When people think of traveling to Guangxi, world-famous destinations like Guilin and Yangshuo immediately come to mind. But tucked away in the northwest of the province lies a hidden, crowd-free water wonderland that is about to become your next obsession: Hechi!
This isn’t Semporna or the Maldives—this is Hechi, a pristine paradise that brings together majestic karst mountains, emerald-green waters, mystical caves, and swirling schools of fish.
If you are looking to escape the summer heat and discover a side of China that most international tourists have never seen, bookmark this ultimate guide to Hechi’s three “divine hidden realms” and start packing!👇
🗺️ Deep Dive: The Three Mystical Water Spots of Hechi
1️⃣ Tian’er: The “Blue Blade” Fish Paddleboarding Drift 🐟
The Vibe: Stepping Into an Animated Fantasy World
The Experience: Imagine paddling down a river nestled between towering karst cliffs, where the water is so still it looks like a sheet of flawless green jade. This is the Hongshui River section in Tian’er. Rent a paddleboard at “Guizhiyuan Mountain Villa” and embark on a breathtaking 12-kilometer drift downstream to the old town pier.The absolute highlight of this journey is crossing the “Blue Blade Fish Storm” point. The Blue Blade fish (Hemiculter leucisculus) is incredibly sensitive to environment and only thrives in ultra-pure, wild waters. When you crumble some bread into the water, the river instantly “comes alive.” Hundreds of shimmering, silver-blue fish will swirl around your paddleboard in a mesmerizing underwater vortex. With the morning sun reflecting off their scales, it genuinely feels like stepping straight into a scene from a fantasy movie.
💰 Cost: Around 150 RMB/day for paddleboard rental (convenient pick-up and drop-off services are available at both the start and end points).
⏰ Best Time: April to October, when the fish are most active. Aim for early morning or just after a rain shower when the water is at its most transparent.
2️⃣ Fengshan: Cruising the Underground “Sea” of Sanmenhai ⛵
The Vibe: A Journey to the Center of the Earth
The Experience: Don’t let the name fool you—while “Hai” means sea, Sanmenhai is actually a spectacular, world-class geological wonder featuring a cluster of massive karst “heavenly windows” (sinkholes formed by the collapse of underground river ceilings). It is the only place in the world where you can board a traditional manual wooden boat and slide through interconnected caves into hidden tiankengs.As your boat glides from the pitch-black cavern into the light, you will be struck by an otherworldly sight. A beam of natural sunlight pierces through the open roof, illuminating the deep subterranean river into a surreal, glowing Tiffany Blue and deep sapphire. Local residents describe it as “a sea within the mountains, with gates upon the sea.” The jaw-dropping contrast of emerging from a dark cave into a hidden world of vibrant turquoise waters and hanging vines is a visual shock you will never forget.
🎫 Tickets: Around 60 RMB (Group rate/Online booking recommended for independent travelers).
⏰ Hours: 08:30 – 17:30 (Last entry at 17:00).
3️⃣ Du’an: Floating on the “Jelly Water” of Jiudun Tianchuang 💧
The Vibe: The Everest of Cave Diving Meets a Healing Crystal Palace
The Experience: Du’an county is home to hundreds of underground river sinkholes, but the Jiudun Tianchuang (Jiudun Heavenly Window) is the crown jewel. Serving as the source of the Chengjiang River, this spot is legendary among global diving communities. Its underwater caves drop down hundreds of meters into a complex, mysterious labyrinth, earning it the title of “The Mount Everest of Underwater Cave Diving.” In fact, global cave diving depth records have been smashed right here.While the depths are a thrilling challenge for professionals, the surface is a gentle, healing fairy tale. The water here possesses an astonishing, glass-like transparency. It looks exactly like a giant bowl of shimmering green jelly. The best way to experience this is by renting a completely transparent paddleboard. As you float, it feels as though you are suspended in mid-air. Looking down, you can see dozens of meters straight to the bottom where lush river weeds wave like silk ribbons in the current. It requires absolutely zero photo filters—any snapshot here is an instant masterpiece.
🎫 Tickets: FREE entry to the area!
💰 Paddleboard Rental: Around 30 RMB/hour, or 50 RMB for 2 hours.
📸 Pro-Tip: Make sure to request a clear/transparent paddleboard for those stunning, weightless aerial-style photos!
🚗 【Essential Travel Tips】
📅 Best Season:May to October. This is the prime time for water activities, and you will also get the chance to see the beautiful, rare Ottelia acuminata (sea-cake flowers) blooming on the water’s surface.
🚘 Getting Around:Self-driving or renting a car is highly recommended. The highways and national roads connecting Tian’er, Fengshan, and Du’an are well-maintained, and the driving routes wind through some of the most stunning, dramatic karst landscapes in China.
🎒 What to Pack: High-SPF sunscreen, quick-dry clothing, and a reliable waterproof bag for your electronics. Keep in mind that the caves can get quite chilly, so bring a light jacket.
🕶️ Secret Weapon: Bring a pair of polarized sunglasses! They cut the glare on the water’s surface entirely, allowing you to see the fish and underwater plants with perfect clarity.
⚠️ Safety First: Always wear your life jacket when paddleboarding! No matter how good of a swimmer you are, safety makes the trip enjoyable.
The beauty of Guangxi goes so much deeper than its famous postcards. Hechi offers a raw, wild, and incredibly pure escape that is hard to find in today’s crowded world. If you want to beat the summer heat, dive into crystal waters, and explore the mysteries of the earth without the crowds—Hechi is calling. 🎒🌿
Have you ever had a moment like this? A brilliant, fiery idea ignites in your heart, but in the very next second, reality and the voices around you pour cold water all over it: “That’s impossible.” “You aren’t ready yet.” “Don’t be naive—wait until you have enough money and time.”
And so, countless life-changing possibilities quietly wither away in the endless cycle of “waiting.”
Today, I want to share a true miracle that might sound absolutely absurd at first. But after reading it, you might just find yourself re-evaluating the dreams you once labeled as “impossible.”
Years ago, a 26-year-old American youth named Robert Christopher watched people working on cargo ships, hitchhiking across the Atlantic, and traveling the globe. A simple question popped into his head: “If others can do it, why can’t I?”
When he shared this wild idea with his friends, it was met—unsurprisingly—with a chorus of mockery: “You are being way too naive!”
An ordinary person might have backed down. But Robert ignored the laughter. Instead, he pulled a fountain pen and a small slip of paper from his pocket, doing something that would completely alter the trajectory of his life: he listed every single difficulty he could foresee on the journey, and right next to each one, he meticulously wrote down a concrete solution.
He didn’t waste a single minute. The moment the list was done, the action began.
