Buddhism

Buddhism begins from the year 566 BC - when Gautama Buddha preached the ideology called Buddhism. Buddha is derived from the Sanskrit word Buddhi that is related to intellect or understanding.

Flashback

Siddhartha was the Prince of Sakya Tribe of Nepal. At the age of 20 he left the comforts of the Palace and entered a new life where he underwent six years of arduous yogic training . He sat in mindful meditation beneath a Bodhi Tree and achieved enlightenment. Thus on the full moon day in the month of May, with the rising of the moon star Siddhartha came to be known to the world as Buddha - THE ENLIGHTENED ONE.

Buddha worked on four Noble Truths - Suffering Exists, Suffering arises from attachment of desires, Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases and freedom from suffering is possible by practising the Eight Fold Path. All the people who practice Buddhism work on these ideologies.

Customs of Buddhism :

Buddha has preached a doctrine of Buddhism which inculcates three thoughts - Theravada, Hinayana and Mahayana.

Threvada : Threvada means the Elder Monks of the Sangha or the Sect. After the death of Gautam Buddha, Buddhism was divided into various schools - eighteen in number. Theravada is considered to be the oldest one. Threvada works on the concept of the elder to realise nirvana through the triple course of ethical conduct, mental discipline and higher knowledge or wisdom.

Hinayana : Hinayana means Lesser Vehicle of emancipation. The aim of Hinayana is to achieve enlightenment by self realization but is never supposed to guide others. Although Hinaya is considered to be low aim it is an important part of Buddhism. Hinayana is also called Vehicle of Disciples or vehicle of followers.

Places of Pilgrimage

Kapil Vastu - Born in Lumbini (Nepal), Buddha spent his childhood and yong age in the premises of this place called Kapil Vastu (Uttar Pradesh). Kapil Vastu is the Palace of the father of Gautam Buddha. It is here where Gautam Buddha saw suffering, pain, disease and death. At the young age of 29 years he left the Palace to achieve enlightenment. He came back to Kapil Vastu after 12 years when he had achieved enlightenmement. At the time of his return he was already knoen as Gautam Buddha and not Prince Siddhartha ( his earlier name).

Bodh Gaya - It was here in this cool and calm village of Bihar, under the Peepal Tree, that the Prince Siddhartha/Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment. It is here that he became - THE BUDDHA for the world. The Peepal tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment still stands - glowing with radiant aura.

Sarnath - About 10 kms from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is the place called Sarnath. It is in Sarnath where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. Today these sermons, told before five disciples are known as Dharmachakra Pravartan.

Rajgir - It was the famous Chinese Traveller Fa Hein, who travelled all over the world to reach Rajgir to listen to the sermons of Gautam Buddha, famed this place as the religious hunt of Buddhism. Today this place, which once was the capital of Mighty Magadhan Empire in the 4th century B.C., is known for the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha. Rajgir being in Bihar State is near to Bodh Gaya which too is in Bihar.

Not to be Missed

Kushinagar- A visit to Kushinagar is a must. It is the place where Bhagvan Gautam Buddha took his last breath. The large Reclining Buddha Statue lies here, telling the tale of the last moments of Buddha.

Our Suggestions

• Buddhist are peaceful people. Conduct properly while you are visiting any of the religious places of Buddha.
• Buddhists are non - meat eaters. Keeping there values and customs intact, take ony vegetarian food in front of them.
• All the places mentioned above have high temperatures in the summer season - March - June end. So its best to visit them in the winters i.e. - October to February end.
• When you are visiting Bihar, move only with your Tour Operator or its guide. Do not believe strangers.
• Wear simple, long clad, cotton clothes to have a comfortable journey in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
• Have your food in the Hotel your are staying or get it packed while you are visiting the pilgrimes. Avoid eating from the road side or small restaurants.
• Direct trains will take you to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, From there you have to hire a cab to reach the preferred destination. For further details contact us.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.