My experience in Nepal: peace and inspiration

I had the wonderful opportunity of going to Nepal (more precisely to Kathmandu) to take part in a charity project. I really learnt a lot there, and I would like to share my experience with you.

My experience in Nepal in one word

The first word which came to mind when I thought about my experience again in Nepal, was humility.

What do I mean by that? It's just that the respect and the kindness of the people really struck me!

The contrast between the hectic, noisy and oppressive capital, Kathmandu, and the simplicity and sincerity of its inhabitants, makes such an inexplicable experience.

It's these types of journeys, way out of your comfort zone, which make us remember the most beautiful life lessons.

Nepal: an exotic country

When I come to think of it:

• every day, they have a power cut,
• some people there work all day long, with no holidays, no weekends,
• they have the slowest internet in the world,
• their water supply is problematic,
• every bus journey in the town is a life and death experience,
• and they are still getting over the earthquake from 2015...

However, I never heard a single complaint.

Yet Nepal is inspiring

In this country, you also learn to have patience. Nepalese people take their time, whether that be when meeting up, or eating out in restaurants. In addition, with their life conditions, many unexpected things happen, so it's impossible to make specific plans.

That can be frustrating at the beginning, but by becoming more aware that things happen in their own time, it makes it refreshing and liberating over time.

Smiling and happiness

There, people really understand the principle of appreciation: they don't pay attention to what they're missing, what they don't have. They cherish every moment with their wonderful smiles!

Gratitude implies respect towards others, and happiness comes from compassion, because of the fact that they worry about the well-being of everyone.

I was also surprised at myself for smiling more than I usually would, because all the little things mean so much more over there.

I met some poor people, who didn't have anything. Hardly a place to live, or a place to sleep... And yet, I asked them this famous question: Are you happy? Yes. Yes, they are. (At least the people I asked were anyway).

Nepal is only known to have had a few confrontations, and ethnic or religious riots. Almost no blood has ever been shed in the name of religion in the country. Instead of that, this country is home to an impressive ethnic diversity! I imagine that it's not for nothing that that motto in Kathmandu is "United in Diversity".

Goodbye comfort zone

I also learnt how to be dirty. To accept this environment and let go of my attachment to cleanliness and adapt to it. I also discovered a new vision of life, and it's so enriching. Even if that means feeling and seeing death with my own eyes.

I also had the opportunity to visit monasteries and meet a Rinpoche, who is said to be the reincarnation of the lama. I realised that you don't need any philosophy, doctrines or complicated dogma: our own heart and soul is the temple to all religions.

The key to peace?

We learn to develop our mind and acquire knowledge, but why don't they teach us how to have a good heart and be compassionate instead? After all, as the Dalai Lama said, "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity could not survive".

So, whether we're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non-believers, we are all similar, we are all equal.

We must therefore keep our faith in humanity, because the world doesn't belong to any leaders: the world belongs to all entire humanity.

Conclusion

Nepal is a really touching country with its wonderful landscapes and its impressive mountains. And like its name indicates, NEPAL: "Never End Peace And Love".

I know that it may seem naive and silly to finish on that note, but after all, if we don't believe in peace, how do we expect our actions to reflect this hope?

So, let love and peace blossom over time!

Thanks for reading and Namaste!

P. S. If you wish to find out more on Nepal, I recommend having a look at articles written by Erasmusu users here!

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