Mastering the Art of Resource Management
What is the biggest obstacle to traveling the world? Visas, transportation, maps, and money. Robert had a mere $80 in his pocket—an amount that, even back then, wasn’t enough to cover a young boy’s monthly living expenses. Yet, instead of letting financial scarcity limit him, he launched a textbook masterclass in resource integration:
No money for airfare? He struck a deal with a cargo airline, agreeing to take promotional photographs for the company in exchange for a flight across the Atlantic.
No maps or international driving permit? He approached the relevant authorities and promised to provide a detailed report on the road conditions in the Middle East. In return, he secured his permit and maps for free.
No safety net? He signed a contract with a pharmaceutical company, guaranteeing to collect soil samples from the countries he visited. He even hustled to secure seaman’s papers, a clean criminal record certificate from New York authorities, and a youth hostel membership.
When he finally waved goodbye to New York with just $80, his true global currency wasn’t cash—it was the unique value he could offer to others.
In the Face of the Impossible, There is Always a Way
How do you survive a journey around the world on $80? Robert proved through his actions that when your desire is strong enough, solutions will always outnumber problems.
In Gander, Newfoundland, unable to afford his first breakfast, he took professional photographs of the kitchen cooks. The joy he brought them was exchanged for a hearty, warm meal. In Ireland, he spent $4.80 on four cartons of American cigarettes. He keenly understood that in many countries, cigarettes functioned as smoothly as paper currency. From Paris to Vienna, and through the Alps into Switzerland, he used cigarettes as tips and payment to secure rides from drivers and conductors.
In Damascus, his enthusiastic photography for a local policeman filled the officer with such pride that he ordered a public bus to provide Robert with free service. In Baghdad, the manager and staff of the Iraq Express Transport Company loved his photos so much that they invited him to travel by boat to Tehran, completely free of charge. In Bangkok, he provided a luxury travel agency manager with highly sought-after, detailed maps and information about a specific region, earning himself a reception fit for a king. Finally, working as a sailor aboard the ship “Flying Spray,” he navigated from Japan back to San Francisco.
84 days. 80 dollars. He didn’t just survive; he witnessed the world.
Looking back at Robert’s legendary journey, we have to ask: Why did such a seemingly reckless plan unfold so smoothly?
Did Robert fail to foresee the immense risks involved? Of course he foresaw them. But it was precisely because he knew the risks that he chose to take the leap—using adventure to add color and flavor to his life. In this grand game, he fully mobilized his intelligence and brilliantly orchestrated every resource around him.
Too often, we use the word “impossible” as an excuse for inaction, when in reality, we are just hiding our fear of the unknown.
The Trap of “Waiting for the Perfect Moment”: Most people wait until they have saved enough money or until the timing is flawless. The truth is, that “perfect moment” does not exist.
Underestimating Our Own Value: Robert lacked money, but he possessed photography skills, the ability to gather data, the courage to negotiate, and the willingness to harvest soil samples. Money is just one form of wealth. Your wisdom, skills, and passion are all highly spendable currencies in the real world.
Many things in life seem impossible only until we decide to do them.
Obstacles are like a mirror—they are only as intimidating as you allow them to be. When you fixate entirely on what you lack—“I don’t have money,” “I don’t have time,” “I don’t have the background”—you trap yourself in place.
The next time a deep aspiration sparks within you, remember 26-year-old Robert: Ignore the skepticism around you. Tear out a piece of paper, write down the hurdles, and ask yourself: “To solve this, what is one thing I can do right now?”
The moment you truly commit and take action, you will find that the universe has a funny way of clearing a path for you.
By Malana VanTyler Contributor May 21, 2026, 5:14 p.m. ET
Summer 2026 is the year to go deeper into Croatia than most travelers ever do, reaching destinations and experiences sometimes left under the radar. Most first-timers land in Dubrovnik, work their way up the coast, and leave wondering what they missed. The answer is usually everything inland and everything that does not show up on a standard ten-day package. This itinerary is an insider’s handbook on experiences, locations, and sceneries a seasoned Croatia traveler would recommend. From music festivals and Michelin star restaurants, to vitality islands, medieval stone towns, and 3000-year-old palaces. Croatia is more than just a single destination. There are at least ten distinct ones, and this is where to start.
Drink Wine in a Roman Palace in Split
The journey begins the moment you land in Split, now reachable on a direct flight from New York. Here, waking up inside a Roman emperor’s palace is not history. It is just Tuesday. The palace Diocletian built here in 305 AD became what the city is today. Sipping local wine perched on 1,700-year-old walls is not a novelty here; it is just a Tuesday, and the city is so diverse that there’s something for everyone who visits. From climbing Marjan hill in the morning and afternoons on the waterfront promenade watching the sunset, to staying for the evening when the city shifts into the slow pace that Dalmatians call pomalo. Every island on this itinerary leaves from here, which means Split is not just a stop. It is the center of gravity of the entire Dalmatian coast.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Climb Marjan Hill. Use it as your base for the islands.
Live Island Life at Its Finest in Korčula Town
From Split, a ferry southeast through the Dalmatian islands brings you to Korčula, a medieval town located on a narrow stone peninsula that some historians argue was the birthplace of Marco Polo. Step outside the old town walls and within ten minutes you’ll be met with beaches and coves with some of the clearest water on the Dalmatian coast. The island’s gems are Posip and Grk, two white wines indigenous to the island, with Grk believed to be one of the oldest grape varieties in Croatia. On summer evenings, the Moreska, a sword dance performed here continuously since the 17th century, plays out in the open squares by torchlight. An island that delivers medieval architecture, exceptional wine, and some of the clearest water on the Dalmatian coast, and somehow still hasn’t made it onto everyone’s list. That’s exactly why it’s on this one.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Rent a bike, find a beach, try the Posip.
Experience the Art of the Adriatic Day at Carpe Diem Beach, Hvar
The ferry from Korčula to Hvar takes less than an hour. From Hvar town, a boat across the channel brings you to Carpe Diem Beach, a pine-covered cove in the Pakleni Islands that almost everyone who wants to visit Croatia has on their bucket list. Crystal-clear water, a pool above the open Adriatic, nets suspended over the sea. Arrive in the morning for the stillness of it. By afternoon, the sun is down, the crowd has found its way in, and the cove has become something else entirely. The kitchen runs all day, Mediterranean dishes and fresh sushi from lunch through the long Adriatic evening. As the sun drops over the Pakleni Islands, the energy is at its peak, and this pine-covered cove in the middle of the Adriatic becomes the exact center of the Mediterranean summer.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Get on the first boat from Hvar to enjoy the day to the fullest.
Eat Above the Adriatic with Dinner in the Sky, Dubrovnik
Take a ferry south, and within a few hours, Dubrovnik appears on the horizon. View from a distance is one thing. From fifty meters above the Adriatic, with the old city walls below you and the open sea stretching in every direction, it is something else entirely. Dinner in the Sky puts a dining table up there, with a chef, a three-course menu of Croatian specialties, and a platform that rotates to catch every angle of the coast. The moment it lifts, and the city drops away, is one of those travel experiences that is genuinely difficult to prepare for. The food is serious, the wine is local, and what started as an unlikely concept has quietly become one of the hardest reservations to get on the entire Dalmatian coast. Some experiences build expectation. This one lives up to it.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Book the sunset slot. It sells out weeks in advance.
