Pictures of Kopan Monastery...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When in Rome....Henna

 

Couldn't resist.  Ate lunch in "Jesse James" restaurant & ink seemed like a good idea.....

The Colors of Nature at Kopan Monastery

I'm no photographer (or at least I never thought so) and  I've always complained that my camera takes really crappy pictures.  I took these at just the right time today when the dew was still wet & the morning sunlight kissed the petals perfectly....Another testament to how magical this place is

  

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 

30 Days to Nirvana (My 1st 24 hrs in the Monastery)....

 

From the moment you walk into Kopan, you know you’re not in Kathmandu (well, technically, you  are,  I guess). The energy is simply so serene & peaceful  it could have something to do with the fact that you are utterly surrounded by gorgeous gardens & nature everywhere you turn.  It could have something to do with the fact that this is a very holy place with 380monks running around.   And as for the daytime weather,, it still gets into the 70’s & is always sunny.   

It’s so nice being one of the 1^st to arrive for the retreat.  I’m getting to know & connect with fellow retreaters.  we kind of have the place to ourselves, before the throngs of people arrive (220 expected). I’m so looking forward to seeing what type of people are drawn to do this type of thing.   I’ve met people from Germany, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland,  & England.

So far, I’m the only “beginner” amongst the seasoned Buddhist veterans.  Everyone drops names of famous Buddhists I wouldn’t begin to know & mentions retreat names I can’t  even pronounce.  I’m not intimidated.  I just ask questions.  I learned what being a “refugee” means in Buddhism

I’d say this will be  like living in a combination of a museum (with all the amazing statues & artifacts), botanical gardens (a children’s’ field trip came through yesterday as it’s open to the public), & a convent with all the robes…… While camping.  My bathroom is outside as is the shower & I am in my sleeping bag.  After 50 days of this,   I’m either going to love camping even more as it will give me fond memories of my experience here, or never want to do it again.  The temp’s already dropping  into the 40’s at night….there’s nothing  better to  convert one to an “instant” morning person, than stepping out of a shower into that.

Within 10 min. of being in my room, I spotted a beetle, roach, i.e.  Something scary & hairy on the wall, bigger than anything I’ve seen other than in the jungles of mexico.   Since I of course bought industrial strength bug spray, I doused it.  I  was about to pass out from the fumes & it didn’t even flinch, happily crawling along. Time to come to terms with my bug issues (got another nasty  spider bite the other day,  which isn’t looking good & am going to the clinic on site this afternoon)

 I toured their different rooms with my fellow retreaters.  As we came across the dormitory bathroom.  I  stopped dead in my tracks as I saw a reflection of myself.  A mirror!  I guess it’s a testament to my lack of vanity that I haven’t seen myself in a mirror for 7 weeks & it hasn’t even phased me.

Still waiting to learn Buddhism:   we had tea with the monk from Australia who will be teaching our course.  He said that most of the learning will happen after the retreat when we  are back in our “real lives.”  I understand & that makes  sense, but feel like I’ve already waited ½ the trip to begin. I guess it’s that patience thing people talk about.

So much to manifest, so little time…

….A great home to find easily &  move into upon my return, an amazing & fulfilling work life, the man & relationship of my dreams. (Oops, there goes the “to do” list again). Good thing I’m here…..

Be Well....
Annie

 

"Buddhist Boot Camp"Phase 1:What my next month looks like....

Daily Schedule for the One Month Course 2012

I check in today (Tues. Nov. 6) & am free to come & go as I please...

 

Then, on Nov. 11, no cell phones, no computers, just lots of Buddhism....yeah!! (zenn-ness, here I come!)

 

Here's a pic of the inside of the Stupa (temple) where I hope to be spending a lot of time...The pic. doesn't do it justice.

 

 

 

11. November 2012  First day

5..00 pm Tea in the dining room

6.00 pm  Introductory session

7.00 pm  Dinner

8.00 pm  First meditations

 

Weekly Schedule  (Monday - Saturday)

6.30 am           Morning meditation

7.30 am           Breakfast

9 am                Teaching and meditation (break at 10.30 am)

11.30               Lunch

2 pm                Discussion group

3.30pm            Teaching

5.00 pm           Tea break

6 pm                Lam Rim meditation

7 pm                Dinner

8 pm                Evening meditation.

 There is a possibility that every Sunday will be a full day of meditation in complete silence. This will be decided closer to the time.

There is no break or free day during the course.

 During the courses, a one day pilgrimage is planned to the Great two stupas in Nepal, Boudhanath and Svoyambu. Dates will be announced during the course.

11. December, Last day

6.30 am meditation

7.30 am breakfast

9.00 am Last teaching, and possibly refuge ceremony

 12.00  picnic lunch for all in the court yard