just draw you in. There aren’t too many here in the US. If I were to go to Nepal I would enjoy that and making butterlamp offerings the most. 1000 would be hard to do anywhere without fire chief showing up. It’s amazing how the Kechara locations in Nepal are just “there.” After all the hard work put into them years ago.
How cool Phil, I´m so happy for you and the kecharians for that lovely and amazing pilgrimage.
It seems Nepal is very magical, full of warm shinny loving kindness energy hehe…
I want to go there and learn more about the dharma, I want to go to Kopan monnastery and be a monk 🙂
What a beautiful sharing of this meritorious trip! Nepal is everything Philip said it was – and more. Philip is straightforward and sincere and writes candidly and well.
This sharing and the photos reminded me of my trip to Nepal a couple of years ago. All of us who have had the good fortune to visit Nepal via Kechara are so blessed by Rinpoche’s kindness. Rinpoche had already guided us as to all the precious pilgrimage places and I hope to visit again soon! This group is especially lucky to stay at the very beautiful Tsem Ladrang! Philip – do write more… perhaps you can contribute to KMP 😀
Thanks for sharing, Philip!
Much love, Sharon
Thank you for sharing these photos Phil – great work 🙂 Am so glad that all of you had the chance to see all these places, stay in the Ladrang and make prayers in such amazing sites. Your photos and write-ups brought back lots of good memories. Nepal always holds such a special place in my heart. Thank you 🙂
Nice account of a Pilgrimage to Nepal. I’m soo glad more people are discovering the holy sites and reconnecting with their spiritual side.
I also was apprehensive of travelling to countries where you need shots or the food and water left you immobilised for weeks…
But once there it grows on you, and when it comes time to leave you are left longing for something to keep you there longer.
Glad Phil had a great time as too the fellow travellers may many more get to experience magical, mystical Nepal.
Wow! What a great account of your wonderful and magical pilgrimage, Philip! Great pictures too!
Philip is an inspiring young man who is very helpful, sincere and friendly. He is always ready to lend a helping hand and a great friend to know. Such an inspiring person who has done so much at a young age. I was still blur when I was 21!!
Thanks to Rinpoche’s blessing, I had the privilege to visit Nepal twice in 6 months. Both trips were very memorable and magical. I have to say Nepal is a place where the energy is so serene and sacred. Like what Philip said, you will fall in love with it despite the noise, hustle and bustle and the bumpy roads. I really would love to visit Nepal again, to visit the holy sites and most of all to bring more Kecharians and others to pay homage to the holy sites and images.