Claim Your Own Island with Master Charter
After Dubrovnik, the journey north is best made by water. The Croatian archipelago is expansive, which is where the Master Charter comes in. Since 2006, the company has been building bespoke sailing itineraries along the Croatian coast. Their expertise lies in matching small groups to handpicked vessels from a fleet. There’s something for everyone, from traditional wooden gulets to luxury motor sailers and beyond. Several captains own the yacht they sail, a rarity in the charter industry, ensuring every detail of the trip (and the stay) gets the attention it deserves. Sun decks, jacuzzis, water toys, and cabins all come as the finishing touches that make going ashore feel like a step down. Out here, with the right crew and the right vessel, a Master Charter voyage is the difference between seeing Croatia and understanding it.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Book well ahead. The best yachts go early.
Find Yourself on Lošinj, Croatia’s Island of Vitality
Before you know it, the sail brings you to the island of Lošinj. To pine-scented air, clean enough to feel like a treatment in itself. Sea so clear the seabed is visible from the surface. A town where food comes with a philosophy– the Taste of Vitality. Seasonal and nutrient-rich, prepared with wellbeing and health in mind. Mali Lošinj has been doing vitality before it became a lifestyle industry. The island sits in the Kvarner Bay, surrounded by one of the cleanest seas in Europe, and 220 kilometers of hiking and cycling trails through pine forests to hidden coves. Options here are endless. Sail, dive, do SUP yoga at sunrise, or simply sit in the pine forest and breathe. Mali Lošinj is a place where rest, movement, nature, and food work together in perfect balance. An island where vitality comes naturally.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Extend your stay. Come with no agenda.
Dine at a Three Michelin Star Destination at Hotel Grand Park, Rovinj
A short journey away stands the Istrian coast, home of truffles, olives, and wine, with the same seriousness as Tuscany. Rovinj is unique, and Grand Park Hotel Rovinj gives reason to make it a dedicated stop. The hotel sits above the sea at the edge of the Golden Cape forest park, looking out across the Adriatic from one of the finest positions on the Istrian coast. The hotel’s been featured on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list, and the dining alone justifies it. Rovinj carries more Michelin stars than any other destination in Croatia, and three of them are inside this hotel: Agli Amici Rovinj holds two, Cap Aureo one. Few hotels in Europe can claim a world-ranked address, three Michelin stars, and a view like this. Grand Park earns every night you give it.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Book a table at one of the Michelin-star restaurants even if you are not staying overnight.
See the Show of the Summer at INmusic Festival, Zagreb
Reaching Zagreb in June means one thing. For twenty years, Lake Jarun has hosted INmusic, and the festival earned its place on the European calendar edition by edition. A lake island inside a capital city. Stages facing the water. The Zagreb skyline in the background. This year’s lineup for the 20th anniversary is the strongest the festival has put together. It’s a true gem– a mix of global headliners and emerging European acts reflecting what INmusic has always been about. An immersive, laid-back escape, whose two decades of cultural weight are hard to overstate. Zagreb takes its summers seriously, and INmusic’s the reason June belongs to the city. Tens of thousands of people gathering on a lake island in the heart of the capital. A lineup that raises the bar every year. Taken together, it makes INmusic one of Europe’s must-visit festivals, shaping the summer cultural calendar.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Find accommodation well in advance or opt for on-site camping.
Walk Across the Water at Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most visited destinations, and it belongs on every itinerary that touches more than just the coast. Located two hours from Zagreb, this national park covers nearly 300 square kilometers of forested karst terrain. What you see is unique– 16 crystalline lakes connected by more than 90 cascades and waterfalls spill over travertine barriers that have been accumulating for millennia. It’s a perfect weekend getaway with an on-site hotel within the National Park and charming restaurants showcasing the local gourmet specialties. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and for a reason. Plitvice stops people in a way that very few places in Europe still can. The water, the color, the scale of it. Some landscapes simply speak for themselves.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Visit May through September. Book tickets in advance.
Taste the Region at Korak Winery, Plešivica
From Plitvice back to Zagreb, take a detour to Plešivica, a wine region that Croatians have been calling their Champagne for decades, and Korak Winery is the reason to stop. Their philosophy, heritage and authenticity; all bottled into small batches of premium organic wines. Five generations of hands-on family stewardship, and each member takes a hands-on approach. Josip is the enologist. Vera leads the service, awarded Michelin Best Service 2025. Bernard takes charge of the kitchen. What he built goes beyond a winery restaurant. He cooks the land around him, sourcing from local growers, hunters, and foragers as the season dictates, an approach that earned Korak a Michelin Green star alongside its one Michelin star for cuisine. The eight-course tasting menu, paired with estate wines, makes this detour feel like the whole point of the trip.
Seasoned traveler’s advice: Take the winery tour and book the restaurant in advance.
Make It Count
Croatia rewards the traveler who plans ahead. The best restaurants fill up weeks in advance. The national park requires timed entry in summer. The distances are short, the people are welcoming, and a country that runs from the mountains of the interior to the islands of the southern Adriatic can be covered in ten days without feeling rushed. Start in Split. Work your way through the islands, up the coast, through the lakes, and into Zagreb just in time for the most anticipated festival in the region. Croatia has a way of filling every day of a trip and leaving you with a list of reasons to come back.
In the heart of Bohol Island, near the town of Carmen, lies one of the world’s most unusual and enchanting natural wonders — the famous Chocolate Hills.
At first glance, the landscape almost looks unreal.
Spread across the earth are 1,776 nearly symmetrical cone-shaped hills, rising gently one after another like countless giant chocolate candies scattered across a green carpet. Their heights range from about 40 to 120 meters, and together they create one of the most mysterious and dreamlike scenes in nature.
During the rainy season, the hills are covered in lush green grass. But when the dry season arrives, usually between February and May, the intense tropical sun dries the grass into rich shades of brown. From a distance, the hills resemble rows of giant chocolate truffles covering the land — and this is how the Chocolate Hills received their delicious name.
The hills are so remarkably uniform that many visitors find it difficult to believe they were formed naturally. Some have smooth domes, while others appear more cone-shaped, standing side by side like enormous haystacks across the fields.
One especially curious feature is the vegetation. In the tropical climate of the Philippines, nearby mountains are usually covered with thick forests and fast-growing trees. Yet the Chocolate Hills remain mostly covered with grass rather than large trees, likely because the soil layer on the hills is relatively thin. This gives them their smooth, rounded appearance and makes them look even more surreal.
For decades, geologists have debated how these strange hills were formed.
