8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 1
Dear readers,
Buddhism is not only an established religion, but also a way of life. Buddhists visit temples and sacred places to obtain blessings, look within themselves and be inspired by their potential to gain higher realisations. Sacred Buddhist sites are typically places where highly realised beings were born, turned the Wheel of Dharma (which means to teach the Buddhist teachings), engaged in extensive retreats, attained enlightenment, or entered Mahaparinirvana when an enlightened being leaves their physical body). They can also be places where enlightened beings are known to reside, for example Wu Tai Shan, which is known as the abode of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
Buddha Gautama, more commonly known as Buddha Shakyamuni, is said to have identified four most worthy pilgrimage sites for his followers. He indicated that in these places, practitioners will be inspired on their spiritual path:
- Lumbini – the birthplace of Prince Siddharta Gautama who would later be known as Buddha Shakyamuni
- Bodh Gaya – the place where Prince Siddharta Gautama reached enlightenment
- Sarnath – the place where Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time
- Kushinagar – the place where Buddha Shakyamuni entered Parinirvana
In addition to the four holy places mentioned above, many countries that are predominantly Buddhists or who have a rich Buddhist history have very remarkable pilgrimage sites. I hope by visiting these places, people will be inspired to the spiritual path and gain realisation. Through this article, I would like to share with all of you just eight of these sites.
Tsem Rinpoche and Novka Kuaranita
1. LUMBINI, NEPAL
Lumbini, the birth place of Prince Siddharta Gautama
Lumbini is the place where Prince Siddharta Gautama was born in 563 BCE. One day, the pregnant Queen Mayadevi, the wife of King Suddhodana of Kapilavastu, was enjoying the marvelous landscape of Lumbini when she suddenly felt labour pains. She held on to a branch of a sal tree and gave birth to a baby, Prince Siddharta Gautama. This historical moment can be seen in a depiction of the event on a bas-relief in Lumbini.
The Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini
The Ashokan Pillar
The holy site of Lumbini is surrounded by many monasteries. On its east side there are Theravadan monasteries and on its west side, Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries. In addition to the monasteries of various Buddhist traditions, Lumbini is known for its sacred Bodhi tree, Mayadevi Temple, an Ashokan pillar and an ancient bathing pond. This beautiful archaeological site is also a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.
Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, the scenery around Lumbini is breathtaking. Undoubtedly this place has become a very strong magnet for countless pilgrims and also nature lovers.
How to get there?
Lumbini is about 300 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu. From Kathmandu or other major cities, visitors can take buses or flights to Siddharthanagar (previously known as Bhairawa), which is approximately 22 kilometers from Lumbini. Getting to Lumbini from Siddharthanagar is relatively easy as there are many transportation services available.
Nepali visa requirements
To obtain tourist visas to visit Nepal, you can apply for a visa in the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence prior to your visit. Alternatively you can also purchase a tourist visa upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu or if travelling by land, at border entry points such as Kakarvitta, Jhapa District.
2. BODH GAYA, INDIA
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is an important site relating to Prince Siddharta Gautama’s journey to attain Buddhahood. This is the place where he attained supreme Enlightenment. Before moving to Bodh Gaya, he had been practising austerities for six years with five other ascetics at the banks of the Nairanjana River. However, he did not obtain the results he was hoping for through his self-imposed suffering. Therefore, he abandoned that place and the austere ascetic practices.
The great Buddha Shakyamuni statue in Bodh Gaya
Upon leaving the banks of the Nairanjana River, Siddharta Gautama met a Brahmin girl who offered him rice-milk and a grass-cutter who gave him the gift of kusha grass to use as his meditation mat. Then, under a pipal (Ficus religiosa) tree, Gautama sat cross-legged and entered deep meditation. During the course of that night, he attained full enlightenment and reached Buddhahood. Enlightenment is the state of being in which one has purified all negative karma that leads to suffering and uncontrolled rebirth within the Six Realms of existence. It is free of all delusion (e.g. ignorance, attachment and anger), in which one realises the true nature of existence, and is marked by Bodhicitta (ultimate compassion) and the understanding of Shunyata (the empty nature of all phenomena).
