To The Heart Of A Spiritual Pilgrimage
In the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas, where the air is thin and the peaks pierce the heavens, lies a trail less traveled, winding through pristine forests and towering cliffs. This is where our story begins.
Kave (Ka-Vee), a young adventurer of 30 from Nepal is walking along a tiny trail, guiding two American women in their 40s to a sacred cave where a thousand years ago an enlightened man meditated and brought his insights of compassion to the people of the high Himalayan slopes, changing the world forever after. Kave was born into the Brahmin caste, a highly influential social group within the Hindu caste system who are historically priests, teachers, and scholars. Instead of sitting in a monastery, Kave does this all while trekking the Tibetan Plateau. I share this journey with him to tap into his wealth of understanding of rituals, sacred texts and wise guidance on matters of the path to awakening.
He is my guide on a spiritual pilgrimage of a lifetime. As we walk he talks to us about the meaning of the Hindu shrines that line the trails, the origins of the religious beliefs that influence modern yoga and the sacredness of the Earth. As with so many majestic wild places, each day I spend in the Himalayas brings me deeper into profound connection with the divine, experiencing oneness, unity and peace.
As we ascended higher into the mountains, the scenery became more dramatic. Jagged peaks loom overhead, their snowy caps glistening in the sunlight. Prayer flags fluttered in the mountain breeze, their colorful threads carrying blessings to the heavens. I practice prayer, meditation, introspection and reflect on my beliefs of reality.
In the evenings, our tiny band of spiritual seekers (sangha) reach remote mountain villages, and are welcomed warmly by the locals. We share stories around a cracking fire, our laughter echoing off the stone walls of ancient homes, being wrapped in community and camaraderie. The night sky above is a tapestry of stars, the Milky Way stretching across the darkness like a river of light.
The days passed in a blur of awe-inspiring landscapes and encounters with the rich cultural history of a people passionate for awakening. We practice sunrise yoga on rooftop decks and navigate narrow paths carved into steep cliff sides, crossing rivers on swaying suspension bridges and sharing rituals of gratitude for the waters that sustain us.
It wasn't just the physical challenge of traveling the mind-bogging mountains or the natural beauty that made my journey unforgettable. It was the unfolding of a richer understanding of my own spirituality, inner-growth, self-discovery and connection to my essence. In those mountains, surrounded by towering giants and ancient traditions, I found a greater sense of peace and purpose.
As we descend back to civilization, I carry with me memories that will last a lifetime. The Nepalese Himalayas have tested my strength and awakened my spirit, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. And though this journey had come to an end, I know that the mountains, whether in Nepal or California, Switzerland or Brazil, will forever call me back, their peaks whispering tales of adventure and discovery in the thin mountain air.