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1. Introduction

Buddhism is the fourth-largest religion in the world, and was started in India over 2,500 years ago, at the end of the Vedic Period, when factions of thought emerged from Hinduism with similar philosophies, but different paths to devotion. These were known as the  Shraman Movements.

Siddhartha Gautama, or the Enlightened One (Buddha), was born in a royal family, in North India and Nepal, where he was hidden from all mortal and earthly suffering. But once he ventured out into his kingdom, he was said to have seen a priest begging for alms, a funeral procession, an aging man and a sick man. He then gave up material possession and wandered as a monk to search for the meaning of life.

This led to his profound discovery while sitting and meditating and fasting on the Bodhi Tree. He discovered that desire was transitory and should be given up. Buddhism entered Korea through China and the Silk Road, around the Three Kingdoms period (Silla, Goguryeo and Baekje.)

The Buddhist teachings affected and influenced Korean art, philosophy, language, and societal ethics and values. Overtime, Buddhism became a dominant religion in Korea before the introduction of Christianity with many Buddhist temples, monasteries and schools.

2. Pilgrimage

2.1 Leaving Korea

The best way to reach our first destination is to have a direct flight from Seoul to Kathmandu and then take a bus to Lumbini, Siddharthanagar.

2.2 Lumbini

Lumbini is widely considered the birthplace of the Buddha, where Queen Maya of the Kingdom of Kosala, gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in and around 563 BCE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1. Maya Devi Temple: is the exact place where Buddha was born. There are mosaic wall sculptures depicting nativity. In the vicinity, a Sacred Garden is present where a pond is believed to be where Queen Maya bathed before giving birth to Buddha.
2. Ashoka’s Pillar: the infamous Indian ruler of the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka, erected this in Lumbini as a way to commemorate his conversion to Buddhism.

2.3 Bodh Gaya

One can travel from Nepal to India, visa-free. So a bus through Birgunj to Bodh Gaya, Bihar is possible. Bodh Gaya is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.

1. Mahabodhi Temple: is a UNESCO World Heritage Temple, built around the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha meditated. It is extremely well-built and an architectural marvel. It contains the Vajrasana, or the Diamond Throne at the spot where Buddha sat, and the grand Bodhi Tree itself.

2.4 Nalanda

Nalanda, Bihar was one of the biggest universities and centers of learning in India until it’s destruction by Bakhtiyar Khilji. It was a major center of Budhhist learning and philosophy.

1. Nalanda University Ruins: the ruins contain the remains of the ancient university, stupas, monasteries, temples and lesson halls.
2. Nalanda Archeology Museum: displays artifacts collected at the Ruins, like coinage, statues and parchment.
3. Hieun Tsang Memorial: It is a commemoration of Hieun Tsang, a Chinese scholar and Budhhist pilgrim who studied and taught at Nalanda.

2.5 Vaishali

At Vaishali, Buddha stayed at a Vihara and informed about his impending parinirvana, or death or moksha.

1. Relic Stupa: The stupa enshrines multiple of Buddha’s teachings and relics.
2. Kutagarasala Vihara: The monastery where Buddha spent a good chunk of his last days at.
3. Ashokan Pillar: The pillar emblem has the engraving of the national emblem of India, or the Lion Capital.

2.6 Sarnath

Sarnath, near another Hindu sacred site, Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon about impermanence and illusion of life and death. It is known as the Dhammachakkapavatana Sutta.

1. Dhamek Stupa: the Stupa at which Buddha delivered the first sermon. The structure contains intricate carvings and ornamentation.
2. Mulagandha Kuti Vihara: is a modern temple which contains artisanal ornamentation and depictions of Budhha’s life in the form of carvings.

2.7 Kushinagar

Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh is the place where Buddha received Parinirvana and attained Moksha.

1. Ramabhar Stupa: is the place where Buddha’s final crematory rites took place.
2. Mahaparinirvana Temple: has a statue of Buddha made completely using redstone, symbolizes his passing into parinirvana.
3. Japanese Buddhist Temple: was built by Atago Isshin is a Buddhist Temple which is beautifully-designed in a Indo-Japanese style.

From here, one can travel via bus to Lucknow to continue the exploration of Incredible India! or take an airplane back to Seoul after an enlightening voyage.

By, Shantanu Dayal Sharan

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