In the winter of 2023, more than 80 followers accompanied Master Hsin Tao, founding abbot of the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society (LJM), on a 10-day pilgrimage and meditation journey to Nepal. They engaged in meditation at various locations, including the Himalayas and the shores of Lake Phewa in Pokhara. The journey included visits to world-renowned Bodhi Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa, and the participants had the opportunity to witness Kumari, the guardian goddess of Kathmandu. At the Zhichen Bairoling Monastery of Master Hsin Tao’s Nyingma tradition , they delved deep into the profound meaning of Vajrayana dance. This expedition encompassed diverse activities such as meditation, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange, constituting not only a sacred pilgrimage but also a transformative spiritual journey.

In one's lifetime, visiting the sacred sites of the Buddha signifies the discovery of one's spiritual roots and the realization of the true teachings of Buddha. Nepal is the holy land where the Buddha was born and the place where the 84 great accomplished practitioners of the Vajrayana tradition attained enlightenment. In order to preserve these sacred landmarks, revitalize the holy sites, and provide more people with access to meditation, Master Hsin Tao established the LJM Nepal Milarepa International Meditation Center in the village of Sanghup, located 17 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu.

When the meditation center was initially established in the year 2000, there were only a few scattered meditation rooms nestled on the slopes and in the shade of the trees. The rest of the area was desolate, covered with yellow sand and rocks. Later, through the collective efforts of global LJM followers, the local engineering team, and collaboration of the local community, the site underwent soil and water conservation efforts, as well as environmental restoration, bringing back a vibrant and thriving atmosphere.

In 2023, when the followers once again accompanied Master Hsin Tao to the place, the landscape had transformed into a lush forest, with monkeys, pheasants, and various other animals and birds joyfully roaming through the woods. The area now featured 10 wooden retreat cabins with attached bathrooms, over 30 tents, and a spacious camping area. This allowed those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle to focus on meditation in this serene and magnetic environment. The masters coexisted with the mountains and rivers, sustaining themselves, cultivating a daily connection with nature. The flowers offered to the Buddha and the vegetables and fruits consumed daily were all grown on the premises. Experiencing the joy of labor in daily life, they also felt the intimate connection between humans and nature.

Sacred-site Meditation: Settling the Mind, Knowing Your Nature

Under the warm and gentle sunlight, with a clear and azure sky overhead, Master Hsin Tao sits in the cave that once belonged to Venerable Milarepa, the famous Tibetan yogi, at the meditation center. Master Hsin Tao guides his disciples in meditation in the forest. The Master earnestly and joyfully remarks, “The place where I am sitting now is the very place where the venerable one used to sit.” In that moment, everyone gazes in admiration at the sacred traces of the saint, feeling the venerable one's diligent dedication to spiritual practice. The admiration and emotion in their hearts are indescribable.

This time, meditation is arranged on the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range. Experience the majestic and magnificent peaks, and a sense of awe naturally arises. Listening to the sounds of the wind and birds, one can appreciate the feeling of harmonious coexistence with nature, leading to a tranquil and serene state of mind.

Under the guidance of Master Guang Chun, the group engaged in meditation along the shores of Lake Phewa, encircling the sacred mountain in Pokhara. The master directed participants to observe their current state of mind, realizing that when the mind is unburdened, a sense of peace and happiness can be felt. They came to understand that the nature of the mind is inherently stable, though it becomes fluctuant once influenced by external factors.

Through this meditation practice, Master Guang Chun emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of our mind and achieving inner ease and tranquility. She points out that while schools teach us skills for livelihood, they often overlook the knowledge of understanding one's own mind. Whether in Theravada or Tibetan Buddhism, despite the diversity of methods among the eighty-four thousand ways of Dharma practice, the ultimate goal is liberation and the eradication of afflictions. The purpose of this pilgrimage is to encourage everyone to deeply connect with their inner selves during moments of relaxation, to settle the mind amid the busyness of life, to self-discover, and ultimately to practice and train the mind in order to attain a state unaffected by external circumstances, said Master Guang Chun.

Participating in the Guru Rinpoche Offering at Zhichen Bairoling Monastery : The Vajra Dance Depicting Buddhist Canonical Stories

In this pilgrimage, Master Hsin Tao returned to his Nyingma lineage heritage, Zhichen Bairoling Monastery, and participated in the offering ceremony to Guru Rinpoche. His longtime friend, the Gyalwang Drukpa, was also present. The two great practitioners joyfully exchanged thoughts. The Gyalwang Drukpa expressed that everyone present was delighted by Master Hsin Tao’s participation in this auspicious gathering. Master Hsin Tao shared with him the concept of a spirituality rooted in all living beings, emphasizing the need to connect various religions in advocating for the sustainability of the Earth. He highlighted the importance of fostering respect for all living things, promoting harmony with ecology, and advocating for coexistence and mutual prosperity.

Master Hsin Tao participated in the Vajra Dance held at the monastery. Lamas adorned with various masks representing figures such as Shakyamuni Buddha, Tibetan kings, Princess Wencheng, Princess Chizun, Hayagriva, and Amrtakundali performed the dance, conveying the teachings of Buddha through this expressive art form. While observing, the audience involuntarily generates positive thoughts and gains understanding of the cultural meaning of the religious dance whose features include the wrathful deity dances and subduing worldly spirits. Whether as performers or spectators, all involved can accumulate immense merit through this practice, aiming for liberation from the cycles of existence, or samsara.

The Vajra Dance performance follows a specific procedure, including the creation of a sacred boundary, laying the foundation, constructing the altar, entering the mandala, and then proceeding with the dance. This serves as a skillful means for practitioners of tantric rituals to practice the stage of generation, or utpattikrama.

Vajra Dance is a traditional and sacred religious dance in Tibetan Buddhism. It is often performed during significant occasions such as the Tibetan New Year and major Buddhist festivals, carrying strong religious significance and serving as a ritual for removing obstacles and seeking blessings. Its history can be traced back to the 8th century when Guru Padmasambhava introduced it to Tibet.

The Nepal Meditation Pilgrimage offers a profound exploration of world-class natural landscapes, a journey into local culture and the wisdom of ancient religious civilizations. Visit the sacred sites where great practitioners have engaged in profound spiritual practices to experience the tranquility and ease of the mind. Everyone is welcome to join this opportunity to embark on a deep journey of life, encountering the presence of the sacred and discovering oneself.