Several scientific theories have been proposed, including limestone weathering, ancient underwater volcanic activity, and the uplift of the ocean floor. One modern theory suggests that millions of years ago, a volcanic eruption scattered huge amounts of rock and ash across the region. These materials were later covered by limestone and eventually pushed upward when the seabed rose, forming the hills we see today.
However, no single explanation has been universally accepted.
The most widely supported geological theory is that Bohol Island slowly rose from the sea long ago, and over thousands of years, rainwater eroded layers of coral, shell deposits, limestone, and clay, gradually shaping the landscape into these extraordinary cone-shaped formations.
Yet science is only part of the story.
Local legends add an even deeper sense of mystery and romance to the Chocolate Hills.
One ancient tale says that two giants fought each other for many days, hurling enormous rocks and boulders across the island. When they finally became exhausted and made peace, they left the island behind — along with the chaotic battlefield that later became the Chocolate Hills.
Another legend is far more tragic and romantic.
According to the story, a giant named Arogo fell deeply in love with a beautiful local woman named Aloya. One day, unable to resist his feelings, he carried her away to his home. But the frightened young woman could not bear the sight of the giant and died suddenly from shock. Heartbroken beyond measure, the giant wept endlessly until he too died of grief. His tears became the Chocolate Hills, while his enormous body transformed into the surrounding mountain ranges.
Perhaps it is precisely because science and legend exist together that the Chocolate Hills feel so magical.
Today, the Chocolate Hills remain one of the Philippines’ most beloved and extraordinary natural landmarks. Standing on the viewing platform and gazing across thousands of rolling chocolate-colored hills stretching all the way to the horizon, visitors often feel as though they have stepped into a fantasy world.
It is both majestic and strangely playful — as if nature itself decided to scatter a thousand giant chocolates across the earth simply to delight the human imagination.
In the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism, there are extraordinary practitioners whose lives themselves become teachings. Among them, Ayu Khandro (阿玉康卓) — also known by her Dharma name Dorje Peldron — stands as one of the most inspiring yoginis of the Nyingma tradition. Her life is not merely a story; it is a living example of devotion, perseverance, and profound realization.
Born in 1839 in the remote region of Kham, eastern Tibet, Ayu Khandro began her spiritual journey at a young age. She received teachings from many of the greatest masters of her time, including Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgon Kongtrul, Chokgyur Lingpa, Nyala Pema Dundul, Adzom Drukpa, and Togden Rangrig — figures who were central to the non-sectarian Rimé movement in Tibetan Buddhism.
Unlike many who seek comfort or recognition, Ayu Khandro chose a life of renunciation and yogic discipline. She wandered widely across Tibet, lived in caves and hermitages, and devoted herself to decades of intense meditation. She spent more than fifty years in retreat, including prolonged periods of dark retreat, known in Tibetan as Yangti Nagpo — an advanced Dzogchen practice where the meditator withdraws from external light to focus inwardly on the nature of mind.
Dzogchen — The Great Perfection
Ayu Khandro’s life was profoundly rooted in Dzogchen (Great Perfection) — a teaching that points directly to the intrinsic, luminous nature of consciousness. Rather than seeking external accomplishments, she focused entirely on direct inner realization.
She was recognized as a terton — a revealer of hidden teachings — and was particularly known for transmitting sacred practices and giving initiations to practitioners, including the renowned master Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, who later wrote her biography based on her own oral account.
Ayu Khandro lived to the remarkable age of 115. In 1953, near the end of her life, she received visitors, gave away her precious possessions, and continued to teach and encourage those around her. After she passed away, it is reported in Tibetan Buddhist biography that her body remained in meditation posture for about two weeks before any signs of physical change occurred. By the end of this period, her body had shrunk to a fraction of its original size — an occurrence some traditions associate with deep spiritual attainment in Dzogchen practice, where the physical elements dissolve into subtler states.
This remarkable account, while extraordinary, is part of how her life has been transmitted in spiritual biographies — not as a spectacle, but as a sign of the depth and authenticity of her practice.
What makes Ayu Khandro’s life especially compelling is not just her longevity or her meditative achievements, but her steadfast devotion to the Dharma. She never sought fame or comfort. Instead, she walked the rugged paths of realization, teaching through action rather than words, presence rather than proclamation. Her retreats, pilgrimages, and meditation practices were not about escape, but about coming fully home to the true nature of mind.
Although few of us will ever undertake decades of meditation in darkness or faraway hermitages, Ayu Khandro’s life still speaks directly to modern seekers. In an era filled with distraction and ambition, her example invites us to ask:
What is true commitment?
How deeply can we trust the path we walk?
Can we place inner understanding above outer achievement?
Her life encourages us to remember that spiritual depth is not measured by loud accomplishments, but by quiet fidelity to practice.
Ayu Khandro remains a powerful reminder that liberation is not found on the surface of life, but in its quiet depths. Her unwavering dedication, her silent courage, and her embrace of the path offer inspiration — not as myth, but as a living reminder of what is humanly possible when devotion meets discipline.
The goal of the ascent in sight: Taktsang Monastery is perched high on the steep cliff face
On a pilgrimage to holy places, one rarely follows a rigid plan. Rather, one engages with a flow of events. Our last days in Bhutan reminded us how valuable it is to let go of expectations. We learned that special doors often open exactly when one is ready to leave the original path.
Change of Plans in Punakha: Trusting the Flow of Things
The sixth day showed us this very clearly. Actually, we had a fixed plan: We wanted to drive from Punakha back to Paro. There, we had donated 3,000 butter lamps which we wanted to light ceremonially in a temple.
But then we received news on short notice that an audience with His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the highest religious head of the country, would be possible. Such an opportunity is a great blessing. However, there was a restriction: Our entire travel group was simply too large for this spontaneous audience.
So we had to split up in Punakha. One part of the group drove directly on to Paro, while the other part drove to Thimphu, where His Holiness the Je Khenpo was staying at the time. I traveled with this group.
View of Thimphu with the Buddha Dordenma statue in the background
Thangton Dewachen Nunnery: Legacy of the Iron Bridge Monk
Arriving in Thimphu, we still had some time before the appointment. We visited the Thangton Dewachen Duthop Nunnery. It is the only one of its kind in the capital and goes back to the legendary Thangtong Gyalpo. He was a fascinating personality: A great Mahasiddha and at the same time an ingenious engineer who lived in the 15th century. He is famous as the “Iron Bridge Monk,” as he built dozens of suspension bridges made of iron chains throughout the Himalayas to allow pilgrims and travelers to cross raging rivers. Many of his constructions withstood the centuries. We were welcomed very warmly at this place: We were served tea in the courtyard of the monastery, and we could enjoy the peaceful atmosphere for a moment before we had to leave.
