Love and Compassion
Kopan Monastery, Katmandu
During my travels, I like putting myself into situations outside of my comfort zone. It makes me grow and keeps my mind flexible. I guess it keeps me young.
This was one of those times.
As I was planning my six week trip to Nepal, I decided to mix it up a bit. I didn’t just sign up for two treks, I signed up for a 11 day “Introduction to Buddhism” course at the renowned Kopan Monastery nestled in the hills above Kathmandu. I’ve had an interest in Buddhism for many years and incorporate many of its teachings into my life. But this certainly would take it to another level — the last two days would be in silent meditation!
Kopan is an active monastery, housing almost 400 monks of all ages who learn and study there. It also caters to foreigners, teaching them about Tibetan Buddhism (think Dalai Lama).
I admit that I was a bit anxious about the whole experience. My old friend Esther, who attended the course many years ago, assured me that I would be fine and also said that I was doing this not only for myself, but for everyone (that means you). I liked that.
I’d like to give a huge Thank You to the amazing photographs by Scott Heavey. I was so lucky that he was in our course. As a professional photographer, he was able to bring in his camera and took all the amazing photographs that you see here.
Due to the rains and mudslides, I didn’t arrive in Katmandu until two days after the course started. As I checked in, the friendly monks took my iPhone and tucked it away in a bag. Bye bye internet. Bye bye camera. I knew right then I had to put myself in surrender mode. Whatever they asked, I would oblige.
I dropped off my bag into my simple room and started my day. Posted on a wall was the schedule for the course. The first meditation began at 6:45am. Followed by breakfast. Then a lecture on the different aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. Then lunch. Then a nice break where my fellow attendees could talk and get to know each other. Afterwards we broke into small groups to discuss the latest topics. Then more lecture. Another meditation, dinner ending in one last lecture. Whew. It was a full day. I would go back to my room and fall asleep.
I thought I should mention that after dinner to after lunch the following day— SILENCE.
The next morning as I nestled into the Gompa (the large meditation hall) where all our classes took place I looked around. There were maybe one-hundred of us. Mostly young. I thought I’d be the oldest but there was one man from the Netherlands who was slightly older than me. Many sat on meditation cushions, but thankfully there were chairs lining the back. I found myself alternating from cushion to chair which my knees appreciated.
The meditations were mostly led by a woman from Columbia and the teachings alternated between a nun originally from Canada and a Lama from the monastery. There was some overlap of topics between them, but it was nice to hear their different approaches.
As an “Introduction to Buddhism” course, the focus was on the basics. I was wondering if it would be too basic and that turned out to be the case. But my eventual restlessness, and at times boredom, was tempered by how many people in the class were enlightened and moved by what was being taught. I surrendered and put my selfishness aside and let the classes unfold as they may.
What I appreciated was that none of us were on our phones. No input from the outside world. No NY Times. No election. No Trump! I came to enjoy the peace, where I could focus on my spirituality from morning to night — not just wedge it into one of my morning meditations. The space, the quiet, all lent itself to inner focus. What a gift it was.
The teachings spanned from Karma and Reincarnation, to Love and Compassion — with Impermanence, Forgiveness, Attachment, and Suffering in-between.
The teachings I responded to the most were on Impermanence and Attachment. And of course, the foundation for all Buddhist teachings — Love and Compassion.
They often mentioned that if you take only one thing away from this course, embed these two forces into your soul — and practice them every waking moment. Amen.
On the other hand, the teachings that I wrestled with the most were those on Karma and Reincarnation. Now I believe in Karma — the universal law of cause and effect. But the way it was taught, especially the way that they integrated it into one’s past lives, left me scratching my head. It was like Karma was a scorecard administered by a stern teacher with a ruler. Every action was put in a good or bad column. And your bad actions would come back, often unexpectedly, to punish you for your past sins. And because of their belief in Past and Future lives, these actions could result in your next life coming back as a dog… or a goat… or even a mosquito. WTF?
Buddhists also believe that killing anything goes on the Karma scorecard. Now I believe that killing should be refrained from. I’m a pacifist and I hold that belief close to my heart. But I’ve killed plenty biting bugs in my life and I’m sure I will continue. And I don’t believe this simple act will condemn me to returning as one of these nasty critters. It was even mentioned that because of reincarnation, that one of the mosquitos that you kill could have been your mother from a past life! WTF! (again)
But to their credit, Buddhism insists that it is not a religion nor that you must accept all of its teachings. They say that you must find out for yourself what is true for you. Bravo!
As I sat down in silence to one of our simple vegetarian meals (maybe a bit too simple?) I had a lot to ponder.
The final two days of silent meditation turned into being a gift. I was tired of the lectures and appreciated the time to go further inward and reflect on who I am in this world and how to become a better person.
But two days was enough and by the time it was over, I was more than ready.
Now, more than a week has passed since I finished the course. I look back fondly on the quiet, peaceful environment away from all the distractions of our modern world. Of the insights I gained and on the new friends I made. Many with whom I look forward to keeping in touch.
I remain with a glow in my heart and keep the ideas of Love and Compassion within it.
I pray that they will live in your heart too.
Namaste
