Next stop Kopan Monastery near Bodnath in the Kathmandu valley for a 10 day introduction to meditation and Buddhism course. Days started at 6.30am and finished by 9pm. Most of that time was spent sat crossed legged on the floor meditating and being taught by monks and a nun called Ani Karin who was originally from Sweden. We learnt different meditation techniques and learnt a lot about Tibetan Buddhism which was really fascinating.
The monastery itself was beautiful and very peaceful despite the hundreds of monks who lived there! The garden at sunrise:
We joined a ceremony with the monks chanting:
One of the lovely, gentle monks who taught the afternoon sessions:
For the last two days of the course, we practiced noble silence. Not only could we not speak, we also couldn't make eye contact with people, very challenging as you naturally look at people as you walk round! Even more difficult for Selina as she smashed someone's mug in the dining hall!
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