Sharon’s very special trip
A while ago, Sharon’s father had a medical condition that was quite life threatening. Sharon, a loving mother, daughter and a loyal student of mine… loves her parents very much. When she heard of her father’s condition, she selflessly put all her feelings aside and only thought about how she can help he father get better.
Besides getting medical treatment, she took the Dharmic approach and requested my advice for her father. I am touched by her request, as it clearly shows both her genuine care for her parents and her genuine faith in the Dharma. Sharon has gone a long way for the Dharma, and it has not always smooth-sailing… but at times like these, we can see that her spiritual journey in Dharma is truly worth it.
In the Buddhist tradition, collecting merits through pujas or visiting sacred places will help to clear one’s obstacles to practice the Dharma. For this reason, I advised Sharon’s father to conduct a few pujas and to also go on a pilgrimage to Bodhgaya… which they happily accepted. It was the first time visiting Bodhgaya for Sharon and her family, but everything went smoothly thanks to Dato’ Ruby Khong who decided to follow them. Dato’ Ruby has been to Bodhgaya several times before.
After the trip, Sharon sent me a wonderful write up on her Bodhgaya experience with her family. I am glad that Sharon’s family was able to experience wonderful Bodhgaya and be blessed by all its holy sites. My best wishes to Sharon’s parents, may they have good health and happiness always… and to Sharon, who has shown all of us and most importantly to her wonderful son, Sean… what being filial is all about.
Tsem Rinpoche
[View the original write up here: http://sharonsaw.typepad.com/blog/2011/11/a-family-pilgrimage-to-bodhgaya.html]
A Family Pilgrimage to Bodhgaya
About six months ago, my father suffered from congenital heart failure. Distressed, I knew that aside from medical treatment, the best thing I could do for my father was to request from H.E. Tsem Rinpoche what pujas could be done to help his health. Rinpoche kindly suggested several pujas for my father, which included a pilgrimage to Bodhgaya, India! The very place where the historical Buddha Lord Shakyamuni manifested attaining Enlightenment!
I had always wanted to visit and what better purpose than to take my lovely parents. However, at that time, my dad was in ICU and I wondered how he would be able to go to India. The fact that Rinpoche recommended a pilgrimage meant that my dad would be able to go so I found it very heartening. It was also suggested that we should go towards the end of the year as the weather was better.
Finally, the pilgrimage was booked for 25th November and the week before that, my dad had water in his lungs and he was anxious whether he could travel. I assured him that I had let Rinpoche know when we were leaving and as Rinpoche did not advise us not to go, there would be no problems. My dad asked, does it work like that? I replied yes, it does. At that time, Rinpoche himself was under the weather and in Singapore for medical tests. Two days before our departure, Rinpoche sent a video message for my parents which moved me deeply. Rinpoche has so much to do and was in pain, yet he thinks only of others. While the video is quite personal, I would like to share it here because I think that it shows Rinpoche’s tremendously compassionate care.
Having visited Bangalore and Gaden Monastery in Mundgod before, I was kind of ready for Bodhgaya. However, it was my parents’ first trip to India and I was slightly concerned that they may not be ready for the very basic conditions there. My parents were in good spirits though, especially after watching the video message from Rinpoche.
We were traveling in a party of five – my friend and Dharma sister, Dato’ Ruby Khong, my parents, my son Sean and I. Dato’ Ruby is one of Rinpoche’s senior students and she is the President of Kechara Soup Kitchen, which distributes food to the homeless and urban poor in Malaysia. Despite her extremely hectic schedule, she had kindly volunteered to accompany us on this trip as she had been to Bodhgaya a few times.
On the afternoon of 25th, we arrived and settled my parents in at the hotel I had booked on the internet. The hotel, called Vishal International, was very basic and rather dirty – nothing like the photos on the internet, which was to be expected I guess. This hotel was ranked #2 on tripadvisor.com so I thought that perhaps this was the best Bodhgaya had to offer. Anyway, I settled my parents in and then Dato’ Ruby and I went to organise offerings for the next day.
We bought robes to offer to the Buddha statue at the Mahabodhi stupa and also checked out the temple. Dato’ Ruby had asked the monk at the Mahabodhi stupa for a recommendation for a restaurant and he told us to go to Niranjana. So that evening, we had dinner at Niranjana Hotel. This hotel looked cleaner so I suggested we change to that hotel. At first my mother was hesitant as she said that they had already unpacked but I told them that we were Kechara-trained and can move anywhere anytime anyhow!
