Located in Kathmandu, Nepal, the Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Commonly known as the Monkey Temple for the hundreds of monkeys living on the hills surrounding the temple, the Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a mound-like structure of meditation containing relics, and a variety of shrines and temples. In front of the west entrance, many people throw coins as a wish into the World Peace Pond, which bears the inscription: May Peace Prevail on Earth.
The Monkey Temple
A marketplace,
the moneychangers sit,
old women beside their mats—
a checkerboard of mini mounds of coins.
Tourists toss the tarnished tokens,
aiming towards the metal tin
resting at the Buddha’s feet
in the pond of peace.
They mostly miss,
change chucked into the pool,
bath toys for the monkeys.