Buddhist Pilgrimage through the Himalayas

Buddhist monks from all over India lead by His holiness 12^th Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche completed an strenuous 240 mile journey through mountain passes of Himalaya. This journey which started from Manali in Himachal Pradesh concluded at Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.



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Buddha's Quote

“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
-Buddha

Tibetan's celebrate birthday of Karmapa

Tibetan exiles living in various part of country on Friday celebrated the 25th birthday of 17th Karmapa, Ugyen Trinley Dorjee, the only monk whose reincarnation has been recognized by both Dalai lama and China. This year celebration was low key in comparison to previous year as Tibetans mourn the death of Penor Rinpoche, head of the Nyigma sect of Buddhist and also as a mark of respect for the protesters killed in Tibet during last years agitation against Chinese rule.

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Buddhist pilgrimage centre in India

India the land of all religion has got quit a few Buddhist destinations. So to explore Buddhism in India you can visit such beautiful places, where the young king king sat for to attain Nirvana, the transcendental state of liberation.
Bodh Gaya – Though Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal but the most sacred place for the Buddhists is the Bodhgaya, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 29. The tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment still visible today. Bodh Gaya is famous for Maha Bodhi Temple. The atmosphere of Bodh Gaya is excellent. The chant “May all beings be happy” floats on the air of the city.
Sarnath – After attaining enlightenment, it was here in Sarnath Buddha taught the key aspect of Buddhism. Sarnath is also famous for Buddhist Monastries and Stupa. This place is situated near Varanasi, which is also visited by the Buddhist pilgrims.

Shravasti – In the state of Uttar Pradesh, Shravasti is another place where Buddha preached after enlightenment. It is believed that it here that Buddha had performed some miracle here.

Nalanda – Nalanda of Bihar is another Buddhist pilgrimage centre. The University of Nalanda played an important role to spread Buddhism in India.

Rajgir - It is also in the state of Bihar. Buddha spent many years in Rajgir and preached some important discourses. It is here in Rajgir Buddha converted emperior Bimbisar to Buddhism. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Venu Vana Monastry and Griddhakoota Hill are favourite spots to the tourists.

Kushinagar – It is here in Kushinagar of Uttarpradesh Buddha attained the state of Mahaparinirvana or Permanent Bliss at the age of 80. Tourists all over the world never miss to visit Kushinagar. Even the great Chinese scholars Fa-Hien, Hiuen Tsang and I-Tsing visited Kushinagar. Main attractions of Kushinagar are - Mahaparinirvana Temple, Nirvana Chaitya, Ramabhar Stupa and Matha Kuar Shrine.

Besides these places there are places like Sanchi, Amaravati, Sankasya, Bharhut also famous for Buddhist monasteries and culture. Ajanta Ellora cave is another must visit place to explore Buddhism in India.

Himalayan communities better placed to preserve Buddhism: Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama is worried about the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He said the Buddhist nuns from Himalayan region from himalayan regions has an important responsibility to preserve Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He feels that the Tibetan Buddhist traditions is facing an uncertain future in the home land.

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First Buddhist cultural festival launched in Britain

Here is a good news for the Buddhist follower the first ever arts and cultural festival drawing on Buddhist cultural traditions has been unveiled in Britain. Get the detail in Focus on Tibet

Buddha Purnima celebrations in Bodh Gaya

The most sacred, most important, and the most special Buddha festival is the Buddha purnima or Buddha Jayanti. The birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha is celebrated as the Buddha Jayanti through out the world. There are several events and celebrations take place in the Buddhist temples through out the world. But the as usual grand celebration will take place at Bodh Gaya near Varanasi.
Followers from across the world throng the holy place to commemorate Buddha Jayanti. The day is celebrated with prayer meetings, religious services, group meditation sessions and a huge procession
with peaceful and joyous manner with great piety. The roads, streets, houses and temples are decorated with colorful lanterns and lights. Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh are the main areas where this festival is celebrated the most. These are the places one must visit during the festivities.

The prayers and meditation of the devotees are amazing. People gather under the Bodhi tree for special prayer where the adorers pray for the world peace. It must mention here that devotees all over the world pray for the world peace.
The procession that take place during the festival is also a eye catching thing. The devotees take a procession with a huge portrait of Lord Buddha and event progress with different colourful dance performances.

The worshipper of Buddha who witnessed the grand festival in Bodh Gaya expressed that the experience is like once in a life time achievements which is undoubtedly inspiring and harmonious.
The importance and gaiety of the celebration in Bodh Gaya is described by one British devotee thus -
“It is wonderful to be here today on this wonderful day, the day of Buddha’s enlightenment in this holy land under the Bodhi tree. It was very inspiring to be here and to see the gathering of people who have come here to worship Lord Buddha. Today particularly it was so peaceful and so very harmonious I feel honoured,” said Richard Thero.

Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon day in the month of Vaishakh (April to May), this day holds special significance for the followers of Lord Buddha as the three main events of the life of Lord Buddha took place on the same day. His birth, enlightenment and death all three occurred on the same date more than two millennial ago.
In 2009 the date of Buddha Purnima is on 8th May.