KOPAN

The best part of being in Kathmandu was getting to experience the Nepali beauty and culture front and center. The monastery grounds were beautifully kept, bearing enough intricate detail to keep the eye's interest, while still maintaining a simplicity that was functional yet never austere. Roaming about the grounds, from the main stupa and gompa to the dining hall that looked over the beautiful landscape and city beyond it was always a rich and satisfying experience. One could feel a part of the backdrop while still being front and center, interconnected to everything around that held life in it. I found interest in every object and relic, which was both elegantly crafted and contained a prayer. The spare moments I had were often joyously devoted to bringing to light the most obscure things: a telephone, a motorcycle - modern objects that served as an interesting juxtaposition to the ascetic lifestyle of the monks all around us.

Brotherhood

wood carved into a sitting area

A class in session

Hey, monks need to check Facebook, too!

in the middle of memorization

Even the dogs were in a state of bliss

Final Destination.