Visiting the Thangton Dewachen Duthop Nunnery
Kalachakra Initiation: Encounter with H.H. the Je Khenpo
After lunch, we made our way to the stadium. There, H.H. the Je Khenpo was leading the conclusion of the Kalachakra initiation. The crowds were immense. The stadium itself was packed to capacity, but that was far from enough. Countless people had also gathered on the grounds outside to partake in the event. It was a very impressive image. The ceremony was also being broadcast live on Bhutanese television. We initially had to wait before the gates until we were allowed into the stadium.
After some time, we were able to enter and were led to a separate waiting area inside the stadium. During this time, a chance but wonderful encounter occurred. We met the young Vairochana Rinpoche (Ngawang Jigme Jigten Wangchuk). He is a highly revered Tulku and the son of Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuk. He is revered as the reincarnation of the great translator Vairochana from the 8th century, one of the most important disciples of Guru Padmasambhava.
Following this, we were granted an audience with H.H. the Je Khenpo. Filled with gratitude, we presented him with a Khata (white scarf) as a token of our deep respect. In this special setting, we also had the opportunity to present His Holiness with information regarding the ‘Holy Heavenly Lake Buddhist Town’ project. Each of us then received a personal blessing, and upon our departure, he presented us with a text of the Amitabha Sadhana for our own practice.
Our group after the audience with H.H. the Je Khenpo
After the meeting with the Je Khenpo, a further great honor was completely unexpectedly offered to us: Actually, we were supposed to meet the young Vairochana Rinpoche and the Queen Mother for an official audience afterwards. But when the Kalachakra initiation ended, thousands of people streamed out of the stadium at the same time. Traffic in Thimphu came to a complete standstill. There was no getting through, and we could not reach the agreed location in time. Such are the karmic conditions sometimes. But we did not quarrel with fate: After everything we had experienced that day and the blessing we were allowed to receive, we felt richly gifted.
The Tiger’s Nest: Ascent to Guru Rinpoche’s Cave
On the last day of our trip, November 15th, the arguably most famous landmark of Bhutan was on the agenda: Paro Taktsang, widely known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is not only architecturally deeply impressive, but one of the holiest sites in the entire Himalayas.
Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
We set off very early to reach the base camp, the parking lot at 2,300 meters. From there, it is about 800 vertical meters up to the monastery, which sits at 3,120 meters. For visitors who do not quite trust themselves with the steep climb, there is generally the option to be carried by a horse or mule for the first part of the route. Our group, however, decided to cover the entire path on foot under our own power.
The ascent took just under three hours. The path is beautiful, but also demanding. It leads through a dense pine forest where rhododendrons grow and the trees are draped with moss. Again and again, prayer flags flutter in the wind. Halfway up, we took a short rest at a café. From there, you already have a first, breathtaking view of the monastery, which literally clings to the steep rock.
Impressions (in order): Resting horses at the starting point, fluttering prayer flags against the mountain backdrop, pack animals on the dusty trail, the first distant view of the cliffside monastery, the moss-covered mountain forest, and Tsa-Tsa offerings in a rock niche.
The history of this place is closely connected to Guru Rinpoche, the great Master Padmasambhava. He is revered by the Bhutanese as the “Second Buddha,” as he brought and firmly established Tantric Buddhism, the Vajrayana, in Bhutan in the 8th century. He manifested his supernatural powers and flew to this very spot on the back of a tigress to subdue a demon. Some say that the tigress was his tantric consort Yeshe Tsogyal in a transformed state. In the cave known as Taktsang Senge Samdup, around which the monastery was later built, he then meditated for exactly three years, three months, three weeks, and three days.
Once at the top, we had to hand in our cameras and bags at the entrance, as photography inside is strictly forbidden. We visited several small temples within the complex. In a special room that is guarded around the clock, I lit a butter lamp. This is the only place in the monastery where open fire is still permitted after a devastating fire destroyed large parts of the complex in the past. In Buddhism, lighting these lamps is a meritorious central ritual.
With Venerable Master Shi Zheng Da in front of the Taktsang Waterfall
Farewell in Paro: A Promise to Return
Back at the hotel in Paro, a special guest awaited us in the evening: Dasho Passang Dorji, the former Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan. He had been instrumental in organizing the official appointments and came by personally to apologize politely that the meeting with the King had not taken place due to the commotion. He promised us: “Next time I will arrange, this time the King and the Queen have been too busy.”
Exchange of gifts with Dasho Passang Dorji
In a very friendly atmosphere, an exchange of gifts took place. The Venerable Master Shi Zheng Da presented him with a special art object, a luminous three-dimensional picture of a Yun sculpture designed by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. In return, he gave the Master a large golden Shakyamuni Buddha statue. It was a worthy moment of connection.
Scenes from the performance (in order): The famous Drametse Ngacham (Dance of the Drums), a solo dancer bowing deep, the performers of the yak scene, the humorous interaction of the yak with the audience, the women’s dance group in red garments, and finally a traditional performance with bows and arrows combining song and dance.
Afterwards, we watched a cultural performance together with Dasho Passang Dorji. There were traditional dances and songs whose gentle, flowing movements radiated great calm and peace. There were also humorous interludes, like the dance of a yak, where the performers visibly had fun. Even though I did not understand the language, the joy was contagious. After this show, we all gathered for a large group photo to capture this beautiful final evening.
Our entire group with Dasho Passang Dorji and our guides
The next morning, November 16th, it was time to say goodbye. From the hotel, we could look directly at the airport. We had arrived to make a contribution with our donation and our plans. But as I boarded the plane now, I felt that we ourselves were taking away far more than we had given. I took with me not only memories of the mighty mountains and venerable monasteries, but the feeling of a deep connection with our travel group and the people in Bhutan. I return with much inspiration and a heart full of gratitude for the blessing I was allowed to experience in this country.
The highest point of the leg: The Dochu La pass at 3,100 meters
By Gongjue Tuji
With many impressions from Thimphu and a feeling of gratitude, we continued our pilgrimage. Before leaving the busy capital behind for good to drive deeper into the mountains, however, we spent another day in its surroundings. After all, Bhutan is not only defined by its holy temples and deeply rooted Buddhism. The landscape itself also holds enormous power. We were looking forward to traveling to places where the country’s history and the powerful nature form a very special unity.
Semtokha Dzong: The Palace of Secret Mantras
On the third day, our path first led us about six kilometers south of Thimphu to Semtokha Dzong. This place also bears the meaningful name “Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang,” which translates to “Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras.”
Semtokha Dzong
Historically, this is a milestone: The Dzong was built between 1629 and 1632 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the legendary unifier of Bhutan. He introduced something completely new here, namely the combination of a monastery and an administrative center under one roof. This innovative concept worked so well that it later became the model for all other major fortresses in the country, such as in Paro or Punakha. This historical significance mixed with a very present joy on the day of our visit. Since the entire country was honoring the fourth King’s birthday, a particularly festive mood could be felt everywhere.
But something else left a deep impression on me. In the temple rooms, the distinct scent of butter lamps hung in the air. It is a very unique smell that we would encounter again and again at other places, and which for me is now inseparably linked to the atmosphere of these holy sites.
