Located by a silent and peaceful lane behind the famous Boudhanath stupa, the Shechen monastery is a sharp contrast to the crowded and noisy tourist spot. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the premise contains a large monk’s dormitory, an art and handicraft workshop and showroom, a guesthouse and an exquisite garden restaurant. Here, both monks and visitors can rest and enjoy a meal among trees and flowers, hearing nothing but the singing of birds and the sounding temple bell. After a nice and relaxing meal, we made our way by the colorful array of stupas, dedicated to the Buddha’s main events. Passing the monastery, we heard the sounds of reciting monks and of horns and gongs. Asking the nearby attendant, we were allowed to enter the hall to listen to the ceremony. We sat down, surrounded by monks in red and yellow robes, and drums and large silver and bronze horns on both sides. Between each recital of the sutra verses, horns and drums intoned with their powerful sounds. I felt the sound vibrating through my whole body! It was a great privilege to witness such a traditional religious service from the ancient Tibetan culture, kept alive by the refugees here in Kathmandu. I am sharing with you some of my impressions in words, pictures and sounds here.
Svein
Svein
