A Spiritual Sojourn To Namo Buddha Monastery In Nepal

On my first morning, I slept through the 6 am pooja and the ensuing breakfast with monks. I must confess that my curiosity about breakfast coaxed me into waking up early the next day. I was not disappointed. The pooja lasted about an hour, with monks chanting soulfully in the monastery’s grand 36-pillared temple hall. Gongs and trumpet-like musical additions ensured even drowsy ones, like me, remained awake. After that, all of us—monks and visitors—went to the dining room. Breakfast was simple and delicious vegetarian fare: steaming, freshly made buns from the monastery kitchen, protein-rich bean stew, and salty milk tea.