Impressions (in order): View into the courtyard, the magnificent entrance area, water bowls as offerings, the corridor with prayer wheels, myself inside, and our group on the entrance stairs.
Takin Preserve: The Creation of Drukpa Kunley
Bhutan is deeply rooted in its spiritual traditions, where the power of the Dharma also manifests in nature. We visited the Royal Preserve to see the national animal: the Takin. It is a fascinating creature, unique to the Himalayas, with an appearance that resembles a cross between a cow and a goat.
Its existence traces directly back to the miraculous activity of Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” In the 15th century, people asked him to perform a miracle to prove his realization. He requested to be served a cow and a goat. After consuming both, he placed the goat’s head upon the cow’s skeleton. With his supernatural powers, he brought this new being to life. This event stands as a powerful testament to the Master’s unconventional teaching methods and his ability to act beyond ordinary concepts.
Impressions (in order): The spacious forest area of the preserve, a resting Takin in the shade, and an animal by the stream.
Dochu La: Commemoration at the 108 Chortens
On the fourth day, we left the capital heading towards Punakha. The road led us over the Dochu La, a pass at an altitude of about 3,100 meters. Although a few clouds obscured the view of the very big ice giants of the Himalayas, gaps opened up again and again, through which we could see the snow-covered peaks.
The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens against the backdrop of the Himalayas
Up on the pass stand the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. They are an important place of remembrance. They were not built to celebrate a military victory in 2003, but to commemorate the fallen. It is characteristic of the culture here that triumph is not put in the foreground, but rather compassion and remembrance.
Chimi Lhakhang: The Legacy of Drukpa Kunley
In the Punakha district, the legacy of the “Divine Madman,” Drukpa Kunley, is ever-present. Even in the surrounding villages, we noticed the many houses painted with phallic symbols. What may initially seem unusual to foreign eyes is regarded here as a powerful symbol of protection.
View into the Punakha Valley
Our next destination was Chimi Lhakhang. The path there leads very picturesquely right through green rice fields. The temple itself stands exactly at the spot where the great master Drukpa Kunley manifested his power to subdue a demon that had taken the form of a dog. He did so with his “flaming thunderbolt of wisdom.” This also explains the paintings on the houses, as they represent this victorious thunderbolt. At the place of this subjugation, a small black stupa still stands today. Also, statues of the master can often be recognized by a dog lying at his feet. Today, the place is mainly known as the Temple of Fertility, to which couples from all over the world make pilgrimages. We used the peaceful atmosphere there to chant together under a large Bodhi tree in front of the temple.
Impressionen (der Reihe nach): Der Chimi Lhakhang Tempel mit der schwarzen Stupa, eine schlafende Tempelkatze, junge Mönche beim Üben der Dharma-Instrumente und unsere Gruppe beim gemeinsamen Chanten unter dem großen Bodhi-Baum.
Punakha Dzong: Palace of Great Bliss
Afterwards, we continued to Punakha Dzong. It is situated very picturesquely right where the Pho Chhu (Father River) and the Mo Chhu (Mother River) meet. Its full name is Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, which translates to “Palace of Great Happiness.” The building is not only huge but also historically of enormous importance. It was built as early as 1637 and for a long time formed the center of the then winter capital Punakha.
Punakha Dzong
Even today, the monastic community moves here during the cold months. Moreover, it is a historic place for the monarchy, as the first King of Bhutan was crowned here in 1907. Inside rest the mortal remains of the state founder Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. However, this area is strictly protected. Only the King and the Je Khenpo, as well as two guardian lamas, are allowed to enter the room with the relics.
Impressions (in order): Conversations in front of white walls, roosters on the intricate roof ledge, and the entrance to the sacred temple area (Machen Lhakhang), where the relics of the state founder are kept.
Wangdue Phodrang: Rebuilding a Landmark
In the morning of the next day, we stopped at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. This place has a moving history. It was founded in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal under the auspicious name “Palace of the Four Cardinal Directions.” It sits strategically on a ridge that resembles a sleeping elephant and overlooks the confluence of two rivers.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
For a long time, it was considered the only Dzong that had never fallen victim to a fire in its almost 400-year history. But on June 24, 2012, fate struck: A technical defect triggered a fire in the early morning, and fueled by strong winds, the proud fortress burned out completely within a few hours.
But what we saw was not a place of mourning, but of hope. The reconstruction, which began in 2014, is an impressive testament to Bhutanese unity, but also to the deep friendship with neighboring India. Through close cooperation and generous support from India, this massive project could be realized. It wonderfully shows how modern engineering and cross-border solidarity are used not only to preserve traditional culture but to literally let it rise anew from the ashes.
Impressions (in order): Intricate carvings at the portal, colorful wall murals of guardian deities, the spacious courtyard, a monk at the staircase, and our group photo in front of the Dzong.
Drive through the Black Mountains
With this image of a new beginning in mind, we continued our journey towards the Phobjikha Valley. The drive was scenically very impressive. Our bus wound its way up the Black Mountains curve after curve. We had perfect weather. The sun was shining and allowed us a clear view that reached further with every meter of altitude. The road snaked along the partly steep mountain slopes in tight serpentines until we crossed the pass and finally drove down into the valley.
Phobjikha Valley: Winter Home of the Black-Necked Cranes
The Phobjikha Valley is a very special retreat. It serves as the wintering ground for the rare Black-necked Cranes from Tibet. There is a nice observation about this. When the birds arrive, they circle the local Gangtey Monastery three times. And apparently, they do the same when they leave again. Even the animals seem to have a connection to the Dharma here. We were lucky and some of us saw the first cranes that had already arrived.
Phobjikha-Tal
Our lunch was organized for us in an open field right in front of Khewang Lhakhang. We enjoyed it with a wide view into the valley. Afterwards, we visited the temple itself. Inside are still the original statues, which at a good 500 years old are as ancient as the building itself. One of these statues is particularly well-known, as it is said to have spoken twice already.
Khewang Lhakhang
I especially remember the story that’s connected to this place: A demon had taken the form of a young woman to deceive a young man. When the man died, the demon wanted to bring the body into the temple. But the Buddha statue spoke and denied him entry. The demon had to move on and was finally defeated by the deceased’s real girlfriend. A small stupa still stands at this spot today. Such events are not just fairy tales here; they are part of the living spiritual landscape.
Gangtey Goenpa: Spiritual Center of the Nyingmapa
The crowning conclusion of this day was Gangtey Goenpa. It sits on a ridge above the valley and is far more than just a beautiful building. It is the largest and most important Nyingmapa monastery in western central Bhutan and is considered the spiritual heart of the entire region.
The history of this place goes back a long way and begins with a vision. The great “Treasure Finder” (Terton) Pema Lingpa visited the valley in the late 15th century. He looked at the ridge and prophesied that one of his descendants would build a monastery there one day. This prophecy was fulfilled in 1613 when his grandson Rigdzin Pema Thinley founded the monastery.
