On 12th Nov. 2009, a few friends and I from Penang Mahindarama Buddhist Temple left for our first Novitiate Program in Sarnath. I wanted to go there to sow the seeds of enlightenment in the holy land. Rev. Mahinda, Sis Sumitra andSis Sumagala, made our stay very comfortable. Though the facilities available were not as modern as what we enjoy in Penang, but we appreciate every moment of it.We have to use a common bathroom and have to bath with sarong on. In the beginning, we were not used to wearing sarong and it often dropped down during shower.. ha...ha...ha....Though, the food was simple I enjoyed it as I were eating mindfully. Am very grateful to Rev. Mahinda, Sis Sumitra and Sis Sumangala. They guided me through their dharmma talks and discussions, and meditation. They have touched my heart with their words. We learn to respect, be humble, contented and grateful for the things in life.On 29th Nov we left for Bgaya to meet with my family and mitta volunteers. That night, at the shrine hall in Sri LankaTemple, we were shown the exhibits of Buddha, Mongalana and Sariputta's relic. These exhibits were only taken out once a year. All of us are very lucky and blessed to view these auspicious relics.Grateful to Rev. Seewali, for his planning, arrangements and guidance, we were taken to many places in Bgaya, - Nalanda University, 1st. sermon of the 500 monks, Dana to very poor villagers etc.. Rev. spent time giving us dhamma sharing on Suttas . On the day i left Bgaya, a few of my friends went to Sarnath and the rest visited schools and orphange, with Rev SeewaliWe kept 8 precepts on Dec 1st. (Chinese Lunar month 15th moon) sis Kusuma, shaved her hair on this auspicious date, in Bgaya. At night, 11 of us stayed overnight at the Maha Bodhi Temple. Some of my friends encounter very good experiences extremely strong energy...at Maha Bodhi Temple.Vassana, Nandini and myself left on 3rd Dec. to Bangkok. On 4th Dec, we meet another group of our Penang Dhamma friends and sister Suchari to pay a visit to Phra Boonyarith Pandito He is 96years old, and is full of compassion.From beginning, middle and end of this trip, we feel we are very blessed. Every point we land, we have a chance to do good and gain merits. Its is a very... very .... fruitful trip.I feel great joy in my heart when i am able to share and care for all my friends during my stay there. !! I share these accumulated merits with all seen and unseen beings. Sadhu..... Khanti
3 comments:
Dear Dhamma Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for the opportunity to make a contribution to the Mitta Blog. As all would agree, the pilgrimage was clearly a success and has been a memorable experience. For that, we would like to give thanks to all, in the fore-ground and back ground who have given time, effort and patience to have made this possible. In particular, we would like to say Sadhu to Chief Reverend Indraratana who despite not being able to accompany us on our pilgrimage, his influence, care and effort have been pervasive during the trip making it special, memorable and meritorous for all of us.
Chief Reverend has made possible all the merit-making events duirng the trip, such as the giving of basic necessities to the very poor villagers, stationery to the students and gifts for the staff at the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Bodhigaya Centre.
Chief Reverend had also organized our stay at the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Bodhigaya Centre which was convenient and conducive for paying respect at the sacred main Maha Bodhi Temple.
For that and more, thank you and Sadhu!
Speaking for myself, this was my first trip to India and to have marked the event with the inspiring visit to Bodhigaya - the enlightenment place of the Buddha, one could not ask for more. Yet, there was more to be inspired by. We were fortunate enough to be able to pay our respects to the relics of Lord Buddha, Ven Sariputta and Ven. Mahāmoggallāna. Just reflecting on being physically close to the Buddha and his chief disciples brings out such joy and privileged.
So let us reflect on just more of the we had privileges enjoyed -
1. The 7 important places Buddha spent during his seven weeks after enlightenment
2. Rev. P.Seewali Thero's inspiring Dhamma talk on Anatta and Buddha's discourse to his son Rahula
3. Taking the 8 precepts in Bodhigaya
4. Our dedication with daily early morning pilgrimage to the main Maha Bodhi Temple to pay respects and to meditate
5. Morning and evening pujas
6. Ability to give dana to the destitutes, students, staff and Sangha at Mahabodhi Society of India at the Bodhigaya Centre
7. The trip to Rajghir, and being addressed as the "maharajas" and "maharanis" who made it up to Vulture's peak and the cave where First Buddhist Council took place
8. Visit the Bamboo Grove and the ruins of the Nalanda University
9. For a few of us, including myself, the trip to Sarnath, chanting the First Sermon at the Bodhi Tree and the visit to the Sarnath Archelogical Museum
10. Sujata village and site of the fire sermon, and
11. For many, the excellent shopping
So, let us realise how privileged we are by recalling those on the streets of Bodhigaya, how privileged we have been to be in this age of the Buddha Dhamma and to still be able to visit the important holy Buddhist sites.
