These Asian Buddhist monasteries are worth visiting
Buddhist temples and monasteries, meticulously crafted to nurture meditation and embrace tranquility, offer an extraordinary gateway to commune with nature and discover your inner serenity. These spiritual sanctuaries exude profound serenity. Scattered across the Asian landscape, prominently gracing countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, here is a curated list of five such monasteries you must visit in this lifetime.
Kopan Monastery, Nepal
Kopan Monastery is one of the most sought-after monasteries in Nepal which derives its name from the hill upon which it stands. Celebrated for its profound Buddhist teachings, in 1971, Kopan hosted its inaugural month-long meditation session in November-December. These classes have since become an annual tradition. The courses feature traditional Lam Rim teachings, incorporating extensive periods of guided meditation and a vegetarian diet.
Taksang Monastery, Bhutan
On the 900-meter cliff's edge sits Taksang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. The monastery is said to have been founded by a legendary Guru Rinpoche who flew here from Tibet on the back of a tigress. Guru Rinpoche, also known as the "Second Buddha" of Bhutan, is believed to have meditated at this location.
Taung Kalat, Myanmar
Built upon the summit of an extinct volcano plug, this Buddhist monastery of Tuang Kalat offers serene views to tourists. But here's the catch — visitors will have to ascend 777 steps to reach the temple. One can see Mount Popa, the volcano that resulted in the formation of the volcanic plug, as well as the old city of Bagan, in Myanmar.
Wat Sriboonruang, Thailand
Wat Sriboonruang is one of the most popular temples in Thailand. The place is popular for the free admission it offers to seminars, meditation classes, and temple stays. Wat Sriboonruang is believed to be a great place to learn about Buddhism. Interestingly, the temple is positioned in Bansonquare, a settlement that is at least 500 years old.
Sri Dalada Maligawa, Sri Lanka
As it houses the remains of a tooth belonging to Gautam Buddha, Sri Dalada Maligawa is a place that is extremely significant to Buddhist travelers. You can participate in the regular rituals that are performed three times a day in the temple as a visitor. You might also receive some holy water, which is believed to have healing properties.