So we checked into the Niranjana and left my parents there while Dato’ Ruby, Sean and I returned to our hotel to pack everything and move over. My dad later told me that he was much happier that we had changed hotel. My mom said that she thought that going on pilgrimage meant roughing it out so she hadn’t minded. I explained that we did not need to ‘suffer’ just because we are on pilgrimage and that Rinpoche would want us to make sure that our parents are comfortable. Perhaps for my dad to appreciate the Niranjana, he had to have seen Vishal! Anyway, we slept fitfully and well and early the next morning, we went to visit the Mahabodhi Temple.
The Mahabodhi Temple is a stupa which was reportedly built by King Ashoka in 3rd century BCE. The current structure has been destroyed and rebuilt and restored over the centuries. Rinpoche has also shared before that this very spot is one of the most potent power places in the world. Buddha chose this spot to attain Enlightenment for a reason. When planet earth is destroyed in the future, this will be the last spot to disappear. This spot will also be the first to appear when the world is formed again.
Sean, my parents and I at the entrance to the Mahabodhi Stupa
My parents making offerings of fruits and flowers.
The monk offering the robes to Lord Buddha on our behalf.
My dad watching the robes being offered and making prayers.
Family picture at the altar.
Close up of Buddha’s beautifully serene face.
Looking at Buddha’s footprints, which is just next to the Bodhi tree.
Buddha’s foot prints! He must have been at least 7 feet tall!
In front of the Bodhi Tree…
We then circumambulated the Stupa 21 times as suggested by Rinpoche.
After we finished circumambulating, we made prayers and dedications…
I was very surprised that my dad could walk 21 times round the stupa, albeit with short breaks to rest. At home, he has hardly been walking as he gets dizzy and is physically weak. He even said that he felt much better at Bodhgaya than he did at home in Penang. The Buddha’s blessings never fail to amaze me.
We went back to the hotel to rest for awhile then in the evening, we came back to Mahabodhi to make butterlamp offerings.
Beautiful night scene.
It was an incredible day. The weather was perfect, the conditions were all perfect. It was not too crowded and everything was simply just right. I am so appreciative of Dato’ Ruby for accompanying us making this trip so fantastically smooth (and taking many photos for us – she has a natural eye for good angles!). But what was so spectacular about this trip was the opportunity to bring my parents to one of the holiest Buddhist places in the world and that they are blessed with Dharma imprints for Enlightenment.
To visit, make offerings and circumambulate this holy site together is definitely very precious and something I didn’t think would happen if not for Rinpoche. Rinpoche has always said that bringing Dharma to our loved ones is the best way to repay their kindness. My parents have looked after me all my life and now that they are getting older, and my dad’s health is fragile, I feel that I am so fortunate that I can make a real contribution to their well being by dedicating my Dharma work and prayers to them. I am so grateful to Rinpoche everyday for bringing the Buddhadharma to my family and I.
As well as praying for my parents’ health at Bodhgaya, I also made a wish that Rinpoche’s health be stable and good, that Rinpoche’s vision for KWPC manifest and may Rinpoche live long and continue to turn the wheel of Dharma to benefit many more families like us.
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Thank you Rinpoche for sharing Sharon pilgrimage experience to Bodhgaya even though it is a old post. I could learned some knowledge from it. I wish I could make a pilgrimage there too in the near future. A visit to Mahabodhi Temple will surely on my list and making offerings as well. Wow ….having a glimpse of Buddha’s footprints will be wonderful. I will also circumambulate the Stupa, make prayers and dedication too.
Thanks again Rinpoche with folded hands .
Dear.Rinpoche and Sharon,
Thanks for sharing of your wonderful and meaningful trip to Bodhgaya. Here i wish your family members stay healthy and happy. Take good care.
Regards,
Venix
It is wonderful that Sharon was able to make the pilgrimage to Bodhgaya with her parents and her son even went along. What a great family trip.
As I write, a group of Kechara members and family (senior citizens) are on the way there for their family pilgrimage.
Thank you Rinpoche and Sharon for sharing the experience of the trip with us.
Yes, the best gift to our parents is Dharma. I have much to learn to skillfully plant Dharma seeds in my parents’ mind.
Sharon, your love and care to your family is infinite. May the merits your parents gain from the trip multiply everyday.
Dear Sharon, thank you for sharing your warmest family pilgrimage trip with us. My heart warmed by reading your pilgrimage trip. I am sure you have been traveling with your parents countless time to many countries. But I think non of them were as warm and happy as this trip. We are always fortunate enough to be able live under Rinpoche’s mandala. We are protected by our Guru’s blessings. We never fail to have Rinpoche’s blessings for our family. Rinpoche always remind us that the best way to repay our parents is to bring them dharma. My mother has been not well for many years (always weak). I should take her to Bhogaya for pilgrimage and collect merits too.
