Some days ago, I had an unforgettable encounter with Sofia, a Greek traveler I met during Maghe Sankranti in Bhaktapur, where a Buddhist festival was celebrated. She’s 43 years old, traveling solo around the world, and from the moment we started talking, it felt like we had known each other forever. Our connection was instant, so we decided to go on an adventure together.
We planned a four-hour hike through the forest to Flag Point in Tarakeshwor and then hitchhike back to Tinpiple. But our journey took an unexpected turn when we reached our first stop—Tarakeshwor Mahadev Temple, a Hindu temple on a mountain surrounded by a dense forest full of monkeys. The place had a mystical vibe, and we ended up spending over two hours there, completely absorbed in its atmosphere.
While we were there, we met a Nepali monk who warmly invited us for tea. We sat on the terrace of a small tin house, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. As we sipped our tea, the monk shared deep wisdom and reflections on life. He spoke about energy and the spiritual force present in everything—within us, in plants and animals, the sun, the moon, literally everywhere. It’s the same energy that wakes a tiger, that makes a tiny seed grow into a massive tree. I remember his words about life being like a movie, where each of us plays different roles—daughter, friend, cousin, teacher. He reminded us that we are all both teachers and students, constantly learning while also sharing knowledge with others. He also told us that before choosing this path, he was an engineer, managing his own employees with a wife and children—just like Buddha. His words brought a sense of peace and understanding, making us feel completely present in that moment.
The monk told us he had been living as a monk for about 20 years. He said that he once had everything, and now he has almost nothing—and that, to him, is beautiful. He spoke about the importance of concentration, practicing it, and being aware of the present moment. There was a deep sense of calmness and inner peace radiating from him.
Sofia had a problem with her toenail, and the monk kindly gifted her a homemade cream made from natural plants. He didn’t want anything in return—he simply wanted to help and offer kindness. It was a pure and selfless act, reinforcing the warmth and generosity he carried within him.
When we first saw him on our way to the temple, he was using a slingshot, aiming at the monkeys. We were puzzled—was he hunting them? But then he explained that he was only trying to scare them away from the temple.
He was delighted by my Nepali, even though I only knew a few sentences. He asked what I was doing in Nepal, and when I told him I was volunteering in schools, he responded, “So you are a teacher.” At first, I wanted to deny it, but then I realized—he was right. In life, we are all both teachers and students. We share our knowledge with others, but whether they accept it or not is up to them.
Later, he offered us coffee, and we continued our conversation. He expected nothing in return—no money, no favors. His kindness came straight from the heart, a rare and beautiful gesture in a world where such selflessness is often met with skepticism. This act of pure hospitality and wisdom left a deep impression on me, something I will cherish forever.
But the day was incredibly windy, and after our adventure, I got sick. I spent the next day in bed, recovering from a cold. Despite that, I don’t regret a single moment. The experience was worth every second, and I will never forget the monk’s kindness, the wisdom he shared, and the unexpected friendship I found in Sofia.
This experience will always stay in my heart. It touched me in a way I never expected and helped me discover more about myself. Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that don’t go as planned.
Personal Report
Alicja Nowosady
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