Nepal. The land of the highest mountains, some of the most lush, fertile plains, entrenched in a cultural milieu of rhythmic colour, sights and sounds... what a space to offers so much, yet return so little to its stewards. By stewards, I of course refer to the Nepali people. Still a people of much joy and peace, encapsulated with such poverty and struggle. In the far west of Nepal, the high rises and fast-paced lifestyle (if one could call it that compared to Western cities) are certainly no where to be seen. Late night curfews of 8:30pm exist for all, while the unpaved streets and farmers fields are alive and productive by 5:30am. Sunsets are nothing but spectacular routinely, and to enjoy the diverse nature of what this region has to offer can only truly be internalized with a pedal bike journey in the early morn across the fields, through the forests, before the heat of the day has engulfed all living energy.
It was in this space of beauty and content stagnation that Buddha, both in spirit and human form, emerged some 2553 years ago. His specific birth space at Lumbini has become the spiritual home to an international congregation of Buddhist Monks & Nuns, and the overarching sense of wonder and peace in this enclosed retreat can not be overstated.
But yet I am left to wonder: is it poverty within peace or peace within poverty? Is it chosen acceptance, as Bista's Fatalism and Development might imply, or surrender under a cultural stronghold that offers little reprieve at present?
The view from our apartment, as the local "moving company" deliver our personal goods. The goods flew from Egypt to Kathmandu, then drove from Kathmandu to Danghadi, then rick-shawed to our doorstep, with very few casualties.
A typical pink sunset in the far west of Nepal.
Lumbini Center, the site of Buddha's birth.
Poverty in peace...
or peace in poverty?
It was in this space of beauty and content stagnation that Buddha, both in spirit and human form, emerged some 2553 years ago. His specific birth space at Lumbini has become the spiritual home to an international congregation of Buddhist Monks & Nuns, and the overarching sense of wonder and peace in this enclosed retreat can not be overstated.
But yet I am left to wonder: is it poverty within peace or peace within poverty? Is it chosen acceptance, as Bista's Fatalism and Development might imply, or surrender under a cultural stronghold that offers little reprieve at present?
