Sat on a hill top just East of Kathmandu is Kopan Monastery. As soon as you walk through the gates it has a message drawn out on the tarmac, Welcome Home. I found a strange sensation of calmness yet excitement with what was in store for me. Potentially feelings I was projecting or perhaps the energy the place was radiating. I felt immediately at ease. Which was really nice.

I booked into my room and was lucky to be in one of the new buildings with a good sized room, great view of the valley, fully functioning and modern bathroom and a lovely thick mattress which I have missed. I shared my room with Orna which was easy to remember because it sounded like one of my favourite friends name :). Orna is from Israel and has a son roughly my age. She has been practicing Buddhism techniques such as meditation and following the philosophy for a number of years so it was nice to know I was with someone who could help me if needed. I felt immediately at ease with her which was great, it’s always a big fear when your sharing a room with someone. I was thankful.

As the grounds got busier with students arriving everyone naturally started to mingle. There were some strict rules set out. Mainly about getting rid of any distractions from the outside world i.e. phones, email, iPads etc. This was to make sure you completely immersed yourself into what they were trying to teach you and focus on what you were supposed to. Your inner self. I must admit, it was hard not having any contact from home. I haven’t missed the likes of Facebook and spam emails but I have missed being in contact with the people I care about. But it was right that I did this on my own.

To begin with the group was about 160 strong. We all sat in the Gompa and were given the course outline. It was strict. No talking at night or in the morning were the biggest ones for me. The timetable was heavy with guided meditation, teachings and discussion groups but everyone seemed excited and generally on great form. As I started to get to know people most of us were in very similar situations. Starting new chapters in our lives reflecting on chapters that had closed which actually felt comforting.

I loved it and I could probably write a 3000 word essay on it. But I won’t. I’m also not going to tell you what I have discovered about myself or how I will integrate what I have learnt into my life. I will however give you some highlights. 

Meditation. It’s hard but I’ve managed some moments of real clarity, love and compassion. What I liked about it the most is that you can only do your best at it and you dedicate you positive energy to people you feel you should. 

Attending the full moon Puja. We were able to attend a like a prayer service in the main hall Listening to the monks reciting Mantra’s were incredible. The sound just vibrates through you. It’s immense. 

The Light Ceremony. This was right in the middle of our last few days of full silence. The whole group lit candles in the Stupa garden. It was beautiful. No one could talk yet it felt so communal. It was truly an amazing experience.

Lastly but of by no means the least;

The People. I’ve met some amazing people here. It helps that on the main we are all on similar paths and comforting to share the experience with people you trust. 

A good friend I have found here shared a quote that I think I will often refer to and really sums up what I have taken from this course.

“It’s not about finding yourself, it’s about finding a way to create yourself

What an experience. I just loved it.

Next stop, Tibet ☺️

Much love, C.