Buddha Shakyamuni statue at the Mahabodhi Temple
The pipal tree became known as the Bodhi (enlightenment) tree. The Bodhi tree which flourishes inside Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple complex is the most sacred spot for Buddhists. In addition, there are many monasteries and temples in that area.
Usually, from November to March Tibetan pilgrims come down from Dharamsala and other Tibetan settlements in India to visit Bodh Gaya. The high season is from December to January. This is also the period when His Holiness the Dalai Lama often visits the site.
How to get there?
The nearest airport is Gaya, approximately of 17 kilometers distance from Bodh Gaya. There is a road that connects Gaya to the town of Bodh Gaya. The second nearest airport after Gaya is Patna, about 135 kilometers away from Bodh Gaya. There are tourist organisations that operate bus services from Patna to Bodh Gaya. Apart from Patna, bus services are also available from Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi and Kathmandu.
If you want to take a train, the nearest station is Gaya Junction, 13 kilometers away from Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is well-connected to other major Indian cities through the railway network. Once you arrive at Gaya Junction railway station, you can reach the holy town by using a local taxi.
India visa requirements
To enter India, foreign nationals are required to possess a valid international travel document (i.e. passport) with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Embassy or Consulate before travelling to India. Currently, the Indian government offers two types of visas for tourists, a traditional tourist visa or an electronically issued e-tourist visa.
3. SARNATH, INDIA
Chaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath
Sarnath is the place where Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time after attaining enlightenment. The main reason Buddha Shakyamuni traveled from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath was to find his former companions, the ascetics who practised austerities with him. He found these men and preached his first discourse to them in the deer park there. As a result, these men also became enlightened. It also marks the founding of the first community of monks, known as the Sangha.
The ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery near Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath
In Sarnath, Buddha Shakyamuni taught the Four Noble Truths: suffering exists, suffering has its causes, there is an end to suffering and the way out of suffering is to practise the Dharma. Buddha Shakyamuni also prescribed the Eight-Fold Path to remove the causes of suffering:
- The Wisdom Group – right view and right resolve
- The Moral Virtues Group – right speech, right action and right livelihood
- The Meditation Group – right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration
Dhamekha Stupa
Several Buddhist structures were built in Sarnath between the 3rd Century BCE and the 11th Century CE. The museums and temples in Sarnath are all within walking distance from one another. Pilgrims and visitors should not miss visiting the most impressive structure in Sarnath: Dhamekha Stupa, the great stupa to commemorate the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma to Buddha Shakyamuni’s first five disciples. Many devoted Buddhists circumambulate the structure. Visitors can also visit Chaukhandi, the monuments to mark the meeting of Lord Buddha with his five former companions, the Ashokan Pillar that contains the edicts of King Ashoka, the monasteries and the Digambar Jain temple, the temple that depicts the life of Lord Mahavira.
The Ashokan Pillar
How to get there?
Sarnath is located 12 kilometers from the holy Hindu city of Varanasi where many transportation services are available. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or Varanasi International Airport is located 24 kilometers from Varanasi and 29 kilometers from Sarnath.
The nearest major railway station is Varanasi Cantt, which is connected to most major cities in India. Long-distance buses usually arrive at the station situated across from Varanasi Cantt. From this station, you can either transfer using a local bus to Sarnath or take a taxi or rickshaw.
India visa requirements
To enter India, foreign nationals are required to possess a valid international travel document (i.e. passport) with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Embassy or Consulate before travelling to India. Currently, the Indian government offers two types of visas for tourists, a traditional tourist visa or an electronically issued e-tourist visa.
4. SRAVASTI, INDIA
Sravasti is the place where Buddha spent much of his monastic life, gave discourses and engaged in debates. He also began to perform a series of miracles to convince non-believers in this place. One of his most compelling miracles is when he levitated on a 1000-petalled lotus, caused flames to flare up from his shoulders and water to pour down from his feet. He then multiplied himself into an infinite number of manifestations.
There are some attractions for both pilgrims and tourists in Sravasti. Many devotees meditate under the Ananda Bodhi tree. There is a belief that by doing so, they will be blessed by the Buddha himself. It is said that when Jetavana hosted Buddha Shakyamuni and his disciples, Ananthapindika covered the ground of the park with gold coins. Buddha Shakyamuni used these coins to build a vihara (monastery) in Sravasti.
