Buddha, Buddhism And India

Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations - Rejuvenate Yourself!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:02:00 +0000

Lumbini
Lumbini is situated in the district of Rupandehi in Nepal. It is regarded as the holiest place for the Buddhist, where Lord Buddha was born in 623 B.C. The place is considered as one of the four Parinirvana places as preached by Lord Buddha himself. Various Buddhist temples are situated in Lumbini including Maya Devi temple, International Gautami Nuns temple, Myanmar temple, China temple, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara and Nepal Buddha temple. Religious rituals are performed in these temple and festivals are celebrated during the Buddha Purnima.

Bodhgaya
The small town of Bodhgaya is located in the district of Gaya, Bihar. The place is a famous Pilgrimage destination for Buddhist where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The major attractions of the place are Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree under which lord Buddha had meditated while attaining enlightenment. Bodhgaya also offers other pilgrimage sites such Vajrasana, the place at which Buddha sat during his meditation, the Chankaraamana and magnificent statues of Lord Buddha. The town is enhanced with amazing Stupas, Chaityas and the Monestery.

Sarnath
Sarnath is a revered destination for Buddhist pilgrims, located in the city of Varanasi. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples at Sarnath. The main Buddhist temple is Mulagandhakuti Vihar with an image of Buddha and also houses some of the finest paintings associated with the life history of Buddha. Pilgrims all over the world flocks at this holy place during the Buddha Purnima and the whole ambience gets sacred, due to the enchanting of mantras. There are number of monasteries located at Sarnath like Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa, Digamber Jain temple etc.

Kushinagar
Kushinagar is highly revered place for the Buddhist where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (great complete nirvana). The place holds the great importance as Buddha died here and was cremated in Rambhar, which falls in the same region. Main attraction of Mahaparinirvana temple is showcasing of “dieing Buddha” laying down on his right side. The other attractions of the city are Ramabhar stupa, Meditation park, Nirvana temple, International Buddha trust etc.

Sankashya
Sankashya is one of the sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims. It is said to be believe that when Lord Buddha returned back to the earth, a great assembly was conducted here which was attended by the kings and people of the eight kingdoms.

Sravasti
Sravasti is an important religious destination for the Buddhists, situated in the Gonda District near the Rapti river in the northeastern region of Uttar Pradesh. At Sravasti Lord Buddha have performed many miracles to astonish rival teachers. Lord Buddha had spent 25 years living in the monastery of Jetavana and Pubbarama. The important shrines of the Buddhist pilgrims in Sravasti are Saheth and Maheth.

Pakistan puts Buddhist tourism back on track

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:57:00 +0000

The violence in 9/11 affected Pakistan tourism very much. But now it is expected to get a lift with the promotion of the Buddhist Heritage site which is 32 km from Islamabad. A group of monks from Thailand visited the place for its promotion. The Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan hold in arm the first century Gandhian Civilization. The main attraction here is the Taxila or Takshashila university that dates back to the reign of the Kushan dynasty.
The Govt of Pakistan also given his nod to the international Buddhist organisation to preserve and develop the Gandhara heritage and to promote inter-faith harmony and tourism in the country. Besides Taxila there are other places in Pakistan like Mansehra, Swabi, Mardan, Swat, Peshawar and Khyber Agency which possess stupas and monasteries including edicts of emperor Ashoka (304 BC-232 BC) which are very sacred to Buddhists.
Get this good news in detail in Buddhist Channel

Buddha and Chinese astrology

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:07:00 +0000

Today we are discussing about something interesting. Its about how the animals came into Chinese astrology and what does it represent.

Lord Buddha invited all the animals when he was in death bed. Only 12 came: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. For visiting him, Buddha honored each by using them to represent the 12 phases of the Zodiac. Know more about this in Chinese astrology.

The third international Buddhist conclave proposed at Orissa

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:16:00 +0000

Orissa- the east Indian state of India- is all set to organise the 3rd International Buddhist meeting. This point was made by the state Tourism Minister Debi Prasad Mishra at International Buddhist conclave at Nalanda, Bihar. Marking the wealth of ancient monuments and places associated with Buddhism at Orissa, the minister proposed the centre government that such conclave would help the state to make its strong presence on world tourist map. Lalitgiri, Olasuni, Dhauli among others are the places in Orissa which see large influx of tourists interested in Buddhist heritage.

For more information, click: Buddhist Channel

Close to 11000 embraced Buddhism in Ahmedabad

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:06:00 +0000

The famous city of Ahmedabad, in the western Indian state of Gujarat, witnessed the conversion of 11000 people to Buddhism religion. The converted communities hails from koli, kshatriya and from Christian families. This religious changeover was administered by the Buddhist monks from Bhante Pragnyasheel who delivered the pledges to neo-converts. The function was chaired by the five Buddhist monks from different parts of India and renowned Buddhist leader Kalpana Saroj was the chief guest.

For more information, click: Buddhist Channel

Buddhism is more about human emotions

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:42:00 +0000

These were the inspirational words from the Nobel laureate Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. H.H. Dalai Lama was addressing the gathering at a function organised by he Utkal University of Culture in association with Hotel & Restaurant Association Orissa at the city of Bhubaneshwar. Noting the relevance of 2500 years old Buddhism religion, Dalai Lama observed that the teachings of Buddhism such as compassion, kindness, tolerance and self-discipline holds utmost importance in modern times.

For more information, click: Buddhist Channel

Buddha Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:59:00 +0000

Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.

Buddhist Circuit to be developed in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:22:00 +0000

Government of India is planning to extensively popularize state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar while promoting Buddhist tourist circuit. This was inform by Union tourism minister Kumari Selja after a meeting with Uttar Pradesh tourism minister in New Delhi recently.

