Download Buddhist Pilgrimage

Buddhist Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage refers to a journey that is usually associated with a place that is
sacred or has a deep influential meaning. For adherents of Buddhism, pilgrimage
enables a greater sense of spiritual saturation as they are provided time to come
to terms with them selves and develop greater connections to Buddhism.
Ironically whilst most religious pilgrimages are done to develop a closer
connection with God, Buddha taught he was not a God, but more a lifestyle
choice, thus the pilgrimage becomes one of self awareness and peaceful
adherence to Buddhist teachings. Whilst there is no obligation for Buddhists to
go on a pilgrimage many redeem and assert their beliefs by visiting sacred sites
of Buddha.
Pilgrimage is central to the beliefs of Buddhism as it enables a pilgrim to gain a
greater understanding of Buddhist beliefs and teachings (dharma). Pilgrims
known as Dhammapada abandon the world as they embark on a journey to
reinforce the teachings of Buddhism such as faith, determination and humility,
which in turn strengthen their practise “those who have faith in Buddha’s deeds
and awareness of their own will travel to high states”. Before embarking on their
journey pilgrims make preparations by focusing on the right frame of mind and
finding out about the history and significance of the sacred sites they visit. They
must mentally be in a state of devotion and show faith, as they are obliged to
show reverence and veneration at holy shrines. On their journey they renounce
all worldly luxuries, and become contented with simple clean transportation and
food. This will usually result in pilgrims feeling discomfort however this becomes
a representation of Buddha before he gained enlightenment. Often pilgrims wear
sacred colours such as yellow or white depending on their variant of Buddhism
and conduct worship (puja). This enables them to meditate and reflect on their
devotion to Buddhism.
Pilgrims often embark to places that reflect the significance of Buddhas life such
as Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar. Focusing on the important
events of the life and teachings of Buddha assists in their own personal struggle
to reach enlightenment. Lumbini located in Nepal is the sacred site where
Buddha was born, it was declared a tax free city by Ashoka whom also erected
the first pillar to commemorate Buddha’s birth. There is also the Maya Devi
temple there which is believed to have had an Ashokan stupa; this temple allows
pilgrims to contribute dhanna to the sangha to exhibit their reverence. Bodh
Gaya is famously known as the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment
under the Bodhi Tree. This is deemed the most sacred site as the serenity of the
atmosphere is deemed to remain in the subconscious of any Dhammapadda.
Sarnath is the sacred site where Buddha delivered his first sermon and set the
Wheel of Dharma into play, for pilgrims there is a stupa erected which many
circulate. There is also an Ashokan pillar and many monasteries which enable
pilgrims to witness a true monk’s life. Kushinagar translating to happy village in
Hindi is the place where Buddha died. There are many temples erected to
represent the different variants of Buddhism however the Nirvana Stupa is the
most significant as it believed to hold ashes of Buddha. There is definitely a sense
of deep spiritual connection as pilgrims try to adhere to Buddhist teachings by
embarking on pilgrimages which physically enforce them to witness the
magnificence of Buddhism.
Significance for individual
Pilgrimage enables adherents to gain a greater understanding of their spiritual
connection to Buddhism. Whilst physically it may cause hardship it broadens an
adherent’s connection to Buddhism. Pilgrimage leads to a better understanding
of the three Jewels’ Buddha – the teacher, Dharma the teaching and the Sangha
the Buddhist community. Through these they are reminded of the core beliefs of
Buddhism thus encouraging them to be patient, practise mindfulness and
develop wisdom. It also creates a wholesome mental status which leads to
purification of the mind thus enabling them to grasp a greater understanding of
them which ultimately allows them to abide by the teachings of Buddhism.
Through pilgrimage Dhammapad’s are able to purify their thought and speech
endowing them to the five precepts. Ultimately going on pilgrim enables
adherents to model their life on Buddha, helping them to find the middle way
which is atteianted by following the eightfold path. Through following the
Eightfold path pilgrims gain correct knowledge, eradication desire, discipline the
mind and lead a wholly ethical life. This in turn generates good karma for them
which is on the basis of good and or bad deeds. By visiting locations where
monks and nuns have lived for many years, leading an austere life of meditation
is considered a good source of merit. This enables them to focus on the mind of
Buddha and his achievements.
Significance for community
On a communal sense pilgrimage entwines the bonds of friendship and spiritual
connection, as many pilgrims will encounter each other on these journeys. This
allows them to gain good merit as they assist each other in achieving nirvana and
attaining enlightenment. Historically pilgrimage was an important factor in
spreading Buddhism. Asoka played a prominent role in spreading Buddhism
throughout India via pilgrimage. His journey has become the model for many
Buddhist pilgrims as they follow his path and adhere to Buddhist teachings. This
is especially particular for Buddhist monks whom spread the teachings of
Buddha through their journey. Whilst pilgrimage is deemed an individualistic
experience it is through the help and support of other pilgrims that many
strengthen their faith. Pilgrimage also enables a greater sense of recollection to
the life of Buddha as communally it enables them to enjoy the life and teachings
of Buddha thus leading ethical lives and on a whole achieving good merit.