An Experience with Monks in Nepal: Journey of Peace, Nature, and Spiritual Awakening

For a long time, my brother Prem Dai and I had been thinking about visiting Jhingamara, but for various reasons, the journey kept getting postponed. Then one day, Prem Dai called me and said, “Brother, this Saturday we have been invited by a Buddhist monk from Jhingamara. There is a closing ceremony for a meditation program, and the villagers will be offering food to the monks. We should take part.”

He asked me to join, and I immediately felt called to go. I contacted my friend and fellow volunteer yoga teacher, Niranjan Guru, and after confirming with Prem Dai, we decided to travel together.

On Saturday, I canceled my morning classes. Niranjan Guru and I traveled on one bike, while Prem Dai and his friend rode on another. We journeyed west from Butwal and then headed north, passing through quiet forest roads. As we climbed higher, the air grew cooler, and the surroundings became more silent and serene.

The road was lonely, with dense forests on both sides. At times, the climb was challenging, but thanks to Niranjan Guru’s experience riding in the mountains, we reached our destination smoothly. After about an hour, we finally arrived.

Many people were gathered under a white tent, sharing conversations. We introduced ourselves and took in the surroundings. The place was deeply peaceful - surrounded by jungle, open blue sky above, and complete silence. From there, we could see Butwal city in the distance. The villagers were cooking together, and the aroma of food filled the air.

Soon, we were invited into a large hall. Inside, a Buddha statue stood on the western side, and beneath it, Buddhist monks sat quietly in deep meditation. One monk led the gathering and explained the significance of the place. According to him, this forest once lay within the kingdom of Lord Gautam Buddha. That was why the monks had chosen this location for meditation - to uplift the land, the people, and all living beings.

The monk also requested that we observe the five precepts for the day -  non-violence, truthfulness, and restraint. He shared that in countries like Singapore and Thailand, even successful millionaires choose the monastic path, giving up comfort to live a life of simplicity and surrender. Hearing this changed my understanding of a monk’s life. I knew then that a day of experience with the monks in Nepal is sure going to be filled with wisdom I was looking for.

Begging for food, he explained, is not about survival - it is about dissolving ego. When one humbles oneself before others, pride slowly fades, making space for spiritual growth.

After the chanting and blessings, the monks sprinkled water to spread positive energy. The villagers then lovingly served food to the monks. During this time, we noticed a woman whose hands were shaking. We learned that her husband had recently passed away due to excessive drinking and that she herself had been drinking heavily. A volunteer gently asked her to offer something to the monks. She donated rice from her home, and later we heard that she had stopped drinking. Whether coincidence or grace, it felt like a quiet turning point.

Earthy and humble meal prepared by the locals.

We later sat behind the monks and shared the meal prepared by the villagers. The food was served on large leaf plates, and among the many dishes, I tasted sweet rice on banana leaves, something I was experiencing for the first time. Sitting with Niranjan Guru and Prem Dai, we enjoyed the meal with gratitude.

We thanked everyone from our hearts and were introduced to Sandeep Karki Sir, who had come from Australia and helped organize the program. He shared that he had lived as a monk for five years. His humility and kindness reflected dee

ply in his presence.

We were also introduced to Khim Devkota Sir, whose story left a strong impression on me. Years ago, he suffered from severe back pain and was scheduled for surgery in India. The night before the operation, he experienced a deep realization and chose not to proceed. Instead, he returned to Nepal and began a journey of self-healing through nature.

For years, he lived simply - walking barefoot, bathing in rivers, avoiding processed foods, and spending long hours in nature. Recently, he even trekked barefoot from Khaptad National Park to Rara Lake. A yoga practitioner trained with Isha Foundation, he now believes that when we live close to nature, the body heals itself.

He shared a powerful message:Today, people are running after power, fame, and money. Without balance, we drift away from nature  and from ourselves. True peace, joy, and bliss come from within, not from titles or wealth.

After such a deeply enriching experience, we bid farewell and returned home. I truly believe this day was a divine opportunity - a beautiful arrangement by the universe to learn, reflect, and reconnect.

Bhavatu Sabba Maṅgalaṁ

May everyone be well. May all be blessed.