Dear Sharon, thank you for sharing your warmest family pilgrimage trip with us. My heart warmed by reading your pilgrimage trip. I am sure you have been traveling with your parents countless time to many countries. But I think non of them were as warm and happy as this trip. We are always fortunate enough to be able live under Rinpoche’s mandala. We are protected by our Guru’s blessings. We never fail to have Rinpoche’s blessings for our family. Rinpoche always remind us that the best way to repay our parents is to bring them dharma. My mother has been not well for many years (always weak). I should take her to Bodhgaya for pilgrimage and collect merits too.
How filial is Sharon to make this trip with her parents. I also wish that one day I can also go with my parents so they can plant seeds of enlightenment in them. It is interesting to know that the place where Buddha became enlightened, will be the last place to be destroyed when Earth is destroyed and the first place to emerge when Earth is formed back again.
The Saw family accumulating tremendous merits at Bodhgaya through the instruction of Rinpoche. How virtuous and fortunate they are.
Thank you for the beautiful sharing Sharon and Sean 🙂
It is wonderful!! May your family be blessed always 🙂
It is wonderful to see 3 generations in a family going for pilgrimage. Despite his health, Mr. Saw trusted Rinpoche and followed Rinpoche’s advice to visit Bodhgaya.
I have always admired Mrs. Saw since I was young and until now I still do. She is such a beautiful, elegant lady with a kind heart and even going on a pilgrimage she is meticulously groomed and still fits in to the place.
May Mr. & Mrs. Saw be blessed by the Three Jewels and may their bring spiritual journey continue in their future lives.
Thanks, Sharon for this beautiful post you share with us. I am so happy for you and your family. Your parents will be alright now. If only my parents were still around and I can take them for such holy pilgrimage together with DR and our children.
Inspite of China having a diversity of religious beliefs, Filial piety has been considered a common concern for the family, and the first virtue in Chinese culture. Filial piety as a perfect virtue is recognized extensively and accepted by all people who has compassion. It is said that the filial child’s primarily duty is considered discharged if the services of love and reverences are extended to the parents when alive, and those of grief and sorrow to them when dead; the fundemental duty of the living. Filial piety is the foundation of family’s harmony, and social stability in today’s world. As Rinpoche said, “Sharon classic example, has shown to all of us, and most importantly to her wonderful son, Sean… what being Filial is all about.”
Wow! I would like to go to Bodhgaya too, hehe 🙂 , together with parents. Very wonderful of Sharon to repay her parents kindness and her parents are blessed by the Buddha 🙂
I would really aspire to go on a pilgrimage to this holy site in Bodhgaya. Thank you Sharon for sharing your wonderful story and experience. May your parents be healthy always.
I also like Sean baby’s blog on his trip. It is so authentic!
Sharon, thanks for the sharing of your travel blog. I am really happy for you to be able to bring your parents to the holy place to collect merits and make connection for dharma practice. Rejoice !!!
Sharon, thank you for writing such a beautiful piece to share your pilgrimage in Boghgaya. You guys look like you had fun and quality time together!
From your sharing, i would state that Dharma adds so much depth in meaning to the activities we engage in. Travel is certainly not something new to many of us. However, travel with Dharma motivation creates so much more lasting significance and impact.
If we broaden this to more of our other regular activities, i have strong faith that it will cause the similar result. Example, a group of friends getting together over the weekend to do puja, Dharma study/discussion and a fun teaching video by Rinpoche can be so refreshing in addition to the usual shopping sprees, movies etc. i.e we do not have to stop our indulgences with “normal” activities but enhance our leisure time with doses of Dharma fun…combining the best of both worlds. Just like Rinpoche’s book to “be greedy”
I wish that I can bring my parents to these beautiful Dharma trip as well but I guess it will be hard as they are both non Dharma believers…yet! It was great that Sharon’s family got to enjoy such meritorious and beautiful places.
Sharon volunteers full time and is the senior writer and editor for Kechara Media & Publications and a close student of Rinpoche for more than six years. She writes very well and is a such an easy dharma sister to be with and work with.
Sharon was very concerned for her dad and made arrangements with Kechara Paradise to order statues for her dad as part of the pujas. She wanted the best for her dad for she loves him dearly, and of course, her mom too.
