Watchful eyes of the Buddha at Swayambhunath Temple Kathmandu Nepal 2016
The above photograph shows the eyes of the Buddha on the stupa at Swayambhunath Temple looking out across the Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath has a spectacular location on a hill high above Kathmandu. We remember visiting it back in 1980 and 1982. You can see more photos of this famous temple in my latest gallery of photos entitled 'Kathmandu' in 'Photographs' on my website. The soaring central stupa is on top of a golden block with the eyes of the Buddha facing out in all four compass directions. It is interesting to note that the question mark-like 'nose' is actually the Nepali number 'ek' or one and is a symbol of unity. Between and above the two eyes is a third eye, symbolising the Buddha's clairvoyant powers. Lynne and I joined pilgrims by walking around the base of the stupa, in a clockwise direction, spinning the prayer wheels. The huge white-painted base of the stupa represents the four elements of earth, fire, air and water. Swayambhunath is a truly awesome sacred site.
Extensive damage to the Royal Palace in Durbar Square caused by the 2015 Earthquake
Philipa took us to KISC School where she works as a special needs teacher. We had a tour of the school which is where the children of christian missionary families attend as well as other expatriate pupils. We enjoyed a school lunch when we were joined by Dan Munday. He works for the Nepal International Fellowship where as a doctor he is introducing the concept of palliative care into Nepal. We were so pleased to have the opportunity to see them while we were in Kathmandu. I am going to write a short report of our visit to KISC in our August parish magazine. They have requested our continued prayers for their work in Kathmandu.
View north (Himalayas in the clouds) from Nagarkot 2,195 metres (7,201 feet)
Sunset from Nagarkot above the Kathmandu Valley
"No one realises how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow!"
I have just uploaded a gallery of photos of Kathmandu in 'Photographs' in 'Beyond the Sacred Mountains'.
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Enjoy your week-end!
Regards
David