Thinking back while applying to the program, when I thought about the word “Nepal”, what popped up was: a vague/naive notion of the significance of Buddhist practice in the region; a country in the mountains with almost a mystic appeal to it, conceptions of Everest and monastic life; and an economically underdeveloped country according to western expectations/standards (e.g. low GDP/capita, LDC status).

Now when I think of the same word I see the people I had the chance to get to know, and the places I visited and saw. I think of a place with huge cultural, ethnic and geographical diversity and beauty. I think of a deep rich history with suppressed narratives of marginalisation and struggle; continuing political instability and international balances of power; and stories of inspiration and overcoming adversity from individuals wanting to bring recognition to their home.

I agree to an extent with my earlier preconception of the mystical element of Nepal, but now not through some intangible or invalidated assumption, but through experiencing feelings of awe, freedom, stillness, danger and connection, which arose at different stages of my time there. Overall these experiences summated in a deep feeling of humility, calmness, and an acceptance of uncertainty/presence in day to day living. Although in some ways I feel I only scratched the surface with what I was able to see/do, I leave having a much greater appreciation of Nepal and a determination to leverage these experiences in a positive way. Interestingly my research project had to do with demystifying/dissolving monolithic views/conceptions of China, but I feel I did the same for Nepal for myself! It feels the single word doesn’t do justice to the complexity and diversity it serves to represent and I understand that better now.