Gangtey Goenpa
Architecturally, it is fascinating. At first glance, it looks like a Dzong, meaning one of the mighty fortresses we had seen before. But if you look closely, you notice a crucial difference. The military elements are missing. There are no arrow slits and no defensive walls. It was designed purely as a place of peace and practice. I was particularly impressed by the elaborate wood carvings visible everywhere, testifying to the high level of craftsmanship.
Impressions (in order): Wall mural of Dharmapala Gyalpo Pehar in the entrance area, the view up to the intricate wooden architecture, and the sunny courtyard.
Today, the monastery is a very lively place and acts as the seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition as well as the seat of the master’s ninth reincarnation. About 140 monks live here. Together with the nearby Shedra, the Buddhist college, they ensure that the teaching is not only preserved here but actively studied and lived.
I had a special experience inside the temple. We had gone in to pay our respects to the Buddhas and chant together. Scarcely had we entered the hall when the power went out and it became pitch dark instantly. In the light of our phones, we looked for a place to sit. For about ten minutes, we chanted in this darkness, illuminated only by the faint flickering of a few butter lamps. That created a very unique mood. Suddenly the light came back on. Only at that moment did I see what was directly on the wall opposite me. My gaze fell on a beautiful mural of the 21 Taras. That was an unexpected and deeply moving moment for me.
Actually, we had a specific hope in our hearts for our return to Thimphu and Paro: We wanted to try to get an audience with the King. But as so often in life, plans do not always go in a straight line. Karmic conditions had intended another encounter for us, which we had not expected in this way.
I will tell you about that and our ascent to the famous Tiger’s Nest in the next part.
About Author: Gongjue Tuji
As a committed Buddhist and initiator of the Xuanfa Dharmazentrum, Gongjue Tuji has made it his mission to help other people integrate the teachings of Buddhism into their daily lives. In this blog, he regularly provides insights into his experiences, current news and highlights fascinating aspects of the Buddha-Dharma.
In November 2025, I went on a very special trip. Together with 66 Dharma brothers and sisters, I set off for Bhutan. Being the only German in this group from the USA, China, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka, I felt at home right away. We were a wonderful mix of monks, nuns, Rinpoches, and lay Buddhists. We all met in Thailand first to travel on to Paro together.
Our goal was more than just a visit. We came to honor the holy sites of this country and to dive into Bhutan’s deep-rooted Buddhist tradition. Of course, we were also excited to get to know the land and its people. Dedicated members of our group took care of the entire organization. Thanks to their excellent planning and the great local guides, everything ran smoothly. We also owe the fact that this trip was possible in this special way to the Venerable Dr. Chandima from Sri Lanka. Through his personal connections to the Kingdom of Bhutan, doors opened for us that might otherwise have remained closed. Having the Venerable Master Shi Zheng Da with us was also especially valuable.
We brought two matters close to our hearts with us. First, it was important to us not to arrive empty-handed. We had collected donations within the group to directly support the hospital in Thimphu and the expectant mothers there. Second, it was our spiritual mission to represent the Buddha Dharma as we learned it from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Connected to this was the wish to share news of the “Holy Heavenly Lake Buddhist Town” project, which is planned to provide space for over 30 Buddhist centers from all over the world.
Arrival in Paro & the Journey to Thimphu
We landed in Paro on November 9th. From there, we took a bus about 40 kilometers through the valley to Thimphu. What I noticed immediately was that the entire road was decorated with five-colored banners. Our guide told us that this was the welcome greeting for the international guests of the “Global Peace Prayer Festival.”
Five-colored flags and pennants along the route
Thimphu itself was incredibly busy. Several events were happening at once: alongside the festival and the King’s upcoming birthday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also expected for a state visit. You have to know that Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Despite the crowds and the resulting traffic chaos, everyone remained calm. No one pushed, and people were patient and respectful. This relaxed attitude really impressed me.
National Memorial Chorten: The Spiritual Heart of Thimphu
After checking into our first hotel, we visited the National Memorial Chorten. This is a large, white stupa in the middle of the city, built in 1974 for the third King. For the locals, this is an important place in everyday life. Many go there to walk around the stupa and spin the prayer wheels.
As at all holy sites, photography is not allowed inside. A simple rule applies: as soon as the shoes come off, the camera stays off. This allowed us to soak in the atmosphere without any distractions. The interior houses larger-than-life statues of wrathful deities in Yab-Yum posture and murals of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), Shakyamuni Buddha, and Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. Colorful sculptures stand in all four directions. There are also mandalas, shrines for the third King, and images of Vajrakilaya.
Impressions (in order): The white Memorial Chorten, pilgrims at the prayer wheels, the sea of lights from the butter lamps, believers performing prostrations, and our group in front of the stupa.
Our group took the opportunity to chant on the square in front of the stupa, led by the Venerable Master Shi Zheng Da. It was a beautiful experience to do this at such a place.
Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar: Traditional Arts and Crafts
In the evening, I took the chance to stroll along Norzin Lam. That is where the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar is located, which you enter through a distinct red gate. Behind it, many small huts are lined up where local artisans display their goods. There was really a lot to discover. Besides handmade textiles, jewelry, wood carvings, and thangkas, you can also find nice souvenirs to remember the trip by.
Entrance to the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar
Global Peace Prayer Festival: Shared Prayers for Peace
November 10th was all about the Global Peace Prayer Festival. Since the stadium was within walking distance of our hotel, we went there on foot. Even on the street, we could feel how many people were flocking to this event. Once inside the stadium, we showed our respect through prostrations before the Venerables present. Afterwards, we were given a spot on the side where we could join in the peace prayers.
From there, we watched the program on the main stage, where various Buddhist traditions took turns with their recitations. Between the prayer sessions, there were traditional dances and songs. I was deeply impressed by how many people came together there peacefully. It was simply a good feeling to be right there among them.
Buddha Dordenma: The Golden Statue Above the Valley
After noon, we continued to the Buddha Dordenma statue in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. This is an impressive, 51-meter-high statue of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha. It is made of bronze and completely gilded. By the way, it was built to celebrate the 60th birthday of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Buddha Dordenma Statue
Inside the building beneath the statue, there are over 100,000 small Buddhas, also made of bronze and gold. Every single one was donated. There is also a large meditation hall with many more beautiful Buddha statues. Various relics are kept in these rooms, which we were allowed to see during our visit.
Impressions of the Buddha Dordenma statue: The gigantic seated statue in side view, ritual structures featuring traditional thread crosses (Namkha/Mdos) on the plaza, the view up to the Buddha’s face, a relief of a blue elephant on the golden base, and the view over the square featuring golden Dakini statues.
