PILGRIMAGE TO BODHGAYA
We hope to offer this pilgrimage in the winter of 2024. The exact dates have not yet been confirmed. Below is a sample pilgrimage.
One of the most sacred pilgrimage places in India is the Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha became enlightened. It was then he declared, “I am awake!” Join us for this opportunity to awaken our own “bodhichitta” and consciousness within, as we meditate in this place.
For 25 centuries Bodhgaya has been the epicentre of the Buddha’s teachings that have now spread around the world. The extensive temple-park complex, created by Emperor Ashoka, is a place for quiet reflection, meditation and contemplation. Seven sacred shrines commemorate the seven weeks the Buddha spent here after his enlightenment. There is a “meditation park” strictly reserved for serious meditation. Our hotel is a short walk from this holy spot, and we can return several times during our stay.
While the powerful Mahabodhi Temple complex is the focus of our visit, the town around the temple is also a haven for those inspired by the Buddha, and a joy to explore. Traffic is restricted, devotees and pilgrims walk everywhere, and we’re a short walk to many beautiful temples and monasteries, built by devotes of different Buddhist lineages, each in their own unique style. Some of these will also be our meditation destinations. Here an infinite variety of Buddhist traditions come together harmoniously.
We’ll also drive 12 kilometres into the countryside to meditate at the Dungeshwari or Mahakala caves where the Buddha did his sadhana for several years leading up to his enlightenment.
This pilgrimage will be led by Keshava and Daya Taylor, spiritual directors of Ananda Sangha Delhi.
The pilgrimage begins at Gaya airport after lunch on Thursday, 31 January, and ends at Gaya airport after breakfast on Sunday, 3 February.
Tentative Schedule
Day 1
1:40 pm Flight arrives in Gaya from Delhi (AI- 433)
Bus meets flight and takes us to hotel. After check in we will have an opening gathering at the hotel at around 4 pm. Then we walk to Mahabodhi temple for meditation and come back to the hotel for dinner.
Day 2
Morning meditation at Indosan Nipponji Japanese temple. After breakfast we will have a guided tour of Mahabodhi temple followed by insightful, relaxed activity after lunch.
Day 3
We will meditate in the Dungeshwari Caves early in the morning and after breakfast we will take a walking tour of local temples and monasteries. After lunch, it is free time; you may choose to meditate in Mahabodhi temple.
Day 4
Early morning meditation at Mahabodhi temple. After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel, & visit one more spiritual destination on our way to the airport.
2:15 pm Flight leaves Gaya
ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION
Our hotel in Bodhgaya for 3 nights is 3-star. Breakfasts and dinners are included. Within, Bodhgaya town our destinations are within a 10-minute walk of our hotel. Airport transfers and the outing to Dungeshwari Caves will be by a/c bus. To reach the Dungeshwari Caves involves a 10-minute moderately steep walk up a cement path. If this is difficult, motorcyclists also offer rides.
PROGRAMME FEES
TO BE ANNOUNCED
The programme fee includes all group transportation in Bodhgaya, lodging and 2 meals a day, airport transfers for the indicated flights, and hotel tips.
Not included are airfare to and from Gaya, lunches, beverages, personal trips in taxi or auto, and personal hotel expenses such as laundry or room service.