A journey to the Everest Kingdom of Nepal—a land rich in ancient temples and regarded as the birthplace of Lord Buddha—provides a unique opportunity to nourish the soul and inspire a deep sense of spiritual enlightenment. This enchanting destination not only offers breathtaking landscapes but also encourages profound reflection and personal growth.
Spirit of Nepal
Welcome to Emberborn
June 7, 2019
Stories from Gujarat
November 5, 2019NEPAL
The world of spirits
First, I will visit the stunning Boudhanath Stupa, a sacred site where I can connect with visitors. I look forward to joining a lively Hindu festival and immersing myself in rich traditions that unite us all. I will also witness the resilience of communities affected by the Gorkha earthquake and see how they have transformed their lives. Additionally, I aim to explore the fascinating world of shamanism to deepen my spiritual understanding. Learning about the powerful funeral traditions along the holy river will enhance my appreciation of these cultural practices. Lastly, I am eager to explore the rural beauty of Kathmandu Valley, share inspiring stories of those often overlooked, reconnect with friends, and learn new photography techniques from talented mentors to enrich my storytelling skills!
After an exhilarating journey from Slovenia to Nepal, involving time zone changes and security checks, I experienced the effects of jet lag. This adventure reinforced the importance of careful planning and preparation for international travel, making transitions more seamless and enjoyable!
When I finally arrived in the capital city – Kathmandu and stepped out of the airport, a whole new world unfurled before my eyes.
Uncertain about my chosen destination, I found myself questioning: ‘What on earth am I doing here?
I found myself standing there, completely captivated by the storm of chaos unfolding before me.
What an eye-opening experience! The culture shock is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before!
Dust and pollution, busy traffic, cars, scooters, rickshaws, honking horns, and jaywalking pedestrians blurred my sight.
Kathmandu, the lively capital of Nepal, is the largest city in the country and a key hub in the majestic Himalayan hill region, with a vibrant population of around 1 million people. Its rich cultural heritage and energetic atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for travellers and explorers alike.
I needed a few days to adapt to the environment, especially to the challenging and uncomfortable climate.
The captivating maze of narrow alleys inspired me to explore the magic of light, shadows, and my camera in exciting new ways!
Suddenly, the loud noises of traffic ceased, letting peace settle in.
I finally heard the welcoming sound of greeting Namasté. Namasté is a way of greeting people. The word breaks down into three parts. NAMA means bow, AS means I, and TE means you. Translated: ‘I bow to you’.
A gentle chanting of “Om Mani Padme Hum” guided me towards a sacred Boudhanath Stupa, the largest and most revered Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.
I’m here; this is exactly the place I was meant to be.
Boudhanath is located on a historic trade route between Nepal and Tibet and has long been an important site for pilgrimage and meditation, serving as a gateway to heaven and a horizon between the earth and the sky.
Huge pairs of eyes on the main tower of the gigantic Boudhanath stupa symbolise the all-seeing ability of Lord Buddha.
I felt like the “The wisdom eyes” were watching me from all sides, no matter where I pointed the camera.
Late at night, I excitedly returned and set up my tripod alongside a group of curious monks, all eager to explore my new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera. What a wonderful moment of sharing and discovery!
Shortly after finishing a few HDR long exposure shoots, I found myself moving clockwise alongside devotees chanting the “Om Mani Padme Hum”.
Besides turning the prayer wheels.
The Tibetans hold a strong belief that shamanistic prayers and mantras are carried away by the wind, spreading goodwill and compassion across the sky and beyond. This potent practice not only links them to the universe but also fosters a sense of unity and kindness in the world.
The five colours of prayer flags undeniably represent the five elements of Lord Buddha, serving as a powerful reminder of the core principles of Buddhist teachings.
Blue represents the sky and the mysteries of space, white signifies fresh air and breezes, red embodies passion and vitality, green reflects the nurturing qualities of water, and yellow captures the warmth of the earth. Each colour deepens our appreciation for nature’s wonders, helping us to connect more profoundly with the world around us!
All religious traditions are highly valued and certainly should not be ignored.
Nepal is the only Hindu kingdom in the world, where 81.3% of the population practices Hinduism alongside Buddhism. This unique blend fosters a vibrant culture of unity and diversity, allowing people to honour deities from both traditions. It’s inspiring to witness such harmony!
In Nepal, people thrive in a spirit of peace and harmony, crossing the boundaries of their diverse religious backgrounds. This unity emphasises the deep respect and understanding that underpin the everyday lives of the Nepali people.
The sound of an early morning prayer was very soothing, so I kept returning to Boudhanath Stupa at different times, and each time, I found myself praying with devotees, as if being hypnotised.
Enlightenment ultimately represents a release from dukkha, the mental and physical suffering of life that binds a person to this world.
I was eager for a spiritual challenge, but this journey took me further than I ever anticipated.
Nepal is not just a destination; it’s an experience that can transform you. Whether it’s a remarkable travel adventure or a profound spiritual journey, something about Nepal has the power to shift your perspective in ways you never imagined.
I have definitely changed how I feel about this country. I have shifted my perspective on human culture and the very essence of life.
“The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.”
– Brandon Sanderson –