What made this visit special was not just the statue itself. Right there, the conclusion of the Jabshi Gyap ritual was taking place. This is a major, multi-day ceremony intended to purify negative karma and bring healing. Thousands of devotees, monks, and Rinpoches were gathered. We learned that this ritual was done specifically for world peace. It was our good fortune that we could be there at exactly that moment.
A Matter of the Heart: Support for Expectant Mothers
We had collected money in advance to support 500 expectant mothers with care packages. For this reason, we gathered at the end of the day for a ceremonial handover at the hospital in Thimphu.
Handing over the donation at the hospital
In addition to our travel group, hospital staff, the Secretary to the Health Minister, and some mothers also took part. We had the opportunity to personally hand over the first packages to the mothers present.
With that, the first days in the capital were over. Next, the journey would take us out of the city, to ancient Dzongs and into nature.
Recently, I watched a short video that stayed with me far longer than I expected.
The scene took place in a small shop in Pakistan. A robber walked in, grabbed money and a phone, and prepared to leave. Sitting beside the shop owner was a little girl. She looked at the robber calmly, without screaming or hiding, and gently offered him the lollipop she was holding.
For a brief moment, everything seemed to stop.
The robber froze. He looked at the child, then slowly put the money and phone back down. Before leaving, he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.
I don’t know whether the girl acted out of fear, nervousness, or pure instinct. But her simple, innocent gesture touched something deeply human in him. Perhaps, in that fleeting moment, his life took a different turn.
What moved me most was this realization: Even those who appear hardened or dangerous may still carry a seed of kindness within them. And sometimes, it only takes the smallest act to awaken it.
A single lollipop opened a door in the human heart.
Lately, I’ve been noticing more and more of these quiet sparks of goodness appearing around the world.
In the United States, a group of Buddhist monks has been walking on foot, praying for peace. Without slogans or confrontation, they offer presence, humility, and sincerity. Their journey has inspired many people to reflect on peace in a deeper way, and countless strangers have stepped forward to support them.
Guided by the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, and with deep respect for the great mercy and loving-kindness through which Buddhas and Bodhisattvas benefit all living beings, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (W.B.A.H.), Holy Miracles Temple (at Pasadena CA) and Sanger Mission sincerely to carry out Charitable Acts to Benefit Our Community Together: 2026 Food and Goods Drive, to collectively plant goodness. All donations will be sent to support local food banks, homeless shelters, and animal shelters in the Los Angeles area.
I also read about Jon Stewart, who announced an extraordinary donation of $116 million to help address homelessness across the United States—providing housing and dignity to people who have long been forgotten by society. It was a reminder that compassion, when paired with courage, can bring real and lasting change.
And then there is the story that expanded my sense of hope even further.
Johan Eliasch, a Swedish billionaire, acquired approximately 400,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest by purchasing the company that held its logging rights. Instead of continuing operations for profit, he immediately halted all logging activities.
Just like that, the chainsaws stopped.
That vast stretch of forest was allowed to remain intact—continuing to absorb carbon, protect biodiversity, and sustain one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. His action demonstrated something profound: that private ownership, when guided by conscience, can become a powerful force for environmental protection.
This act of kindness may not be immediately seen by everyone, yet it will have a profound impact on the Earth’s ecological balance—and it is, in its own quiet way, safeguarding a future our children and grandchildren will still be able to breathe in.
From a child offering a lollipop… to a monk walking for peace… to a philanthropist sheltering the homeless… to a forest saved from destruction—
These acts may differ in scale, but they arise from the same source: the human longing to protect, to heal, and to do what is right.
In Buddhist teachings, compassion is not passive emotion—it is action. It is wisdom expressed through kindness.
As a new year begins, I sincerely hope we will witness more of these compassionate and righteous choices—choices that quietly warm the world.
May we walk together, letting kindness extinguish the fires of war, allowing love to dissolve hatred and conflict, and using compassion to heal sorrow, fear, and pain.
The world does not change all at once. But every gentle act—no matter how small—adds light.
And sometimes, that light begins with something as simple as a child’s open hand.
The Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, who are undertaking a 2,300 mile pilgrimage of Walk for Peace, arrive for a welcome ceremony at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images
In a world that often feels rushed, divided, and relentlessly loud, there is something quietly revolutionary about the act of walking.
Recently, a group of Buddhist monks began a long, demanding pilgrimage across the United States. Their mission is simple yet profound: to promote peace. Their journey began in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26. Since then, they have faced the literal “wear and tear” of the road, including a harrowing incident where two monks were injured after a truck struck their escort vehicle.
Yet, they did not stop.
With perseverance and a calm, unshakable resolve, the group of two dozen monks has reached Georgia. They are still moving, one step at a time, toward their final destination in Washington, D.C. Their pace is slow, deliberate, and intentional—and that may be exactly what our world needs right now.
Buddhism has a long history of “engaged mindfulness”—the idea that compassion isn’t just felt in meditation, but lived in the world. These monks are not just praying for peace; they are embodying it.
As they navigate highways and back roads, they offer a living reminder that peace isn’t a destination we reach once and for all. It is a practice. It is something we choose moment by moment, breath by breath, step by step.
Watching their progress brings me back to a book I read nearly 30 years ago: Peace Pilgrim.
I remember being deeply moved by her story—how she walked across countries carrying almost nothing, guided by the conviction that peace begins within the individual. At the time, I wished I could have met her in person, just to thank her for the way her simplicity and courage planted a seed in my heart.
Though she is gone, her spirit feels remarkably present today. I see her legacy in the orange robes of these monks as they crest the hills of the American South.
Monks rest at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
Igniting Kindness, One Heart at a Time
There is something profoundly moving about a walking pilgrimage in the age of instant communication. There are no hashtags here. No viral outrage. Just human beings placing one foot in front of the other, trusting that their presence alone can soften the world.
And it works.
Along the way, the “ordinary” world reacts. Drivers slow down. Strangers stop to ask questions. People offer water, a meal, or a simple smile. In these small, unscripted exchanges, something gentle is awakened. We are reminded that beneath our political and social differences, we all share a basic human longing for safety, understanding, and harmony.
The monks may be the ones doing the walking, but the kindness they ignite along the way belongs to all of us. As they recently shared on their Facebook page:
“We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness, whose daily life has become a garden where understanding grows.”
A group of Buddhist Monks and several hundred local community members take part in the Walk for Peace in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday December 23, 2025. The Monks are walking from Texas to Washington, D.C. to promote peace and compassion.
Most of us cannot drop everything to walk across a continent. But all of us can “walk for peace” in the geography of our own lives.
We can pause before we react in anger.
We can choose compassion over the reflex of judgment.
We can listen more deeply than we speak.
Watching these monks continue their journey despite injury and uncertainty reminds me that peace isn’t achieved through grand, sweeping gestures. It is built patiently through humility and love.
Step by step.
May their walk remind us to slow down, to soften our hearts, and to keep moving—together—toward a more peaceful world.
Peace LiLy 