Ananda Bodhi Tree
How to get there?
Lucknow is the nearest airport and located approximately 151 kilometers from Sravasti. From here, one can either choose a train, bus or taxi as a mode of transportation to reach the destination. If you want to take the train, the nearest railway station is in Balrampur.
India visa requirements
To enter India, foreign nationals are required to possess a valid international travel document (i.e. passport) with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Embassy or Consulate before travelling to India. Currently, the Indian government offers two types of visas for tourists, a traditional tourist visa or an electronically issued e-tourist visa.
For more interesting information:
- All About Manjushri / 关于文殊菩萨
- Why Visit Holy Pilgrimages?
- The birth palace of Gautam Buddha
- Bodhgaya & Vajrayogini
- Lion Capital of Asoka (Ashokmudra)
- The Ancient Buddhist World of Pakistan – Interesting!
- Fasting Buddha
- Buddha at Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya
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If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Very fortunate for me and friends to have visited these four most worthy pilgrimage sites as mentioned in this blog post. Lumbini where the birthplace of Prince Siddharta Gautama later known as Buddha Shakyamuni, Bodh Gaya the place where Prince Siddharta Gautama reached enlightenment, Sarnath the place where Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time and finally Kushinagar the place where Buddha Shakyamuni entered Parinirvana. So blessed managed to visit all these Holy places just before the lockdown because of the covid pandemic.
Thank you Rinpoche and Novka Kuaranita for this interesting sharing, so as more people be inspired to go.
Really you have explained well about 4 of 8 pilgrimage sites of Buddhism. I do think it is better to add additional some sites those are very important like Rajgriha ( now Rajgir) and Nalanda, Sankisa in Uttar Pradesh.
Thank you for listing the holy Buddhist pilgrimage sites. They were amazing, all these places had its own historical story behind. Upon looking to all the photos of the sites, I believe the strong vibration of spirituality around and the dharma practice was widely spread has Buddha’s life journey is also fascinating.
I have always been very interested in learning and experiencing different religious practices. Throughout my life I have experienced a variety of religions through people I have met. Pilgrimage also helps to express feelings of devotion and creates a relationship with the historical figures associated with the pilgrimage site.
Thank you for the wonderful sharing and hope to visit any of the holy site when the opportunity arose. I had a good read and blessed to discovered many valuable an important aspect buddhism.
this helped with by homework. thanks
Interesting and informative article on the holy Buddhist pilgrimage site. I am very grateful to Rinpoche for your blessing where a few friends and I have the opportunity to visit Lumbini early this year. The whole trip went so smoothly. And we now have the opportunity to engage in pilgrimage in Malaysia itself in Kechara Forest Retreat. Thank you Rinpoche for making it is convenient for everyone.
You must add Rajgir , Nalanda and
Kushinagar into this information sector,
You must add Kushinagar TYour also, as you have missed it here,
These Buddhist power places are holy places where the natural elemental energies are particularly pure and powerful. Is is a place where it is easy for us to become ‘whole’, and to harmonise and integrate the energy of our body and mind o the gross, subtle and very subtle levels.
To make a connection with pre energies, lands, beings and reality which is the purpose of visiting a holy place. It is just not enough to go as a tourist, we need an open heart and mind and willingness to learn in order to be able to recognise the keys to unlock into the outer and inner holy places of purity.
Pilgrimage places are power places for one to put the spark into our spiritual practices, to inspire us to be really convicted to do dharma practice and really get some results from spiritual practices.
Thank you Rinpoche and Novka Kuaranita sharing this interesting article about holy places to visit and how to go there.
By visiting these 4 important and holy places, Lumbini, BodhGaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar, may the people will be inspired to the spiritual path and gain realisation.
Very beaautiful pilgrimage sites!!.Some of the sites that got me attracted are… 4. SRAVASTI, INDIA,3. SARNATH, INDIA,1. LUMBINI, NEPAL.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these wonderful places and information for pilgrimage. 🙂 _/\_
No. This is wrong it should be –
(1) Lumbini
(2) Bodhgaya
(3) Sarnath
(4) kUSHINAGAR (PLACE OF BUDDHA PARINIBBAANA)
Wow…beautiful and informative article on these Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites .Its great to know all about these places …a must visit for all Buddhist As these places where highly realised beings were born,engaged in extensive retreats, attained enlightenment to mention a few.May more people able to visit all the holy places , be blessed and benefited. I have not been to any of these yet ,hoping in the near future.
