KATHMANDU, NEPAL NAMO BUDDHA Y2K WHITE TARA RETREAT Swayambhunath Stupa is believed to be a self arisen Stupa, many don't believe that including me initially. Lets read on and see what i have to say about this after gathering much information from persons i know and from locals too. Our compassionate guiding light who was The Very Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche praised well enough about this Stupa and we could not resist coming here during our pilgrimage after the Namo Buddha Y2K White Tara Retreat.

Picture No. 01 Our "Namo Buddha Y2K White Tara Retreat" also brought us to this place in Swayambhu as advised by Thrangu Rinpoche. This is said to be a scared and holy place of pilgrimage, and this stupa said to be self arisen. Wow, initially this scared me cause how can concreting technology evolve back few thousand years. But then after some question & answer session with the locals claiming that initially it was a tiny self arisen stupa but was then reinforce layer after layer till it was today. And to circumbulate one complete round at the foot of the stupa is a distance of around 5 km. But then we normal humans eventhough on retreat only circumbulate 3 rounds at the peak of the stupa and not the foothills. Maybe this is called devotion minus the motivation.
Picture No. 02 This picture of the stupa is taken from a close distance, aroud the stupa is where the birds hang around with the hope of being reborn to a higher realm after this act. At the stump base is where we and all others on pilgrimage or on tour circumbulate. Minimal 3 rounds is required but then the more should be merrier. Personally i did only 3, while circumbulate the first i recited the Mantra of Guru Rinpoche representing Nirmanakaya, the second i recited the mantra of Chenrezig representing Sambhogakaya and the third i recited the mantra of Amitabha representing Dharmakaya. I hope i did the right thing, you could follow suit if you find it sensible. This is applicable to all 3 stupas i circumbulate during our pilgrimage as per advise of Thrangu Rinpoche. Reasons for doing such was believed that the 3 lower realm door shall be closed.
Picture No. 03 This seems to be a very old Buddha Statue just outside of the Cave where Arya Nargajuna's head is kept. You might also wonder what was written on the white notice board, it says "Do not sit with the Buddha while taking pictures", believe it or not but its true. But then you could actually snap a picture with Buddha while you are standing beside it, its no offence doing so.
Picture No. 04 Cave where Nagarjuna's severed head is kept, it was believed that it was severed using a leaf of Kusa Grass, hope you have read of this story. This is where the head was kept till date but we have not the chance to see it as the cave walls concealed to keep its inner secrets.
Picture No. 05 Standing Buddha greets all who came to Swayambhunath Stupa, at the backdrop of the pond writes "For World Peace". The water is pump into this man made pool and is very blueish in color, maybe too much of color additives. Normally Buddha stands or sits on Lotus Pond, but then this might be a new concept for World Peace.
Picture No. 06 The one and only BIG VAJRA at the stupa. I mean real biggie one and its advisable to lean your forehead against the VAJRA to receive its wisdom blessing. I hope this is not the Vajra John have in mind.
Picture No. 07 After the Vajra then comes the bell just a few steps away, it comes in pair. One should also struck the bell thrice to awaken the wisdom nature of oneself.
Picture No. 08 Mani Wheels is abundance, one should try to turn every wheel on your path. But then you might also find some wheels vandalised and thus defect. If one has good nature, then he or she should try to repair or replace it new. But then we are short of time in doing so, maybe those who plans to go there in future might reconsider replacing around 20 of these defective wheels. Enjoy~
Picture No. 09 Mini Stupas around Nagarjuna's cave. Do not lean against or stand on any of these stupas, it's believe bad omens come onto oneself in so doing. Bad Karmas are for sure yours if you do so, therefore be cautious.
Picture No. 10 Mini Stupas around Nagarjuna's cave. Very very old and might need some cleaning, but then its still in good condition. Thanks to the Nepali Government in preventing antic theifs off its boundries unlike Ankhor Wat.
Picture No. 11 This is a new stupa located at the foot of the Grand Swayambhunath Stupa. Clean and nice and was also properly cordoned off limits to tourists.
Picture No. 12 I specifically like this stupa, the rock carving is perfectly done. Believe it or not, its made from one single piece of rock. It still stands till present day and had seen many past glory and downfall. This is a piece of many standing history of Buddhism in Nepal.
Picture No. 13 Initially John told me that someone was getting married, but then i saw no bride or groom. Maybe it was a kind of tourist attraction with compliments from local villagers or it may be a kind of music offerings to the Buddhas as i saw them going into one Buddhist monestry. This is considered a walking or wondering musical band and free music is always good.
Picture No. 14 Stupa infested by our brothers called monkey. Hundreds of Monkeys thronged this stupas  in search of compassionate Buddhist that offered them free food. Maybe they are now too dependant on compassionate pilgrims, so don't forget to bring along some food. Bananas will be great.
Picture No. 15 Mani Wheels around the Stupa Peak, few hundreds of it and don't forget to wash your hand by the time you finish your third round. If your palm is rough, you may also contribute to Mani Wheel wearing off faster than expected, i mean shortening its lifespan.
Picture No. 16 Manjushri's altar, very old and believe to be self arisen. Presumably done by the Dakinis of Nagas. Before i forget, this stupa is the Manjushri's Stupa and its also where Manjushri cut open and gorge to drain off all water with his wisdom sword. Kathmandu was previously a very big lake but then after Manjushri's cutting open the gorge, it becomes a valley known today as Kathmandu City.
Picture No. 17 Newly build mini stupas on the way up the Main Swayambhunath Stupa. Monkeys  everywhere and feeding time is anytime now, beware that these monekys snatches food from you hand. If so if you ever want to eat, don't do it here cause they are hungrier than you.
Picture No. 18 Old Temple around the Main Stupa now serve as a store room for cleaning workers maintaining the stupa compound. You may call it a waste, but then there's basically no more room for new buildings to be erected.
Picture No. 19 Our ever hungry brother enjoying life in the shed.
Picture No. 20 All retertants performing Dewachen and Merit Dedication prayer before the Manjushri Altar lead by Lama Tsewang Rabten our Drupon for the White Tara Retreat.
Picture No. 21 Kathmandu city from Swayambhunath Stupa hilltop, looks nice from afar.
Picture No. 22 Another view showing densly built houses, but once you are down there be prepare to eat dust stired by roving vehicles. Hooting and horning is part of driving skills employed by Nepalis, no horn means no driving.
Picture No. 23 Nice countryside view, most Nepali are farmers. Their farm land is always on slopes cause there is basically no flat land for them to farm on. Something like the Balinese kind of farming technique.

Finally it comes to an end, phew..... I can't believe it myself cause its all done in 3 ¹/2 hours. Hope you enjoyed the tour de Swayambhunath Stupa. All above is base on my minimal personal understanding and knowledge, there may be differences in view and i tried my best in expounding sensible thoughts for your viewing pleasure. Don't forget it's free of charge and your webmaster cum tour guide is tired now but happy that this work is finally completed due to the blessing of all Kagyu Lamas.

Yours in Dharma,
TDSPJ Webmaster
(25-Feb-2000)