-Lauren Wang, MAPREP student from the United States

Balancing the practice with full-times studies, even Buddhist studies, is something that I have found takes continuous awareness and tuning. As much as possible during our breaks from classes, I try to go on short retreats in sacred places that speak to the silence and solitude so deeply missed while living in Boudha. This semester I went to Melamchi Ghyang, one village within Yolmo valley, an area of Nepal that is known as a “hidden land” and scattered with sacred sites blessed by Guru Rinpoche, Milarepa and countless masters. The last stop on the dirt ‘road’, Melamchi Ghyang has no vehicles or sounds of motorbikes passing through. It holds a cave where Guru Rinpoche and his consorts meditated.  

There are some heart sites that evoke an instant connection and feeling of sacredness. The moment that my jeep arrived in Malamchi Ghyang after a very bumpy five hour journey, all mental fogginess lifted and a rush of joy and wonderment took over. I instantly fell in love with this place. I had come here to complete a specific practice, and spent most of the day in the cave, even though I would love to return and spend much more time hiking around the lush yet crisp forest and its infinite pathways. With the vast views of the mountains, the feeling of aloneness and sacredness, and the very much felt blessings of the cave, I could so tangibly sense the boost given to my practice. It was not the plan, but I completed the practice on full moon day and in my very last session, four village women came to do offerings and sat outside the cave chanting prayers. It was a moment I will never forget.  

Although I can’t tell you the history, the different stories of the place, or give you any contextual information about Malmachi Ghyang and Yolmo, blessings and heart places are at times undeniable. I would highly recommend you visit!