Nepal – Pilgrimage and Blessings

When we feel the call in our hearts to go on a pilgrimage, the universe begins to move in our favor and obstacles also begin to appear from all sides. However, our path is already defined on high. 

If we create an expectation that everything will work out, because the money for the trip is already reserved and that it doesn’t matter how the journey will turn out, we feel that the soul is already ten steps ahead. It’s always been like this for me on other pilgrimages, there were many setbacks and doubts until the last moment, this has even become normal for me.

I try to stay calm and focus on the purpose, this helps me reduce anxiety and look for the best alternatives to resolve surprises along the way.

To contextualize my adventure, I will share some concrete and challenging situations that occurred to me. When I arrived in Nepal I had 100 dollars in my wallet, my debit and credit card, I was naive thinking that I would be able to pay my expenses with my cards for the days after the event, as this period had already been completely paid for. It would then be the expenses of accommodation, transport, tickets, guide, food and some little shopping, yes little shopping because there it would be very easy for me to “freak out” and spend much more than would be prudent, so as an exercise in detachment and responsibility there I went.

When I disembarked in Kathmandu I learned that the online visa that I had already paid for was a scam, like so many that happen on the internet, for Mexico I had already gone through this and was prevented from boarding at the airport, but that is another story. Anyway, I had to pay 30 dollars for the visa upon arrival and I was informed that no one accepts debit or credit cards (only some hotels and stores downtown). My payment plans for my stay started to worry me but I remained confident. I was already there and the path was already traced. I wouldn’t have to worry about this during the first week as the event and accommodation included all meals and transportation. 

Here begins the story about hospitality, friendship and willingness to help. When I returned to Kathmandu I was faced with the following situation: my debit card didn’t work there and most places didn’t accept credit cards. I felt anxious and I started thinking how I could solve the situation. I was in a distant country, alone. and I had some contacts of the friends I made during the meeting in Nagarkot. I called Gunjan, a Nepali friend who immediately offered to help me. I explained my situation to him. As he was busy at University, he asked his friend/brother Yogesh to receive the amount I had on my debit card in his bank account, withdraw it and take it to me at the restaurant where I was with my friend Melinda, who had accompanied me. the Tibetan Medicine clinic where we had a consultation.

And so it was, the money came to me through the help of these two guardian angels I met. We also had the delicious company of Yogesh who offered to take us to some places for shopping and sightseeing.But the day before that I had already booked with my guide Narayan to visit the Asura Cave, the place where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated and became enlightened. After leaving the cave, he began spreading his teachings on Vajrayana Buddhism throughout Tibet at the beginning of the 8th century. Guru Rinpoche is considered the Second Buddha of our time. The first Buddha of our era was Shakyamuni who lived between 952 BC and 872 BC Before passing into parinirvana, Buddha Shakyamuni predicted the coming of Guru Rinpoche and that he would teach the Vajrayana path in the human realm. This great master was not an ordinary person on the path or just a noble being in one of the bhumis of the bodhisattva, but an emanation of both [the the buddhas]: Amitabha and Shakyamuni, who appear with the intention of pacifying human beings and spirits that are difficult to convert.

The place is in the middle of mountains, the path is permeated with green, flowers, birds and many prayer flags. There are many steps to get to the place, which for me was an involuntary penance because the day before, after wandering around the city with my friend Melinda, two beautiful blisters appeared under my toes, I could barely walk without pain. But I went with pain, I offered my suffering for the benefit of all beings and step by step, with the help of my gentle guide, I went.

At the entrance to Asura Cave there is an imprint of Guru Rinpoche’s palm, just above the entrance, as if the rock had been melted, it is very impressive.

The feeling of being there and saying my prayers of gratitude is something that will remain imprinted in my soul forever. I spent some time inside the cave, feeling the drops of water that flowed from the stones touch me as if they were blessings. It is very moving to feel the vibration of that sacred place, to be able to express my devotion and validate my desire to be useful through the Tibetan Medicine, which is not just a technique but an oral teaching that was transmitted directly by the Buddha.

It is impossible to describe the feeling that invaded me in that place. I felt that my mind/heart were purified and despite my countless flaws, I was on the right path. I silently gave thanks for the blessings and opportunity to complete this pilgrimage, that although I don’t have a perfect practice, in my heart the feeling is true.

There are several temples and monasteries in the region, at the top of the hill where the cave is located I went to see an ancient Vajrayogini temple. 

Always with a feeling of being cared for and blessed by the Buddhas for the opportunity to visit these powerful and important places for Buddhists of all times.

I want to express my gratitude to my guide Narayan, who taught me so much about Nepal, its history, sacred sites and supported me along the way so that I could carry out my pilgrimage safely and fulfill my purpose.

The path to a pilgrimage is long, full of obstacles and deep feelings. Our stay in the sacred places only lasts a few minutes but the memories, feelings and blessings remain forever in our hearts. Under the auspices of Guru Rinpoche, Vajrayogini and all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas I said goodbye to this blessed place, taking with me the certainty that I will return again one day. 

Hands in prayer,

Regina Proença