Last night was a very spiritual day. I decided that I would go back to the Bouddha Temple at sunset and walk around the stupa with the Monks and other people. It was very magical. I had seen the temple during the day and it was totally different. Basically everyone has beads (like rosary beads) and chants as they walk clockwise around and around the stupa. As the sun sets, there is grandness about the stupa that was not there a few minutes earlier.

The true significance is the people and their devotion. I believe that the Hindu and Buddha beliefs are what make the Nepali people so happy. How else can you explain the positive attitude amidst such poverty? It really made me aware that I want to understand more.

Although I am not feeling well today, I am planning on going to the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation center from 6 to 7 to meditate. I think it will be a good follow up to a wonderful evening the day before.

Just a side note: I met with the head of the Nepal office of the American Himalayan Foundation, Bruce Moore, for coffee before the walk. This organization is very similar to Tewa, but it is headquartered in the U.S. I hope to get involved in the organization when I return.

Namaste