Asura Cave- Nepal
Surprisingly, less than one hour away from Katmandu Nepal, in a beautiful forest surrounding is a small town sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists called Pharping. The Hindus come there for pilgrimage of a highly placed Mata Kali temple, while Buddhist monks have settled there as it is considered one of the most important places for the Tibetans.
Asura cave is believed to be an old dwelling place of the sage Padmasambhave-(latterly meaning born out of a lotus flower is one of the main figures in Tibetan Buddhism, recognized by some schools as the second Buddha. Also known under a few other names: Guru Rinpoche -Precious Guru or Lopon Rinpoche and simply, Padum.
Padmasanbhava is said to have transmitted Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet and neighboring countries in the 8th century. It seems that the master was a great Shaman with strong powers, it is believed that he had tamed the ‘bad spirits’ of the area and made the ‘Dharma Keepers’.
There are 2 caves in Pharping that are draw Tibetan disciples and other followers of Padmasambhava: Asura cave and Yang la Shot. Asura cave is believed to be the place where he got enlightened.
Entering Asura Cave a sensitive one can immediately feel he is standing in a holy place, a ‘power spot’, very strong energetically with a specifically pulling down and grounding effect. This meditation cave is clearly facilitating for a spiritual quest. The cave is a small room, yet the space is ideal for sitting alone and up to 3-4 people at once. It is maintained regularly by the monks of the close monastery that clean it and light there dozen of ghee lamps daily.
Over 20 Tibetan monasteries that have settled nearby, they are a home for Tibetan monks of all ages. The monks both male and female practice loud and powerful chanting combined with traditional musical instruments, for hours each day. Some of these monasteries are open for visitors while others hold secluded retreats for the monks for as long as 3 years. Locals as wells as westerner travelers come to Pharping for site seeking, yet more commonly for personal retreats of spiritual practice.
Those that wish to stay in Pharping are welcome to stay at one of the guest rooms some of the monasteries offer or in a few privet nearby guesthouses. The monasteries offer full boarding and lodging only those that stay for a lengthy period of time (a week or more), yet there are many small family restaurants in the area. A close by market and well equip shops are convenient for those who wish to cook for them self.