This amazing monastery is full of wonderfully spirited, genuine and extremely devoted nuns whom for the better part of three decades have been living up where the heavens meet the sky, tucked away in the rolling green hills, and enjoying one of the most spectacular views I have ever seen - the entire Kathmandu valley sprawled beneath them. I have been planning on coming here for the last two years and not for lack of trying it has never worked out, so for this and the many stories I have been told about this place expounding its many qualities and wonder - today was the day - so we all stuffed ourselves in a van and made our way up the ever winding dirt road to the gates.
The sight when the gates opened completely took my breath away - I would not, nor could not have ever expected such a sight. Lush and brilliant landscape, a towering beautiful Gonpa, amazingly colorful and intricate detailing on all the walls and ceilings, mandalas and frescos abound, even the railings and moldings were beautifully adorned with color, gold and etched and carved everything. A huge stupa to the side complete with giant prayer wheel inside where even the walls are gorgeously painted. The whole area is covered in lush greenery, lawns and tall trees. A wonderful breeze rolls through the tall lines of prayer flags stretching all the way across the skyline, lining the entrance ways like enormous billowing guards standing at attention. There is a feeling of pure bliss and tranquility here - not a surprise as the three year retreat center is right next to the stupa, closed and sealed as they are now in retreat - it was quite apparent the moment I stepped inside the compound that this is a very special place. A truly magical place.
It was like walking into a secret garden. I cannot stress this, nor explain it with enough detail to convey my intended emotional state. It literally took my breath away. And all who live here? They are some of the most wonderful, generous, kindhearted and gracious people I have ever met. These nuns are magnanimous practitioners. They are unbelievably hard working and devout. The way they care for each other with such kindness, grace and fierce powerful strength. I was quite impressed and deeply moved. They move with quiet dignity, pausing to deeply reflect before they speak. The young ones can be quite shy at first but after a little coaxing they were happy to sing and dance for us, eventually even having a great time and enjoying having their picture taken which to me was quite obviously something they weren’t used to, nor really wanted in the first place. It seemed they’d rather be practicing. Enough said.
I am deeply thankful for this precious time with them, and I wish to take the opportunity to thank them for their gracious hospitality, their honest generosity, and their deeply inspirational ways. This secret garden is a wonderful place, a place of peace, and I wish very much to come back again someday soon.
@Karma Nhegdon Osel Choekling
