Travel Notes from Bhoudanath

12:00:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

I feel there are very few places in the world like Boudha that can move you spiritually without you even knowing it. To be honest, i am a bit lost for words until now that’s why it’s taking longer for me to write my travel notes about this place. I’ve been to Boudhanath maybe 5 times, and everytime i’m there i can’t help but realize that it’s a such a dreamland to keep still and be quiet — focusing on Zen Buddhism, and just let go of everything that promotes stress. You go there to free your mind from anything. You’re like dying to be born again. You don’t think of anything else. When people ask me what’s the number one place to visit within the Kathmandu Valley — it’s Bhouda. It’s Bhouda!

Last time i went to Bhouda, i actually stayed overnight at Comfort Guesthouse so i can watch the stupa from dusk till dawn. It’s one of the highlights of my three month expedition to Nepal back in 2015. This time around, i may not have the same luxury of time but what i do have now is a much more calm mind and purposeful drive. You see, what’s particularly nice about Bhoudanath is that any religion is welcome here. And as a Christian “trying” to practice Buddhism, i feel a surge of energy, like Lord Buddha guiding me as his son. As i move clockwise around the stupa, and focusing on my intent as i say the mantra while spinning the wheels (which i discovered before to have actual scriptures written on it).

Buddhism is a very interesting religion because it’s very simple to follow. So simple that my favorite thing to say is that my religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. You don’t need to complicate things in order to be a good person. Whatever you do comes back to you ten-fold.

I went up the stairs that lead up to the Himalayan View Restaurant and started reading my book. All this while i was eye to eye with the Bhouda. It didn’t take long for my chicken fried rice to arrive, and me to finish it in less than 10 minutes. The staring contest was truly unforgettable. If you’re reading this, the views from this restaurant and the outdoor seating are the best. Price is very cheap considering you have premium seats. Go there.

I continued on walking clockwise while i was praying. This happened maybe 3 more times before my feet start to hurt. During my last interval, i went inside the corners of the stupa and found myself passing by Buddhist pilgrims praying. Without a doubt, sunset is the best time to visit Boudhanath. While everyone is rushing going here at noon as part of the UNESCO heritage sites tour, one misses this epic moment — when the energy from day to night is full on and the chants become louder, worshippers more tantric. It’s an out of this world experience. I have a 49 second video with me for keeps. Whenever i feel like my life is on a limbo, i’ll just watch it and keep calm. Then, i know how to move forward.