|
||
News at Tipitaka Network |
Buddhist trail by railBy S.B. TOH, The Star, Saturday, May 5, 2007
The Mahaparnirvana Special Train is a newly launched rail tour that traces the life of the Buddha from cradle to grave in what is today northern India and Nepal. The Buddhist destinations in the package aren't new; the rail component is. The train itself isn't. The coaches have seen a few years of service, and it shows. But bed sheets are always clean, there is air-conditioning, service is excellent, and the food is not bad. Of course, travelling overnight via rail is most agreeable. You sleep like a babe to the rocking of the train, then wake up and – voila! – you are there. Painless. Except, as with most tours, you have no choice but to rise and shine when you would have preferred to sleep and snore. In all, it's five nights on the train, two in hotels, and many hours on the bus. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation say they will include laundry service, dining coach and shower facilities (the bucket-splash style of bathing not catching on). The eight-day tour covers the four sacred sites of Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar, and many other places that the Buddha graced in the 45 years that he spent tramping up and down the Gangetic plains spreading his Dhamma (teaching). Whether you are Buddhist or not is of no consequence; whether your journey is spiritual or historical in nature is entirely up to you. As an introduction to the life of the Buddha, this trip is excellent.
There are many highlights. Huffing and puffing up Vulture Peak (Griddhakuta) in Rajgir in the brutal Indian sun was strangely and crisply gratifying. It gave just the tiniest idea of how things must have been like for the peripatetic Buddha. The view at the top is lovely, if heat-hazed. The Buddha meditated and delivered important sutras here. You visit the ruins of Nalanda University too. Reportedly the world's first university, this seat of Buddhist learning was established in the 5th century. Over in Saravasti there is Pakki Kuti or Angulimala's Stupa. Angulimala, of course, was the mass murderer who, calmed by the presence of the Buddha, gave up his violent ways. The Mahamongkolchai International Meditation Centre, a Thai outpost still in the works, boasts a huge golden Buddha. After one site too many, pausing, gawking and walking, one may find the ruins and buildings becoming undifferentiating, so it is just as well there are other attractions.
Putt-putting down the Ganges to the famed banks of Benares is an experience to savour. Enterprising young boys in their little boats paddled up to hawk prayer bells, beads, Russian dolls etc. On the paved bank: a hive of activities. Hippies distributed food to the poor, masseurs homed in on the tourists. There were holy men and peddlers, daytrippers and beggars, families and bands of young men. Sip hot chai (tea) from clay cups, then smash them up. Novel. As night fell, the crowds gathered and the priests clambered up pedestals to lead the prayers. Mass chanting reverberated up and down the bank, lights twinkled, bells pealed, flashes fired. It was electric. Then our boat stole away into the breezy quiet where the moon glistened the dark water and little fish leapt alongside. A stopover in Agra concludes the trip. This means the Taj, the always-photogenic Taj Mahal and its horde of not-always-very-photogenic admirers. And Agra Fort too, where – deposed by his son – Shah Jehan, builder of The Taj, died gazing at the immortal monument to his wife. All in all, the Mahaparinirvana Special is a pretty good trip. source: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/5/5/lifetravel/17604852&sec=lifetravel Buddhist News Features: Thursday, May 4, 2023 Vesak Extra! Sunday, May 15, 2022 Vesak Extra! Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Vesak Extra! |
Samsara Pulse China China`s Dunhuang, French museum to co-build database of Mogao Grottoes Samsara buzz UNESCO to commemorate International Day of Vesak in line with UN resolution Japan Worshippers, dignitaries gather in Hyogo for Buddhist Day rites Thailand UN Digital Buddhism Research & Innovation Center makes a stunning debut Obituary Sarvodaya founder Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne passes away Japan Donors will get rare look at Horyuji temple scorched murals California Wat Dhammararam to celebrate Cambodian New Year this weekend South Korea Buddhists look to youth at International Buddhism Expo in Seoul Nepal Archaeologists unearth Kushan era relics in Jhapa Samsara buzz Cherry blossoms: Inside the spiritual meaning of sakura Laos Over 300 Buddha images excavated in Bokeo, search continues Sri Lanka Buddhist exhibition at Sri Sambodhi Maha Vihara Samsara buzz Exploring the protective qualities of sati Thailand King`s drawings feature Dhamma principles Cambodia Giant Buddha statue gets facelift after criticism California A dharma message for “May We Gather” Thailand New temple museum highlights the spirituality of Phitsanulok Malaysia Well-preserved stupa found At Bukit Choras offers clues about Malaysia`s multicultural past Samsara buzz Honoring the legacy of Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh Thailand Thailand launches first health care center for monks in Uthai Thani |
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa.
Buddha sāsana.m cira.m ti.t.thatu.