Thank You RInpoche and Novka Kuaranita for sharing this wonderful post.
From very young age, these few holy places ( India, Tibet and Nepal ) i would like to visit for this lifetime, to do prayers and circumambulate to all the holy Buddha statues and stupas.
Thank You RInpoche and Novka Kuaranita for the excellent information.
_/\_
Thanks RInpoche and Novka Kuaranita for sharing this article about the sacred pilgrimage sites.
I really love pilgrimages no matter the trips go to which religions’ sacred sites. It’s inspiring to read about the stories and what happened at that location spots.
The 4 sites that mentioned in this post, I yet to visit Sravasti, the place were Buddha spent most of his monastic life there. I have the fortune to visit Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Sarnath. The place I feel very connected to and would like to go back if I have chance is Bodh Gaya.
After Buddha enlighten, the Buddha then spent the succeeding seven weeks at seven different spots in the vicinity meditating and considering his experience. Several specific places at the current Mahabodhi Temple relate to the traditions surrounding these seven weeks.
The place is fulled of sincere visitors from all over the world come to experience the powerful energy that Buddha left behind.
Thanks again. May I able to visit all 8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in my life _/\_
I had fortunate visited Bodhgaya twice and Sarnath at Varanasi. Both palaces are lord Buddha Shaykiamuni enlightenment place and Buddha first turn the dharma wheel. At such holy place havd blessed with enlighten being aspiration player,you felt peaceful and calm when you arrived at the holy place. H.E.Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has advised us when we visit holy palace, Is good we can do purification practices,like recite 35 confessional buddha sutra, recite Vajrasattva mantra, do prostration ,circulate stupa able to help us quickly purify our body,speech and mind negative karma.
《法华经》里说；“若人散乱心，入于塔庙中，一称南无佛，皆共成佛道。”所以只要曾经留有佛菩萨的圣迹，能力许可，身为佛教徒我们都应前往朝圣这些圣地，感悟佛菩萨足迹和教化及感受圣地的加持。
对我个人来说，能够前往印度朝圣来说比任何地方更重要一点。因为是佛陀“成佛之道”的地方，希望能完成这个心愿。
感谢这篇文章的作者提供了重要的信息和简要说明以及如何到达那里。
8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 1
It’s interesting to be able to visit the holy places especially places where the Buddha had left his imprint of his deeds. It’s such a blessing where one visited and is an inspiration for one to gain the same potential as the holy being.
It’s good for one to know the background of the holy place and we can set a great motivation before we go and also do some prayer when we are at this place. I understand many people would do meditation, retreat or even purification practice at such places for blessing and purification. It’s beneficial for our spiritual practice.
This articles gave a brief explanation of the 4 important historical info and how we can get there. Very informative and beneficial article.
Thank you for this useful article of the Holy places for pilgrimage with information of how to get there as well. I came across what Buddha had said about 4 holy places for pilgrimage and would like to share it here:
“Lord Buddha said:
Monks, after my passing away, if all the sons and daughters of good family and the faithful, so long as they live, go to the four holy places, they should go and remember: here at Lumbini the enlightened one was born; here at Bodhgaya he attained enlightenment; here at Sarnath he turned twelve wheels of Dharma; and here at Kushinagar he entered parinirvana.
Monks, after my passing away there will be activities such as circumambulation of these places and prostration to them.
Thus it should be told, for they who have faith in my deeds and awareness of their own will travel to higher states.
After my passing away, the new monks who come and ask of the doctrine should be told of these four places and advised that a pilgrimage to them will help purify their previously accumulated negative karmas, even the five heinous actions.”
Thank you
These holy spots are definetely “must visit” spots, regardless of one’s religious. These places are where a great being, Buddha Shakyamuni, borned and spent his times. Personally, I would like to visit the other great beings’ dedicated places, such as Jesus Christ, Nabi Muhammad S.A.W and more. Know more about the other religious’ history, their teachings, reasons behind doing something, has no harm, but it would create an understanding among the practitioners, especially in Malaysia, a diverse country with bunch of religions. Understanding is the key to peace.
