Last night I went with my friend from the paper to the OSHO Commune where she lives. OSHO was a famous guru and holy man in the 20th Century and set up numerous communes around the world, focusing on meditation mostly. There are 35 alone in Nepal today, and the largest used to be in Oregon, but was taken down by the Reagan-era government. This commune is about 8 kilometers outside of the city, in the jungle hills surrounding Kathmandu. It was beautiful. The commune is surrounded with wonderful gardens, paths, statues, waterfalls, a meditation call, kitchen, office, library and of course small rooms and houses.
I was welcomed into the group right away, even though I was just staying for one night. I had to buy maroon meditation robes, because you aren't allowed to wear regular street clothes on the Ashram's premises. When we got there, which we barely did as my friend's motorcycle was almost out of gas due to the the petrol shortage, it was time for dinner. On the welcoming sign it says, "NO DRINKING, NO SMOKING AND NO NON-VEG'S ALLOWED." In Nepal, they say non-veg if you are a meat eater, unlike how we usually say vegetarian. After dinner, it was time for evening meditation, which is done in white robes. So there I am, the only red robed, white girl in the room. It turns out this meditation is really a big dance party. Music thumped from the meditation hall, blaring Nepali drums, shouts, and beats of all kinds. I got my groove on, even alone in my dark robes. It was awesome!
Tibet Protester
A man is taken away by Nepali police during a Tibetan protest outside of the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
World Peace Pagoda
This is a holy site for Buddhists on top of a hillside over looking the Pokhara Valley, about seven hours west of Kathmandu. It is believed Buddha came to this hilltop to find enlightenment,
Tibetan Flags
Rows of the flags waved over the film festival on the June 6th. Almost everyday in Kathmandu, Tibetan protesters are arrested outside of the China Embassy.
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