For more informatio, click: Buddhist Channel

Buddhist Monks pray for rain

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:33:00 +0000

Buddhist monks in Bodhgaya have started performing special prayers and rituals to appease rain god as state of Bihar is facing drought like situation. Monks are performing special puja below the holy Bodhi tree at temple.

For more, click: Buddhist Channel

Karmapa-Voice of young Tibetan

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:38:00 +0000

Gyalwang Karmapa, the young monk of Kargyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism is slowly emerging as hope for younger generation of exile Tibetans. Third in hierarchy after Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, many Tibetan see him as their future leader after Dalai Lama.

For more, click: Buddhist Channel

Jammu and Kashmir to revive Buddhist sites

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to revive some of the ruined Buddhist sites of state. In this regard, they have already sent a plan to Archaeological survey of India and have identified some spot for this project. The development of these place may lead to more tourist inflow into the state.

For more, click-
Buddhist Channel

Buddhist Pilgrimage through the Himalayas

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:27:00 +0000

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.

For More Information, click-Buddhist Channel

Buddha's Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:16:00 +0000

“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

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:45:00 +0000

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.

For more information, click on to Buddhist channel

Buddhist pilgrimage centre in India

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:47:00 +0000

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.

Know more about the detail in Buddhist Channel

First Buddhist cultural festival launched in Britain

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:42:00 +0000

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.

Buddhism and the Four Limitless Qualities

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:56:00 +0000

In her book Comfortable with Uncertainty,Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön states that by practicing four limitless qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity can help to free all beings from their suffering.

Read more: "Buddhism and the Four Limitless Qualities: Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity"

Translating the Words of the Buddha

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:22:00 +0000

Hey ... here is a good news for all, as many of the world’s leading Tibetan-English translators are gathering next week in the tiny Indian village of Bir in northern India to map the future of Dharma translation for generations to come. What they decide could help make the Buddha’s core teachings available to millions worldwide. Read full story in Buddhist Channel

Magh Puja

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:06:00 +0000

'Chap Goh Mei' means it is Magh Puja to the Buddhist, a significant festival in Buddhist calender. It is celebrated on the day of full moon in the month of March in the countries like India, Thailand, Srilanka and Laos. The Buddhist festivals are very calm and quiet affair, the followers celebrate the spirit of Buddhism and listen the discussions on Dharma. Distribution of food to the monk and poor are an integral part of the Buddhist festival.

Origin of the Puja
According to the recorded in the commentary to the Mahāsamayasutta, nine months after the enlightenment of Lord Buddha at Veḷuvana Bamboo Grove, near Rājagaha in Northern India four marvelous events occured. These are

1,250 enlightened disciples of the Buddha spontaneously gathered

every one of those enlightened disciples had been given monastic ordination personally by the Lord Buddha

those disciples knew to meet together without any previous appointment

it was the full-moon day.

And this auspicious day is marked as a Magh Puja day. On that special day Lord Buddha gave an important teaching to the assembled monk, 2500 years ago called 'Ovādapātimokkha', and these are laid own the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the 'Heart of Buddhism'. This festival is also known as the Four fold Sangha because of these four features.

Celebration of the festival
Celebration of the festival varies from country to country but the festival is a time to come together carry out discussions of the various aspects of Buddha's life and teachings. They do group meditation and candle light procession. It is a time to exchange gifts.

Significance of the festival
One of the most important Buddhist festival is Magha Puja. This festival honours the Buddhist community or Sangha. It is a time or chance to reaffirm the faith and commitment to Buddhist practices and traditions.

In 2009 the festival is on 11th March.
Know more about the Buddhist tourism in Buddhist Tourism

Gujarat government discovers’ state’s Buddha links, to develop tourism circuit

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:58:00 +0000

The Government of Gujarat was looking for some sites there which can be linked with Buddhism. Finally The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) has come out with some spots in Gujarat which have some connections with Gautam Buddha. The purpose behind this is to promote Buddhism in the state Gujarat. Know the detail in Buddhist Channel .

Buddha Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:55:00 +0000

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
- Buddha

Guj govt to build a Buddhist temple

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:35:00 +0000

“...the life and ideals of Buddha are still relevant and 'continuously inspire us to seek the purpose of our life” said the Chief minister of Gujarat Mr. Narendra Modi while expressing his resolve to build a Buddhist temple in the state. He also announced that with the cooperation of other countries Gujarat intends to host a Global Seminar on Buddhism at M S University in Vadodara.

Read full story in New Kerala

The Tale of Monkey Brothers

noreply@blogger.com (Anukriti) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:09:00 +0000

This is yet another of the Jataka tales I read on Internet today. The tale goes like this. The Buddha, in one of his earlier birth, was a monkey. Along with his brother, he ruled a band of eighty four thousand monkeys. The two brothers also had a blind mother. Once, the brothers set out in search of food and went far away. However, they sent food to their blind mother through other monkeys. They believed that the mokeys would take care of their mother but to their disappointment, they found their mother in an extremely neglected condition on their return. Saddened by the apathy of their fellow monkies,the two brother went to live in a seclusion along with their mother.

One day, a brahmin spotted the mother monkey and tried to kill her. The two brothers requested him to take their lives and let their mother go. The brahmin killed the two brothers, but even after that he was not satisfied and he killed the mother monkey too. The brahmin was overjoyed to have killed three monkeys in a day and was sure that his family would be proud of his possessions.

On reaching home, he was devasted to find that his entire family had been wiped out when a lightning struck the house. The brahmin went mad at the loss of his family.

The moral of the story is when you are cruel to others, fate treats you with equal cruelty.