Back to 2600 years, Buddha took rebirth in India, gave up everything, went through all the hardship, overcome all the obstacles achieved enlightenment. Because Buddha taught the holy Dharma for 40 over years, hence Buddhism exist today. Since then countless people benefited and many became enlightened. Hence we are now being able to meet our guru, H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche one of the enlightened gurus and learning Dharma from him.
All these places are extremely holy and powerful for blessings and healing because from here the holy Dharma had spread to the world. Hence it’s very beneficial and meritorious to be able to lay our hands there.
I was very fortunate to visit Lumbini with my daughter and a few Dharma brothers and sisters. It was the most meaningful and blessed trip. May I be able to visit Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Sravasti in my life to receive the blessings.
These are so holy places and a must for every Buddhist to visit. I have not yet been at any of these places but they are for sure on my list. I rejoice for the beautiful pictures and the many details and information to find it easy to organise one’s trip.
Buddha’s life story is very inspiring and together with being at the same place and doing meditation and aspirational prayers is very meritorious.
Thank you Novka Kuaranita for the article and thank You Rinpoche for giving us Dharma and providing this blog so that we can improve and improve the life of others.
I have visited Lumbini twice, once by car and the other time, by air. I would highly recommend you to take a plane unless you wish to travel 7 hours on the road. And that was in a comfortable, air conditioned car driven by a Nepalese friend. The roads in Nepal are pretty ‘interesting.’ Let’s say you don’t need to go for a massage when you travel by road in Nepal. Do not visit in summer, it is scorching hot. Lumbini is a must visit holy site.
It is the same if you plan to visit Bohdgaya, not in summer or during the rainy season. I heard the place has improved a lot since my last visit, years ago. I have also visited twice. I heard from some monks who were with me on my first visit that Bihar, the state where Bohdgaya is in, was notorious for bandits in the olden times. But not now anymore. Bohdgaya must be added into your bucket list if it still is not.
Thank you Novka Kuaranita for such an informative post. Especially the traveling tips for people who would like to visit, like myself.
I must say, it’s a must to visit the places mentioned above at least once in this lifetime. To be able to go there to make strong aspirations, circumambulate, meditate, prostration and most of all, to get the blessings.
The places look so inviting and peaceful in the photos. And I am sure it is more beautiful if one is there physically.
We are lucky that these places are well maintained and preserved after so many years. It is such an inspiration for many who are on their spiritual path.
We are so blessed that we have Kechara Forest Retreat in Malaysia (http://retreat.kechara.com) to also do meditation, prostrations, circumambulations and many more.
May all these spiritual places be well preserved and grow for many generations to come.
Whether one is a believer or not, most people cannot deny the powerful presence and pull of historical sacred places of pilgrimage. These places seem to contain a certain energy that remained from the presence of a holy being or from the occurrence of an incident of holy nature such as Buddha achieving Enlightenment. Some people believe that visiting these sacred places can deepen one’s faith, others believe it can trigger a person’s imprint and open up certain karmic seeds that are beneficial towards one’s spiritual path.
Thank you Novka Kuaranita and Rinpoche for sharing the important details about the holy Buddhist pilgrimage sites at Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Sravasti. These information are very helpful for those pilgrims who have yet to visit the holy places. The background of each holy site is clearly described to give us the profound insights of Buddha’s teachings and historical events happened during Buddha’s time.
May many people able to visit all the holy places and receive the blessings from Buddha to gain spiritual attainments and develop stronger aspirations to work more for Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving us so much opportunities to learn the Dharma and Buddha’s teachings through the Dharma works carried out by Rinpoche. May Rinpoche lives long with stable health to continue to turn the wheel of Dharma to benefit many sentient beings. With the Dharma teachings continue to exist, more sentient beings can be saved from samsara.
Thank you Novka Kuaranita and Rinpoche for sharing the important details about the holy Buddhist pilgrimage sites at Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Sravasti. These information are very helpful for those pilgrims who have yet to visit the holy places.