I hope as we reflect on our recent trip, we can, with these priviledges that we not only increase our joy and strengthen our faith in the Triple Gem - Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, but also to increase our effort in the practice of the Dhamma as taught by the Buddha to truly understand Anatta, Anicca and Dukkha and to finally be liberated - attaining Nibanna.
Last but not least, a sincere gratitude and Sadhu to Uncle Kelvin, our leader , our go-to person and who had sheparded all of us during the trip.
If I have inadvertantly offended anyone with any of the above, missed anything or anyone, please forgive me.
May all be well and happy
Sahdu ! Sahdu ! Sahdu!
With metta….Gerald
A group consisting 20 Mitta volunteers, devotees of Mahindarama Buddhist Temple and their family members was a hive of activities and excitement on the early morning of 28 November 2009 at the Penang International Airport. For most of us, this was to be the first time that we were going on a pilgrimage to BODHGAYA, India.Our Chief Reverend Indaratana's presence and blessings were reassuring before our departure.
At the historical site where Buddha attained Enlightenment, we were well accommodated and taken care of at the Mahabodhi Society.Venerable Seewalee Thero made arrangements for us to participate in the "puja" sessions, inspirational dhamma talks and observance of the eight precepts on 01 Dec.2009 (15th day of the 10th moon) . Besides this, we also visited some holy sites associated with the Buddha namely Rajgir, Nalanda University,Dhungesari and Sujata Village. The day that saw us distributing food aids to the poor villagers in Dumohan was a memorable event. Besides this, we visited two schools namely the Mahabodhi Society Vidya Peeth (charitable school) and the Amar Jyoti School where stationery and confectionery were distributed to the young students.
On our safe return to Penang, we hope that we had all managed to fulfil what we set out to do, to walk the paths of Buddha and to feel his omnipresence for our own "Enlightenment".
May All Be Well & Happy!
BHnKM
My experience in BodhGaya
The trip to Bodhgaya is both wonderful and meaningful. Bodhgaya, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment is a recommendable place to visit for all Buddhist. Before going, I was worried whether I could adjust and adapt well with the environment. I’ve never stayed in a temple before and this was my first experience on a vegetarian diet. I’ve also heard about the polluted air and the cow dungs lying on the road. Having a mixed feeling, of worries and excitement for this trip, however the excitement got the better of me and finally set ahead.
Chief Reverend Seewalee, was very humble, soft spoken and a very helpful person. He made arrangements for us, to travel to Raghjir, charity dana to the poor villagers, Dunguswari Sarnath etc. We stayed in Sri Lanka. There are many homeless in the streets, (men, women and children, some without arms and legs).
There is a sense of calmness in Maha Bodhi Temple. I expected to find only Indians in Bodhgaya. To my surprise, there were Thais, Tibetans, Nepalese, Caucasians, Chinese etc., there are many temples of different cultural and architectural designs, built by different nations,. Bhutan, Tibet, Taiwan, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, Thailand and etc. These temples are within walking vicinity of Bodhgaya.
In the Moha Bodhi temple, , when visiting the places where Buddha spent seven weeks after his enlightenment – staring at the bodhi tree without blinking his eyes for a week, walking meditations, etc. we felt ‘connected’ with the Buddha.
There were a few things that had inspired me most on this trip. We were lucky to witness the relics of Lord Buddha, Sariputta and Mongallana in the temple.
I was filled with joy beyond any words. Tears flowed down with happiness and touched me.
The visit to 2 schools, one built by Maha Bodhi Society known as the Maha Bodhi Vidya Peeth. It accommodate 400 students. Although it was supported by a Buddhist society, most of the students there are Hindus and Muslims. This shows that Buddhist practices compassion, not only to Buddhist but also the other Religions.
When we went to the second school own by Catholic Church, Reverend Seewalee paid respect to Jesus Christ. One us asked him what did he say in his prayer, (if I remember correctly,) Reverend Seewalee said whether it is Jesus or Nabi Muhammad, they were great religious leaders who had done wonderful and great things during their time. We should respect them for what they had done for mankind. When we look at a person, humanity should come first, not the person’s race or religion. If everyone understands this, our world would be a much better place to live. This explanation and experience touched my heart and inspired me to look at all people as human being irrespective of their race and religion. Indeed Buddhism is such a beautiful teaching!!!....Jn
Post a Comment