Namo Buddha Monastery and 180 Degree Himalayan Views- One of My Most Moving Experiences
Hello! As I mentioned a few days ago I am in the city of Dhulikhel east of Kathmandu. I came here to see the historical spot where six thousand years ago Lord Buddha had an incarnation as the Prince Mahasattva.
Prince Mahasattva was the youngest of three brothers. One day the three were out exploring in the mountains in this area of Nepal when they saw a tigress and her 5 cubs weak and dying from hunger. Prince Mahasattva was so moved and full of compassion that he returned to the spot later in the day without his brothers.
He offered his body to the tigress but she was so weak she could not eat him. So Mahasattva cut his body so she could lick his blood, and gain strength to devour him and feed her cubs. When Lord Buddha incarnated some time after this, he took his disciples to this spot and explained to them about his previous incarnation and how compassion served in purifying his heart and soul preparing him for his current state of enlightenment.
Finally in closing, here are the very moving words of Lord Buddha to his disciple Ananda as recorded in Buddhist scripture. Here he reflects upon his previous incarnation as prince Mahasattva and his willingness to suffer to insure all Beings reach Enlightenment:
The story of Namo Buddha and Prince Mahasattva-previous incarnation of Lord Buddha. Here are the 3 princes exploring when they come upon the dying tigress and her cubs.
Prince Mahasattva was the youngest of three brothers. One day the three were out exploring in the mountains in this area of Nepal when they saw a tigress and her 5 cubs weak and dying from hunger. Prince Mahasattva was so moved and full of compassion that he returned to the spot later in the day without his brothers.
Here Mahasattwa is depicted offering his body to the tigress and her cubs. Gods in heaven shower flowers in awe of his sacrifice.
He offered his body to the tigress but she was so weak she could not eat him. So Mahasattva cut his body so she could lick his blood, and gain strength to devour him and feed her cubs. When Lord Buddha incarnated some time after this, he took his disciples to this spot and explained to them about his previous incarnation and how compassion served in purifying his heart and soul preparing him for his current state of enlightenment.
Today on this spot, there is a beautiful monastery. Yesterday was a special Buddhist holiday so there were throngs of people visiting.
Colorful pujas or religious ceremonies were being performed all over the monastery.
Huge incense burners were aflame and wonderful scents filled the air.
Wonderful views from all sides.
Yes those are the Himalayas--not clouds.
This grandmother and granddaughter at a Buddhist religious articles at the monastery shop were a sweet sight.
This is the replica of the tigress den on the same spot where Prince Mahasattva's sacrifice occurred 6000 years ago.
Pilgrims light butter lamps for their special intentions
Namo Buddha Painting is Breathtaking, Spellbinding! I thought of the word Chaitanya when I gazed at it! Thank you! What a remarkable painting! I was touched and moved by a most Potent Sight such as this Painting! Much Gratitude for a heartfelt Sight! Samyama
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