May many people able to visit all the holy places and receive the blessings from Buddha to gain spiritual attainments and develop stronger aspirations to work more for Dharma.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving us so much opportunities to learn the Dharma and Buddha’s teachings through the Dharma works carried out by Rinpoche. May Rinpoche lives long with stable health to continue to turn the wheel of Dharma to benefit many sentient beings. With the Dharma teachings continue to exist, more sentient beings can be saved from samsara.
Thank you with folded hands,
kin hoe
From this post, I learnt that Buddhists visit temples and sacred places to
1) obtain blessings
2) look within themselves
3) be inspired by their potential to gain higher realisations.
Four most worthy pilgrimage sites for Buddhists where Buddha indicated that practitioners will be inspired on their own spiritual path when visiting these places:
* Lumbini – the birthplace of Prince Siddharta Gautama who would later be known as Buddha Shakyamuni
* Bodh Gaya – the place where Prince Siddharta Gautama reached enlightenment
* Sarnath – the place where Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time
* Kushinagar – the place where Buddha Shakyamuni entered Parinirvana
Another worthy mention is Wu Tai Shan, Manjushri’s abode in China.
Thank you for sharing this, Rinpoche. May I be able to make a trip to all these places one day soon.
Wow! These sites are a wonder to visit for Buddhist and none Buddhist alike! Lots of history and they are very beautiful.
As Buddhists, these are places that inspires our practice and places of positive energy.
I visited Sarnath and Bodghaya and was AMAZING!
It is very auspicious for Buddhist to venerate holy sites where Buddha Shakyamuni was born, reached enlightenment, first turned the wheel of Dharma and entered Parinirvana. These four holy sites are important because Buddhism practitioners can make connection with Buddha and be inspired to gain enlightenment, and attain the qualities of the Buddha. Buddhist should, if possible, at least make a trip to these holy sites in one lifetime to plant the seed for Buddha nature to ripen.
Thank you Rinpoche and Novka Kuaranita for this article.
Humbly, bowing down,
Stella Cheang
Thank you Novka Kuaranita for these Buddhist holy sites for pilgrimage. I was fortunate to have the merits to visit except for Lumbini. I personally would recommend for Buddhists if they have the opportunity, to visit and make strong aspirations as we walk the sites. The Mahabodhi Temple was especially offers such an incredible sense of peace even with so many pilgrims and activities going on.
I agree with Sock Wan and now Kechara Forest Retreat is fast becoming a place for pilgrimage, with our holy Guru and all the many holy Buddha statues around. Where an enlightened Guru lives, teaches and where dharma activities are held, it becomes holy by virtue of the merits generated within. Thanks to our Guru, H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche for providing the merit field for our practises.
There are many holy Buddhist sites around Asia where one has to visit to get the blessings. Many holy beings were here before and thus these places are full of positive energy. When we visit a holy site, we must make strong aspiration, this will help to plant a strong seed in our mind. Rinpoche explained very well in the this article why we should visit holy places. https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/nepal-pilgrimage-full-videos.html
Do you know a Lama’s resident is also a very holy site? Why? Because the works a Lama does in his residence is not secular nor mundane, they are to bring benefit to all sentient beings. It is a place full of positivity. A Lama’s organisation is like a holy Mandala, whatever work we are doing big or small, if done with the right motivation will generate merits for our spiritual practice. We are very fortunate to have Kechara in Malaysia where we can do Dharma work and progress in our spiritual practice.
Going to visit these holy places would be like walking the path of the Buddha Shakyamuni. This was his journey to enlightenment 2,500 years ago. And, these places are still around meaning to say that people revere the places and path of the Buddha.
His teachings has benefited many and that’s why people are following his teachings and paying homage to the places that he has taught. Just reading this article, has made me think about a pilgrimage to these 4 holy places.
But then again, I think, to even be able to go on these pilgrimages require merits. I remember a trip to Nepal and we tried for 2 days to get a flight to Lumbini. Unfortunately, the weather at Lumbini was such that no planes were allowed to land. So, we had to return home without visiting Lumbini.
So, now I think I better concentrate on my daily practices before even thinking of another pilgrimage. But, that does not mean that I do not aspire to it.
Thank you for sharing about these holy places. It renewed an aspiration.