For Sharon to accompany her parents together with Sean and ‘tour guide’, Dato’ Ruby Khong is Sharon’s joy and fulfillment. The joy of knowing that her parents, Sean and her will be all right after this visit. The fulfillment that all of them have been to this very, very holy site in this life, made their prayers and having received the Buddha and Triple Gems’ blessing.
May Mr Saw and Mrs Saw be well and happy.
I am so happy that Sharon’s parents made the trip. Mr Saw had so much faith in Rinpoche that he not only made it to Bodhgaya but managed 21 rounds of circumambulation around the holy stupa WITHOUT any break! Sharon’s mum is a shining example of a wife and mother. If only some of us can emulate a percentage of her. She packed every single item that Mr Saw needed for the trip, saw to every detail of his needs, was constantly so gracious and caring to all of us, AND managed to find the time and energy to be so impeccably groomed everyday! WOW!
As for Sharon, I really wanted to go on this trip to assist her as I know how much she loves her parents as she always talks lovingly about them. I have known Sharon for almost 7 years and enjoyed and treasured every moment I was able to spend with her. She is ‘her mother’s daughter’, errrr except for maybe the dressing. Hehe.
At least now Mr and Mrs Saw has strong imprints of the Buddha from this pilgrimage and will be able to bring along something so precious with them to all their futures lives to continue their spiritual pursuits.
To Mr and Mrs Saw, may you both live long and healthy! To Sharon, I Love You my dear dharma sister.
Dato’ Ruby – thank you again for coming on this trip with us. It was really made much more smooth and comfortable for my parents because of you! You were one of the main persons who patiently explained about Dharma to me in my early days, together with Henry… i will always be grateful for your friendship… thank you for your love and care always – i love you too, my dear Dharma sister – we shall be at KWPC together 🙂
Whatever our Guru tells us to do i believed there must be something good and beneficial for us,therefore we must always follow instructions from our Guru.Sharon saw being one of Rinpoche’s devoted and loyal students has followed the advice of Rinpoche to bring her parents and her son Sean to Bodhgaya, India for a pilgrimage trip and it has turned out to be such a smooth and pleasant trip for them under the guidance of Dato Ruby, a long time student of Rinpoche. Thank you for sharing this holy journey with us!
Here is my side of the story:
DAY 1
Mama woke me up very early in the morning. We quickly packed our stuff into a taxi and drove off to KLIA airport.
First, we took a flight to Bangkok. We stayed in Bangkok for about 3 hours. We went shopping and before our flight, I grabbed a snack at Subway. I had a veggie patty sub. It was 165 baht. That means that if I were to convert it to ringgit it would be 16.90 MYR! That was insanely expensive. Mama had a veggie burger at Burger King. It was 211 baht, which would mean that it would have cost 21.59 MYR! The veggie patty sub was very tasty. I really liked it. The patty was made out of corn, carrot, potato and other vegetables.
After that, I met up with Ah Kong and Po Po, my grandparents. Mama showed Rinpoche’s video to them. The video was a video specially made by Rinpoche as a message to my grandparents. I was so touched.
My grandfather was smiling after the video. It was the type of smile I never seen on him for a very long time. I can’t even remember the last time he smiled like that.
After saying hi to them, we boarded the plane to India. The flight was a bit boring as I spent the whole trip playing Tetris.
Then, we landed in India. We loaded our stuff in the car. Some people helped us. They asked for money in return. It was such an annoyance.
The car was driving so freaking fast. It was dodging all the cars at the last second. I was really surprised that we did not end up in a car accident. It was such a scary experience.
Then, we reached our hotel. I did not expect much as I was in one of the poorest states of India. The hotel was called Vishar International. I went in there. The place looked clean at the time. The “restaurant” looked very simple. They gave us internet that was very stable.
Then, things went bad. My bed had bed bugs, black stains and holes. The TV was badly coloured. There was no toilet paper. My grandfather’s toilet had some plumbing problems.
During the day, Mama and Dato’ Ruby went to Mahabodhi to check it out. She came back with many robes, one of each colour. I then remembered from the video that we were going to do the offerings to the Buddha statue.
Then, a glimmer of hope. We went to a hotel called Naranjana Hotel. It was 100x better.The place was much more comfortable. The toilet was functional. Everything was better.
This is only day 1. Everyone can read the rest on my blog: http://tenzinkhenchen.blogspot.com/2011/11/india-and-bangkok.html
Eager to know more about the story of this trip, is interesting Sean !! And you wrote very well !! ^^ excited reading here =P
Dear Tenzin Khenchen,
The carloads of toys tht you donated to Agathian Shelter’s underprivileged children gave them so much joy. Thank you.
May your grandfather get well soon. _/\_