Amongst the clouds, the physical beauty of the monastery possesses an ethereal quality which absorbs the senses in the wonders of dancing prayer flags, golden statues, and intricate architecture. [break]
Any visitor to Osel Ling should anticipate the mystical air which engulfs the grounds, even before the chants of Puja can be heard from the temple. The monastery is everything that you could imagine of a celestial creation on earth, and the views are breathtaking; at night, the whole of Kathmandu spreads itself around the circumference of the monastery and glitters below like a floor of stars.
It is perhaps the physical splendor of monasteries which initially attract so many visitors. The location of Osel Ling is magnificent, and the buildings far surpass any that a tourist could stay in Kathmandu. But the aesthetic appeal of the monastery is only a glimpse of Osel Ling’s charisma; the presence of monks in peaceful contemplation, and the soft flow of spoken Tibetan are both culturally and spiritually enticing. Such an atmosphere makes reflection impossible to resist, and the mental nourishment of Osel Ling’s visitors is further assured by its library of books and magazines. It houses texts on Buddhism, Tibetan history, language, classic novels, and even global travel guidebooks. There is something to stimulate every kind of mood, and for those needing to communicate with the world below, there is Wi-Fi access.
Visitors can stay at Osel Ling for a short period of time, or they can choose to do a longer retreat. In each case, there are opportunities to gain an understanding of Buddhism and the lives of the monks by observing their prayers, classes, debates, and even eating with them. There are also opportunities to participate in meditation sessions, or more casually, there is always a young monk, who intrigued by your presence there, wants to make friends with you. But equally, there are facilities in the residence area for self-catering – useful for those days where a break from Tibetan food is necessary, or peaceful dining is preferred.
Katrina Page from the UK stayed at Osel Ling for one week and commented, “I found the monastery captivating. I even went to Boudha with the monks to celebrate the birthday of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa – one of the most important figures in modern Buddhism. I really felt that I was sharing their spirituality. Before I left, one of the little monks made me a necklace of friendship; it completed my week in such a moving way.”
Osel Ling has some opportunities for volunteers to teach various subjects, and Juliana Moursica, who has been teaching English there for eight weeks, exclaimed, “I love the monks. I really feel at home here. The monastery is away from everything, and it makes you realize that most of the problems we experience in daily life really don’t matter. I’ve found living here a life-changing experience.”
But even a brief stay at Osel Ling is an experience which radiates depth and the potential for the birth of new perspectives. Whether reading philosophy books, conversing with monks, or walking the grounds, one thing is everywhere at Osel Ling, and that is the feeling of transcending the normal.
A stay at Osel Ling is granted if a donation is pledged. It should be emphasized, however, that visitors to the monastery should have a general interest in Buddhism as there is an increasing expectation that tourists should stay there with some other purpose than to enjoy the surroundings.
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