Buddhist sights in Nógrád county: Treasures of the Far East at arm’s reach

This small village of Nógrád county is like a small “island”: the island of love imbued with peace. Despite its small size, Garáb holds the world’s largest singing bowl: the sound therapy device called Samsara has a diameter of 2.5 metres, and it is located in a fabulous memorial garden. In the garden peacocks, turtles and imposing statues delight visitors, including a gigantic, four-ton, gilded statue of Buddha. On the top of the hill, softly waving prayer flags invite one to the glass-walled meditation centre. No matter what you believe in, this place will fill you with positive energies – in a split second. Give yourself over to the radiating peace of the hall, beautifully coloured red and gold, sit down on the floor or lie in the huge singing bowl and enjoy the beneficial vibrations with your whole body!

Not far from Garáb, another amazing Buddhist park awaits us, the Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Memorial Park, named after the Hungarian Tibetologist who was considered enlightened. The Peace Stupa, with snow-white walls and a gilded dome, also stands here: one of its curiosities is that it’s preserving a pearl from the earthly remnants of the Buddha.

Do you know what a stupa is and what is it good for?


Stupas are built to counteract destructive forces (such as wars, illnesses, anger and greed). These majestic buildings symbolise the enlightened spirit – that’s why they have such a form: they symbolise the soul’s path up, towards enlightenment. You can enter such a stupa in the village of Tar, where you can get a glimpse of the altar, shining in bright colours, and the prayer mill that rotates a one-ton roll of paper containing Buddha’s teachings day and night without stopping. In this fabulous park, you can admire another shrine as well: Temple of the Saviour Mother Buddha was built to honour universal female power and for the happiness of all beings. Next to the temple, built in the ancient Hun architectural style, it’s possible to visit a Tibetan-atmosphere teahouse, where hand-painted Buddhist accessories and delicious Tibetan, Indian, Nepali and Chinese tea and coffee offer an intimate traditional atmosphere.

Becske is worth visiting in our Hungarian “Far East trip”. Here, the Stupa of Enlightenment standing on Slug Hill provides a pleasant opportunity for peaceful contemplation and meditation. Just like the stupa at Tar, this building has snow-white walls and a gilded dome, and it wants to make its visitors aware that the opportunity for personal development is in everyone: inner perfection is our own ability. Slowly walk around the stupa and try to meditate next to it! If you prefer not to meditate, no problem: looking at the building in itself will have a positive effect on you. Enjoy the present and live in the moment: you’ll see, you’ll be easily recharged here!