P
OBJECTIVE
The idea of a pilgrimage came from the Buddha himself. 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, where He was born; Buddhagaya, where He attained Supreme Enlightenment; Deer Park in Sarnath, where He preached the First Sermon; and Kusinara, where 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 and Vesali, that were closely associated with the Buddha and scenes of His principal miracles, were added to the pilgrimage itinerary. Together they make the Eight Great Places of pilgrimage.
The aim of this book is to share my experience and knowledge with fellow Buddhists about the benefits of undertaking a pilgrimage to the Eight Great Places with the correct mental attitude. 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 can be developed. Part I of this book discusses these mental aspects.
A book on Buddhist pilgrimage would not be complete without reference to the famous pilgrims of old, namely: Asoka and the Chinese pilgrims, whose faith and fortitude are an inspiration to all who follow their footsteps.
The downfall of Buddhism and the devastation of Buddhist shrines in the 13th century followed by six centuries of oblivion, which was the darkest period of Buddhism, is retold in this book.
Finally, the restoration of Buddhist shrines and the revival of Buddhism in India is described to enable the reader to appreciate the efforts of the great men who have dedicated their lives to restore the holy shrines back to their past glory.
Parts II & III of this book trace the history and religious significance of each of the Eight Great Places and the objects of interest that can be found there.
Part IV provides information on travelling around the Buddhist circuit (as the area is now called), road distances and maps showing the locations of the shrines. A pilgrimage to the
Eight Great Places can be one of the happiest and most fulfilling moments of one’s life and make one realize how fortunate it is to be able to gaze upon these ancient sacred shrines, with feelings of reverence.
It is hoped that this book will be useful to readers who intend to go on a pilgrimage and encourage more Buddhists to undertake a pilgrimage so that they too, can benefit from the jour- ney of piety and faith.
