I came to the lands of Nepal and India as a simple traveller following in the footsteps of many a pligrim. What I was to receive in the course of my travels by rich “experiences” was beyond my wildest dreams and imagination. My life was to “light up” as I embraced cultures which I felt a distant, ancient connection with somewhere deep within the depths of my soul. I felt like I had gone home.

I witnessed a sincerity in the people in the midst of their prayers and devotion and I could feel a deep contented happiness within all folk from the old to the very young - even in the middle of adversity and unbelievable life difficulties.
This “True Spirituality” that I felt pervading these lands is something I feel we as the Human Family need so much in our modern “global” society.

Compared to most of the Indians, Nepalese and the displaced Tibetans whom I met on my travels we live ‘comparatively’ in the lap of luxury.
The message I personally received was to return to simplicity, a
loving and caring heart, an awareness of the fragility of our planet & learning to fall in love with nature in all its glory.

With these new bountiful feelings I began to care more about the welfare of all the other “sentient beings” both animal & human - with whom I share this sacred planet. I started on a journey without, which has lead me to a journey within, to find “the Jewel in the Lotus”.

Julian Franks. July Full Moon 2004.