HHH 2023: Exploration, Service and Love
This year our beautiful Heavenly Himalayas Holiday tour began in Kathmandu Nepal and covered the sacred lands of Lumbini, Java, Bali, and the natural sanctuaries of Indonesia.
Boudhanath
In Nepal we began with a few days of settling in and cultural touring in vibrant Kathmandu, followed by an immersion into the main work week in the Buddha's birthplace, Lumbini, the home of our Metta Family of projects and our guide, Venerable Metteyya. Here, immersed in the culture and heritage of this incredible World Heritage Site, we experienced the sacred sites, the local village, and nature walks as well as participated in Diwali and Tihar festivities.
Everest Flight
Diwali Celebrations
Swayambhunath
Kathmandu
Patan
Central Canal - World Heritage Site
During this time we witnessed the ongoing construction at Bodhi Institute, with completion of the second story of residences, and main story of the temple and the addition of the second story meditation hall. The 10th anniversary of Bodhi Institute was celebrated by installing and inaugurating a beautiful Borobudut-style Buddha, donated bye our friend and supporter, Kasim Padmanadi. The venerable Sangha and foreign guests were present for the blessing ceremony and lunch.
Venerable Sangha
Buddha Statue Installation and Blessing Ceremony
All Beings are Welcome
The 10-year anniversary of the Karuna Girls School was also celebrated in grand style with performances from students and alumni. Such great strides for girl’s education and women’s empowerment filled our hearts with gratitude!
Karuna Student
Karuna Performances
There was also opportunity for volunteer service at a two-day medical clinic for local villagers in Kapilavatsu. Over 2000 patients, most women and children were seen by our team of medical and service personnel. Many of the participants were alumni of the Peace Grove Nunnery who had completed higher education as nurses and lab technicians.
Kapilavastu location of Medical Camp
Exhausted but so happy - what a great team!
Welcome to Bali
Kecak and Fire Dance Performance
Monkey Forest
Rice Paddies and Coffee Growers
A temple encounter with a visiting Thai monk
Our group journey culminated in a flight to Java to visit Borobudur. Uniquely Indonesian, this world’s largest Buddhist Temple dates to the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra kings. This UNESCO World Heritage site has 9 stacked platforms, 6 square and 3 circular with a central dome.
The long bumpy road to our venue
A day at the clinic
For the final part of our adventure, we In 2023 added a week in Bali where we enjoyed some relaxation at the beach, learned about local crafts and culture, visited with monkeys and explored elephant temples. As a culmination to the tour, we traveled to Java to visit the exquisite ancient Temples of Borobudur.
Balinese architecture
Nothing better than fresh coconut on a warm day
Zip lining over rice fields
Beach Gardens
Walking through time
There are 2,672 relief panels along the insides and originally 504 Buddha statues.
Consider joining us next time…