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Pilgrimage To Places Where The Buddha Lived

Before He passed into Mahaparinibbana, the Buddha advised pious disciples to visit four places that may be for their inspiration after he was gone.
They are:

• Lumbini: He was born
• Buddhagaya: He attained Supreme Enlightenment
• Deer Park in Sarnath:He preached the First Sermon
• Kusinara: He passed into Mahaparinibbana

The pious disciple should visit these places and look upon them with feelings of reverence, reflecting on the particular event of the Buddha's life connected with each place.

Since the Mahaparinibbana of the Buddha, these four shrines of Buddhism have become the focal points for pious disciples to rally around and seek inspiration.

By the time of King Asoka, four more places, namely:-

• Savatthi
• Sankasia
• Rajagaha
• Vesali

That were closely associated with the Buddha were added to the pilgrimage itinerary. Together they make the Eight Great Places of Pilgrimage.

In Buddhism, understanding plays the key role in one's spiritual progress. So, for the intending pilgrim, it is imperative to understand that a pilgrimage is essentially a spiritual journey in veneration of the Blessed one. This act of veneration purifies one's thoughts, speech and action and through it, many noble qualities.

Venerable Rahul Sankrityayan founder of the Vajra Bodhi Society, prepares well thought itinerary for the intending pilgrims to the places where the Buddha lived, suiting the means and spiritual needs of each individual pilgrim.

Please contact: Vajra Bodhi Society, Buddhagaya, Bihar, India well ahead of time of your intending journey to avoid hassle.