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| An image of the front of the monastery by our guest Tanmay Sen who visited us from Midnapore |
The Buddhist monastery in the village Lingthem is over hundred year old and a pleasant thirty minutes walk across the greenery of the mountain from the Lingthem Lyang Home stay. Our guests never fail to undertake this walk to the monastery, and come back with a lifetime experience of peace, serenity and fulfillment.
A slow and steady walk unfolds gems of scene, sound, and sweet memories. One of the most immediate benefit is that it fills your lungs with purest of oxygen, massages your muscles, and makes you much stronger and sturdier.
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| our guests dev and prabuddh, on the monastery trail, whistling a song in chorus with chirping birds, gushing streams, and rustling trees |
Our guest from Germany Johanna and her father loved to take note of several places on the way to the monastery. For them, the passage was as enriching as the destination.
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| Our German guest Johhana clicking pictures of everything on the way to the monastery, and sharing with the guide from the home stay Mr. Agen in excitement |
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| Johhana awed at an old stupa on the way to monastery |
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| yet another old stupa to marvel upon |
And once you reach the monastery after collecting jewels on the way, you have many more things to do. This could be from spiritual, sacred, religious, to social, cultural and sporty.
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| our young guest, three year old Prabuddh lit earthen lamps in the monastery and rejoiced the serene silence |
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| our young guest Prabuddh also made friends with the village dogs around the monastery |
What do they do over there?
Many things! You may admire the scenic beauty from the monastery. But most importantly, you can dabble in admiring the architectural finesse of the monastery. Of course, you may like to immerse in the peaceful ambiance inside the monastery. And not to forget, many of our guests join in the villagers' games in the precincts of the monastery.
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| our guest dev chose to play football made of rags with the village-kids |
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and while playing he looked around to enjoy the love, laughter, and content in the air
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Many guests however are happy with photographing almost everything, from sacred to mundane. Not only to preserve memory, but also for the joy of seeing, framing and freezing the moments of joy.
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| our guest Prabuddh, a little photographer |
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| clicking away on the way |
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| to click or not to click is the question |
And on some special occasions of festivity when the villagers congregate at the monastery to celebrate, the monastery-kitchen holds a feast, serving traditional food and drink to monks, villagers, as well as to any guest visiting the monastery. This is the power of an inclusive society, where guests are not strangers. They are instead a priceless addition to the community.
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| Head monk with little Lamas, and other villagers, including the guest of our home stay ready for the feast on one occasion of festivity |
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| simple and delicious food, served with a locally made drink. All prepared by the villagers in the monastery kitchen. |
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| Ladies and gentlemen of the village in the community kitchen of the monastery |
So, in addition to spiritual, the walk to the exotic monastery can offer social-cultural glimpse of the Lepchas of the village. Many of our guests narrate precious experience of the walk to the monastery and the complete package of feeling acquired over there. On the occasion of festivity it may be special. But even otherwise, a visiting guest enjoys walking to the monastery, spending time over there in playing, interacting with children and monks. It is indeed an experience that brings our guests back to us.
Annual Event at the Monastery
There is an annual event at the monastery called Singji Chhum, involving performances by the villagers. This event happens between December- January every year. Any guest interested in watching this exquisite performance of Lepcha tradition shall get in contact with the owner of the home stay, Mr. Songdup Lepcha (lingthemlyan@gmail.com).
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