Day 4

9 Nov 2009 (Savatthi – Lumbini)

As usual, we woke up about 5am, ate breakfast at 6am and departed to Jetavana Monastry at 7am. Firstly, we visited the Gandha Kuti, Buddha’s Perfumed Chamber. We bowed down and pay respect to the Buddha, took the three refuge, then we started to meditate about half an hour.

At the side of the Gandha Kuti is a well for Buddha use.

Near by is a Dhamma hall where Buddha met his disciples. All these were built again during Kusana Period (1st - 2nd century AD).

The park was so serene and beautiful after 2500 years. The weather is cooling too. I just want to say to the Buddha, “I am finally here.” But I think I am 2500 years too late. Buddha had passed in Maha Parinibanna. After that, we passed a pond where the monks used to take bath.

Then we visited Bhante Sivali Stupa, Bhante Maha Moggallana Stupa and Bhante Sariputta Stupa.

Next, we paid respect to Ananda Bodhi Tree by walking around the tree 3 rounds clockwise.

We also visited Sri Langkan Monastry and dana there, In that monastry, we took 3 refuge and 5 precepts. Beside us, was a group of Sri Lankan Pilgrims. They also chanted in Pali together with us. We chant in the same languague. How wonderful is that. We have never met before, but we shared the same faith and paid respect to the same teacher – the Buddha.

We arrived at the Sudatta Stupa, which was Anathapindika’s old resident. Sudatta is Anathapindika’s real name. And opposite is Angulimala Stupa.

After that, we went to a place it’s believed that Devadatta was swollen by the earth, just behind the swamp.

Then we went up to a hill where Buddha performed the twin miracle, and ascended up to the Tavatimsa Heaven and preached Arbhidhamma to his mother and all the other deities.

After that, we went to Lumbini. Crossed the border into Nepal and spent the night there.