Day 5

10 Nov 2009 (Lumbini)

Initially this morning we were going to Ramagama, but unfortunately we were stopped by the local military officer on the way. This was because there was a demonstration by the Maoist Terrorist and they had captured 19 buses yesterday. We were not willing to risk ourselves to be hijacked by the terrorist; therefore we decided to return to the hotel. In Ramagama, there is a Stupa guarded by the Naga. While Devadaha was the home for the Koliyans, the hometown for the Buddha’s mother. And we can’t visit Kapilavatthu as well because of the incident.

After an early lunch, we went to Lumbini, the birth place of the Buddha. We stopped at the entrance and we had to walk about 10 minutes to reach the site. In the Lumbini Garden, there is a Nepalese Temple, build by the Japanese. Inside the temple, there is a marker stone craved by King Asoka when he paid visit to this site. We lined up, knell down and paid respect in front of the marker stone. In my mind, I paid respect wholeheartedly.

And behind the temple, erected an Asoka Pillar, the word engraved on the pillar stated that this was the spot where the Buddha was born.

There is also a pond, a Bodhi tree. The air in the garden is fresh and it came with a cooling breeze. That’s really ceased all the discomfort, the pain and suffering in life… We had a photo session after that.

Then we went to another Nepalese Temple nearby and do the offering. Then I met up with Bhante Sagararama. Bhante is a friend of Bhante U Agganna. I must let Bhante U Agganna know as well.

At the end of the day, we visited Pandita Meditation Centre. That’s a nice place. Bhante in the centre taught us how to resolve conflict. How we can talk according to the Buddhism way. We must refrain from telling lies. No harsh speech. We can talk rightfully too.

At night, I got to know better a Nepalese friend, Pratik.