We just completed the Footsteps of the Himalayan Yogi Nepal tour with seven beautiful souls. What an amazing journey into the sacred heart of the Kathmandu Valley.

It is a privilege to take people to the places that we love so that they too can connect with the ancient spirit of Nepal. We explored Shiva and Buddha’s divine valley of the gods in the Himalayas tracing the footsteps of such masters as Dilgo Khyenste Rinpoche, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Tilopa, Naropa, previous incarnations of the Buddha, and many other sadhus and siddhas of ancient times.

No matter whether it was being absorbed in aarti at Pashupatinath, engrossed in the subtle energy of Swayambhu, or in meditation at Namo Buddha, the group dived head first into the unknown and embraced the experience. It brought me tears of joy to see some of the participants overwhelmed with tears of divine love at places such as Swayambhu, for example, early in the morning. Every time I visit Swayambhu, I am also overwhelmed with tears, and so it was an honor to facilitate that same spiritual experience for others. On these pilgrimages, even though the places we visit have an intense energy only for those who are ready to experience these sacred spaces, it is the journey together and connection we build as a group that is the real jewel in the lotus flower.

Every time on these tours, people come as strangers and leave as brothers and sisters. The connection is something quite difficult to quantify, but it is there nevertheless. Maybe it is a sacred thread reconnected between us by going on such pilgrimages together so that we realize that when we trust each other with no sense of egoic resistance and take people for who they are, there is a power in that acceptance that reveals the superficial differences people cling to is a fundamental illusion. Such is the power of the pilgrimage and the courageous pilgrim. 

On a personal level, these tours never get old for Gayoung and myself. The tours are like this peak experience, or should I say a shot of spiritual adrenaline, that shows how life could be if we just get out of our own way and allow life to be what it is while embracing our innate adventurous spirit into the uncertain wilderness we call life. No words can express how grateful we are for the people who joined us on this journey, but we do wish to send all our love to everyone for being there with us. In alphabetical order, I would like to send our love and appreciation to Chris, Dara, Matt, Mike, Ross, Scott, and Srini. We love and appreciate all of you. Thank you for entrusting us with your hearts to guide you on this journey. With the blessings of Shiva and Buddha, we all allowed the pilgrimage to soften our minds so that we could leave Nepal as one in the heart the divine. 

OM NAMAH BUDDHAYA!!! OM NAMAH SHIVAYA!!!